This article offers advice on how to effectively use the Car Request System on Cars.co.za. Although Cars.co.za has thousands of new and used cars to choose from, there is a chance that you might not find the exact car you are looking for. The ‘Request a Car’ facility on Cars.co.za will help you find the car you are looking for by searching the Cars.co.za database on a daily basis until your ideal car is found.
How do I use the Car Request System on Cars.co.za?
Using the Car Request System on Cars.co.za is simple, here’s what you need to do,
When you have completed the car request form, click ‘Submit’.
The Cars.co.za database will search for your ideal car on a daily basis and send you feedback via e-mail when your ideal car has been found.
When using the Car Request System, it’s important to provide specific details regarding the car you are searching for. For instance, if you only provide Volkswagen as the car you are looking for, you will receive feedback for all Volkswagen cars for sale on Cars.co.za. Rather provide the exact details regarding the car you are searching for, that way you will receive more relevant results until you find the car you are looking for.
Summary
Using the Car Request System on Cars.co.za will help you to easily find the car you are looking for and will notify you when your ideal car has been found. Cars.co.za, the simple way to buy and sell cars.
Sell your used car to a private buyer
This article offers advice on how to sell your used car to a private buyer with a particular focus on what questions to ask the buyer and what safety precautions to take to avoid physical harm or being scammed.
Use Cars.co.za to sell your used car
Providing that you have adequately researched and prepared your car for sale, your next move should be to advertise your used car for sale on Cars.co.za. Cars.co.za is a premier car website in South Africa that attracts a large South African audience, giving you access to more than 250 000 potential buyers every month. Follow the 3 easy steps and load your used car for sale on Cars.co.za today.
Click on the Sell Car’ button on the menu bar,
Step 1: Fill in your personal details,
Step 2: Fill in the vehicle’s details,
Step 3: Select your preferred advertising package,
Payment can be made with a Credit Card or EFT,
Once payment has been received, your advert will be screened for quality purposes and your advert will appear on Cars.co.za within hours,
If you require further assistance with your advert, please email [email protected] or contact 011 614 5612.
Once your used car has been advertised on Cars.co.za, you can expect to receive telephone calls or e-mails from potential buyers who may want to arrange a time and place to view your used car for sale. As the seller of your used car, you should try and obtain as much information as possible about the potential buyer. This will help you determine if the buyer is serious about buying your used car or if the buyer has ulterior motives.
What questions should you ask the buyer?
The questions to ask the buyer offered here only serve as a guideline, you may think of your own questions to suit your specific needs. Some questions are better asked before meeting the buyer, while other questions may have to be asked when meeting with the buyer in person. Here are some questions you can ask the buyer,
General Questions
What is your name?
What is your address?
What is your landline telephone number?
What car are you looking for?
Have you looked at any other cars?
Where did you hear about my car?
Who is the car for?
Meeting Arrangements
Would you like to arrange a time and place to view the car?
When would you like to view the car?
Where would you like to meet to view the car?
Do you want to test drive the car?
Do you have a valid drivers licence and insurance to test drive the car?
Do you want to have the car inspected by a mechanic?
When Meeting the Buyer
Do you like the car?
Do you want to buy the car?
How do you plan on paying for the car?
Would like to put down a deposit to secure the car?
When do you want to collect the car?
*Tip: Only accept cash or electronic bank transfers. Be weary of cheques and only release the car once you have received the full amount of money for the car.
What precautions should you take when meeting with the buyer?
Personal safety and avoiding car scams is of paramount importance when meeting with a potential buyer. For your own safety, consider the following safety precautions,
Personal Safety when meeting the buyer
Meet the buyer in a public place. Never meet in quiet or deserted locations,
Have a friend or family member accompany you when meeting with the buyer and when on the test drive,
Let other people know when and where you are meeting the buyer,
Ask the buyer for a driving licence, this will allow you confirm that the buyer is the person you have been communicating with, but will also ensure that they are legally able to test drive your used car.
How to avoid car scams
Avoid buyers who want to purchase your used car from overseas,
Avoid being distracted and watch your car keys at all times during the test drive. Some buyers, posing as thieves, could do a key swap and return later to steal your car,
Never let a potential buyer test drive your car alone because they may never come back,
If you accept a cheque as payment for your used car, make sure that the cheque clears before you release the car. Never release your car until the full amount of money is visible in your bank account,
If you suspect fraud, or are a victim of a car scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately.
What documents do you need when selling your used car?
When selling your used car to a private buyer, it’s important to have the necessary paperwork ready before meeting with the potential buyer. Make sure you have the following documents ready to handover to the buyer of your used car,
Service History Book
A comprehensive service history book and any other receipts regarding the maintenance of your used car are valuable to the buyer because it proves that your used car has been serviced and maintained properly. A wise car buyer won’t purchase a used car without comprehensive service history records.
Registration Documents
Make sure that you give the buyer the original vehicle registration document. You will also need to obtain form NCO (Notification of Change of Ownership) and fill in the relevant seller information. Make sure that the buyer understands that he/she has 21 days to notify the relevant registration authorities of change of ownership.
Receipt
Once all monies have been exchanged, you may write out a receipt or sellers contract to conclude the sale. Make sure you create two copies, for yourself and the buyer. Include the vehicle’s details such as make, model, year, mileage, registration number and VIN number. Make sure that the date and sale amount is also included. Stipulate that the car was sold as is, and include any other extra information relating to the sale. The seller and buyer’s name must appear on the receipt and both parties must sign the documents as proof of sale. Also have a witness sign the documents in case any issues arise in the future.
Summary
Selling your car privately can be a rewarding experience if you know what to ask potential buyers. Be aware of your surroundings when meeting with potential buyers and take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. Remember, Cars.co.za, the simple way to buy and sell cars.
Compare Car Adverts on Cars.co.za
If you are searching for a new or used car on Cars.co.za, it’s important to compare car information so that you are able to make the best possible decision when buying a new or used car. This article provides information on how to compare car adverts on Cars.co.za so that you can get the best possible deal on your next car.
What factors should you compare on Cars.co.za?
Every car is different and it’s therefore important to compare various characteristics so that you are able to make the right choice when you buy a new or used car. Here are some aspects you need to compare,
Price
The price of a car is one of the most important aspects to compare and will vary according to many factors including make, model, age, mileage and condition. Always compare prices with similar makes and models on Cars.co.za.
Mileage
The average mileage per year is about 25 000 km. Use this figure to compare the mileage with the age of the car as well as the price. Try and find a car that has the lowest mileage for the best possible price. Always compare mileage and price with similar makes and models on Cars.co.za.
Extra Features
Comparing extra features included with the car is necessary, especially if you are looking for specific features like ABS brakes, power steering, central locking etc. Compare car features against the price and compare features with similar makes and models on Cars.co.za.
Finance
Finance is an important aspect to compare when searching for a new or used car and will vary greatly depending on the price of the car, interest rate and the length of the financing term. Compare different financing options for similar makes and models on Cars.co.za.
Specifications
Compare car specifications with similar makes and models to narrow down your options when searching for a new car. Every new car model advertised on Cars.co.za is accompanied with a detailed specification sheet to help you decide what car is right for you. Remember to compare critical specifications such as fuel consumption, acceleration, CO2 emissions and so forth.
How can I compare cars using the Wishlist’ tool on Cars.co.za?
Comparing cars on Cars.co.za is simple with the Wishlist’ tool. Every car advertised on Cars.co.za is accompanied with a Wishlist’ button. Here’s what you need to do to compare cars using the Wishlist’ tool,
Browse for cars on Cars.co.za. If you are interested in a car, click the ‘Wishlist’ button. When you click the ‘Wishlist’ button, the car you are interested in is added to your ‘Wishlist’,
Find other cars that you are interested in and add them to your ‘Wishlist’ by clicking the Wishlist’ button,
To compare the cars you have selected, simply click Compare’ in your ‘Wishlist’ window,
If you want to contact the relevant dealers / sellers for the cars you have selected, simply click Contact’ in your ‘Wishlist’ window. Fill out the ‘Contact Seller’ form and click ‘Contact Now’ to send your details to the relevant dealer / seller.
Summary
Its important to Compare car adverts before buying a new or used car. The ‘Wishlist’ tool on Cars.co.za is a simple way to compare cars that you are interested in. Cars.co.za, the simple way to buy and sell cars.
Car Maintenance Checks to Perform on Your Car
Performing regular car maintenance checks on your car is an important aspect to owning a car and will ensure that your car is safe for diving and in excellent running order. This article highlights regular checks that you should perform on your car.
Important Car Maintenance Checks
There are several car maintenance checks that you need to perform on your car on a regular basis to ensure that your car is functioning the way it's meant to. Here are some checks you can perform on a regular basis,
Check the Oil Oil offers much needed lubrication for your engine and it's important to check your oil level often, preferably every time you fill up with fuel. Make sure that you use the correct grade motor oil for your car and be sure to change your oil regularly, preferably twice a year.
Check the Water Make sure that your car's water level is sufficient and don't forget to add antifreeze. Antifreeze increases the water's boiling point and prevents the water from boiling. Antifreeze also prevents water from freezing and helps cool your engine effectively. The mixing ratio is usually 50% antifreeze and 50% water. You should replace antifreeze approximately every two years. Take care when opening the water cap, especially when the engine has been running.
Check the Brake Fluid Make sure your break fluid is sufficient by checking your brake fluid canister. Refer to your owner's manual if you are unsure how to check your brake fluid.
Check the Wipers Make sure that your windscreen wipers are functioning properly and that the blades have not perished. Also, make sure that you have sufficient water in your windscreen washer. Replace your windscreen wipers at least once a year.
Check the Lights It's important to check that all the lights on your car are working correctly and should be checked at least once a week. If a light is not working, you may have to replace a bulb or a fuse.
Check the Tyres Check your tyre pressure on a weekly basis and ensure that all the tyres are inflated to the required pressure. Check your owner's manual for the recommended tyre pressure for your car. Also, check that your tyres have sufficient tread. If they are worn out, have them replaced.
Check the Paint Keeping your car clean will ensure that the paint is well cared for and free of corrosion. Wash and wax your car on a regular basis. Don't use household cleaning detergents to clean your car, rather buy cleaning products designed for cars.
Apart from performing these regular car maintenance checks on your car, make sure that you have your car fully serviced as suggested by your car manufacturer. Regular servicing will ensure that your car is functioning properly and is safe to drive on the roads. Also, if you experience small issues with your car, like leaks or strange noises or smells, don't ignore them, rather seek professional advice and fix the problem as soon as possible. Summary Basic car maintenance is not difficult and only requires that you tend to the basic needs of your car on a regular basis. By performing regular car maintenance checks on your car, you avoid potentially serious problems later. A well maintained, well-serviced car will be worth more when you decide to sell your car.
Tyre Maintenance Tips
Tyre maintenance is an important, and often overlooked, requirement that every car owner needs to fulfil while owning and driving a car. Regular tyre maintenance will increase the longevity of your tyres and will ensure that your tyres are safe. This article offers advice on how to maintain your tyres on a regular basis.
Regular tyre maintenance tips
There are several tyre maintenance procedures you need to follow to ensure that your tyres offer the best performance possible and are safe to use. Here are six routine tyre maintenance procedures that you need to be aware of.
Check Tyre Pressure
Check your tyre pressure on a regular basis and make sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Refer to your owner's manual to check what tyre pressure is suitable for your tyres. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will help reduce fuel consumption and excessive wear on your tyres and reduce the chance of tyre failure (blow-out). For an accurate tyre pressure reading, check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.
Check Tyre Tread
Check the tread depth on your tyres on a regular basis. All tyres have tread wear indicator bars moulded into the tread. When the tyre tread becomes level with these bars it's time to replace your tyres. If your tyre's tread depth is less than 1.6mm, you should have them replaced. Never drive on worn or smooth tyres as this drastically increases the chance of tyre failure which could lead to a serious accident.
Tyre Balancing
Make sure your tyres are correctly balanced whenever you have your tyres changed or repaired. Unbalanced tyres cause premature and irregular tyre wear and can damage your vehicle's suspension. If you feel vibrations while driving you need to have your tyres balanced correctly.
Wheel Alignment
It's important to have your wheels and steering components correctly aligned to prevent premature and uneven tyre wear. Have your wheels aligned when you change or repair your tyres. Alternatively, you should check your wheel alignment after every 10 000km. If you notice uneven tread wear on your tyres, take your car to a professional tyre service centre and have your wheels correctly aligned.
Tyre Rotation
Rotating your tyres extends the life of your tyres and should be rotated between 5 000 km and 10 000km. Rotating your tyres on a regular basis will ensure that your tyres wear evenly and will make them last longer.
Tyre Repair
If your tyres get damaged or are punctured, avoid fixing the problem yourself. Take the tyre to a trained professional who will properly assess and repair the tyre damage. Avoid driving into kerbs or other objects that may damage your tyres.
Summary
Safety comes first and tyre maintenance is of paramount importance if you own and drive a car. Conduct regular tyre checks to ensure that your tyres are safe to use. If your tyres are worn out, replace them immediately.
How to Change a Car Tyre
In the unfortunate event of a flat car tyre or a blow-out, you need to know how to change a tyre safely without damaging your car. There is no need to panic because changing a car tyre is actually easier than you might think. This article offers advice on how to effectively change your car tyre in minutes without damaging your car in the process.
What safety measures must I consider before changing a car tyre?
Before you change your tyre, you need to think about safety first, here's what you need to do:
Turn well off the road and make sure you are not obstructing traffic in any way. Make sure that you park your car on a solid, level surface. Avoid parking on loose, uneven ground
Turn your engine off and switch your hazard lights on
Engage the handbrake and put your car into first gear or put the car into park (P). If you are changing a rear wheel, leave the handbrake off
Safely remove all passengers from the car
Chock (object) the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be replaced. This will prevent the car from moving while you change the wheel
Refer to your owner's handbook to locate the correct jacking points on your car. Only use the specified jacking points to avoid damaging your car
What do I need to change a car tyre?
You will need the following to change your wheel:
Spare Wheel – You will need an inflated spare wheel to replace the damaged wheel. Note: If you are using a skinny' or biscuit' wheel you can only travel up to 80km/h using this spare wheel
Wheel Spanner – The wheel spanner is used to loosen and tighten the nuts on the wheel
Portable Car Jack – The car jack is used to lift the car and lower the car
How do I change a car tyre?
Providing that you have the right tools, changing a wheel is a simple task that can be done quickly with minimal effort. Here's what you need to do to change a car tyre:
If your car wheel has a hubcap, remove it. Also remove the protective casing around the wheel nuts as well as the nut caps
Using the wheel spanner, loosen all the wheel nuts by turning the wheel spanner in an anti-clockwise direction. If the wheel nuts have an L' on them you will have to loosen them in a clockwise direction. Note: Only loosen the wheel nuts. Do not loosen the wheel nuts completely
Place the car jack securely at the specified jacking point nearest to the wheel you are replacing. Ensure that the car jack is securely and firmly placed
When secure, slowly jack-up the car until the wheel is safely off the ground. Only jack the car up high enough to remove the wheel
Take the wheel nuts off and remove the wheel
Place the spare car tyre in position and finger tighten all the wheel nuts. Do not tighten the wheel nuts completely
Using the car jack, lower the car until the wheel is firmly on the ground
Using the wheel spanner, tighten the wheel nuts as much as you can. It may help to use your foot on the wheel spanner to tighten the wheel nuts
Replace the protective casing, wheel caps and hubcap
Place the damaged car tyre, car jack and wheel spanner neatly in the boot
Have your damaged car tyre repaired or replaced as soon as you possibly can
*Tip: Never lie under the car while raised with a car jack.
Summary
Changing a car tyre or wheel is easy if it's done correctly and providing you have the right tools. Always make sure that you have taken the necessary safety precautions before changing a wheel. Rather call for roadside assistance if you are unable to change a wheel yourself. Click here for Tyre Maintenance Tips.
Avoid Car Scams in South Africa
Whether you are buying or selling a car, you should always take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. This article offers advice on how to avoid car scams in South Africa.
What are car scams?
A scam can be defined as an intentional, deceptive, fraudulent activity with the intention of obtaining money or possessions from an individual. The person responsible for the scam is commonly known as a scammer’.
What are the signs of a car scam?
Car scams can be presented in many different ways and usually occur via the Internet, E-mail or SMS. The following are common signs of a scam:
The price of the car is well below the market value
Scammers will refuse to provide sufficient contact details. The phone number provided is either faulty, remains unanswered or goes directly to voice mail
Scammers will usually make an excuse for not being available via telephone
Scammers may demand the full price of the car, or a deposit, to be transferred immediately. Once they have received money they fail to release the vehicle and become difficult to contact
Scammers often claim to live overseas or have some kind of hidden agenda
How can you avoid being scammed by a car seller?
Cars.co.za makes a considerable effort to ensure that every private vehicle advertised is a legitimate vehicle. Nonetheless, it’s important to know how to avoid being scammed by a private car seller, take note of the following:
Never transfer or hand over cash to a seller if you have not seen and verified the vehicle
Always meet with the seller in person, preferably in a public place
Always do a history check on the vehicle to ensure that it’s not stolen and that the car’s details match those on the ownership registration and roadworthy documents
Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the number on the owner registration and roadworthy documents and that the VIN number on the car has not been tampered with
Check that the seller’s address matches the address on the registration and roadworthy documents
Research the car’s value by searching for similar models on Cars.co.za. If the value of the car is far below what it should be, it could be a scam
Check the service history of the car
Scammers prefer to use email as a preferred method of communication. Always contact the seller via a phone number, preferably a landline number
If you suspect fraud or are a victim of a scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately
If you wish to verify the legitimacy of a vehicle on Cars.co.za contact 011 450 2450
*Tip: If you feel unsure about the car, the seller or the documents rather walk away.
How can you avoid being scammed by a car buyer?
To avoid car scams by a car buyer take note of the following,
Never allow a potential car buyer to test drive the car alone, it may even be required to take another person on the test drive with you
Ensure that the potential buyer has a valid drivers licence and sufficient insurance in case of an accident occurring while on the test drive
Never leave the car or the keys unattended or left in the ignition. A key swop is a common method used by criminals to steal a car
Be wary of car buyers who do not want to view the vehicle in person
Be wary of payments made by cheque. If a buyer pays with a cheque, wait until the check has been verified, cleared and given value by the bank before transferring ownership or handing over the vehicle
If the buyer wants to pay with cash, arrange to meet at the bank where the cash can be verified and banked safely,
Always check that the correct amount of money has been received before transferring ownership or handing over the vehicle
If you suspect fraud, or are a victim of a scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately
*Tip: Find out as much as you possibly can about a potential buyer.
Summary
Whether you are buying a car or selling a car, always be on the lookout for car scams and take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. Be vigilant at all times.
How to do a Fuel Consumption calculation
If you own and drive a car, it’s useful to know how many litres of petrol or diesel per km your car consumes so that you can take the necessary steps to reduce excessive fuel consumption. This article will show you how to calculate your car’s fuel consumption per km so that you can compare your fuel economy over time.
How do I calculate my car’s fuel consumption?
Calculating your car’s fuel consumption is easy if you know the distance travelled and the amount of fuel used to travel that distance. Here’s what you need to do,
Fill up your tank with fuel
Record your current mileage as displayed on your odometer. If your car has a trip odometer, reset it to zero.
Drive your car normally until you need to fill up again
When the fuel tank is empty, fill it up
Record how much fuel you used
Use your trip odometer to see how many kilometres you have travelled since your last fill up. If you don’t have a trip odometer, record the latest odometer reading and subtract the first odometer reading to determine how far you have driven,
To work out how many kilometres your car drives on one litre of fuel simply divide the total distance travelled by the total litres of fuel used. Example: 400 km / 42 litres = 9.5 km’s per litre.
To find what your car’s fuel economy is (Metric System), multiply the amount of fuel used by 100 and divide that by the total kilometres driven. Example: 42 litres x 100 / 400 = 10.5 litres / 100km.
Tip: Repeat this process randomly to compare your fuel economy over time. If your fuel economy increases drastically, it may be an indication of a mechanical fault that may need the attention of a professional. There are many factors that may influence your car’s fuel economy both positively and negatively. Some of these factors include driving techniques, road conditions and your car’s overall mechanical condition. Read Fuel Efficient Driving Techniques if you want to know how you can improve your car’s fuel economy.
Summary
Knowing how much fuel you car consumes and taking the necessary steps to mitigate excessive fuel consumption can save you money in the long run. Check your fuel economy on a regular basis and take the necessary action if your fuel economy is unusually high.
Avoid car theft in South Africa
Car theft is a common occurrence in South Africa and car owners should take the necessary precautions to avoid car theft or car related theft. This article offers advice on how to avoid and prevent car theft and car related theft.
What can I do to prevent car theft?
Car thieves are opportunistic and will use any opportunity to get away with your car or possessions. For this reason, car owners should take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of having their car or possessions stolen. Here’s what you can do to avoid car theft and car related theft,
Be Aware – Awareness is an important aspect of crime prevention. Always be aware of your surroundings and be on the look out for suspicious individuals or behaviour. If you suspect that someone is up to no good, call the Police.
Park Safely – When parking, find a safe and secure parking area that is well lit, guarded and subject to public presence. Avoid parking in deserted, isolated parking lots. If you have to park on a street, ensure that the area is well lit and preferably guarded. Avoid dark, isolated parking areas. If possible, park your car in a lockable garage or behind locked gates.
Keep Valuables Safe – Ensure that all valuables including GPS devices, laptops, I-pads, cell phones, radio face, clothing or anything of value are kept on your person and not in sight. If you have to, store valuables in the boot. If you can, avoid storing items in your centre console or glove compartment. Do not keep car registration or car ownership documents in the car. Thieves will steal anything and are well aware of where to find valuable items.
Use Vehicle Protection – Before leaving your car unattended, make sure that you activate anti-theft security devices such as alarm systems, gear lock, steering lock, immobilizer or any other security system you have installed. Make sure that all security systems are in working order and operational when you leave your car unattended. It may be worth investing in a tracking device so that your car can be traced in the event of theft.
Lock-Up – Always lock your car. Never leave your car unattended for any amount of time without locking it. Physically check that all the doors, windows, sunroof and boot are properly closed and locked.
Keep Your Keys Safe – Always keep your car keys safely on your person at all times. Never leave your car idling unattended for any reason and don’t leave your keys in the ignition. An unattended idling car is an easy target for a car thief. Do not leave spare car keys hidden in your car.
Pick up the Phone – If you’ve been a victim of car theft, phone the police immediately for assistance and report the crime. Remember to provide as much details as you possibly can. If you have a tracking device, call the tracking company immediately to report the theft. You will also need to phone your car insurance company to lodge a claim.
Tip: The more anti-theft protection devices you use in your car, the less chance a thief will have to get away with your car and you may be able to reduce your car insurance premium too.
Summary
Take the necessary precautions to avoid having your car or possessions stolen. Always be aware of your surroundings and reduce the risk of car theft by installing approved anti-theft devices and remember to always lock your car.
Avoid distracted driving
Distracted driving is a growing problem both in South Africa and around the world. Distracted driving dramatically increases the chances of serious or fatal accidents occurring and should be avoided at all costs. This article offers advice on how to practice safe driving techniques and how to avoid distracted driving.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving can be defined as follows:
Any activity or action that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of driving.
What activities or actions constitute distracted driving?
There are many activities or actions that can distract a driver from the primary task of driving, these include:
Eating or drinking while driving
Any outside person, object, event, animal, crash scene, road construction etc
Adjusting a radio, cassette, CD player, I-pod or GPS device
Other passengers in the vehicle
Any moving object in the vehicle whether it be a pet, insect or an object falling off a seat
Reaching for and lighting a cigarette, smoking or dropping a cigarette
Dialling, talking, listening, texting or reaching for a cell phone
Reaching for any other object in the vehicle including sunglasses, purse, handbag or water bottle
Using any device attached to the vehicle including mirrors, lights and seatbelts
Medical issues, looking at a map or road sign, fatigue
General inattentiveness
Tip: Cell phones pose the biggest threat to drivers and passengers. NEVER use your cell phone while driving.
How can I avoid distracted driving?
Although avoiding all distractions at all times while driving is not possible, being aware of distractions and mitigating them when they arise is certainly a doable task for any driver. Anyone who operates a motor vehicle should focus all their attention to the task of driving at all times and take the necessary action to avoid being distracted, here is what you can do to avoid distractions while driving:
Tend to all calls and messages on your cell phone before you begin driving. Switch your cell phone off to avoid any cell phone distraction while driving or simply allow your voicemail to pick up any incoming calls. Do not send text messages while driving. If you need to answer a phone call or send a message, rather pull safely off the road to do so.
Only use a voice activated hands-free kit if possible. Remember, a hands-free kit does not reduce distraction while driving. Talking while driving is a distraction and turning your cell phone off while driving is a sure way to prevent cell phone related distracted driving.
Do not eat or drink while driving. Eat and drink before or after driving.
Children and friends can be a distraction while driving. If your children are restless while driving, give them appropriate entertainment like toys or books to keep them occupied while you drive. If you have to, pull safely off the road to deal with your children appropriately. Make sure that friends and children refrain from horseplay in the car while you drive.
Make sure your pets are properly secured while driving. This can be done using a pet harness, pet carrier or a portable kennel. Never let your pets sit in your lap while you drive.
Pre-set your radio and load your CD player before embarking on a journey. This will reduce distraction while you drive. Avoid playing loud music while driving and keep the volume level reasonable.
Avoid setting and using navigation devices while driving. Pre-set your GPS or in-car navigation system before you begin driving. The same applies for any other adjustment you need to make such as seat and mirror adjustments. If you have to, rather ask a passenger to assist you or alternatively pull safely off the road to make any adjustments.
Avoid staring at external events or objects while driving, keep focused on the task of reaching your destination safely.
Educate your teenage driver about the risks associated with distracted driving.
Avoid reading maps, books or newspapers while driving.
Avoid grooming such as hair grooming or applying makeup while driving.
Tip: Avoid any action or activity that will distract you from the task of driving. Be conscious and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Summary
Distracted driving can and does put innocent lives at risk on a daily basis. Practice driving without distractions by following the suggestions in this article and educate friends and family about the risks of distracted driving.
