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Your car's timing belt is one of those parts you never see, but it's absolutely critical. This rubber belt keeps your engine's valves and pistons moving in perfect sync. When it fails, the results can be catastrophic – and expensive.

What Does a Timing Belt Do?

The timing belt connects your engine's crankshaft to the camshaft, ensuring the valves open and close at precisely the right moments. In interference engines (common in most modern cars), a broken timing belt means pistons can slam into open valves. The repair bill? Often R15,000 to R40,000 or more – sometimes it's cheaper to replace the entire engine.

When Should You Replace Your Timing Belt?

Most manufacturers recommend replacement between 60,000 km and 100,000 km, or every 4-6 years – whichever comes first. Here's a quick guide for popular South African vehicles:

• Toyota Corolla/Hilux (older models): 90,000 km
• VW Polo/Golf: 90,000-105,000 km
• Ford Ranger (2.2/3.2 TDCi): 150,000 km
• Hyundai i20/i10: 90,000 km
• Nissan NP200/NP300: 100,000 km

Note: Some newer vehicles use timing chains instead of belts, which typically last longer. Check your owner's manual or ask us if you're unsure.

5 Warning Signs Your Timing Belt Needs Attention

1. High-Pitched Squealing from the Engine

A worn or misaligned timing belt often produces a distinctive squealing or whining noise, especially on startup or acceleration.

2. Engine Misfires

If the timing belt has stretched or slipped, your engine's timing will be off. This causes rough idling, misfires, and poor performance.

3. Visible Cracks or Wear

If you can access your timing belt (or have a mechanic check), look for cracks, fraying, or shiny spots on the belt surface.

4. Oil Leaks Near the Timing Cover

Oil contamination can degrade the timing belt rubber faster. If you notice leaks near the front of the engine, get it checked immediately.

5. Engine Won't Start

If your timing belt has already snapped, the engine simply won't turn over. The starter motor will crank, but there's no combustion.

What's Included in a Timing Belt Kit?

A proper timing belt replacement should include:

• Timing belt – the main component
• Tensioner – keeps proper belt tension
• Idler pulleys – guide the belt
• Water pump – often replaced at the same time (it's driven by the timing belt)

At Ace Auto, we stock complete timing belt kits for all popular South African vehicles. Buying the kit is usually more cost-effective than replacing parts individually.

Don't Wait Until It Breaks

Unlike brake pads that squeal or tyres that wear visibly, a timing belt can fail without warning. The cost of preventative replacement (typically R2,500-R6,000 including labour) is a fraction of the engine damage a failure can cause.

Need a Timing Belt Kit?

Browse our range at aceauto.co.za or WhatsApp us on 083 737 7502 with your vehicle details. We'll find the right kit for your car at the best price.

A failing fuel pump can leave you stranded on the N1 or stuck in a shopping centre parking lot. Knowing the warning signs early can save you from an expensive tow truck call and get you to a parts shop before complete failure. Here's what every South African driver needs to watch for.

What Does Your Fuel Pump Actually Do?

Your fuel pump delivers petrol or diesel from the tank to your engine at the correct pressure. Modern vehicles use electric fuel pumps mounted inside the fuel tank, while older models may have mechanical pumps on the engine. When this critical component starts failing, your car will tell you—if you know what to listen for.

1. Engine Sputtering at High Speeds

If your engine runs smoothly at lower speeds but starts sputtering or jerking when you're cruising on the highway, your fuel pump may be struggling to deliver consistent fuel flow. This is often one of the earliest signs of fuel pump trouble.

2. Sudden Loss of Power Under Stress

Notice your car losing power when accelerating, climbing hills, or towing? A weak fuel pump can't keep up with increased fuel demands. If your car feels sluggish during these situations, have your fuel system checked.

3. Engine Won't Start (But Cranks Normally)

When you turn the key and the engine cranks but won't fire up, a dead fuel pump could be the culprit. Before the engine starts, you should hear a brief whining or humming sound from the fuel tank area—that's your pump priming. No sound? No fuel delivery.

4. Whining Noise From the Fuel Tank

A healthy fuel pump makes a low, quiet hum. A failing pump often produces a loud whining or droning noise that changes pitch with engine speed. This sound typically comes from the rear of the vehicle where the tank is located.

5. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

If you're filling up more often without changing your driving habits, a faulty fuel pump might be dumping too much fuel into the engine. This wastes petrol and money—especially painful with SA fuel prices.

6. Engine Surging

Does your car suddenly surge forward without pressing the accelerator harder? This can indicate inconsistent fuel delivery from a pump that's intermittently failing, causing irregular fuel pressure spikes.

7. Car Stalls in Hot Weather

South African summers are brutal on fuel pumps. If your car stalls when the temperature gauge climbs but starts again after cooling down, heat could be accelerating pump wear. The fuel in your tank actually helps cool the pump—running low on fuel in hot weather makes things worse.

How Long Does a Fuel Pump Last?

Most fuel pumps are designed to last 150,000 to 200,000 kilometres, but South African conditions—stop-start traffic, extreme heat, and fuel quality variations—can shorten that lifespan. Regular maintenance and keeping your tank at least quarter full helps extend pump life.

What to Do If You Suspect Fuel Pump Problems

Don't wait for complete failure. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Have a mechanic check your fuel pressure
• Listen for the pump priming when you turn the key
• Check for fuel pump-related error codes
• Source a quality replacement pump before you're stranded

Find Your Fuel Pump at Ace Auto

Whether you drive a Toyota, VW, Ford, or any other make, Ace Auto stocks fuel pumps for most vehicles on South African roads. Our nationwide branches carry both new aftermarket parts and quality used alternatives. Search our online catalogue or contact us for fitment advice—we'll help you find the right pump for your vehicle and budget.

There's nothing worse than turning your key and hearing... nothing. Or maybe just a weak clicking sound. Before you call a tow truck, let's figure out whether your car battery or alternator is the culprit. Getting this diagnosis right can save you time and money at the parts counter.

Understanding the Difference: Battery vs Alternator

Your car's electrical system relies on two key components working together:

• Battery: Stores electrical energy and provides the initial power to start your engine
• Alternator: Generates electricity while the engine runs, recharging the battery and powering all electrical systems

When one fails, the symptoms can overlap—which is why so many South African drivers end up replacing the wrong part first.

Signs Your Battery Is the Problem

A failing battery typically shows these warning signs:

1. Slow Engine Crank

When you turn the key, the engine turns over slowly, struggling to start. This "lazy" cranking sound means your battery doesn't have enough charge to spin the starter motor properly.

2. Clicking Sound But No Start

A rapid clicking noise when you turn the key indicates the battery has some charge, but not enough to engage the starter. This is one of the most common battery failure symptoms.

3. Dim Lights When Starting

If your dashboard lights dim significantly when you try to start the car, the battery is struggling to provide enough power.

4. Car Starts Fine After a Jump

If your car starts perfectly after a jump-start and runs without issues, the battery likely isn't holding charge. In South Africa's heat, car batteries typically last 2-4 years before needing replacement.

Signs Your Alternator Is Failing

Alternator problems present differently:

1. Battery Warning Light on Dashboard

That little battery-shaped light isn't just about the battery—it monitors your entire charging system. If it flickers or stays on while driving, your alternator may not be charging properly.

2. Lights Dimming While Driving

Unlike battery issues at startup, alternator problems cause dim headlights and interior lights while the engine is running. You might notice lights brightening when you rev the engine.

3. Electrical Accessories Acting Strange

Windows moving slowly, radio cutting out, or air conditioning weakening while driving? The alternator isn't producing enough power to run everything.

4. Whining or Grinding Noise

A failing alternator often makes a whining or grinding sound from under the bonnet. This usually indicates worn bearings inside the unit.

5. Dead Battery After Driving

Here's the key difference: if your battery dies after you've been driving (not just sitting overnight), the alternator isn't recharging it.

The Simple Test: How to Tell Which One Failed

Try this quick diagnostic:

1. Jump-start your car
2. Remove the jumper cables
3. Let the engine run for a few minutes
4. Turn off the engine and try to restart

If the car won't restart: Your alternator isn't charging the battery. Even a dead battery should have enough charge after running for a few minutes if the alternator works.

If the car restarts fine: Your battery isn't holding charge. The alternator did its job while running, but the battery can't store the energy.

Why South African Conditions Are Tough on Both

Our local conditions put extra strain on charging systems:

• Extreme heat: Highveld summers accelerate battery fluid evaporation and stress alternator components
• Dust and dirt: Particularly in rural areas, dust can contaminate alternator bearings
• Load shedding: Frequent short trips during load shedding schedules don't give alternators enough time to fully recharge batteries
• Stop-start traffic: Johannesburg and Cape Town traffic means more strain on starter motors and batteries

What to Do Next

Once you've identified the problem:

For battery replacement: Check your vehicle's specifications for the correct battery size and CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) rating. Most South African vehicles use standard fitment batteries readily available from auto parts suppliers.

For alternator replacement: Alternators are vehicle-specific. You'll need to match the part to your exact make, model, and engine. Many modern vehicles also require the alternator to be programmed to the vehicle's computer system.

Don't Get Stranded

A no-start situation is frustrating, but proper diagnosis prevents wasting money on the wrong part. Check the symptoms, do the jump-start test, and you'll know exactly what needs replacing.

Need a replacement battery or alternator? Browse our range or contact us with your vehicle details for the right part at the right price.

That strange humming or grinding noise coming from your wheels? It could be a worn wheel bearing – one of the most commonly overlooked components in South African vehicles. With our mix of potholed city streets and gravel back roads, wheel bearings take a serious beating. Here's how to spot the warning signs before a small issue becomes an expensive repair.

What Does a Wheel Bearing Actually Do?

Wheel bearings are the unsung heroes of your car's suspension system. These small but mighty components allow your wheels to spin freely while supporting the entire weight of your vehicle. They're packed with steel balls or rollers and sealed with grease to reduce friction. When they fail, you'll definitely know about it.

5 Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearing Is Failing

1. Grinding or Humming Noise

The most common symptom is a grinding, humming, or rumbling noise that gets louder as you speed up. The sound often changes when you turn – if it gets quieter when turning left, the problem is likely on the right side (and vice versa). This happens because turning shifts the vehicle's weight away from the damaged bearing.

2. Vibration Through the Steering Wheel

A worn wheel bearing can cause noticeable vibration, especially at higher speeds on the N1 or N2. This vibration may come and go or become constant as the bearing deteriorates further. Don't confuse this with wheel balancing issues – bearing vibration tends to feel rougher and more irregular.

3. Uneven Tyre Wear

Check your tyres regularly. If you notice unusual wear patterns on one side of the vehicle, a failing wheel bearing could be the culprit. The bearing allows the wheel to wobble slightly, causing the tyre to wear unevenly – costing you money on premature tyre replacements.

4. Steering Feels Loose

Does your steering feel vague or wandering? A severely worn wheel bearing creates play in the wheel assembly, making your car feel less responsive. This is particularly dangerous in emergency manoeuvres or wet conditions common during our summer thunderstorms.

5. ABS Warning Light

Modern vehicles have ABS sensors mounted near the wheel bearings. Excessive play from a worn bearing can trigger the ABS warning light on your dashboard. If this light comes on along with any of the symptoms above, get it checked immediately.

Why South African Roads Are Tough on Wheel Bearings

Our roads present unique challenges. Potholes in Johannesburg, gravel roads in the Free State, and coastal humidity in Durban all accelerate wheel bearing wear. Hitting a pothole can damage the bearing seal, allowing dirt and moisture in – and once contamination starts, it's only a matter of time before failure.

The Danger of Ignoring a Bad Wheel Bearing

A wheel bearing won't fix itself, and driving on a failing one is genuinely dangerous. In extreme cases, the wheel can lock up or even detach from the vehicle. The repair cost also increases dramatically – what starts as a R800-R1,500 bearing replacement can escalate to suspension damage costing several thousand rand.

How to Check Your Wheel Bearings

Here's a quick test you can do at home:

1. Safely jack up the vehicle so the wheel is off the ground
2. Grab the tyre at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions
3. Try to rock the wheel back and forth
4. Any noticeable play or clunking indicates a worn bearing

You can also spin the wheel by hand – grinding or roughness suggests bearing damage.

Choosing the Right Replacement Bearing

When replacing wheel bearings, quality matters. Budget bearings might save you money upfront but often fail within a year on South African roads. Look for reputable brands and always replace bearings in pairs (both front or both rear) if the vehicle has high mileage – if one has failed, the other is likely close behind.

At Ace Auto Parts, we stock quality wheel bearings for most popular South African vehicles, from Toyota Hilux bakkies to VW Polos. Our team can help you find the right bearing for your specific make, model, and year – ensuring proper fitment and lasting performance.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

If you're hearing strange noises from your wheels, don't ignore them. Catching a failing wheel bearing early saves money and keeps you safe on the road. Browse our range of wheel bearings online or contact our parts specialists for expert advice on your specific vehicle.

What Is a Vehicle Purchase Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, confirming that the information you have provided is true and correct. When buying or selling a vehicle in South Africa, you may need an affidavit to:

• Confirm the purchase price for licensing and registration
• Declare the condition of sale (private sale vs dealer)
• Verify that the vehicle is free of encumbrances
• Support a change of ownership at the traffic department
• Replace missing documents (e.g., lost registration papers)

Getting this document right is essential — errors can delay your registration or even invalidate the sale.

When Do You Need an Affidavit for a Vehicle Purchase?

Common situations include:

1. Private sales — confirming the agreed purchase price
2. Inherited vehicles — declaring how you acquired the vehicle
3. Gifted vehicles — stating the transfer was a gift (R0 sale)
4. Missing documents — replacing a lost or damaged registration certificate
5. Price disputes — when the declared value seems too low or high for licensing purposes

What Information You Will Need

Before completing your affidavit, gather the following:

• Your details: Full name, ID number, residential address
• Seller details: Full name, ID number, contact information
• Vehicle details: Make, model, year, VIN number, registration number, engine number
• Purchase details: Date of sale, agreed price, payment method
• Supporting documents: Copy of ID, proof of residence, vehicle registration papers

Step-by-Step: Completing a Vehicle Purchase Affidavit

Step 1: Use a Proper Template

Do not write your affidavit from scratch — use a template that includes all the legally required elements. Affidavit Generator provides ready-made templates specifically for South African vehicle transactions.

Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Details

Enter your full legal name (as it appears on your ID), your South African ID number, and your current residential address.

Step 3: Add Vehicle Information

Include all identifying details about the vehicle:

• Registration number
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Engine number
• Make and model
• Year of manufacture
• Colour

Double-check these against the vehicle registration papers — any mismatch will cause problems at the traffic department.

Step 4: State the Terms of Sale

Clearly declare:

• The agreed purchase price in Rands
• The date the transaction took place
• Whether it was a cash sale, EFT, or financed purchase
• That the vehicle was sold voetstoots (as-is) if applicable

Step 5: Sign Before a Commissioner of Oaths

An affidavit is only valid once signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths. You can find one at:

• Any South African Police Station (free)
• Post offices
• Attorneys offices
• Some banks and municipal offices

Bring your original ID document — the Commissioner will verify your identity before signing.

Step 6: Make Copies

Keep at least two certified copies:

• One for your records
• One to submit with your vehicle registration documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an overseas template — SA has specific legal requirements
• Forgetting to sign in front of a Commissioner — unsigned affidavits are invalid
• Wrong vehicle details — always verify against the registration certificate
• Leaving fields blank — incomplete affidavits will be rejected
• Not keeping a copy — you may need it for disputes or future sales

Generate Your Affidavit in Minutes

Do not waste time with complicated paperwork. Affidavit Generator lets you create a legally compliant vehicle purchase affidavit in minutes — just fill in the details, download, print, and sign.

Create your vehicle affidavit now

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a vehicle affidavit cost?
Having it commissioned at a police station is free. Attorneys may charge a small fee.

Can I complete an affidavit online?
You can prepare and generate the document online, but you must still sign it physically before a Commissioner of Oaths.

What if I made a mistake on my affidavit?
Do not use correction fluid. Rather complete a new affidavit and have it re-commissioned.

Is an affidavit required for every vehicle sale?
Not always — but the traffic department may request one if there are questions about the sale price or ownership transfer.