Introducing: Ufixit Auto

An innovative self-service automotive workshop that opened recently in Silverdale brings together Kiwis’ love of two things – DIY and cars.

Ufixit Auto provides a hoist, workshop and tools that can be hired for an hourly rate so that you can do your own car repairs or modifications.

Not only does it provide a safe working environment but there is also an experienced mechanic on hand for advice and assistance if needed.

Ufixit Auto is a family business, owned by Beth Kelly and her partner Hans Roukema. Hans has more than 20 years experience in the automotive industry, while Beth’s expertise is in hospitality.

Hans offers all the usual mechanical repair services, on all makes and models, as well as being available for DIY customers, while Beth, a trained barista, serves great coffees as well as taking care of marketing and accounts.

The coffee bar is family friendly with blackboard paint on the walls and Wifi. A fenced section enables the young ones to safely watch the goings on in the workshop.

Hans says although there are some self-service workshops in the United States, the addition of the coffee bar makes Ufixit unique.

He says the idea came from the number of times people ask him if they can “borrow a hoist for the weekend” – and also to make car repairs more affordable.

There are three hoists in the Ufixit workshop, catering for vehicles up to light commercials (4 tons in weight). Customers can bring their own tools, or hire them from Ufixit.

“There are a lot of things people can do for themselves, from changing brake pads and servicing the oil to replacing shock absorbers,” he says. “Being able to fix those things yourself, prior to going for a WOF could save a lot of money.”

Hans supplies Castrol engine oil and can also source parts. He does all the cleaning up and disposes of engine oil safely.

There has been a lot of interest in Ufixit, particularly from car clubs, since it opened lat month.

Beth and Hans live in Snells Beach with their four children, however the daily commute to the Silverdale Business Park is a breeze compared with the 200km that Hans used to travel daily to and from his job in Botany.

“We wanted to bring this service to the Hibiscus Coast because it’s growing so rapidly and there is a great sense of community here,” Beth says.