vag vehicles

Why Your VAG Vehicle Deserves Top-Quality Brake Pads and Discs

Let’s talk about something we all rely on but rarely think about until it’s too late: your brakes. Yes, those unsung heroes that save your bacon every time a squirrel darts across the road, or when Karen in her SUV decides to brake-check you for no apparent reason. If you’re driving a high-powered vehicle, investing in top-notch brake pads and discs isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

Why You Can’t Cheap Out on Brakes

Here’s the deal: your car isn’t just any car. It’s not a budget hatchback struggling to hit 60 mph. It’s a machine that can go from zero to “I’m gonna lose my license” in seconds. With great speed comes great responsibility—and that responsibility falls squarely on your brakes. Cheap brake pads might save you a few bucks now, but when they’re screeching like a banshee and struggling to stop your beast of a car, you’ll wish you’d splurged for quality.

The Science of Stopping

Think of your brake pads and discs as the dynamic duo of stopping power. Brake pads create friction against the discs, which converts your car’s kinetic energy into heat and brings you to a halt. Now, if you’ve got cheap, low-quality pads, they’ll wear down faster than your patience in Christmas traffic. Worse, they might overheat, leading to brake fade. Trust us, brake fade is as terrifying as it sounds. Imagine pressing the brake pedal and feeling… nothing. Yeah, let’s avoid that.

Quality Matters

When it comes to brake pads and discs, you get what you pay for. High-quality brakes are designed to withstand the intense heat and stress that comes with high-speed driving and sudden stops. They’re made of better materials, last longer, and most importantly, they work when you need them most. Plus, they’ll keep that annoying brake squeal at bay, so you won’t sound like a poorly maintained bus.

Why It’s a No-Brainer for VAG Owners

If you own a VW Golf R, Audi S4, or any other high-powered VAG model, you already know you’re driving something special. Your car’s performance is a finely-tuned symphony of power, precision, and engineering brilliance. Don’t let subpar brakes ruin the harmony. Investing in premium brake pads and discs ensures your car stops as impressively as it accelerates. And let’s be honest, you’re not just buying brakes—you’re buying peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Brakes

1. Go for Reputable Brands: Look for names you trust, not brands that sound like a knockoff video game console.
2. Check Compatibility: Make sure the pads and discs are designed for your specific VAG model. Trust us, not all brakes are created equal.
3. Consider Your Driving Style: Love the occasional track day? You’ll need performance-oriented brakes. More of a daily driver? Opt for durability and quiet operation.

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It

We’ve seen it all—from warped discs to pads worn down to the metal. The common denominator? Trying to save a few pounds on brakes. Your VAG vehicle deserves better, and frankly, so do you.

The Bottom Line

Good brakes aren’t just about safety (although that’s a biggie). They’re about enjoying your car to the fullest, knowing it’ll stop when you need it to. So go ahead, invest in those top-quality brake pads and discs. Your future self—and your car—will thank you.

Why Your VAG Vehicle Deserves Top-Quality Brake Pads and Discs

What to do when your Heater matrix is blocked? Flushing a heater matrix (heater core) is often not enough to fully resolve blockages because blockages can be caused by a variety of issues that flushing alone might not address. Here are a few reasons why flushing a heater matrix might not completely solve the problem:

1. Severe Corrosion or Deposits

• Scale or corrosion: Over time, heater cores can accumulate rust, scale, or sludge, especially if the coolant isn’t changed regularly. These deposits can form thick blockages that flushing might not dislodge, as flushing only removes loose debris.
• Old coolant: When coolant becomes old, it can degrade and form sludge or gel-like deposits that solidify inside the heater core. A simple flush may not generate enough pressure to break up these deposits.

2. Partial Blockages Deep Inside the Core

• The heater core consists of narrow channels through which coolant flows. If blockages occur deep within the core or in areas where flushing fluid cannot reach effectively, the flush may only clear the outer or partially blocked areas. Leaving the deeper blockages untouched.

3. Internal Damage

• If the blockage is caused by internal damage, such as a collapsed or corroded tube inside the heater core. Flushing won’t fix the problem because the coolant will not be able to flow properly even after a flush.

4. Coolant Contamination or Wrong Mixture

• If there’s contamination in the coolant, such as oil or other debris from a blown head gasket or a mix of incompatible coolants, the blockages can be sticky or gummy. These contaminants can solidify and resist normal flushing methods, requiring more aggressive cleaning techniques or a complete heater core replacement.

5. Restricted Coolant Flow

• A blocked or restricted heater matrix is often a symptom of a larger issue, such as:
  • Failing water pump: If the water pump isn’t pushing coolant effectively, low flow could cause sludge to settle and create blockages.
  • Blocked radiator: If the radiator is blocked, it can restrict flow to the entire cooling system, causing the heater core to clog as well.
  • Thermostat issues: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause coolant flow problems, contributing to heater core blockage.

6. Chemical Flushing May Be Required

• In some cases, a simple water flush won’t break up stubborn deposits, and a chemical flush might be needed. These chemicals are designed to dissolve rust, scale, and sludge. However, even with chemicals, if the blockage is severe, it might not be enough.

7. Re-contamination from the Rest of the Cooling System

• If the rest of the cooling system (radiator, hoses, engine block) contains debris or sludge, simply flushing the heater core won’t solve the issue because the contamination will re-enter the heater core after flushing.

8. Potential for Recurring Blockages

• Even if flushing clears the blockage temporarily, the underlying cause of the buildup might not be addressed. If the coolant system isn’t properly maintained (using the right coolant and changing it regularly), the blockage can return over time.

When is Flushing Not Enough?

If flushing doesn’t resolve the issue or blockages recur quickly, it might indicate that a heater core replacement is necessary. If the heater core is heavily corroded, damaged, or severely blocked, it might be beyond the point where flushing can restore proper function. Which is usually the case an why would would never just offer flushing as a resolve to a problem.

In summary, flushing a heater matrix can sometimes clear minor blockages.  However, it might not be enough if there is severe scaling, internal damage, or underlying issues with the coolant system that need to be addressed.

A question as a driver you may ask yourself, winter tyres: Are they worth it? Changing from summer to winter tyres if you live in various European countries is completely normal. In many countries a requirement! So why in the UK do we not deem it necessary? The majority opinion seems to be ‘well why do we need too, we don’t get bad weather often enough’. However, statistics have shown using winter tyres in conditions less than 7 degrees and in icy conditions can be up to 30% more effective and safer on our roads!

The majority of European countries state the use of winter tyres or all-season tyres from 1 November to the 31^st of March. Certain countries do allow summer tyres as long as they have a minimum tread depth of 4mm all around. Its confusing as each European country has a slightly different take on the law. Latvia for instance requires all 4 tyres to be identical! UK motorists are sceptical as to whether it is worth having a winter/summer set of tyres. However if budget allows it shouldn’t it be obvious if it keeps the occupants in our vehicles and others safer?!

According to leading tyre maker Continental: A car fitted with winter tyres braking on snow can come to a stop from 31mph in 35 metres. This is eight metres, or about two car lengths shorter than if it was fitted with summer tyres.

So what are the differences in summer and winter tyres?

Besides the obvious differences is the material in which are made with. Both tyres have a different rubber compound enabling them to react differently in the opposing weather conditions. They also have different tread patterns. Summer tyres have a tread pattern that doesn’t need to cope with snow and icy conditions. Winter tyres have a more compact pattern designed to grip onto the snow and ice without letting it sit in the tread.

It is worth noting winter tyres are not advised to be used all year round. Statistics show they have a slower braking distance throughout the summer months. As a country the UK currently advises winter tyres when the weather drops below 7 degrees consistently. However, there are no conrtrolled rules in place. We would advise All season tyres throughout the year if you are unable to swap to winter tyres over the colder months. We would also advise making sure there is a minimum of 3mm tread depth around the tyre. If you are unsure how to check the depth of your tyres you can find more information on a previous blog here:

What is ad blue and why do our diesel cars need it?

What is ad blue and why do our diesel cars need it? Ad blue is a solution for Deisel vehicles that meet the latest emissions standards (Euro 6-vehicle built from 2015 onwards). Ad blue helps remove toxic substances from the fumes which have a negative impact on the environment. It doesn’t remove the negative substances completely, but it does reduce them.

AdBlue is used as part of a car’s selective catalytic reduction, or SCR, system and is automatically injected into your car’s exhaust system where it mixes with the exhaust gases, including the NOx. The AdBlue reacts with the NOx and breaks it down into harmless oxygen and nitrogen that comes out of the exhaust pipe and disperses into the atmosphere.

AdBlue doesn’t eliminate all of your car’s NOx emissions, but it does greatly reduce them.

So what issues can occur?

The issue is, Adblue systems can end up with pretty expensive problems. Firstly, you need to make sure your vehicle always has Adblue in the tank. The tank has a sensor which monitors the level of Adblue and will alert you when the level gets to around 1500 miles. If your vehicle runs out of Adblue the vehicle will not start so its something to be aware of! The Adblue filler cap is usually located next to the fuel cap. So you also need to be aware when topping up either fuel or AdBlue that you open the correct cap. This can cause huge issues within both different systems. Just make sure when re filling the tank you clean up any spilt Adblue. The liquid crystalises once it makes contact with air and it can damage the metal and paintwork if left.

Crystallisation can also occur in the system which is where the expensive repairs come into play. Any moisture into the system can cause the liquid to crystalise. This can block up the pipes in the system and the Adblue can then not travel through as it should. This can also occur after very cold/hot temperatures. In temperatures of 30 degrees + the heat/sunlight can damage the quality of the adblue. If you know the bottle has been exposed to direct sunlight and prolonged heat we would advise not adding to the tank and risking problems. We stock a Tunap product which when added to the tank along side Adblue it can decrease the chances of crystallisation within the system.

Properties

• Protects urea dosing systems and SCR catalysts from crystal formation
• Cleans urea dosing systems and SCR catalysts with limited performance due to crystal formation
• Reduced foaming
• Suitable for use by the end customer
• Handy dosage

You can purchase a whole bottle from us or we can top up your Adblue with it on your next service! You can also read more here too:

Technical issues

Faults can also occur within the sensor in the tank. The sensor can stop functioning correctly and tracking the level of Adblue in the tank. It will either monitor the level as 0 transferring a message to the vehicle to not start. Or the opposite will occur, and it could stop sending messages completely and your engine could not start without warning.

Are their any alternatives?

Because of the potentially pricey repairs for Adblue systems some customers consider an ‘Adblue delete’. This is where the Adblue system is in most cases re-programmed out of the system.

However, in doing this you’re are voiding any warranty you have on the vehicle. Adblue is there to reduce emissions therefore with the Adblue system programmed out it will fail an MOT test and therefore become illegal and could potentially result in a prosecution.

If you are having to refill your Adblue more than you should be or having intermittent issues and warning messages, give us a call and book in for a diagnostics test. This will determine any underlying issues within the system, and we can quote you on costs to repair. Call us on 01642 613852 or email us at northeastautotech@gmail.com.

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/