WITH the year coming to an end in two days’ time, this is a good time to reflect on the challenges you have experienced in 2024 regarding your vehicle or transport department and strategise to improve things.
Setting New Year’s resolutions is an old tradition by many among us as individuals and as companies too.
But I believe that most of us are guilty of excluding the “automotive” ideas and focusing only on issues to do with eating healthier, getting more exercises, reading more, teaching yourself a new hobby or worshipping God more faithfully.
So this time around, I would like to share some ideas that could help you when it comes to your car or your company fleet.
Apparently, your car is your image or your vehicle is a reflection of your brand. So it is not something you can ignore.
Upgrade your car
If you have been procrastinating about upgrading your vehicle, then in 2025, make it one of your big step resolutions to let go of the old one and get into the car of your dreams.
There are many reasons to upgrade your car, including but not limited to getting something that matches your status; buying a vehicle with more seating capacity because the family has grown; buying a pick-up truck that helps you carry inputs for your farm; buying a newer model with modern features; buying an automatic transmission vehicle that is convenient to drive; and buying a smaller engine car for fuel efficiency, among others.
- Chivayo’s US$25m lawsuit overstated: ZPC
- Muckracker: The circus goes to America
- Hwange ‘explosion’ blackouts Zim
- Chivayo wins case, pockets US$22m
Keep Reading
I encourage you to make this big step this coming year and perhaps avoid expecting a “donation” from the likes of Wicknell Chivayo.
Even if you do not have the money to buy the car, making the decision first is critical and this will be followed by the appropriate action.
I am privileged to have witnessed over 100 people who followed my guidance to start saving money and the majority of them were successful as they took delivery of their cars eventually.
Move from owning a company fleet to leasing
Many companies struggle to keep their fleet in good working condition because the majority of the fleets are very old vehicles.
It is understood that shoring up new capital expenditure to buy a new fleet is a tall order.
But be that as it may, you cannot continue using vehicles that drain your profits.
The good news is that things have changed as many companies have moved to leasing instead of buying the vehicles outright and maintenance can optionally be done by the leasing company, leaving your company to concentrate on its core business.
If you consider the overall costs of running the workshop department with many skilled staff, breakdown costs and pilferage involving dishonest staff, surely leasing is the way to go as it completely removes the vehicles from your balance sheet and the risk of depreciation.
Cath up on car maintenance
Not all of us are faithful to our car maintenance intervals as recommended by the manufacturer.
I know for certain that there are many among you who literally ignore the recommendations because the car is starting and moving every day.
If you are among these culprits, then in 2025, make it a New Year’s resolution to service the car religiously when it is due because your vehicle is only good as its last service.
It is important for your safety to ensure that oil and tyre change as well as brake tune-ups are all up to standard because the health of your car is critical to avoid possible breakdowns that can turn out to be very costly.
Take small issues with your car more seriously than before.
Declutter your car
Many of the cars are carrying a lot of junk and clutter, which builds up over time.
Things like parking tickets, receipts from payments, empty lunch boxes, flat shoes mostly for ladies who change in the cars, empty car air fresheners, among others, should be removed.
It is inappropriate for a good looking car to look like a junk yard inside.
Make a new beginning in 2025. Clean up the car and create a refreshing environment that certainly sharpens your mind towards your goal execution this New Year.
Minimise driving distractions
Driving distractions, often caused by smartphones, are a leading cause of accidents.
This coming year, invest in a quality phone holder for hands-free use, or better still, set your phone on “Do not disturb” and hide it away in the glove compartment while you are driving.
Focusing and being alert while behind the wheel will make you a better and safer driver in the New Year.
Be a calmer driver
We have all had moments of frustration on the road, but trying to stay calm makes a big difference.
Make a decision this coming year to be more patient with other drivers, even when traffic is heavy, or someone cuts you off.
That behaviour of trying to show who Chihera is, Mhofu is or Humba is certainly not going to help anything on the road.
Deep breathing, calming music and remembering that everyone makes mistakes, that we are all late where we are going can help you maintain a more peaceful mindset behind the wheel.
Set off earlier to avoid speeding
Leaving home late to drop off kids at school or arriving at work late throws away all the patience that we have talked about.
So the solution is to train yourself to wake up early and leave a little earlier for your destinations.
Giving yourself extra time to get where you are going reduces stress and eliminates the temptation to drive too fast. It is a win-win for safety and peace of mind.
Drive economically
With fluctuating fuel prices, making a commitment to drive more economically could save you a lot of money this coming year.
I recommend that you avoid aggressive driving habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration, keep your tyres properly inflated and plan on routes to minimise mileage.
Small changes in your driving style can lead to significant savings over the year, giving you more to spend on the things you love the most.
Take a road trip
Rediscover the joy of driving by planning a road trip in the New Year.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway of an impromptu day out, hit the open road to rekindle your love for driving.
The Harare-Masvingo and Mutare-Harare-Bulawayo highways were all upgraded.
This is a good time to reconnect with your car and listen to your ride, whether there are any funny sounds coming out of the hood or suspension.
Create a playlist of your favourite tunes, pack some snacks, and map out scenic routes to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Happy New Year to you all and wishing you a successful 2025!
- Stanley Makombe has 24 years experience in this industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, UK and South Africa into African countries. He writes in his own capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: stanley@stanleymakombe.com, www.stanleymakombe.com
