Doors to the motoring aftermarkets workshops will open this week, allowing the servicing of cars under warranty at just over 2 500 accredited and graded workshops countrywide.

Legislation takes effect on July 1 which allowed car owners with maintenance plans and warranties to repair their cars at service providers of their choice.

This was a 4-year-long battle fought by the Competition Commission which will see consumers benefit from lower prices with car parts – but there are a few things you first need to know before popping into any workshop.

Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), Dewald Ranft said he welcomed the rollout of the Commission’s guidelines.

“All accredited workshops have to meet and comply with minimum criteria and a set of standards,” said Ranft.

MIWA has a record of rolling out high standard across its accredited workshops. 

“Many MIWA members are highly trained specialists in their field, even specialising in a specific brand or in a specified field.

“For example, in the repair of electronic control units, and they will often work hand-in-hand with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).”

But this can be expected from MIWA accredited workshops, and guidelines urge that aftermarket dealers must be able to show they have adequate insurance to cover all liability and potential damage.

They will also need to carry the full liability and risk for the work that they do.

But your warranty could still be voided – in part, or completely – if your car is fitted with non-original parts or is damaged at aftermarket workshops.

These disputes will be handled by the Motoring Ombud of South Africa.

While accredited workshops have a set of standards they need to comply with, not all aftermarket workshops countrywide are accredited and staff may not be properly trained to handle a repair.

Ranft said they would continue to focus on maintaining their high level of service and take a zero-tolerance approach to the growing culture of regulatory non-compliance in the motor vehicle repair industry.

“It is not only creating an uneven playing field for many accredited workshop owners in the sector, but also placing consumers at risk.

“The key for consumers, particularly with the market opening up is to ensure you select an accredited workshop,” he said.

Accredited workshops undergo thorough assessment. Aspects including health and safety operations are scrutinised – right through to checks on the premises, equipment, admin, waste removal, staffing and much more.

“Even aspects of the business such as parking facilities, lighting and ventilation are inspected.”

Staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process.

Once accredited, a workshop can then enter into the grading process with an independent provider. Just like the hospitality industry, workshops receive a star-rating based on a specific list of criteria.

“Consumers just need to make informed decisions and do the appropriate due diligence when selecting a workshop.

“Any of our accredited workshops can stand up to scrutiny and then the consumer has the benefit of saving on the servicing and maintenance of their car,” said Ranft.