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Do you have issues with your vehicle that need sorting, which you haven’t been able to get seen to because of the lockdown? Well, there’s good news for you.
Government has published new regulations which allow for the trade in new and used vehicles (under specific conditions). In addition, the new regulations also allow for emergency repair work to be performed on vehicles, also under specific conditions.
Among the conditions for repair work is that members of the public must make appointments before arriving at a workshop, and the workshop must be in the municipal area in which the person lives.
In terms of the servicing of vehicles, the regulations allow for:
routine servicing of cars that is due or overdue in terms of the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, whether due as a result of –
mileage;
time interval since last service;
recommendation by car on-board computer;
urgent collision repairs; and
specific OEM activated recall or warranty campaigns.
The regulations stipulate that the following categories are not classified as emergency car repairs:
Cosmetic repairs, such as minor scratches and dents or cosmetic enhancements;
voluntary or routine servicing that is not overdue in terms of manufacturer’s service intervals; and
warranty campaigns of a cosmetic nature unless warranty is due to expire within 30 days of the intended repair date.
In terms of parts and logistics, the following applies.
Aftersales car servicing and parts sales should operate to support regular services and maintenance of cars under Alert Level 4 and to avoid or minimise any mechanical breakdown that might result in permanent damage given continued car usage and mileage increases during the extended lockdown by ensuring the provision of the necessary parts.
In order to give effect to the provisions of subparagraph 3.2.1 the following facilities may be reopened under strict trading risk-adjusted measures, hygiene and social distancing restrictions:
Auto electricians;
tyre fitment, windscreen replacement centres;
bond stores and parts distribution centres;
motor body repairers; and
any other related business that can attend to the mentioned repairs.
The AA urges all motorists who believe they have a need in respect of their vehicles to call ahead to the workshop to ascertain if the work they want done can be performed. This will also allow for the making of appointments.
If you do have issues with your vehicle that may make it unroadworthy, please get them seen to. Not only will it ensure your vehicle is running properly, but it will also ensure it is safer on the road.
