Africa Automotive March-April digital issue 2023

Africa Automotive

March-April issue 2023 Volume 5 issue no. 26

THE NEXUS GATEWAY TO AFRICA

In this issue......

Tips for safer

driving and vehicle

maintenance...

Protect your car, lower your

fuel spend and reduce your

vehicles’ emissions...

Automotive suspension

understanding the basics of

automotive suspension...

Pg 36 Pg 12 Pg 24

STAND OUT

NOT BLENDING IN

March-April issue l 2023

Contents

Contents

Current Issue

Find out how IAMaga is

committed to accelerate

growth in the African

Automotive Aftermarket

& much more...enjoy the

issue!

24

12

REGULARS

News Briefs 4

Events 10

Innovation 12

Opinion 18

Safety Tips 36

Director

Augustine M. Rang’ondi

20

34

Managing Editor

Monica R. Kemunto

COVER STORY

Senior Editor &

Marketing Lead

Dorcas Kang’ereha

IAMaga: The Nexus gateway to Africa

Features

Writers

Violet Ambale

Harriet Mkhaye

Irene Joseph

Innocent Momanyi

Improve fuel economy with the right

engine oil additives

Understanding the basics of automotive suspension

Sales Executives

East Africa

Jimmy Mudasia

Lydia Kamonya

Caiser Momanyi

Vincent Murono

Sheila Ing’ayitsa

South Africa

Paul Nyakeri

Sean Masangwanyi

Lisa Brown

Thembisa Ndlovu

Nigeria

Emelda Njomboro

Uche Maxwel

Designed and

Published by:

P.O. Box 52248-00100,

Nairobi, Kenya.

What you should know about your car battery

Automotive electronics: Improve safety and convenience

Preventing future accidents: Tips for safer driving and vehicle

maintenance

How to prevent and remove rust on your car like a pro

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Africa Automotive News l 2023 3

News


Volvo Trucks deploys First All-Electric Truck in Africa

Volvo Trucks delivers its first

all-electric heavy-duty truck

to the African continent.

The refuse collection

vehicle has been delivered to a

Moroccan company, Arma, in the city

of Rabat and is the first BEV truck

from a global manufacturer to be in

commercial operation in Africa.

The automaker suggests that by

replacing the existing Volvo FE

diesel truck with a Volvo FE electric

on a typical route, approximately 30

tons of CO2 could be saved every

year. There is a growing push to

produce greener energy in Africa,

especially solar. Morocco is a leader

in solar power and home to the

world’s biggest concentrated solar

power facility, Noor Quarzazate,

located 124 miles (200 km)

southeast of Marrakech. The Volvo

FE Electric is one of six all-electric

Volvo truck models already in

production.

Volvo FE Electric to handle waste collection in Morroco.|image: courtesy

Martin Nilsson, Managing Director

of Volvo Trucks Morocco, says: “This

clearly shows that zero-emissions

trucks have a role to play in many

parts of the world. Volvo is the first

global brand with heavy electric

trucks in commercial operation in

Africa. We have the broadest electrictruck

lineup in the industry, which

makes it possible to electrify a large

part of heavy transports today.”

Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries

are in urgent need of alternative

energy sources for transport to

stave off the growing burden of fuel

dependency and subsidies, as well

as an electricity storage solution to

leverage their abundant renewable

energy resources, according to

Mordor Intelligence.

Bustami and Saheb Group launches BYD brand in Jordan

Bustami and Saheb Group,

through Mobility Solution

Auto Trading Co. the official

dealer launched the BYD

brand in Jordan, at a prestige

ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton

Hotel Amman on Thursday the 9th

of March, among the presence of

both the Jordanian and Chinese

government officials.

This launch is in line with the

vision of Bustami & Saheb Group to

deliver electric vehicles, in particular

BYD’s advanced technologies

and innovative products to the

Jordanian market. With BYD’s new

energy vehicle range, the group

seeks to offer an unparalleled

environmentally friendly vehicle

line-up and customer experience

to their clients in Jordan, while

being delighted to be associated

with a brand that shares its values

and vision for a better and more

sustainable future.

BYD brand launch in Jordan, at a prestige ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Amman. Image Courtesy:

BYD

A showcase of all models of BYD

vehicles was featured during the live

event, including the BYD Dolphin

compact electric vehicle, Luxury

Smart Sedan Han EV’s and BYD

TANG electric seven-seater, along

with the Intelligent Electric Vehicle

ATTO3 as the audiences were given

the opportunity to view these cars,

impressed by the high-tech and

elegant design of BYD vehicles.

BYD is a leading global brand in

electric vehicles and is committed

to making the world a better

place through its sustainable and

innovative products. The launch in

Jordan is an important step towards

BYD’s expansion in the Middle East

market, and a more significant move

towards Bustami & Saheb Group’s

vision to lead Jordan’s vehicle

automotive sector.

4 Africa Automotive News l 2023


GAC Motors Dealer opens G-Style showroom in Abuja

GAC Motors has unveiled

its ultra-modern G-Style

showroom in Abuja, the

nation’s capital. This is in

line with its commitment to the

development of the automobile

industry in Nigeria, Leading SUV

automobile company.

News

The showroom which has several

sections such as a motor exhibition

stand, express maintenance, general

repair and four-wheel alignment is

the second GAC G-Style showroom

in Nigeria after the Lagos debut in

2022.

Among the cars on display is the

brand-new GS8, a premium SUV

created with the intent of meeting

the high luxury requirements of

business leaders on a budget.

With its luxurious cabin space

covered in Alcantara and leather

of the highest quality, geometric

face design, roaring Euro 6 engine

power and diversified luxury interior

GAC Motors dealer opens G-Style Showroom in Abuja |image: courtesy

and exterior upgrade, the GS8 is a

masterpiece in design with a flair of

Chinese elements to meet European

standards.

Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of

GAC Motor in her remarks said the

company believes in long-term

investments, especially in Nigeria,

which is an important market for “our

Africa expansion plans, especially in

West Africa where we have identified

opportunities of developing a

collaborative automotive industry

hub amongst the countries in the

region.”

Gulf Bank inks vehicle financing deal with TransAfrica Motors

partnerships,” said Ms Mohamed.

The lender will charge customers

14.25% interest on the loans on a

reducing balance basis for up to

48 months. The turnaround time is

expected not to exceed 72 hours.

Customers will, however, enjoy a

repayment holiday on a case-bycase

basis. The deal is expected to

boost the auto dealer’s sales amid

an overall slump in the new vehicle

industry.

Image: FAW Kenya

Islamic lender Gulf African Bank

(GAB) has inked a deal with

TransAfrica Motors to finance

customers buying Chinese First

Automotive Works (FAW) trucks

from the motor dealer. Gulf African

Bank head of business, Saada

Mohamed said the agreement

would see customers – Muslim and

non-Muslims – access up to 80%

financing for up to four years.

“At GAB, one of our aims is to ease

the financial load of our existing and

potential customers in the current

business environment through such

Total unit sales in the formal

vehicle sector shrunk 6.3 percent

to 13,352 from 14,250 in the year

to December 2022. The shortage of

semiconductors —used in electronic

devices— has hurt the production of

global automakers. Semiconductors

are used to control electrical

current, making them essential in

battery management and in-car

entertainment, among other systems.


News


Stellantis plans to establish a

large manufacturing facility

in South Africa as part of

a plan to sell 1 million

vehicles annually in the region by

2030. The automotive conglomerate

recently signed a Memorandum of

Understanding with the Industrial

Development Corporation and the

Department of Trade, Industry and

Competition for the factory. While

Stellantis has not said how much

the plant will cost nor exactly where

it will be located, it did reveal that

it will be in a South African Special

Economic Zone that will include

access to free ports, free trade zones,

and various other incentives.

“This is an important step in our

Dare Forward 2030 strategic

plan towards strengthening our

leadership in the Middle East and

Africa region and becoming a major

player in South Africa,” Stellantis

Middle East and Africa Chief

Stellantis to open new factory in South Africa

Samir Cherfan, Stellantis's Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer, is pictured bottom right signing a

preliminary production deal with South African officials| image: STALLANTIS

Operating Officer, Samir Cherfan said.

“The manufacturing site in South

Africa will be a new building block

in our industrialization strategy that

includes the plan to sell one million

vehicles in the region by 2030 with

70% regional production autonomy

and will bring us closer to our

customers’ needs in the region.”

Last year, Stellantis sold 426,000

vehicles in the Middle East and

Africa and while speaking on the

company’s most recent earnings

call, chief executive Carlos Tavares

said Ram and Jeep experienced

particularly strong results in the

region.

Ineos Automotive plan to launch all new electric 4×4 in 2026

and development for the Grenadier

station wagon and pick-up models.

It is well placed to take on INEOS

Automotive’s third model line and

has signed an agreement to start

production of the new 4X4 at

Magna’s Graz, Austria facility in 2026.

Part of the development process for

this new 4X4 will include a rigorous

testing programme on Austria’s

Schöckl mountain, which is close to

Magna’s complete vehicle assembly

facility.

Magna facility Graz| Image: INEOS Automotive

Following the confirmation in

May 2022 of a zero-emission

model line, INEOS Automotive

has today announced it is

developing its brand new electric

4X4 vehicle in conjunction with

industry-leading automotive

supplier, Magna.

INEOS Automotive’s new 4X4 will

represent a unique proposition

for customers. Smaller than the

Grenadier, this all-new battery

electric model will be zero emission

and will deliver world-class off-road

capability, without compromising onroad

comfort or performance.

INEOS has worked with Magna

previously on series engineering

“Having worked together on the

engineering of the Grenadier, we’ve

seen first-hand the value of applying

Magna’s agility, knowledge, and

experience to a complete vehicle

development programme. Deepening

our collaboration is a natural next

step as we use the Grenadier as

a springboard for our continued

growth as a global automotive brand

with this third model line,” adds Lynn

Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive.



News

Volkswagen takes over vehicle assembly operations in Ghana

Volkswagen has taken over

the new vehicle assembly

operations in Ghana from

the brand’s licensed retailer,

Universal Motors Limited (UML).

UML was awarded the assembly

contract when Volkswagen officially

established Volkswagen Ghana, a

100 per cent subsidiary, in August,

2020. UML assembled models such

as the Tiguan, Teramont, Passat,

Polo, Amarok and T-Cross on behalf

of Volkswagen, using semi-knocked

down assembly kits imported from

South Africa.

Volkswagen Ghana has subsequently

opened a new 5000m² vehicle

assembly facility, which is located

near the Port of Tema, in Accra. It has

Isuzu East Africa has partnered

with the Kenya Coast National

Polytechnic to launch a

partnership program that

will upskill students to global

automotive industry standards.

In a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU), the program will see the

institution’s best automotive

students being onboarded for a oneyear

course in theory and practical

skills in automotive repairs and

maintenance tasks before being

deployed within the Isuzu network.

Volkswagen takes over vehicle assembly operations in Ghana. | Image: courtesy

an installed capacity to assemble

5,000 units a year and the facility

will churn out the T-Cross, Tiguan,

Amarok and Virtus sedan. In the

beginning, the new assembly facility

will create about 80 jobs, including

local third-party service suppliers.

Isuzu East Africa, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) to

Bolster Skills Development

Ministry of Education State

Department for Technical and

Vocational Education and Training

Institutions (TVET) Principal

Secretary Esther Muoria urged TVET

to forge gainful partnerships with

industry players.

“It is such partnerships that will

help identify market gaps that TVET

institutions should fill through

competent training to meet the

market demand,” Muoria said.

“This is mainly because priorities

have since shifted from just

PS for Technical & Vocational Education and Training - Dr Esther Muoria (standing left) and Isuzu EA

Chairman (standing right) - Hiroshi Hisatomi, look on as Isuzu EA Managing Director - Rita Kavashe

(seated right) , signs an MoU with Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP - Chief Principal - Ms

Mary Muthoka/COURTESY

educating and training to giving

skills to the youth,” she added.

The collaboration will empower

KCNP students to carry out in-depth,

hands-on research and garner

insights into the intricacies of

technologically advanced vehicles.

Students will study a wide range

of parts, technology, and systems,

including fuel systems, engines,

ignition systems, vehicle chassis, and

body engineering, and much more.

“Through this partnership,

tomorrow’s innovators will be

empowered with first-hand

knowledge in automotive systems.

This will also enhance the future of

their employability to make them

industry-ready for Isuzu or the

market,” Isuzu EA Managing Director

Rita Kavashe said.


News


Castrol Kenya, Rubis Energy Kenya launch a wide range of lubricants

Castrol Kanya and RUBiS

Energy Kenya have partnered

to launch Castrol oil

lubricants products in Kenya.

The oils are currently available at

the over 260 RUBiS Energy Kenya

stations countrywide.

Speaking during the launch of the

partnership, Ed Savage, Castrol

Kenya – Country Manager said, “The

partnership with RUBiS Energy

Kenya is timely as customers seek oil

products that are designed to suit

their everyday mechanical needs.

Castrol will leverage RUBiS Energy

Kenya’s countrywide footprint to

ensure that customers are able to

get the oil lubricants at all service

stations countrywide.”

“Castrol also provides a ‘Car Engine

Oil Finder tool’ to ensure customers

are getting the right oil. The

app makes it quick and easy for

customers to have all options and

make the right choice when it comes

Castrol Kenya General Manager Ed Savage (L) and Rubis Kenya CEO Jean-Christian Bergero (R)

during the partnership launch. | image: Courtesy

to oil. This supplements the owner’s

manual and dictates the industry

specification, type, and grade of oil

the manufacturer specifies for the

engine,” he added.

“In our journey to provide our

customers with the best quality

products and experience, we are

strategically partnering with leading

brands that are customer centric

and offer quality products to our

customers. Through our partnership

with Castrol, customers will be able

to access a wide range of premium

quality lubricants,” said RUBiS Energy

East Africa Group CEO and Managing

Director for Rubis Energy Kenya, Mr.

Jean-Christian Bergeron.

MediaTek introduces Dimensity Auto, Empowering Smart Vehicle

Technology Innovation

MediaTek has introduced

Dimensity Auto, its next

generation automotive

platform designed to

provide automakers with a wide

variety of cutting-edge technologies

needed for the future of intelligent,

always-connected vehicles. As part

of this platform, MediaTek Dimensity

Auto offers a comprehensive

portfolio that includes Dimensity

Auto Cockpit, Dimensity Auto

Connect, Dimensity Auto Drive, and

Dimensity Auto Components.

Building off of MediaTek’s worldleading

premier mobile chipset

brand, Dimensity Auto represents the

company’s industry-leading expertise

in performance, power efficiency

and SoC integration. The automotive

platform benefits from MediaTek’s

extensive cross-platform, industryleading

technologies to provide

Dimensity Auto, Empowering Smart Vehicle Technology Innovation |image: MediaTek

automotive solutions featuring highperformance

computing, impressive

AI, extensive feature integration,

innate energy efficiency, all while

meeting automotive-grade reliability

standards.



News

Autochek acquires a majority stake in Egypt’s AutoTager to

strengthen Pan-African footprint

Autochek acquires a majority stake in Egypt’s AutoTager |image: courtesy

Autochek, the automotive

technology company

making car ownership more

accessible and affordable

across Africa, has announced the

acquisition of a majority stake in

AutoTager, an Egyptian automotive

technology company that makes

WesBank, one of South

Africa’s biggest banks,

says the transition to

New Energy Vehicles

(NEVs) will go beyond replacing

internal combustion engines (ICE)

with new technologies but will also

be crucial to reaching the global

goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

it easier to find and buy cars, to

deepen its presence in North Africa

and support the company’s ongoing

growth.

AutoTager is a venture backed

startup that is removing the

friction from the car buying and

selling process in Egypt, enabling

WesBank commits to electric vehicles

easier access to vetted vehicles

and financing for consumers, and

connecting dealers with serious

buyers and technology solutions

to improve their operations. The

company was founded in 2021 by

Amr Rezk, a serial entrepreneur

that has founded and co-founded

multiple successful companies,

including Fundseer, a leading

private equity GP/LP coordination

platform. Amr has deep experience

operating in and investing in various

geographies across Africa and the

Middle East, with a track record of

building and sustaining high growth

enterprises. Prior to becoming an

entrepreneur, Amr worked with

several large institutions including

Goldman Sachs, EFG-Hermes and the

Qatar Investment Authority where he

led the Private Equity and Venture

Capital Funds Investments Team. He

has an academic background as an

economist and holds an MBA from

Harvard Business School.

WesBank, RMB and FNB, all divisions

of FirstRand, hosted a thought

leadership roundtable with industry

experts and key government

policymakers to address the key

challenges facing the transition to

NEVs. Although he did not attend

the conference, Minister of Trade,

Industry, and Competition Ebrahim

Patel announced that his department

will finalise its EV strategy for the

country by the end of the current

financial year, which ends in March

2024.

“RMB encourages public-private

Image courtesy for illustration purpose

collaboration to enable the

transition to NEVs and, in so doing,

to positively impact on the future of

South Africa’s automotive industry,”

said Nana Phiri, Head of Corporate

Client Segment RMB.

“We are encouraged by the

government’s willingness to

promulgate regulation and create

a framework within which our

domestic, export-led automotive

sector can secure investment and

ensure the continued viability of the

automotive sector in South Africa.”

“RMB is committed to funding

sustainable projects that will fuel

the NEV supply chain and enable

reliable and efficient national

infrastructure to support South

Africa’s NEV footprint.”

WesBank CEO Ghana Msibi said that

the company acknowledged that the

shift towards decarbonisation was

not solely linked to vehicle finance

or finance in general.


IAMaga


Martin Hendriksen,

VP Sales & Business Development – Africa, Middle East, India, Australia at

Nexus Automotive International and head of the IAMaga regional structure

the Nexus gateway

to Africa!

Nexus Automotive International is offering new

approaches and new ideas for a connected,

global and consolidated world of tomorrow to

secure the success of car and heavy duty spare

parts distributors and manufacturers by connecting

and accelerating growth for both. Africa Automotive

conducted an interview with Martin Hendriksen, Vice

President Sales & Business Development – Africa,

Middle East, India, Australia at Nexus Automotive

International and head of the IAMaga regional

structure, and here is what DR!VEs their automotive

aftermarket progressive approach.

AA: Give us a brief introduction about Nexus

Automotive International

MH: Nexus Automotive International is the largest

global automotive aftermarket trade group. We act as

an intermediary between the makers and buyers of

vehicle parts. Operating in 140 countries around the

world, the Nexus community consists of more than

160 member distributors and 90 global suppliers.

Our supplier partners include all the major actors

in the aftermarket. The consolidated turnover of our

members globally is almost €40 billion and we count

on more regional leaders to join our community. The

intermediation role involves the provision of many

supporting services, from training to garage network

services and connecting events.

Since its creation, Nexus has a strong presence in Africa

and the company’s growth across the African continent

is largely driven by IAMaga, a dedicated entity inside

Nexus. More extra tailor-made services are being

developed and deployed in support of the automotive

aftermarket business in Africa. This year we aim to bring

new opportunities to connect our community in Africa

and also continue deploying Nexus initiatives across

the region.

AA: What are your main areas of automotive

aftermarket expertise, and how long have you been

serving Africa?

MH: Nexus is active in the aftermarket business in

one way or another, from the factory that makes the

aftermarket parts, all the way to the owner/driver/

repairer of a road unworthy vehicle due to damaged

or worn out part. Mostly our work is connecting,

supporting and developing the business between

Nexus members and the manufacturers of automotive

replacement parts. Usually the activity of a global

manufacturing group is not visible to the end customer

– a car driver, but ultimately a credible and wellcoordinated

supply chain (manufacturer-distributorgarage)

ensures providing high quality products at the

best available price to the market and undoubtedly

keeping the vehicle in good shape, extending its life

span and guarantees safe driving.

Another Nexus key role is to anticipate the future

trends within the automotive aftermarket industry and

promoting innovation in order to help our members to

adapt to the new dynamics and diversify their activities

accordingly.

Africa has been part of our activity from the start –

Nexus will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year!

AA: How is Nexus shaping the future of Africa’s

automotive aftermarket?

MH: Under the umbrella of IAMaga, a dedicated entity

representing African members of Nexus Automotive



Nexus Automotive International

Everything we do is focused

on driving growth in our

community; it is the core of

our activity and what we do

best!

~ Martin Hendriksen

“

International. IAMaga deploys the full spectrum of

Nexus services in Africa to take our members to the

next level. Our vision includes offering tailor-made

solutions, blended with a broad range of services

that are beneficial to our community, assuring a

fast track to the future. We will be an inspiration

and industry leader aiming to accelerate business

within the IAMaga community. IAMaga is

committed to accelerate growth in the African

Automotive Aftermarket by promoting, developing,

accelerating and adapting central services of Nexus

in the African context by:

• Expanding the garage network and support

services deployment (N! Auto / N! Truck / WOP).

• Coordinating training deployment.

• Support transactional activities.

• Market data support.

• Supporting, promoting and developing African

innovation and sustainability projects.

• Extending communication initiatives.

IAMaga is also responsible in driving local business

growth by means of events and networking.

AA: What values do you uphold in your solution

and service delivery?

MH: IAMaga is a solution driven entity with a can

do attitude and also committed in the spirit of

teamwork, working closely with its community

members in aligning Africa’s automotive

aftermarket upholding their core values of

consistency, trustworthiness, accountability and

transparency throughout their solution and service

delivery.

AA: What aftermarket challenges do you encounter

and what’s Nexus approach?

MH: The automotive aftermarket industry in

Africa is currently facing major challenges that

are driven by trends in digitization, electrification,

consolidation, mobility, sustainability and skill

shortage. However, IAMaga envision these

aftermarket challenges as future opportunities!

The group has strategies in place to take

advantage of these opportunities in building the

future of African automotive aftermarket. From

IAMaga presentation at Nexus Business Forum 2023 | image: IAMaga

digital tools to connecting the various communities to

assessment services related to sustainability improvement to

bringing forth world class services to its community.

AA: How is Nexus contributing in accelerating growth for the

aftermarket distributor’s progression?

MH: Everything we do is focused on driving growth in our

community; it is the core of our activity and what we do best!

AA: How do you work with the automotive aftermarket

players in Africa?

MH: We have around 100 contracted member companies

who are active in the aftermarket and are also connected to

a select group of contracted suppliers. IAMaga deploys the

services that builds the business between these two groups.

AA: What training programs does IAMaga offer and do you

provide certification for these trainings?

MH: IAMaga has access to a huge amount of training material

via the Nexus Academy. This material is deployed online and

in person by our global team of “train the trainers”. In Africa,

IAMaga will adapt the Nexus offer and tailor make packages

for the region. In addition, IAMaga will run a “Training Truck”

program in Major cities. This will place trainers with demo

material, expertise and AV support in front of mechanics in

their place of work.

AA: What do you believe to have been Nexus biggest success

over the years?

MH: I would say the building of a community representing

nearly €40 billion of consolidated aftermarket turnover. Our

challenge is to build that success with IAMaga in Africa to

expand to the N! leading role on the market.

AA: What direction do you see Nexus taking in the next ten

years, if you had to guess?

MH: We will continue to lead the automotive aftermarket by

following our tried and tested recipe!


Feature March-April issue l 2023

Improve fuel economy with the right

Engine Oil Additives

By Dorcas Kang'ereha

Your engine has the heaviest workload in your

vehicle, so you need to keep it lubricated and

protected. That's why a lot of effort goes into

making motor oils with all the right additives

to protect your engine, keep it running smoothly and

help extend its life. These additives are designed to meet

a range of specific applications, such as gasoline and

diesel engines, and they can help improve fuel economy,

extend the life of your engine and more.

The additive package typically accounts for 15% to 25%

of the total volume of the oil. The remaining percentage

is base oil. Typical oil additives include detergents,

corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators, anti-wear agents

and antioxidants that slow the rate of oxidation in the

engine to prevent rust and corrosion. They are used in

various amounts depending on the vehicle and engine

requirements. They can be applied to the cylinder walls,

piston rings and lifters to reduce wear.

Oil additives work by enhancing the lubrication, viscosity

and performance of the oil. They are added to the motor

oil at the manufacturer's request. They can make the

oil flow better and more effectively by increasing its

thickness. The thickness of the oil is important because

it allows it to coat all the moving parts in the engine

and prevents friction between them. If the oil has poor

lubrication, the engine may run rough or idle. This

is often a sign of sludge build-up, and adding an oil

additive can remove this problem. Additives are also

added to increase the oil's ability to flow, which helps

protect engine components and keeps them clean. This

can be helpful especially for older vehicles and those

with high mileage.

The best engine oil for older vehicles contains anti-wear

additives and corrosion inhibitors that slow the rate of

oxidation in the engine to prevent rust and corrosion.

This also helps keep your engine clean to reduce wear

from deposits in your oil, allowing your engine to run

more efficiently and reliably.

Types of oil additives

Anti-wear additives: They are used to provide a layer of

protection to metal engine parts, such as cam lobes,

lifter bodies and lifter bores. They include zinc diakyldithiophosphate

(ZDDP), phosphorus compounds, and

molybdenum, which help to decrease friction between

parts.

ZDDP: Zinc diakyl-dithiophosphate is an important

component of many anti-wear additives because it

provides lubrication to the parts that need it. However, it

can shorten the life of your catalytic converter when it is

present in exhaust gas.

Viscosity modifiers: Your engine oil needs a certain

viscosity to flow properly and transfer heat effectively

between key components. If the viscosity of your oil is

too thick for normal operation, it can fail to fill the gap

between crank journals and main bearings, causing

bearing wear, and impair circulation in your engine. This

can lead to poor fuel economy, as the oil can't transfer

heat to critical components, and it may even increase

internal friction.

Viscosity modifiers: Also called viscosity index improvers

(VIIs), are an essential engine oil additive because they

stabilize the viscosity of your oil to ensure it flows



Engine oil additives

“

Friction is the enemy of

engine performance and

fuel economy. With the right

additives added to a lubricant,

these performance limitations

are reduced significantly.

~ James Mutisya

properly at all temperatures, from cold to hot. Almost

all modern engine oils contain VIIs, so it's important to

choose a quality motor oil that includes this additive.

Detergents: Most high-quality motor oils today come

with a detergent to remove water, dirt and other

particles from your oil. Those detergents are also

effective at removing sludge, helping to maintain a clean

engine and prolong its service life.

Anti-oxidants: Most high-quality motor oils are loaded

with antioxidants to help prevent rust and corrosion

by neutralizing acids in your oil and preventing the

chemical breakdown that leads to corrosive effects

on your engine. Antioxidants also help to increase

the performance of your engine by protecting it from

damaging acidic emissions and reducing harmful

particulates that cause engine damage.

Corrosion Inhibitors: Typically made with barium

sulfonate and calcium, corrosion and rust inhibitors

are designed to protect metal engine parts from the

damaging effects of moisture. They also help to prevent

a buildup of contaminants and sludge in your motor oil,

so they can make sure your engine has the maximum

protection it needs.

Improving fuel economy and reducing emissions

You can find engine oil additives in most aftermarket

stores or service centers. They are usually in the form of

brightly colored bottles, and they come with different

claims about how they will benefit your vehicle. Some

claim to extend the oil's life and reduce engine smoking.

Others claim to help improve fuel economy.

Seeking professional explanation on how oil additive

can add protection, lower your fuel spend and reduce

your vehicles’ emissions, James Mutisya, Lubricants &

Technical Training Manager at Rubis Energy Kenya has

this to say, “Friction is the enemy of engine performance

and fuel economy. Engine friction occurs on camshaft

bearings, friction on piston liner interfaces, viscous

oil drag in oil pump, especially during startup and

crankshaft main bearing and connecting rod bearings

friction. Collectively, these friction hotspots waste

up to 10% of engine performance and increase fuel

consumption. With the right additives added to a

lubricant, these performance limitations are reduced

significantly, thus improving fuel economy. Advanced low

viscosity synthetic oils are formulated with extra strong

additives that ensure the oils maintain an effective

lubrication film even as the engine temperatures and

pressures increase. These oils move quickly around

the engine, minimizing engine friction. Castrol EDGE

with Fluid TITANIUM additive technology physically

transforms the oil structure – becoming stiffer at

points of extreme pressure, to keep metals apart and

performance robbing friction by 20%, allowing drivers to

unlock true engine performance.”

James further elaborates affirmatively that, “With the

extra strong, ultra-thin oils circulating very fast within

the engine, the engine remains quite clean and performs

efficiently, ensuring effective combustion of fuel-air

mixture in the engine. In that way, cases of incomplete

combustion, which leads to fuel loss are minimized and

in the same way, reducing emissions to the environment.

Embracing the low saps (low Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus

and Sulphur) additive technology, that qualifies oils to

attain ACEA ‘C’ rating. Oils with this rating do not affect

emission control gadgets i.e., the Three-Way Catalysts

and Diesel Particulate Filters fitted on vehicles. Low

saps oils are also long drain interval oils. This means

less used oil is generated hence reducing possibilities of

environmental pollution.”

Probably, as a vehicle owner, either for private or

commercial use, you are using an oil additive for

your valuable assets’ engine. However, is the additive

compatible with your vehicle’s engine oil? Is your vehicle

receiving the best engine protection it deserves? Are you

saving on your fuel spending even in the current high

fuel prices? Is your vehicle low on emissions? It is clear

that, when choosing an oil additive, choose one that will

not interfere with your existing motor oil. This is because

the two oils have different properties and can affect

each other, and potentially damaging your engine. It is a

good idea to have your engine oil analyzed before using

an oil additive. This will allow you to know if your engine

is suffering from a lubrication issue, or if it is just in need

of that additional maintenance.


Events


IATF2023

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in

collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA

Secretariat, brings you the 3rd Intra-African Trade

Fair (IATF2023), to be hosted by the Government of

the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan .

The fair will provide a unique and valuable platform

for businesses to access an integrated African market of

over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion

created under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

LATIN

TYRE &

AUTO

PARTS

EXPO

2023

The LATIN TYRE & AUTO PARTS

EXPO are the most important

tire and auto part shows in Latin

America and the place to be if

you want to grow your business in

Latin America and the Caribbean!

The upcoming edition will be in the

all-new Panama Convention Center in

Panama which features 59,000 m2 of

space. 450+ international exhibitors will

be present, from tire manufacturers, tire

service and repair companies, retreading,

wheels, auto part manufacturers, auto

service, tools and equipment, etc.

Educational and training sessions with

top industry leaders, networking events,

and much more are included with your

registration.


Events

SAVE THE DATE

THE ONE AFRICA BUSINESS

SUMMIT BY IAMAGA

The Leading Automotive

Aftermarket Event In Africa

CAIRO, EGYPT

14 - 15 JUNE 2023

Connect with us on LinkedIn

New model


Morocco unveils first

local made car,Hydrogen

powered vehicle

NamX, Hydrogen Utility Vehicle. Side view | Image: courtesy

The HUV model will be supplied with hydrogen by a central tank that

will be completed by six removable capsules, guaranteeing a significant

autonomy and facilitating the hydrogen recharge in a few minutes

Morocco has unveiled its first local

made car, a protype of Hydrogen

powered vehicle developed by

a Moroccan in its initiative

projects aimed at promoting its local

manufacturing sectors through the

“Made in Morocco” label .

The new car model was unveiled

by King Mohammed VI in his

royal palace in Rabat when he

presided over the presentation

ceremony.

The presentation to the King

of the car of “Neo Motors”, a

company owned by Moroccan

capital, and of the prototype

of a hydrogen vehicle of the

company NamX, named HUV

(Hydrogen Utility Vehicle) is in

line with the country ideology

NamX, Hydrogen Utility Vehicle. Back view | Image: courtesy



New model

of encouraging and promoting the pioneering

national entrepreneurial initiatives and the creative

capacities, particularly of the Moroccan youths.

Besides, the iniative is in line with King

Mohammed VI policy in relation to sustainable

development and the promotion of renewable

energy in green hydrogen sector.

Neo Motors company has set up an industrial

unit in Ain Aouda (Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region), to

manufacture motor vehicles for the local market

and for export, with a projected annual capacity of

27,000 units and a local integration rate of 65%.

The total projected investment for this project

amounts to 156 million Dirhams equivalent to Ksh

2.12 Billion and earmarked to create 580 jobs .

The final approval of the first vehicle was issued by the

National Agency for Road Safety in February 2023.

As for the prototype of the hydrogen vehicle of NamX,

it was designed in collaboration with the Italian design

office and coachbuilder of reference Pininfarina.

The interior design of the vehicle has been realized by

Moroccan talents.

NamX, Hydrogen Utility Vehicle. Front view | Image: courtesy

The HUV model will be supplied with hydrogen by a

central tank that will be completed by six removable

capsules, guaranteeing a significant autonomy and

facilitating the hydrogen recharge in a few minutes.

Morocco is currently the largest car manufacturer in

Africa. Over the first three months of 2023, exports

from Morocco’s automotive industry reached X (MAD

33.9 billion) equivalent to Ksh 440.7 Billion, marking an

impressive 44% annual increase.

NamX, Hydrogen Utility Vehicle. Side view | Image: courtesy


Auto electronics


Automotive Electronics

Improve safety and convenience

Automotive Electronics are the electronic

systems that are used in vehicles to perform

various functions like telematics, infotainment

and driving assistance system. This includes

electronic control units, sensors & small electric motors,

radar, LIDAR and camera modules, displays as well as

wire harness systems.

Automotive electronic systems are becoming

increasingly vital in the global auto industry, as

they help improve safety and convenience. The

market is a fast growing sector that offers advanced

electronic components that are used in the design and

manufacturing of automobiles. They are also used in

making the vehicle eco-friendly and energy-efficient.

The automotive electronics market is expected to grow

significantly. This is attributed to increased demand for

advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity in

the global automobile sector.

The key drivers for this growth include the increasing

number of vehicle production, technological

advancements, increased consumer preferences

and strict government regulations. In addition, the

automotive electronics industry is experiencing a

resurgence of interest from consumers who are seeking

new and innovative technology to enhance their vehicle

experience. This has resulted in the development of

high-tech automotive systems that enable automakers to

develop more efficient and safe vehicles.

A typical automobile has dozens of computer controlled

electronic systems. These systems range from air



conditioning to engine management to powertrain &

braking control. These systems use microprocessors,

sensors & controllers for various operations. They are

highly integrated to work together to control all the

systems in a vehicle.

ADAS Sensors, these sensors are an important part of

advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and offer a

variety of functionalities to enhance safety in a vehicle.

They are able to detect dangerous objects in the road

and provide warnings to drivers about the situation.

Besides, they are capable of performing complicated

tasks that can help in automating driving operations and

providing improved comfort and convenience to users.

Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, are increasingly

being employed in automotive safety applications

to replace conventional sensors and increase their

performance and efficiency. These devices are often

small in size and cost, enabling designers to implement

more complex control solutions. The growth of this

segment is due to the increasing adoption of ADAS

and other safety features in passenger cars and light

commercial vehicles. It is also driven by government

regulations related to fuel economy and safety.

In addition, the global automotive electronics market

is expected to see growth owing to an increase in

the demand for connected car technologies. These

technologies enable car owners to connect with other

motorists and receive real-time information on their

vehicle’s status.

Auto electronics

Another important function of the ECU is to provide a

communication link between the chassis system and the

transmission system for the efficient functioning of the

vehicle. This is done through an interface called CAN bus.

There are many other communication interfaces that are

used to connect the various systems in a vehicle. These

include V2V & V2I communications, which notify the

driver or autonomous vehicle about potential collisions

with other vehicles or infrastructure. This also helps in

enhancing traffic flow.

Electrical circuits in automobiles are prone to over

voltages and over currents that can damage the

electronics. This is why circuit protection technology is

an integral part of any automotive design. In the last

few years, circuit protection technology has improved

significantly to protect automotive designs from the

increasing electrical threats that are caused by the use

of microprocessors in the motor control, lighting, battery

management and other systems. This is why circuit

protection products such as fuses and switches are now

being installed in more applications to prevent failures

that could lead to personal injury, or worse. The market

is also fueled by the rising demand for advanced safety

features in vehicles such as lane departure warnings and

blind-spot monitoring. This trend is expected to continue

in the future, as drivers are increasingly focusing on

vehicle safety and comfort while on the road.

Also, the growing adoption of battery-powered and

hybrid vehicles are a key factor in the growth of

this market. These technologies are enabling car

manufacturers to design safer and more energy-efficient

vehicles that can travel further on a single charge.

Farther, the global automotive electronics industry

is facing various challenges such as rising costs and

limited resources. These issues are causing car makers to

look for cost-effective and reliable electronics solutions.

This is a concern due to the fact that these products

are often exposed to harsh driving conditions such as

extreme weather and vibrations.

There are many different types of electronic sensors that

are used in a vehicle to monitor the various parameters

such as pressure, temperature, oxygen levels and more.

These are then sent to a central electronic control unit

(ECU) to be processed and controlled.

The ECU has its own logic circuits that are responsible

for controlling the actuators such as throttle valves, fuel

injectors and other components in the engine. These

are controlled through a variety of signals from the

sensor network. This makes the car more responsive and

gives it a higher performance level. Moreover, it helps

in saving on the cost of mechanical parts and reduces

maintenance as well as repair costs.

Image: patrick-langwallner



Automotive

Suspension

A multi-link type rear independent suspension on an AWD car. The

anti-roll bar has some yellow paint on it. Image: Wikipedia

Car hoist driveshaft

By Dorcas Kang'ereha

Understanding the

basics of Automotive

Suspension

Automotive Suspensions are the parts that connect

your wheels to your vehicle’s chassis, and they

work together to protect your car from shocks.

Suspension systems are critical to the safety and

performance of your vehicle. They provide your wheels

with the stability and support they need to drive smoothly

over rough roads. A suspension is also an important

part of your car’s braking, handling and traction control

systems.

The system is made up of the tires, tire air, springs, shock

absorbers, and linkages that connect the vehicle to its

wheels. It is designed to smooth out your ride and keep

you on the road safely, but it can also lead to serious

accidents if it isn't working properly.

It is important for a car technician or a car owner to

understand the basics of automotive suspension. For

example, knowing the types of suspension setups and

their maintenance requirements can help you decide

when it's time to update your current system.

Strut suspension

There are a number of different types of car suspensions,

each with its own unique functions and strengths.

Understanding the different types of car suspensions can

help you identify issues with your vehicle’s suspension,

and make the necessary repairs.

Types of Automotive Suspensions

Car suspension

Independent

The independent suspension system is a step up from the

dependant system. Unlike the dependant type, this kind of

suspension provides each wheel with its own springs and

shock absorbers without the need for an axle connecting

it to the other wheel. This means that a road dent only

affects one wheel, and not the other.



Rigid Axle

The rigid axle suspension is the most basic type

of suspension. It is fitted with a rear wheel that is

connected to a single axle and usually features leaf

springs.

Shock Absorbers and Struts

Shock absorbers (also known as dampers) convert the

kinetic energy stored in the springs into heat energy

that is dissipated. The absorbed kinetic energy helps

to improve the ride quality of the vehicle. Most shock

absorbers have two sections: the outer tube, which is

connected to the vehicle's frame; and the reserve tube,

which is bolted to the axle, or structure that carries the

suspension system. The outer tube contains a piston

that looks like a plunger. The piston moves downward

into a reservoir filled with hydraulic fluid as the spring

compresses. The damper then releases the spring's

energy in a controlled way, dissipating the spring's

pressure and preventing the car from bouncing. The

force the damper produces depends on how fast the

spring is compressed or elongated, and the compression

limit is the distance that the suspension can be

compressed without producing an uncontrolled bounce.

These are a key part of the suspension, as they help to

keep your vehicle safe and smooth, as well as to reduce

wear on tires and other parts. It is important that your

shock absorbers are not damaged, or you may risk a

serious crash.

Trailing Arm

The trailing arm suspension is a common design

for rear-wheel drive cars and can be found on some

motorcycles. This type of suspension consists of a steel

arm that is pivoted to the car’s chassis and is joined to a

damper.

Coil Springs

A coil-spring suspension uses a coil spring to support

the body of the vehicle and the tires. They come in either

linear or progressive rate designs, depending on the

coil spacing and the spring wire diameter. Linear rate

springs typically have evenly spaced coils and are more

commonly used in cars. A progressive rate spring is one

that has more coils closer together than the ones on a

linear-rate design.

MacPherson Shock Absorber

The MacPherson strut was designed by Earle S.

McPherson, and it is the most common type of

independent suspension used in modern cars. This

design is a step up from the double-wishbone

suspension, but it is more complicated to manufacture

and requires higher strut mounts.

Torsion Bars

The torsion bar is another popular type of suspension

Auto Suspension

design. Its twisting properties provide coil-spring-like

performance. These bars are attached to the frame of a

vehicle and attach to a wishbone, which acts as a lever

that transfers vertical motion from the wheels to the

torsion bar.

Anti-Roll Bar

The anti-roll bar, also known as an anti-sway bar, is a

metal bar that connects the left and right side of your

vehicle’s suspension. A sway bar is another key element

of your vehicle’s suspension. They highly contribute in

giving your vehicle extra stability when it is moving at

high speeds and at the same time preventing the car

from rolling off while taking a turn, hence they are very

important for the safety of you and other passengers.

Ford Model T

A good example of a popular suspension system is the

Ford Model T, which was built to handle rough roads.

The front suspension on the Model T incorporated a

wishbone-shaped radius rod with a ball attached to it.

This was replaced with a split wishbone design after

World War II. It lowered the front axle about an inch

and improved handling.

Maintenance requirements for automotive suspension

Failure of one or more vital suspension components

will alter your vehicles handling and may accelerate

wear on other suspension parts. Regular checks and

maintenance will save you costly repairs. Taking proper

care of your suspension system will guaranty safety

and the best possible handling performance for your

vehicle; this is according to Brian Gow, Workshop

Manager at Romageco Kenya Ltd.

“Worn suspension components will have an adverse

effect on vehicle stability which compromises safety

and driver control. Replacing worn parts will help

maintain correct vehicle ride height and wheel

alignment. It will also reduce the effect of shock forces

when driving on or off road, support vehicle weight

(whether laden or unladen), keep the wheels in contact

with the road and ultimately control the vehicle's

direction of travel." adds Brian.

“It is a well-known fact that, automotive vehicle

tires only last for a certain period and/or kilometers

of the vehicle’s life and they are very expensive to

replace,” says Jan van Niekerk - Operational Director at

PSB – Problem Solving Bushings. “One of the highest

determining factors to the unnecessary deterioration of

tires is that of warn or damaged suspension parts and

rubbers,” utters Jan.

“Over the past few years as everything in the

automotive industry evolved and it is needless to

say, so did all vehicles’ suspensions. Suspensions are

becoming more sophisticated for several reasons


Auto Suspension


Image: Shutterstock

such as safety, the ride comfort, as well as specific

applications in the off-road terrain markets. Most

vehicles are designed and manufactured to operate

in perfect smooth tar road conditions. Unfortunately,

these perfect road conditions are few and far between

in our lives. We live with badly maintained roads in

many places with damage to the road surfaces and even

potholes, then there is also traveling long distances on

gravel roads,” he adds.

Jan van Niekerk further points out the factors that

contribute to warn or damaged automotive suspension

and or rubbers is (not exclusive to)

a. Time (General wear and tear).

b. Potholes.

c. Gravel Roads.

d. Overloading.

e. Traffic calming devices on roads (speed humps).

f. Hazards on the roads such as lost loads and

parts falling from vehicles onto the road surfaces.

“All this causing an uncomfortable ride experience,

tire wear and the unwanted unsafe driving conditions

of the vehicle. As there is no prescribed maintenance

specification in general for automotive suspensions, it is

normally a “fix when broken” mentality,” Jan perceived.

“We would strongly advise that you ask for a suspension

check whenever you do you vehicles scheduled

maintenance and/or wheel alignment checks. Most

manufacturers require regular wheel alignment and

balancing check for the warrantee purposes, this

is normally in the region of every 10 000 – 20 000

kilometers driven or annually. Here they will check and

replace warn suspension parts and rubber suspension

parts. Polyurethane replacement parts are recommended

as it has a much longer life span as opposed to that of

the rubber replacement. There is also no disadvantage

replacing with polyurethane suspension bushings,”

concludes Jan.

Martin Hendriksen, VP Sales & Business Development –

Africa, Middle East, India, Australia at Nexus Automotive

International and head of the IAMaga regional

structure is assertive to the following suggestions

being fundamental in the provision of the correct

maintenance for automotive suspension:

1. Immediate access by the driver / owner / technician

to the correct (OE quality, non-counterfeit) part at

the right price

2. A properly skilled and trained technician to perform

the diagnosis and repair

3. Adequate facilities at which to undertake the task

“It is necessary to mention that some procedures

connected with suspension repair are highly dependent

on special tools and manuals that are commonly

available only for certified garages. If such repairs

are done not properly it may lead to the risk of road

accident and possible risk for life. So, it definitely

makes sense to delegate suspension issues to the

real professionals with proper skills and tools,” Martin

emphasizes.

In answer to the above requirements, IAMaga, a

dedicated entity inside Nexus Automotive International,

offers the following to aftermarket actors in Africa:

a) Access to the Nexus training academy

b) Supply from nearly 100 of the most credible global

aftermarket manufacturers

c) The biggest regional support network

d) Connection to major garage networks

e) Improved commercial conditions when buying from

Nexus contracted suppliers.

Łukasz Skowronek Brand Manager Quaro-Parts.com

also affirms that automotive suspension systems are

responsible for ensuring a comfortable and safe ride

for drivers and passengers. Regular maintenance of the

suspension system can help prevent wear and tear and

prolong the life of your vehicle. Łukasz supplementary

goes on and elaborates on some of maintenance

requirements for automotive suspension:



Auto Suspension

5. Springs: “Check the springs for damage or wear.

Broken or worn springs can cause the vehicle to sag,

which can affect handling and stability,” advises Justin.

“Springs help support the weight of the vehicle and

absorb shocks. If you notice that your vehicle is sagging

or bottoming out, it may be time to replace your springs.

Springs are exposed for cracks,” enhances Łukasz.

DR!VE+ Suspension strut single part image: Nexus Automotive International

1. Regular inspections: A visual inspection of the

suspension system should be performed regularly.

Look for any signs of wear, damage, leaks and cracks.

Check the shocks, and springs for signs of damage or

wear. Very important is good conditions with rubber in

suspension elements. Rubber absorbs every shakes from

the road.

Justin Stone, a Product Specialist at Grandmark is in

agreement with the regular suspension inspection

“Inspect the suspension system periodically to ensure

that all components are in good condition. Look for

signs of wear, damage, or corrosion on the shocks,

struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, and other parts.”

2. Wheel alignment: “Check the wheel alignment

regularly to ensure that the wheels are properly

aligned. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear,

handling problems, and other issues,” says Justin.

On the same note Łukasz insists on regular wheel

alignment as it can help prevent uneven tire wear

and ensure that the suspension system is functioning

correctly. “If you notice that your vehicle is pulling

to one side or the other, it may be time for a wheel

alignment,” he adds.

3. Tire balance: Tire balance is critical to

maintaining a smooth ride and preventing uneven tire

wear. If you notice vibration or shaking while driving, it

may be time to have your tires balanced.

4. Shock absorbers: According to Łukasz, shock

absorbers are critical components of the suspension

system. They help absorb shocks and vibrations,

providing a smoother ride. If you notice excessive

bouncing or bouncing after hitting bumps, it may be

time to replace your shock absorbers or struts. Very

important, ensure there are no leaks.

“Replace worn or damaged shock absorbers and struts.

These components play a vital role in the suspension

system, and worn or damaged units can cause handling

problems and reduce stability,” adds Justin.

6. Control arms, Bushings and ball joints: Łukasz is

keen on bushings and ball joints as they help connect

the suspension components and allow swift movement.

If these components are worn or damaged, they can

cause handling issues and reduce ride comfort.

As Justin Counsels, “Check the control arms and ball

joints for wear or damage. Worn or damaged components

can affect steering, handling, and stability. Check

the bushings for wear or damage. Worn or damaged

bushings can cause handling problems and reduce

stability.”

Additionally, Justin endorses the following suspension

maintenance recommendations;

• Tire pressure: Keep the tires properly inflated to

the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires can

affect the handling and stability of the vehicle.

• Lubrication: Lubricate the suspension system

components periodically to prevent rust and

corrosion.

• Driving habits: Drive carefully and avoid rough roads

or harsh driving conditions. Aggressive driving can

cause excessive wear and tear on the suspension

system.

• Service manual: Refer to the service manual for

specific maintenance requirements for your vehicle's

suspension system. The manual will provide

information on when to inspect and replace various

components.

Bottom line

There are many different types of suspension systems,

and each is designed for a specific purpose. Some

popular options include; computer active technology

(CATS), which co-ordinates the best possible balance

between ride quality and handling; and air suspension,

which replaces traditional steel, coil springs with air. In

addition to the mentioned suspensions types and their

maintenance recommendations, they are also made up

of a variety of other parts, such as rods/linkages and

bearings. These parts work in union to provide additional

support to the suspension systems and prevent them

from breaking or wearing down.

However, if you notice any signs of wear or damage to

your suspension, it is best to have them repaired as soon

as possible to prevent further complications or fatal

accidents. Contact a professional mechanic near you for

repair or upgrade of your suspension system or parts.


Market report


Automotive suspension market:

Accelerated shift from passive to active

suspension systems

FIGURE 1 Automotive Suspension Market, By System Type, 2022 vs 2027

Source: MarketsandMarkets Analysis

Source: Secondary Research and MarketsandMarkets Analysis

Automotive suspension plays a key role in any

vehicle’s efficient and smooth functioning.

Different types of suspension architecture

include MacPherson strut, torsion beam,

double wishbone, multilink, leaf spring, and air

suspension. The selection of each architecture varies in

a vehicle depending upon factors such as ride control

requirement, space availability, the vehicle segment, and

the suspension system’s cost. Though most passenger

cars use a torsion beam in the rear to increase the boot

space, the MacPherson strut dominates the front wheels.

In contrast, SUVs and Luxury vehicles use multilink

suspension systems to provide more comfort to the

passengers. Commercial vehicles in developing countries

such as China, India, Mexico, and Brazil primarily use

leaf spring suspensions. Commercial vehicles in more

developed western countries such as the US, Germany,

and the UK use air suspension systems in their

suspension modules.

Automotive OEMs are investing in R&D to introduce

innovative suspension systems to enhance ride comfort.

For example, in August 2020, ZF Friedrichshafen

designed an air suspension with ECAS technology

to address issues such as higher fuel consumption,

decreased rider comfort, and compromised passenger

safety and vehicular instability. The market for

suspension systems is mainly driven by the increasing

demand for luxury vehicles, especially passenger

cars, and the increasing preference of buyers for a

comfortable ride and smooth operation of the vehicle.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the leading market for

suspension systems, owing to the increasing vehicle

production in countries such as China, Japan, and India.

Increased demand for SUVs & luxury passenger

cars would drive the demand for advanced

suspension systems.

The adoption of independent suspensions has increased

over the years owing to their various advantages.

According to MarketsandMarkets analysis, the market

for independent suspensions such as MacPherson

strut, double wishbone, and multilink is expected to

grow at 1.3%, 1.4%, and 2.5%, respectively, in terms

of value, during the forecast period. This growth can

be attributed to independent suspensions offering

more stability to vehicles. An independent suspension

type’s weight is less, making it a preferred choice for

heavy vehicles. Passenger cars generally employ an

independent suspension at the front and a dependent

suspension at the rear wheel. Hence, both independent

and dependent suspensions are required. MacPherson

strut is one of compact passenger cars’ most preferred

front independent suspensions. Low manufacturing costs

and better stability are attributed to the growth of the

MacPherson suspension system.

A double-wishbone is another independent suspension

type, providing superior comfort, dynamics, and road

holding. However, as the production cost of the double

wishbone is higher, it is generally used in premium

models, such as Alfa Romeo, Toyota Tundra, MG Rover

TF, Honda Accord, and Aston Martin DB7. The double

wishbone suspension is also employed in highperformance

racing cars owing to its design complexity

and increased number of parts, such as joints and

bearings. However, with technological advancements,

mid-high segment vehicles such as Toyota Camry,

Fortuner, and Honda Accord have opted for the double

wishbone. According to MarketsandMarkets analysis, the

growth rate of the air suspension market is expected to

be 4.2% during the forecast period.

The demand for SUVs has also increased in the past

few years globally. The SUV & sub-compact SUV market

has witnessed considerable growth in countries such as

the US, China, India, and Mexico, owing to the vehicles’



low cost, compact size, advanced designs, better ride

comfort, and better maneuverability. This has increased

the adoption of multilink suspensions in these vehicles.

The decreasing cost of multilink suspension and ease

of adjustment has increased the adoption of multilink

suspension in the rear axle in mid to high-segment

cars, as these segment customers demand higher ride

comfort. Mahindra Scorpio, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Kia

Sportage are some of the common SUVs equipped with

multilink suspensions. Globally, the multilink suspension

volume market is expected to grow at 2.7% over the

forecast period.

Increased adoption of air suspension systems in

buses and trucks

Air suspension replaces a conventional steel spring

suspension in heavier vehicle applications, like trucks,

tractor-trailers, and passenger buses, thus reducing

overall vehicle weight and subsequent CO2 emission.

Earlier, the leaf spring suspension was used in heavy

commercial vehicles. The low manufacturing cost and

the ability to distribute the load over a wider area made

leaf springs a preferred choice for heavy trucks and

buses. However, semi-active and active suspensions have

been developed due to technological advancements

allowing the air suspension system to enter the market.

Adopting the air suspension system is higher in buses

as comfort and ride control are primary requirements in

buses. Hence, the demand for air suspension in luxury

buses has risen significantly.

Currently, air suspension is no longer a premium feature.

Still, it has become a standard feature, especially in

developed regions such as Europe and North America,

as customers prefer comfort and can pay higher prices

for the products. Companies that provide air suspension

systems in their truck and bus models include Volvo

(9400 B8R, FM series), Daimler AG (Actros L, Tourismo,

and Citaro series), Scania (City Bus 4×2, S-series), and

ISUZU (LT 134PR BUS series). This feature is still in its

introductory phase in Asia Pacific due to the region’s cost

sensitivity toward products.

Bus air suspension systems have evolved in terms

of technology, components, and other parameters.

In the case of heavy-duty trucks, the demand for

air suspension is growing, owing to the demand for

efficient transportation of goods, increasing special

applications of trucks, such as refrigerated trucks and

containers carrying fragile and expensive goods. The

increasing demand for HCVs also aids this growth due

to the globally booming e-commerce sector. The global

HCV production is expected to grow from ~0.8 million

units in 2022 to 8.6 million units by 2027, according to

MarketsandMarkets analysis.

As the air suspension system increases its penetration

in HCVs, it will likely follow the growth of global HCV

Automotive Suspension

vehicle production, as evidenced by the projections

below.

Automotive Suspension – Supply Chain and

Ecosystem:

The automotive suspension market supply chain

includes suspension component manufacturers, system

manufacturers, and OEMs. Component suppliers provide

suspension components such as shock absorbers,

springs, links, and control arms to tier-1 system

manufacturers. The system integrator integrates a

complete suspension system and offers it to various

OEMs per specifications.

Automotive Suspension – Future Revenue Shift

and Recommendations:

The growth of the automotive suspension market is

directly proportional to the production of passenger

vehicles. In line with growing luxury vehicles, the market

for premium SUVs has risen significantly. According

to MarketsandMarkets Analysis, of total premium cars

produced globally, the share of premium SUVs stood at

~53% in 2016, which grew to ~68% in 2022. US, Canada,

China, Japan, and South Korea lead the premium SUVs

market, constituting more than 90% of total production

globally. The factors attributing to the growth of

premium SUVs over premium sedans are better and

more powerful engine performance, and hence the

demand for safety and comfort ha increased which

has led to the installation of independent suspension

systems in SUVs and luxury passenger cars.

On the other hand, the rising concerns about global

warming and the federal and state governments’

support to reduce air pollution are driving the EV

market. Electric vehicles will witness high penetration

of MacPherson strut, double wishbone, and multilink

suspension systems. High-end EV models such as

Porsche Taycan and BMW i4 use air suspension in both

front and rear axles. Mid-segment vehicles such as the

Kia EV6 and Tata Nexon use MacPherson strut in front

and torsion beam or multilink suspension in the rear.

Thus, the semi-active and active systems are expected

to register high growth rates of 2.9% and 5.4% during

the forecast period. With the increased demand of semiactive

and active systems, the adjacent markets such

as sensors, ECUs and other electronic devices market

are also growing. Hence, suspension manufacturers

& Tier II suppliers have adopted various growth such

as new product launches, mergers & acquisitions,

supply contracts, partnerships, and others to diversify

their global presence and increase their market share.

The automotive suspension market is consolidated.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Tenneco Inc., Continental AG,

ThyssenKrupp AG, and KYB Corporation are the top

players in the market, with a 60-70% share. These

players are based in North America, Europe, and Asia

Pacific.


Auto Batteries


Automotive

Battery

An Automotive Battery is a part of your car that

can help you start the engine. It’s a crucial

component of any vehicle, and they come in

many different designs and sizes. It is also a

source of power for many electrical devices in your

vehicle such as the radio, air conditioning, USB and

auxiliary-connected devices and lights.

Batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match

the needs of different cars, though they all share similar

inner workings. They all use a chemical solution called

an electrolyte to convert chemicals into electric energy.

A battery has a series of lead and lead dioxide plates

that are immersed in an electrolyte solution, which

typically includes sulfuric acid to prevent sulfation

(accumulation of sulfate on the plates). The electrolyte

solution is kept at a low temperature so that it doesn't

become too hot.

The battery's surface should be clean and free from

dirt and grime, and a thin coating of high-temperature

grease should be applied on the connections and posts

to protect them from corrosion. Cables and terminals

should be inspected on a regular basis for loose or

breakage.

Whether your car has an electric motor or a gas

engine, the battery will need to be tested and replaced

regularly. This is due to the fact that a battery's life

span and performance depends on its quality, which

can vary among manufacturers.

Some batteries can last up to two decades, while others

are much shorter-lived. You should always choose a

quality battery with quality separators between the

lead plates. The better a battery's separators are, the

longer its lifespan will be.

These separators are made from durable materials that

can withstand the rigors of your vehicle's engine. They

are also designed to prevent the plates from bridging

and shorting.



Auto Batteries

What you should know

about your car Battery

The most common car batteries are flooded lead acid,

which are used in most standard cars and some small

trucks and vans. They use a sulfuric acid electrolyte that

requires periodic maintenance to keep it free of sulfate

buildup.

They should be load-tested by a mechanic to determine

their ability to hold voltage for long periods of time. The

technician should also test the batteries for vibration

and pressure differential.

Aside from these, you should also take note of the

weight of the battery. This is important because it can

affect the engine's capacity. If the weight is too heavy,

it can cause the engine to overheat and slow down or

even stop operating completely.

Buying the right Automotive Battery

Vital essentials to consider

When choosing a car battery, the first thing you should

consider is how long it will last. This is usually a

function of how much the battery is being used in your

vehicle. It's best to get a battery with a high amperehour

(Ah) rating, as this is the amount of energy the

battery can deliver over a period of time.

Michael Maina, Chief Operating Officer at Tyrex Kenya

Enterprise Ltd, is certain on the following vital essentials

to consider when buying a car battery. He recommends a

buyer to be keen on the:-

• Amperes per hour on the battery AH. Eg.60ah

• Cold cracking Amps on the battery CCA Eg.700CCA

• Position of the positive terminal when terminals are

away from your body looking at the battery, Defines

left and Right battery L/R.

• For the New model cars start stop cars require

special batteries called enhanced flooded battery

(EFB)/ Absorbed Glass mat (AGM) For fuel economy.

Another factor is whether the battery has a load tester,

which lets you know how much power it can handle at

any given moment. You should have your battery loadtested

by a mechanic once it's two years old, or four if

you live in a cold climate.

Getting the wrong battery can shorten its lifespan and

make your car less likely to run properly. So, make sure

you get the right size and terminal location for your

particular car and make a point of getting it from a

trustworthy dealer or retailer.

It's also essential to understand how the battery works.

Most auto batteries use lead-acid technology, which

means they contain alternating layers of lead plates

that are immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid.

The chemical reaction in the acid triggers a process

that converts the lead and other materials into energy.

This energy is then used to charge and discharge the

car's battery.

This is done by the electrolyte, which is a mixture of

about one-third sulfuric acid and two-thirds water. This

electrolyte solution triggers a series of reactions that

sends electric current through the car's starter system

and cranks the engine. Once the engine is running, it

sends some of this energy back to the battery through

an alternator. The alternator turns mechanical energy

into electrical energy, which is then used to power the

other systems of the car.

There are three main types of batteries available today,

and the type you choose depends on your individual

needs. These include standard flooded or conventional,

wet cell, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries.

Absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries are becoming

more common in most cars, and they're known for their

durability and longer life. They're a bit more expensive

than flooded and conventional batteries, but they offer

increased battery capacity and are less susceptible to

spillage and corrosion than other models.

These batteries also have a fiberglass mat separator

to absorb the electrolyte, which eliminates acid

stratification and helps prevent leaks. They're typically

sealed and non-spillable, and they come with a

warranty.

Gel cells are another popular choice for automotive

batteries. They are a variation on flooded batteries, but

calcium replaces antimony and silica is added to the

electrolyte solution. This makes them more durable and

resistant to vibrations and shock.

If you're shopping for a new battery, it's best to

purchase from a high-volume seller with fresh stock.

Look for a warranty that offers three or more years

of full replacement coverage. This means that if

your battery fails to meet the specifications of the

manufacturer during that period, it will be replaced for

free without having to pay a fraction of the original

price. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace your

battery every two or four years, depending on the car

type, its use and the climate you live in.


EV Market


Electric cars

are not driving towards

the future

By Avery Wong

Electric-powered cars are not on the road to a

renewable and clean future. They are powered

by lithium-ion batteries that will pose a real

threat to the environment if continued to be

manufactured at the rate of current gasoline-powered

cars.

According to a Forbes report, various car brands such

as Honda will phase out all gas cars by 2040, replacing

them with electric ones. While the daily use of electric

vehicles is proven to be greener than gasoline and fossil

fuel combustion, it does not excuse the dangers of mass

producing them.

Electric car batteries use lithium cobalt oxide to extract

lithium ions which creates a charge. Creating these

batteries involve mining for lithium, and according to

UL Research Institutes, the open-pit mining technique

releases dust which can contaminate the air and water,

posing a health risk for humans and animals.

Mining itself causes soil erosion and disruption to

the surrounding habitats. This, in addition to the toxic

chemicals used to process lithium, becomes an extreme

danger to many ecosystems. On a small scale, these

issues seem relatively insignificant compared to the

effects of fossil fuels; but considering the number

of cars required to satisfy the human population, it

wouldn’t take long before the risks begin to outnumber

the benefits. According to the European Automobile

Manufacturers Association, around 79.1 million motorbased

vehicles were made in 2021 alone.

According to the National Academies Press (NAP),

electric-powered vehicles will pose an economic

threat as well. Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries

are very costly, at around $125 per kilowatt hour, and

the average electric vehicle costs about $60,000. Not

only is manufacturing electric cars expensive, but

as car manufacturers progress towards electric-only

production, it becomes inconvenient for buyers as well

who cannot afford them. Living sustainably should not

come at such a heavy cost for consumers.

Beyond the production of electric car batteries

being dangerous, the disposal of them is as well.

These batteries are extremely flammable, and when

substances like these end up in regular landfill areas

and are not stored properly, they can combust.

When lithium batteries are properly disposed of, they

are considered E-Waste. E-Waste has become a global

issue over the years, and the build-up poses major

health risks for humans. According to the World Health

Organization (WHO), E-Waste exposure has been proven

to cause harmful birth defects as well as lung and DNA

damage.

But if electric cars are actually unsustainable, and gas

vehicles are out of the picture, what’s the solution?

Although it wouldn’t be an immediate fix, funding

and research need to go towards the development of

nuclear-powered vehicles.

With the recent breakthrough discovery of nuclear

fusion, new doors of opportunity are opening for a

zero-carbon-emission power source. Fusion works by

bonding two hydrogen atoms together to create a

collision that generates energy. That energy has the

potential to power vehicles, which would revolutionize

the environmental technology industry.

According to a source from the Washington Post,

nuclear fusion is very sustainable since it relies on

30 Africa Automotive News l 2023 2022


EV Market

hydrogen atoms, which are the most abundant atom

in the universe. In terms of the waste and disposal of a

potential nuclear-powered battery, the fusion process

does not create radioactive toxins, marking it a safe

option.

The reality of creating an environmentally friendly

vehicle is that there will never be one perfect solution.

Nuclear fusion will take years to be ready for everyday

human usage, but with the proper testing and research,

it poses a significantly better alternative to gas and

electricity-powered cars.

While electric vehicles are a huge step forward to

reducing carbon footprints, it is just as important to

acknowledge that they are not a permanent solution.

Despite what the media advertises, electric cars are

not the world’s next “big thing,” and will not lead to a

completely green future.

Rather than contaminating the Earth with lithium

mining and disposal, vehicle manufacturers and

scientists should be focused on the further future, where

cars are made to be truly sustainable.

Image: Avery Wong

Since its first launch in 2008, Tesla has swerved the car manufacturing industry towards electric power. | Image: Avery Wong


Auto tips


Preventing Future Accidents:

Tips for Safer

Driving and Vehicle

Maintenance

By Mike Brennan

Car accidents can have a profound impact on

an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Even seemingly minor accidents can

result in significant emotional distress and

trauma. In fact, research conducted by the National

Institutes of Health has shown that more than 30%

of individuals who survive car accidents develop

symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As experienced car accident attorneys can attest,

emotional distress is a common outcome of these types

of incidents.

Given the potential for devastating consequences,

it is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent

car accidents from occurring in the first place. By

implementing safe driving practices and adhering to

traffic laws, individuals can significantly reduce their

risk of being involved in a car accident. Additionally,

maintaining one’s vehicle and ensuring that it is in

good working condition can also help prevent accidents

from happening.

It is important to remember that even minor car

accidents can have long-lasting effects on an

individual’s physical and mental health. Therefore,

taking steps to avoid such incidents is essential

for promoting overall well-being and preventing

unnecessary suffering. By prioritizing safety and being

mindful of one’s actions on the road, we can all work

towards creating a safer and healthier community for

ourselves and those around us. Additionally, seeking

legal support from experienced car accident lawyers

can help those who have been involved in accidents

navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance

companies, and receive the compensation they deserve

for their injuries and emotional distress.

The Importance of Regular Vehicle Maintenance to

Prevent Accidents

Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent

accidents caused by mechanical failure. Many accidents

occur due to worn-out brakes or faulty tires. Therefore,

it is crucial to have your car inspected by a mechanic

regularly. A mechanic can identify and repair any issues

with your vehicle before they become a problem.

Neglecting vehicle maintenance can put you and your

passengers in danger.

One critical aspect of regular vehicle maintenance is

checking and changing the oil regularly. Engine oil

lubricates the moving parts of the engine, preventing

overheating and reducing wear and tear. Neglecting oil

changes can cause engine damage and, in some cases,

engine failure, which can lead to accidents.

Tips for Checking and Maintaining Tires to Improve

Vehicle Safety

Tires are an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of

your vehicle. It is crucial to maintain them properly

to prevent accidents that may arise due to blowouts,

skidding, and hydroplaning. To ensure that your tires

remain in good condition, it is necessary to perform

regular maintenance checks. One of the most important

things to keep in mind is to check the air pressure

regularly and ensure that they are inflated correctly.

It is also recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000

to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear. This will help

extend the life of your tires and improve their overall

performance. Additionally, it is essential to replace your

tires when the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch.

This is because worn-out tires can be dangerous and

may cause accidents on the road. By following these

simple steps, you can ensure that your tires are wellmaintained

and safe for driving. Remember, proper tire

maintenance is critical to keeping yourself and others

safe while on the road. So, make sure to take care of

your tires and stay safe!



Auto tips

AutoRepair | Image: courtesy Mike Brennan

How Proper Brake Maintenance Can Save Lives on the

Road

Brakes are essential for safe driving. Regular brake

maintenance can prevent accidents caused by brake

failure. To maintain your brakes, check the brake pads

regularly and replace them if they are worn down. Have

your brakes inspected by a mechanic if you notice any

unusual noises or vibrations when you apply the brakes.

Proper brake maintenance can save lives on the road.

It is important to also check the brake fluid level and

replace it if necessary. Brake fluid plays a crucial role in

the braking system by transferring force from the brake

pedal to the brakes themselves. Without enough brake

fluid, the brakes may not function properly and could

lead to dangerous situations on the road. Additionally,

make sure to have your brakes inspected at least once

a year to ensure they are in good working condition. By

following these simple maintenance tips, you can help

prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe

while driving.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving and Tips to Avoid It

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration, distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives

in 2018 alone. To avoid distracted driving, avoid using

your phone while driving, keep your eyes on the road,

and avoid eating or drinking while driving. If you need

to use your phone, pull over to a safe location. By

avoiding distracted driving, you can prevent accidents

and keep yourself and others safe on the road. It is

important to remember that distracted driving is not

limited to just phone use or eating while driving.

Other common distractions include adjusting the

radio, applying makeup, and talking to passengers. It

is crucial to stay focused on the road at all times and

eliminate any potential distractions. Remember, safety

should always be your top priority when behind the

wheel. Car accidents can have a significant impact on

both physical and emotional well-being. Preventive

measures such as regular vehicle maintenance, safe

driving practices, and seeking support from mental

health professionals and car accident attorneys can

help reduce the likelihood of accidents and mitigate

their effects.

Future research on car accidents could include

examining the efficacy of preventative measures such

as technology that prevents distracted driving, the

impact of social support on recovery after car accidents,

and the long-term effects of car accidents on mental

health. Additionally, further research could explore the

intersection of car accidents with other societal issues

such as race, class, and gender, and how these factors

may influence the likelihood of accidents and recovery.

By prioritizing research, education, and prevention

efforts, we can work towards a future with fewer car

accidents and a more supportive community for those

who have been affected by them.


Auto Tips


By BEN WOJDYLA and STEF SCHRADER

How to

Prevent and

Remove Rust

on Your Car

Like a Pro


An ominous brown stain on the fender. A

bubble in the paint at the bottom of a door.

Soaked floors after hitting a puddle. These are

signs the iron worm has been hard at work:

rust.

Otherwise fine cars are routinely sent to early graves

because they become rusty cars, even though it’s a

largely avoidable problem. With iron-based metals,

battling oxidation can feel like a Sisyphean task. In

spite of the advanced coatings and alloys developed

by chemists and engineers, iron’s unstable chemical

makeup means it will always succumb to rust in a

natural environment. In fact, iron and steel (an alloy

consisting of iron and carbon) will completely reduce to

iron oxide and other constituent elements over a long

enough period of time.

So, how to stop rust on a car? First you need to

understand how cars become rusty, and what your car’s


Car rust

and formability. However, this added strength comes at a

cost, as it adds impurities that accelerate the formation

of rust.

Exposed steel rusts at different rates depending

on several factors: alloy components, thickness, the

environment the steel lives in, and the type of heat

treating the steel undergoes. Very poorly made cars in

the 1970s began showing surface rust as soon as they

hit the docks. Completely untreated raw sheet steel can

rust through in as little as a few years.

Then there’s the effect of salt. Road salts and other

contaminants dissolved in water act as electrolytes.

When electrolytes are introduced to a chemical reaction,

they speed up the exchange of molecular components.

For drivers, this means that dirty or salty water trapped

somewhere in the car’s body makes that spot rust faster.

It also explains why cars in northern climates where salt

is used in winter as well as cars that spend a lot of time

near the ocean are prone to rot.

This is why automakers do so much to try and prevent

corrosion. A huge amount of testing and material science

is dedicated to keeping your car from dissolving away

beneath you. Aluminum and magnesium components

are becoming popular not only because of their light

weight, but also because they corrode at rates that

are unnoticeable within a human lifetime. However,

those metals are expensive and automakers use them

sparingly as a result.

problem areas are—only then can you save your ride

from its brown, flaky blemishes, keeping your pride and

joy on the road for a long, long time.

Why Do Cars Rust?

Rust forms as a result of the electrochemical breakdown

of iron-based metals. This breakdown is the result

of oxidation, which is the process where iron surface

molecules react with oxygen in the environment and

produce a new molecule, Fe2O3, otherwise known as

iron oxide. That iron oxide is rust.

Pure iron doesn’t oxidize as aggressively. Examine an old

iron engine block and you’ll see a thin surface layer of

rust but little penetration into the metal. Unfortunately,

iron alone isn’t a particularly good material for building

cars, so today’s cars typically use steel alloys. Adding

a dollop of carbon to iron creates steel, which offers

dramatic improvements in flexibility, tensile strength,

Alloying elements added into cars’ steel such as nickel

and chromium can help stave off rust, but nothing is

foolproof—everything eventually corrodes. Modern

sheet steel also comes off the roll with highly durable

coatings. Those are further augmented in the final

assembly plants when freshly made vehicle bodies are

dipped in baths of anti-corrosion agents before the

painting process.

However, the road-facing side of the car turns into one

big sandblasting cabinet at highway speeds, and those

dips and coatings wear off over time. This is why every

car owner needs to periodically inspect their car for rust

regardless of where it lives or what kind of additional

underbody coating it may have come with.

How to Repair Car Rust

Rust forms in stages, and knowing where a problem spot

is in that decomposition process can help point you to

the right solution. Here are the three main stages of rust

and how to fix them.

Surface Rust

The first signs of a problem pop up in paint nicks, cracks,

and scratches. An easy fix.

Surface rust is just that: on the surface. Leave a car with


Auto Tips


one for places like the car’s underbody where you don’t

care how it looks as long as it’s not rusting.)

Then put on some rubber gloves and apply the rust

converter with a brush or sponge. You’ll want to pour

as much rust converter as you think you’ll use into a

disposable container because you can’t double-dip into

the bottle. If you get some rust in your container of

rust converter, the compounds will start working there

instead of on your car’s metal, thus ruining the contents

of the bottle. Wipe a thin layer of rust converter onto the

metal and wait 15 to 30 minutes for it to dry.

Then add a second layer and wait at least a half hour

for it to dry. If you can keep the surface moisture-free for

24 hours, then you could prime it—this Permatex Rust

Treatment isn’t a primer for paint. Follow up that primer

with paint and clearcoat, then buff to blend the finishes.

Alternately, if it’s in a spot where people can’t see, you

can just leave it alone after letting the Permatex Rust

Treatment (or similar sealing rust converter) dry, secure

in the knowledge that your winter beater might last a

few more seasons without the bumpers falling off.

Preparing scale rust underneath the car for a rust inhibitor. Ezra Dyer

steel disc brake rotors parked for a little while, and you

can see surface rust form on the rotors. That’s never a

threat, however, as that rust is typically wiped off the

rotor after just a few stops.

Most surface rust on your car forms when paint breaks

down through mechanical or UV damage, which is

why even cars in warm, dry climates get it. Structurally,

surface rust is not a problem, and depending on the

metal’s thickness and alloy composition, a level of

“passivation” may even be reached where the surface

rust actually guards the metal from further oxidation.

Regardless, it’s best to correct surface rust as soon as

you see it—just in case. That patina-coated truck from

Arizona may become a hole-filled nightmare in the

wrong weather. The fix is much like general paint repair.

Start by using an abrasive wheel or sandpaper (we used

50-grit) to cut through the paint and corrosion until

clean, bright metal is visible. Rough up the surrounding

areas, too, so that your body treatments can adhere well

to the car.

Next, use a rust inhibitor or converter to impede the tin

worm’s progress. Your steel may look shiny after knocking

the visible rust off, but there’s still some iron oxide there.

Rust inhibitors convert iron oxide into a chemically

stable, moisture-resistant compound that protects the

rest of the metal underneath. For example, the Permatex

Rust Treatment we tried contains tannic acid, which

reacts with the rust and converts it to iron tannate

(which is stable) and 2-Butoxyethanol, an organic

polymer that acts as a primer atop the metal. (You can

paint over this Permatex version, but we recommend this

Scale Rust

The chemical process corrupts the surface and reduces

metal strength.

If you don’t correct surface rust and you allow that

decomposition to penetrate further into the metal, you

may see bubbles start to form in your car’s paint. This

is because iron oxide molecules are physically bigger

than those of iron or steel. That worsening rust issue

self-propagates by expanding and flaking away the outer

layers of paint and metal, exposing fresh base metal,

which then corrodes.

When rust penetrates into the surface like this, it causes

a rough, pitted type of damage called scale. Correcting

scale means getting through the rust with a wire brush,

knocking down roughness with a grinding wheel and

smoothing out the surface with sandpaper. Make sure

you’re down to bare metal and that there are no big

flakes of rust left before sealing it back up, otherwise

your sealer or filler could pop right back off. Rough up

the area around the bare metal so your next sealants

and treatments can stick to it. If it’s in a nondescript

area such as underneath the car, you can just seal this

cleaned-up spot back up with a rust converter and call it

a day.

The metal surface may still be rough once you’re done

sanding the larger flakes off. If it’s in a more visible spot,

you may want to consider smoothing it out with a body

filler such as Bondo before finishing it out with primer

and paint. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer

of the body filler as it can vary, but generally speaking,

you mix it up to a specified ratio depending on your

room temperature. NAPA recommends only mixing as

much body filler as you’ll use within ten minutes as it

starts to harden relatively quickly. Spread it on using a



metal or plastic spreader, but leave a little extra on top

to sand smooth.

It takes about 30 minutes for Bondo to fully cure and

harden. After that, smooth out the extra filler you left on

top so the repair matches the contours of the rest of the

car. If you have a rust inhibitor that is safe to use with

body filler, add this now, but otherwise, you can seal your

work with a regular, high-quality primer. As with fixing

surface rust, paint and clear-coat your repaired spot, then

buff to blend it in with the rest of the car.

Penetrating Rust

After prolonged exposure, steel is converted to brittle

iron oxide and holes form.

Rust will eventually eat through your car’s metal if left

unchecked. This is penetrating rust, and it’s the cause of

everything from Swiss cheese-style holes in the fenders

to more dangerous problems with weakened frames and

suspension components.

If you live somewhere with rust-prone conditions, don’t

wait for bubbles to appear on your car’s body. Take a look

underneath the car periodically to inspect for any rough

or compromised parts that could be a safety risk on the

road if left unfixed.

As scale rust gets worse, the base metal flakes away

and leaves holes. Now you’ve got a bigger problem,

and you’ve got two options to fix it. You can completely

replace the affected part or panel (tough), or if it’s

merely a bodywork issue, you can cut the rotten parts

out and weld metal “patch panels” into place (tougher).

A reputable body shop should be able to take care of

either issue. Welds that hold on patch panels can be

smoothed out to look like they were always part of the

car by the right set of talented hands.

Car rust

lead to corrosion. Many modern car washes can blast

the underside of your car with water to get much of this

grime off.

The not-so-obvious advice is to check the drain holes

along the bottoms of doors and rocker panels, which

allow rainwater to flow out. Use a pipe cleaner to clear

these holes out, and keep the car’s nooks and crannies

dry. WD-40 can be a useful tool here as well. This

lubricant protects parts from corrosion, and its thin

nozzle can be used to reach tight underbody spots and

blast away water or corrosive grime.

As noted earlier, many vehicles have a thick coating on

the underside that chemically seals the steel against

oxidizing agents. Regular inspection and repair of the

spots that have worn bare will keep rust from advancing

and causing additional damage. If this coating is not

there, consider adding one yourself. POR-15 is one of the

more popular examples of such a rust-protective sealant,

and they even have a rubberized coating to go over it in

case you want even more protection underneath your car.

As with other rust repairs, sand off any rust that might

be sticking through and rough up the area you intend to

paint with some sandpaper, then brush or spray the new

coating on.

As long as your metal is properly sealed from the

elements and kept clean of corrosive salt and grime, you

should be able to get years of safe driving out of even

the most abused winter beater.

As tempting as it may be, you shouldn’t repair these

larger holes with body filler as you would with pits left

by scale rust.

That being said, don’t attempt to patch your car’s

frame back together. A rusted-through frame means

the structural integrity of the car is questionable, and

it should be inspected and repaired by a qualified

repair facility. You really don’t want to be in a crash in a

structurally sketchy car, so we can’t reiterate this enough:

check for rust underneath your vehicle every now and

then—before it’s too late.

How to Stop Rust from Forming

Make sure to wash behind the tires, where road gunk

accumulates and can abrade rust-resistant coatings.

Lower door corners are notoriously vulnerable to rust.

The good news is that this kind of vehicular decay

is largely preventable. The best advice is the most

obvious: Wash your car regularly to keep the body and

underside clean of the road grime, salts, and dirt that

Make sure to wash behind the tires, where road gunk accumulates and can

abrade rust-resistant coatings. Lower door corners are notoriously vulnerable to

rust. | Image: Ezra Dyer


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Africa Automotive March-April digital issue 2023

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