CBC Knowledge Hub

CAR WON'T START? BATTERY, IMMOBILISER OR SOMETHING ELSE?
CAR WON'T START? BATTERY, IMMOBILISER OR SOMETHING ELSE?
A car that doesn't crank is a different diagnostic problem from one that cranks but won't start. Learn how battery, starter, immobiliser and engine-management faults differ. Read more...
ABS WARNING LIGHT ON? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABS WARNING LIGHT ON? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
An ABS warning light doesn't automatically mean your ABS unit or wheel-speed sensor has failed. Learn what can trigger the warning and how the real cause is diagnosed. Read more...
WHY ARE MY TYRES WEARING UNEVENLY? WHAT YOUR TYRES CAN TELL YOU ABOUT YOUR CAR
WHY ARE MY TYRES WEARING UNEVENLY? WHAT YOUR TYRES CAN TELL YOU ABOUT YOUR CAR
Inner-edge wear, scalloping and unusual tread patterns can provide valuable clues about your steering and suspension. Learn what your tyres may be telling you. Read more...
BALL JOINTS, BUSHES & TIE ROD ENDS: WHAT DO THEY ACTUALLY DO?
BALL JOINTS, BUSHES & TIE ROD ENDS: WHAT DO THEY ACTUALLY DO?
Ball joints, control-arm bushes and tie rod ends keep your wheels securely controlled while allowing the suspension and steering to move. Here's what they do and how they wear. Read more...
WHY DOES MY CAR PULL TO ONE SIDE?
WHY DOES MY CAR PULL TO ONE SIDE?
A car pulling left or right doesn't automatically need wheel alignment. Learn how tyres, steering, suspension and brake problems can produce similar symptoms. Read more...
WHY IS MY CAR KNOCKING OR CLUNKING OVER BUMPS?
WHY IS MY CAR KNOCKING OR CLUNKING OVER BUMPS?
A knock or clunk over bumps doesn't automatically mean worn shocks. Learn which steering and suspension components can cause noises and how the actual source is found. Read more...
SIGNS YOUR SHOCKS OR STRUTS MAY BE WORN
SIGNS YOUR SHOCKS OR STRUTS MAY BE WORN
Worn shocks don't always leak. Learn how bouncing, unstable handling, nose-diving, unusual tyre wear and suspension noises can indicate a damping problem. Read more...
WHY IS MY CAR SHAKING OR VIBRATING? COMMON CAUSES EXPLAINED
WHY IS MY CAR SHAKING OR VIBRATING? COMMON CAUSES EXPLAINED
Car shaking or steering wheel vibrating? Learn how tyres, wheels, suspension, steering, brakes and drivetrain faults can cause different types of vibration. Read more...
WHAT DOES YOUR CAR’S COOLING SYSTEM ACTUALLY DO?
WHAT DOES YOUR CAR’S COOLING SYSTEM ACTUALLY DO?
Your cooling system is more than a radiator and some coolant. Learn how the water pump, thermostat, radiator, fans, pressure system and coolant work together to control engine temperature. Read more...
COOLANT LEAKS EXPLAINED: WHERE IS MY COOLANT GOING?
COOLANT LEAKS EXPLAINED: WHERE IS MY COOLANT GOING?
Keep topping up your coolant but can't see a leak? Learn where coolant can escape, why some leaks only appear when hot and how cooling-system leaks are diagnosed. Read more...
WHY IS MY CAR OVERHEATING? COMMON COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS EXPLAINED
WHY IS MY CAR OVERHEATING? COMMON COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS EXPLAINED
Is your temperature gauge climbing or coolant disappearing? Learn the common causes of engine overheating, what the warning signs mean and why finding the actual cause matters. Read more...
WHY DOES MY CAR AIRCON KEEP LOSING GAS? FINDING AC LEAKS PROPERLY
WHY DOES MY CAR AIRCON KEEP LOSING GAS? FINDING AC LEAKS PROPERLY
If your aircon works after a regas but gradually becomes warm again, refrigerant may be escaping. Learn where AC leaks occur and how they're properly diagnosed. Read more...
DOES MY CAR AIRCON NEED A REGAS? WHAT AN AC REGAS ACTUALLY DOES
DOES MY CAR AIRCON NEED A REGAS? WHAT AN AC REGAS ACTUALLY DOES
An aircon regas is more than simply adding gas. Learn how refrigerant is recovered, the system evacuated and the correct charge added, and why repeated regassing can point to a... Read more...
WHY IS MY CAR AIRCON NOT COLD? COMMON CAUSES OF POOR AC PERFORMANCE
WHY IS MY CAR AIRCON NOT COLD? COMMON CAUSES OF POOR AC PERFORMANCE
Does your car aircon blow warm, take too long to cool or only work while driving? Learn the common causes of poor AC performance and why it doesn't always just... Read more...
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT?
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT?
Why can a clutch replacement be expensive? See what happens from gearbox removal and component inspection to flywheel assessment, clutch installation, reassembly and road testing. Read more...
DO I NEED A NEW FLYWHEEL WHEN REPLACING MY CLUTCH?
DO I NEED A NEW FLYWHEEL WHEN REPLACING MY CLUTCH?
eplacing your clutch doesn't automatically mean replacing the flywheel. Learn how solid and dual-mass flywheels differ, when skimming may be possible and when replacement is genuinely necessary. Read more...
WHY IS MY CLUTCH MAKING A NOISE? RELEASE BEARINGS, FLYWHEELS AND OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES
WHY IS MY CLUTCH MAKING A NOISE? RELEASE BEARINGS, FLYWHEELS AND OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES
Clutch making a noise when you press or release the pedal? Learn why pedal position matters and how release bearings, flywheels and gearbox components can produce similar symptoms. Read more...
CLUTCH PEDAL GONE SOFT, HARD OR STUCK TO THE FLOOR? WHAT IT CAN MEAN
CLUTCH PEDAL GONE SOFT, HARD OR STUCK TO THE FLOOR? WHAT IT CAN MEAN
Has your clutch pedal gone soft, become unusually hard or stayed on the floor? Learn what clutch hydraulics, master cylinders and slave cylinders have to do with it. Read more...
WHY IS MY CLUTCH SLIPPING? CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
WHY IS MY CLUTCH SLIPPING? CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Engine revs climbing without matching acceleration, especially uphill or under load? Learn what causes clutch slip, why it gets worse and what should be inspected before deciding on the repair. Read more...
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CLUTCH IS FAILING? COMMON SIGNS OF CLUTCH TROUBLE
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CLUTCH IS FAILING? COMMON SIGNS OF CLUTCH TROUBLE
Clutch slipping, high biting point, difficult gear selection or a strange pedal? Learn the common signs of clutch trouble and why the cause should be diagnosed before parts are replaced. Read more...
WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL REPAIR ACTUALLY INVOLVE?
WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL REPAIR ACTUALLY INVOLVE?
Mechanical repairs are about more than replacing parts. See how CBC approaches vehicle faults from understanding the symptom and diagnosing the cause to completing and verifying the repair. Read more...
TIMING BELT VS TIMING CHAIN: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHEN DO THEY NEED ATTENTION?
TIMING BELT VS TIMING CHAIN: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHEN DO THEY NEED ATTENTION?
Does your engine have a timing belt or timing chain? Learn how they differ, when timing belts need replacing, what can happen if timing fails and why there is no... Read more...
WHY IS MY ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH? COMMON CAUSES OF ROUGH IDLING, MISFIRES AND HESITATION
WHY IS MY ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH? COMMON CAUSES OF ROUGH IDLING, MISFIRES AND HESITATION
Engine shaking at idle, misfiring or hesitating under acceleration? Rough running can have many causes. Learn what the symptoms can tell us and why proper diagnosis matters. Read more...
CAR OVERHEATING? WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO
CAR OVERHEATING? WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO
Temperature gauge climbing or overheating warning on? Learn what can cause an engine to overheat, what you should do next and what you should never do with a hot cooling... Read more...
WHY IS MY CAR LOSING POWER? COMMON CAUSES OF POOR PERFORMANCE
WHY IS MY CAR LOSING POWER? COMMON CAUSES OF POOR PERFORMANCE
Car sluggish, hesitant or losing power under acceleration? Poor performance can have many causes. Learn what symptoms matter and why diagnosis should come before replacing parts. Read more...
CAR LEAKING FLUID? HOW TO IDENTIFY COMMON VEHICLE LEAKS
CAR LEAKING FLUID? HOW TO IDENTIFY COMMON VEHICLE LEAKS
Found a puddle underneath your car? Learn how engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and normal AC condensation can differ, and why the source matters more than the colour. Read more...
CAR MAKING A STRANGE NOISE? WHAT DIFFERENT SOUNDS CAN TELL YOU
CAR MAKING A STRANGE NOISE? WHAT DIFFERENT SOUNDS CAN TELL YOU
Knocking, rattling, squealing, grinding or humming? Different vehicle noises provide useful clues, but the sound alone isn't a diagnosis. Here's what to pay attention to. Read more...
WHAT IS AN HBB BRAKE SYSTEM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT IS AN HBB BRAKE SYSTEM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
HBB stands for Hydraulic Brake Booster, but not every HBB system is the same. Learn how hydraulic pressure, pumps and accumulators provide brake assistance and why correct system identification matters. Read more...
SIGNS YOUR HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY BE FAILING
SIGNS YOUR HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER MAY BE FAILING
Frequent hydraulic pump cycling, warning lights, unusual noises and changes in brake-pedal feel can indicate an HBB problem. Learn the common warning signs and why proper diagnosis matters. Read more...
HBB WARNING LIGHTS: WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
HBB WARNING LIGHTS: WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
HBB and electro-hydraulic braking systems can trigger brake, ABS, stability-control and other warnings. Learn what those warnings tell us, and what they don't. Read more...
CAN AN HBB UNIT BE REPAIRED OR DOES IT NEED TO BE REPLACED?
CAN AN HBB UNIT BE REPAIRED OR DOES IT NEED TO BE REPLACED?
Complete HBB replacement can cost R50,000 or more. Depending on the vehicle, system and fault, specialist HBB repair or reconditioning may provide another option. Read more...
WHY CAN VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS TAKE TIME?
WHY CAN VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS TAKE TIME?
Reading a fault code can take minutes. Finding the actual cause can take considerably longer. Here's what proper vehicle fault finding involves. Read more...
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON? WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT TO DO NEXT
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON? WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT TO DO NEXT
Your check engine light tells you the vehicle has detected a problem, but not necessarily what caused it. Learn what the warning means and what to do next. Read more...
FAULT CODES EXPLAINED: WHY A CODE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN A PART IS BROKEN
FAULT CODES EXPLAINED: WHY A CODE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN A PART IS BROKEN
A fault code can point technicians towards a problem, but it doesn't necessarily identify a failed part. Here's why proper testing matters before replacing components. Read more...
WHAT DOES A CAR DIAGNOSTIC TEST ACTUALLY TELL YOU?
WHAT DOES A CAR DIAGNOSTIC TEST ACTUALLY TELL YOU?
A diagnostic scan can reveal fault codes and valuable vehicle data, but it doesn't always tell you which part is faulty. Learn what proper vehicle diagnostics actually involves. Read more...
Minor Service vs Major Service: What’s the Difference?
Minor Service vs Major Service: What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between a minor and major car service? We explain what each can include, why service requirements vary between vehicles and what really matters when maintaining your car. Read more...
How Often Should You Service Your Car? A South African Driver’s Guide
How Often Should You Service Your Car? A South African Driver’s Guide
How often should your car be serviced? The answer depends on more than mileage. We explain service intervals, time-based servicing, low-mileage vehicles and why your vehicle’s specific requirements matter. Read more...
Modern Brakes Aren’t Just Mechanical Anymore: What Vehicle Owners Need to Know
Modern Brakes Aren’t Just Mechanical Anymore: What Vehicle Owners Need to Know
Electronic parking brakes, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and stability systems have changed the way modern brakes are diagnosed and repaired. Here’s why the right knowledge, tools and diagnostic equipment matter Read more...
Brake Disc Skimming: When Can Discs Be Skimmed and When Should They Be Replaced?
Brake Disc Skimming: When Can Discs Be Skimmed and When Should They Be Replaced?
Brake discs do not always need to be replaced when their surface becomes uneven or scored. Learn when brake disc skimming may be an option, how discs are assessed, and... Read more...
Brake Pads vs Brake Discs: What Actually Needs Replacing?
Brake Pads vs Brake Discs: What Actually Needs Replacing?
Do new brake pads always mean new brake discs? Not necessarily. Learn how brake pads and discs wear, what we inspect and measure, and when replacement or skimming may be... Read more...
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake?
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake?
Steering wheel vibration under braking is a common complaint, but brake discs are not always the only possible cause. Learn what can cause it and why proper diagnosis matters.   Read more...