A reader asked if I could write a post on replacing a radiator (which I assumed would be for the 2004 Saab 9-3 Arc I usually write posts about). I wasn’t planning on replacing mine (yet) but...
One of the most effective ways to make sure your classic diesel Mercedes keeps on ticking for a long time to come is to stay on top of fluid changes. In between changes, however, all of the fluids in your car shouldn't just be ignored. Slow leaks can gradually drain the pans and reservoirs that...
Anyone who owns a car understands that typical wear parts need to be replaced - things like brakes, shocks, belts, etc. Generally these are things that move, compress, switch, twist, grab...they work hard to keep your car going or under control and it stand to reason that after enough hard work...
On older Volvos, owners often dismissed ABS messages because the culprit was likely a faulty solder on the control module; no functioning ABS, but not harm to the car. However, ABS warnings should be addressed immediately on modern day vehicles. A faulty ABS is dangerous in emergency braking...
Car batteries are a wear item that gets replaced every few years. Hopefully you’ll change it before you get stuck somewhere with a bad battery, which is the leading cause for car breakdowns. Most batteries fail because of sulfation: a build-up of lead sulfate crystals. A sulfated battery can lead...
Our April AER race at Watkins Glen was cut short when the engine went "boom" and stopped running at about 100 mph through the esses. Many hours of "what the hell happened" later, we discovered that one of the rod bearings had failed, causing the rod to overheat and eventually snap in half. We...
I’ve been to plenty classic car shows that had sections devoted to my favorite marques, but I have never before seen so many ancient variations on a single brand until The Vintage visited my hometown this weekend. If your BMW isn’t rocking round (or popup) headlights, it’s probably too young for...
One of the simplest of things to keep up on your Volvo is its maintenance. Your Volvo requires regular routine maintenance to keep it in tip top shape, running efficiently, and to maintain its peak performance. It’s often realized that bringing your car to the dealership every 7500 miles can be...
Like it or not, there will come a time that you just won’t be able to drive your car. Maybe it's because you need to put it away for the season, or that you need to take care of other projects before getting back to your toy. Nonetheless, if you need to park your car for long periods of time, you...
In the winter I’d get this endless, annoying noise from the dash whenever I drove the 2004 Saab 9-3 Arc. It didn’t come back as much when the spring season warmed it up but it would still return at times. I figured out that it was coming from the trim right about the heating controls below the...