There\u2019s been a definite change in temperature over the last few days with the promise that spring is just around the corner.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of us are looking forward to the first rains but remember that with the first rains come slippery roads, and the need for wipers.<\/p>
\u201cNow is the perfect time to get your car summer-ready,\u201d said Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an affiliate association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).<\/p>\n
He suggested checking your windscreen wipers, air conditioning unit, oil and tyres.<\/p>
\u201cWindscreen wipers age and perish.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to check your windscreen wipers regularly and not to settle for below-par wipers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly the edge of the wiper should touch the windscreen \u2013 so check whether this is the case with your wipers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso there shouldn\u2019t be cracks or tears in the blades and the blades should be securely fastened to the wiper.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf in doubt go to your local MIWA-accredited workshop and ask your mechanic to check the blades.<\/p>\n
\u201cWipers are relatively inexpensive but make all the difference between clear visibility and an accident waiting to happen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dewald also suggested getting your air conditioning unit checked.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany drivers don\u2019t make use of their air conditioning units during the winter months so there may be a build up of dirt that could block and hamper the performance of the unit.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ<\/span>:<\/p>\n Unhappy with your car repairs? You have options<\/a><\/p>\n Car coolant needs to be checked once a year \u2013 here\u2019s why\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n Tyre tips that everyone can use<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlong with that a leak could have developed, resulting in low or no pressure, or the unit could be low on refrigerant.<\/p>\n \u201cA bad fuse, a wiring problem or broken AC switch might also be to blame so ask your mechanic to check the unit if you suspect there is a problem.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s well worth getting the unit checked before the summer heat hits,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n An oil change and inspection of the state of the vehicle\u2019s tyres is also an essential.<\/p>\n \u201cBudgeting for a service ahead of the December rush is key,\u201d said Dewald.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring December there are many other expenses that crop up and the thought of additional expenses at that time for car maintenance can be daunting for car owners.<\/p>\n \u201cNow is the time to plan a service and budget accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n He suggested using an accredited aftermarket workshop for your vehicle\u2019s service.<\/p>\n \u201cBy using an accredited workshop, you can be assured that the work is guaranteed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt may be tempting to opt for a cheaper route, such as a road-side air conditioner repair offer at a reduced rate, but ultimately you may end up paying more for a bad job to be corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are unsure whether your local workshop is accredited ask to see the accreditation certificate or contact an industry body such as MIWA,\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