5 Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore!

5 Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore!

/in , , /by

Oil Warning Light Flat tyre Warning Light Temperature Warning Light Brakes Warning Light Battery Warning Light

 

 

If any of the above warning lights come on while you are driving, DO NOT IGNORE THEM! Immediate action may be necessary to prevent damage to your car, a breakdown or an accident. See below for more detail on the warning light that is showing on your dash:

OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

Oil Warning LightThe oil pressure warning light comes on if your engine has lost oil pressure or oil pressure is too low for safe engine operation. Pull over, turn the engine off and check the oil level on the engine dipstick once cool.

Possible Causes: Low oil level (due to oil consumption or leaks), oil viscosity too thin, worn oil pump, excessive engine bearing clearances or defective oil pressure sending unit.

If you engine is also making ticking, clattering or rapping noises, it is not getting sufficient oil. If you attempt to drive the engine in this condition, you will probably damage it – if it hasn’t already suffered major internal damage.

TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT

Temperature Warning Light The temperature warning light will come on if your engine is overheating. Do NOT continue driving if your engine is overheating as this can cause expensive engine damage (piston scuffing, valve stem galling, failed head gasket, cracks or distortion in cylinder head). Stop driving, pull over and shut your engine off. Open the hood and check the radiator and heater hoses, radiator and engine for coolant leaks. Note the level of the coolant in the coolant reservoir.

CAUTION: DO NOT open the coolant reservoir or radiator cap until the engine has cooled off for at least 30 minutes. Steam pressure inside the cooling system can blow out and burn you!

If the coolant level is low, add coolant (a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water).

Possible Causes: Low coolant level (due to coolant leak or bad head gasket), stuck thermostat, bad water pump, broken serpentine belt, defective radiator cooling fan, clogged or dirty radiator, exhaust restriction (plugged catalytic converter).

CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT

Battery Warning LightThe “GEN” or “ALT” warning light, or an icon of a battery will illuminate if the voltage of your battery is low. You do not have to stop immediately, but you may only have 20 to 30 minutes of driving time before your battery goes dead and your engine stops running (or even less time if you are driving at night with your headlights on).

Possible Causes: Broken or slipping serpentine belt or V-belt, bad alternator, charging control fault, or loose or corroded battery cables.

Open the hood to see if the alternator drive belt is intact and is turning the alternator while idling. If the belt is not the problem, chances are the charging system has a problem that will have to be diagnosed and repaired. It’s always best to have a qualified mechanic take a look.

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT

Brake Warning LightThe Brake Warning light will come on if the parking brake has not been fully released, but it may also come on if the brake fluid level is low or there has been a loss of hydraulic pressure in one of your car’s brake circuits. Loss of fluid or brake pressure means the brakes may not be able to stop your car when you step on the pedal.

Carefully apply the brakes to see if they are working. If they are, pull over to the side of the road, open the hood and check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. Should the fluid level be low, the brake system should be inspected for leaks. If there are leaks, your brake system is unsafe to drive.

If the brake pedal is low or goes to the floor, pumping the pedal may apply enough pressure to stop your car. Failing that, apply your parking brake to slow your vehicle. Also, take your foot off the accelerator and shift to neutral, or downshift and use engine braking to slow your vehicle if you have a manual transmission. If all that fails, aim for something soft like a bush or open field.

Possible Causes: Loss of brake fluid due to leaks (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines or hoses), failure of the pressure differential switch that activates the brake light, parking brake pedal or handle not fully releasing, defective parking brake switch.

WARNING: If the brake pedal feels soft, is low, goes to the floor, or you have to pump the pedal to get your vehicle to stop, your vehicle is unsafe to drive. You should have it towed to a repair facility for repairs.

TPMS LIGHT

Tire Warning LightThe Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light on your car’s dash will come on if any tyre on your vehicle is underinflated. Driving with an underinflated tyre can be dangerous and increases the risk of blowout. A low tyre can also cause uneven braking, uneven traction, uneven and rapid tyre wear, increased rolling resistance and high fuel consumption.

Find a petrol station, and check the pressure in each tyre with an accurate gauge. Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure (see your owners manual or the tyre inflation decal on the driver door panel or glove box). For most passenger cars, the recommended pressure is typically 2.2 to 2.5 bar.

Possible Causes: Loss of air pressure due to a leak (such as a nail or small puncture in a tyre, or a bad valve stem), loss of air pressure due to seepage (0.1 to 0.2 bar per month loss is normal for many tyres), or inaccurate or failing TPMS sensor in tyre.

Check your tyres regularly – at least once a month or before any long road trip. Do this when they are COLD and BEFORE you’ve driven far.

 

If you are having trouble diagnosing your warning light, book and inspection with Michanic and we will send out a trusted mechanic to solve your problem. We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

Click here to get a quote for your next service.

Mazda Issues Recall For Defective Airbags

Mazda Issues Recall For Defective Airbags

/in , /by

There are an estimated 28 000 Mazda’s with potentially defective airbags. Mazda South Africa has sent out a press release and print advertisements in regional and national newspapers for a recall. The recall relates to the Mazda2, Mazda6 and RX-8 models produced between 2002 and 2014.

Is my Mazda affected?

  • Visit the Mazda website and enter the unique VIN number
  • Contact the Mazda SA Customer Care Centre – 0860 983 000 / [email protected]
  • Or simply visit the nearest Mazda dealership.

The extent of the recall

The Takata airbag recall is a huge recall that affects a number of manufacturers and millions of vehicles globally. And the South African recall is due to poor production conditions and storage of the propellant in the inflator. Thus causing the propellant to ignite abnormally at the time of airbag deployment.  Potentially resulting in very high inner pressure causing a rupture of the inflator case. In a case of a rupture, the airbag might not deploy as designed and may lead to injury.

Thus far Mazda have not had an incident in South Africa and the recall is a precautionary measure. Only about 9% of Mazda drivers have responded so far. Mazda is concerned that the majority of customers haven’t come in for replacement fittings, therefore leaving many cars on the road with potentially defective airbags.

For this reason, Mazda has embarked on a recall awareness campaign. Mazda is reaching out to drivers via radio and digital platforms, and encouraging drivers to check if their vehicle is affected. Customers can visit their nearest dealership to have their vehicle airbag inflators replaced.

 

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

Click here to get a quote for your next service.

When And How Often Should I Replace My Brakes?

When And How Often Should I Replace My Brakes?

/in , /by

How often do I need to replace my brakes? Your brake pads and disks wear out over time. The lifespan of your brakes depends largely on the quality of your brakes fitted as well as your driving habits.

Just as your fuel efficiency varies depending on your driving habits, so do the life of your brake pads. Your brake pad is the material that presses against the metal disc / rotor or drum on your wheel to bring your vehicle to a stop. Brake pads typically need replacing every 50,000 to 75,000 kilometres. Although, some brake pads only last for 25,000 kilometres, or less. To get a more accurate number for your car’s specific needs, consult your car’s manual.

Here are the common indicators that your brake pads need replacing soon:

  • Clicking, grinding, squeaking, or screeching noise when you apply the brakes.
  • Vibration in the steering wheel.
  • The Brake or low brake pad warning light is on.
  • Brake pedal is lower than normal.
  • Brake pads appear too thin.
  • The car is pulling to one side when applying the brakes.

Some further tips:

  • Have the mechanic check your brake pads remaining useful life when your car is in for a service or repair.
  • Most brake pads have small metal hairs at the very end to let the driver know that they need to be replaced soon. Try avoid driving if your brakes are making any metal on metal noise.
  • If braking becomes jittery, the disks are probably warped. In this situation you can either clean or grind down the surface of the rotor in order to make it flat again. However, it is easier and safer to just replace the brake rotor completely.
  • Good, functional brakes are the key to safe, predictable braking and safe driving. Generally, if the brakes look worn out or start losing performance, they should be replaced. If there are any unusual noises or sparks coming from the brakes, you should have them inspected by a mechanic right away.

 

If you think that you need new brakes, it’s always best to have a trusted mechanic check it out and fit them. Michanic has a team of specialist mechanics who come to you. We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

Click here to get an online quote to replace your brakes.

5 Tips For Extending Your Car's Life

5 Tips For Extending Your Car’s Life

/in , /by

Everyone has that one friend whose 1998 Honda Civic still runs like it’s brand new. But how do they do it? And how can you? Follow these 5 tips for extending your car’s life and you will spend less on repairs, and get extra mileage from your car!

1. Consistent oil changes

Infrequent oil changes are the number one cause of engine wear and tear, caused by friction within the engine. Most vehicles should get an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 km, but every car is different. Check your owner’s manual to find your car’s schedule or shoot us a message in our chat and we’ll help you out.

2. Don’t ignore small problems

All cars have signs of aging – your steering might feel off, or you might hear a noise when you turn on the AC. But these small issues can turn into expensive major repairs if gone unchecked. So, avoid this with regular inspections of your car and sort out all the minor issues.

3. Monitor your air filter

Your car’s mileage can be drastically reduced if your air filter is not replaced when necessary. Although many mechanics “up-sell” air filters, they can be important to replace when at the end of their lifespan, which is typically 30,000 to 50,000km. Air filters may last longer if you don’t drive on unpaved roads.

4. Keep your fluids topped up

Besides oil, your car uses transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. Your car will perform worse, and can even be damaged, without proper fluids. Our mechanics can change each of these fluids for you, or even top them off while doing another repair.

5. Check your tyre pressure

Low tyre pressure can adversely impact your fuel consumption and vehicle handling. Recommended tire pressure can be found on the label inside your driver’s side door. Your tire pressure should be within 5 PSI of this measurement.

We can guarantee that by following these 5 tips for extending your car’s life, your vehicle will last longer and you will get more mileage. So take action now and tick off each item. If you need a minor repair, oil change or a service book a trusted mechanic online now with Michanic.

 

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

Click here to get a quote for your next service.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

/in , /by

Your brakes are the most important safety feature on your car. So, it’s important to know how long your brake pads will last before needing replacement. Some can last for more than 80,000 kms, but some only last around 30,000 kms. This all depends on the quality of the brake pads fitted, your driving style, and the type of car you own.

Reasons That Will Determine How Long Your Brake Pads Last

Brake pads are a high wear car part due to the substantial pressure they are put under when stopping. That’s why the way you brake and the kind of braking you do are the biggest factors that determine how long your they will last. Harsh continuous braking typical of city driving can halve the life of your brakes when compared to high way use.

Apart from that, the quality of the brake pads used can also have a real impact on how long they will last. Brake pads made from materials with an inconsistent quality will usually wear quicker than those with high grade materials. It’s normally advisable to use high quality aftermarket parts hat are OEM approved.

Why Front Brake Pads Usually Last Longer Than Rear Pads

If you’ve owned a car for a while you will have noticed the front brake pads wear out faster. This is because front brakes are subjected to a lot more stress as they are burdened with more weight transfer when braking.

Manufacturers engineer braking systems for most of the braking strain to be on the front brakes to ensure better stability. This is why the front brake discs usually have a larger diameter than the rear.

Other Factors That Reduce Brake Pad Longevity

It is important to keep in mind that driving with old and worn down brake pads will result in a costly fix. Worn out pads will damage your discs. The metal on metal friction is what causes a squeaking noise when breaking. If this is the case, it’s advisable to replace both the discs and the pads. If you only replace the pads but not the worn disk, those brand-new brake pads will wear down much faster. Worn disks also heat up quicker negatively impacting your stopping distance, making your car less safe to drive.

Michanic recommends that you inspect your brakes regularly and use your brakes wisely when driving. Keep safe following distances, use your gears in combination with your brakes, and anticipate when you are going to need to stop. Doing this will save you money on brake pad repairs in the long run.

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

Click here to get a instant quote to replace your brake pads.

DIY: How To Check Your Engine Oil Level

DIY: How To Check Your Engine Oil Level

/in , , , /by

Did you know that most experts recommend checking your engine oil at least once per month?! when was the last time you checked yours? Engine oil is super important as it acts as a lubricant that prevents the engine components of your car from damage cause by friction as they move around. Here’s how to check your engine oil level in 4 simple steps:

1. Turn off the engine

Make sure the engine is cool so you don’t burn yourself and so that the engine oil has settled. Ensure that it has been off for at least 10 minutes and is cool. You’ll also need to make sure that your car is parked on a level surface.

2. Locate the dipstick

Pop open the bonnet, and look for the dipstick. The dipstick is a long rod which goes deep into your engine and usually has a brightly coloured handle.

3. Clean the dipstick

Wipe any oil off the dipstick with a clean cloth or rag.

4. Check the oil level

Stick the clean dipstick back into the tube, and ensure the end reaches the bottom, then pull the dipstick back out again. There will be an upper and lower mark on the dipstick, the oil level should be between these two marks. If it’s below or on the lower mark, you need to top up your oil to risk causing any engine damage. If you engine oil is dirty (dark black) consider replacing it.

Some cars have a digital oil check function in their cars and no longer use dip sticks. Different cars access the oil levels from the dash in different ways. If your car does not have a dip stick, check your car manual to see how to check your engine oil or book a trusted mechanic now to come have a look for you.

 

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

Click here to get a quote for your next service.

whatsapp GET A QUOTE