VW Tiguan keyless-access fault repaired with a used handle
October 24, 2026
A small part of the keyless-access system
This Volkswagen Tiguan came to us with a comfort-access fault. The problem was in the door-handle antenna, and the repair was completed using a used replacement handle.Why the handle mattersA fault in a door handle can affect more than that one door: it can stop the keyless-...
This 2013 Mazda Axela came into the workshop with hot air blowing from the vents. The air conditioning was not cooling, and the compressor was not switching on.Low refrigerant was only part of the problemThe first checks found some pressure remaining in the system. We recove...
A stone under the seat stopped this MINI passing its WoF
October 16, 2026
This R56 MINI came in for a WoF and service with a driver’s seat that would not move forwards or backwards. The inspection picked up a few ordinary items, including bulbs, but the stuck seat needed a closer look.Finding what was holding it upThere was no obvious sign of th...
When a brake squeak led to more than worn pads
October 9, 2026
This 2017 Mazda CX-5 came in with an intermittent squeak. We found the rear brake pads were almost down to their metal backing, with the wear indicator rubbing against the disc.We replaced the pads using the electronic parking brake’s service mode. After reinitialising the...
A split engine mount found during a BMW X1 WoF
October 5, 2026
A 2018 BMW X1 F48 with the B38 engine came to Speedwell for a WoF inspection. We found that the driver’s-side hydraulic engine mount had split and leaked, and the vehicle failed its inspection.An engine mount supports the engine and helps absorb vibration. A hydraulic moun...
VW Tiguan oil leak found during a service
October 5, 2026
This VW Tiguan 2-litre turbo came in for a service. During our checks, we found quite a bad oil leak around the timing cover area.This engine has a plastic upper timing cover and a pressed-metal lower cover. The photo shows oily residue around the cover area that needed atte...
Bent pushrods and an engine misfire
October 1, 2026
The owner had driven about 5 km after buying the vehicle when the engine started misfiring and popping through the intake. At our Hamilton workshop, removing the rocker cover revealed bent and broken pushrods.The damaged parts were easy to see. Finding out why the engine sti...
BMW coolant connections spotted during a service
October 1, 2026
A BMW came into our Hamilton workshop for a service. While checking it over, we noticed deterioration around the coolant-line connections that needed attention.The photos show the areas that caught our eye. The coolant lines had not been replaced at the time of this write-up...
First hot day of the year, you jump in the car outside your place in Chartwell or on the way in from Rototuna, crank the air con up, and get nothing but lukewarm air or a weak trickle from the vents. It's one of those problems that seems to show up overnight but is usually t...
A grinding noise when braking almost always means the brake pads have worn down past their friction material and metal is now contacting metal, which also means the discs are likely being damaged in the process. A grinding sound when changing gears in a manual points to clut...
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