Different types of vehicle maintenance in South Africa

Info and advantages of servicing your vehicle

Car servicing is a maintenance check-up that is carried out at set time intervals (at least every year) or after the vehicle has traveled a certain number of kilometers, as specified by manufacturers. The service itself includes replacing aging parts and fluids as well as visual inspections to check key components are still working properly. A number of benefits derived from regular servicing include:

• Higher resale value - vehicles with a full-service history have a better resale value to potential buyers.
• More reliable - regular checks to key components and the replacement of worn parts will eliminate more costly repairs at a later stage.
• Engine performance - changing your engine oil and filters regularly, will protect moving parts and could also increase fuel efficiency.
• Improved safety - vital parts & systems such as brake pads, discs, and calipers are inspected during regular services to ensure safety standards.

There are many ways to maintain your vehicle - You can start from simple things and allow professionals to do the technical maintenance:

• Keep your vehicle clean, inside and out.
• Seat Belts:  Keep seat belts clean to prevent dirt and moisture  damage
• Wiper Blades: Inspect regularly and change when the rubber show signs of deterioration.
• Exhaust & Silencer Exhaust: Have the exhaust system checked if it sounds noisy or rattles.
• Battery: Take for test and possible replacement if engine start difficulty, is experienced
• Lights: Regularly check that all lights are working properly and replace any broken or burned out bulbs
• Tyre Pressure: Corectair pressure needs to be strictly maintained to ensure safety and fuel efficiency

The servicing of your vehicle should be done by trained automotive professionals/mechanics. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and correct problems.  Professional maintenance includes:

• Air filter: Check and replace if dirty
• Alternator: Test if optimal charging
• Brakes & Brake Fluid: Inspect & replace
• Fans & Belts: Inspect belts and hoses. Replace glazed or worn belts Replace bulging or brittle hoses and tighten clamps
• Front Wheel CV Joints and Wheel bearings inspection
• Fuel Line and Fuel Pump 
• Gearbox Oil 
• Ignition Coil 
• Radiator 
• Shock Absorbers
• Spark Plugs
• Tyres- Mechanical irregularities will show up early on tyre wear patterns