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

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

Are your tyres safe?

A question many of probably don’t know the answer too, are your tyres safe? Many of us overlook our tyres, forgetting they are the only point of contact to the road! Safety in acceleration, braking, steering and cornering all depend on a relatively small area of road contact. But how can the quality of your tyres keep you safer, be more efficient and stop other issues from occurring within the vehicle?

The safety of the tyres are the most important aspect, so what makes tyres safe? Tyres have ratings, brought in from the EU to give consumers more information on tyre safety. These rating include; wet grip, fuel efficiency and external noise. By comparing the rating you can see which tyres are more suited to your needs. You should also make sure you always get the correct size and speed rating for your car as it could be very dangerous if you choose the wrong ones. Ask for recommendations when needing to change your tyre, the experts will be able to give you the best advise.

Checking your tyres

If you find any cuts, lumps or bulges, get a professional to check your tyres immediately. The wear pattern on the tread should also be examined as irregular wear can be a sign of other vehicle issues such as misalignment. We created a post on Facebook ‘here’ about how to check your tyres properly!

Secondary problems

When we replace your tyres, we road test the vehicle and check for things like pulling to the left/right. This is usually a tell-tale sign you need your vehicle aligning. We carry out 4-wheel alignment when we also replace things such as arms, bushes and springs. You can also tell if you have alignment issues by the wear on your tyre. They should wear evenly, all tread on the tyre reduces at the same level. If you have alignment issues, you could have new tyres on and 6months later the inner edge is wearing too quick, and the cords are showing. Therefore, requiring new tyres again and costing money sooner than they should!

Another problem from misalignment would be more pressure on the other parts. Bushes and arms will have more strain and must overcompensate. Causing them to perish much sooner than they should.

We also carry our wheel-balancing when a tyre is replaced. The wheel is placed onto the machine and tiny weights are added to the inside of the wheel in specific places. This ensures the best performance from the tyre and longevity from uneven wear!

Tips:

We also advise having equal tyres on the front and back ie; if your replacing two tyres for bulges one front one back. Swap the two old tyres to both the front/back depending on your wheel drive and have the new on the opposite side. This is to minimise uneven wear and alignment issues occurring.

If you have already changed a tyre, you’ll need to update its opposite, too. Changing tyres in pairs saves several headaches, including uneven rolling resistance and grip caused by different treads on the same axle.

Tread patterns

If your drive a performance car you may be conscious of tread patterns. They aren’t just random patterns within the tyre, there is a lot of science that goes into creating the tyre pattern and they all have different benefits.

• Symmetrical tire tread patterns deliver smooth driving, high directional stability, and low rolling resistance.
• Directional tire tread patterns provide high protection against aquaplaning, excellent handling on snow and mud, and very good road-holding at high speeds.
• Asymmetric tire tread patterns offer excellent handling, high curve stability, and good grip in wet conditions.
• To maintain optimal safety and performance, avoid mixing tire tread patterns where possible.

We all have different requirements when choosing what tyres are going to be best for us. Whether its where you live and weather conditions or fuel economy. Ask when replacing your tyres which is the best fit. You can contact us ‘here‘.

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.

I’m sure everyone has heard by now about the introduction of E10 petrol across the UK. But how does it affect your vehicle, the environment and most importantly what can you do to help your petrol vehicle keep in good condition!

Current petrol grades in the UK contain up to 5% bioethanol. The new percentage of bioethanol has increased to 10%. It’s estimated that the greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year. This will help massively to reduce the effect of climate change than at the current rate. It is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars of todays roads! The E10 blend is already used in other countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.

However its not all sunshine and roses. There could be as many as 600,000 cars which aren’t compatible with the new grade of petrol due to a number of reasons.

How to check if your vehicle is compatible?

You can check if your vehicle is compatible by using the online fuel checker here. Drivers are advised to contact the manufacturers for their specific vehicle. That is, if there are any questions surrounding which fuel is to be used. If you put E10 fuel in an incompatible car it will still run, you are advised to then fill up with the E5 fuel when you next can. Most petrol stations will have both fuel available however in rural areas you may just get one or the other. If you continue to put E10 in your non-compatible car then over time (especially in classic cars) the seals, plastics and metals will be damaged due to the corrosive properties of bioethanol. E10 is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the atmosphere. This can lead to condensation and corrosion of the fuel tank if unused for periods of time.

To re-iterate, if you fill up with E10 Fuel and your car isn’t compatible, don’t panic just fill up with E5 when possible!

Performance changes?

Unfortunately those with cars compatible to use E10 fuel may see a decrease in performance too. They may get fewer miles to the gallon due to it containing double the percentage of ethanol. You may see a reduction of around 1%, but it is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday driving. It looks as though those drivers who have no choice but to use super unleaded E5 petrol will be paying through the nose, as it’s averaging around 147p a litre – that’s 12p more expensive than the current UK average for standard unleaded. This will quickly mount up for anyone who has to drive a lot of miles to get to work every week. It’s also probably the case that many of those driving older cars will already be from lower income backgrounds, so they will end up being even worse off.

So what can help your vehicle using E10 fuel?

We sell Liqui Moly E10 fuel additive in the workshop and on the VAG performance website. Additives are like vitamins for your car, they aren’t necessary, but they will improve the vehicles running over time. It is an Ash-free fuel additive for improving combustion and faster acceleration in partial load range. It is specially developed to compensate loss of performance from E10 fuel and improves the vehicle acceleration and smoothness. This product protects against the higher water content in E10 fuel. You can purchase direct here.

Ultimately we all care about the environment and little changes we can make to counteract the rate of climate change, but how does this affect you? What are your thoughts on the E10 fuel?

Read more about the E10 fuel in a blog by Liqui Moly here!

Introduction of E10 petrol across the UK

What’s the difference between Petrol RON?

We’ve been having a lot of enquiries recently regarding REVO re-mapping which is great! However, a few customers have been running their petrol vehicles on 95 RON. A low RON petrol shouldn’t be used on high performance vehicles, you should be using a Petrol RON of 97+.

Many people may not know the difference between the Petrol types and what it means by using a higher-grade. RON refers to the octane rating. This is a measure of how easily the fuel will ignite within the engine of a car. The higher the octane rating is, the harder it is for the fuel to ignite because the fuel requires greater compression in order to do so. However, because high octane fuel burns much hotter, it can burn more efficiently, and therefore performs better for higher-performance car engines that require it.

Your vehicle manual will advise you on which grade you should be using, you can also find the information on the inside of your filler cap.

Using a higher RON petrol offers benefits such as:

Improved lubrication throughout the pistons and Higher performance/slightly more power.

When REVO carry out their on the road testing, they actually specify the gains based on 99+ petrol. Therefore, you cant expect the same sort of gains if your not running the right Petrol.

Whether your vehicle is high performance or standard please make sure you are running the correct fuel for your vehicle.

If you are wanting some performance related information, whether it be REVO software or hardware parts you can find out more here: https://www.northeastautotech.com/performance-and-tuning/

To buy any Performance hardware, go to our sister company: https://www.vag-performance.co.uk/ Here you can find parts from Superpro performance, Racingline, Revo and more. For advise on parts or software call the office on 01642 613852.