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.
Car Servicing SussexInterim, Full, or Major: Which Car Service Package Is Right for You?
When it comes to car servicing, you will encounter three main types of packages: interim, full, and major. Each of these packages is designed to cater to different needs based on the vehicle's usage, age, and mileage.
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Winter ChecksThe Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather
Preparing your vehicle for cold weather is crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining performance. As temperatures plummet, various aspects of your car can be adversely affected, from tires and fluids to battery life and engine efficiency.
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Common FaultsDashboard Warnings 101: What Your Car Is Trying to Tell You
Your vehicle's dashboard is more than just a display of speed and fuel levels; it is a vital communication tool that conveys critical information about the health and functionality of your car. Dashboard warning lights alert drivers to both minor and significant issues within the vehicle.
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Diagnostics5 Warning Signs Your Vehicle Needs Professional Diagnostics
Vehicle diagnostics is a crucial process that assists in assessing the health of your vehicle. Using advanced technology, a diagnostic test scans a car’s components and systems to identify any potential issues.
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Car ServicingDealership vs Independent Garage: How to Choose the Best Car Service Option
Choosing between a dealership or an independent garage for car servicing is a significant dilemma for many car owners. Each option has distinct advantages and challenges, which can make the decision-making process challenging.
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Electric VehiclesUnderstanding EV Battery Regular Checks Basics
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are central to the performance and functionality of electric vehicles (EVs). They provide high energy capacity, ensuring that EVs have sufficient driving range and rapid acceleration.
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Car MaintenanceWhy Regular Timing Chain Inspections Are Crucial for Your Cupra's Performance
Timing chains play a pivotal role in an engine's function by synchronising the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts.
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Car ServicingWhy you're probably not getting your car serviced often enough
Regular car servicing has a significant impact on the longevity and performance of your vehicle. By adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule, you can ensure that all components of your car are functioning optimally.
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Engine & TransmissionTiming Belt Replacement Signs: How to Tell When Your Cambelt Is Due
How to tell when a timing belt needs replacing: the warning signs to look and listen for, how to find when your cambelt is due by mileage or age, belt versus chain, and what decides the cost of a replacement.
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Electric VehiclesThe Real Cost of EVs: Understanding and Mitigating Common Electric Car Issues
Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a significant advancement in automotive technology, driven by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, EVs rely on electricity stored in batteries to power the vehicle.
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Useful InfoHow to Extend the Life of Your Cupra's Timing Belt: Expert Tips
The timing belt in your Cupra is essential for the smooth operation of the engine. Its primary role is to link the crankshaft to the camshaft, synchronising their movements to open and close the engine's valves at the correct times during the pistons' cycles.
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Engine & TransmissionCommon Volkswagen Timing Chain Issues and How to Solve Them
The most common Volkswagen timing chain problem is chain stretch caused by a worn or failing tensioner, most often on the 1.4 TSI and on earlier 1.8 and 2.0 TSI petrol engines. The classic warning sign is a rattle from the front of the engine for a second or two on a cold start. Left
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Engine & TransmissionMastering Car Care: How to Check Transmission Fluid and Avoid Costly Repairs
Transmission fluid is indispensable for the smooth operation of a vehicle. It serves several critical functions that ensure the transmission system works efficiently and reliably.
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Engine & Transmission10 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Cupra DSG Gearbox
The Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) utilised in Cupra vehicles, such as the Cupra Formentor and Cupra Leon, is an advanced dual-clutch system that offers a seamless driving experience.
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RepairsVolkswagen Diagnostics and Repairs: What to Expect
Volkswagen (VW) is known for producing reliable, sturdy, and well-engineered vehicles. However, like all cars, your Volkswagen will inevitably require diagnostics and repairs at some point in its lifespan.
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DiagnosticsHow to Check Engine Fault Codes
Engine fault codes, officially known as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), are a series of five-digit codes that vehicles generate when experiencing a malfunction. Typically, these codes consist of one letter followed by four numbers, such as P1234, and indicate specific car issues.
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Electric VehiclesThe Benefits of Regular EV Servicing in Worthing
Electric vehicles (EVs) represent the future of motoring, offering a cleaner, more sustainable way to get around. However, just like traditional vehicles, EVs require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
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Repairs7 Secrets for Flawless Land Rover Repairs and Maintenance
Land Rovers are iconic vehicles renowned for their rugged durability, off-road prowess, and luxurious features. However, maintaining and repairing a Land Rover is no small task.
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Electric VehiclesHow to Diagnose Common Electric Vehicle Issues
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. However, like any other vehicle, they can encounter issues that require diagnosis and maintenance.
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Electric VehiclesElectric Vehicle Diagnostics with Stedmans Garage
Electric vehicle diagnostics involves more than just checking the basics like tyres and brakes. Given the complexity of EVs, including sophisticated battery systems, electric motors, and advanced computer systems, diagnosing issues requires specialised knowledge and equipment.
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Electric VehiclesTop Tips for Maintaining Your Electric Vehicle in Worthing
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, and Worthing is no exception. As more drivers in the area make the transition to electric, the importance of proper EV maintenance cannot be overstated.
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Car ServicingComprehensive Guide to Audi Car Servicing in Worthing
Owning an Audi is a mark of prestige, luxury, and performance. These German-engineered vehicles are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, refined aesthetics, and robust driving experience. However, to maintain the performance and safety of your Audi, regular servicing is essential.
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DiagnosticsWhat Is The Most Common Check Engine Code?
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) check engine codes are alphanumeric codes used to identify issues within a vehicle. Introduced for all vehicles sold from 1996 onwards, these codes standardise the process of vehicle diagnostics.
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Useful InfoJaguar Care 101: Top Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Luxury Ride
Jaguars are revered for their opulence and performance. However, they come with mixed reliability ratings, reflecting varied experiences among owners.
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