Cost of servicing your car
Hyundai Grand i10 1.25 Fluid
October 2023
Below are 3 quotes from different workshops in Gauteng. Some offer engine flush and windscreen washer fluid. The total reflects these extra’s. But atleast you can get a comparison for the actual part prices. We urge you to shop around and find the right workshop for your car. Get at least 3 quotes and supply your VIN number to get the correct parts for your car.
| Part | Mechanic 1 | Mechanic 2 | Mechanic 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Filter | R404 | R367 | R222 |
| Oil Filter | R122 | R92 | R112 |
| Pollen Filter | R318 | R275 | R359 |
| Spark Plugs | R981 | R614 | R971 |
| Oil 5L | R840 | R381 | R472 |
| Labour | R1100 | R1518 | R805 |
| Sundries | R140 | R110 | R103 |
| Total | R4700 | R3481 | R3046 |
Take a guess who is an e-CAR workshop
Parts for vehicles are constantly on the rise.
Please NOTE the below comparisons are car parts from 2008 -2017.
Therefore costs of parts in 2023 are going to be even more expensive.
Component |
The average cost across classes in 2008 |
The average cost across classes in 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | R84.46 | R111.65 |
| Spark plug | R142.91 | R105.16 |
| R/H wiper blade | R126.75 | R346.12 |
| Front brake pad | R529.78 | R1 165.61 |
| Front shock absorber | R820.21 | R1 817.79 |
| Fan belt | R304.45 | R427.83 |
| Cam belt | R818.82 | R1 296.99 |
| Clutch plate | R964.83 | R2 077.51 |
| Radiator | R1 925.55 | R3 685.19 |
2021 Update
Car manufacturers will tell you ‘stay genuine’ rather than risk inferior parts and workmanship at non-franchised workshops, while the official dealer stamps in the service book also improve the vehicle’s resale value. But taking your vehicle to official dealers is also more expensive, mostly because of their higher labour rates, and there are big savings to be had by using an independent workshop.
Buying aftermarket car parts at stores like Midas and Autozone can also be a more economical alternative to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Non-genuine doesn’t mean it is no good, and often you can buy the identical branded item for less at an independent parts dealer.
Why it pays to shop around
It may come as a surprise that OEM parts aren’t always more expensive, so shop around. Our survey of some of SA’s most popular vehicles found that OEM parts prices are sometimes cheaper than at aftermarket retailers, and it varies depending on the manufacturer and the type of part.
However, the mechanic labour costs at OEM dealers tend to be very high between R815/hour and R1200/hour, while independent e-CAR workshops usually charge lower hourly rates.
Some insurance companies actively support the non-OEM industry. Santam, for example, has a certified aftermarket parts program to reduce repair costs and passes the savings on to its clients.
Be wise – only choose reputable suppliers
Les McMaster, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), also believes aftermarket parts are a good option for older vehicles.
“Of course, there are inferior parts out there but by sticking with brands you know and those recommended by a reputable, accredited workshop that knows your vehicle and uses the right products and parts, you can get the same performance out of aftermarket parts versus OEM and genuine parts, at a lower cost,” says McMaster. MIWA represents the interests of some 2 500 independent workshops in SA.
e-CAR’s list of independent workshops is all approved workshops by the AA, MIWA, RMI, and The right to Repair
