We’ve decided to periodically carry out a Vehicle spotlight! This one is based on a Golf R we have in the workshop.

We had this customers vehicle in a few weeks ago for a number of different things. An Interim service, Haldex service and fit the customer supplied Res-delete. We don’t usually allow customers to supply their own parts for warranty reasons. However, with performance parts and upgrades we do as long as they are from a reputable supplier.

What work was carried out?

We started with the Interim service. This allows us to give the vehicle its 26 point health check prior to any work carried out. This is for a number of reasons, the main one being to make sure the vehicle is in a good condition (especially in this vehicles instance) before upgrading parts. It also gives us time to relay the information to the customer if anything needs replacing. This means we can price up any parts required and potentially get them fixed on the same day. This stops the customer having to come back in again unnecessarily. Once the vehicle health check is carried out and completed for the customers record we went ahead and completed the Oil and filter change. We then top up all of the under bonnet fluids.

We then moved onto the Haldex service, as you can see from the pictures. The build up of metal filings on this vehicle in 79,898 miles was massive! We advised an upgraded Racingline magnetic Haldex plug to minimise the amount of metal filings getting caught in the gauze filter. Instead the metal filings are pulled towards the plug. The Racingline upgraded plugs also come with extra washers so your next 5 Haldex services can use the magnetic plug again and only the washer is replaced!

Once the Haldex service was complete we moved onto fitting the Res-delete. We have a Before and After video of the res-delete here! The result was much deeper and throatier, in our opinion much nicer than stock!

How to get in touch?

To get a quote for any service/maintenance work or for pricing on fitting upgrades give us a call or email!

01642 613852 or northeastautotech@gmail.com.

Vehicle spotlight

The benefits of performance upgrades

Car customisation is undoubtedly a booming business. It might not be for everyone but there is a mass of car enthusiasts wanting to put their own stamp on their vehicle. But how many modifications improve the vehicle performance, are purely aesthetic or adversely affecting the vehicle? Whilst most people know certain car mods are illegal, how far is too far?

Are modifications safe?

Primarily the question we should all be asking is are modifications safe. Carefully chosen aftermarket parts from trusted suppliers should not be an issue, provided they are fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions and a fitted by a qualified mechanic. As long as the correct parts are chosen for your vehicle, aftermarket upgrades should not need to be altered to fit your vehicle.

Modifications which aren’t safe can actually be deemed illegal. Theses include LED neon lights and tinted windows. There are limits to how bright your lights are allowed to be and how dark you can tint your windows. It is a grey area really as there are no exact specifications to be found, if in doubt ask your mechanic!

If you’re choosing aftermarket parts to enhance the safety of your vehicle these could include brake pads and discs and bushes/arms. We’ve previously written a blog on the benefits of RTS upgraded brake pads (you can read that ‘here’). We are a Superpro dealer and hold much of their stock for VAG vehicles in reception. Upgraded bushes have benefits such as maintained steering geometry. Enhanced handling & ride characteristics. Essentially a safer vehicle with more grip!

Will the warranty be void?

One of the most important factors to deciding whether to modify your car is whether your warranty will still be valid. This is obviously more prevalent in cars under 3 years old. Warranty may not be covered with certain modifications. Wheels, Tyres and Suspension are the safest options to start with as these parts wont add stress to anything. In fact, in most cases, you’ll be lowering that stress with a lighter wheel and tire package. As a basic rule check your owner’s manual, however modifications such as large bore and sports exhaust systems can fall foul of both fuel emission rules and laws limiting noise pollution. Check with your warranty provider and make sure whoever is fitting the parts is an approved engineer! Insurance companies also need to be informed of any modifications or your insurance could be voided!

We stock a range of vehicle upgrades in our reception and are authorised dealers for several companies. Including Revo, Racingline, Superpro, RTS performance and many more! Get in touch if you’re looking for a quote on 01642 613852.

The benefits of performance upgrades

Adding a Racingline Carbon Fibre brace?

So this one is specifically for the MQB vehicle owners! (Golf 7 & 7.5 / Leon / Octavia). This may not be a mod you have even seen before, never mind knowing the benefits to your vehicle and overall drive! The Racingline Carbon Fibre Rear Brace reinforces the bodyshell at its weakest point for a more precise and pleasurable drive.

The MQB platform vehicles have a pretty stiff bodyshell. Between the front end suspension the chassis is very rigid however, at the rear the chassis has much more flex. This means that with hard driving the handling of the vehicle is much harder. You can upgrade the suspension underneath and try to strengthen and secure however it won’t affect the flex of the body up top! VW have acknowledged this and the Clubsport  S Golf gets a factory rear brace!

How does it work?

Adding a Racingline carbon fibre brace creates a stronger, stiffer rear body. It solves this issue by locking the crucial hard points together. Despite the added stiffness, this improved handling performance comes without sacrificing any ride quality or introducing any additional noise, vibration, or harshness into the cabin. Solid billet aluminium mounts are used and secured into beautiful, ultra-stiff carbon fibre link bars drastically stiffening the rear of the chassis.

Easy to fit?

All you need to fit the brace is a set of triple square drive sockets! The brace comes in pieces, with instructions on how to put together and fit to the vehicle. That’s another pro of this performance part, you can easily fit it yourself! The clever design means that installation is simple, using existing body mounting points with no drilling and no removal of trim required, and is completely reversible. You can use the brace with the back seats up or down and it doesn’t really take up any boot space!

You can purchase the Racingline Carbon Fibre Rear Body Brace here at our sister company. ‘VAG performance’ You also have the option to pay conveniently with Klarna!

If you have any questions regarding the fitment or whether its for you, pop us a message ‘Here’. We always have someone available and happy to help with any queries.

Teessides largest stockist of REVO and Racingline products

So, wanting to Upgrade the performance of your VW,Audi , SEAT or Skoda?

Performance products from Revo and Racingline are designed to meet your needs. We stock items such as Intake systems, Braking kits and suspension products. We can offer a total solution for your car.

So, with our experience and product knowledge, we can advise you on the best choice for upgrading the driveability for your performance needs.

Teessides largest stockist of REVO and Racingline

We stock a range of options for engine, suspension, braking and styling for many platforms. We offer full workshop fitting service on all products we sell, inc 4 wheel alignment.

https://www.onlyrevo.com/

http://www.superproeurope.com

http://www.racingline.com