Expert car servicing & repairs at Kohler Motors Tokai

Yes, we do! You get a 12-month warranty on genuine Bosch parts, and a 6-month or 10,000km guarantee on our workmanship. Batteries come with a 2-year warranty.

Yes, it is a quick and easy process. Just click on ‘Book a Service’

Improved Fuel Efficiency: A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, which leads to better fuel economy, you will spend less on fuel over time.

Extended Vehicle Lifespan: Regular servicing helps prevent major issues that can shorten your car’s life. By addressing minor problems early, you can keep your car running smoothly for longer.
Better Performance: Routine checks and replacements (like oil changes, air filters, and spark plugs) keep your car performing at its best.

Higher Resale Value: A car with a full-service history with a reputable workshop is more attractive to buyers and will command a higher resale price.

Prevention of Costly Repairs: Regular servicing can identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you expensive repairs down the line. Not servicing your car regularly is the main cause of engine failure.

Environmental Compliance: Keeping your car in good condition ensures it meets emission standards, which is better for the environment..]

Enhanced Safety: Regular servicing ensures that critical components like brakes, tires, and suspension are in good condition, reducing the risk of accidents..

We can service your car using the Handbook Service or the Condition based Service method. However, manufacturers like BMW, Mini and Mercedes only service their cars using the new CBS method and do not issue km-based service schedules anymore.

The Major (handbook) - service has been used for car servicing for the last 30 years. The Handbook Service stipulates that service parts are replaced at fixed predetermined intervals. It does not consider road condition, driving style, fuel and air quality. More and more manufacturers are changing the service schedule, taking all above factors into account and have developed the Condition Based Service (CBS). Another reason for the development is that service parts get exchanged less frequently today. Air filters and spark plugs used to be replaced every 10,000 km, today air filters last up to 80,000km and sparkplugs up to 120,000Km. The driving conditions play a more important part when the lifetime of service parts is much longer. The same applies for gear, diff and automatic transmission fluid.

The Condition Based Service (CBS) - During the CBS, serviceable parts are checked at every service, but only worn parts are replaced. We will quote for parts and labour and install them after we obtained your authorisation. CBS makes sure that all systems like cooling system, battery, brakes, electronic system, gear box, diff and suspensions etc., will be inspected and serviced.

We offer three services: the CBS or Condition Based Service, the Major (Handbook Service), and an Oil Change Service. Furthermore, we are experts in fault finding of electronic, electrical, and mechanical car components and repair all automotive faults.

We will never start a repair before our written quote is authorized by the customer.

Yes, all cars on our premises are covered by our insurance. We will also pay the insurance excess. We are not able to provide transport while your car is being repaired.

Yes, we are more than happy to drop you off and pick you up when your car is ready, within a certain kilometre limit.

A car should be serviced once a year regardless of how many kilometers you drive.  Some parts of a car deteriorate even faster when not driven over lengthy periods. Batteries lose charge, car fluids need to circulate to prevent issues, brakes when not frequently used,  accumulate rust on the calipers and seals and gaskets can dry out and degrade. Servicing your car once a year is essential.

Kohler Motors operates a sophisticated management system, which allows us to create a service estimate just by adding the details of your car. Please submit your request for an estimate under ‘Get an estimate.’

After submitting your request, you can expect an email with the estimate from us within one hour. If your request is made after hours, your estimate will be emailed to you in the morning of the following working day. If you would like a phone call from us during business hours, please select the relevant option.

Please note that our estimate depends on the correctness of the details you supply. The VIN number helps to select the correct car on the system.

We all love our cars, and properly maintained, cars can last for many years. But there will come a time when it is more economical to trade your car in for a new or second-hand vehicle. This time is normally there, when the repair cost to repair your car comes close to the cost a vehicle like yours is selling on the secondhand market.  

If you have to spend, for instance, R 30,000 to get your vehicle into good shape and you can buy a similar, well-maintained car for R35,000, its time to let your old car go. However, if you maintain your car well during your ownership you will not incur such high repair costs. The engines and gearboxes of most cars last, when properly maintained, over 300,000km. 

When you decide to buy another used vehicle, bring it into one of our workshops and we will happily check whether the car is in good working order. We charge one hour’s labour for this service for which we will credit you on the first service in our workshop on your new car.

A complete brake service is done every time your car is with us for a Major (Handbook service), or a Condition Based Service. Between these scheduled services a brake service is not necessary. When something goes wrong with your brakes, just book it into one of our branches and we will check the problem free of charge and repair the brakes after you have authorized our quote.

When we replace brake pads or brake discs, we inspect, clean and lubricate the brake calipers to ensure that your brakes will function perfectly.

The following problems are found when cars have braking problems:
Soft Brake Pedal:
- Low brake fluid: Fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
- Air in the brake fluid.
- Faulty master cylinder or proportioning valve.
- Leaking brake lines or components.
Hard Brake Pedal:
- Brake booster or hydro-boost system.
- Squeaky or screeching brakes
- This unfortunately happens when the compound of the brake pads is too hard and starts high pitched vibrations on the disc. Normally shims between the pad and the caliper can prevent this vibration noise.
Car pulls to one side when braking:
- Uneven brake pad wear, misaligned calipers, or brake fluid imbalance.
- Steering wheel shakes when brakes are applied:
- Indicates warped brake discs or uneven pad deposits.
Brake pedal pulses up and down:
- Usually due to warped discs
Whole car shakes when brakes are applied:
- Imbalanced brake discs or worn suspension components.

The common causes of your brake warning light turning on are a malfunctioning ABS volume, low level in the fluid reservoir, damaged wheel speed sensors or the system has turned off. If the ABS warning light on your dashboard turns on, the best course of action is to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so that the source of the problem can be determined. 

A typical vehicle braking system consists of a pair of brake pads, a brake disc and a brake caliper for each wheel.  The pads are fitted in the caliper with their friction material almost touching the two sides of the brake disc.

When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid in the caliper pushes each brake pad against each side of the rotating brake disc. This results in friction which slows down and eventually stops the vehicle.

How does an electronic diagnostic test work?

The diagnostic fee only applies to the electronic check of all fault codes stored in the ECU of the vehicle. The Standard fee includes:

· Connecting the electronic diagnostic tool onto the vehicle
· Recording of faults stored on the system.
· Clearing all the faults on the system
· Disconnecting the diagnostic tool from the car
· Starting the car and test drive
· Connecting the diagnostic tool again
· Checking whether any faults have returned.
If any faults have returned, and the faults need further investigation by a technician, additional costs to determine the nature of the fault will be estimated. The customer must approve any additional costs before the work can continue.

A visual inspection of a problem part or system is free of charge. Only when a simple inspection, without removing compounds, cannot determine the fault, further mechanical fault finding has to start.

The technician will provide a cost-estimate for the estimated time required to disassemble the part in question. This also counts for larger repairs like cylinder head gaskets, engine repairs, timing chains etc.  After the customer has approved this initial amount, a comprehensive quote for the repair of the vehicle can be prepared, which must be authorized before any repair work can commence.

Yes, we handle all electrical work necessary to keep your vehicle on the road. All electric and electronic systems with all their sensors, modules and relays are diagnosed on various electronic fault finders, and checked by our technicians to see whether they are functioning or have to be replaced. However, not all our branches specialize in installing additional electric or electronic parts or systems into your car. Please enquire from a branch exactly what you want to do.

Because starters and alternators in today’s cars normally last the lifetime of the car, there are only limited spare parts available.

Some replacement parts are still available from Bosch, but very little from other suppliers. Bring your car with starter or alternator problems to us, but we cannot guarantee whether we can source the correct parts for the repair.

Of course, new OE, Bosch, and Bosch re-manufactured starters and alternators are available. The OE equipment is often expensive; therefore we try to find Bosch re-manufactured units or good RMI approved aftermarket units to replace the faulty unit in your car. We will always inform you of the options available, so you can make an informed decision.

Running your car’s air conditioning (AC) does increase fuel consumption, but the impact can vary. In hot weather, using the AC can reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy by up to 20%. However, setting the AC to a higher temperature can help mitigate this effect somewhat, as the system won’t have to work as hard to cool the cabin.
Use the AC efficiently: Set the temperature to a comfortable but not excessively low level.
Pre-cool your car: Park in the shade or use a sunshade to keep the cabin cooler, reducing the need for AC.
Ventilate first: Open the windows briefly to let hot air out before turning on the AC.
Maintain your AC system: A well-maintained AC system is more efficient and uses less fuel.
Have your aircon system serviced every couple of years.

A professional air conditioning (AC) service typically includes several key components to ensure your system runs efficiently and effectively. Here’s what you can expect from us:

Inspection and Cleaning:
Filters: Cleaning or replacing pollen/cabin filters to ensure proper airflow and air quality.
Drain Lines: Checking and clearing the condensate drain to prevent water damage and mold growth.
System Checks:
Thermostat: Testing and calibrating the thermostat for accurate temperature control.
Refrigerant Levels: Checking and adjusting refrigerant levels to ensure optimal cooling.
Electrical Components: Inspecting and tightening electrical connections to prevent malfunctions.
Performance Testing:
Airflow: Measuring airflow to ensure the system is distributing air evenly.
Temperature: Checking the temperature differential between the supply and return air to confirm the system is cooling properly.
System Operation: Running the system to check for unusual noises or vibrations.
Lubrication and Adjustments:
Moving Parts: Lubricating motors and other moving parts to reduce friction and wear.
Aecon-oil and diagnostic dye is replaced in the system.
Add anti-bacterial spray into the aircon ducting.
Belts and Pulleys: Inspecting and adjusting belts and pulleys to ensure they are in good condition and properly aligned.
Recommendations:
Repairs: We will identifying any necessary repairs or replacements
and prepare a quote for these.

Quality and Reliability: Bosch has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality and reliable parts. Their components are engineered and factory-tested to ensure they meet stringent performance standards.
Innovation and Technology: Bosch has been at the forefront of automotive innovation for over a century. They have pioneered many technologies that are now industry standards, such as electronic fuel injection systems.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Bosch is a trusted OEM for many car manufacturers. This means that Bosch parts are often the same as the original parts installed in vehicles at the factory, ensuring compatibility and performance.

Global Presence and Testing: Bosch operates multiple proving grounds worldwide, allowing them to test their parts under various conditions to ensure durability and performance.
Comprehensive Range: Bosch offers a wide range of automotive parts, from spark plugs to braking systems, making them a one-stop shop for many car manufacturers.
These factors contribute to Bosch’s strong reputation and the widespread recommendation of their parts by car manufacturers.
Is there a specific Bosch part you’re interested in learning more about?

When we cannot obtain Boch parts for our repairs, we often purchase the correct parts directly from the OEMs. Unfortunately, these parts come with a price and often must be shipped from overseas. That’s why we source parts from local and imported after-market manufacturers. However, we only deal with RMI-approved part distributors to ensure that the parts we install are guaranteed by the supplier.

Motor oils are graded by four different institutions, each focusing on different aspects of oil suitability for modern cars.
SAE: Focuses on viscosity and temperature performance.
API: Focuses on overall performance and engine protection.
ACEA: Focuses on European standards, emissions, and specific engine requirements.
ILSAC: Focuses on fuel economy, emissions on modern engines.

Therefore, selecting the correct viscosity of oils does not mean the oil is suitable for your car. Specifications testing engine protection, emission requirements, specific engine requirements and suitability for catalytic converters must be taken into consideration.

Kohler Motors operates with data provided by ESI {tronic} and AutoManage. AutoManage provides service details for 95% of cars on South African roads, using data received from car manufacturers and the oil companies. Rest assured; with us, your engine gets the correct oil, the oil specified for your car.

If you’re unhappy with your car repaired or serviced with us, you have a few options to address the issue:

·      Complaint to us: Start by discussing the problem directly with one of our directors. Sometimes, issues can be resolved through direct communication.
·      Robert Bosch Head office
Kohler Motors is a franchise of Robert Bosch (Pty)LTD, and they are actively involved in promoting the franchise and ensure that franchisees adhere to a strict code of conduct. Any complaints can be directly reported to the regional head-office in Cape Town.
·      Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI): If the issue is not resolved, you can approach the RMI. They offer a mediation process to help resolve disputes between consumers and RMI-accredited service providers. You can download the complaint referral form from their website and submit it with all supporting evidence. We will adhere to any recommendation from the RMI.
·      Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA): If you are still not satisfied, you can contact MIOSA. They manage consumer complaints through a process of adjudication. You can submit a complaint online, via email. We will adhere to any ruling from the MOSA.
·      If you still have not resolved the issue you can lodge a claim with the small claims court.
The Small Claims Court in South Africa is designed to resolve civil disputes quickly and affordably, without the need for a lawyer. Here are some key points:
Claim Limit: You can claim up to R20,000
No Lawyers Needed: You represent yourself in the Small Claims Court.
Languages: All official languages can be used
Steps to Follow:
Contact us (Opposing Party): Try to resolve the issue directly.
Write a Letter of Demand: If unresolved, send a letter of demand to us, giving us 14 days to settle the claim.
Visit the Clerk of the Court: If the claim is not settled, go to the Small Claims Court with your letter of demand and any supporting documents.
Summons: The clerk will help you prepare a summons to be delivered to Kohler Motors.
Court Date: Attend the court hearing with proof that the summons was delivered.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Small Claims Court website.

When your car’s turbocharger is broken, several symptoms may arise. Here are the key signs to look out for:

Loss of Power: A failing turbocharger leads to reduced engine performance and acceleration. Initially, you might notice a small power loss, but a completely blown turbo results in a significant drop in power.
Burning/Leaking Oil: A worn turbo can develop cracks or damaged gaskets, causing oil leaks. This oil may be burned, leading to excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Excessive Exhaust Smoke: More oil in the exhaust system results in grey or blue smoke. Normal exhaust fumes don’t usually have colour, so this change indicates a potential turbo issue.
Change in Sound: While some noise during turbo operation is normal, any humming or rattling sounds could signal a problem with the turbocharger.

If you experience any of these signs, book your car for a turbo checkup into a Kohler Motors branch to inspect the problem. Remember turbos can be repaired at a fraction of the price of a new one. The sooner you attend to the problem, the less will be the damage on your turbo.

Some tips to keep your turbo going:
Change your engine oil regularly using an oil specified by the manufacturer.

Don’t idle aggressively and don’t shut down your engine abruptly as oil can only circulate when the engine is running and the turbo makes up to 100000 refs per minute and gets damaged when oil is not circulating. 

The guarantees for friction materials like clutches, brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes and clutch plates, are the same as on other parts except that wear and tear (such on pads, discs, linings) reduction of the thickness of the friction part is not included.

The proper installation and maintenance play a crucial role in the longevity and performance of these components. We guarantee the proper installation and that the parts have no manufacturing defects.

We are working with the following Fleet management companies:

• ABSA Fleet Management
• NedFleed Management
• Standard Bank Fleet Management
• Wesbank Fleet Management
• RCS Credit Card
• RT46 Government Motor Transport & SAPS

And the following warranty insurance companies:

• AA Warranties
• Auto&General
• BidVest
• Discovery
• GuardRisk
• Generic Insurance
• Innovation
• M- Sure
• Motorite
• MotorVaps
• My-Sure
• OUTsurance
• Warranty Solutions
• WheelsAssist

If you deal with a warranty insurance company or fleet Management provider, please let us know, and we will get listed with your deal partner.

We do not install parts brought by our customers for the following reasons:  

• In case of a part failure, it is very difficult to prove whether the part was faultily supplied, or incorrectly fitted.
• Because of our purchasing power, we have a better chance of replacing a failed part with our supplier.
• Generally, it does not pay the customer to buy his own parts, because Kohler Motors buys parts at wholesale prices.
• In case of a customer claim we must pay the full retail price back to the customer, but cannot claim VAT, because the customer cannot produce a VAT invoice in our company’s name.

We have very generous guarantee conditions on parts and labour (6 months or 10,000km, and for Bosch parts, 12 months with unlimited kms). This can only be granted if the parts are sourced by us.

Why we cannot buy parts for a customer vehicle, when the car is not in our workshop.

Deposits are required by us when a part must be bought for a repair and the car does not remain in our workshop, the customer is requested to pay the full cost price of the part. The reason for this:

• Parts supplied by agents are often not returnable.
• Customer may not return for the repair.

Deposits may also be requested if the customer needs an expensive repair for his car, and the repair cost comes close to the value of the vehicle. This also applies for cars remaining in our workshop.

In the event of a prepayment or deposit being made, we provide a receipt, which details the value of the payment made and the exact nature of the product and/or services that this payment relates to. The deposit can only be returned to the customer if we are unable to source the part.