AUTODOC BLOG

ATE (Alfred Teves Engineering) and Bosch are among the most renowned manufacturers of brake pads in Europe and enjoy an excellent reputation for quality and reliability worldwide. ATE founded in Frankfurt in 1906, has been a leading supplier to the automotive industry for decades, while Bosch is a global technology group that has been developing innovative braking systems since 1886. Choosing the right brake pads is crucial for driving safety, braking comfort and the service life of your vehicle's entire braking system.

Bosch and Brembo are among the most renowned manufacturers of brake pads on the global market. Bosch The German company vs, a traditional German company that has been producing brake components since 1926, stands for reliable quality and innovative technology in the automotive sector. Brembo, on the other hand, was founded in Italy in 1961 and has established itself as a premium brand, particularly in the high-performance and motorsport sectors. Choosing the right brake pads is crucial for the driving safety, braking performance and driving comfort of your vehicle.

The Peugeot 308 is one of the most familiar family hatchbacks on UK roads, and it has earned that status through a combination of practical packaging, decent fuel economy, and a respectable driving experience. Peugeot 308 common faults, however, are well-documented among owners, and being aware of them before you buy — or as soon as a warning light appears — can save you a considerable amount of money.

If your Peugeot 308 heater is not working and you're left with nothing but cold air blasting through the vents on cold days, the most common causes include air lock in the coolant system, a blocked heater matrix, or a failed thermostat. In most cases, the fix is straightforward and can be carried out at home without specialist tools. This guide walks you through each cause in plain terms, explains how to diagnose the fault yourself, and covers the repair costs you can expect whether you tackle it as a DIY job or hand it over to a garage.

NGKa leading global manufacturer of spark plugs based in Japan, has built up an excellent reputation in the automotive and motorbike industry since its foundation in 1936. The NGK V-Line series was launched as a modern evolution of the classic Normal spark plugs to meet the increasing demands of today's engines. Choosing the right spark plugs is crucial for engine performance, fuel consumption and the longevity of your vehicle. This comparison article between NGK V-Line vs Normal analyses both product lines in detail to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

NGK Spark Plugs, a Japanese manufacturer with over 80 years of experience, is recognised as the world's leading producer of spark plugs and has both platinum and Iridium spark plugs in its range. The NGK Platinum series was introduced in the 1980s, while the more advanced NGK Iridium spark plugs came onto the market in the late 1990s. Choosing the right spark plugs is critical to engine performance, fuel economy and the life of your vehicle, as they directly affect combustion efficiency and reliability.

The BMW 5 Series Touring's fuel tank capacity is a standout feature of the new generation. The current G61 5 Series Touring (2024 onwards) carries a 60-litre fuel tank across the board. Unlike previous iterations, the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models boast the same 60-litre capacity as the petrol mild hybrids, thanks to clever under-floor battery packaging.

A BMW 5 Series water pump replacement is needed when the electric or belt-driven coolant pump fails to circulate coolant through the engine. On most 5 Series models from the E60 generation onwards, this means replacing an electrically operated pump, often alongside the thermostat housing. Left unattended, a faulty water pump can escalate into a warped cylinder head or a seized engine – two repairs that will cost many times more than the pump itself.

If you've ever driven over a pothole or a gravel road, you know the importance of shock absorbers, also called dampers. They absorb the bumps and jolts of everyday road use, providing comfort and stability, improving handling, and optimising tyre traction. You may already be familiar with the Bilstein brand if you're looking for new shock absorbers. However, which ones are the best for you? In this article, we'll help you make an informed decision.

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.

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.

The Dodge Journey proves to be a practical family vehicle with significant weaknesses in long-term reliability. Most of the problems are centred on electronic components and the drive system, although regular preventative maintenance can significantly extend its life.

Peugeot 308 stop-start problem got you stumped? Learn the most common causes — from a discharged AGM battery to a faulty alternator — and how to fix the system step by step.

The VW Golf 4 was introduced in 1997 and marked a decisive turning point in Golf history with the transition to more modern engine technologies. The fourth generation offered an impressive variety of engines ranging from economical diesels to powerful VR6 units and already showed the first signs of the later TSI and TDI technology.

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.

Find the best car battery charger for a dead battery. 7 smart chargers reviewed by AUTODOC specialists with specs and buying tips.

Find the right car battery for short trips. AGM and EFB picks ranked by specs, plus a buying guide to keep your car starting at the first attempt.

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.

Looking for the best 19-inch tyres? Expert picks for 235/35 R19 — wet grip, dry handling, and all-season covered. All in stock at Autodoc.co.uk.

Looking for the best 18 inch tyres? Our experts compare 7 top-rated options for wet grip, braking, and value in 2026.

Looking for the best 2-stroke oil? We ranked 5 top engine oils by specs, price and customer feedback. Find the right oil now.

Castrol, a world leader in lubricants, is part of the BP Group and has a tradition of over 120 years in the development of high quality motor oils. The Castrol Edge product line was launched in 2008 as a premium full synthetic range, while the GTX range has been established on the market as a proven engine oil series since the 1960s. Choosing the right engine oil is crucial for engine life, fuel efficiency and protection against wear under different operating conditions. This comparative article analyses the technical differences, advantages and disadvantages of both product lines to help drivers make an informed purchasing decision.

Top 7 car cabin air filters 2026 compared. Find the perfect filter for your vehicle.

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

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.

This guide explores the important aspects of spark plugs for BMW models, the cost of a replacement (2025), and the complexity of the process. You'll learn which leading manufacturers' spark plugs are compatible with different BMW models, how many plugs are required for specific engines, and the cost of replacing spark plugs based on the number of cylinders. You will also find out about the most important signs of spark plug failure and the recommended replacement intervals for various BMW models.

In this article on car maintenance and the cost of a spark plug replacement for VW, we'll look at popular spark plug brands for a range of models, how many plugs are needed for your VW, and the cost of a complete spark plug replacement depending on the number of cylinders and the price per part (2025). We’ll briefly discuss the signs of spark plug failure, when to replace the parts, and the replacement interval for different VW models.