AUTODOC BLOG

Learn how to spot worn brake discs, when to replace them and how much it costs. Includes symptoms, safety tips, lifespan, and comparison by car model.

Noticed ridges on your brake discs? Wondering if your car’s trying to tell you something? That “lip” isn’t just a harmless defect, it’s a red flag for brake wear. In this guide, we’ll break down what lipped brake discs mean, why they matter, and whether they could cause your vehicle to fail its MOT.

Finding the best ice scraper for you can help clear frost efficiently without scratching the glass. For daily UK frost, VIRAGE 97-013 leads with 25 reviews and rubber blade safety. Heavy snow? VERSACO Alpin BS2 combines a brush + scraper. Hate cold mornings? Kärcher EDI 4 spins ice away electrically. Below, AUTODOC compares 8 scrapers worth keeping in your boot.

Below, we break down three standout models from AUTODOC's roof box range, so that you can find the right roof box for your needs.

Discover what a car alternator is, how it functions, where it’s located, and which parts make it work. Find out how long alternators typically last, how they keep your battery charged, and how to choose the right alternator for your vehicle.

Wondering how to check your car’s alternator? Learn how to test an alternator with or without a multimeter, recognize signs of failure, check charging output, and safely diagnose problems.

Thule has been a leading manufacturer of vehicle accessories for decades and has built up an excellent reputation, particularly for bike carriers. The FreeRide series was launched in 2014 and is aimed at price-conscious cyclists looking for a reliable transport solution. The ProRide line was launched back in 2011 and quickly established itself as a premium option for discerning users. Choosing the right bike rack not only influences the safety of your bikes while travelling, but also the comfort when loading and unloading as well as fuel consumption due to aerodynamic properties.

Thule has been one of the world's leading manufacturers of roof rack systems and bike racks for decades. The Swedish company has earned an excellent reputation in the industry through innovation, quality and reliability. The Thule TopRide was launched in 2014 as a premium bike rack for roof racks, while the Thule FastRide was launched in 2012 and has been a proven alternative ever since. Choosing the right bike rack for your vehicle depends on various factors: Ease of use, safety, compatibility with different types of bikes and, of course, value for money.

A car's shock absorbers and coil springs work together to ensure a smooth ride and maintain vehicle stability. The shock absorbers control the rebound of the springs, reducing bounce and keeping the tyres in contact with the road, while the coil springs support the vehicle's weight and absorb road impacts.

You should never ignore the annoying squeaking noises that appear when turning as they could be a sign of more serious suspension or steering troubles, such as power steering failure or damaged ball joints.

Is it just another eco-hype or can it be turned into a reality for the automotive industry? This article investigates the potential of synthetic fuel for making internal-combustion engines carbon neutral, as well as how it differs from biofuel.

The terms steering shock absorber, steering stabiliser, and steering damper are often used interchangeably when referring to the same component in an automobile. The device's main function is to absorb or dampen the shocks and vibrations that are created when the vehicle travels over uneven surfaces. The terms are often used interchangeably and, in practice, there is no clear distinction between the terms.

In this guide, we'll explain what car refrigerant is, how to recognise the signs of a leak, and why it's best to let professionals handle a recharge. You'll also learn about key maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning working efficiently all year round.

We will tell you what problems may occur during the car A/C operation, how to solve them and, most importantly, how to prevent.

In 2024, Volkswagen Group remained a global automotive powerhouse, navigating a dynamic market marked by rising competition, economic pressures, and accelerated industry transformation.

In 2024, BMW Group remained the global leader in the premium automotive segment, navigating a year marked by slowing demand in key markets, increased electrification pressure, and shifting segment economics.

If your steering wheel is loose, vibrating or less responsive, don’t ignore the signs. Steering problems are unlikely to go away by themselves and could eventually cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

You may find that the culprit is a small metal link known as a tie rod. Keep reading to find out how to spot a faulty tie rod and fix it before the problem escalates.

This guide will take a look at the most common steering rack problems and their symptoms, as well as top maintenance tips to steer you in the right direction.

Expert guide to diagnosing and repairing coolant leaks in Audi A3 models. Learn common causes, warning signs, repair costs and MOT implications for UK drivers.

The Nissan Pathfinder proves to be a fundamentally robust SUV with pronounced strengths in the areas of comfort and utility. The most common problems are centred on the CVT gearbox and the complex diesel systems, which require regular expert maintenance.

Thanks to parking heaters, car owners no longer have to suffer on icy mornings. It means there is no more rush to scrape the windscreen clean before you drop the kids off at school or drive to that important meeting. It also takes the strain off the engine by preheating it to prevent cold starts. Warm starts also help to reduce harmful emissions in internal combustion engines.

These solutions have become particularly popular in logistic fleets and construction vehicles as they save precious startup time needed to meet tight work schedules and high demands.

Hydrogen presents a cleaner, more renewable fuel alternative to natural gas, methane, petrol, and diesel. There are several ways the gas can be produced, including by using biogas, solar or wind energy to separate the hydrogen particles in water. 

Ever wondered how much your car’s battery adds to your vehicle’s total weight? Whether you’re lifting a standard 12-volt battery out of a family saloon, eyeing the heavy pack inside a hybrid, or marvelling at the mass behind an electric vehicle, car battery weight is more than just a number – it’s a key factor in your vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and handling.

Discover the different car battery types, including AGM, EFB, lithium-ion, and more. Learn which battery is best for your vehicle based on performance, usage, and durability.

The VW Lupo 3L was introduced in 1999 as a revolutionary economy car and marked a milestone in the development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology. As the first production car with a standard consumption of only 3 liters per 100 kilometers, the Lupo 3L set new standards for efficiency and environmental friendliness. The engine range of the Lupo 3L focused exclusively on highly optimized diesel technology with innovative lightweight construction concepts and aerodynamic improvements.

The Mercedes C-Class W205, which was launched in 2014, established itself as a technological pioneer in the premium mid-size segment and set new standards in terms of efficiency and performance. Over its production period until 2021, the model series underwent impressive engine development, ranging from economical four-cylinder engines to powerful V8 engines. The continuous further development of the drive technology reflects Mercedes' efforts to optimize both driving pleasure and environmental compatibility.

Choosing the right winter tyres is crucial for your safety on winter roads. In this comprehensive test report, we analyse 20 leading winter tyre models based on tests by ADAC, ÖAMTC, and independent test organisations, presenting detailed test results, technical data, and the advantages and disadvantages of each tyre product line.

Nexen is a South Korean tyre manufacturer that has made a name for itself with innovative all-season tyre technology. The N'blue 4Season was launched in 2018, while the N'blue 4Season 2 was launched in 2021 as a further development. Choosing the right all-season tyre is crucial for safety, comfort and economy when driving all year round. This comparative analysis highlights the differences between the Nexen N'blue 4Season and the Nexen N'blue 4Season 2.

Castrol, a leading global manufacturer of lubricants headquartered in the UK, is part of the BP Group and has over 120 years of experience in the development of high-quality engine oils. The GTX product line was introduced in the 1960s and has established itself as a proven classic, while Magnatec came onto the market in the late 1990s with its innovative Intelligent Molecules technology. Choosing the right engine oil is crucial for engine longevity, fuel efficiency and protection against wear, especially in different driving conditions and engine types.

Motul is a French manufacturer of high-performance lubricants that has been developing innovative solutions for various motorsport applications since 1853. The Motul 7100 series was specifically designed for motorbike engines, while the 8100 line was developed for modern car engines. Choosing the right engine oil is crucial for engine longevity, optimum performance and protection against premature wear. This comparative article analyses the technical properties, advantages and disadvantages of both product lines to help you with your purchase decision.

Discover the best engine air filters to increase the performance of your vehicle and optimally protect the engine. Keep reading to learn more!

Learn how to clean a car air filter properly based on its type, whether foam, cotton, or paper. Find out when to clean or replace it to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Dipped headlights are essential for road safety. This guide explains what they are, how to use them properly, what bulbs they need, and their differences from sidelights and full beams.

Replacing headlight bulbs can be confusing with today's variety of options. Whether your vehicle uses traditional halogen bulbs, bright HID xenon lights, or modern LED technology, finding the correct replacement is crucial for safety and performance. This guide will help you identify the right bulb for your specific vehicle.