Our 4-wheeled babies are so much a part of our lives – they not only go where we go, they take us there comfortably and conveniently.
We spend plenty of time talking about the impact cars have on the environment. But what about the impact the environment can have on your car?
South African motorists face everything from intense sunshine and hailstorms to flooding, falling branches and salty coastal air. Over time, or sometimes in a matter of minutes, these conditions can damage your vehicle's paintwork, tyres, electrical systems, engine or bodywork.
The good news? You can reduce many of these risks with some simple precautions. And for the things you can't always prevent, having the right car insurance can help protect you financially, subject to your policy's terms and conditions.
Here are seven environmental risks worth watching.
South African sunshine is great when you're planning a braai. Your car's paintwork and interior may not be quite as enthusiastic.
Long-term exposure to sunlight and heat can contribute to fading and deterioration of exterior and interior materials.
Where possible:
And remember that shade isn't always automatically safer, particularly when that shade comes from a large tree.
A dirty car isn't just a cosmetic issue.
Dust and grit sitting on the surface can contribute to fine scratches when rubbed against the paint. Bird droppings, tree sap and other contaminants can also be difficult to remove if they're allowed to remain on the vehicle.
Wash your car regularly using appropriate automotive cleaning products rather than scrubbing dry dirt from the paintwork.
If you regularly park under trees, check the vehicle for:
Remove contaminants carefully rather than aggressively rubbing them into the paint.
Hail can turn a perfectly good body panel into a collection of dents in minutes.
Depending on the severity of a storm, hail can damage:
The best protection is covered parking.
If severe weather is forecast and you have access to a garage, carport or other suitable covered parking, use it.
If you're already driving when hail starts, prioritise your safety. Don't make sudden or dangerous manoeuvres simply to find shelter.
Miway has a dedicated guide on protecting your car during a hailstorm with more practical advice.
Floodwater can cause significantly more damage than wet carpets.
Water entering areas that were never designed to be submerged can affect mechanical and electrical systems. Driving through floodwater can also expose a vehicle to hidden debris, potholes and other hazards.
MiWay's current severe-weather guidance warns that flooded roads can conceal potholes and debris and potentially cause serious engine damage.
If you encounter a flooded road:
If your vehicle has already been affected by flooding, don't assume it is safe to continue driving simply because the engine starts.
Have it appropriately assessed.
Your car is designed to operate across a range of temperatures, but extreme conditions can still place additional strain on some components.
Hot weather
High temperatures can affect:
• tyre pressures
• batteries
• cooling systems
• fluids
• rubber components.
Before a long journey in hot conditions, check your tyres and vehicle fluid levels according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Don't deliberately overinflate your tyres because the weather is hot. Use the tyre pressures specified for your vehicle and load.
Cold weather
Colder conditions can affect tyre pressure and battery performance.
Before travelling, particularly during a cold spell:
• check tyre pressures
• make sure the battery is in good condition
• check relevant fluid levels
• allow enough time to clear mist or frost that affects visibility.
Regular maintenance is more useful than trying to compensate for the weather after a problem develops.
That shady parking space under a tree may look like the perfect way to escape the sun.
But trees bring their own risks.
Besides bird droppings and sap, severe storms and strong winds can bring down branches.
MiWay's current severe-weather guidance specifically identifies fallen trees as a potential source of costly vehicle damage.
During severe weather, a garage or properly constructed covered parking area is generally a better option than relying on a tree for shelter.
If you have no alternative, avoid parking underneath visibly damaged or unstable branches.
Living near the coast has plenty of advantages.
Salt-laden air isn't necessarily one of them when it comes to your vehicle.
Over time, salt and moisture can contribute to corrosion, particularly where metal surfaces are exposed or protective coatings have been damaged.
If you live near the coast:
This is particularly important for vehicles regularly exposed to sea spray or driven close to the shoreline.
It depends on your level of cover and the terms and conditions of your policy.
MiWay's current insurance guidance explains that comprehensive cover may include risks such as accidental damage, theft, fire, hail and other weather-related damage, depending on the policy.
That doesn't mean every form of environmental deterioration is automatically an insurance claim.
There is an important difference between sudden insured events and gradual deterioration or maintenance-related damage.
For example, sudden hail or storm damage may be treated very differently from paintwork that gradually deteriorates after years of exposure.
Check your policy schedule, excesses, exclusions and conditions so you understand exactly what your car insurance covers.
Once everyone is safe:
Miway's current car insurance claims guide explains what information may be required and what happens after a claim is registered.
Help reduce unnecessary environmental damage by remembering to:
• park under secure cover where possible
• wash away dirt, bird droppings and contaminants
• avoid unnecessary prolonged sun exposure
• keep tyre pressures correct
• take severe-weather warnings seriously
• avoid driving through flooded roads
• inspect paint chips and exposed metal
• wash vehicles exposed to coastal salt
• keep up with manufacturer-recommended maintenance
• understand your car insurance cover before severe weather arrives.
You can't control the weather. You can control how prepared you are for it.
Long-term exposure to sunlight and heat can contribute to fading and deterioration. Covered parking, appropriate cleaning and proper paint care can help reduce exposure.
Bird droppings and other contaminants shouldn't be left on paintwork unnecessarily. Remove them carefully using suitable vehicle-cleaning methods rather than scrubbing them into the paint.
Yes. Floodwater can expose a vehicle to hidden road hazards and may cause serious mechanical or electrical damage. Avoid driving through water where the depth and road condition are uncertain.
Salt and moisture can contribute to corrosion, particularly where protective coatings or paintwork have been compromised. Regular cleaning and maintenance are particularly important for vehicles exposed to coastal conditions.
It depends on your policy and level of cover. Comprehensive car insurance may include hail and weather-related damage, but always check the specific terms, exclusions and excesses that apply to your policy.
Prioritise safety, photograph the damage when safe, record what happened and notify your insurer promptly. Avoid authorising major repairs before checking your insurer's claims requirements.
You can't stop the sun from shining, hail from falling or coastal air from being salty. But a little preparation can reduce the impact these environmental conditions have on your car.
And when prevention isn't enough, the right insurance can help protect you from unexpected financial setbacks.
Learn more about Miway car insurance and check what protection is available for weather-related risks.
Ready to review your cover? Get a car insurance quote and make sure you're prepared before the weather changes.
