Basic car service tips you need to know to take control of your car

With women now accounting for over a third of all new and used car sales, more South African women are getting behind the wheel and taking charge of their journeys. But, while car ownership is a symbol of independence, it also comes with responsibility. And too often, drivers, especially women, feel underprepared when it comes to car maintenance.

“It’s not about ability, it’s about access to the right knowledge,” says Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance. “Being knowledgeable in basic car care isn’t just practical, it’s empowering. It helps you stay safe on the road, avoid unnecessary costs, and make better decisions when things go wrong.”

Here are a few simple car care basics every driver should have in their back pocket:

Know how to change a tyre: Yes, you can. Keep a jack, wheel spanner and properly-inflated spare tyre in your boot at all times. Pull over on a flat surface, use your handbrake, and place a warning triangle behind the car. Raise the car with the jack, loosen the lug nuts starting with the top ones, replace the tyre, and tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern. And yes, practice at home, because tyres can be heavy, and because confidence grows with familiarity.

Check your tyre pressure and tread: Your tyres are your car’s connection to the road. Low pressure or worn tread can compromise grip and safety. Ask a fuel station attendant to help you check the tyre pressure at least every month. The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1mm across the entire tyre but many motoring experts, including the AA, recommend replacing your tyres when the tread reaches 1.6mm. Your tyres should also not have cuts, cracks or bulges, exposed cords or fabric, or uneven wear that suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Don’t mix up your fuel: Putting diesel into a petrol car, or the other way round, can cause serious engine damage.

Decode your dashboard: Your dashboard lights aren’t just decorations. These warning lights signal everything from low oil to brake system problems. Check your car’s info booklet to see what the most common symbols mean, and take action if they light up.

Know your oil basics: Low oil can damage your engine over time, so even if you don’t plan to change your own oil, it’s good to know how to check it. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it, and check the oil level. Your car’s info booklet, or a fuel station attendant can show you how.

Fix now, pay later: Car repairs can hit at the worst time. If you’re facing an unexpected repair, consider using a buy now, pay later solution like PayJustNow. It lets you split the cost of essentials, like a new battery or brake pads, into three interest-free payments.

“Looking after your car means you’re less likely to break down, get stranded, or face big repair bills later. The car manufacturer or your insurer’s warranty cover likely won’t cover damage due to poor maintenance or wear and tear, and your insurer will likely not pay out a claim for accident damage if the cause is maintenance- or wear-related. But if the worst happens, like an accident or theft, having the right insurance in place means you can bounce back financially after a valid claim,” says Van Vuuren.