Many South African motorists remain unaware that they are not obliged to purchase a service plan when buying a new vehicle, according to Right to Repair South Africa. The issue emerged repeatedly during discussions held at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, where the organisation engaged with consumers, workshop owners and industry stakeholders about the Competition Commission's Automotive Aftermarket Guidelines.
While some motorists demonstrated a good understanding of their rights, others were surprised to learn that a service plan can be purchased separately from the vehicle or declined altogether.
Kate Elliott, CEO of Right to Repair SA, says a simple question about service plans generated some of the most revealing conversations at the event.
According to the Guidelines for Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket, vehicle manufacturers and dealers should offer service and maintenance plans separately from the purchase price of a new vehicle.
Competition Commission Guidelines
This gives consumers the freedom to decide whether a plan suits their budget and needs, or whether they would prefer to pay for maintenance as required.
Elliott emphasises that the key issue is not whether motorists choose to buy a plan, but whether they fully understand the options available to them.
"A service plan may make sense for some buyers, but it should be a conscious decision," she says. "Consumers should ask for separate pricing on the vehicle and the service plan, understand exactly what is included, and compare alternatives before signing an agreement."
One of the more encouraging outcomes from the event was hearing from motorists who had successfully purchased vehicles without bundled service plans.
Right to Repair SA says these conversations highlighted growing consumer awareness and showed that buyers are increasingly exercising their right to choose products and services that suit their individual circumstances.
The event also revealed confusion among some independent workshop operators regarding the Automotive Aftermarket Guidelines. Several believed they needed special permissions or membership of industry bodies before they could benefit from the provisions introduced by the Competition Commission.
Elliott says this is a common misconception.
She explains that workshops do not need to belong to Right to Repair SA or any particular industry association to participate in the aftermarket under the Guidelines. Although industry organisations provide support, training and representation, their membership is not a requirement for servicing vehicles covered by the regulations.
Independent repairers are, however, expected to meet certain standards. These include following manufacturer repair procedures, maintaining accurate service records and carrying adequate commercial insurance. Right To RepairThe Guidelines also require workshops to disclose whether such insurance is in place and to explain any associated risks to customers.
Questions raised during the GLOBAL ONE Southern Africa Invitational, which took place alongside Automechanika, further demonstrated that awareness campaigns remain necessary throughout the automotive sector.
Right to Repair SA believes meaningful consumer choice depends on both informed motorists and well-informed service providers. The organisation says greater understanding of the Guidelines will help create a more competitive, transparent and consumer-focused automotive aftermarket in South Africa.
