LUBRICATION SERVICE

The useful life of lubricating oil is carefully calculated to reach the next service. Oil is contaminated by combustion, moisture and metal particles. The right type of oil needs to be used for petrol or diesel engines. Lubricating oil that is used in petrol engines will cause damage to diesel engines.

Failure to change lubricating oil at the specified intervals will result in premature engine wear and unnecessary expense.

MAINTENANCE SERVICE

Driving habits, road and ambient conditions can affect vehicle components adversely. Components that have been subjected to stress need to be carefully checked and adjusted at the service intervals. Only this will ensure safe driving until the next service is due.

You are risking a breakdown if you neglect scheduled services and these checks. Check our service remainder label on the driver's side and your Maintenance Manual.

MAJOR SERVICE

Components that are subjected to wear and require replacement are changed at the major service interval as per factory-prescribed requirements. Worn components are changed to prevent breakdown and expensive repairs. Failed components often cause additional damage. Ensure that you never skip a major service.

SHOCK ABSORBERS

With our German engineered Beissbarth shock absorber tester, you can rest assured that you will receive the most accurate assessment of your shocks. We are the only workshop in the Western Cape who has this device available to the public.

The performance of shock absorbers declines steadily over time, therefore it is advisable to check a vehicle’s shocks every 20 000km. After 70 000km this becomes an absolute necessity

GENERAL BRAKE REPAIRS

The use of asbestos in friction linings has been banned. Modern friction material wears out brake drums and discs at a higher rate than asbestos. Caliper pistons require timing for brakes to function properly. Brake force metering valves require careful checking and adjustment.

Our qualified technicians care for your brakes and safety. Always ensure your brakes are in good condition.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM SERVICE AND REPAIR

Brake fluid is hydroscopic, and is exposed to extreme temperatures. It therefore must be changed at least once a year, especially at the coast. A hydraulic failure means a brake failure!

We check brake lines, flexible piping, cylinders, calipers, boosters and balancing valves. We have the correct equipment to flush multi-circuit systems and a highly advanced ABS hydraulic modulator.

ON-BOARD BRAKE DISK SKIMMING

Asbestos free friction material results in longer lasting and minimise wear of the brake drums and discs. Fitting new pads to a worn disc will cause dangerous unstable braking conditions.

We have the competence to re-surface the brake discs to manufacturer’s specification, saving you money and restoring your safety.

GENERAL SUSPENSION REPAIRS

Driving with worn suspension parts is not only dangerous, but causes excessive, unnecessary tyre wear.

We are equipped to replace ball joints, rubber mountings, bushes, springs, and wishbones.

SHOCK ABSORBERS

Shock absorbers have a finite life that is dependent on the type of terrain that the vehicle has been used on. Besides being dangerous and causing instability on the road, faulty shock absorbers will cause excessive tyre and wheel bearing wear.

We are equipped to replace independent shock absorbers as well as integral strut types.

ACTIVE SUSPENSION

Electronically controlled suspension is a comfortable addition to the modern vehicle, as long as is does not go wrong.

With our comprehensive range of electronic diagnostic equipment, up to date software and technical competence, we are able to repair a wide range of electronically controlled suspension systems.

TYRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT/BALANCING

To provide you the convenience of a one stop repair operation we are able to attend to tyre fitment, wheel balancing and alignment.

We utilise carefully selected and trusted specialists through trade agreements, to ensure that you get value for your money.

COOLING SYSTEM

Header tanks and cooling pumps no longer use metal components. This is to reduce electrolysis and expensive cooling system repairs. Modern systems employ electronically controlled thermostats.

We are equipped to service and repair these advanced systems properly. A faulty cooling system could cost you an expensive engine overhaul! (See our engine overheat alarm in our Custom Electronic Projects section)

ENGINE REBUILDING

With our in-house technical expertise and trusted automotive machinists we are able to offer re-building to factory specification of a wide range of engines.

After re-building and extensive testing, we offer a quality product backed by our guarantee.

PROPSHAFT

Abnormal noises or vibrations from the drive train are normally early indications of a mechanical problem.

If you continue driving with these early warning signs it will increase the damage to the propshaft components as well as the gearbox and differential. Do not increase the repair bill!

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

If your manual transmission has a problem such as grating into gear, leaks, noises, jumping out of gear or has gears missing, we can help.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

We have specialised staff, equipment and service instructions to diagnose and repair a selected range of automatic transmissions.

DIFFERENTIAL

Expensive differential repairs can be avoided by proper servicing, watching for oil leaks, observing unusual noises and taking immediate corrective action if a diff lock light illuminates while driving on a hard surface.

We have up to date equipment, training and technical information that enables us to repair standard, limited slip and diff lock types.

AIR CONDITIONING GENERAL SERVICES AND REPAIRS

From a health perspective, you can avoid Legionnaire’s disease by having your system treated by us against harmful bacteria.

The growth of bacteria in the air conditioning system can be detected by a foul smell from the vents when the air conditioner fan is first turned on.

We are trained and equipped to repair compressors and replace faulty condensers, evaporators, driers, thermostats, pipes, pressure sensors and magnetic clutches.

AIR CONDITIONER FLUSHING

The gas and oil in the air conditioning system is re-circulated in a sealed system. The metal particles and oxidation of the oil from normal wear and heat are also re-circulated.

It is the re-circulation of these impurities that accelerates mechanical wear that ultimately results in component and system failure.

We have specialised flushing equipment and fluid to remove the foreign material from the system, and thereby prolong the life of your vehicle’s air conditioning system.

RE-GASSING

With our sophisticated service equipment we are able to evacuate and re-gas automotive air conditioning systems after repairs or an accident where the gas has escaped. The correct grade and quantity of gas and premium oil is used to provide the longest life of the system.

We are also able to weigh the gas in the system and top up the mass as necessary to provide maximum cooling efficiency.

AIR CONDITIONER LEAK DETECTION

Vibration, age of components and the mechanical pressure seal can cause gas leaks to develop. The gas slowly escapes and this is not good for the atmosphere, and is also a waste of money.

We have gas leak detection equipment for all air conditioning gas types, which enables us to quickly detect and repair leaks.

GENERAL ELECTRICAL REPAIRS

Our forte is the high-tech modern automotive system, but we are equally qualified to care for your vehicle’s electrical requirements.

We handle headlight replacement and focusing, problems with indicators, stop lights, tail lights, hooters, windscreen wiper systems, instrument panels and wiring faults. These items are covered by the new point check system soon to be implemented by the South African Traffic Department.

STARTERS AND ALTERNATORS

Replacing starters or alternators with new or reconditioned units is expensive as most parts are imported.

We have the equipment and competence to evaluate the existing unit and replace only the parts that are necessary. We provide the most economical repair possible against our national guarantee.

WIRING LOOM OVERHAULS

Biodegradable cable insulation presents a problem when a vehicle is kept in service beyond four years.

We have developed the jigs and skills necessary to overhaul popular brands’ wiring looms when the insulation starts to degrade. The overhauled wiring loom costs far less than the price of a new loom, with the added advantage that it will not degrade during its normal service life.

AUTO ELECTRONIC REPAIRS

Speedometers are electronic and are no longer driven mechanically. Stop and tail lights are operated with pulse width modulation. Air conditioning, automatic transmissions, alternators, wiper motor and spark ignition are controlled by electronically coded modules. Ignition keys activate the engine management computer by a passive transponder system.

Where parts are available, we have the in-house competence to carry out economical repairs to these expensive units.

MECHANICAL DIAGNOSTICS

Economical mechanical engine repairs begin with accurate diagnostics.

We use consolidated information from oil pressure tests, compression tests, cylinder leakage tests and manifold vacuum curves to evaluate the mechanical health of petrol and diesel engines.

FSA ENGINE TESTER

Efficiency of the internal combustion engine is dependent on its mechanical soundness/reliability, an ideal air fuel ratio and adequate ignition at the correct time.

These variable parameters can easily be checked and adjusted with the help of our Bosch FSA Engine Tester.

FOUR-GAS ANALYSER

Fuel injected engines with variable valve timing, knock sensing, exhaust gas re-circulation, evaporative emission systems and catalytic converters are best treated differently.

Analysis of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrocarbons offer the complete analysis necessary for accurate diagnostics. Hence the need for us to employ a four gas analyser to correctly and promptly diagnose your vehicle’s engine running efficiency.

KTS

Our Bosch KTS diagnostic tool concentrates on communication with the European range of petrol and diesel vehicles.

We are able to diagnose engine management, ABS braking, airbags, seatbelt restraints, climate control, roll-over bars, electric steering and instrument clusters.

LAUNCH

We have the Launch diagnostic tool that caters for the Korean, Japanese, Asian and American range of petrol and diesel vehicles.

This tool enables us to communicate with engine management, ABS braking, airbags, seatbelt restraints, climate control, roll-over bars, electric steering, instrument clusters, automatic transmissions, seat positioners and re-coding of keys.

VAG COM

The Vag Com diagnostic tool has the capability of the original equipment VW Audi tool.

This tool provides us with the opportunity to diagnose, adjust and set all the electronic systems on the VW and Audi range of petrol and diesel vehicles.

Clutch Repairs

Asbestos may no longer be used as a friction material on clutch plates.

The replacement friction material accelerates the wear to the mating metal faces. Flywheels now contain rubber inserts and pressure plates are adjustable.

We have the expertise and equipment to repair these modern clutch assemblies at an economical price with minimal downtime.

Cooling System

Header tanks and cooling pumps no longer use metal components. This is to reduce electrolysis and expensive cooling system repairs. Modern systems employ electronically controlled thermostats.

We are equipped to service and repair these advanced systems properly. A faulty cooling system could cost you an expensive engine overhaul! (See our engine overheat alarm in our Custom Electronic Projects section)

Engine Rebuilding

With our in-house technical expertise and trusted automotive machinists we are able to offer re-building to factory specification of a wide range of engines.

After re-building and extensive testing, we offer a quality product backed by our guarantee.

ONE-STOP CAR REPAIR CENTER

Need repair work done to your windscreen, auto electrical services, road-worthy new tyres etc.?

You are welcome to leave your car with us and we will arrange the service required with our trusted partners in the industry, making sure that you get quality service and value for your money.

This is a courtesy service offered by Tomson Motors - we will take the hassle out of maintaining your car in the best condition possible.