Everyday costs are rising in South Africa, with the economic decline and being ranked to junk status in March by Moody’s; it must become motorist’s top priority to maintain their vehicles regularly. When you do this, it not only saves you money but keeps your car running smoothly for longer.
To make sure your car runs smoothly, you don’t have to be a mechanic; you need to be aware of the factors you need to keep your eye on.
What is car maintenance?1
Car maintenance is when you service your car, and this is done over specific time intervals, or certain kilometres travelled with your vehicle. The service intervals are measured by the car manufacturers’ service schedules or with newer cars they have service due dates on their instrument panels. When you maintain your vehicle with these methods, you are then able to keep your car running smoother for much longer.
Importance of car maintenance2
The importance of maintaining your car in good running condition will save you not only financially, but also avoid unnecessary breakdowns. When your vehicle is regularly maintained, it will prevent small problems from turning into significant issues.
With a well-maintained car, it will make your road usage safer. Breaking down on the side of the road nowadays is a matter of life and death in South Africa.
When your car is well-maintained and running smoothly, you will have excellent fuel efficiency. When your vehicle is in good condition, you can increase your fuel per kilometre by 4% and sometimes by as much as 40%.
By also having a well-maintained car will help your car from depreciating less, keeping its value.
Tips on keeping your car well-maintained3
- Cars maintenance and manual schedule: always use high-quality oils, fluids and original parts. This will help prevent future problems from occurring with the cars cooling system, drivetrain, suspension and other components. While doing this always adhere to the vehicles recommended maintenance plan.
- Battery: there might be a problem with the car’s battery if it struggles to start at first. If this is the case, it would be a good thing to have it checked out. Batteries are made to last longer in today’s times, usually longer than three years.
- Windscreen wipers: windscreen wipers should be replaced every 12 months, but always check them regularly in case of any worn or cracked rubber. Worn and cracked wipers will make your visibility deteriorate very severely.
- Oils and Fluids: you must check your cars antifreeze, oil, gearbox oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid often. Learn how to check these fluids on your own, as taking it to the mechanic can be quite costly. Replacing the oils and fluids at the cars right service and maintenance intervals will improve its mileage in fuel and protect the engine and other mechanical components.
- Tyres: it is essential to rotate your car’s tyres often and to check the tyre pressure whenever you are filling your car’s tank or doing so weekly. When doing this, it will give your car better fuel efficiency.
- Problems: Don’t neglect even the smallest problems. Pay attention to warning lights on the dash, noises or even cosmetic damage. These minor problems will become more significant problems if they are to be ignored. Big issues will inevitably cost more in the end.
- TLC: nothing like a little tender loving care to maintain your car. Wash, polish and vacuum your vehicle. This will help your vehicle from ageing prematurely.
When applying all these techniques to your car will keep it running for longer and keep your cost low in the end. Vehicles that are maintained well will also hold their value for longer.
Car insurance may also provide additional peace of mind. Affordable comprehensive car insurance with helpful, unique benefits like fixed premiums* if you don’t claim and a reduce-to-zero excess* is available with Prime South Africa. *T and Cs apply.
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