Motoring

Finding out that your warranty only pays for certain damages, and not others, can come as a huge shock. Arm yourself with the following...

Know that feeling of walking out of a car repair workshop, sensing that you’ve just been taken for a ride? We’ve compiled a thorough guide on what wear and tear entails, and how to deal with minor issues before they become expensive problems.

THE BODY

Don’t ignore minor scratches, bumps, damage to rims and mags, minor hail damage, fading colour or gloss to the paintwork, as this affects the exterior of your car. You can delay your car’s ageing with a regular wash (to get rid of any residue on the car’s surface) and polish (to create a protective barrier). An affordable dent and scratch autobody warranty is also useful.

BATTERY

A car battery can last from three to six years, but get it checked every six months. A clear sign that it needs to be recharged or replaced is when your car takes longer to start, or the exterior lights flicker on and off once it’s idling. Visit a battery centre that offers free diagnosis, and look out for warranties offered by the likes of Battery Centre and AutoZone. They offer replacements if the battery is defective within the free replacement period, or credit towards buying a new one within the warranty period.

TYRES

Check that the tyres are not bald, over or under-inflated. Bald tyres offer little to no resistance when braking in slippery or wet conditions. Over or under-inflated tyres may burst or shred while driving, leading to fatal accidents. The Automobile Association of South Africa states that all tyres must have 1 mm thread to be deemed legal. The inside panel on the driver’s door has a sticker with the required tyre pressure. Wheel balancing and alignment is important with every tyre change you make. Check the tyre pressure at least once a month. Look out for tyre imports that might wear out faster.

SMALLER DETAILS

Items such as windscreen wipers, bulbs and globes, brake pads and discs, as well as shock absorbers are easy to replace. Shop around for the best price to avoid being overcharged — ensure that it’s genuine certified parts that last longer.