Most of us don\u2019t know much about the inner workings of our cars.<\/p>\n
Why? Possibly our pride or a lack of interest.<\/p>
\u201cBut,\u201d said Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), \u201cit\u2019s important that you get to know your car.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy asking the right questions and showing you have an idea of what should be done to your vehicle, you are setting the tone for a frank conversation with your mechanic and getting a good pre-service idea of the state of your vehicle.\u201d<\/p>
While there are many questions you could ask your mechanic, Ranft recommended starting with these basics:<\/p>\n
\u201cFirstly, ask about your cam belt.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes the vehicle have a cam belt and if so, when was it last changed?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cam belt synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine\u2019s valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder\u2019s intake and exhaust strokes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lifespan of cam belts varies depending on the manufacturer,\u201d Ranft said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is best to refer to your vehicle handbook for a guide on when the cam belt should be changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNext you should ask about the condition of your brake pads and at what limit they should be changed.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrake pads should be replaced at 70 per cent of total wear to ensure the safety of the driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also important that your mechanic inspects the brake discs so ensure you suggest that this is done.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Children of all ages need to be kept safe in our cars, says MIWA<\/a><\/p>\n Tips to prevent battery hassles during the colder months<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The third question you should be asking, said Ranft, is whether your brake fluid and radiator coolant needs to be changed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also important to ask how often this should be done and whether it was done at your last service,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Personal safety is obviously a concern for most drivers, so asking about the state of the airbags, seatbelts and ABS is also a must.<\/p>\n \u201cA light appearing on your dashboard is not a guarantee that the ABS is working correctly.<\/p>\n \u201cABS (anti-lock braking system) allows the wheels on your vehicle to maintain traction with the road surface, preventing the wheels from locking up and avoiding uncontrolled skidding.<\/p>\n \u201cYour mechanic will be able to check that the system is working correctly and the airbags are programmed to deploy in the event of a collision,\u201d said Ranft.<\/p>\n Ranft said the last question you should be asking is for the mechanic to contact you with a quote, should he or she find any other work that needs to be done.<\/p>\n \u201cThe quote should include an approximate cost for the parts and labour.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember that preventative maintenance through early detection can prove more cost effective in the long term.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to ask questions and expect comprehensive answers from your mechanic.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure that your mechanic is accredited with an industry body such as MIWA to ensure you have access to recourse should the service you receive not be up to scratch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e 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 Kgotsofalang 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<\/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