Category: Blog

Isuzu Botswana, reliability is everything; The 1 MILLION KM Bakkie

A name known by many across all trades. From farmers, police, firefighters and miners, Isuzu often finds itself in the toughest situations. For many in these fields, reliability is truly everything. Tackling robust work like a horse galloping on a sandy beach.

Isuzu has stood the test of time over and over again. One such story comes all the way from Mossel Bay on the Western Coast of Southern Africa.

David Manley, a retired Ship Surveyor demonstrated how reliable Isuzu is when his 18-year-old Isuzu 25 Diesel LE, hit the 1-million km mark on the clock. Wow! A million kilometres is a lot for a car that’s 18-years-old. If that isn’t impressive enough, it’s still going.

Back in 2000, he bought his resilient Isuzu bakkie. Bought brand new, she’s been proving her worth ever since. The Bakkie saw a lot of South Africa. Being used to travel all over carrying David’s sons’ boat to different sailing competitions during his High School years…

A month after it hit the 1 Million Kilometer mark in 2017 David and his wife took a trip to the Kalahari and back. Further showcasing just how strong their Isuzu bakkie is. When they got back they decided the bakkie was old enough to retire.

Living a more simple life of daily errand running and farm work transport is how she spends her days now. She earned the relaxed life of a retiree, of course. After all, she did pile up over a million kilometres.

 

She may be 18, but is still strong and wasn’t ready to completely retire. Another trip for 2019 was organised to go through to Namibia and back.

Mossel Bay to Namibia is approximately 1741.5 km there and back. Adding a whopping 3,483 km to the already impressively large number on the clock. That doesn’t even include the driving around they would be doing in Namibia itself.

Over the 18 years, David only had minor services done on his bakkie. Taking over the routine servicing himself after the bakkie hit the 200 000 km mark.

The bakkie still has its original engine and turbo. He had the timing gears replaced at 500 000 km’s and an exchange gearbox installed at 540 000 km’s.

He has nothing but confidence that his old Isuzu workhorse will still see many more days on the farm. Further strengthening the trust in the reliability and power of the Isuzu brand. We believe this Isuzu proved its worth over those 18 years.

A few rust marks only display the natural ageing cycle this bakkie is going through. 18 is pretty old in car years, you could almost consider it a classic!

When you think of reliability, what comes to mind? Something that you know won’t let you down in desperate situations? Getting to work on time is granted a desperate situation.

Our definition of reliability at Isuzu Botswana is more than that. We aim to be as reliable as the vehicles themselves. If you’re looking for reliability, we can help you. Leave your details and a team member will get in touch.

*Have a look at the original article by Wheels24.

 

Isuzu Botswana Tips On Saving Fuel

 

It’s no secret that the price of fuel rises like a rocket and falls like a feather. The cost for a litre of Diesel at the time of writing is P13.90.

Since petrol and diesel prices fluctuate and tend to increase rather than decrease. It’s difficult to know when prices will come down. You’ll need to be smart about saving fuel and how to save on fuel costs before you reach the pump. Fortunately for you, there are many ways to significantly save on fuel and fuel costs – without much effort, we might add.

Here are Isuzu Botswana’s tips on saving fuel;

 

 

Your Driving Habits:

 

1. Try Driving Less:

With rising fuel costs, there are several reasons why people are choosing to walk or bicycle to their destinations. It’s not so hard to do either.

A good tip on saving fuel is to combine your errand runs into one trip, meaning fewer trips into town. Use your bicycle to ride to work, of course, that’s if you have one. Get your cardio in by walking to shops if they are nearby. Forming a carpool system is another fantastic way you can save on fuel.

 

2. Try Keeping Your Warm-Ups To Under A Minute:

Cold mornings in Botswana are fortunately few and in the past engines would need to “warm up” before setting off. Warming your car for longer than a minute wastes fuel and emits large amounts of Greenhouse Gases. Modern engines like Isuzu’s petrol and diesel varieties don’t require an extended length of time to warm up.

 

3. The Time Of Day To Buy Fuel

Try purchasing your fuel early in the morning or late in the day when it cools down. Fuel is cooler earlier in the day, and denser. When temperatures rise, petrol density falls and you get less out when you’re pumping. 

Diesel engines, on the other hand, are more efficient the warmer the weather gets.

 

4. Slow Down!

Driving fast can be fun, but it also increases drag, which increases fuel consumption. Driving just below the speed limit and not accelerating quickly uses petrol more efficiently. This could help you fill up a lot less often on fuel.

 

5. Monitor Your Braking

Excessive braking wastes gas and causes your brake pads to wear out quicker. Always maintain a safe distance from yourself and the car in front of you. Especially if there’s heavy traffic – that way, you won’t need to brake as often as if you were tailgating.

Keeping a safe distance allows you to start braking earlier, avoiding the need to slam on the brakes. Slamming your brakes decreases the efficiency of your car and wastes fuel.

 

 

6. Turn The Engine Off

If you’re waiting around for a while, turn your engine off. Idling your car wastes a large amount of fuel and contributes to pollutants in the atmosphere.

 

7. Eliminate Wind Resistance

Your open windows increase drag. This, in the long run, costs you fuel. So try keeping your windows closed whenever possible. Also, remove any sort of rack you may have attached to your car when not in use. Removing racks will increase the aerodynamics of your car, thus saving you fuel.

 

8. Don’t Get Caught Without Petrol

If you wait until your tank is almost empty, you may find yourself stuck far from a petrol station. Driving on an empty tank causes damage to your fuel pump. Always make sure you’ve filled up before driving off.

 

 

Car Maintenance:

 

9. Keep An Eye On Those Tyres

Under-inflation causes tyres to wear out faster which causes you to waste fuel. Properly inflated tyres reduce friction and offer better fuel mileage.

However, temperature changes can cause tyre pressure to fluctuate by as much as 0.908 kg- 1,36 kg, so be sure to check the psi regularly – especially during seasons when the weather shifts drastically. Contact your local garage and ask if they perform tyre checks or go to your local petrol station.

 

10. Service Your Engine Regularly

Your engine needs to be serviced regularly. A regularly serviced engine uses less petrol. Can’t remember the last time you had your engine serviced? We think it’s time you gave us a call to book a service.

Also, keep an eye on your air filter. Air filters are changed during service but if you drive on dusty roads these filters may need changing more regularly. It is a relatively inexpensive procedure and the increase in fuel efficiency may cover the cost and more.

 

11. Use the Correct Motor Oil For Your Engine

Be sure to use the proper motor oil for your engine. If you’re not sure which type your car requires, check the owner’s manual or Isuzu owners can contact us. Using the wrong motor oil can cause damage to the engine causing it to work harder and waste petrol.

 

12. Time To Turn Off the A/C

As much as you may love your air conditioning, it turns your car into a petrol guzzler. Keep it turned off as much as possible. Keep your car cooler by parking in the shade and rolling down the windows a crack to circulate air.

 

 

Transmissions & Fuel Efficiency:

 

13. Drive A Manual Transmission

Manual transmission cars are more fuel-efficient than automatic transmission. If you drive a manual, shift up early and shift down late to save on fuel. Also, shift into neutral when the car is standing still to reduce the strain on your transmission.

 

14. Manage Your Speed

If your car is automatic, use the cruise control button to manage your speed and conserve fuel.

 

 

Planning Ahead:

 

15. Download a Fuel App

Using a smartphone app can help save you money at the petrol station. There are multiple apps which are not only available for iPhone, but also Android, Blackberry, Windows phones, and many others.

 

16. Choose the Quickest And Easiest Route

Whenever possible, take the route with the least stops. The shortest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient way…

 

Finally

The cost of fuel has fluctuated wildly over the last decade, but chances are that we won’t be seeing low fuel prices again for a long while. However, instead of simply waiting for fuel prices to fall, try to focus on finding clever and simple ways to save money. Invest in an economical vehicle with a high MPG when you make your next purchase. Continue to take care of your current vehicle, and try to carpool to work. And if possible, walk or ride a bike whenever the opportunity presents itself, rather than driving. It’s good for the environment and even greater for your health.

Need some more Isuzu Botswana tips on car safety, fuel-saving and car maintenance? We have you covered with all the latest tips and tricks for your vehicle and you. 

 

Isuzu D-Max Got A Facelift

Isuzu completely revamped its bakkie range back in 2018. Giving it a brand new name (D-Max) as well as higher levels of specification, quality & efficiency to make its ever-popular light commercial vehicle more appealing than ever.

Renamed the D-Max, which originated in Thailand. The ‘D’ originally referring to Isuzu’s 2000 year model bakkie, which boasted the flush “Dragon Eyes” headlamp design.

It also represents Isuzu’s proud legacy in the production of diesel engines using industry-defining direct injection, as well as ground-breaking design & durability. ‘Max’ signifies Isuzu’s maximum approach to design, size, comfort, technology, performance, safety & durability.

The bakkie line had been revised & enhanced to make the D-MAX more appealing & competitive than ever. The high-spec models raise the bar for Isuzu in terms of luxury & quality.

 

The Exclusive & Upmarket LX Range:

Visually, the biggest styling changes for the Isuzu D-Max made their debut on the range-topping 3.0-Litre LX models. They’re available in single, extended & double cab body styles.

There’s new, sleeker L-shaped headlight clusters, tapered with chromed accents & a new muscular chromed radiator grille which is central to the look that dominates the front fascia.

 

 

Along with the projector-type Bi-LED headlamps & LED daytime running lights introduced on the extended & double cab models, there are restyled foglamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents that give the LX a distinctive & aggressive stance.

Climbing into the cabin & the more upmarket look & feel of the LX models become immediately apparent, courtesy of the new soft-touch panels for the instrument cluster binnacle.

Passengers also benefit from the fitment of the latest-generation infotainment system. Incorporating an eight-inch full-colour touch screen that replaces the 6.5-inch version used in the previous model.

The fully-featured system incorporates the display for the rear-view camera, & facilitates Bluetooth hands-free cellphone use & audio streaming.

 

Six-speed Transmissions:

One of the most significant newer features of the D-Max range is the introduction of the six-speed gearbox. 

The six-speed manual benefits from optimised gear ratios & an improved shift action, which makes the most of the strong torque delivery & superb fuel economy of Isuzu’s dependable 3.0-Litre four-cylinder intercooler fitted, turbodiesel engine, which produces 130 kW of power & 380 Nm of torque.

 

Enhanced Driving Safety:

On the safety front, the ABS brakes on all D-MAX LX models are now equipped with Isuzu’s Brake Override System for the first time. *The system restricts accelerator input if the brake pedal is applied simultaneously, thereby reducing stopping distances in an emergency.

The standard Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control has also been bolstered with the addition of Trailer Sway Control that detects & minimises the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side-to-side.

The Hi-Rider and LE models can be equipped with an optional towbar package rated to tow a braked trailer up to a maximum load of 2.1 tons, while the standard heavy-duty unit on the 3.0-Litre 4X4 LX derivatives comes standard & is capable of hauling 3.5 tons.

As before, Electronic Stability Control Hill Start Assist & Hill Descent Control are included to assist the driver in all types of driving situations. These active safety features are available as a standard feature from the Fleetside Safety to the LX trim.

 

Extensive & Tailor-made:

There are 16 single cab derivatives in total that are available. Including the addition of the new Dropside Base models which can be specified. You have a choice of either a factory-fitted flat load deck or in Dropside configuration.

*Powered by the trusty 2.5-Litre turbodiesel engine that produces 58 kW and 176 Nm. You can order the Dropside Base models in 2.5-Litre LEED Base or Fleetside specification.

 

 

Isuzu Complete Care:

Isuzu Complete Care comes standard with every new Isuzu D-Max & embodies Isuzu’s unwavering commitment to after-sales service & customer satisfaction.

All D-Max models are sold as standard with a comprehensive five-year/120 000 km warranty & roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.

Included in your purchase is a  five-year/90 000 km service plan. With service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or once a year. Whichever comes first.

*With Isuzu Mobility, customers have the option of extending the standard service plan. You can upgrade your plan to a maximum of six years or 200,000 km. Alternatively, you can upgrade the service plan to a full maintenance plan. This covers the vehicle & unplanned maintenance for up to six years/200 000 km.

Like what you see? You can book a test drive, leave your details and one of our cool team members will call you back!

 

mu-X Features It All

Isuzu mu-X features excellent all-round capabilities that make it ideally suited to the modern family lifestyle.

 

The seven-seater mu-X matches the proud heritage of outstanding performance, distinctive style & an extremely comfortable interior.

 

Proven Performance:

Isuzu Motors is a global leader in the production of commercial diesel engines for the light, medium & heavy commercial vehicle markets, & has produced over 25-million engines to date.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a renowned engine that refines what Isuzu has learnt over the past 100 years. Providing the ideal balance between power, torque & fuel economy, Isuzu’s legendary 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine has built up an enviable reputation for performance, reliability, efficiency & low running costs.

Equipped with a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system for superior fuel economy, matched with a large intercooler for optimal thermo-cooling capacity & a variable geometry turbocharger that helps generate substantial low-end torque & top-end power while achieving low emissions. 

Rated for an impressive 3 000 kg maximum towing capacity, the mu-X pulls massive loads with ease.

 

Sophisticated Styling:

The designers at Isuzu used inspiration from Japanese culture & integrated the elegant curve of a traditional sword known as a ‘Katana’ into the side profile, which gives the SUV a sense of refinement & precision. 

Framing the bold chromed Isuzu front grille are striking headlight clusters that incorporate LED daytime running lights. Additionally, Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling functionality. Low-mounted fog lights compliment & provide additional visibility in difficult weather conditions.

 

Like what you see? You can test drive the mu-X today! Contact our team to book.

 

Spacious & Welcoming Cabin:

Blending the need for practicality & comfort with an overriding impression of luxury, the interior of the mu-X is both welcoming & feature-packed.

The modern interior, with its piano black finish & attractive bright silver accents, incorporates a centrally positioned infotainment system as one of its most noteworthy features. This multi-function unit boasts a nine-inch colour touchscreen display that provides access to the imbedded satellite navigation & audio system, Bluetooth connectivity & audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay & Android Auto functionality. Front & rear USB slots are provided, in conjunction with an auxiliary iPod input & HDMI port.

An electronic climate control system is standard & accessed via the circular cluster of controls in the centre drop-down of the dashboard. 

In addition to the normal dials built into the instrument cluster, an electroluminescent multi-information display gives the driver a clear view of essential information such as fuel economy, range, odometer & trip meter readouts, plus maintenance data.

 

Safety & Security:

Packed with an extensive range of active and passive safety features. To assist the driver in avoiding a collision, it is equipped with an all-disc ABS braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Emergency Brake Assist.

Electronic Stability Control assists the driver in taking control of the vehicle, while the Traction Control System prevents wheel spin & slippage. Hill Start Assist provides an electronic brake control that automatically engages to prevent vehicle roll-back. 

 

 

Included in the list of standard passive safety features are 6 airbags for impact protection in the event of a collision, comprising dual front, side & full-length curtain airbags, linked to front seat pre-tensioner seatbelts. Adjustable headrests are provided for all seven seats & the front bucket-type seats are designed to prevent whiplash in a rear impact.

 

Personalisation Options:

Personalise your SUV with a range of accessories specifically developed for Isuzu’s seven-seater SUV. 

Designed to be a highly practical family vehicle. There’s an additional storage box which can be located beneath the luggage area. This unit has three useful compartments to safely place items out of sight.

An optional tow bar feature is available. A sure popular addition for those that seek adventure. There’s a polished stainless-steel nudge bar fitted to beef up your mu-X’s frontal appearance. A bonnet guard protects the paintwork against stone chipping. 

A featured scuff plate limits damage to the rear bumper when loading/offloading.

 

 

Like what you see? You can test drive the mu-X today! Contact our team to book.

The Importance Of Keeping Your Tyres In A Safe Condition

Tyre safety importance doesn’t only help save your life, but that of fellow drivers. 

Your tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Your car wouldn’t be able to perform without them and this is why it is so important to make sure they are always in optimal shape.

Keep Your Eyes On The Following:

Tyre Tread:

The tread on your tyres ensures the tyre grips on the road correctly. Less tread means less traction and this is dangerous as you will be more likely to skid in wet conditions. This isn’t only extremely dangerous but also causes your car to consume more fuel.

Tyre Surface:

You need to ensure that your tyres are inflated and secure. Regular examinations are necessary for ensuring your safety on the roads. Checking for uneven areas, bumps, bulges, or anything that may have punctured your tyre.

Tyre Pressure:

Try getting into the habit of asking the petrol attendant to check your tyre pressure for you when stopping to fill up on petrol. It is better to do the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold (early-morning). Too high or low tyre pressure will affect braking and the grip-ability of your vehicles’ tyres. The way you drive, your speed and carload all affect your tyre pressure.

 

What Damages Your Tyres?:

Uneven Roads & Potholes:

Driving over uneven patches or potholes at high speed can damage your tyre or even cause a blowout.

Irregular Wear:

Poorly maintained tyres will wear unevenly due to incorrect inflation. This leads to some areas of the tyre being safe and other areas being bald which is extremely dangerous.

Want to know more about tyre safety importance? Allow one of our amazing team members to offer you more tyre safety tips by providing us with your details!

 

Sharp Objects:

A puncture is the result of a sharp object such as a nail or piece of glass making a small or large hole in the tyre, which causes pressure to be lost slowly over time. If you see your tyres’ pressure deflating or find a sharp object in it, you need to visit your local tyre dealer ASAP to have it replaced or fixed.

Always be prepared for a puncture in case you get one. Learning how to change a tyre or how to repair it is a good way to prepare.

Replacing Your Isuzu Parts

Do you own an Isuzu? A car brand that is both powerful & reliable. However, during your vehicle’s life it will require certain replacement parts due to everyday wear and tear. When it comes to replacing Isuzu parts you have three options: original Isuzu parts, aftermarket parts, and used parts.

So which is the better option for you?

This comes down to budget and preference. If you’re finding it difficult to decide on which option to choose, then here are some advantages and disadvantages of each to have a look at. Happy reading!

Original Isuzu parts or Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) parts? 

In agreement with many automotive experts, acquiring the original Isuzu or OEM Isuzu replacement parts is the best choice.

Some advantages: 

The correct fit: Original or OEM Isuzu replacement parts will always fit perfectly, provided you have acquired the right parts for your car model. Original or OEM parts are manufactured by Isuzu themselves or their certified manufacturers. Meaning you can rest easy knowing the parts you have acquired will fit perfectly. Parts that fit correctly contribute to your vehicle’s performance.

It has a warranty: A big advantage with original or OEM parts is the warranty that they come with. Meaning if your parts fail while still under warranty, you pay zero to have it replaced!

Lower maintenance costs: Original/OEM Isuzu parts last for many years. They won’t break down or fail abruptly. In fact, when using OEM or original Isuzu parts, you will need no maintenance for the first several thousand kilometres. While OEM or original parts may be slightly more costly, the advantages far outweigh the cost.

 

If you need to book a service for your Isuzu, click here and one of our lovely team members will call you right back.

 

Aftermarket Parts:

The second best option is aftermarket parts.

Upsides:

Budget-Friendly: Aftermarket parts are more economically friendly than original or OEM parts. If budget is an issue and you need to fix your vehicle ASAP then aftermarket parts are ideal.

Quality: A common misconception is that aftermarket parts are no good. In fact, they are newly manufactured and much better than used parts. Manufactured by other manufacturers and not by Isuzu or certified Isuzu OEM. The only thing aftermarket parts lack is the Isuzu trademark.

Downsides:

Zero Warranty: Without a warranty, you will have to purchase new parts in the event that they fail abruptly or break.

An imperfect fit: Occasionally an aftermarket Isuzu part might not fit the way it should, the reason behind this is that it has not been manufactured by Isuzu or their respected certified manufacturers. An imperfectly fitted part may impede the performance of your vehicle.

 

Used Isuzu Parts:

Using used parts is an option, but not the one that is highly recommended. The only notable upside of used parts is their low purchase cost. Being used, you can acquire them at half the price of a new part, however, used parts come with an array of issues.

There are many downsides of used parts:

Quality & lifespan: Used Isuzu parts have indeed been manufactured by Isuzu or their respected manufacturers, but they have also been used. They have endured a lot of wear and tear from previous users and are almost at the end of their lifespan. This increases the chance of the part breaking unexpectedly, meaning you’ll have to fork out more money to have it replaced.

Imperfect fit: Second-hand parts have endured a lot of usages, which may have altered their dimensions. This can cause them to fit improperly. An improper fit may be detrimental to the performance of your vehicle.

Zero Warranty: No warranty means you will have to pay again to have your part replaced if it breaks or fails suddenly.

 

In conclusion, when replacing Isuzu parts, the best option is to either obtain the original Isuzu parts or buy aftermarket replacement parts. Don’t opt for used parts, in the long run, they will present more issues than they solve and cost you a fortune to replace.