Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility, and one of the most critical aspects is maintaining it. Regular vehicle maintenance helps to avoid costly repairs while ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.
In this vehicle maintenance guide, we’ll explain why keeping your car in top shape is essential, how regular maintenance can affect your car insurance, and provide practical tips for keeping your car running as it should.
The Importance of Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Many of us tend to live with the “out of sight; out of mind” or “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” philosophy. Unfortunately, routine maintenance goes out the window when we apply this to our cars, leading to bigger problems later.
Neglecting simple tasks like checking your engine oil, inspecting your brake pads, or replacing your air filter could result in unexpected breakdowns or even accidents. Additionally, not maintaining your car could affect your insurance, as some insurers may refuse to pay claims if your vehicle was in poor condition at the time of an accident.
What Happens When You Skip Maintenance?
Skipping maintenance leads to costly repairs down the road, poor fuel efficiency, increased wear on moving parts, and even breakdowns that could leave you stranded. For example, worn-out brake pads can reduce your stopping power, while old engine air filters can choke your engine and lower performance.
Beyond the safety risks, not following your car’s maintenance schedule can lead to voided warranties and higher insurance premiums. Many insurers consider your vehicle’s condition when assessing risk, so a poorly maintained car could cost you more in the long run.
Essential Maintenance Tasks for Every Driver
To keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs, here are some critical tasks you should include in your car maintenance schedule… And you don’t need to be a car whizz!
Oil Changes and Fluid Levels
Regularly changing your engine oil is one of the simplest yet most critical maintenance tasks. Oil lubricates the moving parts in your engine, reducing wear and tear. Failing to change it can lead to engine damage.
Check your owner’s manual to know the recommended oil change interval, and ensure you check other fluids like brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant regularly. Luckily, the computer in modern cars keeps track of this for you and will alert you to low fluid levels.
Brake Inspections
Your brakes are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. Over time, brake pads wear down, and you’ll need to replace them. If you hear squeaking or grinding when braking, it’s time to get your brake pads and fluid checked. This will also be included in your service plan if you have one.
Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure and monitoring the tread depth are also crucial factors for safe driving and fuel efficiency.
Under-inflated tyres can lead to blowouts, while worn tyres can affect grip, especially on wet roads. It’s best to check your tyre pressure once a month while at the petrol station and ensure your tread depth is at least 1.6mm.
You can find the recommended tyre pressure in your car’s owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s door. Rotating your tyres every 8,000 – 10,000 km or every six months is also a good idea.
Battery Health
Your car battery powers all the electronics in your vehicle; if it dies, so does your car. Check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion regularly and ensure they are holding a charge, especially before long road trips.
A car battery usually has a three to four years lifespan, but this varies depending on usage, maintenance and the type of battery you have.
Air Filters
The engine air filter keeps dust and debris from entering your engine. Over time, it can become clogged, reducing your car’s performance, fuel efficiency and your overall driving experience. Most manufacturers recommend changing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 km.
Spark Plugs and Timing Belts
Worn spark plugs can lead to engine misfires and reduced fuel efficiency. Timing belts, on the other hand, synchronise your engine’s camshaft and crankshaft. If your timing belt snaps, it can cause significant engine damage.
Regular checks and replacements according to your vehicle’s service interval are vital – so don’t skip out on this.
Headlights, Indicators, Brake, and Parking Lights
Proper lighting is essential for safe driving, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Regularly check that your headlights, indicators, brake lights, and parking lights are all working correctly.
Faulty lights not only reduce your visibility to other drivers but can also lead to fines. Ensure bulbs are replaced when needed and check for any signs of damage to the light covers.
Seasonal Car Maintenance
South Africa’s diverse climate means your vehicle needs special attention throughout the year. Summer heat can strain your battery and tyres, while cold winters can affect your car’s engine oil and fuel efficiency. Regular seasonal check-ups ensure that your vehicle always performs at its best, no matter the weather.
Summer Maintenance Tips
- Check your coolant levels are correct to prevent overheating
- Inspect your tyres for wear caused by hot road surfaces
- Keep your battery clean and free of corrosion
Winter Maintenance Tips
- Use thinner oil in colder months to ensure smooth engine performance
- Replace windshield wiper blades yearly so you can see clearly in the rain
Drive Responsibly
How you drive can significantly impact your car’s longevity and performance. Avoid aggressive driving behaviours such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding, as these can accelerate wear and tear on various components, including the engine, brakes, and suspension.
How Regular Maintenance Affects Your Insurance
Did you know that keeping up with your car maintenance can impact your car insurance? Many South African insurers consider your vehicle’s condition when determining premiums. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of breakdowns or accidents and potentially lower your insurance costs.
On the flip side, if an accident occurs due to poor vehicle maintenance, your insurer may reject your claim. To avoid complications, always stick to your car’s maintenance schedule and keep records of all services and car services.
Good Maintenance Means Good Car Insurance
Whether you’re already on top of your vehicle maintenance or just starting to take it more seriously, having the right car insurance is essential for peace of mind.
Prime South Africa offers tailored car insurance options to suit your needs and budget. Get a quote today and drive confidently, knowing you’re covered no matter what happens.
Disclaimer
The article aims to provide South African motorists with information related to vehicle maintenance. However, it’s not a complete list, so always do your own independent research.
Get a quote for affordable Comprehensive car insurance with Prime South Africa for fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and top-tier service. T&Cs apply.
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