7 SIGNS YOUR CAR IS DUE FOR A SERVICE

Many Cape Town drivers only think about servicing their car when something goes wrong. By then, what could have been an R850 service has turned into a R5,000 repair. Here are 7 signs your car is telling you it needs attention right now.

1. Your Service Light Is On

This is the most obvious one — but you'd be surprised how many people drive with it on for months. When that light comes on, your car's computer has already detected something. Don't ignore it.

2. It's Been More Than 15,000km or 12 Months

Whichever comes first. Most modern vehicles need a service every 15,000km or once a year. If you can't remember when your last service was, it's probably overdue.

3. Your Oil Looks Black or Dirty

Pull out the dipstick and check. Fresh oil is amber/honey coloured. If it's black and gritty, it's broken down and no longer protecting your engine properly.

4. Strange Smells From the Engine

A burning smell, sweet smell (coolant leak), or rotten egg smell (catalytic converter) all point to specific problems. Don't mask it with air freshener — get it checked.

5. The Car Feels Different to Drive

Sluggish acceleration up Kloof Nek, rough idling at traffic lights in Sea Point, or the car shaking at 120km/h on the N1 — these are all signs something mechanical is off.

6. You're Using More Fuel Than Usual

If you're filling up more often but driving the same routes, your engine is working harder than it should. Dirty filters and old spark plugs are common causes.

7. You Hear New Noises

Ticking, knocking, or rattling from the engine bay? These sounds get worse over time. The earlier you catch them, the cheaper the fix.