Diagnostic testing; Why we do need to carry them out? A question we get asked often! A large amount of customers book their vehicle into the garage having already carried out their own ‘Diagnostics test’. They then request repairs based upon their findings. For example, their code reader has shown up a glow plug fault, therefore they book in for a replacement glow plug! However assuming the fault code is accurately pointing out the exact issue in some cases is wrong! In some cases yes it will be but in others it could be wiring or another fault bringing up that code!

A cheap code reader from the internet can be a little as £20. But what your paying for when you pay for a diagnostics with us is years worth of knowledge. Our Head tech has been a specialist in the industry for over 25 years! Having an accurate diagnostics test can save you money in the long run. We don’t work based on a process of elimination, changing numerous parts guessing which is at fault!

So. Diagnostic testing; Why we do need to carry them out? The diagnostics test will take into consideration how the vehicle is driving, any fault codes, and associated common issues. Things only an experienced technician will know and be able to piece together to find the cause of the problems. This is why we are always fully booked for diagnostic slots, usually 3 weeks ahead for a diagnosis.

Contact us here to book in and get the earliest slot available; https://www.northeastautotech.com/contact/

We’ve decided to periodically carry out a Vehicle spotlight! This one is based on a Golf R we have in the workshop.

We had this customers vehicle in a few weeks ago for a number of different things. An Interim service, Haldex service and fit the customer supplied Res-delete. We don’t usually allow customers to supply their own parts for warranty reasons. However, with performance parts and upgrades we do as long as they are from a reputable supplier.

What work was carried out?

We started with the Interim service. This allows us to give the vehicle its 26 point health check prior to any work carried out. This is for a number of reasons, the main one being to make sure the vehicle is in a good condition (especially in this vehicles instance) before upgrading parts. It also gives us time to relay the information to the customer if anything needs replacing. This means we can price up any parts required and potentially get them fixed on the same day. This stops the customer having to come back in again unnecessarily. Once the vehicle health check is carried out and completed for the customers record we went ahead and completed the Oil and filter change. We then top up all of the under bonnet fluids.

We then moved onto the Haldex service, as you can see from the pictures. The build up of metal filings on this vehicle in 79,898 miles was massive! We advised an upgraded Racingline magnetic Haldex plug to minimise the amount of metal filings getting caught in the gauze filter. Instead the metal filings are pulled towards the plug. The Racingline upgraded plugs also come with extra washers so your next 5 Haldex services can use the magnetic plug again and only the washer is replaced!

Once the Haldex service was complete we moved onto fitting the Res-delete. We have a Before and After video of the res-delete here! The result was much deeper and throatier, in our opinion much nicer than stock!

How to get in touch?

To get a quote for any service/maintenance work or for pricing on fitting upgrades give us a call or email!

01642 613852 or northeastautotech@gmail.com.

Vehicle spotlight

How to prevent Ad blue system issues with crystallization? Ad blue crystal build up can cause various problems within in vehicle. Including more than just the Ad blue system. It can create engine damage, decreased fuel efficiency, and even complete system failure. So how can we prevent issues from arising?

Firstly its important when topping up your Ad blue to make sure you don’t spill the liquid. The entry point can vary between cars. Sometimes its above the fuel cap which is relatively accessible other times in can be in the boot which is much more difficult. If you spill the Ad blue it can crystalize around the area and ruin paintwork.

So why does Ad blue crystalize in the tank?

Usually Ad blue crystalizes due to temperature changes and poor storage conditions. Therefore it is imperative to source your Ad blue from a reputable supplier. It also helps to keep your Ad blue tank fully topped up. This helps to keep the solution insulated. It also helps stop crystallization from occurring on the walls of the half empty tank. There are people who want to advise taking apart the system and tank. However, this is a very labour intensive job as well as potentially affecting the many sensors in the area. We would advise using an Ad blue additive, we use Tunap 988. This product reactions with the urea to reduce the amount of crystals forming in the system.

There are people that get around Ad blue issues by having the feature mapped out of the vehicle. This is strongly advised against as it can cause further issues within the vehicle. AdBlue is an aqueous urea solution used in diesel vehicles to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The urea in AdBlue reacts with the NOx in the exhaust gases to form harmless water and nitrogen. AdBlue is much friendlier to our planet and helps minimise the number of harmful solutions released into our environment.

Its also essential to keep up with general maintenance and service requirements. By following these steps and practicing regular maintenance, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and reduce emissions, all while ensuring a longer lifespan for your diesel vehicle.

Ad blue system issues with crystallization

What  do we need to know about Gen 5 Haldex servicing? It is slightly different to the Gen 1-4 servicing! The Gen 5 Haldex systems do not have a filter which needs to be replaced. Instead they have a gauze filter within the pump which filters out the debris. This debris is created via the mechanics of the Haldex and all wheel drive system.

Issues arrive when a Haldex service is carried out and the gauze filter is not cleaned as well as the pump! The pump needs to be removed and both parts cleaned to get rid of the grit and debris before filling with the clean Haldex oil!

We recommend every 20,000 miles for Gen 5 Haldex servicing. This vehicle on the images had its service carried out at 32,000 miles and the oil was full of metal fillings and the gauze filter was completely full, practically impossible for the Haldex oil to get through to the pump. As a result of the service being carried out 12,000 miles after it should have, the Haldex coupling has deteriorated in its abilty to work as it should. If the Haldex unit fails the vehicle will only work as a 2-wheel drive vehicle. This is a pricey repair and can be avoided if only sticking to regular servicing intervals!

Are there products to help limit the amount of swarf in the Haldex?

There are performance parts you can use to help limit the amount of metal fillings being pulled towards the pump. One of which is a Racingline magnetic Haldex sump plug! This Haldex plug will attract the fillings towards the plug as apposed to the pump filter. You can find out more information on the plug here. We carry these in stock, just ask to upgrade on your next Haldex service!

Gen 5 Haldex servicing starts at £130 inc VAT. To book in you can call us on 01642 613852. Email us at Northeastauttech@gmail.com or send us a message on our contact page ‘here‘.

The benefits of performance upgrades

Car customisation is undoubtedly a booming business. It might not be for everyone but there is a mass of car enthusiasts wanting to put their own stamp on their vehicle. But how many modifications improve the vehicle performance, are purely aesthetic or adversely affecting the vehicle? Whilst most people know certain car mods are illegal, how far is too far?

Are modifications safe?

Primarily the question we should all be asking is are modifications safe. Carefully chosen aftermarket parts from trusted suppliers should not be an issue, provided they are fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions and a fitted by a qualified mechanic. As long as the correct parts are chosen for your vehicle, aftermarket upgrades should not need to be altered to fit your vehicle.

Modifications which aren’t safe can actually be deemed illegal. Theses include LED neon lights and tinted windows. There are limits to how bright your lights are allowed to be and how dark you can tint your windows. It is a grey area really as there are no exact specifications to be found, if in doubt ask your mechanic!

If you’re choosing aftermarket parts to enhance the safety of your vehicle these could include brake pads and discs and bushes/arms. We’ve previously written a blog on the benefits of RTS upgraded brake pads (you can read that ‘here’). We are a Superpro dealer and hold much of their stock for VAG vehicles in reception. Upgraded bushes have benefits such as maintained steering geometry. Enhanced handling & ride characteristics. Essentially a safer vehicle with more grip!

Will the warranty be void?

One of the most important factors to deciding whether to modify your car is whether your warranty will still be valid. This is obviously more prevalent in cars under 3 years old. Warranty may not be covered with certain modifications. Wheels, Tyres and Suspension are the safest options to start with as these parts wont add stress to anything. In fact, in most cases, you’ll be lowering that stress with a lighter wheel and tire package. As a basic rule check your owner’s manual, however modifications such as large bore and sports exhaust systems can fall foul of both fuel emission rules and laws limiting noise pollution. Check with your warranty provider and make sure whoever is fitting the parts is an approved engineer! Insurance companies also need to be informed of any modifications or your insurance could be voided!

We stock a range of vehicle upgrades in our reception and are authorised dealers for several companies. Including Revo, Racingline, Superpro, RTS performance and many more! Get in touch if you’re looking for a quote on 01642 613852.

The benefits of performance upgrades