10 Common Car Issues Mzansi Drivers Should NOT Ignore
Owning a car in South Africa is a bit like joining a club; it comes with plenty of freedom, but also responsibility. While most of us keep an eye out for potholes, taxis cutting in, or traffic lights stuck on four-way flash, we often overlook the one factor we can control: the condition of our own cars.
The reality? A large number of accidents and breakdowns on South African roads come down to neglected maintenance. Let’s break down the ten most common issues, what they can lead to, and how a little preventative care can save you from a nasty surprise.
1. Worn Or Under-Inflated Tyres
Think of your tyres as the shoes your car wears. If they’re in bad shape, the rest of the outfit doesn’t matter. In South Africa, where road surfaces vary wildly from tar highways to gravel farm roads, tyres take a beating. Under-inflation causes the sidewalls to flex too much, which weakens the tyre and increases rolling resistance, burning through fuel. Worn tread can’t grip properly on wet surfaces, so aquaplaning is far more likely. At high speeds, blowouts happen quickly, without any warning.
DO THIS: Don’t just glance at your tyres; actually check the tread depth and pressure. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but replacing earlier is safer. Rotate them to even out wear, and if you see cracks or bulges, it’s time for new rubber.
ALSO SEE: Tyres And Vehicle Safety: An Essential Guide
2. Faulty Brakes
Brakes are one of those parts you don’t notice until you desperately need them. South African drivers spend a lot of time in stop-start traffic, which wears pads down quicker than you think. Long downhill stretches, like Chapman’s Peak or the Van Reenen’s Pass, put even more stress on brake systems. Delayed stopping distances can mean the difference between avoiding a bumper bash and sitting on the phone with your insurer.
DO THIS: If you hear squealing, grinding, or feel a vibration when braking, don’t ignore it. Get your brakes inspected before it escalates. Replacing pads is far cheaper than repairing worn discs or, worse, recovering from an accident.
ALSO SEE: The Vital Role Of Braking Systems In Vehicle Safety
3. Steering And Suspension Defects
A car that pulls to one side or feels loose around corners is waving a big red flag. Suspension components like shocks and struts don’t last forever, especially with our mix of potholes, gravel detours, and speed bumps. Faulty steering or suspension affects how your tyres make contact with the road, reducing stability and increasing rollover risk.
DO THIS: Uneven tyre wear is often a dead giveaway of suspension trouble. If your ride feels floaty, or you find yourself fighting the wheel, get it checked. Proper suspension doesn’t just keep the car safe; it makes every trip smoother and less tiring.
4. Defective Headlights Or Taillights
We all know how dark certain stretches of SA roads can get, especially rural routes with no streetlights. Faulty lights make it harder for you to see hazards, and just as importantly, harder for other drivers to see you. Add in fog or heavy rain, and it’s a recipe for trouble.
DO THIS: Do a quick walk-around once a month and check your lights. This includes indicators, headlights, brake lights, and even number plate bulbs. It takes two minutes and can save you from a crash or a fine. Clean, bright lights also make night driving less stressful.
ALSO SEE: Restoring Your Headlights: Why It Matters More Than You Think
5. Worn Windscreen Wipers
Anyone who’s driven through a Cape winter storm knows the sinking feeling of wipers smearing instead of clearing. Visibility is everything, and old wipers can make it impossible to see hazards in time. It’s a cheap fix, but one many drivers put off until it’s too late.
DO THIS: Replace wiper blades at least once a year, ideally before the rainy season. Keep your windscreen clean too, dirt and grit shorten blade life and worsen streaking. A clear view of the road is one of the simplest safety wins.
6. Engine Malfunctions
Engines don’t usually fail overnight. Most problems start small. It might be a slow oil leak, a skipped service, or a warning light ignored. Overheating is common on long summer trips when coolant levels aren’t topped up. Stalling in peak-hour traffic isn’t just frustrating; it can leave you exposed in the middle of the road.
DO THIS: Treat the oil dipstick as your best friend. Check it regularly, and stick to service intervals even if the car seems fine. If the temperature gauge climbs, don’t push on. Pull over safely and investigate. Catching problems early saves money and headaches.
ALSO SEE: What Really Happens If You Skip Your Car Service?
7. Transmission Issues
Transmission problems are often sneaky. Slipping gears, delayed engagement, or strange noises usually get worse slowly, so drivers ignore them. But when you need power, like overtaking on the N1, a failing gearbox can be a serious hazard.
DO THIS: Pay attention to how your car changes gears. If it hesitates or jerks, get it checked before it worsens. Regular fluid changes make a huge difference. Also, avoid riding the clutch in traffic; it’s one of the quickest ways to shorten its life.
8. Faulty Indicators Or Brake Lights
South African traffic relies on “reading” other drivers, and working lights are the language we use. Faulty indicators or brake lights leave everyone guessing, which often ends in rear-end crashes or close calls at intersections.
DO THIS: Make checking your lights part of your weekly routine; it’s as quick as flicking the switches while parked. Replacing a bulb costs less than a takeaway coffee and prevents far bigger costs later.
ALSO SEE: 7 Ways Savvy Drivers Stay Safe Behind The Wheel In Severe Weather
9. Battery Failures
Batteries take a beating in South Africa’s hot climate. Heat shortens their lifespan, and cold mornings in winter can finish them off. A dead battery at home is annoying; a dead battery at night on the side of the N3 is dangerous.
DO THIS: Most batteries last three to five years; don’t stretch it beyond that. Have it tested before long trips, especially during winter. Keep jumper cables in your boot; even if you don’t need them, someone else might.
ALSO SEE: Your Car Battery: What You Need To Know And How To Replace It
10. Cooling System Problems
An overheating engine isn’t something you can shrug off. Cooling system neglect is one of the leading causes of breakdowns in summer holiday traffic. A blown radiator hose or empty coolant tank can leave you stranded in the Karoo with no shade in sight. Worse, the repair bill for an overheated engine can be eye-watering.
DO THIS: Pop the bonnet once in a while. Check coolant levels, look for leaks, and flush the system as recommended. A healthy cooling system is your best defence against summer heat and long-distance strain.
ALSO SEE: Coolant 101: Why Your Car Can’t Survive Without It
BONUS TIP! Build An Emergency Kit
Even if your car is in perfect condition, surprises happen. Keep a spare tyre, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and a torch in your boot. Add bottled water and a blanket if you travel long distances. South African roads can be unpredictable, and being prepared often turns a crisis into a minor inconvenience.
READ NEXT: 13 Bad Car Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Caring for your car doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Most of these checks are quick and cost far less than the repairs that follow neglect. Think of it as looking after a good pair of takkies: clean them, fix small issues early, and they’ll carry you comfortably for years. The same goes for your car: keep it in shape, and every journey will be safer, smoother, and a lot more enjoyable.
