A BATTLE between a private seller and a car dealer is nearing an end, with the dealer undertaking to pay the client by Friday.

When Phumeza Zinakile's car gave her engine problems, she took her Jeep Cherokee to A-Car Firm Salvage for repairs.

Zinakile, 33, of Balfour Park in Johannesburg, thought the move would solve her problems after her car had oil and water mixed in the engine.

Zinakile, a ring official for Boxing South Africa, said after assessing the damage to her car the service provider, Moosa Sinah, gave her a quotation of R21000, which she agreed to.

She paid a deposit of R14500.

The mother of two said the engine started giving her problems after she drove over a water-filled road in August last year.

She said she did not know that one is not supposed to start an engine after experiencing failure due to water getting into the engine.

"I also did not know that I was not supposed to start the engine until it was thoroughly inspected and cleaned."

Since the car's steering and breaks were also affected, it had to be towed away from her house to A-Car Firm Salvage.

Unfortunately for Zinakile, she had already cancelled her insurance cover that protected her against water and flood damage.

As getting a used engine was going to cost her R44000, she opted for a dealer who could repair her car.

Zinakile got to know A-Car Firm Salvage after an internet search.

On their website, they said they specialised in repairing her make of car.

However, they were unable to fix it. So she decided to sell the Jeep, which Sinah offered to buy from her.

Sinah offered to pay her R50 000 including R35 500 for the car plus her deposit.

But after receiving the car's papers and a copy of Zinakile's ID, Sinah refused to pay the agreed amount.

"He lied and sometimes refused to take my calls when I enquired about my money," Zinakile said.

Sinah referred Consumer Line to their spokeswoman, Charmain Huma, who promised to solve Zinakile's problem.

Huma said management was busy investigating the matter and hoped they would reach a conclusive decision or settle Zinakile's balance.

"As it stands, it shows there was a breakdown of proper communication between the customer and our staff member," Huma said.

She promised that they should be able to give Zinakile the amount owed to her before the end of business this Friday.

How to drive in a flood, during a heavy rainstorm

Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.

Only drive through water if you know how deep it is or take an alternative route if you can.

Drive slowly and steadily. Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water.

Attempting to drive through water may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine.

Don't drive through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge as your car could easily be swept away.

If other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is.

Avoid driving in water in which electrical power lines have fallen in. Electric current passes through water easily.

If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed.

If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot.

If you can't restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground.

If you break down in heavy rain don't open the bonnet while you wait for help to arrive - the engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are rain-soaked.

Sourced from: http://www.progressive.com/vehicle-resources/flood-safety/

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