Maintenance and information

Jaguar Land Rover's 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel can produce impressive torque and economy, but documented timing-chain, balance-shaft and emissions-system concerns make it a platform that deserves careful diagnosis before tuning. We examine DPF regeneration, oil dilution, turbocharger loading, BMEP, the differences between lower-output engines and the factory D240, and why maximum Stage 1 figures are not always good engineering.

Fuel injectors must deliver the correct quantity of fuel at the correct pressure and time. This guide explains injector types, sizing, calibration, history and motorsport applications.

Carbon fiber has transformed motorsport and high-performance road cars. Learn how it developed, how carbon components are manufactured and why engineering quality matters more than the visible weave.

Discover how chip tuning evolved from physically replacing ECU memory chips to modern software calibration using flash programming, datalogging and advanced engine-management strategies.

Discover how direct and indirect TPMS work, what the tyre-pressure warning light means, how sensors and valves should be maintained, and why correct tyre pressure is essential for safety and performance.

Wheel spacers can improve wheel clearance and appearance while subtly changing a vehicle’s track width and steering geometry. However, incorrect spacers, unsuitable fasteners or excessive thickness can cause vibration, clearance problems and additional stress on wheel and suspension components.

Forged pistons and connecting rods are only part of a reliable high-power engine build. Discover how pistons, rings, bearings, fasteners, crankshafts, valvetrain components and precision machining work together inside a highly tuned engine.

Center-lock wheels are one of the most recognisable details on racing cars and modern supercars, but are they genuinely better than traditional multi-bolt wheels? We examine their history, engineering, advantages, disadvantages and demanding maintenance requirements.

WinOLS, ECM Titanium and StageX can all be used to modify ECU calibration files, but they approach the job very differently. We examine their capabilities, limitations and professional applications.

The McLaren Graziano gearbox is a compact, high-performance dual-clutch transaxle engineered to deliver rapid shifts, direct driver control and everyday usability. We examine how the seven-speed SSG operates, why McLaren selected it and what owners need to know about servicing, heat management and tuned vehicles.

A high-end body kit can completely transform a vehicle, but there is far more involved than simply attaching new panels. We examine body-kit design, materials, aerodynamics, installation and the importance of professional fitment.

Car wheels are available in steel, cast aluminium, flow-formed aluminium, forged aluminium, magnesium and carbon-fibre constructions. Each material and manufacturing process offers a different balance of weight, strength, stiffness, durability, cost and repairability. This guide explains how the principal wheel types are manufactured, their history and which designs are best suited to road, performance and motorsport use.

Tyres are the only components connecting a vehicle to the road, making them critical to acceleration, braking, steering and stability. This guide explains the main types of car tyres, how they are constructed, what their compounds contain and why road, performance, winter, off-road and racing tyres require very different designs.

A powerful engine makes a car fast, but a properly engineered braking system makes that performance usable. From traditional drum brakes and cast-iron discs to carbon-ceramic rotors, racing pads and regenerative braking, every system has been designed for a particular operating environment. This guide explains the main types of car brakes, brake discs, calipers and brake-pad compounds, including their advantages, disadvantages and correct applications.

From traditional manual gearboxes to lightning-fast dual-clutch transmissions, the gearbox has a major influence on how a car performs and feels. In this guide, we explain the main gearbox types, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and why certain systems are better suited to road cars, supercars or motorsport.

Learn the differences between IAT, OAT, HOAT, waterless and racing coolants, how to maintain a cooling system correctly, and why competition vehicles may require a different coolant strategy.

McLaren's ProActive Chassis Control is one of the most sophisticated suspension concepts fitted to a modern supercar. Its hydraulically interconnected suspension uses pressure accumulators as part of a system designed to combine exceptional body control with impressive ride quality. Here we explain how McLaren suspension accumulators work, which models use them, the different PCC generations and what happens when problems develop.

Learn the differences between DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1 brake fluids, what dry and wet boiling points mean, and how to select the correct fluid for road, track-day and racing use.

Ignition coils play a critical role in delivering a strong, reliable spark. Discover why tuned engines place greater demand on the ignition system, when upgraded coils are genuinely needed, and how the correct plugs, gap and calibration work together to prevent misfires and maintain performance.

Learn how spark plugs work, the differences between copper, platinum and iridium plugs, and how heat range and gapping affect tuned engines.