How to Change a Car Tyre

In the unfortunate event of a flat car tyre or a blow-out, you need to know how to change a tyre safely without damaging your car. There is no need to panic because changing a car tyre is actually easier than you might think. This article offers advice on how to effectively change your car tyre in minutes without damaging your car in the process.

What safety measures must I consider before changing a car tyre?

Before you change your tyre, you need to think about safety first, here's what you need to do:

Turn well off the road and make sure you are not obstructing traffic in any way. Make sure that you park your car on a solid, level surface. Avoid parking on loose, uneven ground
Turn your engine off and switch your hazard lights on
Engage the handbrake and put your car into first gear or put the car into park (P). If you are changing a rear wheel, leave the handbrake off
Safely remove all passengers from the car
Chock (object) the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be replaced. This will prevent the car from moving while you change the wheel
Refer to your owner's handbook to locate the correct jacking points on your car. Only use the specified jacking points to avoid damaging your car

What do I need to change a car tyre?

You will need the following to change your wheel:

Spare Wheel – You will need an inflated spare wheel to replace the damaged wheel. Note: If you are using a skinny' or biscuit' wheel you can only travel up to 80km/h using this spare wheel
Wheel Spanner – The wheel spanner is used to loosen and tighten the nuts on the wheel
Portable Car Jack – The car jack is used to lift the car and lower the car

How do I change a car tyre?

Providing that you have the right tools, changing a wheel is a simple task that can be done quickly with minimal effort. Here's what you need to do to change a car tyre:

If your car wheel has a hubcap, remove it. Also remove the protective casing around the wheel nuts as well as the nut caps
Using the wheel spanner, loosen all the wheel nuts by turning the wheel spanner in an anti-clockwise direction. If the wheel nuts have an L' on them you will have to loosen them in a clockwise direction. Note: Only loosen the wheel nuts. Do not loosen the wheel nuts completely
Place the car jack securely at the specified jacking point nearest to the wheel you are replacing. Ensure that the car jack is securely and firmly placed
When secure, slowly jack-up the car until the wheel is safely off the ground. Only jack the car up high enough to remove the wheel
Take the wheel nuts off and remove the wheel
Place the spare car tyre in position and finger tighten all the wheel nuts. Do not tighten the wheel nuts completely
Using the car jack, lower the car until the wheel is firmly on the ground
Using the wheel spanner, tighten the wheel nuts as much as you can. It may help to use your foot on the wheel spanner to tighten the wheel nuts
Replace the protective casing, wheel caps and hubcap
Place the damaged car tyre, car jack and wheel spanner neatly in the boot
Have your damaged car tyre repaired or replaced as soon as you possibly can

*Tip: Never lie under the car while raised with a car jack.

Summary

Changing a car tyre or wheel is easy if it's done correctly and providing you have the right tools. Always make sure that you have taken the necessary safety precautions before changing a wheel. Rather call for roadside assistance if you are unable to change a wheel yourself. Click here for Tyre Maintenance Tips.

Avoid Car Scams in South Africa

Whether you are buying or selling a car, you should always take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. This article offers advice on how to avoid car scams in South Africa.

What are car scams?

A scam can be defined as an intentional, deceptive, fraudulent activity with the intention of obtaining money or possessions from an individual. The person responsible for the scam is commonly known as a scammer’.

What are the signs of a car scam?

Car scams can be presented in many different ways and usually occur via the Internet, E-mail or SMS. The following are common signs of a scam:

The price of the car is well below the market value
Scammers will refuse to provide sufficient contact details. The phone number provided is either faulty, remains unanswered or goes directly to voice mail
Scammers will usually make an excuse for not being available via telephone
Scammers may demand the full price of the car, or a deposit, to be transferred immediately. Once they have received money they fail to release the vehicle and become difficult to contact
Scammers often claim to live overseas or have some kind of hidden agenda

How can you avoid being scammed by a car seller?

Cars.co.za makes a considerable effort to ensure that every private vehicle advertised is a legitimate vehicle. Nonetheless, it’s important to know how to avoid being scammed by a private car seller, take note of the following:

Never transfer or hand over cash to a seller if you have not seen and verified the vehicle
Always meet with the seller in person, preferably in a public place
Always do a history check on the vehicle to ensure that it’s not stolen and that the car’s details match those on the ownership registration and roadworthy documents
Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the number on the owner registration and roadworthy documents and that the VIN number on the car has not been tampered with
Check that the seller’s address matches the address on the registration and roadworthy documents
Research the car’s value by searching for similar models on Cars.co.za. If the value of the car is far below what it should be, it could be a scam
Check the service history of the car
Scammers prefer to use email as a preferred method of communication. Always contact the seller via a phone number, preferably a landline number
If you suspect fraud or are a victim of a scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately
If you wish to verify the legitimacy of a vehicle on Cars.co.za contact 011 450 2450

*Tip: If you feel unsure about the car, the seller or the documents rather walk away.

How can you avoid being scammed by a car buyer?

To avoid car scams by a car buyer take note of the following,

Never allow a potential car buyer to test drive the car alone, it may even be required to take another person on the test drive with you
Ensure that the potential buyer has a valid drivers licence and sufficient insurance in case of an accident occurring while on the test drive
Never leave the car or the keys unattended or left in the ignition. A key swop is a common method used by criminals to steal a car
Be wary of car buyers who do not want to view the vehicle in person
Be wary of payments made by cheque. If a buyer pays with a cheque, wait until the check has been verified, cleared and given value by the bank before transferring ownership or handing over the vehicle
If the buyer wants to pay with cash, arrange to meet at the bank where the cash can be verified and banked safely,
Always check that the correct amount of money has been received before transferring ownership or handing over the vehicle
If you suspect fraud, or are a victim of a scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately

*Tip: Find out as much as you possibly can about a potential buyer.

Summary

Whether you are buying a car or selling a car, always be on the lookout for car scams and take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. Be vigilant at all times.

How to do a Fuel Consumption calculation

If you own and drive a car, it’s useful to know how many litres of petrol or diesel per km your car consumes so that you can take the necessary steps to reduce excessive fuel consumption. This article will show you how to calculate your car’s fuel consumption per km so that you can compare your fuel economy over time.

How do I calculate my car’s fuel consumption?

Calculating your car’s fuel consumption is easy if you know the distance travelled and the amount of fuel used to travel that distance. Here’s what you need to do,

Fill up your tank with fuel
Record your current mileage as displayed on your odometer. If your car has a trip odometer, reset it to zero.
Drive your car normally until you need to fill up again
When the fuel tank is empty, fill it up
Record how much fuel you used
Use your trip odometer to see how many kilometres you have travelled since your last fill up. If you don’t have a trip odometer, record the latest odometer reading and subtract the first odometer reading to determine how far you have driven,
To work out how many kilometres your car drives on one litre of fuel simply divide the total distance travelled by the total litres of fuel used. Example: 400 km / 42 litres = 9.5 km’s per litre.
To find what your car’s fuel economy is (Metric System), multiply the amount of fuel used by 100 and divide that by the total kilometres driven. Example: 42 litres x 100 / 400 = 10.5 litres / 100km.

Tip: Repeat this process randomly to compare your fuel economy over time. If your fuel economy increases drastically, it may be an indication of a mechanical fault that may need the attention of a professional. There are many factors that may influence your car’s fuel economy both positively and negatively. Some of these factors include driving techniques, road conditions and your car’s overall mechanical condition. Read Fuel Efficient Driving Techniques if you want to know how you can improve your car’s fuel economy.

Summary

Knowing how much fuel you car consumes and taking the necessary steps to mitigate excessive fuel consumption can save you money in the long run. Check your fuel economy on a regular basis and take the necessary action if your fuel economy is unusually high.

Avoid car theft in South Africa

Car theft is a common occurrence in South Africa and car owners should take the necessary precautions to avoid car theft or car related theft. This article offers advice on how to avoid and prevent car theft and car related theft.

What can I do to prevent car theft?

Car thieves are opportunistic and will use any opportunity to get away with your car or possessions. For this reason, car owners should take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of having their car or possessions stolen. Here’s what you can do to avoid car theft and car related theft,

Be Aware – Awareness is an important aspect of crime prevention. Always be aware of your surroundings and be on the look out for suspicious individuals or behaviour. If you suspect that someone is up to no good, call the Police.
Park Safely – When parking, find a safe and secure parking area that is well lit, guarded and subject to public presence. Avoid parking in deserted, isolated parking lots. If you have to park on a street, ensure that the area is well lit and preferably guarded. Avoid dark, isolated parking areas. If possible, park your car in a lockable garage or behind locked gates.
Keep Valuables Safe – Ensure that all valuables including GPS devices, laptops, I-pads, cell phones, radio face, clothing or anything of value are kept on your person and not in sight. If you have to, store valuables in the boot. If you can, avoid storing items in your centre console or glove compartment. Do not keep car registration or car ownership documents in the car. Thieves will steal anything and are well aware of where to find valuable items.
Use Vehicle Protection – Before leaving your car unattended, make sure that you activate anti-theft security devices such as alarm systems, gear lock, steering lock, immobilizer or any other security system you have installed. Make sure that all security systems are in working order and operational when you leave your car unattended. It may be worth investing in a tracking device so that your car can be traced in the event of theft.
Lock-Up – Always lock your car. Never leave your car unattended for any amount of time without locking it. Physically check that all the doors, windows, sunroof and boot are properly closed and locked.
Keep Your Keys Safe – Always keep your car keys safely on your person at all times. Never leave your car idling unattended for any reason and don’t leave your keys in the ignition. An unattended idling car is an easy target for a car thief. Do not leave spare car keys hidden in your car.
Pick up the Phone – If you’ve been a victim of car theft, phone the police immediately for assistance and report the crime. Remember to provide as much details as you possibly can. If you have a tracking device, call the tracking company immediately to report the theft. You will also need to phone your car insurance company to lodge a claim.

Tip: The more anti-theft protection devices you use in your car, the less chance a thief will have to get away with your car and you may be able to reduce your car insurance premium too.

Summary

Take the necessary precautions to avoid having your car or possessions stolen. Always be aware of your surroundings and reduce the risk of car theft by installing approved anti-theft devices and remember to always lock your car.

Avoid distracted driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem both in South Africa and around the world. Distracted driving dramatically increases the chances of serious or fatal accidents occurring and should be avoided at all costs. This article offers advice on how to practice safe driving techniques and how to avoid distracted driving.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving can be defined as follows:

Any activity or action that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of driving.

What activities or actions constitute distracted driving?

There are many activities or actions that can distract a driver from the primary task of driving, these include:

Eating or drinking while driving
Any outside person, object, event, animal, crash scene, road construction etc
Adjusting a radio, cassette, CD player, I-pod or GPS device
Other passengers in the vehicle
Any moving object in the vehicle whether it be a pet, insect or an object falling off a seat
Reaching for and lighting a cigarette, smoking or dropping a cigarette
Dialling, talking, listening, texting or reaching for a cell phone
Reaching for any other object in the vehicle including sunglasses, purse, handbag or water bottle
Using any device attached to the vehicle including mirrors, lights and seatbelts
Medical issues, looking at a map or road sign, fatigue
General inattentiveness

Tip: Cell phones pose the biggest threat to drivers and passengers. NEVER use your cell phone while driving.

How can I avoid distracted driving?

Although avoiding all distractions at all times while driving is not possible, being aware of distractions and mitigating them when they arise is certainly a doable task for any driver. Anyone who operates a motor vehicle should focus all their attention to the task of driving at all times and take the necessary action to avoid being distracted, here is what you can do to avoid distractions while driving:

Tend to all calls and messages on your cell phone before you begin driving. Switch your cell phone off to avoid any cell phone distraction while driving or simply allow your voicemail to pick up any incoming calls. Do not send text messages while driving. If you need to answer a phone call or send a message, rather pull safely off the road to do so.
Only use a voice activated hands-free kit if possible. Remember, a hands-free kit does not reduce distraction while driving. Talking while driving is a distraction and turning your cell phone off while driving is a sure way to prevent cell phone related distracted driving.
Do not eat or drink while driving. Eat and drink before or after driving.
Children and friends can be a distraction while driving. If your children are restless while driving, give them appropriate entertainment like toys or books to keep them occupied while you drive. If you have to, pull safely off the road to deal with your children appropriately. Make sure that friends and children refrain from horseplay in the car while you drive.
Make sure your pets are properly secured while driving. This can be done using a pet harness, pet carrier or a portable kennel. Never let your pets sit in your lap while you drive.
Pre-set your radio and load your CD player before embarking on a journey. This will reduce distraction while you drive. Avoid playing loud music while driving and keep the volume level reasonable.
Avoid setting and using navigation devices while driving. Pre-set your GPS or in-car navigation system before you begin driving. The same applies for any other adjustment you need to make such as seat and mirror adjustments. If you have to, rather ask a passenger to assist you or alternatively pull safely off the road to make any adjustments.
Avoid staring at external events or objects while driving, keep focused on the task of reaching your destination safely.
Educate your teenage driver about the risks associated with distracted driving.
Avoid reading maps, books or newspapers while driving.
Avoid grooming such as hair grooming or applying makeup while driving.

Tip: Avoid any action or activity that will distract you from the task of driving. Be conscious and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Summary

Distracted driving can and does put innocent lives at risk on a daily basis. Practice driving without distractions by following the suggestions in this article and educate friends and family about the risks of distracted driving.

Buying a car compared to Leasing a car

Whether to buy or lease your next car will very much depend on your needs and circumstances.

What is car leasing?

Leasing is effectively a long-term rental agreement with an institution offering the facility – usually a bank or car manufacturer offering in-house finance.

How leasing works

With leasing, you never obtain ownership of the car you drive – you “rent” it for an extended period of time. At the end of the period you hand the car back and walk away or, by signing a new agreement, get into a new car again. The leasing company still has an asset, albeit a used model, which still holds significant value. You have effectively financed its depreciation and interest costs for a period of time.

How a lease agreement is structured

A periodic lease agreement is signed with the service provider upfront, allowing you to calculate your monthly expenses. This service normally assumes comprehensive insurance and a full maintenance plan (and some wear and tear items like tyres, broken windshields etc). Conditions do apply, so make sure you understand upfront which costs the lease company is liable for. Some lease agreements put a limit on annual mileage.

When leasing works well

Depending on your lease agreement, the monthly payments on a car lease may be significantly less than those you would have incurred had you financed a loan on the same vehicle, especially true when interest rates are high. This is advantageous if you only plan on owning the vehicle for a short time. Effectively, it may cost less to lease a new car over a short period of time, than it would cost to buy the same car and trade it in.
Leasing is often a good option for people looking to consistently drive newer cars.

Downsides of leasing

A drawback to leasing is the audit process when returning a leased car. The lease agent will finely scrutinise the car to evaluate the damages done to the car. You’ll have to pay extra fees for anything not considered normal wear and tear and also if you have exceeded your allotted mileage, had it been part of your agreement.

When buying works well

From a long-term investment point of view, buying a car may be preferable, since you obtain ownership of a car at the end of the finance period. When a car is fully paid, you have an asset to use and enjoy indefinitely, sell for cash or trade in on a new car in lieu of a deposit. When interest rates are low, buying becomes a better option as the monthly costs are very similar to those of a leasing agreement. The only real differentiating factor is that at the end of your agreement period, buying leaves you with an asset and leasing does not.
Buying is a good option for people who plan to drive the same car for a lengthy period or when looking to buy a used car.

Downsides of buying

A downside of buying is that, unless your car comes with a service plan (often standard on many new cars today), you are liable for full maintenance costs together with insurance, fuels, and wear and tear items like tyres and licensing (most of which, except for fuel, are usually covered by a lease agreement).Another drawback is that you will be driving the same car for a long time, which invariably means it will be outdated at some point.

How to Test Drive a Car

If you are looking to buy a new car or a used car it’s important to test drive the car before considering buying it. Test driving a car gives you the opportunity to evaluate the drivability and comfort of the car, but more importantly it will help you decide if you should buy the car. This article offers advice on how to test drive a car.

Preparing for a Test Drive

Before arranging a test drive, take note of the following:

Research – Find out as much as you possibly can about the cars you are interested in test driving. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when you test drive the cars and will also help you decide if the cars live up to your expectations. Make a shortlist of cars you want to test drive.

Make Notes – List all the things you would like in your next car and take the list with you so that you can compare it with the car you are test driving. Examples include: Air conditioning, ABS brakes, power steering, navigation system, CD player etc. Also list all the things you dislike in a car.

Plan Multiple Test Drives – Try test drive as many different models as you possibly can on the same day. This will allow you to notice the differences between the models and help you decide what car is best for you.

*Tip: Aim to test drive a car for at least 30 minutes and take the car on various roads in suburbs and on highways. Always test drive a car in the day so that you can notice any defects.

Test Drive Inspection

Before you test drive the car, inspect the car. Here are some things to look for,

Look at the car and decide if you like the style of the car
Walk around the car and check that the seams between the body panels and doors are even and without irregularities
Check that the paint work is smooth and vibrant
Open all the doors and check that all the door handles and windows work properly
Open the boot and inspect the space available for luggage and anything else you might want to put in the car. Check that the spare wheel, wheel spanner and car jack are all in tact.
Sit in the driver’s seat and check seat adjustment, pedals and basic controls such as lights, indicators etc. Decide if you like how the controls are placed.
Decide if the seats are comfortable enough for you. Do the seats have multiple adjustments? Do you have enough headroom and legroom?
Check if you can adjust the steering wheel
Check the visibility from the driver’s seat. You should be able to see clearly in all directions. Check all the mirrors and blind spots.
Check that all instruments in the cabin are easy to reach and use and that they are all functioning properly
Check that the storage space in the cabin is sufficient for items such as CD wallets, keys etc
Sit in all the other seats and check for comfort, headroom and legroom. Check if there is sufficient storage available for backseat passengers. Check that all the safety belts work properly.
Open the bonnet and check if the battery, oil dipstick and fluid filler caps are easily accessible.

*Tip: Inspect the car as thoroughly as you possibly can.

The Test Drive

When test driving a car, it’s important to pay attention to detail while you drive. Here are some things to look out for,

Check how easy the car starts. Are there any strange sounds?
Listen to the engine. Is the engine running smoothly?
While driving, take note of the ride comfort. How smooth is the ride?
Check the gear transmission and make sure that all the gears change smoothly. How easy is it to change gears?
Check if the car’s acceleration is sufficient
Check that the car’s brakes are functioning properly and that there’s no noise while braking
Check the steering. How well does the steering wheel respond to movement? Are there any noises while turning the steering wheel?
Check the handling. How does the car perform around corners?
Check how quiet the car is. Can you hear the tyres on the road? Can you hear wind noise or any other noises, like rattling or squeaking?

*Tip: Take a friend or family member with you on the test drive. They can share their thoughts with you and point out factors that you may be overlooking.

When the test drive is over, take the time to reflect on all the things you liked about the car as well as all the things you disliked. Compare all the cars you have test driven and decide what car suits your needs best. If you are still unsure, you might want to arrange another test drive.

Summary

Test driving a car is a vital part of the car buying process. It’s important that you research the cars you are interested in and be thorough when you test drive a car. Don’t buy a car that doesn’t meet your standards or your needs.

Trading-in your car

When purchasing a car from a dealership, the buyer will often have the option to trade-in their current car. The dealership effectively offers the buyer a certain amount for the trade-in car against the cost of the car that is being purchased.

How trading in compares to selling your car privately

The advantages of trading-in

When trading in your car to a dealership the process of moving your car on is quicker and easier, as both the buying and selling transactions are concluded with the same car dealership. The time and stress associated with private sales is negated.

The disadvantage to trading in

Trade-in offers from dealerships are often considerably lower than the price which could be obtained through selling the vehicle privately.

How your trade-in vehicle will be assessed

The condition of the vehicle

An appraiser at your selected dealership will value your car based on its general physical condition, looking for signs of wear and tear or neglect, and how well-kept or clean the car is. Here, first impressions are vitally important that’s why investing in a proper valet beforehand to make it as clean and presentable as possible is always a good idea.

The make and model of the car

The appraiser will consider the popularity of your car’s make and model in the current market, the mileage based on the age of the car as well as body colour, standard features and optionally fitted extras. The dealer would be less likely to take on a model that will prove difficult to sell. Popular models will fetch higher average prices than undesirable models from obscure manufacturers with an unproven track record.

Service history and maintenance

A well-maintained car with a proven full service record (by the authorised agents) will count for a lot when determining the price for the trade-in. This is a vital marketing point for the dealer when they advertise the car to sell it on.

The pricing of the trade-in

Why you are offered less than market value’

The price you are offered will generally be quite a bit less than the actual value of the car as the dealer has to cover its overheads and make a profit when moving it on. Before doing so, the dealership will invest in a good clean-up, repair of any marks and scratches on the body, glass and wheels, attend to any mechanical issues, and probably service it in addition to adding new cosmetic items such as a fresh set of tyres. The dealership will want to make the car a presentable as possible to prospective buyers.

Trade vs. retail price

The price you are offered on your trade-in is known as the trade price; the price it is eventually sold for by the dealer is the retail price. Both of these are determined, within certain margins and as dictated by the criteria mentioned above condition, mileage, and popularity. These values are taken from the so-called Blue Book of car values as published locally by Mead & McGrouther. This guide is not generally available to the public, but used extensively by the used car industry and dealers. The retail price is the one you could have gotten had you sold privately.

Don’t be shy to shop around

Before you even go to the dealership, check on the internet for the going price of models similar to yours and be prepared to negotiate upwards the dealer will offer as little as it can reasonably get away with. Don’t hesitate to get more than one opinion shop around at other dealers.

What if I still owe money on the trade-in?

If you sell your car to the dealer outright, the dealer will settle any outstanding amounts first and pay you the balance, should there be any left. If you trade in your car on another, more expensive model at the same dealership, the dealership will treat the trade value of your car as part-payment on the new purchase. The same procedure will apply outstanding monies to third parties are settled first, the remained will be regarded as a deposit and you will be liable for the balance of the new purchase, either through finance or cash.

What is an HPI check?

One of the first things the dealer will do is to perform an HPI check to determine if there are any outstanding liens or monies owed on your car a lease or hire purchase agreement, or private loans registered at a bank. This will be done as a matter of course, regardless if you state that the car is paid for and there are no liens against it.

Summary

While you will generally get more money by selling your car privately than trading it in at a dealership, the peace of mind and simplicity of trading it in often out-weighs the hassle of trying to sell it privately.

Refinancing your car loan

What is car re-financing

Loans are not always negotiated on the best terms. Car re-financing enables you to pay off your current car loan with a new renegotiated loan. Your current car loan and title are transferred to a new lender and you will make your monthly car loan payments to this new lender.

Advantages of car refinancing

Refinancing your car loan can have some or all of the following benefits:

You may be able to get a lower interest rate on your car finance
You may be able to lower your monthly loan installments
You may be able to pay off the balance of your car loan quicker
You may be able to receive a slight break (up to 2 months) from paying your installments
If your current loan value is greater than your car’s actual value (called an upside-down loan), car refinancing can correct this

Ultimately, car refinancing can save you a lot of money, both in the short and long term. If you have high monthly installments, a high interest rate or an upside-down loan, car finance may be ideal for you.

Disadvantages of car refinancing

Car refinancing has a few minor drawbacks, but these are negligible in most cases where the financial benefits are right

If your current loan has been negotiated on good terms, car-refinancing may not be beneficial to you
There may be negative effects on your credit score in applying for finance again
There may be additional finance fees

Do I qualify for refinancing?

Before applying for car re-finance, make sure that you and your vehicle meet the following general requirements for South Africans. Failing to meet these requirements could result in you not being eligible for vehicle re-finance (please note that different re-finance institutions will have varying requirements):

The car has not been rebuilt or stolen/recovered.
The value of the car is R45 000 or more.
You have a valid South African driver’s licence.
You have a clear credit record.
You earn more than R6500 a month
You are a South African citizen.
The car is not older than 2001

Example of how car re-financing can benefit you

If you obtained car finance to purchase a car 36 months ago for R260,000 with the following statistics:

Finance contract balance:	R 260,000
Interest Rate:	Prime + 3%
Monthly installment (at start):	R 5,999
Current monthly installment:	R 6,699
Current settlement:	R 96,000

By refinancing this loan on the settlement amount of R 96,000 the new installment figure could be as low as R2,650, resulting in a monthly saving of R4,049.

Summary

There are many scenarios where getting vehicle re-finance could benefit the applicant significantly. If you currently have a car loan, it is worthwhile to get an obligation free refinancing quote to see how you too can save money.
Click here to obtain a car finance or car refinance quote through our trusted finance parter.

Designated driver services in South Africa

Being the holiday season there is a lot to celebrate. Businesses are having end-of-year parties, students are celebrating the end of exams and almost everyone will be celebrating the New Year. There is a good chance that there will be some form of alcohol at these events and unfortunately there often seems to be a shortage of designated drivers.

While people don’t necessarily plan to drink and drive, it does happen and many road deaths are a result of drunk drivers. Car insurance companies may not cover drivers involved in accidents if they were drunk. If you are going to be drinking at a party or event this holiday season, we urge you to not drive. If you don’t have a friend or family member to act as your designated driver, then we recommend making use of one of the many companies offering a designated driver or taxi collection service. Below is a quick guide to driving services in South Africa, please bear in mind that the service offering may differ from company to company, so please read the fine print on their website and ensure that you understand how each company operates.

How do South African collection / drunk driving services work?

There has been a boom in collection services in South Africa over the past few years, many of whom have reinvented the traditional taxi model to suit South Africa’s unique demands. While the model may differ slightly from company to company, they generally operate as follows:

Most companies will require you to be registered with them before you can make use of the service (don’t wait until you need that drive home, plan ahead!).
Once you are registered you will be provided with a number to call should you require their service.
You can also pre-book a driver if you know you will be drinking at a particular event and need a lift home.

How do I get home if I have been drinking?

Some companies offer a door-to-door service, where you will be picked up from your home, driven to the party or event and then collected and driven home.
Other services may include a chauffeur, who will drive you home in your own car. These chauffeurs are either dropped off at your location, or arrive on a small bike which is loaded into the boot of your vehicle. Once you are safely home, the chauffeur will either get picked up or leave on their bike.

How does the pick-up service compare to a standard taxi or cab?

The main difference between a designated driver service and a cab is that your car is transported home with you.
With a traditional cab or taxi, you would need to make additional arrangements to have your car picked up from the venue that you were picked up from.
If you are a member of a designated driver service and have pre-booked your pick-up, you can rest assured that your lift will be there, where as a taxi or cab service will not always be as reliable.
Lastly, when using a designated-driver service, you get to ride home in the comfort and familiarity of your own car. Taxi’s and cabs are not always as clean and desirable as you might want.

How much does it cost to use a designated driving service?

Depending on the company, you may be charged a monthly rate for the service, or charged based on distance traveled etc.
Monthly membership rates can range from around R90 to R700 a month depending on the company and package chosen.
There are often additional rates depending on the travel distance (from around R8 to R12 per km driven).
Beware that there might be additional expenses if the driver is kept waiting etc.

Are these designated driving services available in my area?

Make sure you choose a company that operates in your area
Once you have chosen a company that operates in your area, check their coverage map and the maximum distance they are willing to drive, to ensure you can use the service

Free Take me Home Services

Certain banks in South Africa are now offering free take me home services depending on what type of account you have with them. Absa offers six Take Me Home services per annum for Gold Value Bundle or Spouse Value Bundle Account holders and eight Take Me Home services per annum for Platinum Value Bundle or Spouse Value Bundle Account holders. FNB also offers a similar service where Petro Cardholders have access to six free trips per annum. Standard Bank is offering all personal current account customers access to a concierge service to drive them home safely. Their Take Me Home service is available within a 30 km radius of city centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, and Polokwane.

Who is offering this designated-driver service?

Here are a number of companies to choose from, as mentioned before though, be sure to check the fine-print and the terms and conditions of the contract/registration that you are entering. Please note that these companies are listed simply as a guide, Cars.co.za does not endorse any of them.

Uber (They have an App for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone)
Good Fellas
Outsurance Buddy-at-out
1 For the Road
Scooter Angels