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 VehiclesUltimate Volkswagen ID.4 Care Guide
Maintaining your Volkswagen ID.4 involves routine service checks which are scheduled at every 10,000 miles. This consistent interval helps in ensuring that the vehicle operates smoothly and efficiently.
Read article
Car MaintenanceDiagnosing and Fixing Common Volkswagen Electrical Problems
Volkswagen has been facing a surge in electrical system failures across several models. The automotive giant is not new to technology challenges, but the current wave of electrical issues has been notably disruptive.
Read article
Car MaintenanceSummer vs Winter Car Maintenance: Critical Service Tasks You Can't Ignore
Weather conditions can significantly influence a vehicle's performance and the integrity of its components. Each season brings its unique challenges, requiring vehicle owners to be proactive in maintenance to ensure reliable and safe operation.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionEngine Health 101: How Timely Oil Changes Save Your Car and Your Wallet
Regular oil changes are essential to maintaining your vehicle's engine health. Clean oil plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your engine runs smoothly, reducing wear and tear, and ultimately, extending its lifespan.
Read article
MOT InspectionWhat Is an MOT Test and Why Is It Important?
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual safety, roadworthiness and emissions check required by UK law on most vehicles over three years old.
Read article
DiagnosticsFirst-Time Car Diagnostic Test: Duration, Cost, and What Mechanics Actually Check
A car diagnostic test uses specialised software and OBD (on-board diagnostics) scanners to analyse a vehicle's computer systems. This sophisticated technology enables the identification of issues in various car systems before they escalate into major problems.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionEssential Year-Round Engine Maintenance: 10 Pro Tips to Maximise Your Car's Performance
Regular engine maintenance is vital for maximising the lifespan and performance of your vehicle's engine. Routine tasks such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections are essential.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionWhy Timing Chains Matter: A Complete Guide to This Crucial Engine Component
A timing chain is an essential internal component of an internal combustion engine. It is composed of metal links that resemble a bicycle chain, but it is far more durable and designed to withstand the rigours of engine operation.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionHow to Spot Transmission Failure: Your Complete Troubleshooting Guide
A vehicle's transmission is an integral part of the drivetrain, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. This component allows a vehicle to operate at different speeds while controlling the torque. Two main types of transmissions exist: manual and automatic.
Read article
Brakes & SteeringIs Your Car Making Brake Noise? A Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Your car's braking system, while fundamental to its safety, can occasionally produce noises that signify various underlying issues. Understanding these noises, described below, is crucial for diagnosing and addressing potential problems promptly.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionDon't Ignore These Early Warning Signs of Transmission Problems
Your vehicle's transmission system plays a vital role in transferring engine power to the wheels, thus allowing the vehicle to move at various speeds. Given its importance, identifying early warning signs of transmission trouble is crucial.
Read article
Car MaintenanceUltimate Audi Maintenance Guide: Essential Service Intervals from Oil Changes to Timing Belts
Audi is equipped with a 'Service Due' indicator, making it easier for owners to remember scheduled maintenance. This system evaluates various factors such as driving habits, engine usage, and mileage to predict when the next service is needed.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionDSG Maintenance: How to Look After a Volkswagen DSG Gearbox
Looking after a Volkswagen DSG comes down to five things: change the gearbox oil and filter on schedule, use the correct oil, drive it smoothly, keep it cool and keep the software current. What a DSG service involves and what you can check yourself.
Read article
Useful Info10 Essential Tips for Maintaining Peak Performance in Your Cupra Vehicle
Cupra has established itself as a distinctive brand within the automotive industry, renowned for marrying cutting-edge design with robust performance. Originating as the performance division of the Spanish manufacturer SEAT, Cupra combines the legacy of motorsport with a commitment to innovation.
Read article
Car MaintenanceThe Complete Land Rover Owner's Guide to Transmission and Drivetrain Maintenance
Land Rovers come equipped with various types of transmissions designed to meet different driving needs. The most common transmission in modern Land Rovers is the automatic. This type adapts engine power and vehicle speed to provide smooth gear shifts without driver intervention.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionAudi DSG Transmission Maintenance: 5 Essential Tips for Peak Performance
Let's dive into the world of Audi DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, a marvel of modern automotive engineering. A DSG transmission is essentially two separate gearboxes housed within a single unit.
Read article
Electric VehiclesMaximise Your EV's Lifespan: The Ultimate Guide to Battery Maintenance
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the cornerstone of modern electric vehicles (EVs). They function by moving lithium ions from the anode to the cathode during discharge and vice versa during charging. This movement of ions creates an electric current which powers the vehicle.
Read article
Car Maintenance10 Things You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Hybrid or Electric Car
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) represent two modern approaches to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hybrids combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric motors. This dual system allows hybrids to optimise fuel efficiency by using electricity to complement petrol power.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionThe Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Audi DSG Transmission Expert
DSG, or Direct-Shift Gearbox, is a cutting-edge transmission system that blends the features of automatic and manual gearboxes. It was designed by BorgWarner and licensed to the Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi.
Read article
Car MaintenanceMastering VW Golf Maintenance: Common Issues Explained and Solved
The Volkswagen Golf has long been regarded as a reliable vehicle, earning a dependable reputation among compact cars. The average repair age of a Golf is about seven years, indicating its durability. Many owners report engines lasting between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometres with regular maintenance.
Read article
Electric VehiclesBMW i Series Service 101: Understanding Your Electric Vehicle's Unique Needs
The BMW i Series represents a groundbreaking step in the evolution of electric vehicles, offering a diverse range tailored for different needs and preferences. From compact urban vehicles to luxurious saloons, the lineup includes models such as the BMW i4, i5, i7, iX, and the iconic i3 and i8 BMW.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionBMW Timing Systems: Timing Chains vs. Belts
BMW vehicles primarily use timing chains though in some older models, timing belts. Timing chains, made of metal, are more prevalent in modern BMW models due to their durability. In comparison, timing belts, typically crafted from rubber composites, are found in older models like the M40.
Read article
Engine & TransmissionThe Ultimate Guide to Volkswagen Engine Care: Extend Your VW's Lifespan
Proper maintenance of Volkswagen (VW) engines is vital to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Regular servicing not only guards against potential mechanical failures but also enhances fuel efficiency.
Read article
Car ServicingMOT vs. Service: 5 Key Differences Every Car Owner Must Know
The MOT test, governed by the Ministry of Transport, is an annual requirement for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Its primary objective is to ensure the roadworthiness and environmental standards compliance of cars, motorcycles, and other light vehicles.
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.