Car technology
Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
We cover the pros and cons of Ford’s Ecoboost petrol engines, plus any reliability issues to watch out for
What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons
What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons
We cover how a CVT gearbox works, its benefits, and whether you should buy a car with one
Turn off the air-con! New Nissan ‘cool’ car paint cuts cabin temp by 5 degrees
Turn off the air-con! New Nissan ‘cool’ car paint cuts cabin temp by 5 degrees
Nissan is developing a new paint technology designed to keep your car’s interior cool and save energy
Stellantis e-Routes app brings advanced EV route-planning to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Stellantis e-Routes app brings advanced EV route-planning to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Electric cars from Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat can now connect to the e-Routes app, making route planning easier
Car ECU explained: What it does, faults and repair costs
Car ECU explained: What it does, faults and repair costs
Your car’s ECU is vital for controlling the engine – we explain how it works and what to do if it goes wrong
Engine management light: what to do if it comes on
Engine management light: what to do if it comes on
An orange or red engine warning light could signify a serious problem – here’s what you should do
What is Android Auto? Apps, music and how to use
What is Android Auto? Apps, music and how to use
Android Auto lets you connect your smartphone to your car – we cover how to use it and which cars are fitted with it
Cruise control and adaptive cruise control explained
Cruise control and adaptive cruise control explained
Cruise control is a handy feature for long journeys – we explain how to use it
Mercedes jumps on AI tech with new MBUX software
Mercedes jumps on AI tech with new MBUX software
Mercedes’s infotainment system to receive an overhaul, bringing new digital and audio technology
How long do electric car batteries last?
How long do electric car batteries last?
An EV battery is a complex component that can be expensive to replace. With that in mind, here’s how long an electric car battery typically lasts
What is Peugeot i-Cockpit?
What is Peugeot i-Cockpit?
Peugeot offers one of the most striking car interiors on the market – we explain what makes it so different
What are speed limiters?
What are speed limiters?
The EU has mandated speed limiters on all new cars, we explain what they do
What is traffic sign recognition?
What is traffic sign recognition?
Traffic sign recognition is available on many new cars - here we explain what it does and how it works
New Apple CarPlay update goes beyond the infotainment screen
New Apple CarPlay update goes beyond the infotainment screen
Upcoming Apple CarPlay update will bring a significant refresh in 2023
New geofencing technology could automatically enforce speed limits
New geofencing technology could automatically enforce speed limits
Ford introduces new tech that will limit the car’s speed in certain areas, doing away with the need for road signs
What is hill start assist?
What is hill start assist?
Everything you need to know about hill start assist, the car tech that helps you get moving on steep inclines
What is ESP on a car?
What is ESP on a car?
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is a life-saving piece of technology. We explain what it is and how it works.
What is a limited slip differential?
What is a limited slip differential?
What is an LSD and what are the benefits of a limited-slip differential?
What does a car radiator do and what can go wrong?
What does a car radiator do and what can go wrong?
We explain how a car radiator works and what to do if it leaks
What is a car’s exhaust system and what can go wrong?
What is a car’s exhaust system and what can go wrong?
We explain the inner workings of a car’s exhaust system and what to do if it needs repairing
What is a car’s head gasket?
What is a car’s head gasket?
We describe the function of a head gasket and how to detect if it has blown
What are brake pads and discs?
What are brake pads and discs?
We explain how car brakes work and how to check your brake pads
What are spark plugs and glow plugs?
What are spark plugs and glow plugs?
Spark plugs and glow plugs work to keep your car functioning properly, but what are they?
Car lights and headlights: complete guide to different light types and technologies
Car lights and headlights: complete guide to different light types and technologies
We fill in the gaps on Halogen, Xenon, Matrix LED and Laser headlights, and all their safety benefits
What is lumbar support in a car?
What is lumbar support in a car?
Lumbar support is fitted to the seats of some cars to help passengers maintain good posture and prevent lower back pain
What is air suspension, and how does it work?
What is air suspension, and how does it work?
Air suspension uses pressurised air to provide a cushioned, smooth ride, but has some potential drawbacks
What is keyless entry and keyless start?
What is keyless entry and keyless start?
We explain how keyless entry and keyless start systems works and whether you should get them on your next car
What are adaptive dampers, and how do they work?
What are adaptive dampers, and how do they work?
Adaptive dampers are an advanced vehicle technology that improves the comfort and handling of your car
What is a pedestrian detection system?
What is a pedestrian detection system?
Pedestrian detection is a hi-tech car feature that helps to protect people both inside the car and out
What is Alcantara?
What is Alcantara?
Alcantara is a luxurious, suede-like material that is being used more and more in car interiors
What is kerb weight?
What is kerb weight?
Kerb weight is a popular method of specifying a car’s weight, but what exactly does it mean? Read on to find out everything you need to know about ker…
What is a space saver wheel?
What is a space saver wheel?
A space saver spare wheel can help you get home or to a garage if your car suffers a puncture and takes up less room than a full-size spare
What is regenerative braking? Brake energy regeneration explained
What is regenerative braking? Brake energy regeneration explained
Regenerative braking can generate extra electricity for your car’s battery by harvesting otherwise wasted energy. Here’s everything you need to know a…
What is gross vehicle weight?
What is gross vehicle weight?
Gross weight is used to calculate the overall weight of a vehicle, but what exactly does it mean?
What is a car immobiliser and does my car have one?
What is a car immobiliser and does my car have one?
How does a car immobiliser work and how do I know if my car has this security device?