Eighty-five percent of the vehicles utilized by most drivers in Zimbabwe consist of imported used cars.
Affordable costs of pre-owned cars serve as the primary incentive for purchasers opting for them over brand-new vehicles.
JapaneseUsed vehicles lead over other sources like the UK, Thailand, Singapore, or even our neighbors in South Africa primarily because they provide the highest quality at the most affordable prices.
Although importing has become quite simple due to online advertisements and local dealership presentations, there are crucial steps you should take when you receive your used car before taking it for a drive.
It’s quite typical for motorists to celebrate with loved ones right after getting their much-anticipated vehicles, but I highly advise you to stay composed and make the following enhancements first before setting out on a lengthy trip or driving more than 100 kilometers.
Engine service
The vehicle you've brought in has been previously owned, which inherently indicates that someone else drove it into the country where you acquired it.
Although car owners in Europe and Asia meticulously maintain their vehicles, it remains crucial to begin with a clean sheet.
Have your car undergo a comprehensive engine service to feel assured when driving it.
The service ought to encompass the brake mechanism along with securing all bolts and nuts to guarantee that every component is perfectly conditioned.
If your imported car has a diesel engine, consider having a mechanic take out the catalytic converter, typically positioned between the exhaust manifold and the muffler.
Should you postpone its removal, you might notice decreased performance and higher fuel usage.
Tyre change
Starting to drive a used car equipped with its original tires isn’t advisable because their age, state, and uncertain past might affect road traction, vehicle control, and stopping ability, which could result in crashes.
Most of the imported used cars come equipped with snow tires that are not suitable for our local weather conditions.
Even though the tires might appear fine when you inspect them visually, they could still have concealed damage such as compromised sidewalls, internal belt deterioration, or unseen punctures.
To prevent potential performance problems due to uneven wear that might lead to longer stopping distances and inferior handling, it’s recommended to purchase new tires or high-quality second-hand ones so you can operate your vehicle with complete assurance.
Insurance
In Zimbabwe, owning a motor vehicle requires having a valid license, proof of insurance, and a radio license—all of which are compulsory. You must have these documents to legally operate your car.
I realize that upon clearing cars at the border, an additional third-party insurance policy is acquired at this stage.
Nonetheless, this kind of insurance doesn’t protect your vehicle itself. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for full coverage which provides reimbursement for damages to your car, the driver, and others implicated in the collision with you.
Accidents can happen at any time, so you shouldn’t delay purchasing coverage and shifting the risk to your insurance provider.
Car tracking
In these times, numerous criminals focus on specific types of vehicles, and your imported car could easily catch their attention.
Therefore, it is recommended to have the tracking device installed on the same day it arrives at your residence. The benefits of fitting a car tracker are clear. By choosing a reliable company for the installation, you can:
- Be aware of your vehicle's whereabouts at all times, as well as its entire travel history.
- Prevent theft — if your vehicle gets taken, you can halt the engine remotely using your smartphone.
- Geofence routes—this feature lets you define an operational zone for your car, such as areas like Harare, Chitungwiza, Mutare, and Masvingo, particularly useful if it's a taxi or rental vehicle. Should the car venture beyond these designated boundaries, you'll get notified via your phone.
Car identity
The identification of a vehicle involves engraving the registration number onto various parts such as side mirrors, windows, and headlights. This serves as an effective deterrent against minor thefts since stolen components like marked mirrors become less valuable. Additionally, this marking is crucial for identifying your automobile in cases of theft when license plates have been removed.
Ensuring security for the spare tire and detachable components
In Zimbabwe, especially within major urban centers such as Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Masvingo, petty crime rates remain alarmingly high. It is crucial to ensure the security of your spare tire, particularly if you own a four-wheel drive vehicle, to prevent easy theft. Additionally, securing smaller detachable components with rivets can help deter unauthorized removal.
I nstall sump guard
A sump guard is a metallic shield installed beneath the vehicle’s frame to safeguard against dirt, rust, particles, and impacts typically encountered during off-road driving. Should your automobile feature low ground clearance and frequently traverse unpaved routes leading to your residence, installing a sump guard would be essential.
Install alarm system
Putting an alarm system on your vehicle significantly boosts safety and helps prevent theft.
This should definitely provide some reassurance when driving your newest acquisition.
After securing your vehicle with robust protection measures, it becomes simpler to focus on more delicate aspects such as the audio system.
Similar to how cars imported from Japan often arrive with radio systems incompatible with those used in Zimbabwe.
Having an excellent audio system in your vehicle allows you to fully appreciate driving while singing to your favorite tunes.
Bringing cars into the country can take anywhere from 60 to 120 days, based on their origin.
Hence, it seems reasonable to prevent patients from driving the car right away after they receive it.
Nevertheless, most of the items I've listed should be addressed prior to undertaking a lengthy journey to ensure you safeguard your possession, which often ranks as your second biggest investment after your home.
A comprehensive valet wash is crucial for eliminating cigarette smoke, stains, and cleaning it thoroughly following a lengthy journey from the Dar es Salaam port or the Beitbridge border crossing.
*With 25 years of expertise in the automotive sector, Stanley Makombe oversees vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, the UK, and South Africa into various African nations. As an author representing himself, he may be reached at +254 743 900 590, on X under the handle @Stan_Carsales, or via email:. [email protected] , www.stanleymakombe.com
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