By Aurelia Mbokazi Kashe
With the average vehicle on South African roads now more than a decade old, keeping a car safe is becoming less about warranties and more about personal responsibility. Industry experts say regular maintenance isn't simply about extending the life of a vehicle. It could be one of the most important decisions motorists make for their own safety.
South Africa is keeping cars for longer
There was a time when many motorists traded in their vehicles before the maintenance plan expired. Today, rising living costs and higher vehicle prices mean more South Africans are holding onto their cars for longer.
According to RMI CEO Ipeleng Mabusela, the average vehicle on South African roads is now 10.8 years old, with an estimated 70 to 80% no longer covered by a maintenance or service plan.
That changes the conversation around road safety.
Much attention is rightly given to speeding, distracted driving and alcohol abuse. Yet the condition of the vehicle itself is an equally important part of the safety equation, one that often receives far less attention.
"If your vehicle is not in good condition before you hit the road, not just during Easter but through out the year, then the likelihood of an accident is higher", says Mabusela.
When the maintenance plan ends, ownership changes
Once a vehicle falls outside its maintenance plan, the responsibility shifts almost entirely to the owner.
Unlike newer vehicles, older cars rarely remind drivers when something is beginning to wear out.
"Old vehicles don't tell you it" time, Mabusela observes. "Owners need to keep track of their service intervals and mileage."
That makes preventative maintenance far more valuable than waiting for something to fail.
The small checks that make a big difference
Many of the components that contribute most to road safety are also among the easiest to overlook.
Brakes that have gradually lost efficiency, worn windscreen wipers before heavy rain, faulty lights or tyres that have seen one season too many may not seem urgent individually. Together, however, they can significantly affect a driver's ability to avoid danger.
Regular servicing allows these issues to be identified before they become expensive repairs or, worse, safety risks.
Looking after your vehicle is also looking after your family
Vehicle maintenance is often viewed as another household expense to postpone.
Yet delaying routine servicing can lead to far higher repair costs later while increasing the risk of mechanical failure when it matters most.
For families travelling daily to school, work or weekend destinations, peace of mind begins long before the engine starts.
As Mabusela puts it, maintaining a vehicle is ultimately about protecting the people inside it.
Safety starts before you turn the key
Road safety is often discussed in terms of driver behaviour, but every journey also depends on the condition of the vehicle itself.
Whether your car is three years old or fifteen, making time for regular servicing, checking essential safety systems and addressing small issues early all contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Because safer roads are built long before we pull away from the kerb.
