Servicing Isn’t Optional—It’s Non-Negotiable

Whether you're navigating pothole-strewn city streets or cruising across the Karoo, your car goes through a lot in South Africa. Regular servicing isn’t just a maintenance routine—it’s your first line of defence against costly breakdowns and safety risks.

But not all services are created equal. What exactly should a proper car service include? This comprehensive checklist covers every major area South African drivers need to stay road-ready.

1. Engine Oil and Filter: Change It or Risk It

Oil keeps your engine cool and lubricated. Skip an oil change, and you’re playing with fire—or at least friction.

  • Service Interval: Every 10,000 – 15,000 km or once a year.

  • Red Flags: Engine knocking, oil light, or dark sludge on the dipstick.

2. Air Filter: Don’t Let Dust Choke Your Engine

South African roads—especially rural and gravel ones—are notoriously dusty. A clogged air filter suffocates engine performance and increases fuel usage.

  • Service Interval: Inspect every 15,000 km.

  • Watch For: Lag in acceleration and a sudden drop in fuel efficiency.

3. Cabin Filter: Breathe Clean, Even in Traffic

A must for allergy sufferers and anyone driving in cities like Johannesburg or Durban.

  • Service Interval: Annually.

  • Check When: You notice weak airflow or funky smells from the air vents.

4. Spark Plugs: For That Smooth Start and Steady Power

They keep your engine firing efficiently. Dirty or worn-out plugs can make your car feel sluggish.

  • Service Interval: 30,000 – 100,000 km, based on plug type.

  • Symptoms: Misfiring, slow starts, jittery acceleration.

5. Brakes: If You Only Check One Thing, Make It This

There’s no compromise when it comes to brakes. Pads and discs wear faster in stop-start traffic and hilly terrain.

  • Service Interval: Inspect at every service; pads typically replaced around 30,000 – 50,000 km.

  • Warning Signs: Screeching sounds, soft pedal feel, or vibrations when braking.

6. Battery: Especially in Hot or Cold Climates

Extreme South African weather can drain your battery life faster than you think.

  • Test During: Each major service.

  • Symptoms of Trouble: Flickering lights, slow crank, warning light on the dash.

7. Coolant: Avoid a Boiled Engine on the N1

Coolant regulates engine temperature. Low or old coolant risks overheating on long drives.

  • Flush Frequency: Every 2 years or 30,000 km.

  • Signs of Trouble: Steam from bonnet, sweet smell, dashboard temperature warning.

8. Transmission Fluid: Smooth Gears, Smooth Ride

Transmission problems are expensive. Keep the fluid clean and topped up.

  • Replace At: 60,000 – 100,000 km.

  • Watch For: Shuddering, delays when shifting gears, or strange noises.

9. Belts and Hoses: Silent Heroes of Your Engine Bay

If a belt snaps, you could lose power steering or engine cooling. Not ideal on a busy highway.

  • Inspect: Every 20,000 km or at each service.

  • Red Flags: Cracks, bulges, or high-pitched squealing.

10. Tyres: Check More Than Just the Tread

South Africa’s variable terrain takes a toll on tyres. Regular checks are vital for grip and stability.

  • Rotate: Every 10,000 km.

  • Replace: When tread is below 1.6 mm.

  • Check For: Uneven wear, bulges, or tyre pressure warnings.

11. Suspension and Steering: Comfort Meets Control

Hit enough potholes, and your suspension will show it. Don’t ignore clunks or wobbles.

  • Inspect At: Each annual service or if ride feels rough.

  • Symptoms: Car pulling to one side, noisy bumps, or tyre scalloping.

12. Lights and Wipers: See and Be Seen

It’s a legal requirement that all your exterior lights work—and a necessity for visibility in bad weather.

  • Inspect: Every few months.

  • Watch For: Dim lights, streaky windscreens, or a lagging indicator flash.

13. Exhaust System: What’s That Rattle?

Leaks affect fuel efficiency and emissions. SA’s rough roads make undercarriage damage more likely.

  • Check For: Rust, strange smells, or louder-than-usual engine noise.

14. Wheel Alignment & Balancing

If your car’s pulling left or right—or you’re chewing through tyres—alignment could be the issue.

  • Recommended: Every 10,000 km or after major pothole impact.

  • Signs: Off-centre steering wheel, vibration at certain speeds.

15. ECU and Software Checks (Modern Vehicles)

Newer cars need more than oil and filters. Diagnostics help detect faults before they become failures.

  • Tip: Request a full diagnostic scan during services at dealerships.

  • Clues: Warning lights, infotainment issues, odd behaviour in driving modes.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Service Logbook (Physical or Digital)

This helps you track what’s been done, reminds you what’s next, and improves resale value.

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Your Service to Guesswork

Your car is one of your biggest investments—and most relied-on assets. Sticking to a service checklist ensures reliability, safety, and peace of mind. Make it a habit, not a hassle.

Next time you book a service, bring this list with you—and make sure nothing vital gets overlooked.