OPERATING HOURS:  Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 17:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am to 13:00 pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

For expert diagnosis of all engine and auto-electrical issues
in Cape Town

All Kohler Motors branches are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and extensive databases of vehicle schematics, essential for diagnosing today’s computer-controlled engines. Our expert staff can communicate directly with on-board computers to obtain performance data, providing a trustworthy diagnosis without disassembly, usually within an hour.

After we have completed the diagnostic test, we know the area of the fault, but when it is more complex, additional fault finding by the technician might be required. For example, A fault with the ECU may come up in our diagnostic equipment. However, this machine only knows it has no contact with the ECU. The machine cannot determine whether the ECU is blown, damaged, or adequately earthed. An experienced technician is still needed to determine the exact fault.

We offer a full report and a detailed, costed quotation for any necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle is in top working condition. Our diagnostic systems also allow for fine-tuning of certain engine parameters, ensuring your vehicle operates at its best.

Kohler Motors mechanic doing diagnostics of a car on a computer

Trusted by these top companies
for brake service and repair

Kohler Motors mechanic checking car battery

Auto Electrical

The diagnostic check is particularly useful when it comes to finding and fixing auto-electrical issues, most of which are controlled by the ECU. This controls a great many items in your vehicle that you take for granted – until they go wrong.

The interactions between chips, sensors and computer programs can be extremely complex, making it a serious challenge for an electronic repair service to diagnose and fix faults. That is a good reason to make Kohler Motors your first port of call, since our expert workshop staff are trained and equipped to perform an electronic service.

 Areas of the vehicle that typically require this service are: 

Trust us to explain it all

When you trust us to carry out this kind of maintenance, you can expect a prompt diagnosis and clear communication of exactly what steps will be required to solve the problem. The job will then be carried out by our experts, using reliable, high-quality parts.

And when the work is complete, we will always provide you with a straightforward explanation of what the workshop staff did and why – no matter how complicated the task is.

Experiencing persistent issues with your car? Book a diagnostic check at your nearest Kohler Motors branch and we’ll get to the bottom of it.

Kohler Motors mechanic showing diagnostics of clients car

Quality car maintenance & repair experts

Kohler Motors is a leading light in the automotive maintenance and repair industry, with a reputation for professionalism and reliability that we’ve worked hard to establish. You can trust us to diagnose your vehicle’s issues or if you simply need a service, major, condition-based or minor, we’re more than happy to assist. Click below to find out more!

Bosch-trained technicians

Our technicians are trained according to standards set by Bosch Global and are qualified to work on all types of vehicles – from entry-level to luxury. They receive regular training refreshers to keep up with developments in the auto world.

All vehicle makes & models

Every Kohler Motors technician is qualified to work on all vehicle makes and models, including major brands such as VW, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Isuzu, Hyundai, Kia, and Renault. Our diagnostics database is constantly updated with schematics for tens of thousands of models.

Our management software

AutoManage a sophisticated management software has been developed together with Robert Bosch Head office. This software enables us to produce vehicle specific service estimates in seconds. The system also records all interaction with our customers and keeps estimates, quotes and invoices on record. The service record of your car will always be safe with us.

Our Guarantees

All parts come with a 12-month warranty. Batteries come with a 2-year warranty. Our work is also backed by a 6-month/10,000km guarantee for labour.

Book your diagnostics & auto-electrical repair at Kohler Motors

If you live in the greater Cape Town area, you can find a Kohler Motors near you. We have six branches conveniently situated around Cape Town, all of which can provide auto brake repair and servicing at an expert level you can trust.

Why choose Kohler Motors?
Our customers say it best

The testimonials below detail the actual experiences our customers have had when bringing their vehicles in for brake repairs or servicing.

The Service advisor Kyleigh is incredibly helpful & responds quickly. Even the mechanic that worked on my car was there to meet with me and explained everything. Recommend them if you want to have peace of mind that the job will be done well with good customer service. Will definitely be taking my car back to them in the future.
Craig Gordon
Very happy with the service. Extremely friendly and communicative staff. They did a thorough inspective of an electrical fault (exposed wires causing warning lights to flash) and manage to fix the problem. Other places I took my car for the same issue weren't able to find the problems and charged all sorts for "other" issues.
Philip Winfield
Fantastic customer service. From the lady who did the car check when I booked in, to the gentleman who offered me a ride home (without me asking for one), to the lady explaining that we didn't do an immediately payment so we can't get the car. I never felt like I should argue that I wanted my car as they had our money, which is usually the norm. I was treated with the respect at the highest level.
Fagma Bassier
Had a clutch repair plus major service done here recently. Everybody was professional at all times. All repairs were properly quoted and discussed beforehand and any delays were mentioned immediately. I can highly recommend their service based on what I have experienced and I will definitely make use of them again should it be necessary.
Jacques Kirchner

About Kohler Motors

Kohler Motors was launched in 2000 and has since grown to six workshops around the greater Cape Town area. Our service credo is simple: our customer’s satisfaction is what matters most! You rely on your vehicle every day to get you where you need to be and our job is to keep it running as reliably as possible with expert servicing and repairs. 

As a Bosch Car Service Centre, we work to a high international standard. From our front-line staff to our technicians, everyone is committed to always go the extra mile and exceed your expectations.

Book your Diagnostics & Auto-Electrical check at Kohler Motors

If your vehicle is performing below standard, be sure to book your car service or repair today – there are six Kohler Motors branches around Cape Town to choose from. 

Each one will go above and beyond to ensure your brake service or repair experience exceeds your expectations.

Click below to book your vehicle and make sure it delivers the performance you want.

Diagnostics & Auto-Electrical services across Cape Town

If you’re in urgent need of a brake service centre or a brake replacement, there are six Kohler Motors branches around the greater Cape Town area for your convenience, including Tokai, Parow, N1 City, Claremont and Parklands. Here’s where you can find us.

Frequently asked questions about
Diagnostics & Auto-Electrical repairs

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

 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Our labour rate is R700 per hour excl VAT.
 
Major service labour between 1.5 and 2.6 hrs., depending mainly on the engine capacity of the vehicle and the parts to be replaced at a particular service. Extra charges for parts to be replaced are not listed on the service schedule.
Diagnostic electronic test: 1 hr. labour
Airconditioning service with re-gas: 1 hr. labour, but the extra cost for air conditioning gas and consumables like antibacterial spray, air conditioning oil, and diagnostic dye.

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.