Keep your car’s 6 vital ‘organs’ healthy, or face disaster

“Neglecting to maintain your car can lead to serious issues, accidents and even injury or death. Do not ignore the warning signs,” said Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

It is with this in mind that Ranft shares the 6 vital ‘organs’ of a car:

1. Tyres: Tyres deteriorate over time, regardless of the condition of the tread.

This makes an old tyre just as hazardous as a tyre with worn tread.

Tyres produced after 2000 have a four-digit DOT code instead of a three-digit code.

The first two digits indicate the production week and the second two are the year.

Exposure to sunlight, heat and especially coastal conditions contribute to the ageing of tyres.

The age warning also applies to spare tyres or ‘new’ tyres.

Just because a tyre looks new does not mean it is safe.

2. Brakes: Most commonly, poor braking performance can be linked back to brake pads.

These components wear down over time and can lead to more costly issues, like a damaged rotor.

The entire hydraulic braking system is dependent on a steady flow of brake fluid.

Check it during regular oil changes and expect to change it every four to five years.

Danger signs are if the fluid has a burnt odour, is not transparent or is a lower level than it should be.

3. Lights: Regularly check the driving lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights and the light above the number plate.

4. Cooling system: Did you know that up to 70% of the energy burnt from petrol in a car engine is converted to heat?

The cooling system (radiator with a fan, a water pump, thermostat, sensors and some fluids) helps reduce the heat the engine produces to allow it to run at an optimal temperature.

To maintain your cooling system, replace coolant at intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Flush the cooling system when replacing old coolants.

5. Charging system: Cars use electricity to start and the charging system is what powers the electrical components.

The system consists of the alternator, voltage regulator and the battery. 

– Keep your car out of the cold in winter, as cold puts strain on battery life.

– Keep your battery clean. If you see a white residue on your battery terminals use a damp cloth to wipe it off.

– Check the alternator charges correctly, as many vehicles only travel short distances during the year. If the alternator is undercharging it can result in mechanical failure when you take a long trip again.

– Have your car serviced regularly. An accredited workshop can pick up small problems quickly before they become big headaches.

6. Wiper blades: Windscreen wipers are one of the hardest working, yet least durable parts of a car.

Manufacturers generally recommend changing wipers every 6 months to a year.