GWM Steed 5: Affordable reliability and power
Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motors released a new version of its Steed 5 bakkie late last year. Pieter Dempsey put the vehicle through its paces on tar and dirt.
Tips for buying a good second-hand bakkie
After months of searching for a second-hand bakkie, you suddenly find yourself in someone’s yard looking at a potential buy. It’s gleaming in the sun, the price is tempting, and...
How to service your bike
A bike’s tyre pressure and condition are even more important than on a car. Jake Venter explains the different chain types and how to maintain them.
How does a car battery work?
The battery has been around for 200 years, and has essentially changed little. Jake Venter explores this brilliant device that is integral to the motor industry.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak double cab: A comfortable workhorse
A unique blend of go-anywhere family car and tough, practical pickup, the double cab bakkie appeals to a wide spectrum of users. Johannes Letsohla recently tested the Ford Ranger Wildtrak...
Choosing the best tyres for your bakkie
Tar road, dirt road, off-road. Mud, sand and rocks. Wet and dry. No single tyre copes well under all conditions. So how do you choose a tyre for your bakkie...
A look at VW and its bakkies
Volkswagen’s success is legendary. Beginning in 1937 with its remarkable Beetle, the company has grown to become a global giant.
Wheel alignment: straight answers
There’s more to wheel rotation than a rubber-clad disc spinning around an axle. Jake Venter unravels the mysteries of camber, toe and caster
Counterfeit automotive parts
The motoring industry is awash with dodgy spare parts. Don’t become a victim, says Jake Venter.
Isuzu in the spotlight
General Motors has pulled out of South Africa, but Isuzu, with its legendary KB bakkies, is here to stay.
The electric car: not squeaky clean
An electric car is environmentally expensive to manufacture, and its ‘fuel’ is only as clean as the nearest power station.
The need for variable valve timing
Air has inertia, which creates breathing problems in an engine with traditional fixed valve timing. Many of today’s engines employ variable valve timing to solve this difficulty, explains Jake Venter.
Myth conceptions about travelling on a dirt road
Travelling on a dirt road can be a bumpy and, more often than not, dirty experience. But as much as these roads can be frustrating to drive on, they can...
JMC Boarding: Road test and impression
Looking for an affordable, capable, yet comfortable bakkie without unnecessary frills? JMC’s Boarding Euro IV could well be it, says Chris Nel.
Testing tyres in the wet and dry
A professional tyre test takes place in wet and dry conditions and is measured exactly, says Jake Venter.
How to ruin a car without trying
Common sense will help to ensure years of trouble-free motoring. Lack of it can have disastrous results, says Jake Venter.
Sneak video preview of Mercedes-Benz X-class bakkie at Nampo
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class premium bakkie is set to make a dramatic entrance into South Africa later this year, and will offer all the qualities of a classic pick-up – toughness,...
What causes a car to catch fire?
Usually, it’s a fuel or oil leak, or an electrical short. And the problem often starts with poor maintenance.
Buying a 4WD vehicle second-hand
Before you’re tempted to snap up that bargain-priced second-hand 4WD, check it carefully! These vehicles are more complex and usually punished harder than ordinary cars.
Hyundai Tucson: The ideal family car for the farmer
Hyundai has earned a reputation for quality and reliability. In a hotly contested class, the new Tucson compact stands out. It’s comfortable on the tar and capable on dirt roads....
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