With people facing financial pressures, a new car has become an unaffordable luxury for many. But just because your car’s three- or five-year warranty has expired, you don’t need to replace it immediately with a new car and incur additional expenses, especially if your existing car has been well maintained and is still in acceptable working condition. Instead, using the right engine oil will help to keep your car fighting fit.

In June 2022, according to the latest available figures from Lightstone, the average age of a vehicle on South African roads was 10.5 years, from a low of 9.3 years in 2015. Keeping your car on the road comes at a cost. Once the warranty expires, you will have to pay for mechanical breakdowns and maintenance. Today’s cars are built better than they were 30 years ago, but unfortunately their complex electronics means that when they do break down, they can be very expensive to repair.

To assist in prolonging the life of your engine, it is critical to use the right oil. Not all engine oils are the same.

What difference can engine oil make?

The primary function of an engine oil or lubricant is to reduce friction and wear in the engine. They also perform a number of other functions including preventing the formation of sludge and varnish on metal surfaces; reducing metal to metal contact (e.g. on the cam shaft and bearings); improving fuel economy; keeping the engine running at optimum conditions; preventing seals from leaking or cracking; and reducing foaming as the oil moves through the engine.

Lubricants consist of base oil plus additional materials such as additives, detergents and viscosity modifiers to enhance the lubricants performance. The selection of and quantity of materials in the oil must be balanced to achieve the desired performance attributes for your vehicle.

The type of base oil; mineral vs synthetic and the viscosity of the oil is very dependent on the requirements of the vehicle and the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications the oil carries. The manufacturers of modern cars will specify what you should use.

Choose the right oil

Castrol offers some of the world’s leading engine oil brands, such as EDGE, MAGNATEC and GTX. Each one addresses different aspects of car care.

Castrol EDGE: As global emissions standards tighten, engines provide better fuel economy and lower emissions, but at the same time turbo-charging increases the amount of pressure in the engine. Castrol EDGE delivers more power from the same amount of fuel.

Relative to a 5W-40 baseline, demonstrated by engine testing for more than 80% of the Castrol portfolio in volume in 2021.

Tested vs the Sequence IVA API SN & CEC OM646LA ACEA wear limits

Castrol MAGNATEC: A normal urban car can stop and start up to 18,000 times a year, causing microscopic engine wear. Castrol MAGNATEC with DUALOCK technology can reduce stop-start wear by up to 50%[2] compared with an industry reference 15W40 oil. It latches onto critical engine components, forming a strong layer of protection for your engine and unlocking non-stop protection from the moment you start.

Castrol GTX: Castrol GTX is made using a 3X Clean formula to fight the three causes of harmful engine sludge – heat, contaminants and short trips – keeping engines cleaner for longer. It catches harmful sludge particles by surrounding and trapping them, controls sludge by containing it, which prevents particles from sticking together or to surfaces, and cleans the engine, as the sludge is removed with the next oil change.

Use Castrol’s handy oil finder this will assist you in discovering what oil you should be using for your particular car make and model. Castrol’s range of high-quality oils are tailored to meet the needs of most cars, ensuring optimal performance and protection. It makes more rands and cents to use the right oil than to pay the steep costs of mechanical breakdown. Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/CastrolProductFinder.

Oral care brand Ordo has made a significant splash with the launch of its latest innovation, the Hydro Sonic Water Flosser. Currently available in four colours, the product has quickly gained traction among consumers, thanks to its powerful-yet-gentle cleaning technology and sleek design.

The value-packed flosser has industry-leading features such as an easy-to-fill tank, one of the largest tanks on the market which is also treated with a special antimicrobial additive that reduces bacteria buildup by up to 99.5%, an intuitive travel lock for security-on-the-go, and a patented internal tip storage compartment.

“We are absolutely delighted with the response to our Hydro Sonic Water Flosser,” said Barty Walsh, co- founder of Ordo. “Our mission has always been to make oral care products that are functional, desirable, and aJordable. This product embodies that ethos perfectly.”

Since its launch last November, the Hydro Sonic has recorded impressive sales figures, with over 10,000 units sold within the first few weeks and over 60,000, units to date.

The product’s success can be attributed to its considered design, which combines the benefits of traditional flossing with the convenience of water-based, hydro sonic cleaning. The flosser operates with high-frequency water pulses, up to 2000 per minute, to remove plaque and debris eJectively. With three pressure settings, and on-demand or constant power options, it oJers a customisable flossing experience for a wide range of customers, from those with braces and implants to individuals seeking a more thorough cleaning routine.

Market experts have noted a growing trend toward user-friendly oral care solutions, with consumers increasingly seeking products that oJer professional-level results at home.

“Consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Walsh. “Many of our customers appreciate the ease of use and the noticeable improvement in their oral hygiene. It’s exciting to see such a strong market reception.”

As Ordo continues to innovate in the oral care sector, plans are already underway for expanding the Hydro Sonic range, including additional colours. The company is also exploring further retail partnerships to broaden its distribution channels and reach more customers.

“The launch of the Hydro Sonic marks a significant milestone for Ordo,” said Walsh. “We are committed to pushing the boundaries of oral care technology and delivering products that meet the evolving needs of modern customers.”

With its successful debut and promising future developments, Ordo’s Hydro Sonic Water Flosser is set to redefine at-home oral care and solidify the brand’s position as a leader in the industry.

Ordo believes that everyone deserves access to high-quality, aJordable oral care for everyday use.

The Ordo Hydro Sonic water flosser is now available at leading online retailers such as Smileshop.co.za, Gooralcare.com, Takealot.com, as well as dental clinics countrywide

As we pass the year’s halfway mark, we may find ourselves sleeping in more, doom scrolling and struggling to get on with duties and chores. One word can describe this feeling of perpetual fatigue: burnout.

You are not alone. One study found that about seven in 10 workers go through this occupational phenomenon each year. You can spot the signs by checking in with yourself. Do you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep? Do you have negative feelings or feel detached from your job? Are easy tasks taking longer than they should?

“Many people find that the mid-year period feels heavier than other months. This is an ideal time to take a breather and recharge our minds and bodies by getting away from the daily routine,” says Keletso Mpisane, Head of Blink by MiWay.

What better way to get some rest and reset than hitting the road alone or with loved ones? Cheaper accommodation rates make this an ideal time to visit a cosy cabin in the Drakensberg or take a road trip along the sublime Garden Route.

However you decide to get out of town, here are a few tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect mid-year road trip.

1. Get your car checked by a mechanic before heading out

A road trip is the worst time to have car trouble. Making sure your car service is up to date before heading out of town will help you avoid frustration down the line.

“Your mechanic should look at your oil levels and check your tyres,” says Mpisane. “They must ensure your brakes are working well and check that there is enough cooling fluid. Lastly you want to make sure the windscreen doesn’t have any small chips that could turn into cracks.”

2. Know your travel goals

Be clear about what you want to achieve by the end of your mid-year getaway. Is the goal to spend time with friends who make you feel recharged? Are you travelling alone so you can unplug and get some much-needed rest?

“Being intentional about the kind of experience you’d like to have will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by decision-fatigue,” says the Blink by MiWay Head.

 “This means making a list of everything you need to pack and plotting out your route, including rest stops so you have enough time to take in the beautiful South African countryside.”

3. Keep road trip essentials on hand

There are a few handy tools that can get you out of almost any situation on the road. This includes packing a first-aid kit, making sure your car has jumper cables and all the tools needed to change a tyre.

“Some car wheels are fitted with a special key called a lock nut, which helps remove the tyre and replace it with a spare. Make sure you have the lock nut on hand whether you are changing the tyre or getting help from roadside assistance, because you can’t remove a flat tyre without it,” advises Mpisane.

4. Make sure your interior is road trip ready

A clean car makes for a clear mind. Filling stations usually have a carwash attached so it’s advisable to pay for a quick clean before you set off.

“This is also the best time to curate your road trip playlist with your friends or family. Road trips are an ideal time to listen to audiobooks or the longer podcasts that have been taking up space on your phone,” says Mpisane.

You can easily save on data costs by downloading the playlists.

You should make sure your navigation app has an offline map saved to your phone because cell reception can be unreliable while in rural areas.

5. Give yourself enough time

This applies both to having enough time to get to your destination and to return home. The mid-year reset should be devoid of the pressure and stresses we face in our daily lives, giving yourself enough time is the best way to do this.

Taking a scenic detour or just stopping to have lunch and smell the roses could be just the thing that helps you feel rejuvenated and ready to bounce back for the rest of the year.

“Whether you are travelling for 50 or 500 kilometres, giving yourself time and grace will help you end your trip on a high note,” concludes Mpisane.