Why is my VW not changing gears properly?
Why does my steering wheel wobble while driving?
Why is my car hard to start, stalls and is using lots of fuel
Why is my dashboard engine light on?
Why are my brakes making a rumbling noise?
Have you ever noticed a rumbling or grinding noise coming from your car when you apply the brakes? This noise can be annoying, and here are a number of reasons as to why you are hearing this rumbling noise.
The most common reason when applying the brakes is due to worn-out brake pads or discs/rotors. The brake pads are part of the braking system that comes into contact with the rotor disc to stop the vehicle. Over time, the brake pads wear down and lose their ability to grip the rotor effectively. When this happens, the rotor becomes uneven and can cause the brakes to vibrate, leading to the rumbling noise.
Another reason for the rumbling noise could be due to warped rotors. Rotors can become warped due to excessive heat buildup during braking or if they are not installed properly. When the rotors are warped, they no longer provide a smooth surface for the brake pads to grip, causing the brakes to vibrate and create the rumbling noise.
It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the braking system. Worn-out brake pads and warped rotors can affect the car’s ability to stop effectively, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions. If you notice the rumbling noise when applying the brakes, it’s best to get your car checked by our technicians.
In some cases, the rumbling noise could also be due to a problem with the wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are responsible for keeping the wheels rotating smoothly and quietly. If they become worn or damaged, they can cause the wheel to wobble and create a rumbling noise when braking.
if you’re unsure about the rumbling noise when applying the brakes CLICK HERE to call us for an appointment so we can determine the cause of the problem and maintain the safety of your vehicle
Is your car not running right? – It could be EGR Problems
If your car ….
has a rough idle. …
has poor performance. …
has increased fuel consumption. …
frequently stalls when idling. …
has a fuel smell
has an engine management light that stays on. …
has knocking noises coming from the engine.
is difficult to start
has poor acceleration at speed
is running hot.
‘pings’ when under load.
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions an engine produces. However, the EGR valve is susceptible to issues that can cause it to malfunction. Below are some of the issues that can cause it to malfunction.
Carbon Buildup: Over time, carbon deposits can accumulate inside the valve, clogging it and preventing it from functioning properly. This can cause a range of issues, including reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and higher emissions.
Solution: To fix this issue, the EGR valve must be cleaned. This can be done by removing the valve and cleaning it manually or using a specialized cleaning solution. In some cases, the valve may need to be replaced altogether.
Faulty Valve Position Sensor: The EGR valve position sensor tells the engine control module (ECM) how much the valve is open. If the sensor is faulty, it can cause the valve to open too much or too little, leading to a range of issues, including rough idle, reduced power, and increased emissions.
Solution: The faulty sensor must be replaced. This is a farely simple and inexpensive repair.
Wiring Issues: The wiring that connects the EGR valve to the ECM can become damaged or corroded over time. This can cause issues with the signal sent between the valve and the ECM, leading to a range of issues, including reduced power and increased emissions.
Solution: The damaged or corroded wiring must be repaired or replaced.
Clogged EGR Cooler: In some diesel engines, the EGR cooler can become clogged with soot and debris, causing the EGR valve to malfunction. This can cause a range of issues, including reduced engine power and increased emissions.
Solution: To fix this issue, the EGR cooler must be cleaned or replaced.
Failed EGR Valve: Like any other part of a car, the EGR valve can simply fail over time. This can cause a range of issues, including rough idle, reduced power, and increased emissions.
Solution: The failed EGR valve must be replaced. This is typically a straightforward repair that can be done relatively quickly.
The EGR valve is an essential component of modern automotive engine emission controls. If you are experiencing issues with your EGR valve, it is important to have it inspected by our qualified technicians. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to get your car back on the road.
Steering wheel wobble
A wobbling steering wheel can be quite disconcerting, depending on the degree of the “wobble,” and there can be a number of reasons why this happens while driving.
- Unbalanced Tyres
One of the most common reasons for a wobbling steering wheel is unbalanced tyres/wheels. Tyres that are not properly balanced can cause vibrations that are felt in the steering wheel, especially at high speeds. The vibrations can cause the steering wheel to wobble, making it difficult to control the vehicle. To prevent this from happening, it is important to have your tyres balanced regularly. Click Here to book in
- Worn or Damaged Suspension Components
The suspension system of your vehicle is responsible for providing a smooth ride and keeping your care stable while driving. Worn or damaged suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can cause the steering wheel to wobble while driving. If you notice any unusual noise or movement in the suspension system, contact us immediately as this can be quite dangerous when these components fail while driving
- Wheel Alignment Issues
If the wheels on your vehicle are not properly aligned, the steering wheel can wobble. Badly aligned steering components can also cause uneven wear on the tyres, which can lead to vibrations felt in the steering wheel. Check your front tyres for uneven wear, or contact us if you’re concerned.
- Warped Brake Rotors
Warped brake rotors/discs can cause the steering wheel to wobble when braking. This is because the brake pads are not making even contact with the rotors, which can cause the steering wheel to shake. If you notice any vibration in the steering wheel while braking, contact us to have your brakes inspected by our qualified technicians.
- Worn Steering Components
Worn steering components such as the steering rack, steering gearbox, or steering column can cause the steering wheel to wobble while driving. If you notice any unusual noise or movement in the power steering system, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
If you notice any unusual vibrations or movements in your steering wheel, contact us to have your vehicle inspected and/or repaired by our qualified technicians.
Why is my dashboard engine light on?
The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), is part of your car’s OnBoard Diagnostic (OBD) system. This system is designed to monitor the performance of the different systems and components in your car and alert you if there’s a problem. When the OBD system detects a fault in one of your car’s systems, it triggers the check engine light to come on.
So, why might your car’s dashboard be showing the engine light? Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Oxygen sensor failure: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your car’s exhaust and helps regulate the air-fuel ratio. If it fails, it can cause a drop in fuel efficiency and an increase in emissions.
- Loose fuel cap: Believe it or not, something as simple as a loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light. This is because it can cause a vacuum leak, which can lead to fuel system problems.
- Malfunctioning catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful emissions into less harmful gases. If it fails, it can cause a drop in performance and an increase in emissions.
- Mass airflow sensor failure: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps regulate the air-fuel ratio. If it fails, it can cause a drop in performance and an increase in emissions.
- Spark plug or ignition coil issues: The spark plugs and ignition coils ignite the fuel in the engine. If they fail, the engine can misfire, triggering the check engine light.
- Battery or alternator problems: The battery and alternator are responsible for providing power to your car’s electrical system. If they’re not functioning properly, it can cause a range of issues, including a check engine light.
- EGR valve malfunction: The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve helps reduce emissions by recirculating exhaust gases back into the engine. If it fails, it can cause a drop in performance and an increase in emissions.
These are just a few of the many possible reasons why your car’s dashboard might be showing the engine light. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, contact us to check it out for you as we have technicians that are able to diagnose what the problem may be.
Why is my VW not changing gears properly?
DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) transmissions, developed by Volkswagen Group, are dual-clutch automated transmissions designed to combine the efficiency of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic. They are widely used across various vehicles under the Volkswagen Group brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, and others. Below is a list of popular car models equipped with DSG gearboxes.
They are found in the VW range (Golf, Polo, Jetta. Beetle , Tiguan, T-Roc and Toureg).
The Audi Range, (Audi A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, TT, Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7), and the Škoda Range, (Fabia, Rapid, Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq
Detecting early signs of trouble in a DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) can save you from costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your transmission. These are the common signs that a DSG gearbox may need attention:
1. Gear Shifting Issues
- Delayed or Sluggish Shifts:
- The gearbox hesitates when shifting between gears, particularly at low speeds or during acceleration.
- The gearbox hesitates when shifting between gears, particularly at low speeds or during acceleration.
2. Jerky Shifts:
- You feel a jolt or lurch when the gearbox shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear.
- Unusual Downshifting:
- The car struggles to downshift or shifts to a lower gear unexpectedly.
2. Strange Noises
- Grinding or Clicking Sounds:
- These noises may occur during gear shifts and often indicate clutch or internal gearbox wear.
- Whining or Humming:
- A whining sound could indicate issues with the gearbox’s bearings or mechatronic unit.
• 3. Transmission Warning Lights
- A warning light on the dashboard (often a gear icon with an exclamation mark or a “check engine” light) may indicate problems with the DSG system.
- Use a diagnostic tool or have a mechanic check for fault codes to pinpoint the issue.
• Loss of Power or Acceleration
- The car may feel unresponsive or slow to accelerate, as if the gearbox is slipping or not engaging properly.
- This is often caused by clutch wear or a failing mechatronic unit.
5. Overheating Symptoms
- Some DSG systems, particularly dry-clutch variants, are prone to overheating under heavy load or in stop-and-go traffic.
- • Symptoms include warning lights, loss of gear functionality, or the car going into limp mode to prevent further damage.
6. Problems with Reverse Gear
- Difficulty engaging reverse or the car failing to move in reverse is a common symptom of DSG problems, often related to clutch or mechatronic issues.
7. Unexpected Neutral or Gear Slipping
- The gearbox may disengage unexpectedly, putting the car into neutral while driving.
- Gear slippage can occur when the clutches or internal components are worn.
8. Unusual Vibrations
- Excessive vibration or shuddering during acceleration, particularly when starting from a stop, can indicate clutch problems or miscalibration.
9. Limp Mode Activation
- The car may enter limp mode (reduced power and speed) as a safety precaution to prevent further damage to the transmission.
- This is often triggered by serious DSG issues, such as mechatronic unit failure or overheating.
Common Causes of DSG Problems
- Mechatronic Unit Failure: Responsible for gear shifting and clutch operation; issues can cause erratic behavior.
- Clutch Wear: Particularly common in dry-clutch DSGs used in stop-and-go traffic.
- Software Glitches: Outdated software can cause miscalibration or shifting errors.
- Lack of Maintenance: Skipping routine oil changes in wet-clutch systems can lead to overheating and wear.
If you notice any of these symptoms whilst driving please get in touch with Automotive Insight immediately as delaying addressing any problems with DSG gearboxes could incur more costs to repair
