Ready to strengthen our position in the European classic car market

Soon, Auto Elect will be on the Retro Classics in Stuttgart, one of the largest and leading classic vehicle trade fairs in Europe. For us, this is not only a wonderful event full of automotive history, but above all a strategic moment to further expand our market within the European classic car market.

After all, the passion for classics does not stop at the border - and neither does our expertise.

Why the Retro Classics Stuttgart?

The Retro Classics in Stuttgart is the international meeting point for:

• Restoration Companies

• Specialists in overhaul

• Parts Suppliers

• Collectors and investors

• Dealers in exclusive classics

With visitors and exhibitors from all over Europe, this show offers a unique opportunity to bring our specialist knowledge to the attention of a wider, international audience.

For Auto Elect, this is the moment to show what we stand for: high-quality overhaul, technical precision and preservation of originality.

Focus on growth within the European classic car market

The European market for classic vehicles continues to grow. Restorations are becoming more professional, vehicles are increasing in value and owners are looking for specialists who can overhaul original parts instead of replacing them.

That's exactly where our strength lies.

With our expertise in such areas as:

• Overhaul of steering boxes

• Alternators and starter motors

• Classic electrical systems

• Specialist components for exclusive brands

we want to further expand our position within Germany, Belgium, France, Italy and Scandinavia. The demand for reliable revision specialists is high - and we are ready to play that role more emphatically outside the Netherlands as well.

Strengthen international collaborations

At the fair, we explicitly focus on building lasting partnerships with:

• Restoration companies seeking a permanent revision partner

• Classic dealers who want to guarantee quality to their customers

• Workshops specializing in exclusive brands

• Collectors with technical issues

Our ambition is clear: To position Auto Elect as an established overhaul partner within the European classic car sector.

We find that many companies need a specialist who not only overhauls, but also thinks about technical solutions, monitors originality and delivers quality at a high level.

Craftsmanship as a differentiating factor

In a market where reproduction parts are increasingly chosen, at the same time the appreciation for overhaul of original components is growing. After all, authenticity is essential for value retention.

At the Retro Classics we want to show that overhaul is more than repair:

• Original specifications are retained

• Quality is technically optimized

• Sustainability is key

• Value of the vehicle remains guaranteed

For brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and other European icons, specialized knowledge is not a luxury, but a necessity.

And it is precisely in that segment that we want to further expand our presence within Europe.

Where passion and precision come together

Every car has its own character. It communicates with sounds, vibrations, lights and sometimes subtly, sometimes loudly and clearly. If you listen carefully, you will hear exactly where the problem is. And that listening, that is our passion. Because there is nothing like unraveling a complex failure and reviving a system that had momentarily lost its rhythm.

Technology that speaks

Modern automotive technology is a world full of data, codes and sensors. A world where every component talks to each other via networks, protocols and signals. Where once a wrench, a multimeter and a good ear were enough, today you rely on sophisticated diagnostic tools.

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems are at the heart of that modern diagnosis. They reveal what the vehicle "feels": deviations in RPM, voltages, temperature sensors or steering angles. With the right equipment, every number becomes a clue and every anomaly becomes a story.

But the real magic happens when technology meets craftsmanship. A reader can tell you what wrong, but only experience teaches you why.

The boundary between mechanics and electronics

At Auto Elect, we see it every day: a customer comes in with a mechanical complaint such as, for example, a heavy steering wheel, a rattling noise, a steering wheel that does not return properly to the center position.
At first glance, it looks like a classic mechanical problem, but the real cause often lies deeper.

A modern car is a fusion of mechanics, electronics and software. A small deviation in a steering angle sensor, a CAN bus failure or miscoding can cause the same symptom as a worn gear or bearing.

Therefore, modern diagnosis is more than just measuring. It is interpretation, comparison, logical reasoning. It is a form of technical sleuthing, where every detail counts.

The tools of the modern craftsman

Diagnostics is not pressing a button, it is a craft. And like any craftsman, the modern mechanic has his tools, his "instruments."

1. OBD-II readers - The first step in any diagnosis. This reads out fault codes, live data and system values. It is the starting point of any conversation with the car.
2. Mechanical measuring equipment - From compression testers to oil pressure gauges. They reveal the physical health of engine and drivetrain.
3. Endoscopic cameras - For the places the human eye cannot reach. Indispensable when inspecting wheelhouses, gears or internal leaks.
4. Vibration and noise analysis - Where ears fall short, sensors take over. Measuring is knowing - and above all, feeling what the car means.
5. Calibration and coding tools - After overhaul or replacement, essential to get components back in perfect alignment. Without proper software calibration, no modern system functions optimally.

A broken car part is never convenient. The sound of a faltering pump, a steering wheel that feels heavy, or an air conditioner that suddenly quits causes instant stress. What will this cost? How soon can I drive again? And above all, which solution is really the best?

At Auto Elect we understand that feeling all too well. We stand daily alongside motorists facing this choice. And we believe: it's not just about parts, but about confidence, safety and worry-free driving pleasure. That's why we take you through the two main options: new parts and remanufactured parts.

New auto parts: OEM or aftermarket

New components sound obvious, but there are two categories, each with its own character.

1. OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
   OEM parts are made by or for the car manufacturer. They are identical to what was originally in your car. That gives absolute assurance: you know it will fit perfectly and perform as intended. The downside? They are often more expensive and sometimes more difficult to obtain.
2. Aftermarket parts
   Aftermarket parts come from outside manufacturers. They are usually cheaper, often available faster and - if carefully selected - as good or even better than OEM.

At Auto Elect, we don't leave this to chance. We subject aftermarket parts to rigorous testing and put where necessary reverse engineering in: we analyze the original, improve the design and re-produce it with better materials or clever technical improvements. Thus, sometimes an alternative becomes an upgrade.

Overhaul: craftsmanship with a second life

A remanufactured part is not a stopgap, but a model of technical craftsmanship. Think steering boxes, turbos or air conditioning compressors that are completely restored to like-new condition.

At Auto Elect, we tackle this thoroughly:

• Disassembly - each part is carefully taken apart.
• Cleaning - all components are deeply cleaned.
• Replacement - Wear parts go out as standard and are replaced with new ones.
• Reassembly - the whole thing is constructed with attention.
• Test phase - Only after extensive testing on our own benches does the component get the green light.

For us, overhaul is not second-guessing, but pure pride: bringing a technical heart back to life. That's why we often give up to 24 months warranty, just like new.

A well-functioning air conditioner in your car is not a luxury, but a necessity. Especially on hot days and in winter, when your windows need to defog quickly. The heart of this system is the air conditioning compressor. If it is not working properly, you will notice it immediately: your A/C no longer cools or makes strange noises.

But how does such a compressor actually work? And what can you do if your A/C compressor is broken?

How does an air conditioning compressor in the car work?

The A/C compressor is the beating heart of the A/C system. Without this component, the refrigerant would not be pumped around and cold air would not come out of the vents. The process involves several steps:

• Supply refrigerant gas - The compressor draws in gas that has absorbed heat from the interior.
• Compressed - The gas is compressed under high pressure, increasing pressure and temperature.
• Condenser - The hot gas goes to the condenser, usually at the front of the car, where it cools to liquid.
• Evaporator - The liquid refrigerant evaporates again and absorbs heat from the cabin. This creates the cool air you feel through the ventilation.

This process repeats itself continuously while driving. The system seems simple, but the A/C compressor runs at high speeds and is under considerable pressure. Therefore, it is also one of the most sensitive parts of the air conditioner.

 

Common air conditioning compressor problems

An A/C compressor is a mechanical part and can wear out or fail over time. The most common problems are:

• Worn bearings or clutch → the air conditioner no longer turns on.
• Refrigerant leakage → the compressor runs dry and gets damaged.
• Internal damage → fouling, clogged pipes or broken valves.

Symptoms of an air conditioning compressor failure

• The air conditioning doesn't cool much, if at all.
• Strange noises are audible under the hood.
• The air conditioning system fails completely.
• Sometimes the air conditioner turns on and off, which may indicate an incipient malfunction.

Modern vehicles are equipped with all kinds of smart technology to make driving cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly. One such system is the EGR valve - shortly before Exhaust Gas Recirculation. This valve recirculates part of the exhaust gases back to the engine, with the aim of lowering the combustion temperature and thus drastically reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

But as with many components that operate under harsh conditions, the EGR valve can start to cause problems over time. Soot and carbon deposits cause the valve to stop opening or closing properly, leading to engine failures, power loss or even system failure. Then the question is: Do you have the EGR valve cleaned or is replacement the best choice?

In this blog, we explain not only when to clean or replace, but more importantly why Auto Elect offers a unique concept that goes beyond standard replacement. With a combination of inventory, test technology and technical innovation, we provide a sustainable solution that works - and stays working.

What exactly does the EGR valve do?

The EGR valve is part of the car's emission control system. By returning a controlled amount of exhaust gas to the intake manifold, it lowers the combustion temperature in the engine. This reduces NOx - a harmful gas that contributes to air pollution and smog formation.

This system works efficiently as long as everything remains clean and operating smoothly. But in practice, soot particles accumulate, especially on short trips, low revs and vehicles that do a lot of city driving. This causes the EGR valve to clog, get stuck or no longer close properly. The result: engine choppiness, reduced performance and error codes on the dashboard.

Cleaning or replacing: which is wise?

For light soiling, cleaning the EGR valve sometimes sufficient. Especially if the complaints are limited or if the vehicle is relatively new. But in cases of severe contamination, mechanical wear or recurring malfunctions, it is replacement often the only structural solution.

Below is an overview of both options:

When cleaning is sufficient:

• The EGR valve is only slightly fouled with soot or carbon deposits
• The engine still performs reasonably, but feels "heavy" or less responsive
• There are (mild) error codes or warning lights that indicate impaired operation
• You are looking for a temporary and inexpensive solution

When replacement is necessary:

• The valve is severely clogged or mechanically damaged
• There are persistent error messages or engine failures
• Cleaning had no effect or only works temporarily
• The vehicle has already driven many miles and the valve is original
• You want a long-term, reliable solution without repeating the problem

Car Elect: more than just a new part

At Auto Elect we have noticed in recent years that the demand for quality EGR replacement has increased considerably. Many universal suppliers offer replacement parts, but what is lacking is control, reliability and knowledge of the system itself. That is why we have developed a unique concept with which we distinguish ourselves:

After Dieselgate, numerous 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI engines are struggling with persistent EGR problems. But why? And how does Auto Elect offer a lasting solution thanks to reverse engineering?

Since the Dieselgate scandal, the EGR valve - the part that directs exhaust gases back into the engine to reduce NOx emissions - a source of frustration for many car owners and workshops. What was once intended to make engines cleaner has, in practice, turned out to primarily result in expensive repairs, downtime and dissatisfied customers. At Auto Elect, therefore, we have taken a structural approach: reverse engineering. Thus, we do not just supply a replacement part, but a technically improved solution.

What went wrong after Dieselgate?

To understand why so many EGR systems fail, we need to go back to Dieselgate for a moment. VAG group engines, such as the EA189, were equipped with software that recognized when the car was on the test bench. During such a test, the EGR system worked at its maximum to reduce NOx emissions. But during normal driving, the system was largely turned off. This resulted in smoother performance and less pollution in the EGR system itself.

Upon discovery of this practice, governments required the manufacturer to perform a software update. As a result, the EGR valve now had to remain active at all times. Good for emissions figures according to the standard, but the original system was not designed for this. The result: excessive pollution, stuck valves, faulty engines and frequently recurring malfunctions.

The problem with the original design

The original EGR system was already prone to fouling, especially in combination with aging particulate filter. The software update required the system to run permanently, increasing the load tremendously. As a result, EGR valves clogged or failed more quickly. And because the exact same original parts were often fitted, the problem kept recurring.

Workshops and customers were powerless: replacements sometimes helped briefly, but did not provide a structural solution. To everyone's frustration.

What does Auto Elect do differently? Reverse engineering.

At Auto Elect we analyze not only what breaks down, but more importantly why. Based on reverse engineering, we identified and addressed the weaknesses of the original design of the VAG EA189 engines. This resulted in a modified EGR module within our Gaured program, specifically suited for the higher load after the software update.

Key improvements:

• Better materials: For all wear-sensitive and heat-loaded parts, significantly extending service life.

• Modified cooler: Better heat transfer and less chance of internal leaks.

• Custom gasket: More durable and resistant to high temperatures.

• Valve mechanism optimization: Less susceptible to contamination and overloading.

In addition, these modules are rigorously tested, both during production and extra in the Netherlands. They are checked for cooling water leakage with certified equipment as well as the correct operation of the valve and position sensor.