Tag: car care

  • 5 TIPS FOR WINTER CAR CARE

    5 TIPS FOR WINTER CAR CARE

     

    South Africa’s winters might not bring blizzards and ice, but that doesn’t mean your car doesn’t need seasonal TLC. As temperatures drop it’s time to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the colder months. These winter car care tips will help keep you safe and ensure your vehicle performs at its best.

    Psst…! The real car care begins when you protect your ride. Explore our car insurance options and get a quote today.

     

    Check and Top Up Your Car’s Essential Fluids 

    Our winters may not freeze your engine block, but dips in temperature can still mess with your car’s fluids and performance. If you’re in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, or other inland areas where morning temperatures drop below 5°C, this one’s especially for you. 

    Oil

    Cold air thickens oil, making it difficult for your engine to start and operate smoothly. Consider using a multi-grade or winter-specific oil that flows better in low temperatures.  

    Pro tip: Your mechanic can help with the right recommendation for your model. 

    Coolant

    Coolant (antifreeze) helps regulate engine temperature during short winter trips but doesn’t always warm your engine correctly. Ensure your car’s levels are good and the antifreeze ratio is spot on. 

    Windshield Washer Fluid

    A water-only mix can freeze on your windscreen or become ineffective. Use a washer fluid with alcohol or spirits added. It’s a popular little hack that works surprisingly well during frosty morning drives. 

    Fuel

    Keeping your tank full reduces condensation, which can lead to fuel line freeze-ups in colder regions. While the petrol and diesel prices may not be in our favour, it is a safe habit always to ensure your  vehicle’s tank is full because you never know when you’ll be stuck in a traffic jam or have to take a spontaneous long drive. 

    RELATED: HOW TO: SAVE FUEL WHEN DRIVING 

     

    Prep Your Tyres for Winter Roads 

    Rain, dew, and low sun angles often cause winter driving hazards, including blinding drivers during rush hour. Keeping your vehicle’s tyres in good condition is crucial for safe driving, especially in winter. 

    Tread Depth

    The legal minimum tread in South Africa is 1,6 mm, but anything below 3 mm drastically reduces traction in wet conditions. Smooth tyres are a big no, no matter what type of weather you’re driving in, and need to be replaced ASAP!  

    Tyre Pressure

    Cold air contracts, and you might lose tyre pressure overnight. Check it at least once a week, especially before early commutes. Low pressure affects braking and increases your fuel usage. 

    Winter Tyres

    While most South Africans don’t need full-on snow tyres, drivers in areas near the Drakensberg or some parts of the Free State should consider all-weather or winter-rated tyres. They improve grip and handling on icy or gravel roads. 

     

    Inspect Battery and Lighting Systems 

    Car batteries are more likely to fail in winter due to the increased demand on the starter to crank a cold engine. 

    Battery Health

    If your battery is over 3–4 years old, have it tested. Also, ensure the battery is clean and secure. Wipe the terminals with warm, soapy water to remove acid or dirt build-up, and ensure it is safely secured to prevent it from shifting. 

    RELATED: HOW LONG DO CAR BATTERIES LAST? 

    Lights

    Shorter days mean more driving in the dark or in low-light conditions. Ensure all your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working. Clean the lenses or replace the covers to boost visibility if they are dirty or foggy. 

     

    Keep Visibility Clear

    Poor visibility can result from coastal fog or inland haze. This doesn’t just slow you down, it’s a safety risk. 

    Windshield Wipers

    Your wipers put in overtime in winter. Replace them if they’re streaky, noisy, or leave missed patches.  

    Windshield Condition

    Do you already have a chip from a flying stone thanks to your summer road trip? The winter cold can make it spread across the glass. Repair chips before they become cracks and compromise your visibility or your wallet. 

     

    Prioritise Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

    Brakes

    Damp, cold roads increase stopping distances. Ensure your vehicle’s brakes function correctly and have sufficient pad thickness. Have them inspected and replaced if necessary.  

    Car Washes

    It may sound wild, but winter is a great time to wash your car. Winter weather can be harsh on your car’s exterior. 

    • Regular Car Washes: Remove dirt and grime to prevent paint damage and rust. 
    • Wax Application: Apply a protective wax coating to shield your car from the elements. 

    Emergency Kit

    A local-ready emergency kit includes: 

    • Jumper cables 
    • Blanket 
    • Snacks and water 
    • Phone charger or power bank 
    • Torch with spare batteries. 

    You might also add gloves and a raincoat, because being stuck in a KZN downpour with a flat tyre is no joke. 

    RELATED: AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD, HOW TO JUMP-START A CAR 

    Engine Pre-Heating

    If you’re in the country’s colder regions, a block heater can help warm your engine before you start it. This reduces wear and improves fuel efficiency. 

     

    Are You up to Date with Your Winter Car Maintenance? 

    Being proactive about winter car care saves time, money, and stress. If you have any questions or need expert advice, contact us today at dotsure.co.za. You can also explore our car insurance options to learn more about how we can help you drive stress-free this winter. 

     

  • TIME TO SHOW YOUR CAR SOME LOVE

    TIME TO SHOW YOUR CAR SOME LOVE

     

    Simple Car Care Tips for Your Vehicle Valentine

     

    The month of love is the perfect time to extend some affection to an often-neglected companion: your car. If the inside of your vehicle is starting to resemble a garbage bin, filled with empty bottles, takeout bags, and forgotten receipts, it’s high time to show your car’s interior some tender loving care.

     

    Declutter and Reorganise

    Begin by removing valuables and personal items, making sure not to accidentally toss out anything important. Clean the interior while parked in your driveway for easy waste disposal. Wear gloves as you’re cleaning, to ensure no unpleasant surprises.

    To prevent items from tumbling around, invest in a non-slip rubber mat for your boot or use a plastic crate to keep your belongings in order. Additionally, keep a plastic sheet handy for transporting plants or messy items, ensuring your car remains clean and clutter-free.

     

    Squeaky Clean

    Remove all floor mats, shake off loose dirt, and wash or vacuum them. Vacuum every nook and cranny inside the car, as well as the boot.

    Use a damp non-static cloth to wipe down surfaces prone to gathering dirt, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever, and door panels. Tackle hard-to-reach areas using a cloth-wrapped flat-head screwdriver or an old toothbrush. Apply interior trim for added protection and shine.

     

    Clearing the View

    Finger marks and doggy nose prints can accumulate on your interior windows over time. Use an ammonia-free window cleaner on a microfiber cloth. Clean horizontally and vertically to eliminate streaks. Address any windshield chips as soon as possible, as they pose a safety risk.

     

    A Breath of Fresh Air

    Install or spray an air freshener to add the final touches. Consider specialised odour killers for persistent smells. Apply baking soda to stubborn stains for both removal and odour elimination.

     

    Dress to Impress

    Gift your car some new accessories to enhance its style and functionality. Consider getting a set of seat covers, a steering wheel cover, or even new floor mats. These additions not only freshen up the interior, but also protect your car from wear and tear.

     

    With South Africans spending significant hours in traffic each year, cars become a second home. This Valentine’s Day, invest some time and effort to give your car the love it deserves – along with the right car insurance, of course. ?