Whether you are planning on going to the coast this coming Long weekend or the bushveld, there are certain precautions that you can take when travelling by vehicle to ensure that your trip runs as smooth as possible.

Here at CMH Kempster Ford Umhlanga, our workshop offers an inspection for your vehicle, so make sure that you phone us on 087 724 8040 and ask for one of our service consultants to book an inspection for your vehicle.

If you aren’t in the position to book your vehicle in with us, but still planning on going on a long trip, here are some steps that you can follow to help you drive safe and avoid any breakdowns or mechanical issues;

1. Check the fluids in your car. Checking the oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen wash levels may help you avoid an accident or an unnecessary breakdown. Also check the levels for the clutch fluid (often the same as brake fluid) and power steering fluid (if fitted to your car). Refer to your owner’s manual to see where fluid reservoirs are located.
2. Check your air pressure. These should be printed in the owner’s manual or a sticker on the body where the driver’s door shuts. The pressure marked on the side of the tire is the max, which must not be exceeded. Also, don’t forget to check your spare tire pressure. Often neglected, not doing so will turn a bad time into a worse one if the spare is unusable.
3. Get the oil changed before you leave if it’s almost time for a change. A long trip can put additional stress on your motor. Don’t think that adding extra oil by yourself will work like an oil change because that does not get rid of the sludge from old used oil. You may not realize this due to the fact that you are continuously adding new, cleaner oil which makes it appear as if it is clean oil. When changing your car’s oil, you must always replace the oil filter at the same time.
4. Check your tire wear. Ensure you have at least 1/16th” or 1.6mm tread left. If the tread is less than 1/12″ or 2.5mm, consider replacing your tires for very long journeys as they will wear down more quickly. Tires heat up on long trips which can cause blowouts on worn out tires.
5. Check your car’s air filter. A plentiful supply of clean air to your engine improves the vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Also check and change your car’s cabin (pollen) filter if it has one, as these are often ignored in services and, if worn, adversely affect the quality of air in the cabin.
6. Check to be certain that all lights and signals are functional on your car. You may need the help of another person for this. Sit in the car, turn on each light or signal and ask your friend to tell you if it is working or not. Replace bulbs as necessary. Also, consider carrying spare bulbs on a road trip.
7. Ensure that you have all emergency equipment inside your car and that everything works properly. Emergency equipment includes an up-to-date map or GPS, a cell phone, spare tire, a puncture repair kit, jumper cables and emergency tools like a flashlight, screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable spanner.

Caring for our customers is what we do best at CMH Ford Umhlanga.

The most common dilemma facing new car buyers is whether to trade their existing car in to the dealer, or sell it privately.

When it’s time to upgrade your ride, you’re faced with the choice of trading it in to the dealership or selling it elsewhere. While a private sale can be a hassle, it often means getting more money for your vehicle. However, it really depends on what you have and whether the dealership would be able to structure a proper deal should you have a shortfall on your vehicle.

Selling privately

If you are trading something lightly used, chances are you will make more money if you sell it privately. We suggest you get a subject to view offer from your dealership first so you can decide whether or not it will be worth your while to try selling it privately. If you have an older vehicle with high mileage that you know might not be worth that much, your best bet will be so sell it to a private buyer.

Just keep in mind that it comes with a bit more hassle and safety risks while being a lot more time conceiving and stressful.

When to trade

There are 2 major benefits when trading your vehicle in, opposed to selling it privately.

First benefit is that you are spared the risk and hassle of preparing, advertising, and selling your vehicle. It is convenient to drop your car off at the dealership and going home with another.

Also, when your trade value is much lower than the outstanding settlement, it makes it almost impossible to sell your vehicle privately, as the shortfall will be too much. Dealerships have the ability to load that balance into the next loan or lease.

The key thing is to be realistic about your vehicle’s trade value. Have a look at what similar vehicles to yours are selling for on local web sites. Keep in mind that most dealers will make an offer based on what the current market value is.

For trade-ins or if you would like to sell your vehicle, you are more than welcome to contact CMH Kempster Ford Umhlanga on 0877248040 or visit us at 89 Flanders Drive Mount Edgecombe.

Now we all know we live in a world where customer service is becoming key and a new marketing tool. To over-deliver service to a customer, is by far the most valuable thing to a business.

Having said that, I would like to congratulate our Service Department, for delivering excellent customer service to one of our clients. They executed our core values and ethics to our customer as the Ford brand, to perfection.

Mr. Dave Moran who recently brought his car in for service seems extremely happy and excited about the service he received from the service staff. He wrote an email to our dealership in which he had this to say:

 

 Hi

“I am writing this email to thank CMH Ford Umhlanga for their excellent service and friendly professional staff.

We are a small business and our Ford Delivery vehicle is a key part of our service delivery. So having this vehicle off the road for any amount of time presents tremendous challenges to us.

Each time I have asked the service department to see if they can help minimise my downtime they have gone out of their way to help.

The service conducted yesterday was dealt with by Ramondo. He accepted our vehicle the day before and had it ready for me by 8h00.

He was enthusiastic, friendly and professional and above all, got my vehicle on the road quickly.

Thank you.

I will surely recommend your dealership to friends and family.

A great day to you all.

 

David Moran

Eat Greek Foods”

 

 

It is employees like you that keep shining our Ford brand. Congratulations and thank you for the amazing service delivered.