If your car had a gym membership, the annual service would be its personal trainer – coaching your car to go the distance, but keeping it fit for the road.
So, before you pack your bags, cue your road-trip playlist, or picture yourself in your favourite spot on the couch after the long drive home: there’s one thing your car needs from you. A proper session with its conditioning coach (an annual service that makes sure it’s just as ready for the journey as you are).
If you haven’t booked yours yet, no need to panic. This guide will shift you into the right gear by breaking down why servicing matters, what’s under the bonnet, the warning signs to watch for, and how our Extended Car Warranty can help you!
RELATED: WHAT YOUR EXTENDED CAR WARRANTY ACTUALLY COVERS
Why Should You Service Your Car?
Just like skipping leg day, progress doesn’t disappear overnight; it erodes quietly until one day when flights of stairs suddenly feel like summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Skipping your car’s service works in the same way. Regular servicing keeps the engine strong, the moving parts conditioned, and the whole machine functioning at its peak. It’s the difference between a car that can “lift” long-distance road trippers and one that taps out halfway.
An annual car service isn’t just something your mechanic invented to scam you out of your hard-earned cash (although that’s what it sometimes feels like). It’s preventative care. The kind that saves you from bigger bills, surprise breakdowns, and dangerous situations later on. Here’s why it’s essential:
1. Safety First
Your brakes, tyres, suspension, lights, and steering affect how well you can react in unexpected situations. A service ensures everything works the way it should when you need it most, especially on long-distance drives where fatigue, weather, and road conditions can change quickly.
2. Preventing Costly Repairs
Many significant mechanical failures begin as minor issues: a vibrating steering wheel, low fluid levels, or worn brake pads. Catch them early and you save thousands later.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
Fresh oil, clean filters, and the proper tyre pressure reduce engine strain. That means more kilometres per litre.
4. Road-Trip Peace of Mind
The last thing you need is your car quitting somewhere in the Karoo, with a spotty signal and a boot full of leaking atchar jars. A car service significantly reduces those odds.
What Does an Annual Car Service Include?
Think of it as a performance tune-up. Oil is the protein shake that turns every car into a muscle car (sorry, Mustang owners). Fluids are basically your car’s electrolytes. Suspension & steering? That’s posture, core, and control. Here’s what an annual car service usually includes:
| Oil & Filter Change | Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. Over time, it collects debris and breaks down. Fresh oil prevents overheating and reduces wear and tear. The filter is swapped out to keep everything clean. |
| Fluid Checks & Top-Ups | This includes: Brake fluid Coolant/anti-freeze Power steering fluid Windshield washer fluid Transmission fluid (for some services). These fluids keep your engine cool, your brakes responsive, and your visibility clear. |
| Brake System Inspection | Your mechanic will check: Brake pads Brake discs Brake fluid level Brake line condition. Brakes wear down gradually, so it’s not always easy to feel the difference until it's too late. |
| Tyre Inspection | Expect checks on: Pressure Tread depth Wear patterns Sidewall cracks or bulges. Tyres are your only contact with the road. Maintaining them correctly reduces blowouts and improves steering control. |
| Battery Health Test | A weak battery can leave you stranded. Technicians check whether the vehicle holds a charge, whether the terminals are corroded, and if the alternator is charging correctly. |
| Lights, Indicators & Electricals | Your headlights, indicators, brake lights, hazards, hooter, interior lights, and dashboard warnings are all tested. |
| Suspension & Steering | Your shock absorbers, ball joints, CV joints, and tie rods are checked for wear. These directly impact on stability and how well your car handles corners or sudden swerves. |
| Filter Replacements | Depending on mileage and condition, these may be replaced: Air filter Cabin/pollen filter Fuel filter. A fresh cabin filter is a lifesaver for allergy-prone passengers, too. |
RELATED: EXTENDED CAR WARRANTY VS SERVICE PLAN
What Types of Car Service Are There?
Your car has different “road-fitness programmes” depending on its mileage and age:
- Minor service: The light gym day. Typically done every 6-12 months or 10 000 -15 000 km. Includes oil change, fluid checks, and basic safety inspections.
- Major service: Full body workout. Typically done every 12-24 months or 20 000 -30 000 km. Includes comprehensive inspections, multiple filter changes, spark plugs (depending on vehicle), brake servicing, and deeper mechanical checks.
- Manufacturer service: The specialised personal trainer package. Dealerships follow exact mileage-based checklists tailored to your model.
- Diagnostic Testing: When something feels “off” (warning lights, strange noises, performance issues), diagnostics help to pinpoint the problem.
Annual Car Service Checklist
Before a long trip, add this car service checklist to your car’s “pre-workout warm-up”:
- Spare tyre or repair kit
- Emergency kit
- Warning triangle
- Jumper cables
- Check oil levels
- Brake pad & disc inspection
- Coolant & antifreeze levels
- Battery voltage test
- Tyre pressure + tread depth
- Lights & indicators
- Check windscreen wipers.
Benefits of Regular Servicing
Sure, servicing costs money, but not servicing costs more. Here’s what you gain:
1. Fewer Breakdowns
Small issues are fixed before they turn into “Call my cousin with a bakkie” situations.
2. Higher Resale Value
A fully stamped service book equals better offers when you sell.
3. Optimal Fuel Consumption
Your wallet will thank you in the long run.
4. Longer Vehicle Lifespan
Engines last significantly longer with proper care.
5. Smoother, Safer Driving
Confidence behind the wheel is priceless.
Does Car Insurance Cover Annual Services?
Most car insurance policies don’t cover annual maintenance or servicing. But here is the good news: you can sign up for our Extended Car Warranty and add the ServiceXtender benefit (an optional extra that contributes up to R4 000 towards your vehicle’s service, for an additional premium).
Servicing is considered everyday maintenance, much like replacing light bulbs at home or restocking groceries. BUT here’s the important part:
Your warranty insurance can be affected if you skip servicing.If you have a claim caused by neglect, such as:
- Worn tyres
- Faulty brakes
- Lack of oil leading to engine failure
your insurer could reject the claim.
Keeping your car roadworthy helps to keep your cover valid.
Consequences of Neglecting Car Services
Ignoring your annual service doesn’t just risk inconvenience; it can lead to serious failures.
1. Engine Damage
Old oil becomes sludge. Sludge destroys engines.
2. Brake Failure
Skipping inspections can mean driving with dangerously thin brake pads.
3. Tyre Blowouts
Low pressure or worn treads can cause sudden tyre failure at high speed.
4. Overheating
Coolant problems are one of the most common causes of breakdown.
5. Voided Warranty
If your car is still under warranty, missed services can invalidate it.
6. Insurance Claim Rejection
As mentioned above, no service records, no payout in certain situations.
How to Get an Extended Car Warranty Online
Your annual car service is more than routine admin, it’s a safety investment, a stress reducer, and a money-saver in the long term.
Before embarking on the long drive back home, ensure your car’s service book is up to date. Do the checklist. And then enjoy the open road knowing you and your ride are both ready for anything.
Once your car is freshly serviced and road-trip fit, the last thing you want is to realise your extended warranty isn’t sorted. The good news? You don’t need to call anyone (but if you would like to speak to a human, we’re all ears!) or fill in endless paperwork. You can:
- Compare quotes online
- Pick your cover
- Be insured in minutes
At dotsure.co.za, we offer fully digital sign-ups, making it easy to get a quick, affordable, road-ready cover before you hit the highway.
