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!
Below, we will provide you with tips on car service as well as general maintenance of your car. We know in South Africa that due to lack of widespread public transport, many people rely on cars to earn travel to and from work and also to run errands. This means that one has to look after their car as it is an important asset.
If you look after your car, by servicing it regularly and ensuring that you perform the scheduled maintenance, you are less likely to have to pay expensive bills for your car repair. To date Michanic has serviced over 3000 cars. We have seen customers pay up to R50 000 for car repairs, only because they did not service as per the guidelines. An car service, whether it is a minor service (Oil change) or major service (oil change, spark plugs, air filter), is probably the single most important service you can perform on your car.
So, How much does a car service cost?
This depends on the car you drive. For example, a car service for an entry level car (I.e Polo Vivo, Datsun Go, Toyota Yaris) will not cost the same as a car service for an executive level cars such as your (BMW, audi, Mercdes Benz, Mazda 6 etc.).
Below is a table for the average cost of a car service based on vehicle classes
Exclusive Level Level (i.e Porshe, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz Sclass, BMW 7 Series etc):
Major Service Average Price: R 3 900
Minor Service Average Price: R1 800
The average prices above include parts and labour costs.
Make sure you take care of your car can save you money.
Making sure that your car is serviced well and between services, is money well spent. During the service, a comprehensive health check or 21 point check is performed on your car. This means that problems can be caught early when they are still cheaper to fix. Also, a healthy car also carries a higher resale value.
Plus, a well maintained car is more fuel efficient. Also, if you have a warranty, you have to prove that you have been taking care of your car.
Don’t skip a car service or your pocket will regret it.
During the last few months, a lot of people have been short on money and because of this, a lot of people are easily tempted to skipping a service. Yes, in the short term that seems like a cost saving exercise, however this can often mean a bigger cost later.
The cost of a car service is far less than the cost of having to replace more expensive parts later due to poor maintenance of the car.
For example
Engine Overhaul – R 12 000 – R 20 000
Oil Pump Replacement – R 7 000 – R 9 000
Cylinder head gasket – R 5 500 – R 11 000
Don’t forget to check the cambelt
It is important to check your service manual for the cambelt change schedule. It varies from car to car but usually between 90 000 and 120 000 kilometres. Some cars have chains instead of cambelts and these can last even longer.
A Cam Belt change can seem expensive, however the cost of the cambelt failure can be exorbitant in comparison as your engine can be damaged during the failure.
Where to service your car?
With higher overheads and staff commissions, garages and dealerships are generally more expensive. Servicing your car with Michanic provides you with
Transparent Pricing
21 Point checks and reports
6 Month / 6000 KM warranty
Stamp of service book
We come to you
Click here to get an instant online quote for a car service for your car!
Regular services are important for good car maintenance. In fact, they are mandatory. Both a major and minor service include an oil change, and oil filter replacement. Engine oil is crucial for engine functionality and must be changed every 10,000 km’s to 15,000 km’s (manufacture dependent).
Here is what a Service Includes and why it is so Important to Regularly Service Your Car
Oil Change
The most important part of a car service is the oil change. If you don’t regularly change your oil, sludge will build up making the oil gummy. This prevents the engine from being well lubricated and creates unnecessary friction – increasing wear and tear, plus generating excess heat. This is likely to result in engine failure and an expensive repair. Without oil, an engine would quickly seize up. The same goes for an engine with really dirty old oil that has lost its effectiveness. Avoid this problem with regular services or oil changes. Good clean oil provides for the best engine lubrication – keep it fresh!
Engine oil is not a substitute for your cars cooling system, but it does absorb and transfer heat in parts of the engine where the coolant cannot reach. Engine oil also cleans the engine by collecting all the dirt and gunk that builds up in an engine. Dirty oil is black with all the grime and gunk and is not effective at lubricating and absorbing heat. But draining the dirty oil means that all the bad stuff goes out. And with a minor service or oil change, your engine will have fresh clean oil that is fit for the job!
Also, ensure the correct type of oil specific to your car is used. And, USE A GOOD QUALITY OIL! Cheap poor quality oil might save you a little now but will cost you more in the long-run.
Filter Replacement
Oil filters help keep your oil clean and free of tiny hard particles. Left unfiltered, these hard particles will wear down engine components such as the oil pump and other bearing surfaces in the engine. Obviously, over time the oil filter builds up all the dirt and becomes blocked. So, replace it at every oil change or when you service your car.
Major services also include air filter replacements. A clean air filter will capture dirt and debris from the air, preventing these small particles from reaching the combustion chamber. The air filter clogs up with dirt over time, restricting the flow of air, making your engine work harder than it needs to.
Spark Plug Replacement
Your spark plugs are only replaced every second service interval i.e. at major services. Spark plugs lose effectiveness as they get old and dirt builds up. They are critical to the functioning of your engine as they provide the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture inside your engines combustion chamber. Newer spark plugs also require less voltage prolonging the life of your cars battery.
Regular services mean that your engine runs much smoother and is more fuel efficient!
Vehicle Inspection
Our major and minor car service includes not only an oil change and filter replacement but also a comprehensive vehicle inspection, including safety checks. Michanic’s expert mechanics will check for any safety issues that need addressing such as wear and tear on suspension, steering and braking systems. The correct functioning of these components is critical to your cars road-worthiness. Plus, the safety of your passengers! Regular services and inspection can help prevent any major faults down the road.
Pay Attention to Your Service Schedule
The bottom line is that your engine needs to be serviced, regular oil changes and filter replacements (i.e minor service) will prolong the life of your car’s engine. If you don’t service your car regularly, your oil becomes dirty and can get blocked up losing it’s effectiveness. This means that your engine will have to work harder and without effective heat absorption your engine will run hot, resulting in major mechanical issues. This is why full-service history (FSH) is so important when selling a car. So, pay attention to your service schedule! Save yourself from major repair bills and service your car every 10,000 km’s to 15,000 km’s.
Book a Service now with Michanic and one of our trusted mechanic will come to your doorstep to service your car at a time that suits 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.
Has lockdown made you realise how much you spend on filling up your car? Driving with fuel economy in mind can help you conserve fuel and save money. Michanic is always looking for ways to help our customers save, so read on if you want to improve your cars fuel consumption!
Here are 10 useful tips to improve your fuel efficiency
1. Go easy on the accelerator
It is obvious that harsh acceleration and driving at high speeds negatively impacts your fuel efficiency. Also, if a light is orange or red take your foot off the accelerator and let your car come to a slow stop. Use both your gears and brakes simultaneously. The same goes for keeping your distance from the car in front of you. The more distance your keep the better you can prevent harsh acceleration or braking.
2. Make Sure You are Filling Up with the Correct Fuel
Not all vehicles are made the same, some should use lower octane fuel (93 unleaded) and some higher (95 unleaded). Check your car manual to see what the recommended fuel type is for your car.
3. Get Rid of Dead Weight
Clearing out your boot or back seat of all those unnecessary things that you have been carting around can help to improve your fuel consumption. Some motorists go as far as partial refuels to reduce weight.
4. Reduce Drag
Those roof racks that only get used twice a year or open windows create unnecessary wind resistance. So, try keeping your windows closed and only fit your roof racks when you need them to improve your fuel efficiency.
5. Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure is an easy one, and you should do it every time you fill up with fuel. Ensuring that your tyres are properly inflated will improve fuel economy and extend the life of your tyres.
6. Good Quality Oil
The money you may save on using a cheaper oil can cost you a lot more in car maintenance and higher fuel consumption. So, it is important to use the correct type of oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer and to use a high-quality brand. We have partnered with Belgium based Wolf Oil Corporation to ensure that your car is getting the very best.
7. Drive in Higher Gears
The lower the gear the higher the RPM, and the more fuel your vehicle is using to produce the additional torque. So, change gears smartly. You want to be in the highest gear without putting strain on the engine – you should still be able to accelerate a little if you are in the right gear.
8. Air-conditioner
Your Air-conditioner draws power from the engine, meaning that your engine has to use more fuel to put out this additional power. So, now you know why your Uber driver never turns the aircon on. If it’s hot and you are in traffic, rather open a window. On the open road however, you should wind up your windows and turn on the AC. Here the drag created by having windows open is more detrimental to fuel efficiency than having your AC on.
9. Refuel in the Morning
Rather fill up on your way to work in the morning than on the way home. Because fuel is denser at lower temperatures, you get a little more bang for your buck by refueling in the morning when fuel is typically at its coolest.
10. Service Your Vehicle!
Servicing your car regularly can help improve fuel consumption. And vehicles that have not been serviced may have worn or dirty spark plugs, clogged air-filters, dirty oil, among other issues that could be costing you more in high fuel consumption. Book an inspection or service with Michanic and one of our friendly mobile mechanics will come to you to get your car running at optimum efficiency.
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.
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.
Like it or not, winter is here. Your safety on the road is our concern, and besides for making sure that your car is running smoothly we would like to help make you feel safer behind the wheel. So, follow these 7 Tips to make sure your car is ready to stand up to the elements and doesn’t leave you stranded in the rain.
1. Change your oil
This is something that you should be doing at regular intervals. If you oil hasn’t been replaced is a while, consider replacing it with fresh oil. Clean oil reduces drag on the starter when a cold engine is cranked.
2. Check your battery
Cold weather starting requires a strong battery. Check your battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean of any corrosion and tightly fitted. Most car batteries only last 4 to 5 years, so check the age of your battery and consider replacing it.
3. Check and replace old window wipers
Your rubber wiper blades have a limited lifespan of a year or less. Exposure to the sun, extreme heat, or cold damage the rubber causing wipers to streak, smear, or chatter. This is no good for the rainy season and they need to be replaced.
4. Check your tyre pressure
Your tyres lose pressure as the temperature drops. Underinflated tyres offer less traction cause premature wear and tear making them more dangerous for wet roads. So, make sure that your tyres are inflated to your vehicle manufacturer specifications.
5. Keep your fuel tank full
Anything cold attracts moisture, and because your fuel tank gets cold in winter, moisture from the air inside your empty fuel tank condenses and drips down settling at the bottom. Your engine does not like water, so minimize this condensation effect by keeping your fuel tank full.
6. Check Your Heater and Defrosters
Make sure that your heater is blowing hot air, that your defrosters re-route hot air the windshield and that your electric defogger is working. You don’t want to be stuck in the driveway on a cold winter morning because you can’t see out your windshield.
7. Protect yourself
If you don’t have an emergency kit in your car, it’s time you get one. We also recommend that you prepare for winter and keep a torch, blanket, and umbrella in your boot… but hopefully you won’t be needing the first two.
Not only will you be well prepared for the colder winter months by implementing some of these measures, but you could also save yourself from a big repair bill. Car maintenance and servicing is a critical component of vehicle ownership. Your car plays an important part of your daily livelihood and we are committed to bringing you convenient, reliable, and affordable car service and maintenance. Check our what our customers have to say about us on Hellopeter and Google. If you have any other questions or concerns about your vehicle, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email, [email protected], or by phone, 087 803 9000.
At Michanic (pronounced mychanic), we’re taking action to keep our customers and mechanics safe during the current outbreak of COVID-19 by bringing you contact-less service and repairs for your car.
During these uncertain times, we have to take extra precautions while delivering world class service. We have put some contingencies in place to ensure that our car services and repairs are safer and more convenient.
How we are keeping you safe
We are now offering a “contact-less” key exchange and service, to support the governments’ recommended social distancing. This means you can leave a note for the mechanic who will accommodate your request.
This is how we ensure we fulfill our contact-less service
You place your booking on the site, add notes for mechanic and pay by card or EFT
Our mechanic follows your instructions and carries out the service
After completion of the service, the mechanic will wipe down and disinfect high touch areas.
With these additional steps we want to assure you of Michanic’s dedication to the safety, health, and well-being of you and your family. And of course our mechanics, and as always your cars. We are committed to helping slow the spread of the virus, while making sure your car is well maintained.
Your car is a very important part of your daily life. It transports you and your loved ones, takes you to work, the shops, or even the hospital. Although you may be spending a lot of time inside your home to practice social distancing, make sure your car is always ready to go if you need it. Michanic is 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.
If you drive a Uber/Bolt (Taxify), you rack up a lot of kilometers, which means extra wear and tear. A car in the garage is not making you any money, so keeping up with the maintenance is extremely important. If you’re doing Uber or BOLT (Taxify), driver/owner, here are tips on how to stay on the road and earn the most cash.
First off, if you drive your own vehicle for a living, you likely want to follow the severe service car maintenance schedule. You might be thinking, “Hey, I’m only taking two people to the airport. I never tow, so it’s not severe service.” Actually, it is. The average driver in the South Africa racks up around 30 000 kilometers per year, but driving full time for a UBER/BOLT (Taxify) service can bring that annual total to 90 000 kilometers. A lot of those kilometers are spent carrying passengers through stop-and-go traffic in the summer heat nor winter colds. That’s work more in line with a taxi or police car. Let’s use some tricks of the trade from those services.
ENGINE PROTECTION
Oil: While you probably know how often to change your oil in a regular daily driver, an UBER/BOLT (Taxify) car needs a more frequent oil change schedule. You’re looking at lots of idling, stop and go, long periods with the engine on, and a lot more kilometers in general, so you want to use a high-quality oil. Depending on the kilometers you cover, you may be looking at changing the oil as often as every two weeks. While that may seem excessive, it is excellent preventative maintenance.
Filters Change out the oil filter with your oil change, and take a look at the engine air filter, too. These two are key to preventing engine damage. Also change your cabin air filter more often. The usual schedule is once a year, but aim for twice a year to keep your vehicle smelling fresh.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES, TIRES
Brakes Most drivers only change their brake pads every two to four years. With full-time UBER/BOLT (Taxify) work, however, you’re probably looking at every six months and sometimes every three months. Get the highest-rated pads you can afford, and save money by swapping them out and replacing the brakes yourself.
Suspension Shocks and struts are wear items that need replacing, usually only around three times in the average lifespan of a car. If you are a full-time driver, you are looking at annual replacement. No skipping out on this one, as shocks and struts are critical components of the suspension that determine ride quality. No one wants to ride in a vehicle with an overly harsh or bouncing suspension, so get it replaced on time. In addition to shocks and struts, you will probably have to replace the vehicle’s springs around 170 000 kilometers. In South Africa, there are a lot of potholes, this means that, you’ll probably need to replace the tie rods early and get to know a reliable place for an alignment.
Tires Get a super-affordable tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressure daily before starting your shift. Why daily? Tire pressure affects everything from the ride quality and tire wear to petrol mileage, so it’s an easy and quick way to save more and earn more. Rather than going out of your way to a petrol station with free air, use your own portable pump. Keep tire rotation on your calendar, too, for longest tire life. A good rule of thumb is to do so during every oil change.
LET US, HELP YOU!
We hope this information keeps you on the road so that you can make maximum cash. If you need assistance with nay repairs or juts a service just click here for and instant upfront quote and Michanic will send a trusted and qualifies mechanic to you. We operate every day of the week and after hours to make sure that our customers can get maximum use out of their cars.
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. Or check what our customers say about out service on Hellopeter or Google.
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting dressed up and smelling nice, then getting into your car to go to work or meet u with friends and family and the car will not start. This happened to me once. My car was fine the one day and the next, it just would not start.
There are many things that can lead to a car not starting. A skilled mechanic can identify the problem within a few minutes or it can take up to an hour trying to figure out what is wrong, as it was in my case. In my case, it was initially the battery that packed up after my car was parked for month without being driven. All i thought i needed was a battery and i will be on my way, but boy was i wrong.
Before i can go into detail of all the possible causes of a car not starting, i found out that you need to make sure you buy the correct battery for your car or else it can make your starter pack up. And that happened to me and yep, as you may guess it was quite costly. So, when you car wont start, there can be a few causes which i will outline below.
Flat Battery
This is probably the most common cause of car not starting issues. This one is easy to identify, the dashboard light will either fade or will not illuminate at all. If these are the symptoms, it will be a good idea to get a new battery, and in most times the car start on the first crank.
Alternator
The alternator for those who do not know, is a device that helps run your electrics in your car while it is running and also, one of its main function is to recharge the battery. In most instances when your alternator is/has packed up, a battery light will illuminate on your dashboard informing you that there may be a problem with the charging system. If your battery is relatively new and you see that light come on, the alternator is the possible culprit. Your car will run with power from the battery and once that has been completely withdrawn, your car will not start. This will need an alternator replacement.
Starter Motor
The job of the stater motor is to crank the engine. Now, you probably ask yourself, how will i know it’s the starter. Well a process of elimination will have at this point excluded the alternator and the battery. The starter motor will display symptom of a weak crank sound, and when this motor is initiated too many times, the crank sound will start to fade and sometimes even burn out the starter completely. If you crank sound is weak and goes hlihee heee heee hee he ee ee, then the cause could be a starter that has packed up.
Fuel
Fuel is a very important element in the starting of the car. When a car wont start, but it cranks fine and healthy, the battery light is not on and the lights are not fading, the possible cause is that the fuel is not getting to the engine to initiate combustion which turns the engine. This could be as simple as purchasing petrol and pouring in into the tank, or could be as expensive as a damaged fuel pump. The mechanic will usually test if the pump is working by monitoring fuel flow into the engine from a pipe that is responsible for delivering the fuel to the engine. If no fuel comes out, one needs to first check if they have fuel in the tank and if there is fuel, then it can be potentially be the petrol pump or in some instance a filter that is blocked.
I hope this help you gain a little bit of knowledge and also save you some money and head aches.
PS: It is always good to check with a mechanic to help you get to the root cause of the problem.
