It’s a true rite of passage to own your first car and not have to rely on others to drive you where you need to go. “With great power comes great responsibility,” Spiderman’s Uncle Ben warned. Having a bakkie is a big responsibility and keeping it in good shape should be a top priority.
It’s just as vital to keep your bakkie in good shape while you’re driving it as it is when it’s time to sell it. A vehicle that has been well maintained and has a comprehensive and detailed service history will always be more valuable than one that has been neglected.
A vehicle’s service book is the first item of business for any dealership or prospective buyer at trade-in or sale time, and some may disregard a car outright if the service history is incomplete or inconsistent. When you look at the used bakkies for sale on any reputable dealer’s website, you’ll notice that the term ‘FSH,’ or Full-Service History,’ is frequently listed before any other features or extras.
Rhinoman Canopies wants to give you some tips on factors you should be aware of when it comes to your bakkie’s maintenance.
Every vehicle on the road comes with a manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, which may vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle. These are usually expressed in terms of time and distance between workshop visits, such as “one year or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.”
It’s vital to note that following these intervals is not optional, especially if your bakkie is still under warranty. Skipping a scheduled service might result in serious consequences, such as warranty voiding or mechanical failure.
Every bakkie on the road comes with a manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, which may vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle. These are usually expressed in terms of time and distance between workshop visits, such as “one year or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.”
It’s vital to note that following these intervals is not optional, especially if your bakkie is still under warranty. Skipping a scheduled service might result in serious consequences, such as the voiding of warranties or even mechanical failure.
Prepare for upcoming services by familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s schedule, whether or not your bakkie is covered by a service/maintenance plan. This information is usually found in the physical or digital service book that comes with the car and should be kept safe. Service schedules are digitally displayed and recorded in some vehicle models’ infotainment systems. Also, some automobiles have built-in service timers that alert you when maintenance is due, but it’s always better to double-check than to rely solely on them.
If you’re having difficulties understanding or finding your schedule, contact your dealership’s service department for assistance. Have your car’s current mileage and the specifics of the most recent service available to help them guide you.
It’s also a good idea to have your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as this is the easiest way for a dealership to figure out the specifications of your model. This can be located on your driver’s license disc or imprinted on the body of your automobile, which is usually visible through the bottom corner of the windscreen but not always.
Returning to your vehicle’s regular maintenance, there are three basic types of car services to consider:
Basic service – this is the most prevalent type of service and is carried out regularly. It normally comprises an oil change and oil filter, as well as air filter and fluid checks, and is performed every 10,000 or 15,000 kilometers. For more information, consult your car’s service manual or contact your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) franchise dealer.
Advanced service – this entails replacing spark plugs, fuel filters, and pollen (cabin air) filters, among other things, at longer distances and time intervals.
Major service – This is performed at even greater time and distance intervals. Replacement of vital items such as timing belts and/or timing chains, as well as a thorough check of various mechanical components in your vehicle, are examples of major services.
Aside from the actual repair done, a service allows the technician or mechanic to evaluate items that you, as the owner, may not be aware of. Consider a trip to the doctor: you can either go while you’re sick or go for a routine check-up to see if they notice anything unusual. Prevention is frequently better than cure, and this is true for both people and vehicles.
When you service your bakkie, you will constantly be aware of its current state. You may not realize that your vehicle requires a new wheel bearing or shock absorber, or that your brakes are nearing their end of life. Regular maintenance allows the expert or mechanic to look for and advise you of any problems or issues before they become too expensive to fix or fail entirely, putting the vehicle and your safety on the road in danger. As a bakkie owner, it is your responsibility to minimise risk on South African roads at all times.
