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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.

If you drive in South Africa, your CV joints take a beating. Between potholes, gravel roads, and speed bumps, these critical components work overtime to transfer power from your transmission to your wheels. Knowing when they're failing can save you from a breakdown — or worse, an accident.

What Is a CV Joint and Why Does It Matter?

CV (Constant Velocity) joints are part of your car's drivetrain, connecting the transmission to the wheels. They allow your wheels to receive power while turning and moving up and down with your suspension. Most front-wheel-drive vehicles have four CV joints — two inner and two outer.

When these joints fail, you lose the ability to transfer power to your wheels effectively. In severe cases, complete failure can leave you stranded or cause loss of vehicle control.

1. Clicking or Popping Sounds When Turning

This is the most common sign of a failing outer CV joint. If you hear a rhythmic clicking, popping, or snapping sound when making turns — especially sharp turns — your CV joint is likely worn.

The sound typically gets louder as the damage progresses. It's most noticeable at low speeds when turning into parking spots or driveways.

2. Clunking Noise When Accelerating or Decelerating

Inner CV joint problems often produce a clunk or thud when you accelerate from a stop or shift between drive and reverse. This happens because worn inner joints have excessive play, causing metal-on-metal contact during load changes.

If you notice this symptom, have it checked soon — inner CV joint failure can be more sudden and dangerous than outer joint wear.

3. Vibration While Driving

A damaged CV joint can cause vibrations that increase with speed. Unlike wheel balance issues (which cause vibration at specific speeds), CV joint vibration tends to worsen progressively as you accelerate.

These vibrations put additional stress on your transmission, wheel bearings, and suspension components, potentially causing secondary damage if left unchecked.

4. Grease on the Inside of Your Tyres

CV joints are protected by rubber boots filled with grease. When these boots crack or tear — often from age, heat, or road debris — grease escapes and flings onto the inside of your wheel and tyre.

A torn boot doesn't mean immediate failure, but once the grease is gone and dirt gets in, the joint will wear rapidly. Catching a torn boot early can save you from replacing the entire CV axle.

5. Knocking Sound From Under the Vehicle

A worn CV joint with significant play can produce a knocking sound, especially when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. This is often accompanied by a feeling of looseness in the steering.

This symptom indicates advanced wear and should be addressed urgently before complete failure occurs.

CV Joint Replacement: What to Expect

In most cases, mechanics replace the entire CV axle (also called a drive shaft) rather than just the joint. This is more cost-effective and ensures reliable performance.

Replacement typically takes 1-2 hours per side. Quality aftermarket CV axles are available for most vehicles in South Africa, making this repair affordable compared to many drivetrain issues.

Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

CV joint problems don't fix themselves — they only get worse. Early intervention when you first notice clicking or torn boots can prevent the more expensive repair of replacing the entire axle, or worse, getting stranded on the N1.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, get your CV joints inspected. A quick visual check of the boots and a test drive can confirm whether replacement is needed.

Looking for CV axles and joints for your vehicle? Ace Auto Parts stocks new and quality used CV axles for most makes and models. Search our inventory online or contact us for availability.

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.