Get your car ready for the road before going on holiday

Are you planning on hitting the road this festive season?

The Automobile Association (AA) advises that motorists ensure their vehicles are serviced.

Making sure that the tyres are in good condition, and that the necessary licences – including those for trailers and caravans – are in order and security measures are in place, should be a priority to avoid any breakdowns, interruptions or run-ins with the law.

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

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

Do your research on service facilities near you that are trustworthy like the AA Auto centres network in Boksburg, Randburg, Menlyn, Rustenburg as well as in Gqeberha. Additionally, you can visit any one of over 200 AA Quality Assured centres across South Africa.

Here are some reasons the AA gives for deciding if it is time to service your vehicle:

Because the manual says so
Particularly for owners of new cars, the vehicle manual is full of useful knowledge, not least the intervals at which you should service your car. Keeping a full-service history will also help your car retain its value when it is time to sell or trade it in.

Dashboard warning lights
This is the most obvious physical sign that your car needs a service. Ignoring a dashboard warning light can land you in deep trouble, so book a service as soon as possible.

Braking problems
Modern brakes are ultra-responsive, so if you notice any issue like knocking or other noises, oversensitivity or resistance, you have a problem. Brake pads and fluid do not last forever.

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 dodgy spark plugs, which are easy issues to put right, so book a service and get them seen too.

Vibrations
If you are not on a poor road surface and your car starts to shudder and vibrate, you need to get it checked. It might be something as simple as loose panelling or as serious as unbalanced tyres or a loose bearing. Remember, tyres are vital pieces of safety equipment on vehicles and any issue with them should never be ignored but instead attended to immediately.

Ignition issues
If your car coughs each time 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 of petrol
All car engines decrease in efficiency over time, but the depreciation is generally minor over the lifespan of the vehicle. If you notice that your car is doing significantly fewer kilometres per litre, it could be a sign that your car needs servicing.

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

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