Auto Express - Car Service & Repair - Boksburg

11/08/2026

Your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Now what?

For many South African motorists, replacing a vehicle is simply not affordable right now. We are keeping our cars for longer and that can make the possibility of a major repair bill feel even more worrying.

Could an extended warranty help?

Possibly. But only when the cover suits your vehicle, your budget and the financial risk you are trying to manage.

An extended warranty generally covers certain mechanical or electrical component failures after the original manufacturer’s warranty has ended.

It is not the same as a service or maintenance plan and will usually not cover:
❌ Routine servicing
❌ Consumables and normal wear-and-tear items
❌ Every possible mechanical failure

Before deciding, consider:
• Your vehicle’s age and mileage
• Its reliability and service history
• How long you plan to keep it
• The warranty premium and excess
• How much the policy will actually contribute towards a repair
• Whether you could manage a major repair bill without the cover

💬 “An extended warranty can provide valuable peace of mind, but motorists must understand exactly what is covered and what is not,” says MIWA National Chairperson Dewald Ranft.

The important question is not simply, “Can I afford the warranty?”

It is also, “Does this policy protect me against the repair costs I am most concerned about?”

Do not buy on the promise of peace of mind alone. Understand the cover, compare the cost and make the decision that fits your circumstances.

🤔 Have you ever considered an extended warranty, or had experience claiming from one?

11/08/2026

BLACK ICE ON WINTER ROADS | ❄️ With bitterly cold weather, heavy rain and snow affecting parts of South Africa, winter road conditions are firmly back in the spotlight. And there’s one hazard motorists may not see coming: black ice. It’s more common in SA than you think, especially in inland and high-altitude regions.

Black ice isn’t black — it’s actually a thin, clear layer of ice that forms on the surface of the road, making it look just like wet tarmac. You often don’t know it’s there until you lose control. It reduces tyre friction by up to 70%!

Because black ice is nearly invisible and ultra-smooth, it offers almost no traction. Your tyres can lose grip in an instant and even experienced drivers may struggle to correct a skid.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺?
• On bridges and overpasses (they freeze first)
• In shaded or low-lying areas
• On early morning or late evening drives
• After light rain followed by a drop in temperature
• Common trouble spots include the KZN Midlands, Eastern Cape highlands, and Free State farmlands — especially on early winter mornings.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿
• The road looks wet, but there’s no spray from tyres
• You’re in a high-altitude area or temp has dipped below 4°C
• Frost on your windscreen in the morning? It could be on the road too.
• Tyres feel “loose” on an otherwise straight stretch

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗰𝗲
• Slow down. Don’t rush, even if the road looks clear.
• Avoid sudden moves. Brake, steer, and accelerate gently.
• Leave extra space. Braking takes longer.
• Keep headlights on — you’re more visible, and it may help spot slick patches.
• Never use cruise control on icy roads.

𝗠𝗜𝗪𝗔 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗶𝗽
Your tyres and brakes are your best protection against black ice. If your tyres are worn or under-inflated or your ABS or brake system hasn’t been checked recently, you’re more vulnerable. Safety doesn’t come from luck — it comes from being ready. Even minor tyre or brake issues can have serious consequences when stopping distances double on ice. We’re here to help: https://vist.ly/5ebit

A winter safety check at a MIWA-accredited workshop includes:
• Tyre tread and pressure inspection
• Brake pad, disc, and ABS system check
• Battery and fluid checks
• Light and wiper blade inspection
• Helping you catch problems before they catch you.

💬 Have you ever hit black ice before? What did you learn — or wish you’d known?

23/05/2026

🔧🏁 Another milestone for the team!
Our first in-house long-circuit race car gearbox rebuild is officially under the belt. This particular unit suffered a catastrophic failure after harmonic shock from a flywheel failure sheared the differential bolts, causing significant damage to the inner casing.

The gearbox was completely stripped and inspected, with the following work carried out:
✅ Quaife differential removed and rebuilt with a set of high-strength ARP crown wheel bolts
✅ Damaged casing replaced with a refurbished set of housings
✅ Complete clean, inspection and assessment of all gears, synchros, bearings and hubs
✅ Reassembly to race specification
✅ Finished in a high-heat silver coating and protected with a fresh layer of clear coat

The result? A gearbox that's looking as good as it should perform and ready for many more laps of hard racing.
Here's to many smooth gear changes and plenty of podium finishes ahead, Ernest Heather ! 🏆💨

22/05/2026

🚛🔧 Welcome to the Team, Michael Howard! 🔧🏁
We're excited to welcome Michael Howard to the team!
Michael brings with him a wealth of experience across a wide range of motorsport and mechanical disciplines, including race car preparation and builds, trailer servicing and reconditioning, light fabrication, auto electrical repairs and rewiring, as well as extensive knowledge of transmissions, differentials, suspension systems, drivetrains, and performance vehicle setup.
Having someone with such a broad skill set and hands-on experience strengthens our operation both on and off the track, and we're looking forward to putting that expertise to good use.
Welcome aboard, Michael – we're excited to have you as part of the journey!

22/04/2026

2/17 We join Silver Cup Racing 2.0 next as the support sprint races for the Saesracing 4 hours of Zwartkops Raceway with the Polo 9N, live feed details to follow as soon as we have them, otherwise head out to the Circuit and come say hi and catch our 40+ cars field in action

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

17/01/2026

ECU Master Loading!

Out with the analogue in with the digital