Tag: extended car warranty

  • 9 BAD DRIVING HABITS THAT DAMAGE YOUR CAR

    9 BAD DRIVING HABITS THAT DAMAGE YOUR CAR

    We all want our cars to last longer, perform better, and save us money in the long run. But the truth is, many of us develop bad driving habits without even realising the long-term damage they cause to our vehicles.

    RELATED: AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF CAR PARTS

     

    Riding the Clutch

    Riding the clutch means resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This creates unnecessary friction and causes premature wear. Over time, it can lead to total clutch failure, which is an expensive fix.

     

    Shifting Gears Without Stopping Properly

    Ever shifted from reverse to drive (or vice versa) without coming to an absolute stop? Even if your car allows it, forcing the transmission to switch gears while moving can is bad driving habit that can cause internal damage to the gearbox.

     

    Not Using the Hand Brake Properly

    Relying solely on your automatic transmission’s “park” function when stopping on an incline puts strain on your transmission. Always engage the hand brake before releasing the foot brake to prevent gearbox damage.

     

    Driving Over Potholes Too Fast

    Potholes are a reality we face in many parts of South Africa. Hitting them at high speed can damage your car’s suspension, wheels, and alignment. If you can’t avoid it, slow down beforehand to reduce the impact.

     

    Overloading Your Vehicle

    The effects of overloading a vehicle include worn-out brakes, overheating, and a strain on suspension components. It also affects handling, especially in emergency situations.

     

    Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

    Those dashboard warning lights aren’t just for show. Always investigate a warning light immediately to catch issues before they become serious (and expensive).

     

    Sudden Acceleration and Braking

    Rapid acceleration and braking can cause unnecessary strain on your engine, brakes, and transmission. Smooth driving not only extends the life of your car. It also improves fuel efficiency and road safety.

     

    Running on a Low Fuel Tank

    It might seem harmless, but the dangers of running on low tank fuel include damage to your fuel pump. Sediment at the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel filter and reduce engine performance. Try to refuel before dropping below a quarter tank.

     

    Using the Wrong Transmission Fluid

    The wrong type of transmission fluid can lead to overheating, gear slipping, or total transmission failure. Always use fluid recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

     

    Protect Your Car and Your Pocket

    Breaking these bad driving habits will not only protect your car but also save you thousands in repairs. And for extra peace of mind, consider an extended car warranty from dotsure.co.za, the smart way to cover unexpected breakdowns and keep your car running longer.

  • WORRYING CAR SOUNDS: WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW TO FIX THEM

    WORRYING CAR SOUNDS: WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW TO FIX THEM

     

    We know the sounds of car trouble can cause a sense of worry and panic because even the smallest sound can mean a huge dent in your pocket when it comes to repairs or replacements. Luckily, our extended car warranty covers mechanical breakdowns or electrical failures, so these sounds don’t have to send shivers down your spine!

    However, even with a warranty, it’s still important to listen to our cars and what they are trying to say. Here are some common car noises, what they mean, and what you should do about them.

    RELATED: WHAT DOES YOUR EXTENDED CAR WARRANTY ACTUALLY COVER?

     

    5 Worrying Car Sounds Under Your Hood

     

    Grinding or Screeching

    • What it means: If you hear a high-pitched screech when braking, your brake pads could be worn down. A grinding sound? That’s worse. Your brake discs might be damaged.
    • What to do: Get your brakes checked ASAP! Faulty brakes are a safety hazard.

     

    Ticking or Knocking

    • What it means: Ticking could mean low oil levels or valve issues. A rhythmic knocking sound could mean something’s wrong with your engine, bearings or pistons.
    • What to do: Your engine needs oil to run smoothly, so check the oil levels and top up if needed. If you hear a knocking sound, stop driving and have your car checked out immediately, before it waves a white flag.

     

    Clapping

    • What it means: If you hear a clicking sound while turning, your CV joints may be worn out.
    • What to do: Have them replaced before they fail. You don’t want to be left stranded!

     

    Whining or Humming

    • What it means: A high-pitched whining sound could indicate transmission issues, often due to low transmission fluid or mechanical failure.
    • What to do: Check your transmission fluid levels. If the noise persists, have it inspected.

     

    Hissing

    • What it means: A hissing sound could mean a leaking vacuum hose, a cooling system issue, or overheating.
    • What to do: Pull over and let your engine cool. If the problem continues, call for assistance.

     

    RELATED:
    AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD
    THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF YOUR CAR PARTS
    MECHANICAL ISSUES AND CAR CRASHES

     

    Don’t Drive with Worry, Drive with a Warranty

    We cover a range of mechanical and electrical failures, so if your car starts sounding suspicious, you won’t have to panic about surprise repair costs. Ready to drive with warranty? Get a quote online from dotsure.co.za today.

     

  • WELL-WARRANTED PROTECTION FOR CAR PARTS

    WELL-WARRANTED PROTECTION FOR CAR PARTS

    How to Get More from Your Extended Car Warranty

    An extended car warranty shields you from unexpected repair costs, helping you to avoid financial stress when things go wrong. But did you know you can take your warranty even further?

    At dotsure.co.za, we believe in giving you more: More protection, more value, and more personalisation. That’s why we offer extra value-adding cover options that go beyond your standard warranty, ensuring that your car stays in top shape without breaking the bank.

    RELATED: What an Extended Car Warranty Covers; How an Extended Car Warranty Works

     

    ServiceXtender: Keeping Your Car Running Smoothly

    Regular servicing is essential to keep your car in top condition. With the ServiceXtender add-on you’ll get:

    • Cover towards your annual service to help with routine maintenance costs.
    • A cash contribution for minor repairs, such as small chips and scratches.

    RELATED: Difference Between Motor Warranty and Service Plans

     

    Lights, Badges & Mirrors: Small Parts, Big Savings

    Replacing lights, badges, or mirrors may seem like a small fix, but these repairs can be costly. This add-on ensures you don’t have to claim from your main policy for:

    • Accidental loss or damage to headlamps, indicators, and brake lights.
    • Replacement of metal badges attached to your car.
    • Fitted external and internal mirrors.
    • Plastic covers that form part of lights and mirrors.

     

    Roadwise Tyre & Rim: Beat Potholes and Uneven Roads

    South African roads can be tough on your car, but you don’t have to foot the bill alone. You can get cover for:

    • Tyre damage from potholes and road hazards.
    • Rim repairs or replacement, ensuring your wheels stay in great shape.

     

    ScratchZone: Keep Your Car Looking Its Best

    Scratches and dents happen, but they don’t have to be a headache. This add-on includes:

    • Cover for the repair of minor chips, scratches, and dents to keep your car looking flawless.
    • The Excess Buster, covering up to 50% of your basic excess if you need to claim from your main policy.

     

    Upgrade Your Car’s Protection

    At dotsure.co.za, we’re all about making car ownership easier and more affordable. Adding these value-boosting cover options to your Extended Car Warranty is a smart move for stress-free driving.

  • WARRANTY KNOW-HOW: YOUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED

    WARRANTY KNOW-HOW: YOUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED

     

    Understanding How an Extended Car Warranty Works

    When it comes to keeping your car in top shape, unexpected breakdowns can be a real headache. That’s where an extended car warranty steps in, providing a safety net for costly repairs. Below, we answer the most common questions about extended car warranties to help you make an informed decision.

     

    What is an Extended Car Warranty?

    An extended car warranty covers the repair or replacement costs of specific mechanical and electrical components after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. At dotsure.co.za, our plans cover key components most likely to fail, ensuring you’re not left with a hefty repair bill. We offer flexible options tailored to your needs and budget, covering cars up to 15 years old and with up to 300 000 km on the clock.

     

    What is an RMI-Approved Service Centre, Mechanic, or Workshop?

    RMI stands for the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, a body that accredits service centres and mechanics in South Africa. Choosing an RMI-approved service provider ensures that your car is in the hands of trusted professionals who adhere to industry standards and fair pricing.

     

    Does This Cover My Annual Services?

    An extended car warranty primarily covers unexpected mechanical failures and electrical issues, as it is not a service plan. However, some of our plans have an optional service extension, which entails an additional premium, where we can contribute a specified amount to your annual service.

     

    How Much Do Car Parts Cost?

    Mechanical and electrical parts vary in price depending on the make and model of your car. Unfortunately, many of these parts can be quite expensive. With an extended car warranty, you can avoid these steep costs by ensuring that crucial components are covered, saving you from unexpected financial strain.

     

    What is Basket Cover?

    Basket cover refers to the total payout you qualify for if multiple components fail simultaneously. In other words, it’s the cap on the total amount that can be claimed for all component failures covered under your warranty plan. This feature ensures that you have clarity on the maximum financial protection provided.

     

    Get the Most Out of Your Cover

    With an extended car warranty, you can drive with peace of mind, knowing that the most critical (and expensive) parts of your vehicle are protected.

    If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to call us on 0861 368 7873 or send an email to u2us@dotsure.co.za.

  • CAR LEMON LAW? WHAT THE FRUIT IS IT?

    CAR LEMON LAW? WHAT THE FRUIT IS IT?

     

    You have just driven off the showroom floor with your brand spanking new (to you) car, feeling like the coolest cat in town. But then disaster strikes. Your car starts making noises louder than your neighbour’s early morning lawn mowing, and you realise you’ve got a lemon. What now?

    In this blog, we explain the car lemon law and how it can help you.

     

    What is the car lemon law?

    The car lemon law is a legal provision that protects consumers who have purchased a defective vehicle. The law allows consumers to seek a refund or replacement vehicle if their car has a serious defect or recurring problems that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts.

    The car lemon law is typically invoked within a certain period after the purchase of the vehicle, which varies depending on the jurisdiction. In South Africa, the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides guidelines on how to deal with defective cars.

     

    How does the car lemon law apply in South Africa?

    In South Africa, the car lemon law is outlined in the CPA. The Act protects consumers against purchasing defective vehicles and it applies to new and used vehicles. However, the CPA only applies to vehicles purchased from a dealership or private seller, and it does not cover cars bought at an auction.

    If you purchase a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon, the CPA provides you with the following options:

    Repair or Replacement

    If a vehicle has a defect or recurring problem, the dealership must first attempt to repair the vehicle. If the defect persists after a reasonable number of attempts, the dealership must either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price.

    Refund

    If the dealership cannot repair the vehicle or replace it with a similar one, they must refund the full purchase price, including any deposit, trade-in allowance, or finance charges.

     

    Avoid car buyer’s remorse – know your rights.

    The car lemon law provides consumers in South Africa with protection against the purchase of defective vehicles. The CPA outlines the options available to consumers who have purchased a lemon, including repair or replacement and refund. If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to understand your rights and seek legal advice if necessary.

    You have the right to return the used car you bought to the seller within six months, under specific conditions that exclude normal wear and tear. If you can show a legitimate defect, you are entitled to request a refund, repair, or replacement.

    Make lemonade with dotsure.co.za’s extended car warranty.

    When your car turns into a lemon we can help you squeeze more juice out of your jolly and keep the joyride going. Our extended car warranty pays for unexpected costly repairs due to mechanical and electrical breakdowns. It’s perfect for cars younger than 15 years with up to 300 000 km on the clock.

    Let us pay for your car repairs.

    See your price