Is your Taxi Ready?
What type of taxi do you drive? Do you carry daily commuters from one side of town to the other, or do you take long trips with heavy baggage? Or are you a ‘mom’s taxi’, only doing daily short trips to and from school and extracurriculars?
Whatever your type of ride, it needs attention. Especially now, at the beginning of the year, for cars that took long trips over the holiday season, or those that stood parked for a long time. Don’t be naïve to think that cars that only do short trips don’t need regular servicing and maintenance. The same goes for a vehicle that was checked before going to the coast in December; it doesn’t necessarily mean it is still 100% ready for the coming year.
It’s better to be safe than sorry; get your taxi checked and ready before the rush starts. Here are five basic things that are important to keep your old faithful running smoothly, and its occupants safe:
Seatbelts (and kiddie car seats)
Sure, these are made to adhere to specified standards and don’t have an expiry date, but rather a recommended lifespan. The materials may degrade over time due to use and exposure to the South African sun. Accidents happen very quickly, so don’t get caught with a seatbelt that won’t do its job.
Clutter and rubbish
Why carry unnecessary ‘stuff’ with you? It may not be very obvious, but these loose items can be hazardous when they land under the car’s pedals or fly around when you open a window. A clean and clear interior is much healthier, especially if you carry children or elderly passengers.
Wheel alignment and tyres
Tyre tread and pressure, and wheel balancing and alignment all contribute to a safe and steady ride. Low tyre pressure and worn tread can spell disaster on a wet road, and a vehicle that pulls to one side wears the tyres out prematurely. Plus, properly aligned wheels and suitably inflated tyres give you better mileage.
Windscreen and wipers
A tiny chip on the windscreen isn’t cause for concern. But it could turn into a nasty crack that obscures vision, or, worse, your windscreen could lose integrity and pose a serious hazard. Windscreen wipers have a relatively short lifespan, and depending on how much you use them or how much they’re exposed to the elements, they need replacing sooner than you think.
Vehicle fluids
This includes all fluids from windscreen washers to brake fluid. Not all low liquid levels are indicated by dashboard warning lights, so you will need to have it checked regularly. Don’t get caught off guard and get stranded – it’s a quick and easy check.
Wear and tear is a real thing that happens gradually, often without much notice, leaving your taxi slightly less roadworthy each time you use it. A few easy checks could save you a lot of cash, and maybe even your life. Please drive safely and responsibly in 2026!
Contact Us
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about your vehicle. Our team is ready to assist you in any way we can.
011 028 5266
Mondays to Fridays from 07:30 to 17:00.
082 778 6410
Contact Izak for any automotive repair emergencies. Click here to chat now!
autoway@kvrms.co.za
We endeavour to reply to all emails in 24 business hours.
Find us at
26 Short street, Tres Jolie
Honeydew, Roodepoort