It’s likely that your car is one of your biggest expenses next to your home. Even after it has been paid off, the insurance and maintenance costs take up a substantial cut of the budget pie.
However, regularly maintaining your vehicle will in fact help save you money, cut down on insurance costs, keep you safe on the road, and get you a better price when you eventually decide to sell it.
Preventative maintenance
Cars are made up of many, many mechanical and automotive electrical parts that all work hard to optimise performance. Each component has a limited lifespan, some shorter than others.
To avoid costly repairs, at the very least, an annual service is essential.
As a driver, you should be aware of what’s going on with your car – if it’s pulling to one side, unfamiliar noises or smells, the way the gears are shifting, how the brakes are feeling, these are alert signals that by paying attention you can save yourself a long line of headaches down the road.
Any strange and uncomfortable sign is reason to take it in for a check-up.
Car services differ between types. What they’re called and what is included may also differ between service centres.
While cars should be serviced frequently as part of your preventative maintenance to avoid costly repairs, how often depends on the distances you drive, and your driving style, and the specifications from the car manufacturer.
The information below serves as a rough guideline of the various types of car services, but be sure to check with your service centre for a complete list to understand exactly what to expect and what you’re paying for.
1. Basic or minor service
Recommended roughly every six months or 10,000 km, a basic check-up will help ensure that your car is always performing at its best.
It also gives you the chance to catch poor performance early and usually prevents the large overhaul costs later on.
It might include checking lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, fluid levels, and drive belt.
These checks ensure that you are fully aware of what the car needs and how urgently the work needs to be carried out.
2. Standard or intermediate
A comprehensive vehicle check is recommended roughly every twelve months or 20,000 km.
It includes everything a basic service includes plus several extra checks and replacements where necessary, such as oil and filter change, a check on fluids, belts, hoses, filters, brakes, lights, aircon, windscreen washer fluid, coolant levels, tyre pressure, etc.
3. Major service
A fully comprehensive vehicle check is recommended roughly every 24 months or 40,000 km.
A major service is important because certain parts of the car will have experienced wear and tear or even been damaged over time.
All components of the vehicle will be checked, right down to the actual body work.
It includes everything in a standard service plus extra checks and changes such as inspection for dents, scratches, warning lights, rev counter, pedals, seatbelts, CV joints, timing belt, etc. and replacing components where necessary.
It typically includes an engine wash as well as vehicle wash.
The service also includes a full report – should the technician pick up any major issues that need attention, a quotation should be provided for the additional work that must be performed and the cost of parts.
Car service vs. maintenance plans
While regularly maintaining your car is crucial for longevity, unexpected breakdowns, and costly repairs in the future, the upfront expense still takes a large chunk out of your budget.
New cars usually come with a maintenance or service plan that provides specific cover for a stipulated period of time, usually three years.
Once that period is up, it might be worth considering a vehicle service or maintenance plan to help spread the cost. But which one should you choose?
Service and maintenance plans provide different cover and may be combined into one plan.
Car service plans
Covers the costs of servicing your car, including some parts and labour. This generally includes labour and the cost of filters, spark plugs, cam belts, brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil.
Car maintenance plans
A step up from service plans are maintenance plans which carry more benefits. They cover the costs of replacing or repairing parts damaged by normal wear and tear.
This includes components small to large such as globes, fuses, wiper blades, brake pads, brake discs, shocks, gearbox, etc.
All parts must be replaced with original equipment manufacturer components and failure of any car parts due to driver abuse will not be covered.
Up until recently, all servicing, maintenance and repairs must be undertaken by authorised dealers, but under the new the Competition Commission of South Africa guidelines, consumers “are not compelled to conduct in-warranty service and maintenance, motor body repairs, non-structural repairs and mechanical repairs only at Approved Dealers or Approved Service Providers.”
Service interval guide
Preventative maintenance of your car should be carried out at regular intervals with these general guidelines:
Frequently
- Engine oil level
- Lights
- Tyre pressure and condition
- Windshield washer fluid
- Dashboard indicator lights
Every 3 months
In addition to the above:
- Battery and cables
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Belts
- Engine air filter
- Engine oil
- Exhaust
- Hoses
- Lights
- Power steering fluid
Every 6 months
In addition to the above:
- Chassis lubrication
- Wiper blades
Every 12 months
In addition to the above:
- Brakes
- Cabin air filter
- Coolant
- Steering and suspension
- Wheel alignment
Keeping a record of your service history is extremely important, not just for the sake of a better resale value but for your own safety on the road.
How car maintenance affects your insurance
Do car insurance premiums increase if you don’t treat your vehicle well?
A vehicle that is not properly maintained becomes less safe to drive and therefore your insurance company will consider it a risk.
- Accident claims – Accidents caused by car failure is likely the result of neglect and lack of maintenance. Should you be involved in an accident and it was found that the car was not roadworthy, you may not be able to claim.
- Monthly premiums – Accidents where you are at fault will affect your driving record and in turn impact your premiums.
Regular car maintenance helps you save on car insurance.
Auto & General offer products that cover you for Mechanical Breakdowns, Scratch & Dents, and Tyre & Rims that will help ensure you’re on the right track.
Conclusion
The key to keeping your car in tip top shape is maintenance.
With regular servicing, you’ll experience a host of benefits, such as increased fuel-efficiency, improved handling, better braking, a smoother ride, peace of mind, lower premiums, hassle-free insurance claims, and ultimately a good resale value should the time come.
You can find out more about Auto & General’s car insurance here.
