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Your vehicle needs various fluids to function correctly. Read on to find out when to change or replace critical car fluids.

Engine oil

This lubricant is essential to keep your vehicle’s engine running smoothly, preventing the moving parts within the engine from grinding against each other, causing wear. Ideally, you should check this car fluid every few weeks to ensure the level is within the two dots on the dipstick. In addition, it should be an amber colour. Dark or gritty oil is a sign that it’s definitely time for an oil change.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid lubricates the complex mechanism within your vehicle’s transmission. If this reddish car fluid runs, you could experience costly and severe transmission damage. Check your vehicle’s transmission fluid every six months and have it flushed according to your car manufacturer’s recommendation.

Brake fluid

If your brake fluid level drops too low, you’re likely to experience vibration when you brake, difficulty stepping down on the brake pedal, and the ABS activating unnecessarily. To maintain this car fluid, check it with every oil change. If it smells burnt, you should have it bled and changed.

Coolant

Coolant, radiator fluid, and antifreeze are the same car fluid essential for your car’s temperature regulation. Make sure to check it at least twice a year, ideally before summer and winter. Ensure the vehicle is cool when you check this car fluid since you could be injured from the hot liquid. When you top up the antifreeze, check that it matches your vehicle’s make and model, and flush it every five years.

Windshield washer fluid

When you regularly park under trees, you’re likely to have a lot of dirt, debris, and bird droppings on your windshield. Windshield washer fluid is excellent for removing minor bug splatter and dust until you can wash your car or even windscreen.

Contact AHK Motor Spares for details

AHK Motor Spares offers the highest quality replacement car parts and car fluids to solve our clients’ problems at affordable prices. We do this based on years of experience and insights into our industry by understanding the challenges faced by our clients and working to provide products and services that meet and solve these challenges seamlessly.

In addition, we have a network of branches across Gauteng and the Western Cape, which makes finding the proper car fluids you need, when you need them, easy. So get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

 

A modern car’s electrical system is one of the essential parts. After all, it’s what get’s the engine started, enabling combustion inside the engine and powering other systems.

Your car’s electrical system mainly consists of the battery, alternator, and starter. However, like the mechanical parts, your car’s electrical system may also have the occasional problem.

A dead battery is one of the most common electrical problems. While all batteries have a certain lifespan, there’s no clear indicator to warn you when it’s about to stop working. However, you might notice signs like trouble starting your car when you turn the ignition.

The alternator could also be the source of the problem. Since the alternator’s job is to recharge the battery while the engine is running, other electrical accessories will drain your battery’s power if the alternator is faulty.

Other common electrical problems include:

• Blown fuses
• Misfiring spark plugs
• Wiring issues
• Blown out light bulbs
• Distorted car horns

Your car’s electrical and mechanical parts are interdependent, rendering one side useless if the other fails. As a result, it’s crucial to pay attention to any electrical problems and address them as soon as possible. Ensure you get replacement parts to fix your car’s electrical problems from a certified seller.

Contact AHK Motor Spares for details

AHK Motor Spares offers the highest quality replacement car parts to solve our clients’ electrical problems at affordable prices. We do this based on years of experience and insights into our industry by understanding the challenges faced by our clients and working to provide products and services that meet and solve these challenges seamlessly.

In addition, we have a network of branches across Gauteng and the Western Cape, which makes finding the correct replacement parts to fix any electrical problems easy. Get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

When it comes to finding quality replacement car parts, the various options available can be overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide will simplify your experience of shopping for replacement car parts.

Know who you’re buying from

When shopping for replacement car parts, it’s crucial to research where you should buy from. There are several dealers in the replacement car parts industry, and some may be selling poor quality or counterfeit parts. Reputation is a good indication of what you’re dealing with. Look at reviews on Google and other platforms to see what customers are saying. Also, look at how long the dealer has been in the industry and how that correlates to their reputation.

Ask the experts

Experienced mechanics often have preferred dealers they buy replacement car parts from. If you’ve narrowed your options down to a few businesses, ask a mechanic or technician for advice to make the right choice.

Beware of second-hand parts

Used replacement car parts are often much cheaper than new ones. This might be because these replacement car parts are possibly faulty and their quality compromised. In the long run, this will end up being more costly when you must replace these parts again and sooner than expected.

Check warranties and guarantees

It’s essential to check whether the replacement car parts you buy come with some form of guarantee or a warranty. These will be handy if the part fails within the warranty period. A more extended warranty often means better replacement car parts since it reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of the replacement car parts.

Do a price check

Don’t go with the first price you find for the necessary replacement car parts. Instead, when you widen your search, compare costs from a few more prominent companies, online suppliers, etc. If you find a less expensive replacement car part than a noteworthy retailer’s listing cost, get in touch with them to request a price match.

The right replacement car parts

Some people just go by the retailer’s suggestions when it comes to buying replacement car parts, and often it’s simply the products that most people prefer. As a result, it might be better to do your own research and choosing replacement car parts that are likely to offer better performance for a longer period.

Buying good quality replacement car parts can prevent the malfunctioning of the spare parts that could lead to a breakdown at any time. Several accidents happen when a vehicle owner choose a low-quality or counterfeit part. Replacing worn-out vehicle parts with high-quality replacement car parts, you extend your vehicle’s life and ensure it performs more efficiently and last longer.

Contact AHK Motor Spares for details

AHK Motor Spares offers the highest quality replacement car parts to ensure our clients find reliable replacement car parts at affordable prices. We do this based on years of experience and insights into our industry by understanding the challenges faced by our clients and working to provide products and services that meet and solve these challenges seamlessly.

In addition, we have a network of branches across Gauteng and the Western Cape, which makes finding the right replacement car parts for their needs straightforward. So get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

If you think car fluids are something only your mechanic needs to worry about, think again. Neglecting car fluids could result in reduced power, fuel efficiency, and resell value.

Car fluids play a crucial role in practically every function of your car, and maintaining the proper fluid levels is vital.

Important car fluids

There are five important car fluids that should be checked regularly. These are engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid (in automatic vehicles), coolant, and windshield washer fluid.

Engine oil

Oil ensures that all the engine parts remain lubricated and can move in harmony. Engine oil is the most important car fluid of them all, and driving with little or no oil can result in serious engine damage.

While it’s good to check your engine oil level every time you fill up your car, park your car on level ground and ensure the engine is cold to get a truly accurate measurement.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is another vital car fluid to check. In automatic vehicles, it lubricates and cools transmission parts like clutches, gears, and valves. Low levels of this car fluid can result in difficult shifting.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a lifetime fluid. So while it’s not a car fluid you’ll need to top up frequently, it’s a good idea to check the transmission fluid intermittently.

Coolant

Coolant or antifreeze does what its name says – keeping your car’s engine cool in summer and preventing it from freezing in winter. In addition, it helps to prevent corrosion from forming.

This car fluid deteriorates over time and should be tested at every car service.

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is essential to ensuring your car’s brake pads slows you down. However, as the brake pads wear down, the brake fluid level also drops. When this car fluid falls below the minimum indicator, check the brakes while you top up the brake fluid.

Windshield washer fluid

Unlike other car fluids, windshield washer fluid is often neglected. Like engine oil, have it checked every time you fill-up.

Stay safe on the road with AHK Motor Spares

AHK Motor Spares stocks a range of quality car fluids and chemicals. Get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

In July 2021, the final guidelines for the right to repair were implemented. According to these guidelines, a vehicle owner can have their new car serviced at an independent provider they choose, without the risk of the manufacturer voiding their warranties.

As a result, owners of new vehicles won’t need to be locked into restrictive motor or service plans. In addition, dealerships and manufacturers may not prevent car owners from having their vehicles serviced, maintained, or repaired mechanically at an independent service provider.

Furthermore, maintenance and service plans are unbundled at the point of sale, allowing consumers to choose whether to purchase these plans from their dealership or an independent provider.

Another benefit of the right to repair guidelines is that consumers can have either original or non-original spare parts fitted by an approved dealer, motor-body repairer, or service provider during the in-warranty period. Of course, the quality of these parts needs to be in line with existing consumer protection laws and warranties.

The right to choose

Consumers need to understand that the right to repair is not a law but a series of non-binding applications for the Competition Commission of South Africa (CCSA) related to the automotive industry.

Consumers can now choose where to have their vehicles serviced and maintained.

Service transparency

When an independent service provider works on a consumer’s vehicle, they must disclose whether they have adequate insurance to cover any potential liability or damage to the car. In addition, they need to inform the consumer about the warranty risks and that the vehicle manufacturer will not pay for any work done.

Consumers must understand that under the guidelines, if their vehicle is not serviced or repaired correctly by a service provider, it could impact their vehicle’s factory warranty. Any problems that result from work performed by a service provider or the fitting of non-original spare parts will be assessed by the manufacturer to determine whether portions of or the entire warranty is voided.

Right to repair with AHK Motor Spares

AHK Motor Spares stocks a range of quality products and spare parts to facilitate the right to repair. Get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

There are many reasons why you might want to respray your car. Minor dings and scratches that accumulate over time can impact the paintwork. A car respray is the easiest way to get back to a vehicle in pristine condition.

Whatever your reason, you should know that you’ll need a lot more equipment and preparation when you respray your car than for painting a wall in your house.

Paints to respray your car

In addition to the different shades available, there are also various finishes for car paints. To match your car’s current colour, a quick search online with the model, year, and colour will provide you with a list of matches to respray your car.

Solid paint

This is the finish on most cars. Standard options are white, blue, black, and red. This paint is usually added as a single coat with a lacquer layer for protection.

Metallic paint

This is solid paint with a small amount of metallic powder added. It doesn’t cost much more than solid paint. However, it needs multiple layers applied.

Pearlescent paint

Unlike metallic paint, this paint contains ceramic crystals or mica to give the finish a sparkle or shimmering refracted appearance.

Matte finishes

Matte finishes are less common than other finishes and are often used for high-end cars. However, it is a costly finish that is difficult to maintain, particularly if you get a chip in the paintwork.

Preparations to respray your car

When it comes to respraying your car, proper preparation will take up two-thirds of the process time. Now that you know what type of paint you want to use, you can follow these steps.

First, you need to focus on some safety issues. Spray paint and professional spray equipment involve releases toxic substances into the air. Ensure you have the correct protective gear, including a mask and goggles. In addition, check that the area you are painting in has good ventilation.

Preparing your car

A large part of the work you are going to do for a respray is preparation. So it is crucial to get this right.

• Deal with any defects, bumps, dents, and chips before prepping the surface for painting. Even the slightest imperfection can be shown after a single layer of paint.
• If you are respraying your car completely whole vehicle, split it into sections.
• If you are not stripping down the paint completely, wash the area with a good car cleaning solution that does not contain wax. Any dust, wax or other surface material will affect how the paint adheres and the final finish.
• Methods that can be used to prepare the surface of your car include:
  • Cutting relies on an abrasive substance to remove thin layers of paint.
  • Sanding is the quickest way to remove the top layer of paint on your car and is best done with a good sander rather than by hand. If you are sanding a whole car down to the metal and respraying from scratch, ensure you have enough time. Each panel will take at least a couple of hours so pace yourself.

Masking

Take special care to mask the parts of your car that you don’t want the paint to go over. If you are respraying a small area, you only need to cover everything likely to be touched by paint. When you respray your car entirely, you will need to adequately protect the windows, door handles, headlights, etc.

Priming

If you remove the paint down to the metal, you will need to add a primer before starting with the full respray. A primer seals the surface and creates a protective barrier. A couple of coats are necessary to ensure the area is adequately covered.

Spraying

This can be the most daunting part of the job. For small areas, practice your technique beforehand. If you are painting the entire car, consider it as a whole rather than a selection of panels. Leave at least an hour for drying between each coat of paint.

Applying lacquer

For many paints, you need to apply a final lacquer coat through a couple of thin layers. You need to leave this for a couple of days before you do a final quality wax.

Contact AHK Motor Spares for detail

When planning to respray your car, visit AHK Motor Spares. We offer everything from base coat paints, beading and spray filler at competitive prices. Get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

Whether you just help friends with a quick fix or have a workshop to service cars frequently, AHK Motor Spares has all the tools and accessories you need at competitive prices. This includes a comprehensive range of vehicle adhesive tape.

There are many different types of vehicle adhesive tape and various grades for each. However, these are the most commonly used vehicle adhesive tape.

Electrical tape

Electrical tape is the most common vehicle adhesive tape. It is a PVC-backed tape that is pressure-sensitive, so you need to press it down to make it stick. This vehicle adhesive tape is designed to protect electrical connections. However, not all electrical tapes are created equally. AHK Motor Spares only stocks the best range of all vehicle adhesive tape, so you won’t be stuck on the side of the road because the vehicle adhesive tape has come undone.

Most people are familiar with black electrical tape. However, there is an entire system of colour codes used for voltage and phase markings.

Duck/duct tape

Actually, it’s duck, not duct. Originally designed for making shoes stronger, duck tape was created in 1902 from duck cloth, a heavy canvas. However, modern versions of duct tape, as it has become known, use a thin cotton duck coated in polyethene and lined with adhesive. This easy-to-tear vehicle adhesive tape is frequently used to seal ducts, although its uses are practically unlimited. Duck/duct tape is also available in several colours.

Masking tape

Masking tape is designed to temporarily cover and protect surfaces during painting and repair. However, leaving masking tape on too long will make it difficult to remove. Masking tape was initially designed for automotive refinishing since it doesn’t remove freshly applied paint. It is rated in 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60-day terms, which means it will pull off clean if removed within the day rating. However, the longer the rating, the less sticky the tape is.

If you are painting a car and need crisp, clean lines, use a good quality seven-day masking tape. This vehicle adhesive tape will keep the paint from going where it shouldn’t and removes clean.

Double-sided tape

Uses for double-sided tape include attaching emblems and accessories. Again, there are many different options. However, most factory vehicles use foam-lined vehicle adhesive tape for emblems, trim, and more.

Self-vulcanising tape

Self-vulcanising or self-amalgamating tape is unique in that it doesn’t use adhesive at all. Instead, this vehicle adhesive tape bonds to itself when stretched. It is made from silicone rubber to protect and seal a substrate. Left long enough, this vehicle adhesive tape forms a solid coating when it has completely bonded to itself. It is excellent for sealing electrical wiring and hoses.

Stick with AHK Motor Spares

Some vehicle adhesive tape can be used for permanent repairs. Make sure you have the right one for the job at hand. AHK Motor Spares supplies quality tools and accessories. Get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

Beneath your car’s bonnet, there are two arms you don’t dare ask if they even lift. The truth is, idler arms and pitman arms ensure the proper movement takes place when you turn the steering wheel, making them very powerful indeed.  As part of the steering system, idler arms and pitman arms link the steering box to the centre link and then to the hub assemblies.

 Both pitman arms

 and idler arms are used in vehicles with conventional suspension systems and parallelogram steering, like many rear-wheel-drive vehicles and light trucks.

Pitman arms

A pitman arm usually consists of a splined arm that connects with the steering gear, a threaded bearing stud, and a seat. The pitman arm attaches to the steering gear shaft to act as a lever. It converts torque from the steering gear to mechanical force to move the steering linkage. The pitman arms supplied by AHK Motor Spares are manufactured to exacting standards. Common symptoms associated with a worn pitman arm include play in the steering wheel, tyre edge wear, and loose steering.

Idler arms

Idler arms serve as pivoting support for the steering linkage and consist of a rod that pivots on a bracket, an arm that connects the bracket to the centre link of the steering linkage, and an internal pivot bearing. The idler arm assists the pitman arm by supporting the steering linkage as it moves in the direction controlled by the steering gear. An idler arm is attached between the opposite side of the centre link from the pitman arm and the vehicle’s frame to hold the centre link at the correct height.

The idler arms supplied by AHK Motor Spares are manufactured to exacting standards. The most common symptoms associated with a worn idler arm include wandering, tyre edge wear, and erratic steering. Idler arms are more vulnerable to wear than pitman arms. Fitting your idler arm with grease fittings and lubricating them at every oil change can minimise wear and tear and prolong the idler arm’s life.

Embrace AHK Motor Spares

AHK Motor Spares supplies quality idler arms and pitman arms. Get in touch with our team today for everything you need.

Everybody is looking for something different from the experience they get driving their car, and some motorists want the full package. Personally, I’ve been interested in quality vehicle audio systems since owning my first car, and I haven’t looked back since… unless it was to admire my setup once it was installed.

One of the biggest struggles I faced back then was knowing which components would provide me with the most complete audio experience in my car, how far I could push it, and which components worked best with others.

Car audio has always been important to me, whether that required a simple set of vehicle speakers are a fully kitted out mobile boombox with a little bit of everything.

Clarity, utility, volume, and crispness are sometimes more important to motorists than their car’s power, performance, and fuel efficiency.

Are you looking to outfit your car with a quality vehicle audio system? If so, here are some of the components you should be looking at getting, and what they do for your audio experience…

AMPLIFIERS & WIRING KITS

If you are going above and beyond anything that is a standard audio kit in your vehicle, amplifiers and their related accessories are an essential part of your setup. By default, vehicle electrics are not designed to support a full set of power draining speakers, LEDs, lights, and appliances, which means that you can’t just rig a bunch of speakers to the car and let it go.

Things will blow, your vehicle will lose power, or may even outright refuse to power the audio components you want to use. Everything from volume and range, right through to power distribution is handled by the amplifier, which makes it one of the most important components to look for, and is generally worth spending a little extra on.

A COMPLETE SET OF SPEAKERS

You have no shortage of choice when it comes to vehicle speakers, and while the ones you get depend on the experience you want, a well-rounded collection of different types of speakers will ensure the best clarity and quality.

By default, cars are generally fitted with stereo coaxial speakers, which aren’t bad for the most part, but aren’t brilliant.

However, you can greatly enhance the experience with a few variations that produce particular levels of audio. For instance, 6×9 speakers fitted in the back provide exceptional clarity in the mid-range tones, tweeters provide vibrance on the higher ones, while sub-woofers provide clear bass that can either enhance the crispness of low-tones or blow out your back window in competitions.

It depends on what you’re looking for.

A FRONT LOADER THAT PLAYS THE WAY YOU DO

What do you want out of the front loader (the actual car radio)? Because there are thousands of quality variations that provide different things for different types of quality vehicle audio systems.

In the modern digital media age, you might find CD front-loaders a little redundant, but a lot of motorists still make good use of them.

Do you need security? A front loader with a removable face might be the answer.

Do you keep most of your favourite playlists on your phone? Many front loaders have Bluetooth capability to sync with apps like Apple Music and Spotify.

Need a hands-free kit? Many front loaders include that functionality too.

VISUAL FOR YOUR AUDIO

If you’re not content with just enjoying exceptional audio quality, why not turn your car into a fully immersive entertainment module (just keep your eyes on the road).

Consider an LED screen in the dash that gives you an interface for your audio system, links up with several apps for GPS maps or audio players, or even give passenger’s something to pass the time with on long trips with screens in the seats to they can enjoy movies or series on the drive?

CONTACT AHK MOTOR SPARES SOUTH AFRICA FOR DETAILS

If you are looking for the best audio experience for your vehicle, we at AHK Motor Spares South Africa offer a full range of products and services to give you just that. Be sure to visit our website for details.

The Benefits of Aftermarket Automotive Spares for Your Vehicle

If you are looking for an alternative to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for your vehicle, aftermarket automotive spares may be the solution. With a wide range of options available, including engine and body components, cost, quality, and style can all be considered. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of choosing aftermarket automotive spares for your vehicle, with a focus on AHK Motor Spares as a leading supplier in Gauteng.

Cost-Effective Solution with Quick Availability

One of the biggest advantages of choosing aftermarket automotive spares is cost-effectiveness. You can get a good quality part without breaking the bank, and without waiting weeks or months for the parts to arrive. This is because aftermarket spares are readily available, making them a convenient choice.

Provides More Options and Control

Choosing aftermarket spares also gives you more options and control. You are not limited to the options provided by the dealership or manufacturer, but instead have the ability to choose from a range of products that fit your specific needs. This puts the power in your hands, making it essential to choose wisely.

AHK Motor Spares: A Wide Range of Products and Expertise

AHK Motor Spares is a leading supplier of automotive spares and other car products and accessories in Johannesburg. With a wide range of products available, including motor vehicle products, vehicle body components, and vehicle brake and wheel components, AHK Motor Spares has the expertise to help you find the right parts at a reduced price, and with more efficiency.

Fast Installation for a Faster Journey

The quicker the installation, the faster you can be on the open road. If you are uncertain about the information on automotive spares, feel free to get in contact with AHK Motor Spares. Being informed is a smart choice as it gives you more knowledge on what to look for.

Quality Aftermarket Spares

Contrary to popular belief, the quality of aftermarket spares is not that much of a drop-off from OEM parts. Many believe that because the price of aftermarket products is lower, the quality will be low. However, this is a myth, and the standard is comparable to original equipment manufacturer parts.

AHK Motor Spares Offers a Wide Range of Products

AHK Motor Spares is dedicated to offering the best quality aftermarket automotive spares on the market. Whether you are looking for vehicle brake components, vehicle wheel components, vehicle fluids and chemicals, or electrical components in a car, AHK Motor Spares has you covered.

Visit AHK Motor Spares Today

If you are looking for quality aftermarket automotive spares and accessories in Gauteng, visit AHK Motor Spares today. They have the expertise and range of products to help you get the right parts at a reduced price, with the convenience of quick availability.