Paneltech Motors

03/02/2022

01/11/2019

Tips for Driving In Hot Weather

The mercury is almost at boiling point and the heat has taken residence in every room, in every building and it’s almost impossible to escape it. We all suffer in hot weather and we tend to forget about everything around us in the quest to cool down or find shelter from the sweltering heat. The one aspect that remains constant is the need to drive. We still need to go to work, school, home, pick up kids and complete our daily A to B, B to C driving routine.

Knowing how to care for your vehicle during extreme temperatures, will prevent you from having to fork out plenty of cash later.

Follow these simple, yet tried and true tips, to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape during the hot summer months:

Tyres

Make sure your tyres are properly inflated before taking your prized possession out for a drive in the heat. Under-inflated tyres cause excessive friction, causing heat but beware of over-inflated tyres as well. Air expands with heat, so slightly over-inflated tyres can lead to dangerously over-inflated tyres and a blow-out. This is definitely not good. So make sure you always have your spare tyre ready.

Cooling System

Check the level of fluid in your cooling system by looking for the plastic overflow tank under your hood. If the level is low, add the recommended fluid before driving again. Opening the radiator cap on the car when the engine is still hot, results in hot steam and possibly boiling fluid being released into the air. This is very dangerous.

Cool down with the air conditioner

Make sure the A/C is working properly and blows out cold air. There is nothing worse than a weak air conditioner that blows out hot air during a heatwave. If you are experiencing this, the refrigerant charge may be low so it’s time to check for leaks. If no leaks are found, simply add more refrigerant.

Keep an eye on those windshield wipers

Sun exposure and extreme heat and cold causes the rubber to become hard and brittle. Most wipers have a lifespan of about one year but with excessive heat or cold, the lifespan may decrease.

Invest in a sun shade

There is nothing worse than burning your hands on the steering wheel when climbing into a car. So why not invest in a sun shade for the windshield which will reflect light so that the interior doesn’t get too hot. It’s also advisable to leave the windows slightly open when parked in a safe location, to lighten the cooling load on the air conditioner when the vehicle is first started.

Keeping your vehicle in good condition is important, but keeping yourself safe, is even more so. Ensure you drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.

08/08/2019

Planning Long Drives this Holiday
here 9 Tips for Long Drives
Planning on doing some long distance driving? These long road trips tips can help you get there safely and comfortably.

If you’re taking a long road trip, you need to plan in advance. And we’re not just talking about packing. “Highway hypnosis” is quite common when travelers haven’t prepared for the endurance demands of an extended haul. In fact, more than 60 percent of drivers say they’ve gotten behind the wheel while drowsy, according to a survey by mattress retailer Sleepy’s.

With that statistic in mind, you should take steps to prepare for long drives before you get behind the wheel—and to stay alert and energized throughout your trip. These tips for long drives will help you down the road.

1. Stock your sleep time
Think about exhaustion before you begin your journey, not after. Get at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before the road trip to build up your energy reserves. “Also, try to avoid driving between 1 and 3 p.m., when the body’s temperature is lower and people are naturally drowsy,” says Dr. Michael Breus, a.k.a. “The Sleep Doctor.”

2. Fuel up
This time, we mean fuel for you, not your car. Carrying along a variety of vitamin-packed, healthy foods will allow you to get by on smaller snacks throughout the long drive, while skipping the fast-food stops. “To stay alert, carrots and almonds are my favorite,” says blogger and travel expert Gretchen Breuner from TheRoadScholarz.com.

3. Stay hydrated
Keep the water supply well-stocked for maximum energy. “A possible downside of this, of course, is that you’ll need to make more bathroom stops,” says Breuner, who traveled to 19 states with her family in an RV in three months. To learn more about items to stock your car with, check out this list of 5 must-have emergency items.

4. Plan your stops
One of the most crucial tips for long road trips is to get out of your car and stretch your legs every two hours or so, our experts suggest. Plan these stops into your long distance drive, whether they fall at mealtimes or can be timed to let you view interesting places.

5. Chew gum
The repetitive process increases circulation and alertness. “You don’t need the sugary kind to get the desired effect,” says Breus, who is a fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health.

6. Use good scents
During long distance driving, Breus also recommends keeping a source of peppermint scent nearby. When you feel you need a boost, take a sniff. “It’s a pleasant, all-natural pick-me-up that has been shown to reduce fatigue and increase alertness,” he says.

7. Sit up straight
Make sure your seat is adjusted properly for your body, tilted for maximum blood flow. If you feel a driving “trance” coming on, sit up. “Take a deep breath and scan your body for tension,” says yoga teacher and wellness specialist Elaine Masters, of DrivetimeYoga.com. “If your right hip is feeling sore, for example, lean to the other side.”

8. Keep passengers entertained
Long drives—especially with kids—can often lead to bickering. That kind of aggravation leads to driver fatigue. So make sure children are entertained with books, puzzles and other time-killing diversions. On the flip side, games such as “find the license plate” are great for keeping everyone engaged with one another.

9. Treat yourself to some sounds
Books on tape help keep the brain active, without creating a dangerous distraction. Breus recommends listening to humorous books or even comedy CDs. “Laughing,” he says, “will keep you awake.”

These tips for long drives can help keep you and your car protected on the road. For more defensive driving tips, check out these 9 safe driving habits you should know.

In addition to safe driving habits, your insurance policy is key to protecting you while driving. Learn more about Nationwide’s auto insurance coverage, including our 24/7 Roadside Assistance option.

06/08/2019

TODAY IT'S A CHOOSEDAY! CHOOSE KNOWLEDGE .

DID YOU KNOW?
When the temperature light comes on as it is on the image attached, it indicates that your engine is overheating-running too hot. An engine should not overheat if the cooling system is in good condition; a faulty cooling system triggers the temperature light to come on.

WHAT TO DO
Stop the engine immediately! Trafficate and then pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so, then shut off your engine and wait for things to cool down. The radiator contains hot water under very high pressure. Opening the cap on the radiator or a pressurized coolant reservoir could result in a serious accident. Nothing can be accomplished by opening the cap while the engine is still hot, so let your vehicle sit and cool off. Note that this usually takes a while.

After things have cooled down (wait at least half an hour or more), then you can open the radiator cap or reservoir and check the coolant level. Place a rag over the cap first, and slowly turn the cap until it stops at the first detent. This should allow residual pressure to be released. Wait until all pressure has been released before removing the cap the rest of the way.

Add water or coolant to the radiator or coolant reservoir if it is low. Actually, you should add premixed coolant or a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water to maintain the a perfect freezing, boilover and corrosion protection.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T STOP

If you keep driving an engine that is overheating, it can cause serious damage. The engine may start to knock (caused by detonation), which in turn can cause piston, ring and head gasket damage. As the internal parts of the engine expand from the excessive heat, clearances may be reduced to the point where metal-to-metal contact occurs. Valve stems may gall and stick, and the pistons and camshaft might scuff or seize.

Severe overheating also creates tremendous thermal stress in the head(s) and block. This, in turn, may lead to cracking and/or warpage. This is a common problem with overhead cam engines that have aluminum heads.

If the above does not help, visit our workshop for assistance at No. 149 Northway Rd Prospect Waterfalls Harare Zimbabwe.

02/08/2019

safe driving tips

Dont allow children to fight or climb around in your car – they should be buckled in their seats at all times. Too much noise can easily distract you from focus on the road.

Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.

Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

Be extra careful while driving at any moment.

02/08/2019

Special Month for PanelTech...