Road Safety Blog

Is your car ready for a year-end trip?

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If you have not already done so, do not forget to prepare yourself and your vehicle for your end-of-year trip. The Automobile Association (AA) advises ensuring the vehicle is serviced, tyres are in good condition, and necessary licences – including those for trailers and caravans – are in order and security measures are in place. This will help you avoid any breakdowns, interruptions or run-ins with the law.

It is never too late to get your car ready and also ensure you have the necessary security available if necessary. Security measures like the AA armed response solution, which allows you to send a panic signal at the touch of a button in the app, or on the Rem- I Amica device – which is a stand-alone panic button that boasts a range of features ensure peace of mind when travelling with family.

The AA notes, “The cost of servicing a vehicle means some drivers choose to rather take chances driving long distances with a car not properly maintained. To save money, there is no harm in comparing costs across various service providers for an affordable and reliable service. But, it is essential that a vehicle is inspected and serviced, especially before a long trip,”

Several factors contribute to the cost of servicing a car. This includes its make and model, the type of service required, the frequency of servicing, and the cost of parts and labour.

Research for trustworthy service facilities. You can visit any one of over 200 AA Quality Assured centres across South Africa. It is also advisable to read reviews, compare costs, and speak to family and friends about where they service their vehicles and the quality of services received. Also think about getting a service and warranty plan to avoid unplanned high costs.

An example is AA’s monthly insurance product. “The AA has developed this in conjunction with our insurance partners to address this issue and provides peace of mind to owners in the event of a breakdown. This warranty, or mechanical breakdown insurance as it is also known, provides protection against the cost of parts and labour following mechanical or electrical, or electronic failure of a covered part. It is designed to provide peace of mind in the event of an unexpected breakdown,” advises the AA.

Signs you cannot avoid that indicate your vehicle needs a service:

Because the manual says so

Particularly for owners of new cars, the vehicle manual indicates the intervals at which you should service your car. Keeping a full-service history also helps retain the car’s value when selling or trading it in.

Dashboard warning lights

Ignoring a dashboard warning light can land you in deep trouble, so get a service booked as soon as possible.

Braking problems

Modern brakes are ultra-responsive, so if you notice any issues like knocking or other noises, or oversensitivity, or resistance, you have a problem. Do not forget brake fluid as well.

Squeals and squeaks

Do you hear a high-pitched whine when you turn the ignition key? Squeaks on the move can mean your power steering fluid needs replacing or that your tyres may have become unbalanced.

Engine cutting out

Does your car stall as you pull away from traffic lights, even though you are in the right gear? The most common causes are clogged fuel filters and old spark plugs. These are easy issues to put right, so book in for a service and get them seen to.

Vibrations

If you are not on a poor road surface and your car shudders and vibrates, get it checked. It might be something as simple as a loose piece of panelling or more serious issues such as unbalanced tyres or a loose bearing. Tyres are vital to safety and any issues with them should never be ignored but instead attended to immediately.

Ignition issues

If your car coughs when it starts, your battery could be on the way out. Call the AA to assist with a new battery on the spot and avoid the long queues. We test, sell, and fit in a new battery for you without leaving your home.

Getting fewer kilometres per litre

All car engines decrease in efficiency over time but the depreciation is generally minor over the lifespan of the vehicle. If your car is doing significantly fewer litres per kilometre, it could be a sign it needs servicing.

Grinding gears

The sound of grinding gears is a sure sign you need to take your car for a service.

“Having the right attitude behind the wheel is crucial to ensuring better road safety for you, your family, any other passengers in your vehicle, and other road users. But this is only part of the solution. Ensuring your vehicle is running well, and in good condition, is another vital step to enjoying a hassle-free, and safe, holiday,” concludes the AA.

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