Be wise with your vehicle
You may be cash strapped in the current economy, with fuel and food prices having escalated, but do not neglect maintaining your vehicle.
This is the advice of experienced Mossel Bay mechanic Phil Mattheus.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser approached Phil, head of one of the most reputable service and fitment garages in town, for advise for motorists.
Too many times Phil has had to help motorists deal with the consequences of their vehicles not having regular services or of being taken on long trips without the necessary checks being done.
Phil advises: “Before going on a long trip, have the fan belt and tyres checked. If you do not drive much, it is still necessary to check the tyres, because after four or five years the rubber perishes. Check that your headlamps, indicators and brake lights are working.”
Phil also notes that visual checks are important. “Open your bonnet and check to see if there is an oil or water leak. If there is a burst radiator pipe and you are on the road, your dashboard will not notify you of this.”
He warns: “If you do not have a routine R2 000 to R2 500 service, you are asking for trouble because your vehicle will actually cost you more in the long run.
If the oil is not changed regularly and it gets old, it can damage bearings and rings. Fixing this internal damage will cost you money.
Also the radiator water must be changed every few years and the level of anti-freeze maintained. A well-maintained vehicle retains its resale value.
“If you are a sales rep or travel extensively, you should have your car serviced more regularly than the average vehicle.”