Car care tips, advice & news.
Practical guides on servicing, MOTs, common faults and looking after your car, from the Stedmans Garage team in Worthing, trusted by local drivers since 1923.
Common FaultsCommon Audi Q5 & Q7 Problems: What Owners Should Watch For
The Q5 and Q7 are the Audis we see most on the school run and the A27, and they are genuinely well built. They are also complex, heavy and often diesel, which means they wear in fairly predictable ways. Knowing the handful of faults each model is known for helps you catch one early.
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Engine & TransmissionCommon BMW DPF Problems: Warning Signs, Causes and Fixes
If you drive a diesel BMW, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is one of the most common reasons the car ends up booked in for diagnostics.
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Engine & TransmissionAudi DPF & AdBlue Problems: Warning Lights, Causes and Fixes
Two systems cause more diesel Audi owners to book a garage visit than almost anything else: the DPF (diesel particulate filter) and the AdBlue system.
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Useful InfoBMW Warning Lights: What Each One Means and What to Do
If you've owned a BMW for any length of time, you'll know it tells you things other cars don't.
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Electric VehiclesEV Battery Health Concerns: An Honest Guide for UK Owners
Almost every EV owner - and almost every prospective EV buyer - has the same nagging worry: will the battery die early, and will it cost a fortune to fix? It's a fair question. The high-voltage battery is the single most expensive component in an electric vehicle.
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Brakes & SteeringJaguar Brake Wear and Driving Conditions in West Sussex
Jaguar brake pads wear at different rates depending on your driving style, the model you drive and the roads you use most.
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Car ServicingHow Servicing Improves Reliability
Most drivers know they should service their car regularly. Fewer understand exactly how servicing makes a vehicle more reliable. It's not just about ticking a box or keeping the warranty valid - each part of a routine service directly prevents specific types of failure.
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Car MaintenanceSpark Plug Replacement in Worthing: Signs, Costs and Why It Matters
Spark plugs are one of the most overlooked components in your engine, yet they play a critical role every time you turn the key.
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Starter & BatteryCar Battery and Charging System Diagnostics in Worthing
A flat battery on a cold morning is one of the most common reasons drivers in Worthing call for roadside assistance. But a dead battery is usually a symptom, not the root cause.
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Brakes & SteeringAudi Brake Wear and Driving Conditions in West Sussex
Audi brake pads wear differently depending on where and how you drive. West Sussex puts particular demands on braking systems, from salt-laden coastal air around Worthing and Shoreham to steep descents off the South Downs and stop-start queues on the A27.
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Useful InfoCauses of Foggy Car Windows: Understanding the Mystery Behind Visibility Issues
Foggy car windows are a common and frustrating problem that can significantly impact your driving safety. This phenomenon occurs when moisture in the air condenses on the glass, creating an obscured view and drastically increasing the risk of accidents.
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DiagnosticsEmissions Fault Diagnosis: A Complete Guide for Vehicle Owners
As environmental consciousness grows and UK MOT standards become increasingly strict, understanding emissions fault diagnosis has never been more important for vehicle owners.
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Useful InfoCar Exhaust Repairs in Worthing: How to Spot a Failing Exhaust
Understanding exhaust repairs is essential for every vehicle owner. Your car's exhaust system plays a crucial role in its overall performance, heavily impacting fuel efficiency, engine noise, and emissions control.
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Common FaultsUnderstanding Wheel Bearing Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Wheel bearings are vital components for your vehicle's operation and safety. They support the weight of the car, enable smooth wheel rotation, and ensure effective handling and control on the road.
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Brakes & SteeringCar Brake Problems: Warning Signs and How They Are Repaired
When it comes to vehicle safety and performance, few components are as critical as your braking system. Car brake repair goes beyond simply fixing problems; it's about ensuring your car operates safely and effectively every time you get behind the wheel.
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SuspensionCommon Car Suspension Problems & How They Affect Your MOT
Car suspension issues pose significant risks for both drivers and vehicles, greatly affecting your safety, handling, and comfort on the road.
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Car ServicingThe Complete Guide to Brake Fluid Changes in Sussex
Whether you are navigating the winding country lanes of the South Downs or commuting along the A27, your vehicle's braking system is your most critical safety feature. Yet, while most drivers in Sussex know to check their brake pads, brake fluid changes are frequently overlooked.
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Electric VehiclesCharging Habits and EV Battery Wear: A Guide for West Sussex Drivers
As electric vehicles (EVs) become an increasingly common sight on the roads of West Sussex, understanding how to properly maintain them is essential.
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DiagnosticsCommon EcoBoost Engine Fault Codes
If you drive a Ford, there is a good chance you have an EcoBoost engine under the bonnet. Known for their impressive blend of turbocharging and direct fuel injection, these engines offer fantastic fuel efficiency and performance.
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Air Conditioning & HeatingCar Air Conditioning Regas: The Complete Guide for UK Drivers
We all know the feeling. The British summer finally arrives, the temperature soars, and you reach for the A/C button, only to be met with a blast of lukewarm air. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and often completely avoidable.
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DiagnosticsCar Fault Diagnosis: A Guide to Effective Vehicle Troubleshooting
In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive technology, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable and safe is paramount.
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RepairsCommon Engine Repair Issues: A Driver’s Guide to Diagnosis and Fixes
If your car has developed a worrying noise, a warning light or a sudden loss of power, knowing roughly what you're dealing with makes the trip to the garage far less stressful.
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MOT InspectionThe Ultimate MOT Pre-Test Checklist: How to Pass First Time
For UK drivers, the annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test can be a source of dread. It is more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a vital check to ensure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
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Engine & TransmissionCommon Audi Engine Problems: 5 Warning Signs Every Owner Should Know
Audi is synonymous with German engineering excellence. From the punchy TFSI petrol engines to the torque-heavy TDI diesels, these vehicles are built for the Autobahn. However, like any high-performance machine, they have their Achilles' heels.
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