Our blogs
Are you interested in car mechanics, maintenance or choosing the right parts? In Japoto’s blogs, we share practical knowledge and explanations drawn from our day-to-day work.
23 items
BlogFitting new wheels: how to do it yourself
You can fit new wheels yourself using a jack and a wheel spanner, without having to go to a garage. The most important thing is to choose rims with the correct size, bolt circle and ET value for your car, so that they fit properly and are safe to drive on. Below, you can read how to choose the right rims […]
BlogReplacing brake discs yourself: a step-by-step guide and tips
With basic tools, you can replace your brake discs yourself and save a fair bit on garage costs. The most important thing is that you always replace the brake discs per axle – replacing both front wheels or both rear wheels at the same time – and that you replace the brake pads as well if they need replacing. Below, you can read about when the brake discs […]
BlogShould I replace or recharge the car battery?
A flat car battery does not automatically mean you need a new one. In many cases, recharging is sufficient, for example after a period of inactivity or too many short journeys. Only when the battery is worn out – usually after 3 to 7 years – is replacement the best solution. In this blog, we’ll go through the most common causes […]
BlogBroken drive shaft on a Toyota Corolla Verso: causes and how to replace it yourself
A broken drive shaft is a common problem with the Toyota Corolla Verso 1.6 and 1.8 models manufactured between 2004 and 2009. The cause is usually corrosion of the vibration damper or a torn protective sleeve on the constant-velocity joint, allowing moisture and dirt to get in. With the right tools, you can replace the drive shaft yourself and save a considerable amount on […]
BlogWhite smoke from the exhaust: causes and solutions
A little white smoke when starting the engine is normal and is caused by condensation and water droplets evaporating in the exhaust, particularly in cold weather. If white smoke continues to come out of the exhaust even after 10 minutes of driving, this indicates a problem whereby coolant is entering the combustion chamber. The three most common causes are […]
BlogCar coolant leak: causes and what to do about it
A puddle of fluid under the car or a coolant level that is dropping faster than normal indicates a leak in the cooling system. The most common causes are a leaking radiator, a faulty water pump, worn hoses or a blown head gasket. It is important to repair the leak quickly, as without sufficient coolant the engine can overheat […]
BlogMoisture in the car: causes of misted-up windows and what to do about it
Misted-up windows occur when warm, damp air inside the car comes into contact with the cold windows, causing condensation to form. You can sort this out quickly by switching on the air conditioning or directing the heating towards the windscreen. Want to prevent it from happening in the long term? Then it’s important to tackle the cause of the moisture […]
BlogCar window tinting: legislation, shades and doing it yourself
Window film gives your car windows a dark tint, providing greater privacy, reducing heat build-up inside the car and giving it a sleek look. You can fit the film yourself, but it’s important to bear in mind the legal requirements for light transmission. Below, you can read why window tinting is popular, which shades are permitted, what […]
BlogReplacing the clutch: recognise the signs and do it yourself
If your clutch is slipping, you must replace it as soon as possible. If you don’t, you’ll soon damage the pressure plate and the flywheel as well, making the repair more expensive. The clutch is the connection between the engine and the gearbox and, depending on your driving style, usually lasts between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometres. Read on below […]
BlogCar stutters when pulling away or accelerating: 4 causes and solutions
A car that stutters when pulling away or accelerating usually indicates a problem with the fuel supply or air intake. The three most common causes are a clogged particulate filter, a dirty intake manifold and a faulty lambda sensor. In older cars, worn spark plugs, a dirty fuel filter or a dirty carburettor are also frequently to blame. In […]
BlogReplacing brake pads: signs, step-by-step guide & tips
Brake pads wear down every time you brake, making them one of the parts of the car that wear out the fastest. Depending on your driving style, they last between 15,000 and 70,000 kilometres. As soon as the lining is thinner than 5 millimetres, it’s time to replace them. This is something you can do yourself with basic tools. […]
BlogCar won’t start: causes and solutions
A car that won’t start usually indicates a problem with the battery, the starter motor, the spark plugs or the fuel filter. You can often identify the cause yourself by paying attention to what the car does do: do the lights come on, do you hear a clicking sound, or does absolutely nothing happen? Below, we’ll walk you through the most common […]