A couple of months ago We had gone for a drive exploring the countryside. As we were nearing Lydenburg, about 100ks from Nelspruit, we saw something on the road that looked for all the world like a discarded retread. We didn't have time to avoid it. There was a nasty sound and Andrew stopped the car. Oil was pouring out from underneath. Andrew's words were " We are stuffed!" The 'retead' turned out to be a large metal brake shoe from a truck it had cracked the sump and done other nasty things to the car.
Fortunately we were lucky. A wonderful couple came along and towed us into Lydenburg. A tow truck came and took the car away, Avis fixed us up with a rental car and after a few hours we were on our way home. Great!
But it has taken us more than two months to get the car back. After a repair bill of 35,000 rand and some discussions over who was going to pay the bills, a friend and I set out to collect the car on Friday.
Now, not all South Africa roads are like this but... I think you can see why so many cars here suffer flat tyres, damaged rims and cracked sumps.
 |
| Potholes are a major problem in some of the roads. Often there is a helpful sign saying 'POTHOLES' but that is about as far as mending them it goes! |
 |
| Cars often have to weave from one side to the other to avoid things like this! |
 |
To add to the fun a truck had dropped a load of bricks along the load!
We got home safely but needless to say we wont be going to Lydenburg again.
|
