Car manufacturers servicing recommendations

The importance of keeping up to date with car manufacturers servicing recommendations. Lets be honest, the majority of people don’t take pleasure is paying a bill for their car. Even though most people rely on their vehicles so heavily every single day! Therefore, when it comes to servicing requirements, it’s easy to put it off. Thinking ‘Ahh well I haven’t had any issues with the gearbox, so why does it need servicing?’ The reason we should all keep up to date with the car manufacturers recommendations is to prevent issues arising. Potentially causing secondary issues within the car! The recommendations are there for a reason so let’s not put them off!

Transmission servicing

Transmission servicing covers your Gearbox, Haldex and Differential. They all have different advisories (I know, hard to remember when to MOT, never mind to service your Haldex) however its important to at least roughly stick to the guidelines. VAG advise every 38,000 miles for your gearbox. If not serviced essentially it will result in a huge increase in friction as the more viscous contaminated fluid is unable to lubricate the metal parts properly. Your previously smooth gear shifting will become clunky, sticky and could start to slip.

The Haldex servicing requirements are different depending on which you have. Gen 1-4 is advised every 38,000 miles and Gen 5 is advised every 20,000 miles. Gen 1-4 have a filter which is changed however, Gen 5 has a gauze filter which we remove along with the pump and clean before putting back together. You can tell which Generation you have by the year usually however there are some crossovers. If you’re unsure and require this service get in touch and we can help you out. Not having your Haldex service can literally stop it from working over time resulting in your 4-wheel drive vehicle having major problems. The only fix is a costly new Haldex and that will set you back a lot more than keeping on top of the servicing!

The Differential oil, Transfer box oil and Active diff services are all recommended at 38,000 miles.

Servicing

Your Interim and Major servicing should generally be alternated and at 10,000 mile intervals/yearly. This includes your Oil, Fuel, Air and pollen filters. If you have a petrol vehicle with spark plugs these should be changed every 30,000 miles but this can change depending on your specific vehicle and driving style (You know who you are). If your vehicle is under warranty and something fails within the engine/gearbox and it is deemed to be due to poor or lack of servicing, be aware you may not be covered and will have to fork out for the repairs yourself.

Timing belt services are advised at 80,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Apart from the 1.0-1.5 Tsi engines, these are advised every 4 years regardless of milage. Not getting your timing servicing could have catastrophic consequences. When the timing belt breaks, the crankshaft will continue to spin, while the camshaft will stop turning. As a result, the pistons will continue to rise and fall in their cylinders and can, in some instances strike the valves. When this happens, the pistons, valves and cylinder heads will be damaged, and because it happens so quickly, the damage will be virtually instantaneous.

We then have your more basic servicing all regardless of mileage:

Brake fluid change – every 2 years

Coolant/anti freeze – every 5 years

Air con – every 2 years

Hopefully this gives you a brief overview of your VAG servicing requirements and how important they are! If you would like to book in you can contact us via Facebook, Our contact page or call us on 01642 613852.

Some of you may not know we are able to carry out Petrol Injector testing and cleaning! We invested in an ASNU petrol injector machine and are able to service your injectors to help you optimize engine performance! We often add this service onto an Intake Valve Carbon Clean as whilst we are in the engine it makes sense to test and clean the injectors at the same time!

So why do petrol injectors cause problems?

Engine fuel Injectors collect dirt, grime and soot. As the injector sprays fuel into the intake manifold at a precise angle and speed, the dirty injector can cause issues due to the Air and fuel mix being inaccurate. Often symptoms of injector problems include; engine misfires, rough idle, mpg dips and unpredictable movements of the RPM needle. In the worst case, your car won’t start!

So what does the ASNU machine do?

We decided to invest in the ASNU Injector Diagnostic Testing & Servicing Systems. The machine puts the injector through various testing. ‘The ASNU system has been designed for comparing injector against injector at a safe operating level. The ASNU system allows the user to visually examine the injectors on an individual cycle or in sequential mode, where they can compare the performance of the injectors under a range of simulated Millisecond & RPM driving cycles already programmed into the ASNU system. The injectors can be operated at various RPM & MilliSecond settings, restricted only by the number of injectors being tested in the sequential testing operation.’ Once the injectors are tested, they are thoroughly cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. We will then replace any seals on suitable injectors that require it, then they are good to go.

Here’s a ‘link’ to the ASNU website to find out more!

Injector cleaning is £30 inc VAT per injector. We will be creating more videos in the coming months on how injector cleaning works and the benefits! You can follow our YouTube and Facebook pages to keep up to date by clicking the links.

We can also test and clean your injectors without the vehicle! If your car is having some issues and your injectors are already out, get in touch and send your injectors too us and we’ll post them back with a full report. Get in touch via the contact page.

We’re bringing Revo to the Ford market!

As of November 22 we have been carrying out Revo maps and fitting hardware to the Ford market! Something as a VAG specialist we didn’t anticipate ever doing! The demand has been crazy since we have announced the new addition to our services and we have loved every minute of this new adventure. We’re bringing Revo to the Ford market!

Adding the Ford market is something we have been toying with for a while now but ultimately we couldn’t turn down the opportunity. We do still only carry out Revo maps and Hardware, we are not adding repairs/maintenance to this for a number of reasons. One being we don’t have the staff to be able to take on the extra workload, secondly because if we find something wrong with a vehicle outside of general maintenance, we haven’t got the tools and added knowledge a Ford specialist would have to repair the problem.

So what can you get from Revo software?

Developed on the racetrack, ready for the road. The Revo tuning philosophy ensures that impressive performance benefits are balanced with useable, reliable power delivery that enhances the way you can drive your vehicle. Development on the road and racetrack as well as testing in controlled dyno conditions gives you a clearer picture of the performance you can expect from Revo ECU Software. Testing in this way plays an important role in ensuring the highest quality products and delivering the driving experience expected.

Revo offers some of the most substantial performance increases on the market, however, only the driven know that peak figures form part of a much bigger picture and are never the sole focus during Revo’s development process; it’s all about the drive. Only Revo offers a perfect balance of performance, economy and engine longevity.

Revo performance ECU Software gives you much more than just an increase in power and torque. A large part of development is based on driving scenarios and feedback; our calibration doesn’t just offer great dyno curves and peak power/torque figures but an exhilarating driving experience. Expect smooth and refined response at low RPM & partial throttle, with huge gains at wide-open throttle and throughout the whole rev range.

Revo Hardware?

All Revo hardware is designed and tested in-house by a specialist team of experienced engineers. Using state of the art prototyping equipment to aid the design process, and in-depth testing procedures the team are able to ensure the highest quality products.

Revo hardware is engineered to function at a much higher level than a standard component, designed to withstand a multitude of power outputs, should you want that little bit more power later on. Revo strives to produce beautiful products that work and fit seamlessly with your vehicle, offering an OEM+ look with aftermarket performance advantages.

You can take a look at Revo’s Ford blog page ‘here’ and keep up to date on developments and new information!

‘Contact us’ to get a quote on adding Revo to our car!

We’re bringing Revo to the Ford market!

Benefits of upgraded RTS brake pads

Trying to decide whether to upgrade your brake pads, but not sure whether its worth it? If you have mapped your vehicle or have added various other performance upgrades, we would advise upgraded pads and discs every time. Simply; if you vehicle is running at a higher power, your brakes need to match up to the same standard. Standard brakes are inevitably built to pass the safety regulations however using budget materials.

We hold a range of RTS brake pads in stock to suit VAG vehicles. There are a few benefits to upgrading, the first and most important feature being the safety of the vehicle! The upgraded brakes improve the vehicle stopping power, by increasing the force that can be applied. Secondly is increasing the amount of heat the system can safely dissipate. In other words, reducing the chance of the hardware overheating. The risks from the hardware overheating causes brake fade. Brake fade occurs when the heat doesn’t have time to dissipate, like when you keep your foot on the brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic, drive aggressively, brake down a long hill, or drive with an overloaded vehicle. When there’s an excessive buildup of heat, your brakes will start to feel less responsive and you might experience brake fade.

Obviously driving style also affects the quality of your brake pads. Steer clear of aggressive driving to increase the lifespan of your pads aswell as using engine braking. For example; gradually slowing by letting your foot of the accelerator as opposed to carrying on at a continued speed, then having to slam your foot on the brakes.

Outlined below is a range of benefits from upgrading to RTS brake pads:

None aggressive friction technology

Install and forget confidence to all callipers

Efficient and responsive braking from cold to hot temperatures

Chamfered edge friction creates a more responsive and smoother braking feel

Excellent sheer strength resistance

Nominal friction coefficient 0.41

Excellent wear, fade and vibration free characteristics

Available in sets of front and rear pads across an extensive range of performance applications

To be used for Fast Road and Track Use.

ECE R90 accreditation is a legal requirement for all brake pads to meet European standards, RTS pads have passed vigorous testing to meet the highest requirements and give outstanding braking capabilities on road/track days in wet and dry working conditions.

Again we hold a range of the pads in reception or you can purchase from our sister company ‘VAGperformance’ as well as the upgraded discs if you want to go the whole hog! Pop in and chat to us or use the ‘Contact page‘ here.

The difference between code reads and diagnostic tests.

The two are similar which is where the initial confusion arises. A Code read is the process of connecting a scanner to the vehicle and reading/scanning the vehicle for codes/data. You would carry out this procedure if a warning light has appeared on your dash. The Code read is then to scan for a code that caused your check Engine light/Airbag etc to come on. This may reveal a numerical code which indicates where the issue has come from within the vehicle.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic testing is a similar process however more of the vehicle is analysed. Diagnostic testing is the process of finding the actual problem with the on board system through visual inspection, testing of wiring, visual inspections of the vehicle and more. This is why a diagnostic test is more accurate and from this we can usually get to the root of the issue within the first hour. In some cases the vehicle may need further diagnostics. We prefer to know the root of the issue before just replacing parts for the sake of it.

This means that although we charge for the initial diagnostic test, the advice we give on how to repair the issues is accurate and will ultimately solve the issues you’re having with the vehicle. Sometimes issues are more complex and there may be a few issues the vehicle has, in this case we will always disclose the correct information to the customer on their options.

Sometimes customers query why we charge for a diagnostics. Some expect to have a refund of the fee from the diagnostics test if they choose to repair the fault with the vehicle.  However, we do not refund the diagnostic fee due to us spending time on the vehicle. As explained above, we don’t just plug a scanner in and the machine gives us the information. The Diagnostic test is a thorough inspection of the vehicle by an experienced Technician. You are paying for their time and expertise to properly diagnose your vehicle.

Customers requests

For these reasons above we don’t always just carry out repairs at a customer’s request if we’re not sure that it correlates to the issues they are having. We usually advise carrying out a diagnostics test prior to make sure (as much as we can) what is causing the problems they are having. Obviously this doesn’t apply to repairs such as brakes/springs. This applies to engine management issues/transmission and all electronic faults.

The wait for diagnostic testing is usually around 2/3 weeks. Therefore, if you are having issues with your vehicle try and call us as soon as you can. Don’t wait to see if the problem goes away! You can email/call/facebook message us to book in! Contact

Code reads and Diagnostic tests