Blue, white or black exhaust smoke — what do the colours mean?
The colour of exhaust smoke helps narrow down the causes: burning oil, burning coolant or excess fuel. The article explains what to observe and what tests a workshop will perform.
eCarService · Driver Academy
Car care guides for drivers
Learn what a warning light or worrying symptom may mean, what you can check safely and when you should stop driving.
Symptoms and possible causes Step-by-step diagnostics Practical driver knowledge
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guides to help you prepare for a conversation with a workshop.
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Topics:Oil and Routine MaintenanceComputer diagnosticsTransmissions and drivetrainEngine and fuel systemEngine and ancillaries repairCheck engine light after refuellingVibrations at speed - wheels and tyresEngine and ancillariesStarting problems when engine is warmADAS and driver assistance systemsBrakesPreparing for long-term storageOil and maintenanceTransmission and drivelineBrake serviceAir conditioning and cooling serviceGearbox and drivetrainAir conditioning and coolingEngine oil consumptionOil service and maintenanceEngine and accessoriesDiagnostykaBrakes and safetyEngine and emissionsEngine and exhaust emissionsEngine and coolingSuspension and wheelsEngine and electricsSuspension and geometryTransmission and drivetrainOperation and safetyDriving safetyAir conditioningDiagnostics and electronicsSuspension and alignment
Latest guides
Knowledge that helps you understand your car
Learn about the possible causes first. Choose a location once you are ready to book a visit.
Brakes6 min
Vibrations and pulsation when braking — what might be wrong
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.
Computer diagnostics8 min
Sudden rise in fuel consumption — what to check?
A clear increase in fuel use has many causes — from driving style and tyre pressure to sensor faults or fuel system issues. We explain what to check and what information to give the workshop before computer diagnostics.
Computer diagnostics7 min
Car in limp mode — what to check
Limp mode limits engine power to protect components. Learn the typical symptoms, possible cause groups, when to stop driving and how professional diagnostics proceed.
Power loss when switching on the air conditioning — what to check
A practical guide: from symptoms through common causes (compressor, belt, electrics, fuel, cooling) to safe checks and workshop diagnostic steps.
Diagnostyka7 min
How to prepare your car for diagnostics to make finding a fault easier?
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.
Brakes and safety5 min
Brake pad wear indicator — what does it mean?
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.
Engine and emissions5 min
DPF warning light and power loss — what to check?
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.
Brakes and safety5 min
Handbrake not holding or EPB warning light
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.
Brakes and safety4 min
Soft brake pedal — what can it mean?
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.
Petrol smell in the car — fuel or EVAP?
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.
Engine and cooling5 min
Radiator fan runs after engine off — is it normal?
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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