With petrol prices up again, vehicle owners are feeling the pressure of owning a vehicle.<\/p>\n
Every petrol price increase means more is paid towards petrol costs and less is available for the maintenance of the vehicle.<\/p>
Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), said now is the time for vehicle owners to review their vehicle costs and look at cost-saving alternatives that won\u2019t compromise their vehicle or safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegular maintenance of a vehicle is the only way to ensure it remains roadworthy but is also a money-saving exercise in the long run because major breakages on a vehicle are very expensive.<\/p>
\u201cRegular servicing can prevent that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also the best way to ensure you keep your vehicle longer.<\/p>\n
\u201cA car in good condition will run longer and possibly be more fuel efficient,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In terms of price savings when it comes to maintenance, Ranft said there are excellent, accredited workshops that realise the expenses customers are dealing with and will offer a top-class service at a reasonable price.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Beware what you leave in your vehicle warn police<\/a><\/p>\n Safety tips for parking your vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to speak to the mechanic and share your concerns about price.<\/p>\n \u201cThere may be a way to do staggered maintenance with staggered payments or another solution.<\/p>\n \u201cAlready by using an independent workshop you are saving as services through dealers are more costly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe key is finding a workshop that is accredited and affiliated to an association, such as MIWA.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this way you can be assured that the workmanship has a stamp of approval and should you be dissatisfied with the service, you have a channel to go through to lodge a complaint.<\/p>\n \u201cIndependent workshops are small businesses wanting to stay afloat in a highly-competitive market.<\/p>\n \u201cKeeping customers satisfied is essential to their business so more often than not they will go the extra mile to assist you,\u201d added Ranft.<\/p>\n Ranft offered drivers the following fuel-saving tips:<\/p>\n Besides driving with fuel efficiency in mind, he also suggests getting creative about how to use your car less.<\/p>\n \u201cCar-pooling to work, for example, is a great way to save on fuel expenses.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso plan your shopping trips better.<\/p>\n \u201cAvoid several short trips to shops, that burn up fuel, by planning and shopping once a week.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can walk rather than drive, do it.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd consider using public transport.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a great bus network and access to trains, such as the Gautrain, that can make getting around easier,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n