What is Brake Cleaner? Brake cleaner, often called Brake, Clutch and Parts Cleaner is an aerosol-delivered solvent originally designed to clean grease, oil, brake dust and dirt from brake friction materials. With its easy application and minimal amount of preparation and clean-up time, it can be a quick fix for a dirty under performing brakes. What are the benefits of using Brake Cleaner...
Automechanika is the world’s largest independent automotive trade fair for the automotive industry, holding 16 events in 15 Countries every year. Every two years, the trade fair rolls into Frankfurt in Germany and this year was by far the largest, ever! The fair is the shop window for the automotive market across the entire industry. Here is what just one of the...
In warm and dry weather, the diesel engine will start even if one glow plug is defective and only the other plugs preheat. With glow plug failure there will usually be increased pollutant emission and possibly also knocking during start, however, the driver will not consciously take note of these signs, or will not know how to interpret them. There...
Recently the European Union released an R90 type-approval requirement for all replacement Brake Pads & Brake Shoes. It is illegal to supply and or fit any brake friction material that is not R90 type approved. What is ECE Regulation 90? Otherwise known as R90, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ECE Regulation 90 is now a legal requirement for all replacement brake friction materials (Brake Pads &...
RoughTrax receives many customers enquiring about bull bars every day, and unfortunately we are unable to supply them. It is not our decision not to supply bull bars but an EU legislation preventing us from legally selling them without a pretty hefty fine. We thought we would set the record straight and explain why it is now illegal to sell bull bars unless...
A very common question we are asked by our customers is "What is the difference in RoughTrax premium exhaust quality to others?" Well, let us explain; Who is the manufacturer? The manufacturer for RoughTrax premium exhausts are A2A Exhaust Specialists, A2A stands for Air 2 Air and is a brand name for TMA, their strap line is "OE in everything but name". TMA is the largest independent manufacturer of quality exhausts...
Struggling to find cheap and affordable 4x4 insurance for your Toyota Hilux Pickup, Hilux Surf or Land Cruiser? Look no further, finding cheap car insurance couldn't be easier. RoughTrax have put together a list of the best 4x4 insurance companies that have been recommended to us by our customers. (Information correct as of May, 2016) Adrian Flux Insurance Services They offer top-quality, low-cost...
If your stereo goes dead, windows stop working, a light stops working or if your truck won’t start, it can often result to a blown fuse. Replacing or checking a fuse is as easy as changing a light bulb. You can usually change fuses yourself, easily and with very little expense on the Toyota Hilux Pickup, Hilux Surfs and Land Cruisers...
This article explains the technical differences between OE, OEM & Aftermarket automotive products, with company and product examples for each alternative, and the expectations they need to achieve to obtain product and company certifications. OE & OEM What do we mean by an 'OE' or 'OEM' products, well in short this means the manufacturer of the original part used in the assembly...
The job of removing and fitting of an oil seal correctly is a very important task no matter where it is being installed, of course in some areas such as rear main oil seal (engine crank shaft) just getting to the seal is the major issue so here are some helpful hints along with some 'do’s' and 'don’ts' to ensure...
In this article you'll learn why it is important to regularly change your old brake fluid with new brake fluid, how to bleed your brake system and how to choose the right fluid for your vehicle. The important thing to remember is, brake fluid can absorb moisture, this is bad because of the 'wet boiling point' which is the reduced boiling temperature of fluid that's absorbed...
The most common and effective way of checking your vehicles car battery is holding the correct voltage charge is by using a quality drop tester or a multimeter. A good battery should hold a charge of 12.6 volts. If it isn’t you should replace it or try charging the battery. Digital Drop Test A voltage drop test is the most effective way...
In this article you will learn about different suspensions types such as coil springs, leaf springs and torsion bar suspension systems, their functions and how their differ from one another. A vehicle ride quality is a very personal preference, and what one persons opinion of a nice ride comfort and feel will be another ones nightmare. Automotive springs & torsion bars play a major role in the safe handling and...
Alternator failures are predictably never caught in time, keeping on top of your vehicle maintenance can save you hundreds of pounds and the need to replace your alternator through neglect. Below are the latest technical statistics labelling the most popular alternator failures. 68% of all alternator failures are due to a faulty or weak battery. 15% of all alternator failures are due to poor electrical connections, fusible...
There are several ways to check whether your specific vehicle is subject to any current safety recalls, we have put together the best two means of checking your Toyota is subject to a vehicle safety recall. Go to Toyota’s very own online Recall Checker and enter your vehicles registration or chassis number, they will be able to confirm straight away...
When you purchase a vehicle you are taking on the responsibility of servicing and maintaining that vehicle, it is important to ensure your vehicle is safe to be used on-road and off-road to avoid being involved in an accident. In between services you should be checking your vehicle for anything out of the ordinary and take action upon your findings...
If you are due a service and maybe thinking of tackling the job yourself, we have put together some handy tools & equipment suggestions that will make your life much easier when carrying out essential maintenance & servicing on your 4x4 at home. Minor damage and small problems are often easier to fix than you think, and having the right...
When RoughTrax carried out mechanical repairs we were often brought trucks with various droaning, humming or rumbling drivetrain bearing type noises. The initial task was to determine where the noise is coming from. Here we explain how to differentiate different bearing noises and what to look out for; Wheel bearing noises A wheel bearing noise more often than not has a constant...
Off-roading is one of the more exciting hobbies you can experience. Going off road opens your eyes to places you would not otherwise see. It also challenges you, as the terrain is far different from what you are accustomed to driving on road. Follow these very important simple rules for a safer and more enjoyable experience: Let someone know where...
Antifreeze or otherwise known as coolant, is the coloured fluid (usually red, sometimes green or blue) found in your radiator & cooling system. You should be changing your antifreeze at least every two years, it is just as important as engine oil. Antifreeze costs very little but a new engine costs considerably more; preventing freezing will reduce the possibility of...
