Driving Your Car for Longer: Why Motor Warranties and Service Plans Matter

Driving your car for longer? Here’s some good news for you

If you’ve been driving the same car for more than three years now, then you’re in good company. Trends show that South Africans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever before - on average 6 to 8 years, up from around 5 years just a few years ago, according to iMotoNews.

Why more South Africans are keeping their cars for so long?

The reasons aren’t hard to guess. New car prices keep climbing, interest rates have bitten into budgets, and let’s be honest - if your trusty hatchback still gets you from A to B, why not keep it a little longer? Then there are the good-old sentimental reasons to hang onto that old sedan - maybe it’s the car you inherited from your parents when you turned 18, or the car you drove home in after your wedding, or the one that’s carried kids, dogs, and more holiday luggage than physics should allow.

Regardless of why you’ve decided to keep driving Old Faithful, there’s one reality we can’t escape: cars don’t get cheaper to run with age. The longer you drive it, the more likely you’ll face repair bills that make your wallet wince. As attached as you might be to your wheels, nobody wants to get too attached to their mechanic.

And that’s exactly why motor warranties and service plans are worth thinking about.

The ageing car dilemma

Think of your car like a human body. In its first few years, it barely catches a cold. But as the years creep on, the “little things” start acting up. A light bulb here, a squeaky belt there - no big deal at first. Until one day the gearbox fails and suddenly you’re staring at a bill that could rival a family holiday.

To add insult to injury, those major failures often come just after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, leaving you with no safety net to cushion the financial blow. That’s where an extended motor warranty comes in. It’s designed to cover the big, expensive surprises that crop up after your car’s original protection has ended.

Read more: How Much Can a Car Warranty Save You?

Then there’s the routine stuff. Oil changes, filters, spark plugs, brake pads. They’re not glamorous, but they’re essential for keeping your car healthy. A service plan makes sure those basics are covered, so you’re not tempted to skip them (or delay them until payday).

*In short: warranties catch the unexpected, service plans handle the expected. Together, they make ageing a lot less stressful (for both you and your car).

Why cover makes sense when cars are sticking around longer

If you’re keeping your car for 6-8 years, that’s well beyond the honeymoon phase. The mileage piles up, the service intervals get closer together, and the odds of something breaking only increase. Here are three big reasons a warranty or service plan is a clever move:

1. Predictability in an unpredictable economy

   We all know surprise expenses hit hardest when you least expect them. With a warranty, you don’t need to stress about whether a major breakdown will derail your budget. The cover absorbs the shock, so you can keep your financial plans on track.

   Read the Benefits of Having a Car Service Plan

2. Protecting your resale value

   When the time (eventually) comes to sell, a full service history is proof that you’ve looked after your car. Buyers pay more for vehicles that have been properly maintained, which means a service plan can literally pay off when you’re ready to upgrade.

   For more on car value, see: Car insurable values: what affects your vehicle’s worth

3. Peace of mind behind the wheel

   Instead of obsessing over every new squeak, hum, or flashing light, you can actually enjoy driving again. Knowing you’re covered means fewer sleepless nights wondering how much that repair will cost and more confidence on the road.

But what if my car is still running fine?

Good question. Maybe you’re thinking, “My car hasn’t given me any trouble, so why should I bother with a plan?”

But before there’s a problem is exactly when it makes sense to act. Just like life insurance, it’s cheaper and easier to get cover before problems crop up. Once your car has developed issues, those conditions may be excluded or your premiums could be higher.

It’s a bit like going to the dentist. If you wait until you’re in pain, the treatment is longer, costlier, and more complicated. Stay ahead of the game, and you’ll save yourself a lot of drama.

Read more: How You Know Your Car Needs a Service … and How Motor Warranties + Service Plans Help

Protect your car, protect your wallet

South Africans are keeping their cars for longer, which makes protecting them smarter than ever. A motor warranty cushions you against major failures. A service plans keeps the day-to-day maintenance affordable and on schedule. Together, they’re the difference between driving your car for years with confidence or driving it with fingers crossed.

If you’re planning to keep your car past its original warranty, it’s worth comparing your options now. At hippo.co.za, you can check out motor warranty and service plan quotes from trusted providers in just a few clicks. Quick, simple, and far less intimidating than trying to explain “that weird noise” to your mechanic.

Coverage, exclusions, and costs vary by provider – so make sure you check terms before you buy.

*Subject to terms and conditions