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.
Electric VehiclesComplete Guide to EV Charging Connectors: Understanding Type 2, CCS, and CHAdeMO Standards in the UK
Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has various connector types, each with unique specifications and compatibility standards. The most prevalent connectors in the UK are Type 2 (Mennekes), CCS (Combined Charging System), and CHAdeMO.
Read article
RepairsVolkswagen Airbag Fault Repair | Stedmans Garage Expert Diagnostics
This case study outlines the successful resolution of an airbag fault in a Volkswagen Caddy at Stedmans Garage. The customer reported an airbag fault code displayed on the dashboard, prompting a thorough diagnostic approach to identify and rectify the issue.
Read article
Electric VehiclesUnderstanding BMS: How Battery Management Systems Protect and Optimise Your Power
Battery Management Systems (BMS) play a crucial role in modern battery technology. As an embedded system, a BMS protects and manages the performance of battery packs. This system is not only vital for ensuring the efficient operation of batteries but also for enhancing their safety and longevity.
Read article
Electric VehiclesHow Thermal Management Systems Are Revolutionising Electric Vehicle Battery Performance
Thermal management systems (TMS) in electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to control the temperature of critical components, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and safety.
Read article
Electric VehiclesDC Fast Charging vs AC Charging: What British EV Owners Need to Know
Electricity in the context of electric vehicle (EV) charging comes in two forms: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The key difference lies in the direction of electron flow.
Read article
Electric VehiclesPower Electronics in EVs: A Complete Guide to the Brain Behind Electric Cars
Power electronics is a branch of electrical engineering focused on processing and controlling high voltages and currents to deliver usable power for various needs. In electric vehicles (EVs), power electronics are crucial for managing the flow of electrical energy within the vehicle.
Read article
Electric VehiclesEV Inverter Technology Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Mechanics
An inverter in the context of electric vehicles (EVs) is a power electronic device that plays a crucial role in the vehicle's operation.
Read article
Brakes & SteeringHow Regenerative Braking Works: A Complete Guide to EV Energy Recovery
Regenerative braking is an innovative feature predominantly used in electric vehicles (EVs). This technology allows the vehicle to reclaim energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.
Read article
Starter & BatteryBattery Life Management: Expert Tips to Minimise Degradation and Boost Performance
Battery degradation refers to the gradual decline in a battery's ability to store and deliver energy effectively over time.
Read article
Electric VehiclesElectric Vehicle Care: 10 Proven Tips for Maintaining Your EV in British Weather
Maintaining your electric vehicle (EV) battery within the 20-80% charge range is crucial for its longevity.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionBMW VANOS Problems: Symptoms, Causes and How to Fix Them
BMW VANOS problems commonly cause a rough idle, hesitation, reduced low-speed power, poor fuel economy or an engine warning light. Several different faults produce those same symptoms, so diagnostic testing should always come before parts are replaced.
Read article
MOT InspectionSpring MOT Testing & Seasonal Car Care in England
As a car owner in England, knowing the best time to schedule your MOT test can save you time, money and a lot of stress. Here is why spring suits MOT testing, how weather conditions affect your car's performance on test, and how to plan ahead.
Read article
Air Conditioning & HeatingAir Conditioning System: The Ultimate Car Maintenance Guide
Staying on top of your car's air conditioning system (AC) maintenance isn't just about keeping you cool during the sweltering summer months; it's essential for the overall health of your vehicle.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionLand Rover Ingenium Engine Tuning: What a Remap Involves and the Rules You Must Know
Tuning a Land Rover Ingenium engine almost always means remapping its engine control unit, and it stays legal only if every emissions system remains fitted and working. A remap must be declared to your insurer, and Land Rover can decline warranty claims linked to non-approved tuning.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionWhich Land Rover Models Have the 2.0 Ingenium Engine?
Three Land Rover model lines have used the 2.0 Ingenium engine: the Discovery Sport, the fifth-generation Discovery from 2017 and the Defender from 2020. In Land Rover models it has run from 150PS in the entry diesels to 300PS in the most powerful petrol.
Read article
RepairsJaguar I-PACE Heating Problems and Solutions
At Stedmans Garage, we pride ourselves on our expertise in electric vehicles, particularly in servicing and repairing Jaguar models. Recently, we had the opportunity to assist a customer with a heating issue in their Jaguar I-PACE.
Read article
Car MaintenanceFord Maintenance: The Ultimate Handbook
Maintaining your Ford vehicle is essential to keeping it reliable, safe, and efficient for years to come. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to understanding and performing essential maintenance tasks, from oil changes to brake inspections.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionRange Rover Ingenium Engine Problems: 5 Common Faults and the Recall Question
The five faults that matter most on Range Rover Ingenium engines are timing chain stretch, oil dilution, DPF problems on short trips, turbocharger failures and crankshaft bearing failure. There has been no UK recall for the Ingenium timing chain.
Read article
Winter ChecksPost-Winter Car Service Guide: Essential Maintenance Tips for UK Drivers
Winter in Britain can be tough on vehicles, with cold temperatures, icy roads and road salt combining to create conditions that challenge both performance and durability. As winter ends, it is worth giving your car the care it needs to recover from those conditions.
Read article
Engine & Transmission7 Warning Signs of Engine Trouble: A Complete Diagnostic Guide for UK Drivers
The Check Engine Light (CEL) on your dashboard is one of the most important indicators of your vehicle's health. When this light illuminates, it signals that the onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected an issue within the engine or related systems.
Read article
RepairsComplete Guide to Audi Diagnostics and 8 Common Repairs
Owning an Audi comes with the promise of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. However, like any other vehicle, it's essential to understand its diagnostics and common issues to ensure it stays in optimal condition.
Read article
Car Servicing SussexMINI Service Guide: Costs, Schedules, and What to Expect in the UK
Maintaining a MINI vehicle in the UK requires adherence to specific service schedules and protocols. Regular servicing not only ensures optimal performance but also helps prevent expensive, unexpected repairs.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionRange Rover Ingenium Engine Care: Evoque, Velar and Range Rover Sport
Caring for a Range Rover 2.0 Ingenium means following the service indicator, using oil to the correct JLR specification and, on diesels, giving the particulate filter longer runs to clean itself. That matters most on the Evoque, whose filter sits under the floor.
Read article
Useful InfoWhy Genuine VW OEM Parts Are Essential for Your Volkswagen's Long-Term Performance
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are components that are produced by the same company that manufactured the initial parts in a vehicle.
Read articleNeed a hand with your car?
MOTs, servicing, diagnostics and repairs for all makes in Worthing. Call the garage or book online in under a minute.