Motorist Resources

Matrix has provided a few simple, but important, tips to remember when caught in the downpour.

The panic that sets in when you glance at your rear-view mirror and see a cloud of smoke coming from the back of your car, is something many of us have experienced before. The good news is that different types of exhaust emissions can mean different things, ranging from minor maintenance to something a lot more serious.

We want to make sure that your vehicle is road-trip ready for this festive season. To ensure the best possible experience on the road, we want to encourage all motorists to get your vehicle checked and have a plan of action in place before embarking on your journey.

When people think of distracted driving, they usually think of texting or making phone calls while driving, without the use of a hands-free kit. However, other common types of technology-related distracted driving exist – things that you may not even be aware of.

If you are travelling by car, a long road trip is serious test for any vehicle so its important to check that everything is in working condition by sending it in for a service, something many motorists do before they start their holiday. However, what about the good ol’ trusty trailer that is used to carry all those extra gifts, bags, groceries, luggage and kids toys that simply would not fit in the car. Why not start the festive season off on the right foot, and get both serviced at the same time.

It's late at night and you're driving on a dark, lonely road. Suddenly, the steering wheel tugs in your hands and the car is hard to control. You ease the car to the side of the road and stop. Getting out, you see that the left rear tyre is going flat and you don't have a spare.

There's a big difference between observing reckless driving behaviour and reacting to it with rage. It's perfectly normal to be alarmed at poor driving and hopefully to respond defensively. But some of us get furious at times. We honk our horns. We slow way down with them right on our tailgate to "teach them a lesson," or we pull up beside them, roll down our windows, and yell.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has encouraged motorists to be cautious at all times, especially when travelling at night. As a South African motorist, it’s important to check your rear-view mirror while driving and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you are suspicious that someone is following you, there are precautions you can take to make sure that you stay safe.

Bumper bashing – an expletive for many motorists who have been involved in a collision or seen it happen to someone else. In fact, having someone drive into the back of your car can really leave you feeling distraught, especially when you may be held accountable for causing the accident.

Should learner drivers turn to their parents for driving lessons? Or is it safer and more effective learning from a driver instructor?