Maintenance & Servicing
Service plans, oil and filters, tyres, batteries, brakes, warning signs and warranties — how to keep a new car healthy and its cover intact in South Africa.
7 topics · 29 answered questions · 2 articles
A brand-new car is the most reliable a car will ever be, but reliability is not automatic. It depends on the vehicle being serviced on time, at the correct intervals, with the right parts and fluids, and on the owner noticing small problems before they grow into expensive ones. South African conditions add their own pressures: long distances between towns, summer heat, gravel roads, potholes and dusty air all shorten the life of tyres, filters and suspension components if they are ignored.
This category explains the practical side of looking after a new car: what a service plan actually covers, why oil and filter changes matter more than any other job, how to read the warning signs your car gives you, and how to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid. Every new car sold through Car4Less is delivered by the national franchise dealer network with its full factory warranty and plan, so the advice here helps you get the most out of cover you already have.
Topics
Explore Maintenance & Servicing
Each topic has its own page with a plain-English explanation, the related articles and the questions people ask most.
Service Plans & Intervals
What a service plan covers, how a maintenance plan differs, why service intervals matter and what happens when you miss one.
1 article · 5 answers
Engine Oil & Filters
Why oil changes matter more than any other job, what oil grades mean, and how air, oil, fuel and cabin filters keep a new car healthy.
1 article · 4 answers
Tyres & Wheels
Tyre pressures, tread depth, rotation, alignment and when to replace — the tyre care that keeps a new car safe on South African roads.
4 answers
Car Batteries
How long a car battery lasts, the signs it is failing, what shortens its life and what to know about hybrid and electric batteries.
4 answers
Brakes
How brake pads and discs wear, the warning signs of a brake problem, and what brake servicing costs are covered by a plan or warranty.
4 answers
Warning Signs & Common Faults
What dashboard warning lights mean, the noises and smells that signal trouble, and which problems can wait until the next service.
4 answers
Warranties & What They Cover
What a new-car warranty covers and excludes, how to keep it valid, and how extended warranties and roadside assistance fit in.
4 answers
Articles
Latest in Maintenance & Servicing
The Maintenance Jobs You Should Never Skip on a New Car
A new car forgives a lot, but not everything. These are the handful of maintenance jobs that decide whether a car is still tight and trouble-free at the end of its plan or quietly wearing out from the inside, with South African conditions firmly in mind.
22 Aug 2026 · 4 min read
Service Plan vs Maintenance Plan — What Each Actually Covers on a New Car
Most new cars in South Africa come with one of the two, and buyers routinely confuse them until the first brake-pad bill arrives. Here is what a service plan pays for, what a maintenance plan adds, and how to decide whether the upgrade is worth it for the way you drive.
14 Aug 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answers
One question from each topic. Open the topic for the full set.
What is the difference between a service plan and a maintenance plan?
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A service plan covers only the scheduled services in the manufacturer's service book: labour, engine oil, filters and the items checked at each visit. A maintenance plan includes all of that plus wear-and-tear parts such as brake pads and discs, wiper blades and clutch components. A maintenance plan costs more when bought separately but removes almost all routine running-cost surprises while it lasts.
How often should engine oil be changed on a new car?
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Change it at every scheduled service, at the interval the manufacturer sets in kilometres and months. Modern synthetic oils and long-life filters allow longer intervals than older cars needed, but the time limit still applies because oil degrades even when the car is parked. Drivers who do a lot of short trips or dusty driving may benefit from changing sooner.
What tyre pressure should I use on my new car?
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Use the pressures printed on the placard inside the driver's door frame or in the owner's manual, not the maximum pressure moulded into the tyre sidewall. Many cars list two settings, one for normal driving and one for a fully loaded car or towing. Check pressures when the tyres are cold, because driving heats the air inside and raises the reading.
How long does a car battery last?
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A conventional 12-volt battery in a modern car typically lasts a few years, with the exact life depending on climate, driving pattern and the electrical load on the car. Frequent short trips, extreme heat and long periods of standing shorten it. Many manufacturers cover the battery under the new-car warranty for a set period, after which replacement is the owner's cost unless a maintenance plan includes it.
How do I know when my brake pads need replacing?
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Common signs are a high-pitched squeal from the wear indicator, a grinding noise, a brake warning light, a longer or softer pedal, and vibration through the pedal or steering wheel under braking. Pad thickness is measured at every service and the technician will tell you how much life remains, so you can budget for replacement before it becomes urgent.
What should I do when a warning light comes on?
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Check the colour first. A red warning, such as oil pressure, engine temperature, brake or battery charge, means pull over safely, switch off and call for assistance. An amber or yellow warning, such as check engine, tyre pressure or a service reminder, generally means drive carefully and have it checked soon. Your owner's manual lists every symbol and the correct response.
What does a new-car warranty actually cover?
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It covers the repair or replacement of parts that fail because of a defect in materials or workmanship during the warranty period. That typically includes the engine, gearbox, electronics, suspension components and body hardware. It does not cover items that wear out with use such as tyres, brake pads, wiper blades and bulbs, nor damage from accidents, misuse, neglect or unapproved modifications.
Other categories
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Trade-Ins
How trade-ins work in South Africa: valuations, trade-in versus private sale, outstanding finance, equity and preparing your car for the best offer.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Honest, South-African-specific help with matching a new car to your life: body style, seats, boot space, commuting distance and business use.
Body Styles & Segments
A plain-English guide to every new-car body style sold in South Africa: SUVs, bakkies, hatchbacks, sedans, 7-seaters, luxury and performance cars.
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid & Electric
How petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars really differ: running costs, driving feel, charging and which suits South African conditions.
Put it into practice
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