Meet AutoBuddy – Your Road Safety Buddy.

You’ll soon be seeing him at store openings, community events, exhibitions, schools and family days across South Africa. Whether he’s handing out high fives, posing for selfies or showing off his dance moves, AutoBuddy is there for one reason – to make road safety fun for the whole family.

Because while he loves to make people smile, he also has an important job to do.

AutoBuddy helps children learn simple road safety habits through games, interactive activities, and plenty of laughter. At the same time, he reminds parents that keeping a vehicle properly maintained is one of the simplest ways to help protect the people who matter the most.

“AutoBuddy is all about making road safety approachable,” says Krystle Stewien, Marketing Manager at AutoZone. “Children learn best when they’re having fun, and AutoBuddy gives us a wonderful way to share important safety messages while creating memorable experiences for families. We hope he’ll become a familiar face in communities across South Africa.”

Every time AutoBuddy makes an appearance, he’ll be helping spread a simple message – safer roads start with all of us. Whether that’s buckling up, crossing the road safely, or making sure your vehicle is in good condition, every small action makes a difference.

So, if you see a new friendly buddy at your next AutoZone event, be sure to stop by, say hello, snap a selfie and join the fun. AutoBuddy can’t wait to meet you!

The revitalised store features improved product displays, refreshed branding, enhanced layouts and increased stock availability across key automotive categories, making it easier for customers to find the parts and products they need.

The relaunch forms part of AutoZone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its offering and deliver greater value to customers following the company’s acquisition by Metair Investments in December 2024.

Customers visiting the Boksburg branch can expect a much wider range of products, improved availability of parts and a renewed focus on customer service.

“At the heart of this relaunch is our commitment to our customers,” says Gerhard Braun, Chief Operating Officer of Metair.

“We know that when customers walk into an AutoZone store, they want to find the right part quickly, receive knowledgeable advice and get back on the road as soon as possible. The improvements we’ve made at Boksburg are focused on delivering exactly that.”

The team has also worked to ensure that product ranges better reflect the needs of customers in the surrounding area, while ongoing improvements to stock availability will help reduce the frustration often associated with sourcing parts.

Braun says that the Boksburg relaunch represents the type of customer-focused improvements AutoZone is committed to delivering across the business.

“AutoZone has been serving South African motorists for more than 30 years. Our focus is on building on that legacy by making sure every customer receives great service, quality products and value they can trust.”

The Boksburg store is now open and welcoming customers.  

That misconception is costing drivers money.

Modern coolant does far more than stop water from freezing, as tap water alone can be detrimental to radiators and other cooling system components. It raises the boiling point of the coolant, protects against corrosion, lubricates components like the water pump, thermostat, pressure caps, and helps prevent overheating in harsh operating conditions. In a country known more for heat than cold, that protection matters year-round.

One of the biggest mistakes motorists make is topping up with plain tap water. Water alone offers no corrosion protection and the minerals and chemicals found in tap water can cause scale build-up inside radiators and engine passages. Over time, this reduces cooling efficiency and increases the risk of overheating and costly engine damage.

Another common myth is that all coolants are the same. They are not. Different antifreeze manufacturers use different coolant technologies and mixing incompatible products can create sludge, corrosion or reduced protection. Motorists should always follow manufacturer recommendations and compatibility guidelines.

Drivers will also notice different mix ratios such as 50/50 or premix. These refer to the balance between antifreeze and water. A 50/50 premix is the most common recommendation for daily driving, providing effective temperature control and corrosion protection with no additional water required. Concentrated coolant should always be mixed with distilled or demineralised water before use, unless otherwise specified.

South African driving conditions place enormous strain on cooling systems. Long-distance travel, heavy traffic, high temperatures, towing, and stop-start taxi operations all increase the importance of using quality coolant.

Cheap, low-quality coolant may save money initially, but poor formulations can lead to expensive repairs later. Replacing a radiator, water pump, head gasket or cylinder head costs far more than maintaining the cooling system properly from the start.

Antifreeze is not just a winter product. It is an essential year-round engine protection fluid and one of the simplest ways motorists can extend the life and reliability of their vehicles.

The donation comes at a critical time, as the SPCA’s vehicles had become badly worn due to the demanding nature of the work, and these vehicles are used every day to respond to cases involving injured, abused and neglected animals across the Tshwane area.  

Tshwane SPCA General Manager Tebogo Maswanganye said, “We would like to sincerely express our gratitude to AutoZone for their generous donation. These tyres will certainly go the extra mile in assisting us with our daily operations. This kindness and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.”  

AutoZone Marketing Manager Krystle Stewien said the company was honoured to support organisations making a real difference in their communities.  

“It is a privilege for AutoZone to be in a position to assist the heroes in our communities. The Tshwane SPCA does incredibly important work, often under difficult circumstances. If this donation helps their teams continue reaching animals in need safely and reliably, then we are proud to play a small part in that mission,” Stewien said.  

The donation forms part of AutoZone’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities and organisations that make a real difference across South Africa.