July 15, 2025 • 12 mins
Relebogile Mabotja speaks to Pieter Niemand the National Director MIWA and Dewald Ranft the Chairman of MIWA (The Motor Industry Workshop Association) about trusting your mechanic and how to you know you are getting honest advice from your mechanic.
702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is broadcast live on Johannesburg based talk radio station 702 every weekday afternoon. Relebogile brings a lighter touch to some of the issues of the day as well as a mix of lifestyle topics and a peak into the worlds of entertainment and leisure.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Seven o two the Car Feature fifteen minutes two three o'clock.
In our Car feature today we are talking about spotting
a good mechanic and avoiding the ones that will rip
you off. And I know this is quite a big
topic of conversation, so we have got the right experts
to join us for this, Peter Nimant, National Director of
(00:22):
the Motor Industry Workshop Association, and dear Vald Ruanft who
is chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association that we
shortened to MIA. This is one that we mention at
times together in our consumer Rights feature with Wendy Nola.
So we take your calls on O double one double
A three oh seven oh two the WhatsApp line oh
(00:43):
seven two, seven oh two and seven oh two. Bitter
and dear Vault. Welcome to the show. Thank you for
joining us.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
After Level, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Wow did you rehearse that? At the same time, let's
dove straight into it, Peter, I want to find out
from you what are some of the common common complaints
that you see from customers when it comes to dealing
with mechanics.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Okay, Level, So yeah, this is a very important topic.
So again, thank you for the opportunity. So you know,
unfortunately many customers fall victim to dishonest practices. And I
don't think it's because they're careless, it's just because they
don't know what.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
To look for.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
So so certainly some key talking points that we can
look at is the first one is unnecessary repairs. You know,
sadly there are some unscrupulous workshops that would add some
pays that aren't needed, you know, so especially when the
customers is not so familiar with with the vehicle mechanics
(01:50):
and so on. And then another common one is the
overcharging for parts. You know, some some people would quote
for genuine parts and then cheap or secondhand parts instead,
or even adding huge marks mockups you know which, others
closure I think that's the biggest thing. And then also
(02:10):
sadly skipping the work altogether. So sadly, some customers pay
for services like all changes or parts replacements and you
know then it's never actually done.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
So those are the common ones.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Okay, So then on your side, dear Vault, can you
share with us what are the most common mistakes that
we make as customers when dealing with the mechanics.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Hi, yes, I can okay, So the most common mistakes
I think when when we deal with mechanics is you know,
first of all, we you look where you look for
obviously that if pitable workshop and premises h is you
(03:06):
know created a workshops is where you'll find a proper
good technician. It should be in a professional environment. You
can tell a lot about what you see at clean
and well organized workshop, branded signage, technicians in uniform, working
left tools, all of the Belgian whistles. To do their
(03:30):
job properly is also very important.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
Okay, and I think you are touching on some important things.
There are bitter in terms of the paperwork. If a
person wants to say, hey, I'm asking for a quote,
but can you also send me your certifications or whatever else?
What is that paperwork we should be asking for from mechanics.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Debel.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
You know what what's very important it is for customers
to have peace of mind. So you know, as as
the old rightfully said, when you would like to choose
a workshop where to take your card to, we recommend
that guys look for an accredited mea or on my
workshop because that's your first port or call. Because then
(04:20):
you know this accredited workshop, you know they comply with
specific standards, they've got the right qualified people and yes
to your question, what to do to check paperwork.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
And butter homework on your site. So when.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
MEWA members, when they get their accreditation, when they comply,
they get what we call they receive a mewor accredited
certificate and on that certificate is a q R code.
So that's a very good way for people to check
if that specific mechanic is in good standing, meanings that
(05:00):
they are paid up, a paid up member of the
organization and they are active on our database. So you
simply take your phone, you scan the QR code and
that will just you know, tell tell you. But this
member is active and they are a current member of
MIWA and or I. So that's the first part of course.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Okay, if I can add, If I can just add
the obviously that accreditation is a screen. When we, as
a newer workshop get accreditation, you should have in your
employment a qualified artisan technician. So if you see that
specific accreditation, you have a peace of mind knowing that
(05:45):
people working on your course is definitely a qualified technician.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
So okay, der fault. Sorry, Rather Peter, let me come
back to you. How or where can you go to
assess whether what you've been quoted for is market and
industry related. So let's say somebody says and you touched
on the one of unnecessary repairs, which I think a
(06:10):
person can go and get a second opinion if we're
going to call it that to compare without saying, hey,
this is what this person said is wrong?
Speaker 3 (06:19):
What do you think?
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Just taking it and getting a fresh eye. But if
you're sitting with a quotation which is got things that
you just do not understand because it is technical, it
is not your industry, where can one go to check? Hey,
does it make sense that these people are charging me
eighty thousand rand twenty seven thousand ran, whatever the case
may be for this particular repair.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Yes. Level.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
So the first thing I'm going to say is that
you know when a customer receives a quotation, I think
it's important that you're comfortable with the quote and it
should be outomized. You know, it should spell out exactly
what you're in for. And because I think important because
before a workshop can start with any work, you as
(07:04):
a customer needs to give authorization for them to proceed.
So I would I would suggest if you see something
and as a red flag you feel uncomfortable, you see
something that is not good. Yeah, customers or welcome to
contact us. We can you know, just contact a We've
(07:25):
got five or on my officers in the country, so
they're welcome to contact us. Contact Mouvo specifically and we
we will we will help those customers. We have in
the five different regions. We have a NEWI committee that's
that's very relevant.
Speaker 3 (07:44):
To that specific region.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
And those are just normal workshop owners and they serve
on these various structures and committees of the of the
OTOMA and VA specifically to represent members and their rights.
But they're also fulfill of very important role in an
assisting us because they technical, they qualified, they work with
(08:08):
these things every day, so they certainly help in that way.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Okay, there's a question from D here, who says, can
I ask when a workshop recommends an oil flush on
a regular service is it a scam? From d D.
I know we don't have all of the information, so
we're going to have to answer in a very general way. Peter,
can you take this one oil flushes on vehicles? How
(08:33):
often are these supposed to happen? Because we also know
on regular service there are times where they do notice that, hey,
you need to do an oil flush.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Lebel can past us on to diabol Yes, the qualified
technical man next to me, dear vault.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
Yes, So.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
Normally the technician that works on the core would decide
whether to do it oil flush or not. Sometimes just
by lifting the wildcap you'll see a carbon build op
residue within the cylindad and that might be why the
technician wants to flush the engine. Having said that, it's
(09:14):
not always necessary to flush an engine on a normal
world change, but depending on now the world looks like
when you start taking it out.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
All right, we are opening the lines very very quickly.
Let us take Keith in Assol. Keith, Hi, how are you.
Speaker 5 (09:33):
Hi find just the seque for your guests? Two issues.
I'm just trying to understand when you send your car
for a service, for example, you know you get the
parts listed and the parts are being marked up, So
I just want to know what is the reasonable markup
for the parts so that chards you what they're purchasing
(09:56):
at obviously. And the other one is what is the
reasonable hourly rate for a mechanic?
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Oh, that's a good one because those labor costs can
actually look like they're getting quite expensive. Dear volts, Do
you want to take the first one reasonable markup on parts?
Speaker 4 (10:14):
Yes, the first one, the normal round of the middle,
it's about twenty percent markup also depending on what discounts
structure the workshop airs with these suppliers. But the normal
runner the middle with twenty percent would be fair.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
I think, okay, And then I'm not sure, Peter. Are
you going to take the other one around the hourly
rates for mechanics.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Yeah, sure, Lebel.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
So there's just a couple of things that somebody needs
to take into into mind.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Jab.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
The first very important thing is that we are governed
by the Competitions Act, so we're not allowed to tell
you know any workshop. You should as you should ask that.
The important thing is all workshops are different. They're not equal.
They different in size. Some workshops will have one or
(11:10):
two mechanics of qualified people, some will have one, some
will have four. So it's all about size. So what
they charge for our will certainly be influenced by that.
And then another factor is the fact that some guys
really specialize in certain models, certain.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
Work that they do, you know, and that.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Would also require more specific dynostic and specific tools. So
those are just some factors that you need to take
an account. But the fact is that as an association,
we're not allowed to prescribe to our members.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
You know, what they should ask and what they should
not ask. A pay hour.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Oh, we're gonna have to leave with there, gentlemen, but
I think we might have to bring you back in
because many people have so many questions. If you would
like to find out more about this particular association, it's
the Motor Industry Workshop Association and if you head over,
their website is MEIMIWA dot org dot za. You can
(12:17):
even look for a workshop there or get in touch
with them via the site.
Seven o two the Car Feature fifteen minutes two three o'clock.
In our Car feature today we are talking about spotting
a good mechanic and avoiding the ones that will rip
you off. And I know this is quite a big
topic of conversation, so we have got the right experts
to join us for this, Peter Nimant, National Director of
(00:22):
the Motor Industry Workshop Association, and dear Vald Ruanft who
is chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association that we
shortened to MIA. This is one that we mention at
times together in our consumer Rights feature with Wendy Nola.
So we take your calls on O double one double
A three oh seven oh two the WhatsApp line oh
(00:43):
seven two, seven oh two and seven oh two. Bitter
and dear Vault. Welcome to the show. Thank you for
joining us.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
After Level, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Wow did you rehearse that? At the same time, let's
dove straight into it, Peter, I want to find out
from you what are some of the common common complaints
that you see from customers when it comes to dealing
with mechanics.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Okay, Level, So yeah, this is a very important topic.
So again, thank you for the opportunity. So you know,
unfortunately many customers fall victim to dishonest practices. And I
don't think it's because they're careless, it's just because they
don't know what.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
To look for.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
So so certainly some key talking points that we can
look at is the first one is unnecessary repairs. You know,
sadly there are some unscrupulous workshops that would add some
pays that aren't needed, you know, so especially when the
customers is not so familiar with with the vehicle mechanics
(01:50):
and so on. And then another common one is the
overcharging for parts. You know, some some people would quote
for genuine parts and then cheap or secondhand parts instead,
or even adding huge marks mockups you know which, others
closure I think that's the biggest thing. And then also
(02:10):
sadly skipping the work altogether. So sadly, some customers pay
for services like all changes or parts replacements and you
know then it's never actually done.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
So those are the common ones.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Okay, So then on your side, dear Vault, can you
share with us what are the most common mistakes that
we make as customers when dealing with the mechanics.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Hi, yes, I can okay, So the most common mistakes
I think when when we deal with mechanics is you know,
first of all, we you look where you look for
obviously that if pitable workshop and premises h is you
(03:06):
know created a workshops is where you'll find a proper
good technician. It should be in a professional environment. You
can tell a lot about what you see at clean
and well organized workshop, branded signage, technicians in uniform, working
left tools, all of the Belgian whistles. To do their
(03:30):
job properly is also very important.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
Okay, and I think you are touching on some important things.
There are bitter in terms of the paperwork. If a
person wants to say, hey, I'm asking for a quote,
but can you also send me your certifications or whatever else?
What is that paperwork we should be asking for from mechanics.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Debel.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
You know what what's very important it is for customers
to have peace of mind. So you know, as as
the old rightfully said, when you would like to choose
a workshop where to take your card to, we recommend
that guys look for an accredited mea or on my
workshop because that's your first port or call. Because then
(04:20):
you know this accredited workshop, you know they comply with
specific standards, they've got the right qualified people and yes
to your question, what to do to check paperwork.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
And butter homework on your site. So when.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
MEWA members, when they get their accreditation, when they comply,
they get what we call they receive a mewor accredited
certificate and on that certificate is a q R code.
So that's a very good way for people to check
if that specific mechanic is in good standing, meanings that
(05:00):
they are paid up, a paid up member of the
organization and they are active on our database. So you
simply take your phone, you scan the QR code and
that will just you know, tell tell you. But this
member is active and they are a current member of
MIWA and or I. So that's the first part of course.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Okay, if I can add, If I can just add
the obviously that accreditation is a screen. When we, as
a newer workshop get accreditation, you should have in your
employment a qualified artisan technician. So if you see that
specific accreditation, you have a peace of mind knowing that
(05:45):
people working on your course is definitely a qualified technician.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
So okay, der fault. Sorry, Rather Peter, let me come
back to you. How or where can you go to
assess whether what you've been quoted for is market and
industry related. So let's say somebody says and you touched
on the one of unnecessary repairs, which I think a
(06:10):
person can go and get a second opinion if we're
going to call it that to compare without saying, hey,
this is what this person said is wrong?
Speaker 3 (06:19):
What do you think?
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Just taking it and getting a fresh eye. But if
you're sitting with a quotation which is got things that
you just do not understand because it is technical, it
is not your industry, where can one go to check? Hey,
does it make sense that these people are charging me
eighty thousand rand twenty seven thousand ran, whatever the case
may be for this particular repair.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Yes. Level.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
So the first thing I'm going to say is that
you know when a customer receives a quotation, I think
it's important that you're comfortable with the quote and it
should be outomized. You know, it should spell out exactly
what you're in for. And because I think important because
before a workshop can start with any work, you as
(07:04):
a customer needs to give authorization for them to proceed.
So I would I would suggest if you see something
and as a red flag you feel uncomfortable, you see
something that is not good. Yeah, customers or welcome to
contact us. We can you know, just contact a We've
(07:25):
got five or on my officers in the country, so
they're welcome to contact us. Contact Mouvo specifically and we
we will we will help those customers. We have in
the five different regions. We have a NEWI committee that's
that's very relevant.
Speaker 3 (07:44):
To that specific region.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
And those are just normal workshop owners and they serve
on these various structures and committees of the of the
OTOMA and VA specifically to represent members and their rights.
But they're also fulfill of very important role in an
assisting us because they technical, they qualified, they work with
(08:08):
these things every day, so they certainly help in that way.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Okay, there's a question from D here, who says, can
I ask when a workshop recommends an oil flush on
a regular service is it a scam? From d D.
I know we don't have all of the information, so
we're going to have to answer in a very general way. Peter,
can you take this one oil flushes on vehicles? How
(08:33):
often are these supposed to happen? Because we also know
on regular service there are times where they do notice that, hey,
you need to do an oil flush.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Lebel can past us on to diabol Yes, the qualified
technical man next to me, dear vault.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
Yes, So.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
Normally the technician that works on the core would decide
whether to do it oil flush or not. Sometimes just
by lifting the wildcap you'll see a carbon build op
residue within the cylindad and that might be why the
technician wants to flush the engine. Having said that, it's
(09:14):
not always necessary to flush an engine on a normal
world change, but depending on now the world looks like
when you start taking it out.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
All right, we are opening the lines very very quickly.
Let us take Keith in Assol. Keith, Hi, how are you.
Speaker 5 (09:33):
Hi find just the seque for your guests? Two issues.
I'm just trying to understand when you send your car
for a service, for example, you know you get the
parts listed and the parts are being marked up, So
I just want to know what is the reasonable markup
for the parts so that chards you what they're purchasing
(09:56):
at obviously. And the other one is what is the
reasonable hourly rate for a mechanic?
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Oh, that's a good one because those labor costs can
actually look like they're getting quite expensive. Dear volts, Do
you want to take the first one reasonable markup on parts?
Speaker 4 (10:14):
Yes, the first one, the normal round of the middle,
it's about twenty percent markup also depending on what discounts
structure the workshop airs with these suppliers. But the normal
runner the middle with twenty percent would be fair.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
I think, okay, And then I'm not sure, Peter. Are
you going to take the other one around the hourly
rates for mechanics.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Yeah, sure, Lebel.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
So there's just a couple of things that somebody needs
to take into into mind.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Jab.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
The first very important thing is that we are governed
by the Competitions Act, so we're not allowed to tell
you know any workshop. You should as you should ask that.
The important thing is all workshops are different. They're not equal.
They different in size. Some workshops will have one or
(11:10):
two mechanics of qualified people, some will have one, some
will have four. So it's all about size. So what
they charge for our will certainly be influenced by that.
And then another factor is the fact that some guys
really specialize in certain models, certain.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
Work that they do, you know, and that.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Would also require more specific dynostic and specific tools. So
those are just some factors that you need to take
an account. But the fact is that as an association,
we're not allowed to prescribe to our members.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
You know, what they should ask and what they should
not ask. A pay hour.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Oh, we're gonna have to leave with there, gentlemen, but
I think we might have to bring you back in
because many people have so many questions. If you would
like to find out more about this particular association, it's
the Motor Industry Workshop Association and if you head over,
their website is MEIMIWA dot org dot za. You can
(12:17):
even look for a workshop there or get in touch
with them via the site.
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