Vehicle Repair and Maintenance:

How To Identify Issues, Fixes, FAQs

Did you know that road safety isn’t just dependent on driver competence?

It’s also about how fit the vehicle is!

Having a well-maintained vehicle not only shows that you take care of your ride, but it also helps protect you while you’re on the road.

Believe it or not, a lot of accidents happen because of vehicle failure, and that’s something that can easily be prevented. Plus, if you’re stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down car, you’re at risk of being targeted by criminals.

That’s why vehicle maintenance is so important for road safety.

Let’s discover what to check on our vehicles and warning signs that signal problems. We’ll also delve a little into DIY repairs and preventative measures to keep our vehicles in top shape. Finally, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions about vehicle repair.

This Article Contains:

- Importance of On-Time Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

- Basic Maintenance: What To Check Regularly on Your Vehicle

- Troubleshooting Common Problems: Warning Signs to Look Out For

- DIY Repairs: What You Can and Cannot Do on Your Own

- Preventative Maintenance Tips

- FAQs about Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Let’s get cracking.

Importance of On-Time Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

One of the biggest problems vehicles break down is because smaller issues aren’t addressed in time and they lead to bigger problems.

Think of a vehicle like a human body…

If you don’t take care of it, eat healthy, exercise and get regular check ups, you’re going to get sick and may end up in hospital.

Likewise, proper maintenance will help keep your vehicle running efficiently, as well as:

- Save you money on fuel

- Reduce long-term maintenance costs

- Minimize harmful emissions

- Increase reliability

- Boost resale value.

Basic Maintenance: What To Check Regularly on Your Vehicle

Letting trained auto mechanics service your car is the best option for safe and efficient driving. But if you’re a car owner, doing preventive routine maintenance yourself, following manufacturer guidelines, can also help avoid breakdowns.

Here are some aspects you could check or ask your mechanic to check regularly:

- Air filter: Check and replace your air filter monthly or as part of a tune-up. It’s generally simple to access under the metal lid of a carbureted engine or in a rectangular box in the air duct hose assembly.

- Battery: Remove the earth strap (typically the negative pole) on a battery to avoid activating the starter if you accidentally touch an open wire when repairing the starter or working in the battery area.

- Brake System / Brake Fluid: Check your brake fluid monthly. Here’s how:
  - - Wipe off the dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid.
  - - Pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew the plastic lid.
  - - If the fluid is low, add the required amount and check for leaks throughout the brake system.
  - - Be sure not to overfill.

- Engine Oil: This is a serious one as failure to replace worn-out oil results in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and possibly severe engine damage. A regular engine service is critical. Keeping the right amount of oil in your engine is crucial for preventing deterioration. Here’s what you should do:

Check the oil level after every refill
Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it fully
Add oil if it’s low
Change the oil every 3 months for best performance
Never overfill the sump during regular maintenance or repairs, as it can cause vehicle damage, affecting the oil seals and causing leaks
Apply a light smear of engine oil on the new oil filter’s rubber seal to ensure a proper seal when tightening.

- Exhaust & Silencer Exhaust: If your exhaust sounds noisy or rattles, get it checked for loose or broken clamps and supports, holes in the pipes or muffler, and replace any damaged or rusted parts.

- Fan & Belt: Regularly inspect belts and hoses, replacing glazed, worn, frayed, bulging, rotten, or brittle ones as needed. Check for proper tightness of clamps. If a hose looks or feels bad, replace it. When replacing a missing or perished fan belt, adjust the tension to about 10-12mm between the engine pulleys.

- Front Wheel CV Joints/ Wheel bearing kits: Want a pro tip? During the wheel bearing kit repair process, use only one sachet of grease for both wheels. Keep the other pack for future use, as one pack is enough for both wheels.

- Lights: Check all lights and replace any broken or burned-out bulbs. Properly focus the lights for safety. Use low beams to avoid obstructing your view and other drivers’ views.

- Water: If your engine is water-cooled, make sure to change the water regularly. You can also use water to clean your windshield.

- Shock Absorbers: Replace shock absorbers in pairs or all four, so that the front and/or rear shocks are in the same condition and operate with equal settings on the same axle.

- Spark Plugs: After replacing the spark plugs to fix erratic idling, make sure that the plug leads are securely attached on both ends and not perished.

- Tires: Irregular tire wear can reveal mechanical issues. Have professionals check wheel alignment and balance, as certain components such as brakes, axles, chassis, wheel bearings, suspension, wheel assembly, bushes, ball joints, and steering components can cause it.

- Tire Pressure: Adequate air pressure must be maintained at all times. Check tire pressure each time you fill fuel.

- Clutch Kits: Replace all clutch components together as a kit, including the pressure plate, clutch plate, and thrust bearing, instead of just replacing individual worn parts.

This is because the components work together and wear out evenly. Replacing only one part is risky and leads to more expensive and time-consuming repairs down the line.

- Wiper Blades: It’s best to replace your wiper blades every six months. This is because the rubber deteriorates over time when exposed to the atmosphere, which reduces their effectiveness.

Other aspects to regularly inspect include:

- Alternator

- Carburetor

- Distributor

- Fuel Line & Fuel Pump

- Gearbox Oil

- High -Tension (HT) leads

- Ignition Coil

- Radiator

- Rear wheel drive shaft

If this all seems too daunting, remember, you can start with the simple things like checking tire pressure, water and oil at the petrol station.

Then you can leave the more complicated issues to the professionals.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Warning Signs to Look Out For

These are some of the signs that usually signal a problem in a vehicle:

1. Strange Smells

Strange smells from your car could be an early warning sign that requires attention to save time and money later on.

The causes could range from trapped water that speeds up corrosion, to smoky smells that require immediate shutdown and professional help.

Fuel, oil, exhaust and burning rubber smells are other warning signs that need to be traced to their cause.

2. Unfamiliar/ Concerning Sounds

Initially external noise on the road or from the radio can mask strange sounds coming from your car, but if left unchecked, the problem will become more noticeable when turning corners or driving over bumps.

Some common sounds to watch out for are:

- Clicking from the front wheels when turning, indicating a potential front shaft problem,

- Fan-belt squeals signaling the need for a new belt

- Rhythmic clicks pointing to faulty wheel bearings or debris stuck in the tire tread

- Changes in engine tone indicating overheating

- Backfiring indicating serious issues

- Engine knocks signaling the need for lower gears and possible engine and oil checks.

3. Jerking/ Unusual Shaking

There are several possible causes of jerking and shaking in cars, including:

- Engine misfire: A misfiring engine can cause the car to jerk and shake, especially when accelerating or driving uphill. This could be caused by a faulty spark plug, fuel injector, ignition coil, or other engine component.

- Transmission problems: Issues with the transmission, such as low fluid levels, damaged gears or bands, or a faulty torque converter, can cause the car to shake or jerk during acceleration or shifting.

- Suspension problems: Worn out or damaged suspension components, such as shock absorbers, struts, or control arms, can cause the car to shake or vibrate while driving.

- Brakes: Worn brake pads or warped rotors can cause the car to shake or vibrate when braking.

- Tires: Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or a damaged tire can cause the car to shake or vibrate at certain speeds.

- Wheel alignment: Improper wheel alignment can cause the car to pull to one side, shake or vibrate while driving.

It’s important to have these issues diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure safe and reliable driving.

DIY Repairs: What You Can and Cannot Do on Your Own

Fancy yourself a DIYer?

Here are some of the tasks a car owner can do themselves:

- Replacing a dead battery: This is a simple task that most vehicle owners can handle. Just make sure to follow the proper safety procedures when removing and installing the battery.

- Changing a flat tire: With the right tools and knowledge, changing a tire can be done easily and quickly.

- Replacing windshield wipers: This is another easy task that can be done with just a few tools.

- Replacing a burnt-out headlight or taillight: This is a simple task that just requires a replacement bulb and a few basic tools.

- Changing the air filter: This is an important task that can be done with just a few basic tools.

Keep in mind that while these vehicle repairs can be done by owners, it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual and do thorough research beforehand.

And, if you’re unsure about your ability to perform a repair, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic like The Mobile Mechanic with a history of automotive service excellence.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

While it’s best to rely on a qualified mechanic to keep your vehicle in tip top shape, there are some things you can do on your own.

Here are a few tips:

1. Try To Use Genuine Spare Parts When Possible

It’s important to use genuine spare parts when repairing or replacing components in your vehicle. Using genuine parts ensures that the parts will fit and function properly, and that they meet the manufacturer’s quality standards. Also check the warranty on replaced parts.

2. Give Your Vehicle Anti-Rust Coating

Applying an anti-rust coating to your vehicle can help protect it from rust and corrosion, which can cause serious vehicle damage over time. Anti-rust coatings can be applied to the underside of the vehicle, as well as to exposed metal parts such as the wheel wells and door edges.

3. Avoid Accelerating and Braking Abruptly

Abrupt acceleration and braking can put unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and brakes, and can reduce fuel efficiency. Gradual acceleration and braking are more efficient and easier on your vehicle.

4. Shut Off The Engine Whenever You Expect To Wait

If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or so, it’s a good idea to shut off your engine to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.

5. Drive At A Moderate Speed To Maximize Fuel Efficiency

Driving at a moderate speed can help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Higher speeds require more energy to overcome air resistance, which can reduce fuel economy.

6. Use Air-Conditioning Only When Necessary

Running your vehicle’s air conditioning puts extra strain on the engine and can reduce fuel efficiency. Use it only when necessary, and try to keep the temperature set at a moderate level.

7. Avoid Riding On The Clutch Pedal, And Release The Clutch Pedal Fully While Driving

Riding the clutch pedal can cause unnecessary wear on the clutch components, and can reduce fuel efficiency. It’s important to release the clutch pedal fully while driving to ensure that the clutch is not slipping and causing additional wear.

8. Maintain Optimum Air Pressure In Your Tire To Improve Mileage

Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level.

9. Try To Avoid Hitting Your Tires Against Kerbs, Especially When Parking

Hitting your tires against pavements can damage tires and wheels, which can lead to reduced performance and safety issues.

10. Check Your Spare Tire From Time To Time

It’s important to check your spare tire regularly to ensure that it’s properly inflated and in good condition. You never know when you might need to use it in an emergency.

FAQs about Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about car repairs in South Africa:

1. What Is Automotive Repair And Maintenance?

Automotive repair and routine maintenance refers to the repair processes, maintenance, and servicing of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These processes ensure their optimal performance, safety, and longevity.

It includes a wide range of services, such as changing engine oil and filters, replacing worn-out brake pads and rotors, checking and adjusting tire pressure, tire rotation, performing tune-ups, diagnosing and repairing electrical and mechanical problems, and many other related tasks.

Regular maintenance and automotive repair are essential to keep vehicles running smoothly and to prevent breakdowns and accidents on the road.

It can be performed by qualified auto mechanics in professional garages or by vehicle owners themselves with the appropriate tools and knowledge.

2. Who Can Repair A Car?

Typically, anyone can repair a car as long as they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to do the job properly and safely.

However, certain types of vehicle repairs may require specialized training, certifications or registration with industry bodies. For example, repairs involving the air conditioning system, brakes, or electrical systems may require a technician with specific expertise and certifications. In that case, you may need to visit a specialized car repair shop.

Additionally, some regulations require a professional mechanic or certified technician to perform certain inspections.

Ultimately, it is important to ensure that car repairs are performed by qualified individuals who can ensure the safety and proper functioning of the vehicle.

3. How Much Does A Mechanic Charge Per Hour In South Africa?

The cost of a mechanic in South Africa can vary depending on several factors, including the type of repair work, the location of the mechanic, and the mechanic’s level of experience.

Need to repair your vehicle but don’t want to break the bank on mechanic fees?

Generally, independent workshops and mechanics charge hourly fees for their services, which can range from around R600 to R1000 per hour, with some specialized services costing more.

A dealer will typically invoice higher hourly rates compared to an independent mechanic or smaller auto repair shop.

The hourly rate at a dealership repair shop can vary depending on the brand, location, and specific services being performed. However, on average, the hourly rate for dealer repair shop services in South Africa can range from around R1000 to R2000 or more. You should always ask for a repair estimate first.

But beware…

The higher price charged by dealerships isn’t necessarily an indication of superior auto repair service.

Remember, independent mechanics can offer more personalized service, since you typically deal directly with the person repairing your vehicle. This way, you can also be assured of more effective communication.

Plus, an independent auto repair shop will usually charge a lot less, despite being just as qualified as the technicians employed by big name dealerships.

For instance, our certified technicians at The Mobile Mechanic have been trained and qualified on brands such as Mercedes Benz and Toyota. Not only are they professional and knowledgeable about diagnosing all makes of vehicles, they also offer excellent customer service.

Moreover, motor vehicle owners are no longer obligated to have auto repair services carried out at the particular repair facility where it was purchased, thanks to the Right to Repair Act.

It’s a good idea to get a quote before giving the go ahead or repair order.

Psst: Did you know that your insurance company may pay for certain mechanical repairs? Some may even offer you a rental car.

4. What is the Right to Repair Act in South Africa?

The Right to Repair Act (R2R) in South Africa is a legislation that aims to promote competition in the automotive industry and give vehicle owners the right to choose where they want their repair service and maintenance work done.

The Act requires motor vehicle manufacturers to share technical information, diagnostic tools, and software with independent repair facility owners and vehicle owners, allowing them to access the same information and tools as dealerships.

This ensures that motor vehicle owners have more options for where they can get their vehicles serviced or repaired, and it promotes a more competitive and fair market for automotive repair services.

Timely Vehicle Repair and Maintenance: Key to Longevity and Savings

Vehicle repair service and maintenance are crucial aspects of owning and operating a car…

It not only ensures that your motor vehicle runs smoothly and reliably but also promotes safety on the road.

Regular maintenance and timely car repairs can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your car.

So whether you choose to do it yourself or seek professional help, staying on top of your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs is essential.

If you choose to go at it alone, following the tips and advice outlined in this blog post can help you keep your car running smoothly.

But if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, why not give The Mobile Mechanic a call.

Our team of friendly, qualified and professional technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose faults, repair or service your vehicle on site. We also offer roadside assistance.

Since 2012, we’ve been trusted by our customers to keep their company fleets and private vehicles on the road, affordably and fast! We can do the same for you!
For exceptional automotive customer service, contact one of our certified technicians today.