Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Safety Tip of the Week: Check That You Have All Your Belongings Before Leaving A Service Centre

By H&H Admin

Taking your car in for repairs or service means entrusting some of your possessions to that establishment.  Once you collect your car, you may not notice that certain items are amiss.  

Here are a couple of things you should check for when you collect your car.

Ensure that you have your service booklet, spare wheel, tool kit, red reflective triangle, and other belongings before you leave the service centre. Sometimes these items can be misplaced or forgotten and it’s much harder to convince them that something’s gone missing after you’ve already left.

Also, check that your fuel level hasn’t dropped by much as mechanics typically only take your car for a drive around the block to ensure that everything is in order.

Don’t be left stranded – plan ahead for car maintenance

Too many motorists have a ‘it won’t ever happen to me’ attitude when it comes to their vehicles.

– David Chard, Managing Director of AA Warranties

Replacing a part on a vehicle – major or minor – could be an expensive undertaking, one that many South Africans aren’t aware of. Besides the cost of the actual part or parts, many don’t consider that replacement costs will also include labour which push costs up even higher.

“Too many motorists have a: ‘it won’t ever happen to me’ attitude when it comes to their vehicles. There’s no insurance on the vehicle, and service and maintenance plans are not a priority,” says David Chard, Managing Director of AA Warranties.

David says too many motorists believe that if there is any work to be done on their vehicle, they’ll be able to pay for it out of pocket.

“This almost never ends well. What you budget for a part and for labour, is often out of step with what parts cost and what repairers will charge for their labour. This is not being dramatic, but a reality based on years of experience and of customer horror stories. We’ve seen many people having to scrape together money to repair a vehicle because they need it for work purposes, only to later have to go through the whole exercise again,” he explains.

According to data from AA Warranties collected between February 2018 and January 2020, batteries, water pumps, clutch kits, turbo assembly kits, alternators, and compressor units are among the parts which fail most on vehicles. Radiators, starter motors, complete engines, megatronic units, injectors, and control arms are also on this list.

Parts aren’t cheap and replacement costs could run into tens of thousands of Rands when labour is added

– DAVID CHARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AA WARRANTIES

The data from AA Warranties shows that the average repair prices of some parts, such as bearings, valve block assembly units, and pistons, range from around R21 000 to R30 000. The data also points out that two of the most common expenses claimed for – complete engines and complete gearboxes – are also among the most expensive items, again highlighting the need for proper cover should they need to be replaced.

“Parts aren’t cheap and replacement costs could run into tens of thousands of Rands when labour is added. For this reason extended warranties have become a necessity, and should not be thought of as luxury or grudge purchases,” David says.

He explains that an extended warranty offers a lifeline to motorists when they need it most, and ensures the vehicle can be operational again far quicker than if the owner first has to raise a lot of money to have it repaired. He says an added benefit is that some of these warranties are available on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning buyers can purchase them on a monthly basis and not only when cars are changing hands at a dealership.

In tough economic times people keep their vehicles for longer periods and therefore need to ensure they are running for longer

– DAVID CHARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AA WARRANTIES

David says a mechanical warranty will cover mechanical failures or breakdown of parts, but will typically not cover scheduled services or wear and tear (as service or maintenance  plans do). Instead, they cover the risk of parts failing. Like the other products, they are often included by the manufacturer on new cars, but can be extended or replaced with another equivalent once their initial term has expired.

David says that these extension or replacement products on expiry of manufacturer ones are especially useful, and important.

“In tough economic times people keep their vehicles for longer periods and therefore need to ensure they are running for longer. An extended warranty is an ideal product to ensure it is kept in good working order, and also prevents you from having that shock repair bill once off,” he concludes.

Article courtesy of AASA

The importance of using an accredited dealership or repairer: Part 1

To achieve accreditation, businesses have to prove their staff have sufficient training

– JAKKIE OLIVIER, CEO OF THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

You are looking for a mechanical workshop, motor body repairer, or even to buy a new car and you don’t know where to start. Well, accreditation is a good place to start, says Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

“By using a business accredited by a reputable association such as the RMI, you can be assured of good workmanship and recourse in the unlikely event that the job is not completed to acceptable standards,” he says. “Accredited businesses will be run by highly-skilled professionals, with excellent service-levels, administrative support and quality parts and repair equipment.”

He explains that during the accreditation process a business undergoes a thorough assessment. Aspects including the health and safety operating procedures are scrutinised, as are the premises, tools and equipment, administration, waste removal, staffing and so on.

It is therefore very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price. 

– Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Retail Motor Industry OrganiZation (RMI)

Even aspects of the business such as insurance of the client’s vehicle whilst on the property of the repairer, parking facilities, lighting, ventilation and uniforms are inspected. “It is a rigorous process that we believe is essential to ensure customers know they are dealing with professionals and feel protected,” he says.

The level of staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process. “Unfortunately, skills shortages are a reality. To achieve accreditation, businesses have to prove their staff have sufficient training and on-the-job experience as well as specific qualifications to meet the needs of their customers,” says Olivier.

Possibly the most important benefit of using an accredited business is the knowledge that there is an association you can deal with in the event of a bad service or poor workmanship experience. “Owning a motor vehicle or a fleet is a big investment. The purchase price alone is a major financial commitment and repairs don’t come cheap,” says Olivier. “It is therefore very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when considering a business

– JAKKIE OLIVIER, CEO OF THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

If this is not your experience then you need to approach the accrediting association, such as the RMI, to assist in a dispute resolution process. The same applies when buying a car. If you are not happy with the product or promises have not been met by the selling agent then there is a body to hear your side of the story.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when considering a business. Alternatively contact the accrediting body and ask for a referral in your area. It is worth the extra admin to ensure you receive the service you deserve,” he concludes.

This article was first published by the RMI