Staying smart

This refers to the master cylinder, wheel cylinder, and brake booster. These parts need to be well maintained or your car will not stop.

Engine, gearbox and diff casings are the housing in which all the moving parts such as pistons, bearings, gears, etc. are built into. The casing protects the components and keeps them in place.

The central locking system can be mechanical or electrical. If it is not working you might not be able to lock or unlock your car.

The clutch and clutch components link the engine to the gearbox of your car. It consists of the clutch plate, pressure plate and push plate. If anything in this system fails, there will be no link between the gearbox and your car’s engine and you won’t be able to change gears.

The water pump and thermostat makes sure the engine stays at a working temperature. The thermostat will open up and allow the cooling system to circulate through the engine. Without this functioning properly it could lead to engine failure as the heat gage will overheat.

The CV joints of your car is connected to the gearbox and gives power to the wheels. The CV joints are checked at regular service intervals. Not servicing at regular intervals can lead to accidents or breaking down next to the road.

The cylinder head gasket is a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. It can deteriorate with age but in the event of overheating the gasket can blow through, which causes water and engine oil to mix. If not attended to, this will result in engine damage.

A diff lock is found in the diff of mostly 4x4s and bakkies. When the diff is locked both rear wheels will have equal power so, if one wheel is stuck, the other wheel will still turn enabling you to move forward.

The differential is part of your gearbox and controls the different speeds your car’s wheels turn at. Your wheels will drag if you do not have a proper functioning differential system. This needs to be checked at regular intervals.

The drive pulley refers to the crankshaft pulley and the belt tensioner pulley. Without these, the alternator, water pump and air con will not work properly. These are checked at during regular service intervals.

The electrical components consists of the starter, alternator and windscreen wiper motor. These components keep your car running and need to be checked at regular service intervals.

Electrical winches placed on 4X4 cars and ATVs are used to recover those cars from deep mud holes or tight locations. If not maintained this will not be possible.

Electric mirrors make it convenient to adjust the position of your mirrors in order to give you a better view. Inform the dealership at your service if they are not working properly.

This refers to for example your car’s wiper motor, starter motor and central locking. These motors need to be kept in good condition.

The electronic ignition consists of the coil & distributor. This supplies the spark to the spark plugs which in turn ignites the air and fuel mixture in the engine. If faulty, the engine will not be running smooth or, not start at all.

The emission control uses sensors to pick up how much fuel your car is using, it controls the fuel mixture, controls emission and helps the car to consume fuel more efficiently and protects the environment.

When you open the bonnet, what you see is ‘engine’ and a whole lot of other items attached. All the moving parts are inside the engine.

If the entertainment system is faulty you will not be able to listen to the radio.

The free wheel hubs lock the front wheels of your car when using 4×4.

The function of the car’s fuel system is to store and supply fuel to the engine. The engine intake system is where the fuel is mixed with air, atomized, and vaporized.

Your car’s gearbox transmits the engine torque to the wheels and also provides various transmission ratios to enable the speed of the engine to be adapted to different driving situations. Without it you will not be able to drive at all.

The built in navigation system can be checked at your regular service interval if needed.

This refers to the engine and transmission management control unit, sensors, solenoids and EGR valves. This is an important system. If not working properly, it could result in other parts of your car breaking down.

If the phone system does not function properly your phone will not be able to connect via bluetooth.

If the radiator clogs up the coolant won’t circulate through the engine and could cause the engine to overheat which will lead to engine failure.

The steering component steers the vehicle, if it wears it could lead to increased tyre wear and it will become harder to steer your car. If it is badly worn it will have an impact on the stability of your vehicle on the road which could cause swerving.

The suspension keeps your car on the road. A worn suspension will cause handing issues and instability which can lead to accidents.

The transfer box connects to the gearbox. If engaged you will have power on all 4 wheels, which gives your car more power and grip for rough terrain.

The transmission refers to the gearbox, differential and final drive shafts. It is what gives power to your vehicle’s wheels. When the transmission is damaged or not in working order you will not be able to shift gears or drive at all.

The transponder key refers to the key that starts your car. It communicates with the ignition.

The turbo is a device that increases the engine’s efficiency and power. The turbo assembly has moving parts which can wear over time. This will lead to power and torque loss which in turn will increase fuel consumption.

The viscous and electric fan keeps the radiator cool. This system is triggered by heat and will engage when it is needed. If it fails your car will overheat.

The wheel bearings make the wheels of your car turn freely. If they are too worn out or damaged they can seize and cause an accident.