Vehicle Breakdowns: Easier access to service providers now

Don’t panic if you get stuck this holiday season.

Travelling for the holidays? If you’ve ever broken down or been involved in an accident in a small town en route to holiday you will relate to the feelings of frustration in trying to find a dealer who can assist you without compromising your car’s warranty.

Kate Elliot, CEO of Right to Repair

With just two weeks to go before the big December holiday rush, the good news for holiday makers this year, says Kate Elliott, CEO of Right to Repair, is the new Competition Guidelines will make it easier to manage the crisis now that the market has opened up to include all accredited Independent Service Providers.

In terms of the new Guidelines you have the right to choose your service provider. An independent service provider can now service and perform maintenance and repairs on cars both during the in-warranty period and after. “This clearly makes life easier for motorists who find themselves in a bind. You just need to make sure you are using an accredited workshop” she says.

If you’re involved in an accident you will need to check with your insurer, which repairers are accredited for that area. Elliott says just as the OEM’s have had to comply with the new Guidelines, so too have the insurers and in future they cannot restrict their panels. This should make life easier going forward should you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of having an accident in a small town. At least you will now you should be able to find a local approved repairer to carry out the repair work, without having to first tow your vehicle for hundreds of kms.

Here are some useful hints and tips to keep you safe while travelling:

Start off by ensuring you have done all pre-holiday checks on your car first so there are no unexpected surprises on route.
Know your route – Google the route you intend travelling and the distances between towns before you leave. This way you can plan your fuel usage and stop at familiar places for a top up. If you are driving on a golden oldie route check if the service stations on route have workshops.
Have your insurer’s and your local workshop’s phone numbers handy so they advise you of the closest support centre in case of an emergency.
Check that your spare wheel is in your boot and is properly inflated. The same applies to your jack.
Spare keys? Where are they – if they are not with you make sure they are readily available.
If you intend going off the beaten track pack some “I won’t need that” stuff. Some cable ties, a rope, battery charger cables, water, a spare fan belt, etc, would be worth considering.
Have all emergency numbers handy specifically Police: 10111, Ambulance: 10177 and emergency services – Emer-G-Med: 0861007911/Netcare 911: 082 911/ER24: 084 124

“Remember that the holiday season is also the time when opportunistic criminals take chances. Make sure your car’s locking system works, that your bags containing valuables are hidden and if necessary, carry these bags with you when getting out of the car for a break. Also remember your journey is a destination, not a race – so take it slow and enjoy the ride!,” says Elliott.