Preparing for Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Servicing
As the automotive landscape evolves, the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles is reshaping how vehicles are serviced and maintained.
Kohler Motors is proactively embracing this shift by equipping our technicians with the specialised skills and knowledge required to work safely and effectively on high-voltage systems.
This forward-thinking approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of modern vehicle servicing, ready to support both individual drivers and fleet operators as electrified mobility becomes the new standard on South African roads.
Why High‑Voltage Training Matters
Hybrid and electric vehicles operate with battery systems ranging from 200V to over 800V, far beyond traditional 12‑volt systems. Servicing these vehicles requires:
- Certified high‑voltage safety training
- Specialised diagnostic equipment
- Strict isolation and lockout procedures
- Knowledge of battery management and thermal systems
- Understanding of electric drive units and regenerative braking
These systems cannot be worked on safely without the correct qualifications, tools, and protocols.
What Makes Hybrid & EV Technology Different
High‑Voltage Battery Packs
Large lithium‑ion batteries power the electric motor and store energy from braking and charging. They require controlled handling, temperature management, and specialised diagnostics.
Electric Drive Motors & Inverters
Electric motors deliver instant torque and rely on inverters and power electronics to convert and manage energy. These components require precise testing and cooling‑system maintenance.
Regenerative Braking
EVs and hybrids use the motor to slow the vehicle and recharge the battery. This changes brake wear patterns and requires technicians who understand blended braking systems.
Advanced Cooling Systems
Batteries, motors, and inverters use dedicated cooling circuits. These systems differ from traditional engines and require specific service procedures and coolant types.
Benefits for Private and Fleet Customers
As our technicians complete their high‑voltage certifications, Kohler Motors will be able to offer:
- Safe and compliant hybrid/EV diagnostics
- Battery isolation and HV safety checks
- Electric drivetrain repairs
- Regenerative braking system service
- Cooling system maintenance for hybrid/EV platforms
- Predictive maintenance for fleet uptime
- Support for mixed fleets (ICE, hybrid, PHEV, EV)
This ensures your vehicle—or your entire fleet—remains reliable, efficient, and safe throughout its lifecycle.
Our Commitment
Kohler Motors is investing in the future so our customers don’t have to worry about where to service their next‑generation vehicles. As our team completes each stage of high‑voltage training, we will expand our service offering and keep you updated.
Whether you drive a petrol vehicle, a hybrid, or a fully electric model, Kohler Motors is preparing to support you with certified expertise and industry‑leading safety standards.
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 repairs or servicing.
Car service or repair across Cape Town
If you’re in urgent need of a service or repair, 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.
Claremont
Parklands
N1 City
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.Â
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 vehicle service or repair 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.
Frequently asked questions about parts
Why are Bosch car parts so highly recommended by car manufacturers?
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?
OEM and RMI approved parts.
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.
What type of engine oils do you use for my car?
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.
I am not happy with Kohler Motors, where can I complain and request action?
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.
Is there a guarantee for friction materials like brake pads, brake linings and clutch plates?
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.
Do you work with Fleet-Management and Warranty Insurance companies?
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.
Can I buy my own parts and you install them?
Why can we not buy parts for a customer's vehicle when the car is not in our workshop?
We require deposits when a part must be bought for 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.
The customer may not return for the repair.
Deposits may also be requested if the customer needs an expensive repair for a 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 aÂ
receipt on AutoManage, which details the value of the payment made and the exact nature of the product and/or services that this payment relates to.
Deposits are only returned to the customer when the part cannot be sourced, or a wrong part is supplied.
Can you order my parts and I will get them installed when they arrive?
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 a car, and the repair cost comes closed 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 on AutoManage, which details the value of the payment made and the exact nature of the product and/or services that this payment relates to.


