With December just around the corner, drivers should seriously be considering having their pre-holiday checks done now before the rush.
Les Mc Master, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says that every year workshops get bombarded in December with motorists wanting vehicle checks and needing repairs just days before they plan to leave on holiday.
“What motorists don’t realise is that should maintenance be needed on their vehicle and spare parts are not in stock, these need to be ordered. This could take several days, if they are available at all. It is risky leaving things to the last minute and could put a real dampener on holiday plans,” says Mc Master.
He suggests that motorists look around for pre-holiday check offers that are available at the moment. “Typically workshops will be offering free or discounted vehicle checks at this time of year and I highly recommend that you take advantage of these offers.”
MIWA itself is running a free Holiday Safety Check campaign throughout November at its workshops nationwide. “The mechanics will do a thorough check of the vehicle which will include a road test and an assessment of the following parts:
- Lights
- Suspension
- Drive lines
- Brakes
- Tyres, including the spare and tools
- Fluid levels
- Wipers and windscreen
- V Belts, and
- Exhaust.
If a problem is identified, the mechanic will be able to advise the vehicle owner and provide a quote for repairs needed. No repairs will be done without the consent of the owner, he explains.
For a list of MIWA workshops, vehicle owners can visit the MIWA site: www.miwa.co.za.
“Now is the time to get your vehicle ready for holiday road trips. Don’t wait until December,” concludes Mc Master.