Garage 808

09/09/2026

808 Did You Know: that wipers can seem more challenging than a Rubic's cube, but it doesn't have to be that way?

Today, we demonstrate how to get those wiper blades replaced, or windscreen cleaned, without chipping the paint work.

08/09/2026

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It's Tuesday, the 8th of September 2026.

It's also our dear friend Diffie's birthday! We hope Wentzel Motor Works staff treated him to plenty of cake and celebrations today.

It's an early journal entry today, as the founders have other commitments this evening and who wants to read a tired old story?

As the team is making good, steady progress with repairs, services and breakdowns, Adele Admin had a realization that created a smile in the mind, bar none. A new client turned out to be an old friend! A.A. went digging in the archives and found a kiekie of her 5th birthday. The one with the fairytale castle cake made lovingly by her parents. 45 years ago, the current client stood behind the birthday girl for the obligatory group photo. And if Cape Town is still not small enough for you, turns out that Colin-the-Main-Konyn's dad, Stormie Normie knows her dad from their mutual rugby playing years a number of decades ago. Amazing!

Fast forwarding from girlie parties to modern-day toys, the team ooohed and aaahed quite a bit when a BMW 50 Years of 3-series model cars collection arrived. Seven generations from the E21 to the G20. There's now a bit of eye candy for you then.

We also grew the fruit of self-control a bit more today. Whether you're an individual or a business, online platforms are a free for all to take pot shots. When you're a business, in particular, keyboard warriors can feel the deep desire to share their version of events for all and sundry to read. Except, quite often those reports are factually incorrect. Of course, there is the option of engaging in a he said she said tit for tat. Ooooor... one can just refrain from getting drawn into something that will clearly go nowhere.

We certainly do applaud people for expressing their views. But when it's not true to the facts, it can be a bit grating. And far more so when we invited the client to come to the workshop so we can show and discuss our findings in person, to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. And even though the client did indeed come to the workshop - there we questions, no further engagement required. So, a healthy perspective is to let go and let God. Hence, self-control to NOT want to defend ourselves in this instance, meant a little bit more peaceful hearts.

It would be so awesome when people will learn interaction skills again, instead of just hiding behind keyboards and screens. Confrontation can seriously suck. But we can all agree to focus on the matter at hand, and not climb into one another's characters. All the while showing respect and understanding each for the other.

Anyhoo, we can only do the best we can with what we have. And for Danie 007, that meant co-filming a new 808 Did You Know video clip... due for release soon!

To end off this summery day, Colin brought A.A. a heart shaped leaf, which just happened to swoosh in on the gentle breeze. :-)

Team 808 over and out.

(S.D.G.)

08/09/2026

We know some of our clients have amazing BMW's and MINI's. If you'd like others to share in enjoying your ride, please contact the people organising this year's Killarney Motor Show, to be held on the 1st of November.

Killarney race track, also known as Western Province Motor Club is based in Cape Town. Bring the family for a fun filled day!

07/09/2026

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It's Monday, the 7th of September 2026.

The balmy weather lay in wait for Capetonians this morning. It was fans on today (unless you are super fortunate to have an air con in the workplace). And with that, the work day and work week sommer started off with Things We See in Traffic. As rough as that Cortina was, those gazompers of exhaust pipes had us smiling indeed.

When Snap on Dealer Cape Town. arrived unannounced, it was like kids running to the ice cream truck. Turns out, it was Danie 007's introduction to this delight. Of course, with our tool specialist being a Kiwi, with the how-do-you-do's, it was Greatest Rivalry rugby talk right off the bat. For us Springboks supporters, it was a battle of magnificent proportions. For All Blacks supporters, not exactly what they hoped for. But just like the players of both sides, we prefer showing great respect for the opposition and their supporters. Even if we tease a little bit first.

So, with that conversation fresh in mind, Qwyd delivered some goodies moments afterwards - wearing his with great pride. And why the heck not? These two teams are probably the most evenly matched for years now. And watching them having a go at each other week after week, has been entertainment on another level. Rassie isn't messing around either, having already announced Saturday's decider's team.

We'll tell you something for nothing, these mutually respectful, lighthearted interactions were truly welcomed and appreciated. Because, truth is, not all encounters with others, are as pleasant and edifying. During another amazing coaching session with coach Estelle van Wyk Coaching on Saturday, we discussed (among a million other things), how it can be difficult to part ways with a client. But, sometimes, it's absolutely necessary. And we indeed, had to make such a decision today.

Learning from past experiences, we perhaps have a tad more wisdom in how to handle such sticky situations on a factual basis, instead of being carried away by emotions. We know what we know. And ultimately, we are responsible for reporting clearly and accurately on our findings and work done. We prefer not to share the details of conversations with some clients, but let's just say it sometimes leaves one feeling like we are not a good match for one another.

And then, like so very many times in the past, God sends another client to remind us that He sees what we're getting up to - and that it's good. Whether it's a longstanding client or a potentially new one - almost without fail, after a difficult and stressful client encounter, we shortly thereafter have a conversation with someone else, where we're reminded that we ARE true to 808's values and standards, and we just need to remain on track. It's greatly encouraging when someone was second-guessing us just a short while before.

Anyhoo, life's not always peachy. But even whilst we smooth out those speed bumps, there are tiny gifts along the way. Like spotting this healthy praying mantis taking a breather inside, away from the searing heat. What a beaut! Gratitude will always abound that we stick together as a team. And that the team can appreciate little distractions like this.

Team 808 over and out.

(S.D.G.)

04/09/2026

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It's Friday, the 4th of September 2026.

It was a wonderful day to clean out shop. Well, The Clean Machine service was in yesterday. But today's type of cleaning, meant finishing up jobs that have been with us a few days. Either waiting on parts, waiting on go-ahead, or just taking a lot of time to complete the required repairs. It's always a rather accomplished feeling, seeing all the happy clients leave one by one. Receiving positive feedback.

Some emails read:

"Just wanted to say thank you for everything and for all the help with the car. I really appreciate it. Everything feels great..."

"Thanks for the chat – appreciate it also"

"Another round of fantastic service from Mechanics at Garage 808"

"Appreciate everyone at Garage 808"

This is by no means us floating our own boats, being boastful, prideful or showing off. This is evidence in our world, that we're on track with . And it's regarded as huge encouragement to keep on keeping on. It's vrek hard work, and focused efforts. Yet, super rewarding.

It also seemed to be quite a colourful day. The one MINI almost had us feeling like we were staring at that line illusion illustration, asking "do you see a young woman or an old woman?" Is it blue or is it purple? That truly depended on the exact angle of the light hitting that unusual paint job. And then there was all the black smears on Danie 007's hands. Not unusual for a mechanic. Except... he wasn't doing an oil leak repair. That's just how dirty the engine was, when doing a coolant leak repair.

And when Adele Admin needed to stretch her legs a bit, the canary yellow Mr Weaver showed off beautifully against the clear blue skies. He did play hide and seek, though. Thinking "if I can't see her, she can't see me". That visit was very short lived, though...

Breezy much?! Geez Louise! If Capetonians were lulled into Slaapstad mode with the super mild winter this year (bar that 100-year storm in May), then the wind over the past two days certainly had all and sundry arise from their hibernation. Sho! In one foul swoop, it pretty much flattened the parking lot pot plants.

We'll tell you something for nothing. Springboks supporters have some high expectations of seeing some All Blacks flattened tomorrow afternoon. But they've never been push-overs. One suspects that the whole week's flyover stories and memes and "calls to action" will be as much part of the entertainment as the game itself.

Anyhoo. The founders will first be doing a round of business coaching with coach Estelle. And then play catch-up. Before cheering ever so loudly for our boys in green and gold.

Team 808 over and out on this .

(S.D.G.)

03/09/2026

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It's Thursday, the 3rd of September 2026.

So, a few hot topics persist across the interwebs and in South Africa then. The days of owning a diesel for lower fuel expenditure, are loooong gone now, isn't it? Sho, that fuel price is hurting a few transport truck owners.

Amazingly, most people still keep on driving their bakkies, SUV's, sedans, hatchbacks, 4x4's - you name it. And most still have plenty to be grateful for - and even to sing about! Like the local feathered friends. It's mossie time! Yip. It's that time of year when they are building up a storm in pursuit of expanding their family. Up until last year, they would swoop in through our open roller door, swoosh up to the roof, and squeeze through the gap at the highest point of the roof's pitch to nest in the unit next door. In the process, they'd p**p wherever they want to, litter the shop with building material in their haste, and often activate the alarm system after hours. After Mr Landlord sorted out the gaps above the roller door, and Colin-the-Main-Konyn and Danie 007 neatly stuck spongy barriers along the beams, we can still hear the twitterati, but no longer have to deal with the mess. One of these fine days, we'll hear when the babies arrive. Man alive... do THEY kick up a fuss.

Local avian residents are part and parcel of life at 808. And cars messing themselves is certainly not reserved to their owners' garages and driveways. The team had quite a mess to clean up this morning. The one puddle had already seen a tyre tread run through it. Interesting. But the other MINI had a properse go at creating a Jackson Po***ck lookalike. Beautifully done. But what a messy waste of time. All hands on deck meant we made short work of it.

And then? Down came the rain! It feels like such a scarce commodity this year, one almost want to photograph every shower as evidence that it really happened. And, even though it was only light sprinkles, we are cautiously optimistic that the latest roof guy may have finally resolved a 15 year long problem. We'll reserve the right to give our final statement after a true Cape Town storm, though. But it does seem promising.

So, back to those hot social media topics then. With the whole hooha around the how low can you go flyover at the rugby on Saturday, the next one has been cancelled. But not to worry. South Africans have a tremendous sense of humour - if nothing else. That FNB stadium may be humming with vuvuzelas and littered with nearly 80 000 paper planes, if some could have their way. Regardless of all the very many memes flying around, it was noteworthy to see a VW dealership patriotically flying their green and gold flags. Hats off to you guys. It made us smile. Our hearts felt warm and aglow - almost like the Cape Coral trees' flaming flowers in the late afternoon sun.

Plenty to be grateful for. Plenty to look forward to.

Team 808 over and out.

(S.D.G.)

02/09/2026

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It's Wednesday, the 2nd of September 2026.

An extraordinary guest awaited us outside the front door this morning. A weather beaten flutter-by. Amazing creature, clearly having had a bit of a rough time with bits and pieces of the wings... well... gone with the wind. Thankfully, it allowed Adele Admin to become it's safe journey from the ground to the parking lot pot plants. Hopefully, it found some juicy nectar once the flowers reopened.

A very different type of creature watched Danie 007 closely, as he did some service items. A cling on stuffed koala with puppy dog eyes. Sadly, A.A. didn't spot the Batman dangling dangerously from the rear view mirror.

A.A. had to zip off to have that first round with the dentist to create some new toofies after Friday's unfortunate event. And upon returning, it felt like a dam of paperwork around her, as she swam from quotes to phone calls to emails to walk-ins to delayed parts deliveries to incorrect parts and all of it on shuffled repeat. All the while, Colin-the-Main-Konyn kept his side of the team moving along swimmingly.

Perhaps it's reminding ourselves of things like God's Plan (as seen on a VW near you), that keeps us giving our utmost best. Don't get us wrong. By no means are we perfect, and perfectly attuned to the highest level of everything 808 every single second. Our utmost best is doing the best we can with what we have in that moment. Isn't that true of everyone, though? If you are in a chipper frame of mind, well rested and full of energy, your best would look chipper and energetic. But, when you are sleep deprived, depleted and worn out, then the mere fact that you can still choose kindness and a smile over glum bum-ness, is absolutely your utmost best - it just takes more effort.

And therefore, , we might be spread a little thin at times, but as a team, we stand in the gap for one another. That's a symbiosis about as beautiful as that weary flutter-by. So then, at tjaila time, a comfortable conversation confirmed that we are all in agreement of just how very blessed we are at 808.

Things We See in Traffic delivered today on the drive home. But, oh dear... how very difficult it is to do a drive by shooting. After more than one blurred shot, a bit of the front end and then a bit of the back end was caught on film. You must maar flick left and right REALLY fast between the two kiekies. And maybe squint a little. Or stare. Perhaps, eventually, your brain will put two and two together and figure out what kind of tjor that was.

PS. a 1932 Ford Roadster hotrod... mmm... eye candy.

Team 808 over and out.

(S.D.G.)

02/09/2026

808 Did You Know: “TP” on your radio screen is not a reminder to buy toilet paper?

The “*TP” on your older BMW’s radio screen, stands for “Traffic Programme” and the RDS to the left of it stands for “Radio Data System”. This is a feature whereby your radio’s broadcast or other media playback will be interrupted by a local radio station’s traffic report. If the “*TP” is flashing, it means that the car is actively searching for a local radio station which does these traffic broadcasts. Because this function is not active in South Africa, you can disable it by pressing the button underneath the “*TP”, on the older models. On the newer models, using the iDrive system, you can access the radio menu, and clear the check mark next to “Traffic Programme”.

01/09/2026

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It's Tuesday, the 1st of September 2026.

It's now THREE days since that rugby fly-over, and the world and its buddy is STILL abuzz about those two planes playing the Limbo game... how low can you go!? Incredible how it has captivated the imagination of not only the aviation society, but seemingly every other oke, too. Regardless of an apparent independent investigation underway, the airline has said: Check this move! We're doing it again on Saturday! (loosely translated).

Anyhoo, in the world of 808, we focused more on our tasks at hand. Colin-the-Main-Konyn swapped the one BMW M for another BMW M. Adele Admin adminned and Danie 007 tied up some loose ends, provided answers to car problems and ensured that there was some interesting footage to be captured, for a future social media post. It had to do with replacing that MINI's heater radiator inside the dashboard's centre console. Thankfully, not one where the entire dashboard had to come apart, as is the case for an evaporator replacement.

And then, of course, there's the annual "It's Spring!" "NO! It's NOT Spring!" debate. Being the first and all. Back in the Stone Age, when we were at primary school, the curriculum taught that Spring starts with the equinox around the 22nd of September. If memory serves, the agricultural community worked on the same principal, and that was that. Somewhere along the way, someone decided that the 1st of September is Spring's official start, and so there's this tug of war around a silly thing. Best way to settle this? We dug a little deeper to understand what's going on here. Besides, education is the best policy.

Turns out that it all depends on how you approach the changing seasons. What we were taught, is known as the astronomical seasons, which is based on using significant points of earth's orbit around the sun. And using those to define the different seasons. The astronomers use the two equinoxes and the two solstices to determine that in the southern hemisphere, from around the 22nd of September until approximately the 21st of December, it's Spring.

The meteorologists use weather rhythms and the Gregorian calendar. They split the seasons into 4 equal 3-monthly quarters. This system means there's no variations when it comes to leap years and a day this way or that way. It makes it easier for them to collect weather information and sort it into more precise date boxes. They recon today's the beginning of Spring, which will end promptly on the last day of November.

Either or, neither nor. Whether you donned a flower garden outfit today, or if you're still holding on to the last scraggly bits of winter, we thought we'd share what nature's getting up to. The parking lot pot plants are slowly coming into bloom. This large Albuca species start off looking like an onion plant. It has the unfortunate common name of Slime Lily. We've taken pics at random times over the past 2 weeks. And the green and white striped little chandelier is coming into its own.

And on that new beginnings note, it's Team 808 over and out.

(S.D.G.)

01/09/2026

Clients’ Questions:

Ring-ring… ring-ring…

Garage 808… Hello!

New client: Hello… What if I can’t drop my car off on the morning of the booking?

808: Well, that’s no problem. You are welcome to arrange with us ahead of time, if drop-off shortly after 8am is problematic. Some clients drop their cars off the afternoon before the day of the booking. Some drop it off late morning, to be collected the following afternoon.

We are flexible regarding drop-off times, as to accommodate you as best we can.

New client: Ah, splendidly marvelous! Thank you for that.

808: You're welcome. 🙂