eCarService · Car Care Academy
Learn what a warning light or worrying symptom may mean, what you can check safely and when you should stop driving.
Knowledge base
58
guides to help you prepare for a conversation with a workshop.
Understand first
Learn the possible cause of a symptom
Then decide
Know what to ask during your visit
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Latest guides
Learn about the possible causes first. Choose a location once you are ready to book a visit.
A drop in oil level can come from external leaks, oil burning inside the engine, problems with the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system or the turbo. We explain how to assess the scale of the problem and when to go to a workshop.
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An unstable fuel gauge usually means a measurement or electrical connection fault. We explain common causes, what you can safely check and how professional diagnostics are carried out.
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Steering-wheel vibration or a pulsing brake pedal have several common causes. This text explains the symptoms, possible fault sources and how professional diagnostics are carried out.
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A practical guide: from symptoms through common causes (compressor, belt, electrics, fuel, cooling) to safe checks and workshop diagnostic steps.
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A practical guide on what to do before a workshop visit to shorten diagnostic time and increase the chances of correctly identifying the cause of a recurring symptom.
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A brake pad wear warning light or a 'service brakes' message usually does not indicate an immediate failure, but signals that the braking system is approaching a service threshold. In practice it is most often worn pads, sometimes a wear sensor, and in some cars a different issue with fluid level, hoses or the warning electronics.
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The DPF warning light, a diesel particulate filter message or a noticeable loss of power after many short trips usually mean the filter has started to fill up or that regeneration has failed. The symptom alone does not yet tell whether it’s just the driving style or also the EGR, the injection system, pressure sensors or the exhaust system itself.
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If the handbrake won't hold, sticks or the EPB warning light is on, don't assume a single fault. On cars with an electric parking brake the issue can be the switch, power supply or control unit, or calipers, actuators at the wheels, or the mechanical condition of the brakes.
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If the brake pedal has become soft, has a longer travel, or requires noticeably more force than usual, don’t assume a single fault straight away. The symptom can be related to vacuum assistance, but also to air in the hydraulic system, a brake fluid leak, a faulty brake servo (booster) or a vacuum pump.
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A petrol smell shouldn't be ignored: sometimes it's just transient vapour after refuelling, but it can also signal a fuel leak or a problem with the EVAP system. We explain when you can cautiously drive on and when to stop and get a diagnostic check.
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The radiator fan running after engine shutdown doesn't always indicate a fault. We explain when it's normal cooling and when it points to a problem with a sensor, relay, coolant or control and requires diagnostics.
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Has the steering suddenly become heavy and a power assist warning or EPS message lit on the dash? Don’t ignore it — causes range from a temporary voltage drop or charging issue to a fault in the assist unit or steering sensors.
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