As South Africans start counting down to the December holidays, workshops across the country begin to fill up. Mechanics, parts suppliers, and service centres all experience a surge in bookings as people rush to prepare their vehicles for long trips or the festive season’s stop-and-go traffic. 

As you can tell, this is why October is often seen as the smartest month to book your service. You see, it’s early enough to avoid the queues, yet close enough to the year-end holidays for your car to be in top condition for any road trip or family visit. 

In this article, we will unpack: 

• Why The Timing Matters 

• The Benefits of Booking Early 

• How To Make The Most Of Your Pre-Holiday Vehicle Check-Up 

Why The Timing Matters 

Timing plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. If you wait until November or December, you will likely face longer waiting lists and higher demand for both labour and parts. Some workshops even close in mid-December, meaning that last-minute bookings might be impossible. At that point, what are you going to do? Risk it? 

If you are completely honest with yourself, you will probably end up risking it as forking out a few extra thousand for vehicle hire over the festive season was not exactly in your Christmas budget. 

However, servicing your car in October helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd. It also gives you time to resolve any unexpected issues before your holiday travels begin – without the stress of rushed repairs or limited availability. Beyond convenience, there is also safety to consider. Issues like worn brake pads, underinflated tyres, or a neglected oil change can all become much more serious risks on long-distance drives.  

Essentially, by tackling these issues early, you are not just avoiding mechanical failure – you are preventing potential accidents. 

The Benefits of Booking Early 

There are several clear advantages to servicing your car in October rather than waiting until later in the year. We mentioned a few already, but here is a meaningful recap to highlight why you should consider booking your vehicle in posthaste. 

The benefits of booking early: 

• Better availability: Workshops have more open slots in early spring, so you can book at a time that suits you. 

• Shorter turnaround times: Mechanics can dedicate more time to your car before the holiday backlog begins. 

• Early-bird specials: Many service centres run spring promotions or pre-holiday discounts around October. 

• Peace of mind: You will know your car is ready for the festive season well in advance, reducing last-minute stress. 

If your vehicle is under warranty or part of a maintenance plan, sticking to your service schedule is also essential to remain compliant. Skipping or delaying a service could void your cover, which means you would have to pay for repairs out of pocket later. 

How To Make the Most of Your Pre-Holiday Car Service 

When you take your car in for an October service, ask your mechanic to check components that are most likely to be stressed during holiday driving. We are referring to checks on your tyres and wheel alignment, your brake pads and discs, battery condition, your cooling system and radiator, as well as lights, wipers, and air conditioning. 

While you might be thinking that these are components that will most certainly be checked out during the service, it never hurts to ask and make doubly sure. While you are making requests, it might also be worth asking for a diagnostic scan to identify any error codes that could indicate emerging issues. Modern vehicles rely heavily on sensors and onboard electronics, and early detection can prevent breakdowns on the road. 

For extra safety, you can also request a holiday safety check or roadworthiness inspection – a quick and affordable add-on that can help catch problems before they lead to costly repairs or travel disruptions. 

Feeling Informed? 

October might seem early, but it is the ideal time to get ahead of the year-end rush and ensure your car is in top shape for the holidays. It is also one of the best ways to save time, money, and stress – while keeping yourself, your family, and other road users safe. 

If you have not yet scheduled your service, book your appointment now to secure your spot before the festive rush begins.