Avoid that hefty service bill for your vehicle
- By Automobile Association
- Published 02/4/2009
- Car care
- Unrated
Is the credit crunch holding you back from servicing your vehicle? If so, the Automobile Association of South Africa has listed a few key pointers to assist you in avoiding unexpected repair bills for your vehicle.
1. Tyres are not cheap; you need to look after them. A good set of well maintained tyres should last you around 50 000km. You need to ensure that every 10 000km’s you rotate your tyres, balance the wheels and have your wheel alignment checked
2. In order to keep costs down you can replace faulty globes and windscreen wipers yourself and this will in no way effect the warranty on your car. Globes and wiper blades can be purchased an AA Quality Assured part centre who will also assist in fitting the parts at no cost
3. To ensure that your car’s engine always performs at its best always service your car to the manufacturer’s specifications. 4. Never skip a cambelt change as this will cost a significant amount of money in the long run
5. Ensure your car is serviced at least every 12 months, even if you have not reached the service interval
6. Avoid riding your clutch when stopped at traffic lights and stop streets. Clutches are an integral part of the car and can be expensive to replace
7. When driving your car, don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal as this could lead to premature wear
8. Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car, this will increase your fuel consumption
9. Always ensure that your spare tyre is in a good working condition
“Before taking your vehicle in for a repair, consumers need to ask the repair shop for the cost of the service fee upfront and that any additional repair costs should be authorized by the owner of the vehicle,” says Geoff Asman, head of technical for the AA. “This will help to avoid any unwanted surprises,” concludes Asman
 
|
2. In order to keep costs down you can replace faulty globes and windscreen wipers yourself and this will in no way effect the warranty on your car. Globes and wiper blades can be purchased an AA Quality Assured part centre who will also assist in fitting the parts at no cost
3. To ensure that your car’s engine always performs at its best always service your car to the manufacturer’s specifications. 4. Never skip a cambelt change as this will cost a significant amount of money in the long run
5. Ensure your car is serviced at least every 12 months, even if you have not reached the service interval
6. Avoid riding your clutch when stopped at traffic lights and stop streets. Clutches are an integral part of the car and can be expensive to replace
7. When driving your car, don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal as this could lead to premature wear
8. Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car, this will increase your fuel consumption
9. Always ensure that your spare tyre is in a good working condition
“Before taking your vehicle in for a repair, consumers need to ask the repair shop for the cost of the service fee upfront and that any additional repair costs should be authorized by the owner of the vehicle,” says Geoff Asman, head of technical for the AA. “This will help to avoid any unwanted surprises,” concludes Asman
Related Articles
Comments
No Comments Found.
WRITE YOUR OWN CAR REVIEWWe would LOVE to receive a 'Through a Woman's Eyes' Car Review from YOU. Please email it to vicky@cars4women.co.za .Please note:
|
