In South Africa, a car is more than a convenience, it’s a lifeline. For many, it’s how they get to work, take children to school, or keep small businesses running, especially when public transport often falls short.
Yet, misconceptions about vehicle servicing and maintenance can put drivers, passengers, as well as other road users at risk.
To guide motorists, the National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) is shedding light on how regular servicing and responsible car ownership keep roads safer and mobility more reliable across the country, rounding up some of the most common car-servicing myths and the truths behind them.
Myth Buster: Regular servicing is essential for safety, reliability and resale value.
NADA insight: Keeping up with maintenance protects both your vehicle and your family’s safety and is far cheaper than dealing with major issues down the line as the vehicle ages.
Myth Buster: Modern vehicles are extremely complex and require specialised diagnostics, more like laptops on wheels than a collection of moving parts. It’s important that technicians are trained on your specific brand, model and systems to ensure safety and reliability.
NADA insight: Skilled and trained technicians help maintain your vehicle’s performance and protect your investment, keeping you safely on the road for longer.
Myth Buster: Even skipping a single service can cause hidden damage and safety risks and may void warranties.
NADA insight: Regular maintenance by trained technicians helps to prevent issues before they become serious, keeping you and your loved ones safer on the road.
Myth Buster: Tyres can become unsafe long before visible wear appears.
NADA insight: Proactive tyre checks by knowledgeable professionals prevent accidents and support safe driving. Tyres not only have minimum tread requirements, but also an expiry date.
Myth Buster: Ignoring alerts can turn minor issues into serious safety problems.
NADA insight: Dashboard warnings indicate critical concerns. Prompt attention from trained technicians protects you, your passengers and your vehicle.
“Consumers are understandably cost-conscious, but what we regularly see is that a neglected service can quickly turn into a safety issue. Keeping your car safe isn’t just about maintenance. It’s about protecting the people who rely on it every day. Even small oversights can have serious consequences.
“Modern vehicles are sophisticated machines and keeping them safe and reliable requires the right knowledge and experience. Through their networks, NADA members offer guidance and expertise to help drivers maintain their cars effectively, ensuring every journey is as safe and trouble-free as possible, NADA says in a statement.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa officially opened Hyundai Midrand, a new dealership aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in Gauteng and responding to growing customer demand in one of the province’s fastest-growing commercial corridors.
The compact SUV market in South Africa has gained a new contender with the arrival of the GAC Emzoom Nova. It joins the existing Emzoom Executive and Emzoom R‑Style models, broadening the range offered by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the official distributor of GAC Motor.
Chinese vehicle brand Changan has strengthened its South African retail presence with the opening of a new flagship dealership in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, as the company pushes ahead with plans to establish about 45 dealerships nationally during 2026.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
A South African dealership has been instructed to remove or amend an advertisement for a new Jetour T2 after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the listing created the impression that a specific vehicle was immediately available for purchase when it was not.
If you were hoping to experience the roaring streets of the Isle of Man TT in 2026, you are already too late. This event, with practice sessions starting on 25 May 2026 and racing commencing on the 30th, requires at least six to twelve months of planning, along with a substantial budget.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
