Life-saving Tips for Harmattan driving

January 6, 2020 / 3 Comments / 2692 / Uncategorized

It’s that time of year when harmattan prevails. In some areas in Nigeria this can cause dense fog and make visibility near zero, so how do we drive safely in this type of condition. Listed below are a few tips to tackle this challenge:
1) Allow More Distance Between Vehicles

Increase your count distance by 5 seconds instead of the normal 2 seconds behind another car. Never rush or speed to get out of the fog.

2) Drive slow and cautiously

Due to poor visibility, the safest speed is moderate. This will give you time to brake effectively if suddenly there’s need for it.

3) Use caution at all times

The moisture in the air may continuously collect on the windshield, making it more difficult to see. Adjust the defroster and windshield wiper speed as necessary.

4) Use fog lights or driving lights (if equipped)

Many cars have fog or driving lights that were installed at the factory. These lights are usually mounted low, in or below the front bumper. They are aimed toward the ground out in front of the car as far as possible. Fog lights mainly differ from driving lights in the way they project the light. Fog lights often have clear or yellow lenses; while driving lights usually have clear lenses. The beam of light created by fog lights is usually wide and flat pattern; flat to stay close the road surface and minimize reflection back by fog – and wide to better illuminate the sides of the roadway (guard rails, curbs, lines painted on the roadway, etc.). Driving lights are usually merely bright spot lights designed to pierce the night darkness further than regular headlights. While fog lights are best for foggy conditions, either type of light will likely perform better than headlights due to their low mounting point on the vehicle. Experiment using all combinations (if possible) of fog / driving lights “on” and the low beam headlights “on” or “off” to determine which setting provides the best forward visibility for the driver. Do not shut off the running or “parking” lights, as they help make your car more visible to other drivers alongside and behind your car.

5) Use your low beams

The visibility in front of you will sharply decrease in a fog, so use the car’s low beam lights (if the car does not have fog lights or driving lights). Heavy fog conditions prohibit use of high beam headlights. The light from high beam headlights will be reflected back by thick fog. As fog thins, high beams can become more effective. Check periodically to see if the fog has thinned enough to make use of high beams.

6) Don’t Drift

There’s a natural tendency to wander into the middle of the road when visibility gets bad. Be sure to keep yourself in your lane.

7) Pull over to the side of the road if you have no visibility

If it gets too difficult or thick, pull over and wait. Turning on your hazard lights alerts other drivers of where you are.

8) Use the right edge of the road as a guide

This can help you avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded by oncoming headlights.

9) Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask your passengers to help keep an eye out for oncoming cars and obstacles on the road.
10) Be Careful With Petrol
Please do not store petrol in your home or car, inside a keg.During harmattan, the air is drier than usual, so things ignite really faster than usual . Be safe .
11.)Have A Hand Towel In Your Car
As I type this, my hands and feet are sweaty, its my body trying to compensate for the dryness(even though every where is cold ).So if you are like me, you need to keep your hands dry, so you have a good grip on the steering wheel.

12) Drive Only if You Have To
If every where is too dusty or foggy (especially early in the morning), you can wait a bit for it to be clearer before you head out, except you have to right away .

13) Carry Out Maintenance On Your Air Filters
Mid way into the harmattan season, and after , its wise to carry out maintenance on air filters or replace(depending on your preference), because of all the dust it has taken in .

14) Take Note Of Traffic And Construction Signs
Keep your eyes open and obey traffic signs, they are there for a reason .Lagos has so many road constructions going on presently, be careful so you don’t drive into a heavy duty machine.

How to get assistance on Toyota Nigeria vehicle warranty service

October 29, 2019 / 1 Comments / 2000 / Uncategorized

Warranty

General Information to the Toyota Owner

Where to go for Warranty Service: Any accredited Toyota (Nigeria) Limited Dealer in Nigeria will perform warranty service, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited recommends that you return to the dealership that sold you your vehicle because of their continued and personal interests in you.

Touring/Relocation to another Country: If you are touring or relocating to another country and a problem arises, please consult a local Toyota dealer. Please note, however, that warranty service may not be provided by the local dealer, because your Toyota vehicle may not comply with the regulatory and/or environment requirements of such country.

How to get Assistance

Customer Satisfaction: At Toyota (Nigeria) Limited we are proud of our total commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. Every Toyota (Nigeria) Limited dealer has the tools, equipment, and trained technicians needed to service and repair your Toyota vehicle.

Information needed

Should a problem arise with your , please be prepared with the following information:

An accurate description of the problem including the conditions under which it occurs
Vehicle model and year
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Present Mileage
Date of Purchase
Selling and Servicing dealer
Service history of your vehicle

For the fastest possible response, we suggest you follow the procedures outlined below in the sequence listed.

Step 1: Talk to your Toyota (Nigeria) Limited Accredited Dealer
This is the most direct way to resolve your problems. Every Toyota dealer in this country is ultimately responsible for providing the service and repairs you may need. First, talk to the dealer service manager or to the customer relations staff. Explain the condition fully. If you feel that your problem has not been resolved, speak with the dealership’s owner/managing director who is most interested in your continued satisfaction and patronage. If your Toyota Dealer is unable to provide a solution…

Step 2: Contact Your Distributor

Contact the customer Relations Department of Toyota listed on Warranty Registration.

Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Note: The warranty is only valid for vehicles purchased and serviced at Toyota (Nigeria) Limited accredited dealers.

WHAT IS COVERED?

Warranty begins

The warranty period begins on the date the vehicle is first delivered or put into use (in-service date).

Basic Coverage Period

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited Warants that it will either repair or replace any part that Toyota (Nigeria) Limited supplies that is defective in material or workmanship under normal use except those items listed under “What is Not Covered” for a period of 36 months or 100,000 km (60,000 miles), whichever comes first.

Exceptions

The following items specified below are covered for periods other than the Basic Coverage.

Battery: During the first 24 months of service (up to 100,000 km / 60,000 miles), a defective original equipment battery will be replaced free of charge. Should the battery fail after 24 months of service, but before the 37th month of service (up to 100,000km / 60,000 miles) it will be replaced under warranty at a 50% charge to the customer.

Surface Rust and Paint Damage: Surface rust and paint damage appearing on the panels of pickup truck is covered for 12 months or 20,000km (12,000 miles), whichever comes first. Surface rust and paint damage on other than truck deck panels is covered under the Basic Coverage.

Towing: When your vehicle is inoperative due to a warranted part failure, towing service is covered to the nearest authorized dealership.

Tires: Tires are warranted under a separate warranty provided by the tire manufacturer.

No Charge: Warranty repairs (parts and/or labor) will be made at no charge.

Fully Transferable: Warranty coverage is fully transferable to subsequent vehicle owners.

Warranty Application: This warranty is valid only within Nigeria where the Toyota(Nigeria) Limited Distributor listed on Warranty Registration is located.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

Factors beyond the Manufacturer’s Control

Repairs and adjustment required as a result of misuse (e.g., racing, overloading), negligence, modification, alteration, tampering, disconnection, improper adjustment or repairs, accident and use of add-on parts/material are not covered.

Cosmetic or surface corrosion from stone chips or scratches in the paint is not covered.

Damage or Surface corrosion from the environment such as acid rain, airborne fall-out (chemicals, tree sap, etc.), salt, hail, windstorms, lightning, floods, other acts of God and the like is not covered.

Lack of Maintenance or Use of wrong fuel, oil or Lubes

Repairs and adjustment caused by improper maintenance, lack of required maintenance, or the use of fluids other than the fluids specified in your Owner’s Manual are not Covered.

Maintenance Is at Owner’s Expense

Engine tune-up, lubrication, cleaning and polishing, replacement of filters, coolant, spark plugs, fuses, worn wiper blades, worn brake pads and linings or worn clutch linings are some of the normal maintenance services all vehicle require.

Normal Noise, Vibration and Deterioration

Norman noise, vibration, wear, tear or deterioration such as discoloration, fading, deformation or blur is not covered.

Altered Mileage

Failure of a vehicle on which the odometer mileage has been altered or changed so that vehicle mileage cannot be readily ascertain in not covered.

Extra Expenses: Incidental or consequential damages such as telephone calls, loss of time, inconvinience, or commercial loss are not covered.

How To Keep Your Car In Top Condition With Proper Service

Pre-Delivery Service

To assure your satisfaction with the appearance and performance of your new Toyota vehicle, your dealer is responsible to perform specified factory-approved services for cleaning, inspecting, and testing of your Toyota vehicle was delivered to you in top condition after being shipped from the factory/distributor.

Free 1,000km Maintenance Service

You are entitled to the free 1,000km (600 miles) Maintenance Service upon presentation of this Warranty Booklet to your Toyota(Nigeria)Limited dealer. This maintenance service shall be performed in accordance with your Owner’s Manual at no charge except for any lubricants, fluid or filters used since they are regular maintenance services items.

Period Maintenance Service

Proper maintenance will help insure maximum performance, greater reliability and longer life for your Toyota vehicle.

To maintain your Toyota vehicle in top driving condition, it is vitally important to have it inspected and serviced periodically in accordance with the maintenance services listed in your Owner’s Manual.

Your Toyota Owner’s manual also contains a chart of required services, and it has a section explaning maintenance items that you can do yourself. The service schedule is the result of experience and testing, and represents the most efficient and economical maintenance for your Toyota vehicle.

More frequent service is required for severe driving conditions. Again, see your Owner’s Manual.

Owner’s Responsibilities

Obtaining Warranty Service

You are responsible for delivering your vehicle to any authorised Toyota dealer in this country in order to obtain warranty service.

Maintenance

You are responsible for properly operating, maintaning, and caring for your Toyota vehicle in accordance with the instructions contained in your Owner’s Manual. If your vehicle is subject to use under severe driving conditions, you should follow the maintenance requirements specifies accordingly in your Owner’s Manual.

Maintenance Record

You are responsible for keeping maintenance records since it may be necessary in some instances for you to show that the required maintenance has been performed.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Is Flooded: A Step-by-Step Guide

October 15, 2019 / 0 Comments / 1632 / Uncategorized

If your vehicle was partially submerged in floodwater, follow our checklist for assessing flood damage afterwards. If floodwaters partially or fully submerge your car, it can mean extensive damage and costly repairs. Here’s what to do after the waters recede.
1. Do Not Start the Vehicle: Before going out to inspect your car ensure that the area is safe and that the water has drained from the street or area that was flooded. When you go out to inspect the level of water damage to the car it’s important that you don’t turn your car on. If water has reached the engine, turning the car could damage the car beyond repair.Turning the key when water is in the engine could cause further damage, rendering your car unusable.
2. Call Your Insurance Company(if any): Call your insurance provider if any, explain the extent of the damage and see what they will cover, your insurance company will explain the next thing to do. But if your car is not under insurance company or you wish to move on without insurance company follow this step
3. Start Cleaning: The longer your car stays submerged in water, especially if it’s salt water, the higher the chances of corrosion. As soon as the storm has cleared and it’s safe to go outside, go to your car and begin the drying process. .
4. Check the Oil and the Air Cleaner: You can assess much of the damage your car has suffered by looking under the hood. Check the oil level first for signs of engine damage. Water droplets on the dipstick indicate a potential problem. If you see this, don’t try to start the car. The droplets mean that water may have gotten into your engine. If you turn the key, the cylinders – which are built to handle air, not water – will break. Instead, have it towed to a mechanic who can remove the water from the engine. The fuel tank will need to be emptied completely.
5. Dry Out the Interior: Drying the interior quickly will help prevent mold. Open the car’s doors and windows to air it out, and get a towel to mop up the water in the cabin. Dry the remaining fluid on the carpet and upholstery with a wet/dry vacuum. If possible, bring the seats and cushions outside to dry. Fans and dehumidifiers can help speed the process
6. Check All Other Fluids
7. Check All Electrical Systems
8. Check Around the Wheels and Tires
9. If in Doubt, call professional vehicle service centre
IN CONCLUSION
One of the most important things is to remain calm in this situation. Follow these steps and act proactively. Don’t automatically assume that all is lost, but we do recommend that you have a professional take a look at the car just in case!

Testing Diagnostic Tool

November 7, 2017 / 0 Comments / 924 / Uncategorized

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