Few things are more alarming than seeing steam billowing from under your bonnet on a scorching South African summer day. Radiator problems are one of the most common causes of breakdowns on our roads, and understanding the warning signs can save you from an expensive engine repair—or worse, being stranded on the N1.

How Your Radiator Keeps Your Engine Cool

Your radiator is the heart of your car's cooling system. It circulates coolant through the engine block, absorbing heat, then releases that heat through the radiator fins as air passes through. In South Africa's extreme temperatures—especially in Gauteng, Free State, and Limpopo where summer temps regularly exceed 35°C—your cooling system works overtime.

1. Coolant Leaks: The Silent Engine Killer

A puddle of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car is a telltale sign of a coolant leak. Common leak points include:

• Radiator hoses (upper and lower)
• Radiator core or tanks
• Water pump seal
• Heater core connections

What to do: Check your coolant level regularly. If you're constantly topping up, there's a leak that needs finding. Don't ignore it—running low on coolant will overheat your engine fast.

2. Thermostat Failure

The thermostat controls when coolant flows through the radiator. When it fails stuck closed, coolant can't circulate and your engine overheats rapidly. When stuck open, your car takes forever to warm up and your heater blows cold.

Signs of thermostat trouble:

• Temperature gauge shoots to hot within minutes
• Engine never reaches normal operating temperature
• Heater doesn't blow warm air

3. Blocked or Clogged Radiator

Over time, rust, debris, and mineral deposits can clog your radiator internally. Externally, bugs, leaves, and road grime block airflow through the fins. Both reduce cooling efficiency dramatically.

Prevention tip: Flush your cooling system every 40,000 to 60,000 km. Use quality coolant mixed with distilled water—not tap water, which contains minerals that cause buildup.

4. Radiator Fan Problems

Your radiator fan kicks in when the car is stationary or moving slowly—exactly when natural airflow isn't cooling the radiator. If the fan fails, you'll overheat in traffic or at robots.

Quick test: Let your car idle until it reaches operating temperature. Listen for the fan to switch on. If the temp keeps climbing and no fan, you've found your problem.

5. Failed Water Pump

The water pump circulates coolant through the entire system. When it fails, coolant sits stagnant and your engine overheats almost immediately. Warning signs include:

• Coolant leak from the front-centre of the engine
• Whining or grinding noise from the pump area
• Steam from the radiator
• Rapid overheating

6. Blown Head Gasket

This is the one you don't want to hear. A blown head gasket allows coolant to leak into the combustion chamber or oil passages. Signs include:

• White smoke from the exhaust
• Milky residue under the oil cap
• Bubbles in the coolant reservoir
• Persistent overheating despite no visible leaks

If you suspect a head gasket issue, stop driving immediately. Continued use causes catastrophic engine damage.

What To Do If Your Car Overheats

1. Pull over safely as soon as possible
2. Turn off the AC and turn the heater to maximum (this draws heat away from the engine)
3. Don't open the bonnet immediately—let it cool for at least 15 minutes to avoid steam burns
4. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot
5. Check coolant level once cool, and top up with water temporarily if needed
6. Get to a mechanic or call for roadside assistance

Find Quality Radiator and Cooling Parts at Ace Auto

Whether you need a new radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, or radiator hoses, Ace Auto Parts stocks quality new and used parts for most vehicle makes and models in South Africa. Our experienced team can help you find the right part for your vehicle—get in touch or browse our online catalogue today.

Stay cool out there, South Africa. Your engine will thank you.

Why Heat Kills Car Batteries Faster Than Cold

Most people think winter is tough on car batteries, but South African summers are actually the real killer. Heat accelerates chemical reactions inside your battery, causing it to degrade faster and lose its charge-holding capacity.

A battery that might last 4-5 years in moderate climates often dies within 2-3 years in Gauteng or the Lowveld. Here's how to extend your battery's life.

1. Park in the Shade When Possible

Under-bonnet temperatures can exceed 60°C on a hot day. Parking in shade or using a car cover reduces heat buildup significantly. Even a few degrees cooler can add months to your battery's lifespan.

2. Check Your Battery's Water Level Monthly

If you have a serviceable battery (with removable caps), check the electrolyte level monthly during summer. Top up with distilled water only — never tap water, which contains minerals that damage the cells.

The plates should be fully submerged. If you're constantly topping up, your battery may be overcharging or nearing end of life.

3. Keep the Terminals Clean

Corrosion on battery terminals creates resistance, making your alternator work harder and generating more heat. Clean terminals with a wire brush and apply petroleum jelly or terminal protector spray.

Signs of corrosion:

• White or greenish powder on terminals
• Slow cranking that improves after wiggling cables
• Dim headlights at idle

4. Test Your Battery Before Summer

A battery that barely survived winter will likely fail in the first heat wave. Get a load test done at any auto shop — it takes 5 minutes and tells you the battery's true health.

Most batteries give little warning before dying completely. A load test catches weak batteries before they strand you.

5. Ensure Your Charging System Is Working

An overcharging alternator cooks batteries from the inside. Symptoms include:

• Battery fluid boiling or steaming
• Swollen battery case
• Strong sulphur smell
• Headlights that are too bright

Have your alternator's voltage output tested — it should be between 13.5V and 14.5V with the engine running.

6. Avoid Short Trips

Short trips don't give your alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery after starting. If you mostly drive short distances, consider a maintenance charger (trickle charger) to keep your battery topped up overnight.

7. Secure Your Battery Properly

A loose battery vibrates, which can damage internal plates and cause premature failure. Make sure the battery clamp is tight and the battery doesn't move when you push it.

When to Replace Your Battery

Even with perfect care, batteries don't last forever. Replace yours if:

• It's over 3 years old in hot climates
• Cranking is slow, especially when hot
• The battery light flickers
• You've needed multiple jump starts

Need a New Battery?

Ace Auto stocks quality replacement batteries for most vehicles on South African roads. Search for your battery or contact us for advice on the right fit for your car.

Ace Auto's New Email Structure: Keeping You Informed Every Step of the Way!

13 August 2023

At Ace Auto, we pride ourselves on continuously seeking ways to enhance our customer experience. Over the years, we've listened to your feedback, and one thing has become clear: communication is key. That’s why, starting today, we’re thrilled to announce our revamped email structure, designed to keep you more informed than ever!

Why the Change?

We believe that informed customers are happy customers. Whether it's an update on an order, a special promotion, or simply a token of appreciation for your loyalty, we want to ensure you're in the know. Our goal is to make every interaction you have with Ace Auto seamless and transparent. This new email initiative is a significant step in that direction.

What's New?

• Order Updates: From the moment you place an order to the second it's delivered or ready for collection, we’ll keep you updated. No more guessing games or waiting around; you'll know exactly when to expect your order.
• Personalized Recommendations: Based on your purchase history and preferences, we'll send you tailored product recommendations. After all, who doesn't love a bit of personal touch?
• Special Occasions: Whether it's a birthday discount, an anniversary celebration, or festive greetings, we want to celebrate with you. Our new system ensures you won’t miss out on any special offers we have for you.
• Feedback Loop: Your opinions matter! Periodically, we’ll seek feedback on our products and services. This not only helps us improve but also ensures you get the products and service quality you deserve.
• Informative Newsletters: Stay updated with the latest from the automotive world, tips on car maintenance, and insights that can benefit you as a vehicle owner.

Your Privacy Matters

Rest assured, while we're enhancing our communication, we're not compromising on your privacy. You'll always have the freedom to choose the type of emails you want to receive, and you can opt-out at any time. We are GDPR compliant and prioritize the protection of your personal information.

Join the Conversation

Our commitment to communication isn't just one-way. Engage with us. Reply to our emails, share your thoughts, and let's make the Ace Auto community more vibrant than ever!

In closing, we're excited about this new chapter and believe it will foster a closer, more informed relationship between us. We're not just here to sell auto parts; we're here to be a part of your journey. With our new email structure, we're taking another step towards that vision.

Stay tuned, stay informed, and let’s drive forward together!

Warm regards,
The Ace Auto Team

Are you tired of scouring the internet for car parts that are either unavailable or overpriced? Look no further than Ace Auto, where we offer a wide range of high-quality car parts at competitive prices. With almost 24,000 different parts available for sale and 6,800 new parts added in April 2023, we are the go-to destination for all your automotive needs.

At Ace Auto, we understand the importance of quality car parts in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. That's why we source our parts from trusted manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that each component meets our high standards for performance and durability. Whether you're looking for engine parts, suspension components, or accessories, you can trust Ace Auto to have what you need.

One of the biggest advantages of shopping with Ace Auto is the sheer variety of parts we offer. With nearly 24,000 different parts in stock, we have everything from the most common components to hard-to-find parts for rare or vintage vehicles. And with 6,800 new parts added in April 2023, our inventory is constantly growing and evolving to meet the needs of our customers.

But having a large inventory isn't just about offering more options. It also means we can provide faster shipping times and better availability. Unlike smaller online retailers that may have to order parts from their suppliers, we have most parts in stock and ready to ship. This means you can get the parts you need quickly, without having to wait for them to arrive from another location.

Of course, having a large inventory isn't the only thing that sets Ace Auto apart. We also pride ourselves on our commitment to customer service. Our team of experienced professionals is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have, and we strive to make the online shopping experience as easy and hassle-free as possible.

One way we do this is by providing detailed product information and specifications for each part we sell. This makes it easy to find the right part for your vehicle, even if you're not a car expert. And if you're not sure which part you need, our knowledgeable staff is always available to help you navigate our inventory and find the perfect component for your vehicle.

In addition to our extensive inventory and top-notch customer service, we also offer competitive prices on all our parts. We understand that car repairs and maintenance can be expensive, which is why we work hard to keep our prices low and our quality high. And with our constantly expanding inventory, we are able to offer more options at even better prices.

So whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY car enthusiast, Ace Auto is your one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs. With almost 24,000 different parts available for sale and 6,800 new parts added in April 2023, we are the largest online retailer of car parts in South Africa. And with our commitment to quality, customer service, and competitive pricing, we are the best choice for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle running smoothly.

So why wait? Browse our inventory today and see for yourself why Ace Auto is the top destination for car parts in South Africa. Whether you need a simple replacement part or a complex component, we have what you're looking for. And with our easy-to-use website and fast shipping, you can get the parts you need quickly and hassle-free. Don't settle for subpar parts or unreliable retailers. Choose Ace Auto and get the quality, selection, and service you deserve.

All vehicles need maintenance or repairs at some point in time and the consideration of using genuine or generic car parts is a key consideration. Your car might even need some now without your knowing it -- one recent survey showed that 77% of cars need some type of fix. At the more expensive end of these fixes are engine and transmission repairs. Another low-cost but still vital repair is replacing brake fluid. One way to lower such auto repair costs is to purchase generic replacement parts. However, there appears to be a hot debate raging around this topic of generic vs genuine. In an attempt to find a definitive conclusion on this topic it became clear that there are very strong opinions regarding generic vs genuine car parts.
 

Let’s first unpack the definition of the two opposing thoughts:

Genuine Car Parts

A genuine part, also known as an OEM (original Equipment Manufacturer) is a car component that was installed in your vehicle when the vehicle was first manufactured. Genuine parts are more expensive than any other types of car because they carry the company logo.

Generic Car Parts
When it comes to parts that aren’t made by a vehicle’s original manufacturer, you’re likely to hear two terms: “generic” and “aftermarket.” These technically mean the same thing -- parts made by a third party -- but have very different connotations. Aftermarket parts are typically thought of as an upgrade, something used to enhance a car’s performance beyond market standards; generic parts are simply intended to replace OEM parts and provide acceptable quality. As you’re considering replacement part options, it’s a good idea to keep this difference in mind.

Are Genuine Car Parts Better?

Just as when you’re buying name-brand or store-brand products at the grocery store, part of what you’re paying for is name recognition. But unlike when you’re grocery shopping, sub-par parts can increase physical and financial risk significantly. You should also weigh the cost of the repair parts against the value of the car. If you’re driving a standard Honda, it’s probably fine to allow price to motivate your decision. However, if you’re taking your Lexus or any other luxury brand in for a service you may want to pay the extra money as using non-OEM parts might also affect the warranty as well as the resale value of the car. The people who are usually most concerned about getting OEM parts include car enthusiasts, body shop mechanics, and owners of brand-new vehicles.

In an open letter from Les Mc Master (Masterparts) that was published by a major South Africa motoring magazine, in comment on a motor parts survey, he states the following: “It is interesting to note that it is always the car manufacturers who claim their genuine parts to be superior to all others and who constantly denigrate non-genuine replacement parts by, for example, calling them ‘pirate parts’. In this day and age, few product ranges can reasonably be classed as superior to all others with the obvious exception being “captive” items like certain body and suspension components, where no real opposition exists. It is common knowledge that a very high percentage of genuine parts sold by car manufacturers are the same as those sold in their original packaging and under their original brand names by independent parts distributors. Why do car manufacturers keep insulting their customer’s intelligence by claiming otherwise, when they make very few (if any) parts, with the exception of the body?”

The fact that many non-genuine parts are manufactured from superior materials or are assembled with more robust components, is also ignored. There are also some original specifications that embody latent defects, which have been eliminated in after-market branded products. That non-genuine parts incorporate these enhancements is actually more prevalent than one would think, for a number of reasons too lengthy to mention here, yet the car manufacturers imply this is never the case.

The Pros and Cons of Generic Car Parts

The greatest advantage of generic parts, of course, is that they’re generally priced lower than OEM parts. You’ll probably also get better availability and a wider selection -- which can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to repair an older car for which the manufacturer has stopped making the parts you need. The downside of generic parts is that most countries don’t regulate their parts industries, which means it’s difficult to judge quality without the brand name to give you some sense of security. Some of these generic parts also won’t come with a warranty.

The Pros and Cons of Name-Brand Car Parts

The biggest advantage of paying for OEM car parts is that you can rely on the consistency that comes along with a certain brand. When you use Lexus repair parts as part of your Lexus service, you know you’ll be getting the highest possible quality. You should keep in mind, however, that auto repair shops sometimes give quotes assuming that you’ll want generic parts, and some insurance companies will even require that you pay the difference if you want OEM parts used in an otherwise covered repair.

It is interesting to note the wording used in relation to generic parts and particularly the Oxford dictionary definitions of those words, namely:

“Pirate” : a seafaring robber

“Counterfeit”:  made in imitation, not genuine, forged

“Original”: existing from the beginning, not copied

“Branded”: a particular make of goods, an identifying trade mark

“Genuine”: really coming from its reputed source, not sham

Perhaps the continued use by the car manufacturers of the above descriptions to define the differences, is a deliberate attempt to belittle independent replacement parts distributors and is entirely out of context and in fact should not be used for the subject of motor spares. It could be argued that the use of the phrase “genuine parts” is also a misnomer. If “genuine” means to come from its source, then car manufacturers parts must, by dictionary definition, be “non-genuine”. No car manufacturer is the actual source of the majority of the parts they distribute, except for captive items like body parts, which comprise a very small percentage of total parts sold.

Car manufacturers are resellers in exactly the same way as independent parts distributors are because the parts they sell come from independent component manufacturers. ‘Genuine parts’ seldom if ever carry the real manufacturer’s brand mark and as a result, emanate from an ‘unknown’ source. As they are supplied by more than one manufacturer, this hides the true origin from those customers who are brand conscious or loyal to products from specific countries for reasons of national pride. It, therefore, appears that according to dictionary definitions the independent parts distributor is actually the seller of “genuine parts” because their parts are branded and clearly identifiable as to both the source and the origin.

So in conclusion, OEM parts keep the vehicle closer to its original state. However, on the flip side, once you drive your car off of the lot, it's no longer new. So are OEM parts necessary when used parts or aftermarket parts can get the job done more cost-effectively? You might assume that genuine parts will be of a better quality but this may not always be the case, as aftermarket parts may be reverse engineered so money is saved on development allowing the manufacturer to improve quality at a lower cost. Genuine parts may differ from OEM parts only in the packaging. Factor in the price difference which can be up to 70% and those non-genuine parts can look pretty appealing. It is important to remember that cheaper parts may not come with a warranty and you should check the terms of your vehicles warranty when getting it serviced. If you’re concerned about non genuine parts, you could insist that your garage orders in the genuine parts.

So while the old adage “you get what you pay for” is often true, it could also be said that you pay a lot for a name. While price will determine the decision to some, to others the name will most definitely matter.

Ultimately, as a difference in quality cannot be definitively proven, it's up to each person themselves to decide which matters more to them, name or price.