Car Parts and Accessories

If you have a spare moment with nothing better to do, open your car’s bonnet and have a peek around. It really is all quite fascinating, especially considering the fact that you probably get into your car every morning and drive to work, not having the faintest idea of what’s actually going on in there. We’re not saying that you should become the next neighborhood mechanic, but it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals — it may stand you in good stead should an emergency arise. The best bit of advice we can possibly give you is to go through the owner’s manual that comes with the car. We confess, it wasn’t until we did the research for some of the things in this section that we realized exactly how much useful information such a manual contains. So read it, if for no other reason than finding out where everything is. That’s the one thing we can’t show you.

Extra bits for your Auto Car

Some of these will come with the car, such as the spare wheel, others won’t. But they’re all most useful, if not indispensable:

• Torch - it’s tough changing a wheel in the dark, never mind finding the spare!
• Jumper leads - ensure that they are the right kind
• Fuses - make sure you have a couple for each capacity
• Gloves - you don’t want to get those manicured hands full of oil Screwdriver - a Phillips and a normal flat one
• Pliers - the multi-use kind
• Duct tape - use it for anything and everything
• Towrope - check that it is the correct length (maximum 3,5 m) Warning triangle - at least it warns other drivers that you are lurking round the corner
• Spare wheel and jack - it should be standard in your car
• Wheel-nut spanner - this is also part of the standard kit
• Wooden board - see changing a wheel

Which fuel to fill Auto Tank

Leaded, unleaded, high octane, low octane, petrol, diesel, Fortunately you will in most instances not be required to make a choice. In most cases, an inscription in the car’s fuel flap will clearly tell you (and the petrol attendant) which fuel your car requires. Filling up your car with the wrong fuel, for example leaded petrol instead of unleaded petrol, will cause serious damage. But don’t worry, if your car is designed to only use unleaded, it will also have a narrow filler opening which will not allow a fuel hose for leaded petrol to be inserted into the filler opening. The choice between leaded and unleaded, in most cases, is only relevant if you drive an older model vehicle. But be warned! You can’t just decide to use unleaded fuel simply because you’re moved by a poster of Bambi’s big brown eyes and are suddenly concerned about the environmental impact of leaded petrol. If you want to use unleaded petrol, first find out from your service station whether unleaded petrol is in fact suitable for your car.

And what’s this high and low octane thing? In most instances it is advisable to use the highest-grade fuel that is available. For example, if you have a choice between regular and super, whatever terminology your favourite petrol company uses to distinguish between the grades, choose the higher one.

And if your car actually uses diesel rather than petrol, don’t worry, there is only one type available in our country.

Push-starting your Auto Car

Only applicable to cars with a manual gearbox! Once you realize that the car won’t start, do not fiddle around too much or continuously try starting it, you might flood the engine. This means that there is too much petrol in the carburettor and one thing will lead to another (we don’t quite know what these two things are but do read on…) and you won’t be able to start your car. Let it stand for a few minutes.

If the car is on a slope, well done! Turn the ignition and engage second gear (or reverse if you are on the up-side of that particular slope). Release the handbrake with the clutch in and let the car gather speed. As soon as it is on a roll let the clutch out quickly and press the accelerator. If it starts, just keep on driving normally. If you have to start the car running backwards, be very careful when reversing and if at all possible have someone stand behind the car (several metres away) to act as an extra pair of eyes for you and a warning for oncoming traffic.

If the car is not on a slope, grab hold of a family member, friend or unsuspecting passer-by and tell them to push! You will most probably get the car to start quicker doing it all in reverse gear (yes, the car needs to be pushed backwards). If this is not possible, start from second gear. Follow the same procedure as above as soon as the car has gathered some speed.

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