Warning signs your car needs a service

Stats show that on average, South Africans keep their cars for longer than 5 years.

New cars often come with Motor Warranty or Service Plans that last between 3 to 7 years or a set number of kilometres, whichever comes first. Considering that we keep our cars past that, many of us pay out of pocket for services and repairs.

You only have to be hit with one high car repair or service bill to know the value of a warranty or service plan. Extending your plan or taking out a new plan is a great way to protect your pocket for those future expenses.

With that in mind, let’s look at how you can spot when your car needs a service as well as what warranty and service plans cover.

Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

You need to take your car in for a service according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, you should also be aware of the below signs that may indicate that it urgently needs to be looked at:

• Decreased performance or fuel efficiency:

  If your car feels slower than usual or struggles when accelerating, it probably needs a service. This can be caused by anything from clogged air filters to problems with the fuel system.

• Unusual vibrations or handling issues:

  These could be signs of several problems. Your steering wheel vibrating is often linked to issues with your wheel alignment or problems with the suspension. Your car pulling to one side usually means your tyre pressure is uneven, or you need your wheels aligned.

• Grinding when braking:

  This usually suggests your brake pads are worn out.

• Rough idling:

  A shaky or irregular engine when your car is stationary suggests it may need tuning or component replacement.

• Frequent stalling:

  This might point to a failing engine component, such as spark plugs or the fuel pump.

Understanding Motor Warranties and Service Plans

Now you know when to service your car, but how do motor warranties and service plans help?

A Motor Warranty is a promise from the manufacturer or a warranty provider that if certain parts of your car break down or malfunction within a specific period, they'll fix them without charging you for the parts or labour. These warranties usually cover defects in the car that weren't your fault and can vary in length, often lasting for several years or until your car reaches a certain number of kilometres.

A Service Plan, on the other hand, pays for your car to be serviced according to the schedule set out by the car manufacturer. This includes things like oil changes, filter replacements, and basic wear and tear maintenance. Service plans make it easier to keep up with regular maintenance because you've already paid for it, which helps keep your car in good shape and prevents bigger problems down the road.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing a Motor/Service Plan

Here are five common mistakes people make when they’re picking their plans … and how to dodge them:

1. Overlooking coverage limitations:

   It’s easy to assume that all major parts of your car are covered under a warranty or service plan. However, many plans have exclusions that might leave you footing a big bill unexpectedly.

   Always read the fine print of what’s covered and what’s not. Ask questions about anything you're unsure about, especially regarding parts like the transmission, engine components, and electronics.

2. Not understanding the claims process:

   This can lead to delays or denied claims if you don’t follow the procedure correctly.

   Before signing up, understand the steps you need to follow to make a claim. Check whether you need pre-authorisation for repairs and find out which service providers you can use.

3. Choosing plans with unrealistic service intervals:

   Some service plans might offer very long intervals between services to appear more cost-effective. However, these might not meet your car's actual needs, leading to wear and tear that could affect your vehicle's performance and safety.

   Make sure the service intervals recommended match your manufacturer’s recommendations. If you drive more than average, look for a plan that accommodates higher usage.

4. Ignoring the plan's duration and mileage limits:

   Some plans come with strict limits on duration and total mileage. If these limits are too low, the plan might expire sooner than you need, leaving you uncovered.

   Consider how much you drive in a year and choose a plan that provides enough coverage in terms of both time and mileage.

5. Being swayed by low prices:

   Cheap plans can be tempting but might not offer comprehensive coverage or might come with high excess payments when you claim.

   Compare several plans side by side using Hippo. Check what different plans offer for the price. Sometimes, paying a bit more can get you better coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs when you need repairs.

   And if you’d like to know how to get the most out of your warranty and/or service plan, we’ve got the info here.

The Long and Short of It

By being proactive about your vehicle’s maintenance, you not only ensure a safer driving experience but also minimise the risk of costly repairs in the future.

With Hippo, you can take control of your car’s maintenance by comparing Motor Warranty or Service Plan quotes that suit your needs and your pocket.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, medical or insurance advice. Hippo is a comparison site helping you evaluate quotes from trusted South African insurers. Always review policy details before making changes. Quotes are risk profile dependent and subject to annual review. No fees are charged for using Hippo’s comparison service. HAS (Pty) Ltd and HCS (Pty) Ltd are authorised FSPs. Terms and conditions apply.