Maintenance and parts guides
Jobs you can do on your own car, when to see a mechanic and how to find the right part.
How to change your engine oil
Changing engine oil and the oil filter: which oil to buy, how many litres you need, the sump plug, the filter seal and what to do with used oil. Step by step.
Brakes and running gearWhen should brake pads be replaced?
The noises and signs that tell you brake pads are worn, how to check disc thickness, bedding in new pads and common mistakes.
Finding the right partWhat is an OEM part number and how do you find it?
What an OEM number means for spare parts, how to read the number on your old part, how to find the right part with your VIN and how cross-references work.
Finding the right partWhere is the VIN (chassis number) and how do you read it?
Where the VIN appears on the registration certificate, where to find it on the car, what its 17 characters mean and why it matters when buying parts.
MaintenanceWhen should the timing belt be replaced?
How to find the timing belt replacement interval, what a snapped belt does to the engine, which parts come in a timing belt kit and why the water pump is replaced at the same time.
MaintenanceHow to replace the air filter and cabin (pollen) filter
The difference between the engine air filter and the cabin (pollen) filter, when to replace them, how to do it yourself and the direction arrow to watch when fitting.
Brakes and running gearHow to tell if your shock absorbers are worn
Signs of failing shock absorbers: oil leaks, bouncing, body roll in corners, nose dive under braking and tyre wear. What to watch when replacing them.
MaintenanceHow to check and change coolant (antifreeze)
Checking the coolant level safely, measuring frost protection, which coolant to use, mixing different types and the right mix ratio with water.
Finding the right partThe difference between genuine, OEM and aftermarket parts
What genuine parts, OEM-equivalent parts and aftermarket parts are, where the price difference comes from, and which parts you should never skimp on.
MaintenanceWhat is replaced at a scheduled service?
Parts replaced at minor and major services: oil, filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant and the timing belt. A service checklist and what to watch at the workshop.
Brakes and running gearWhen should brake fluid be changed?
Why brake fluid deteriorates over time, how often it should be changed, the difference between DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1 and DOT 5, and what to watch when changing it.
MaintenanceHow to change a headlight bulb
Finding which headlight bulb fits your car, the difference between H7, H4 and H1 sockets, why you should not touch the glass and what to watch with xenon and LED headlights.
For mechanics and workshopsOTOREN for mechanics and workshops
A trade account for garages, service centres and parts dealers: trade prices, search by OEM number, finding parts by VIN, quick reordering and delivery to the workshop.