Living in the stunning coastal city of Cape Town comes with its own set of perks, from breathtaking ocean views to invigorating sea air. However, this idyllic coastal lifestyle also brings challenges for your beloved vehicle. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the combination of salt, sand, and sea air affects your car, and most importantly, how you can ensure your vehicle remains in top condition despite the coastal elements.
1. The Corrosive Power of Salt: Cape Town’s proximity to the ocean means that salty sea air can have a corrosive impact on your vehicle’s exterior. The salt, carried by coastal winds, can accelerate rusting on exposed metal surfaces. Regular washing and waxing become crucial in protecting your car’s paint and undercarriage.
Action Tip: Schedule regular car washes, paying extra attention to the undercarriage. Consider applying a protective wax coating to shield your vehicle from salt-induced corrosion.
2. Sand and Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage: Driving on coastal roads often means encountering sandy conditions. Sand can accumulate in the undercarriage, potentially causing issues with the exhaust system, brakes, and suspension components. Regular inspections and cleaning are key to preventing damage.
Action Tip: Include undercarriage cleaning as part of your regular car maintenance routine. Consider professional services that specialize in removing sand and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
3. Sea Air and Oxidation: While the sea breeze brings a refreshing feel to coastal living, it also carries moisture and salt particles. Over time, this exposure can lead to oxidation, affecting various metal components of your vehicle. Brake rotors, exhaust systems, and even electrical connections may be susceptible.
Action Tip: Regularly inspect and lubricate exposed metal components to minimize the impact of oxidation. Consider rust-inhibiting treatments to protect vulnerable areas.
4. Protecting Your Vehicle’s Exterior: Investing in protective measures for your car’s exterior becomes essential in coastal areas. Saltwater mist and airborne particles can settle on your vehicle, leading to gradual wear and tear.
Action Tip: Explore ceramic coatings or sealants designed to provide an extra layer of protection against salt and environmental contaminants. These coatings can make cleaning easier and provide long-term defense.
5. Choosing the Right Materials: When replacing or upgrading parts of your vehicle, consider materials that are resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel or aluminum components can be excellent choices for parts exposed to the coastal environment.
Action Tip: Consult with a trusted mechanic or auto professional when selecting replacement parts to ensure compatibility with coastal conditions.
Conclusion: Living in the coastal beauty of Cape Town is a unique experience, and caring for your vehicle in this environment requires a tailored approach. By understanding the impact of salt, sand, and sea air, and taking proactive steps to protect your car, you can ensure it remains a reliable companion for all your coastal adventures. Safe driving and enjoy the scenic drives that Cape Town has to offer!
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Easy Car Repairs with ZeroPay: Split Your Bills into 3 Hassle-Free Payments
At Michanic, we believe in making car repairs and services as convenient as possible. We’re excited to introduce a game-changing partnership with ZeroPay, which allows you to split your car repair bills into three, interest-free payments. Say goodbye to the stress of large, one-time payments and hello to easy, budget-friendly solutions for keeping your vehicle in top shape.
How It Works:
Get It – Apply in Minutes:
Start by applying for your ZeroPay account – a simple, quick process that takes less than a minute. The approval is fast, meaning you can get started almost immediately.
Got It – Select at Michanic:
Once you’re approved, the next step is to choose ZeroPay as your preferred payment option when booking any of our services at Michanic.
Good – Pay in 3 Easy Installments:
Now for the best part: you can pay for your car service or repairs in three equal, interest-free installments. No hidden fees, no extra charges. Your booking is instantly confirmed, so you can relax and let us take care of your vehicle.
Why Choose ZeroPay for Car Repairs:
Budget-Friendly:
Paying for car repairs in one lump sum can be financially challenging. ZeroPay makes it manageable by breaking it into smaller, interest-free installments.
Quick and Secure:
The application process is quick and straightforward. Your financial information is kept secure, and you’re approved in minutes.
No Interest, No Fees:
With ZeroPay, you truly pay zero interest and zero fees. It’s a fair, transparent solution to manage your expenses.
Enjoy Stress-Free Car Services: Michanic and ZeroPay are here to provide you with a hassle-free experience when it comes to car repairs and services. Our qualified mechanics will take care of your vehicle, while ZeroPay ensures the payment process is smooth and convenient.
Say goodbye to the worry of unexpected car repair bills. Say hello to easy payments with ZeroPay, only at Michanic.
Ready to experience the convenience? Book your car service or repair with us today!
Click here to get an instant online quote for a car service and repairs for your car!
In an era of the new normal, more and more people have an appetite for convenience and mobile car repair and service has become increasingly more popular. Customers who are constantly on the move may not have time to take their car to a garage or dealer, which is where Michanic comes in. Our vetted and qualified mechanics come to your home or office and perform car repairs and service on your car without you having to leave your couch. We believe that there is no reason that anyone should go on and waste time of your day getting to and from a a garage only to be stuck without a car for hours and sometimes days on end while you wait for it to be ready. Michanic makes it easy to schedule an appointment and we can guarantee that you will not regret it. Think of all the extra time you will have to catch up on your favourite things to do and spending time with family!
Here are the reasons mobile car service and repairs works:
The entire process is simple from start to finish, because the only work you have to do is make sure the car keys are accessible to the mechanic. We know that time is money, and taking your car into the garage can be a huge time commitment. Spending a little more money for high quality service at your home or office may be a justifiable trade off for many people
Full service. You may think that a mobile mechanic may not be able to perform all the required repairs at your home. Well, at Michanic we have performed simple tasks such as oil changes and more complex tasks such as engine overhauls at the comfort of our customers homes. Our certified mechanics can preform 90% of all car repairs at the comfort of your home.
Quality work guranteed. Our mechanics pride themselves on the quality of their work and it shows. At Michanic we also offer a 6 month or 6 000 km warranty for all our ork, for your peace of mind.
Save up to 40% on pricing. the fact that mobile mechanics do not carry as many overheads as the garages, customers can save up to 40% on regular maintance costs as well as car repairs.
Work on All Car Models. Our Michanic mobile mechanics have experience working on every type of car, from a Daihatsu Terios to the most expensive BMW. YYou can rest assured that our mechanics have the skills and training to handle any issue on any car.
Your Time. All records of your car repairs are stored safely and can be used to assist in reminders for possible service and repairs required. We also work on your schedule so your time and your rules.
Instant quoting . Our highly skilled customer service team will be able to deliver you a free price quote when you explain the troubles that you are having with your vehicle, which saves you the time and money of having to bring your car to a garage to figure out what is wrong. If we are unable to determine the cause of the issue, a mobile mechanic will come and perform a diagnostic test to figure out what is going wrong.
You can oversee the process. Because mobile mechanic come to your home or office, you have the freedom to watch your car being serviced and ask any questions that may arise. Wondering about what is making your brakes squeaky? Our Michanic mobile mechanics are happy to answer any and all questions you may have about the work that we do. This also allows you to build a trusting relationship with your mechanic and will leave you feeling reassured that you are getting the highest quality service.
At Michanic, customer safety and satisfaction is our top priority. This is the reason we have the best mobile mechanics and use the highest quality parts. Our mobile mechanics have great reviews and our customer service team makes it easy to schedule your next appointment. If you have any other questions about our services feel free to talk to our customer service team through email, at [email protected], or by phone,at 087 803 9000.
Click here to get an instant online quote for a car service and repairs for your car!
You should let your engine warm up before driving, especially in winter. Using premium petrol will clean your engine. SUVs are safer than small cars. We have all heard similar car tips, but have you ever wondered whether they are true? As it turns out, many of them aren’t.
There are a lot of car myths that have been around for decades and are still popular among car owners, despite having been debunked countless times. Some of them originate from the past, whereas others are just completely false. Have you heard any of the myths listed here?
SUVs Are Safer Than Small Cars
This popular myth has been the center of discussion for years, so it is easy to see why the answer still remains unclear. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that “a bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one, assuming no other differences.” Although this is true, SUVs’ higher center of gravity means they are more likely to roll over on tight turns or during a crash. SUVs also require a longer braking distance than smaller cars, even despite having larger brakes.
Car manufacturers are, however, working hard on improving their SUVs’ safety features by equipping them with all kinds of traction and stability systems as well as adding powerful brakes.
All SUVs Are Good Offroad
Initially, SUVs were built to perform well on roads as well as off the beaten tracks. They had elements combining standard road cars and off-road vehicles, making them a middle point between the two.
Today’s SUVs have changed a fair amount. Their wheels became bigger, they got smaller in size and equipped with all sorts of futuristic gadgets, massaging seats, and eco-friendly systems. Manufacturers stopped focusing on off-road capabilities, so it’s best not to take your brand new SUV into rough terrain. There are some exceptions though, such as the new Mercedes G Class, which remains unstoppable in mud, sand, or snow.
You Should Change Oil Every 5,000 KM
Car dealers usually recommend performing oil changes every 5,000 KM. This has become common practice among car owners. But is that really necessary?
Years ago, frequent oil and filter changes were necessary in order to keep the engine properly maintained.
These days, thanks to advances in engine durability and oil quality, most vehicles can be safely driven with oil replaced every 10 000 KM. Some manufacturers, like Ford or Porsche, recommend changing the oil every 15,000 KM. If your car is running on synthetic oil, you can even drive up to 20,000 KM without an oil change!
Premium (95) Fuel Will Clean Your Engine
There is a bit of truth to this myth. Premium (95) petrol does have a higher octane level than regular petrol (93), that’s why high octane fuel is commonly used in motorsport and recommended for high-performance cars. Using premium gas in a car such as the BMW M4 will noticeably improve the vehicle’s performance compared to regular fuel.
That said, high octane fuel will only affect powerful engines. Contrary to popular belief, a higher octane level does not make premium gas “cleaner” than regular petrol. Unless your vehicle has a very powerful engine, it is completely unnecessary to fill it with 95.
Manual Cars Are More Fuel-Efficient Than Automatics
During the days of early automatic transmissions, this myth was true. The first automatics on the market were far worse than manuals. They used more petrol and would break down a lot.
Modern automatic transmissions don’t have much in common with the ones from the first half of the 20th century. Gearboxes in sports cars, for example, can shift faster than any human ever could. Automatic transmissions in most cars today have become better than manuals in practically every single way. They shift quicker, offer better fuel efficiency, and extend the lifetime of your engine thanks to carefully calculated gear aspect ratios.
Using Your Phone While Filling Up Petrol Can Lead To An Explosion
Do you remember the early days of mobile phones? They were bulky and had long external antennas. Back then, from a scientific point of view, this myth could have been true. A phone’s external antenna could have a small discharge that would ignite the fuel and lead to a fire or a spectacular explosion. There aren’t any documented cases to support this theory, but it wasn’t impossible.
Phones these days are equipped with internal antennas, and it has been proven that the wireless signals emitted by modern phones cannot ignite petrol
.
Aircon Instead Of Open Windows Increases Fuel Economy
It’s an old summertime driving debate that keeps coming up each year. Is driving with your air conditioning more fuel-efficient than opening the windows?
The short answer is no. Sure, driving with the windows down does increase drag, and in effect the car needs more fuel to run. However, blasting the air conditioning adds load to the engine and ends up needing even more fuel. The Mythbusters conducted a test which proved that opening your windows is in fact slightly more fuel-efficient than using air conditioning. The absolute most efficient solution would be driving with the windows closed and A/C switched off, but perhaps sacrificing a little petrol is worth the comfort.
Dirty Cars Use Less Fuel
The apparent science behind this myth is that dirt and mud fill the car’s cracks and crevices, improving its airflow and lowering drag. The explanation does not sound completely absurd — even the Mythbusters set out to test this theory.
As you probably guessed, the myth was debunked. In fact, dirty cars turned out to be up to 10% less fuel-efficient than clean cars, as the dirt reduces the aerodynamics and distorts the airflow. If you believe this myth, it is probably best to head to the carwash straight away.
Warm Up Your Engine Before Driving
This is one of the most-believed myths on this entire list. Many people think that it is crucial to let a car idle before driving, especially on a cold winter day. This myth is completely false. Sure, it does take some time for a car engine to reach its ideal temperature, but idling to warm it up is completely unnecessary.
A modern car has the technology to warm up the engine by itself and will reach the ideal running temperature quicker by being driven as opposed to idling. It just wastes fuel and generates excessive carbon monoxide.
You Can Wash Your Car With Dishwashing Soap
Washing your car with dishwashing soap or, frankly, any chemical that is not meant for cars, is a very bad idea. While you will be able to save a bit of money by using detergent or soap, it will result in stripping the wax off your car and end up damaging paint.
Cars with paint damage will have to be repainted, and a single-coat low-quality paint job will cost at least R4000. Higher quality paint jobs will likely set you back more than R9000. It is best to just invest a bit more money into proper car care products instead of having to repaint the entire vehicle in a couple of months.
A Start-Stop System Wastes Fuel Instead of Saving It
According to this theory, a start-stop system actually increases fuel consumption by repeatedly switching the engine off and on. On top of all this, using the system can apparently lead to permanent battery damage.
Practical tests have proven that cars with a start-stop system can save as much as 15% more petrol than with the system disabled. A start-stop also lowers emissions and is perfectly safe for the car’s battery, so you can disregard this myth and turn the system back on.
You Should Replace All Tires At The Same Time
Changing all four tires at the same time does sound like a very logical and safe practice. However, as it turns out, it isn’t always necessary.
Whether or not you should change all tires at a time typically depends on tire wear as well as your drivetrain. Cars with front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive usually need two tires changed, while all-wheel-drive ones should get the entire set replaced at a time. AWD cars have differentials that send the equal amount of torque to each wheel, and a different sized tire (tires get smaller in time as they lose tread) will result in the differential working too hard and could lead to drivetrain damage.
Click here to get an instant online quote for a car service and repairs for your car!
South Africa is considered one of the best road trip destination, and it is not difficult to see why. Everyone needs a break from what we have been experiencing here in the last few months. Road trips are a perfect way out to have your bit of enjoyment this spring and summer.
Read on to find 5 exciting places to choose from to have a memorable road trip this spring and summer.
1. Route 62
Route 62 is possibly one of the best trails for the road trips along South Africa. This is known as such because of the road that meanders through the vineyards of the Cape Wineland. A lot of the road trippers who take this route usually take it to visit the Karoo, which is an open semi desert that hones some of the best livestock and farms around the place.
There are beautiful mountain passes along the way and they add to the beauty of the region even further. Some call this route the ‘rural’ garden route. The serenity of the route is what makes this an amazing option for road trippers to look into. You may want to visit Montagu and the Karoo National Park while there. Get your car inspected before such a trip to avoid any problem that could make your trip troublesome.
2. Garden Route
The Garden Route stretches around the coastal and forested area between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth. The road trip gets its name from the Garden Route National Park that it covers, and the diverse vegetation and wildlife, and abundance of lagoons, lakes, mountains, forests, and beaches along its winding roads.
With countless detours and pit stops showcasing the region’s beauty, culture and hospitality, the challenge is deciding whether to devote four days or a fortnight. Get your car inspected before such a trip to avoid any problem that could make your trip troublesome.
3. Wild Coast
The beautiful Wild Coast runs from East London in the south of the Eastern Cape to the border of Kwa-Zulu Natal some 350km to the northeast.
As you drive across this region’s rolling hills, along its jagged coastlines or veer off the N2 onto the gravel roads that cut inland, you’ll often have the sense that little has changed here in the past hundred years. The hillsides are dotted with turquoise rondavels (round huts topped with thatched roofs) and small pastoral farming plots.
The Wild Coast also boasts the most idyllic and unspoilt beaches to be found anywhere in South Africa. Get your car inspected before such a trip to avoid any problem that could make your trip troublesome.
4. The Panorama route
Meandering around the beautiful Blyde River Canyon and the historic mining town of Graskop, the Panorama Route is well worth the short detour from Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga’s main attraction.
As the name would suggest, this route, which takes you along the highest tar road in South Africa, offers spectacular views of the area’s mountains, canyons and valleys. Eagles soar overhead and the sound of thundering waterfalls punctuates the stillness.
Fish for yellowtail or carp in the tranquil Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve or walk through the mist-covered indigenous forest above Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world.
The history of this region is as rich as the mineral deposits that sparked a gold rush here in 1873. Relive this history at Pilgrim’s Rest, a former gold mining town that is now a national museum where you can try your hand at gold panning. Get your car inspected before such a trip to avoid any problem that could make your trip troublesome.
5. The Waterberg Meander
A few hours’ drive from the busy urban hub of Johannesburg, the Waterberg Region doesn’t make it onto most South African travel itineraries, and that’s a large part of its appeal.
Tucked away in Limpopo Province and known to locals as Africa’s Eden, this region comprises soaring mountain peaks, antediluvian sandstone rock formations, golden savannah plains, dense riparian forests and plunging river valleys.
The Waterberg Meander is a 350km self-drive route that takes road trippers right through the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere and incorporates many of its highlights, including the exclusive Welgevonden Game Reserve and the stunning Marakele National Park. . Get your car inspected before such a trip to avoid any problem that could make your trip troublesome.
FASTA CheckOut gives you access to instant credit on checkout when booking your car service or repairs with Michanic.
The economy is hurting, the effects of Coivd-19 and the national lockdown have us all feeling a little cash strapped. Car maintenance is not something that most people budget for. We never know when our car will break down and although it’s best to pay cash for car services or repairs we don’t always have the cash. Sometimes credit is our only option, but most mechanics don’t offer credit to customers.
Times are tough and we understand that fixing or servicing your car is a necessity but coming up with the money is particularly challenging right now. You might just not have the cash to get your car back on the road. That is why Michanic has partnered with FASTA, where you can get your car running smoothly now and pay over 3 months. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
We know that your car plays an important part of your daily livelihood. Michanic are committed to bringing you affordable car service and maintenance. Offering our customers credit means that you can get your car back up and running without having to save first. We are dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns about how we are moving forward during this outbreak, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email, [email protected], or by phone, 087 803 9000.
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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.
