Do you know how to spot the signs that your car needs a service? While there are things you can ignore, other changes in your car require immediate attention, as they may seem minor at first but can lead to several other problems if the car is not given attention.

Secondhand cars have definitely become the preferred option for South Africans hitting the road in the last few years. Don’t believe us? The data backs it up: in the first half of 2024, over twice as many people applied for used car loans compared to new car loans, underscoring how affordability drives consumer choice.

Looking to spice up your savings and lifestyle at the same time? In this month’s "Around the Spend" feature, we dive into the Kia Rio, a compact yet vibrant car with a Brazilian flair that’s made waves in South Africa. From saving on car insurance with Hippo to spending on everything from shades to swimwear, here’s how you can bring a bit of Rio’s zest into your everyday life.

Most new cars come with a motor warranty or service plan that helps you pay for a certain number of services or repairs for a set number of years or kilometres. However, if you have an older car this plan might have run out, meaning it’s up to you to foot these bills. OR, you can be a smart cookie and extend or take out another motor warranty or service plan. In this piece, we explained what these plans are and what to consider when getting one

Car dings, dents, and scratches are a frustrating part of vehicle ownership. From shopping trolleys to stone chips and mystery scratches, damages happen anytime. This guide helps identify different types of damage and offers advice on addressing them, whether through simple fixes or using scratch and dent insuranc.

In this edition of Hippo's Around the Spend, we take a fun look at the popular Hyundai i20 and explore other iconic "i" products you could buy with the money you save by using Hippo. From tech gadgets like Apple's iPhone and iMac, to everyday essentials like ID cards and I&J’s crispy fish, we dive into how much you can stretch that R390* monthly saving. Whether you're a young driver in Gauteng or simply curious about where your savings can take you, Hippo is here to help you compare and get the best deals, quickly and easily.

There are a lot of Toyota Corollas on Mzansi’s roads and while some of them are used as the family car for parents, or as a reliable ride for sales reps as they travel the countryside, Corollas are mostly used as Ubers these days.

It's a simple question... but the answer's pretty complicated. Here's a look at your options.

Potholes have become a serious point of discussion especially, as they seem to have increased in number over the past few years.

Today as you read this, on a South African road, you have one of the highest chances in the world of having

South Africa has dangerous roads, and that’s a fact. Our road fatality rate in 2023 sits at 19.39 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, well above the global rate of 15.

Paying a monthly fee for an extended car warranty feels expensive until you have to pay out a lump sum for a major repair.

Ah, the joys of car ownership: the wind in your hair, the open road, the gentle purr of the engine... until, of course, it all goes horribly wrong. A blinking light, a rattling sound that just won't go away and – bham! You're left with a hefty bill for repairs. And that, friends, is why you should always take out a Service Plan.

From budget-friendly city runabouts to family-focused, school-run and pavement-hopping SUVs, there are many car brands that offer buyers value for money and lower-than-average fuel consumption. Let's take a look at the most fuel-efficient cars South Africa has to offer.

At last, the Right2Repair guidelines put you in the driver's seat when it comes to choosing who services your car, and how much you're willing to pay for it – because why should car manufacturers be making decisions for you?

Vehicle financing with a balloon payment is an attractive option, but remember that you'll still have to pay the piper at the end of your term!

The state of your tyres plays a major role in your car's roadworthiness and safety. When was the last time you checked them?

Walk to work? Buy a bike? You'll need better ideas than those if your budget is going to survive the sky-rocketing fuel price. Here are some suggestions.

It's hard to find a car (new or used) at a good price right now. So why not stick with your current vehicle and buy an extended Motor Warranty to prolong its lifespan?

South Africa has a serious driver's licence backlog. What could an expired licence mean for you and your insurance cover?

Is your car proudly made in South Africa? There's a wealth of car-building expertise in our Republic, with plants manufacturing marques like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Mahindra and more.

Over the course of the past decade, Porsche has claimed the South African Car of the Year (Coty) title four times. 2020's winner was the Jaguar I-PACE, which costs about the same as a two-bedroom apartment in northern Joburg. Much like the glory days of Top Gear, you'd be forgiven for thinking that SA's Coty jurors had become... what's a nice way of saying this?... out of touch.

Looking to buy a second-had car? Here's how to make sure the deal isn't too good to be true.

Buying your very own first car is a big deal, so before you take the leap, think about how it's going to hit your pocket. Read on to find out how to finance your first car and what to budget for.

A seismic shift occurred in the South African car market at the end of 2020, as the Competition Commission released new regulations concerning vehicle servicing and maintenance. Informally known as the Right to Repair, it permits car owners to use any service provider and non-original parts to maintain their vehicles – without losing their manufacturer warranty.

Are you a good candidate for a vehicle-finance deal that includes a final large – and potentially eye-popping – sum of money due at its conclusion, or should you rather avoid it? Read on before you jump into it.

The cost of running a car isn’t simply the price of your monthly instalment – there’s plenty more to consider.

You’re working from home, spending a lot less time in traffic, and not driving nearly as much as you used to. Yet this might be the best time to buy a new car.

The time has come for you to renew your driver’s licence and you’re probably already dreading dealing with all the administration. Don’t be! Our quick guide to renewing your driver’s licence will help you get it done in no time.

If you own a car, you may have noted that you didn’t get a reminder notice this year about renewing your licence. Have you checked on your windscreen for when your licence expires? Unfortunately, AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) is currently not sending these notices out, which may mean that many people have either forgotten to renew them or may not know how to do it…

A car tracker is a small device that when installed in your vehicle, makes a big difference – to your safety, your budget, your insurance premiums and your chances of recovering your vehicle if it's stolen.

If you've found the car you love but it's too expensive, you're not alone. Most people don't have enough cash available to buy a car outright, which is why they turn to car financing.

Buying a car is a big financial commitment and figuring out how you're going to pay for it beforehand is the best way to make sure you stay within your budget. If you want to buy a car and are looking for ways to save on the monthly repayments, you might be considering a balloon payment or residual value loan.

When thinking about popular cars, vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Etios probably come to mind. While these vehicles do regularly top local sales charts, they’re not among the top five best-selling cars of all time.

There are thousands of vehicles on the market today, each offering their own unique approach to a segment. All of them are great in their own way, but only a select few have managed to change the course of automotive history.

Tesla Motors unveiled their latest development in autonomous vehicle engineering at their Tesla Autonomous Day event on April 22 in Palo Alto, California. Tesla CEO and South African born billionaire Elon Musk took the opportunity to woo Tesla investors with the new FSD Computer Assembly hardware, the chip that Elon Musk says makes the Tesla the only financially viable option for consumers and ready to ship.

Joining a car owners’ club can have several benefits, including access to service guides, more affordable parts, and being part of a community. Some owners’ clubs also offer advanced driving courses and training, which could get you a preferential car insurance quote.

Hey, Gautenger! Did you take a road trip to Cape Town over the holidays? Did you stop at any of these gems on your way? If not, read on to find out why these four towns are well worth a visit on your next road trip.

The future is electric! We’ve been hearing that sentiment for quite some time. Despite the impracticalities around charging them, hefty price tags, and possibly even higher car insurance premiums, electric vehicles are finally coming into realisation. Companies are frantically playing catch-up with Tesla, but will they ever get there?

Your car is one of the most important items you can insure, so it’s a good idea to regularly check that you’re covered correctly. That’s what Car Insurance Day is for. Think about it – when last did you read through your policy to make sure it was up to date? If, say, your child has just started learning to drive, you’d likely need to tell your insurer to update the regular drivers on your policy; if you don’t, an accident claim could be rejected.