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.
DiagnosticsOBD2 Scanner Guide: Matching the Right Tool to Your Vehicle
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2 Scanner) is a standardised system implemented in vehicles for self-diagnostics and reporting. This system allows the vehicle to gather data from various sensors and control modules.
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Useful InfoUltimate Guide: 10 Expert Tips to Keep Your BMW Running Like New
Adhering to BMW's factory-recommended service intervals is crucial for preserving the sophisticated performance and engineering integrity of your vehicle. These intervals are meticulously designed based on extensive testing and data analysis to ensure your BMW continues to operate at its peak.
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Engine & TransmissionCupra Timing Chain Maintenance: A How-To Guide
Regular maintenance of the timing chain is crucial to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your Cupra engine. The timing chain links the camshaft and crankshaft, synchronising their rotations to ensure that engine valves open and close at the right intervals.
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DiagnosticsVolkswagen and Audi Error Codes: Ultimate Resource for DTCs and P-Codes
Diagnostic Trouble Codes and P-codes are how a VW, Audi, SEAT or Skoda tells you what it has detected. This resource covers over 750 VAG codes by system: what each one means, the common causes, and when it needs a diagnostic scan rather than a wait-and-see.
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Air Conditioning & HeatingIs Your Car's Air Conditioning Failing? 5 Red Flags to Watch For
To understand how car air conditioning (AC) systems work, it's crucial to grasp the mechanics involved. A car's AC system functions by converting refrigerant between liquid and gaseous states, a process that absorbs and releases heat.
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Engine & TransmissionBMW Timing Belt Replacement: Belt or Chain, and the Warning Signs
Most BMWs have a timing chain, not a belt. Which BMW engines used a timing belt, the warning signs that a belt or chain needs attention, the auxiliary belt every BMW has, and what a replacement involves.
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Electric VehiclesEssential Maintenance: Your Complete Guide to Electric Vehicle Servicing
Electric vehicles (EVs) are distinctly different from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles primarily due to their key components: the battery, motor, and electronics. At the heart of any EV is the battery pack, which stores the electrical energy used to power the motor.
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Engine & TransmissionAudi Timing Chain Care: Maintaining Peak Performance
Timing chains play a pivotal role in Audi engines by ensuring the synchronised operation of the crankshaft and camshafts.
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DiagnosticsUnderstanding Car Fault Codes: A Complete Guide for UK Drivers
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are standardised codes used to identify various issues within a vehicle's systems.
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Engine & TransmissionAudi DSG Overheating: Symptoms and Prevention Strategies
The Audi Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) offers a unique driving experience by combining the benefits of both manual and automatic transmissions. However, like any sophisticated piece of technology, it requires proper maintenance to function optimally.
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Engine & TransmissionThe Ultimate Guide to Jaguar F-Type Transmission Care
The Jaguar F-Type boasts a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission that significantly improves the driving experience. Known for its quick and seamless gear changes, this transmission is a highlight of the F-Type's engineering.
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Electric VehiclesMaximising Electric Car Battery Life: Key Factors and Maintenance Tips
Battery health is crucial for the performance, longevity, and overall efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). It impacts everything from driving range to energy costs and even the vehicle's resale value.
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Engine & TransmissionDiagnosing Jaguar Transmission Failures: Symptoms and Repairs
Jaguar cars are renowned for their luxurious performance and engineering. Central to their operation is the sophisticated transmission system, which is responsible for translating engine power into motion.
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Engine & TransmissionAudi DSG Gearbox Troubles: 10 Warning Signs You Can't Ignore
Audi DSG gearboxes rarely fail without warning. Jerky shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, unusual noises and dashboard messages each point at something specific, and catching one early is usually the difference between a service and a rebuild.
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Engine & TransmissionLand Rover Transmission Troubles and Solutions
Land Rovers, while known for their robust endurance and exceptional off-road prowess, can still experience transmission issues. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of Land Rover transmission trouble can help prevent more serious problems.
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Engine & Transmission5 Key Signs of Cupra DSG Gearbox Issues
The Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), also known as a dual-clutch gearbox, represents a significant technological advancement in automotive transmissions. Cupra vehicles benefit immensely from DSG technology, with several significant advantages over conventional automatic transmissions.
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Electric VehiclesJaguar I-PACE: A Comprehensive Guide to EV Care
The Jaguar I-PACE stands out as a premier electric vehicle (EV). Designed with advanced aerodynamics and a robust battery system, it offers an exceptional blend of performance, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
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Engine & TransmissionDiagnosing and Fixing Audi Timing Chain Issues
Timing chain issues are prevalent in certain Audi models, particularly those using 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TSI, 3.2, and 3.6 engines. These issues often manifest after the vehicle has surpassed the 60,000-mile mark, with models from 2008 to 2015 being notably susceptible.
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Electric VehiclesMaintaining and Charging Your Land Rover Electric Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide
Electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionised the automotive industry, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars. Land Rover, renowned for its luxury and off-road capabilities, has joined this green revolution with its line of electric vehicles.
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Electric VehiclesJaguar I-PACE: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Electric SUVs
The Jaguar I-PACE, launched in 2018, stands as Jaguar's inaugural foray into the all-electric vehicle (EV) market. Designed as a battery-electric crossover SUV, the I-PACE features dual permanent magnet synchronous motors, providing a combined power output of 400 PS (290 kW) and 696 Nm of torque.
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Electric VehiclesVolkswagen ID.4 Maintenance and Charging
Maintaining your Volkswagen ID.4 is crucial to ensure its performance and longevity. Unlike traditional vehicles, electric vehicles like the ID.4 have specific maintenance needs.
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Engine & TransmissionWhy Regular Fluid Changes Are Crucial for Your Audi's DSG Transmission Performance
The Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) is an advanced transmission technology that combines the benefits of a manual and an automatic gearbox. Initially developed by Volkswagen Group, it has been extensively used in Audi vehicles.
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Electric VehiclesVolkswagen ID.4: A Guide to VW's Electric SUV
The Volkswagen ID.4 represents a significant leap in Volkswagen's journey towards a future dominated by electric mobility. As an all-electric SUV, the ID.4 combines Volkswagen’s rich heritage of automotive engineering with the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.
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Electric VehiclesThe BMW i7: Blending Luxury, Performance, and Cutting-Edge EV Innovation
The BMW i7 stands as an emblem of the brand's foray into the luxury electric sedan segment. Its design encapsulates BMW's signature elegance while integrating advanced electric vehicle (EV) technology.
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