With the festive season approaching, many South African families are gearing up for long-awaited holiday road trips.
Ensuring your vehicle is road-ready is critical to a safe and stress-free journey, says Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
"Long drives during December can be demanding on vehicles, leading to mechanical issues if proper precautions aren’t taken," notes Ranft. "A quick visit to a MIWA-accredited workshop before you hit the road can make all the difference."
Ranft says some of the most common vehicle failures that are experienced at workshops include:
- Overheating engines: Ensure your cooling system is functioning properly by checking coolant levels, inspecting the radiator, and replacing old hoses.
- Battery failures: Batteries can fail without warning. Have yours tested to ensure it’s fully charged and check for corrosion on the terminals.
- Tyre blowouts: Inspect tyres for wear and ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure, including the spare. Replace any tyres that appear damaged.
- Problem with brakes: Listen for unusual noises and have your brake pads and fluid checked.
- Faulty lights and wipers: Ensure all lights and windscreen wipers are functioning correctly for night and bad weather conditions. Getting stuck in the middle of a storm and finding out your wipers don’t function can be extremely dangerous.
Ranft says like anything in life prevention is better than cure so motorists should address potential issues early to avoid costly repairs and breakdowns during their travels.
He says one of the first signs to take notice of is a flashing dashboard warning light. “Ignoring warning lights can turn minor issues into major problems.”
Ranft explains the significance of the most common lights:
- Engine management light: Indicates an issue with the engine. Have it checked promptly.
- Battery warning light: Signals the battery isn’t charging. Stop driving and call for assistance.
- Oil level warning light: Low oil pressure can damage the engine. Top up immediately and seek professional help if the light persists.
- Brake warning light: Suggests brake system problems. Pull over immediately for safety.
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Light: Indicates a fault in the ABS. Exercise caution and have it checked as soon as possible.
“Your car’s dashboard is like a health monitor for your vehicle. Ignoring warning lights could lead to accidents or expensive repairs,” says Ranft.
A Safe Holiday Journey Starts with Preparation. MIWA urges drivers to book a pre-trip inspection at one of their accredited workshops. “As part of our accreditation, every workshop is mandated to have an experienced technician who will be able to accurately assess your vehicle’s condition, ensuring you’re road-ready for the December break,” says Ranft.
Familiarising yourself with your car’s owner manual and having roadside assistance in place are additional safeguards every motorist should consider.