apexmotorwarranty

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What is a Motor Warranty?

For any car owner who takes pride in their car, a motor warranty is a must. It is staggering to think that 50% of motorists owning a car do not know if their car has a warranty plan or what kind of after-sales support can be expected. This applies across the spectrum and is not limited to gender, province or race. It has become clear that we need to familiarize ourselves with what we are signing for and what we should be getting.

A motor warranty is specifically designed to cover mechanical reakdowns up to a certain amount, so it is, essentially, insurance for your car.

Common items that may be covered by a warranty include the engine, gearbox, electric components, as well as many other key components to keeping your vehicle in good running order. Third-party motor warranties might also come with the added benefit of roadside assistance, care hire whilst your car is being repaired, as well as funeral & personal accident cover, but not all do.

Lastly, note that warranties don’t cover consumables, the cost of computer diagnostics, and do not cover any aspect of normal wear and tear, environmental damage (such as dents, stone chips to the paintwork and cracked windscreens), damage due to natural disaster or hail or fire, or damages that occur due to negligence, accidents or collisions. Should you be interested in a product may assist in keeping your car in showroom condition follow Apex Body Care.

Make sure that you read and understand your motor warranty benefits and familiarise yourself with what is covered and what is not. And remember there is no such thing as a stupid question: if you are unsure, ask. Examples are : Which vehicle parts are covered by this warranty? How long is the warranty valid for? If the vehicle is not serviced on time, how long until your warranty is cancelled?

As the owner of the vehicle, your sole responsibility is keeping your car in good health. It is very, very important to know the terms and conditions you are agreeing to. Understanding the policy you own is just as important as understanding your vehicle and not only will it keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads, but could save you a lot of frustration and expense in the future.

The above is not financial advice and should not be construed as financial advice.

Contact Apex today and we will help you find the right product for you.

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How To Keep Your Car Looking New

Everyone loves and wants their car to look shiny like a new penny. People who love their cars wash them in weekly intervals, but failure to provide regular care is the most common error that owners can make. In addition, as your car gets older, to keep the shine up becomes harder.

However, if you truly love your car, you would certainly be looking for ways to keep your car free from damages and scratches. But as there are hundreds of sources that could bring on damages, it’s hard to be 100% safe.

Body Care aims to help your car looking in showroom condition, giving you an affordable way to get scratches and dents fixed for a small monthly cost. Body Care covers stone chips, scratches, dents, interior treatments, AC treatment, odour removal, headlight renewal, windshield and glass maintenance, as well as tar removal.

One of the ways to keep your car looking great is to maintain its paint job. These days, high-tech paint finishes are applied by making use of a basic two-step application called a ‘base coat/clear coat’ system. Introduced in the early 1980s, the clear coat paint is used on almost every new car manufactured today.

Should you wish to know if your car has a clear coat of paint finish, rub a small amount of car wax or polish on your car’s lower panel. If you do not come up with the colour of your car’s paint, it has a clear coat.

Clear coat paint systems, based on advanced paint technology, have been designed to improve the appearance and prolong the life of your automotive paint finish. They utilize urethane enamels to improve the overall shine and durability of the paint finish. Today’s paints are far superior to the finishes of 20 years ago.

The sun is the number one environmental enemy at work on the shine of your vehicle’s paint finish. The ultraviolet rays produce heat that can reduce the durability of the clear coat finish. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have a body care product for your vehicle in helping with sun damage.

Hairline scratches are the other warning sign of paint damage. This is a result of the clear coat becoming damaged by a small, thin layer of road debris that scratches your paint by rubbing against the finish and could have negative repercussions.

Should you simply want to care for and protect your car, we’re about to solve that problem with our body care product to help you when you get the dents that occur form everyday driving. Our body care product will assist in keeping your car in showroom condition and keep you driving your car with peace of mind knowing that unforeseen scratches, dents and scuffs caused by everyday travels can now be repaired without burning a hole in your pocket.

Our body care product was designed to assist you with keeping your motor vehicle looking new and shiny. Contact Apex to get body care for your vehicle today.

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The True Cost of Car Ownership

According to Fin24, banks recommend that your car doesn’t exceed 30% of your annual gross salary, and the monthly costs shouldn’t equal more than 10% of your salary. If you wanted to buy a R1,3 million Porsche Cayenne Coupe with financing from a bank, your salary would need to be in the region of R4,3 million per year (or R360,000 a month) to secure a loan. With a R100,000 deposit and 72-month loan with 7% interest, you’d pay back over R20,000 per month.

But this is a fantasy for most, so let’s pretend you just won the Lotto or got a massive inheritance. You’re itching to drop R1,3 million cash – you can afford your dream car now, right?

Not so fast. The cost of the car won’t be the only expense.

Most of us don’t drive luxury 4x4s or super-sexy sports cars, so it’s easy to underestimate how much petrol it’ll take to keep your slick new ride going strong (and fast). Here’s how much it costs to fill up mid-range cars versus luxury cars as of March 2021 (R16.32 per litre of 95 Petrol):

2018 Polo Vivo: R734.40 to fill up the 45L tank with a fuel consumption of 6.1L/100km

2017-2018 BMW 440i: R979.20 to fill up the 60L tank with a fuel consumption of 9.9L/100km

2019 Porsche Cayenne Coupe: R1468.80 to fill up the 90L tank with a fuel consumption of 9.4L/100km

2016-2017 Maserati Quattroporte: R1305.60 to fill up the 90L tank with a fuel consumption of 15.3L/100km

It’s clear that 4x4s and luxury sports cars don’t just cost more, they cost more to drive as well.

While someone with a Polo Vivo will spend around R1,070 on petrol each month, a person with a Maserati Quattroporte will spend almost R3,500 to drive the exact same distance.

What happens if you bust up the Bentley?

If you damage a tyre on your Porsche, you’re looking at up to R4,500 per tyre, while a tyre on a Polo Vivo will usually cost under R2,000.

We don’t want to give you a heart attack, but a top-of-the-range Pirelli tyre for a Lamborghini can cost over R20,000 – and there are many more mechanical faults that can present over time, no matter what car you drive.

Of course, you’ll also want car insurance. Car insurance is risk-profile dependent, so two people may pay different premiums even if they drive the same make and model of car – but in general, a more expensive car will have higher premiums because it’s more expensive to replace or repair.

Before you dig deeper than your pockets will allow, think carefully about how much debt you’re willing to take on – not just in financing a luxury car, but in maintaining it too.

Cars are almost always a depreciating asset so no matter your budget, you should always stay within it. Understanding all the costs that accompany the purchase of a car can make you think twice about what car you want/ can afford to get. There are options that may lighten the financial burden of car, such as buying second hand and exploring different insurance/warranty plans.

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5 Car Parts That Must Be Replaced (Eventually)

Buying an old car often comes with two types of feelings, one of general excitement that you have a “new” car, and the other of “okay, what will break first?”. As cars age, more and more parts require replacement due to wear and tear. Many of these effects can be reduced through regular servicing and car maintenance on your vehicle, however, some components will still fail, especially those that contain soft parts and materials like rubber.

Whether you’re planning to buy or already own an ageing  car, here are some of the parts that you’ll most likely have to replace before too long:

Radiators

Charged with the responsibility of keeping the engine cool, the radiator removes heat from the coolant after it has cycled through the engine, a process that exposes it to major wear and tear as it always copes with fluctuating temperatures. Owners of old cars often have to deal with endless engine overheating issues.

Brake Pads and Discs

Brakes are one of the most used components on a car, so it’s not surprising that they have to be replaced more often than bigger parts. When a driver steps on the brake pedal, brake pads squeeze onto the brake discs slowing down the car as a result. The friction between the two components means that they are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Alternators

A main component of the charging system, the alternator is an electric generator that charges your car battery and powers the car’s electrical system when the engine is running. As the battery ages, the alternator produces more power to make up for the battery’s inefficiency and thus, as a result, gets overworked and more prone to wear and tear.

Shock Absorbers

A shock absorber is a part of the car’s suspension system that is charged with the task of absorbing and damping shock impulses while keeping the tires in constant contact with the road.  Given the nature of South African roads, shock absorbers often have to deal with more “work” than they are generally designed to do, and car owners often have to fork out their hard-earned money to have them replaced.

While there are plenty of parts that might need replacing in the lifespan of a vehicle, car owners should most certainly expect to replace the above parts as their cars age. Buffer yourself from the potentially hefty expenses of an ageing car’s electrical and mechanical failures.

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Manufacturer’s Warranty vs Extended Warranty

When you buy a new car, it’s very likely that your new baby will come with a manufacturer’s warranty to help you protect your investment. While this is a great reassurance, after a few years your manufacturer’s warranty will end – leaving you responsible to pay for all costs linked to mechanical and electrical failures.

The 2 types of warranties in the motor industry: The initial manufacturer’s motor warranty

An extended motor warranty

Though these types of warranties differ, they each offer substantial benefits. In this blog article, we want you to understand the key differences between the two.

Manufacturer’s Motor Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty is a benefit offered by the manufacturer or dealership, with the purchase of your new vehicle. This warranty will  replace defective parts in your car within a specific time period. Those repairs will have to be done by the manufacturer with their own parts and teams, in their own facilities.

Extended Motor Warranty

An extended warranty can be purchased before your manufacturer’s warranty expires; so that you don’t get caught in between them with no cover. In order to make the monthly costs affordable, an extended vehicle warranty covers specific car parts up to a certain value.

When is an extended warranty recommended?

When the manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle falls away.

When you have purchased a pre-owned car with over 100 000 km on the odometer.

When you haven’t budgeted for mechanical or electrical failures.

Things to consider when buying a Motor Warranty plan:

Your manufacturer’s warranty covers specific repairs to your vehicle for a certain time period. If you decide to get an extended warranty, make sure you know what is covered under your policy and when the coverage kicks in. You can see exactly what’s covered with our Apex Motor Warranty plans here.

Remember, you can buy an extended warranty at any time, not just when you first purchase your vehicle.

The bottom line is that some people enjoy the comfort of knowing that their car is protected well past the manufacturer’s warranty, and that the monthly cost is worth the expense.

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Scratch and Dent Cover: What is it & Why Does it Matter?

It’s undeniable that we rely on our cars to get us from A to B. But, as you may know, everyday commuting puts our vehicles at risk of annoying stone chips, dents, and scratches which can put an ugly mark on an otherwise pristine vehicle.

While these scratches and dents may be small, they often come with big repair bills. Annoyingly, these bills can work out to the same amount as your car insurance excess, meaning it doesn’t make financial sense to repair these. That’s why a Scratch & Dent solution for your car is a no-brainer for so many people.

What Exactly is Body Care Cover?

A Scratch and Dent solution provides you with financial assistance for repairing minor dents, scratches, and chips to your car’s bodywork – It’s the perfect answer if you love the look of your car and want to keep it looking that way.

Body Care usually covers:

Light scratches

Minor dents

Stone chips

Tar removal

Small windscreen and headlight repairs

Is It Worth Fixing Scratches on Your Car?

While many drivers would argue that it’s not worth it, discovering a new dent or scratch can send you into a frustration spiral. Besides it decreasing the value of your car, there are a few good reasons why you should have the repairs done as soon as possible.

Here are some good reasons why you should fix the scratches on your car:

Scratches can open up your car to rust damage by creating weak points in your car’s rust-proof paintwork.

Dents are even worse because they expose your vehicle to moisture.

How Would I Get The Repairs Done with Apex Body Care?

So, you’ve just seen a scratch and would like to make a claim – here’s what you need to do, step-by-step:  

Step 1: Call Insure Africa on (011) 615 0170 or email: claims@insureafrica.co.za

Step 2: Send clear photographs via email, of:

The vehicle in its entirety (i.e. the whole vehicle in the photograph)

The applicable damage to the vehicle

The vehicle license disc and registration plate

Step 3: Insure Africa will inform you of the outcome of the claim.

In reality, we all try to keep our vehicles in the best condition possible, even though it seems as if minor scratches and dents appear out of nowhere! Whether you pay for them out of your pocket or claim from your insurer, having a Scratch and Dent solution is an investment in your car’s appearance – and its resale value.

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3 Small Car Problems That Result in Hefty Repair Bills if Ignored

Life can be hectic! At times, it pulls us in a million different directions – making us overlook and forget simple car maintenance checks that we should be doing regularly. However, taking care of minor issues as soon as possible is always the best way of avoiding hefty repair bills.

Here at Apex Motor Warranty, we understand life’s challenges and want to help you be more aware of the simple checks you can do to look after your car. Below we’ve put together a list of three items on your vehicle that you can check easily, and sometimes have big repair bills if ignored.

1.  Timing belt failure

The timing belt, also known as the cambelt, is a rubber belt with teeth that helps your engine operate smoothly. It helps key parts of your engine move in sync with each other to ensure they run smoothly. It’s worth noting, that not all cars have a timing belt, so firstly, you should confirm if your vehicle has one.

If you hear a strange ticking noise coming from your engine, notice your car’s engine won’t turnover, see an oil leak by the motor, or notice your revs start acting strange while driving, then your timing belt most likely needs to be changed. Thankfully, you can check for all of these signs at home.

What causes a timing belt to break?

In most cases, the timing belt breaks due to wear and tear. If your timing belt does end up snapping, your vehicle will have to be towed to prevent any further damage to your engine. Fortunately, if this event does happen Apex members are eligible for roadside assistance should their vehicle need towing.

2.  Tyre failure

How often do you check your tyres? As long as they don’t appear to be flat, they’re okay – right? Poor tyre condition is often blamed as one of the leading “vehicle factors” contributing to road accidents.

Tyre failure may occur for various reasons, and it can happen without you even being aware there’s an issue. Did you know one of the leading causes of tyre failure is under-inflation? Tyres under-inflated flex more in the sidewall, and excessive flexing causes them to heat up far beyond the average operating temperatures. This is why it’s so important to monitor your tyres and understand if they need to be pumped up or possibly even replaced.

How to avoid tyre related problems

The best way to get the most mileage out of your tyres and avoid blow-outs is to ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition.

Check your tyres for wear and tear, punctures, maintain the correct pressure regularly, as well as the depth of your tyre tread, and drive carefully to avoid road hazards. Unfortunately, tyres do sometimes puncture or blow without any warning or explanation. Thankfully you can rest easy knowing that if this did happen to you, you can get access to roadside assistance with Apex.

How does this impact my car?

If the oil in your engine isn’t changed, you could start to experience one of many engine issues while driving. The most common of these is your engine becoming too hot, causing it to run less efficiently, which can lead to permanent engine damage, failure, or a mechanical breakdown.

If you do happen to have a mechanical breakdown or engine issues, Apex will be there to help as long as your engine has been properly maintained.

Keeping your car in good condition is the best way of ensuring you and your family’s safety when you’re out on the road. Car problems only worsen as time goes on so that is why taking care of big or small repairs when they arise is necessary.

Conducting proper maintenance on your car is essential, but sometimes breakdowns happen for unexplainable reasons. If you want to prepare for those unforeseen breakdowns and vehicle parts expenses, contact us today to get an Extended Motor Warranty from Apex.