Multi-Electrode Spark Plugs: A Leap of Faith?

It may seem obvious that a coolant leak shouldn't go long without being diagnosed. The chance of over-heating, having to buy top-up coolant, and the spots on your driveway are just a few reasons. But the reality is that coolant leaks are not only messy but can cause damage to parts in the engine...

When it comes time to replace shocks on your European vehicle it may become confusing as to which brand to go with.  It sometimes seems like there's a never ending amount of options but Sachs is the brand that stands out when it comes to overall quality and safety.  Sachs produces a wide range of...

If you own an E36 M3 the chances are great that your car is consuming a little (or A LOT!) of oil. The range of consumption will vary between people and cars, but for the most part .5-2.5 quarts every 2000 miles is considered "normal," which seems crazy. Where most people get stuck is that their...

Groaning or howling sounds that change with road speed are typical in higher mileage Volvos. Often, a poor alignment can cause tires to wear unevenly and "cup," (Image) which is one reason this noise comes about. But what if you rotate the tires and the sound doesn't change? Most likely, a...

I've been car shopping lately. Having two 90's Volvos has been fun, but I've always had a penchant for technology in my cars and these old steeds are just not doing it for me anymore. Retrofitting bluetooth audio and bi-xenon headlamps into an S70 extended the enjoyability of the car a great deal...

Wandering, clunking, and generally sloppy steering response can point to a number of issues in an E46 BMW, and all of them can lead to worn control arms. These arms contain ball joints, as well as rubber compliance bushings that perish over time and can throw your car out of alignment. Zach...

Automotive engines are a myriad of rubber hoses, vacuum elbows, belts, and bushings. As they wear out, some may fail more catastrophically than others. I've had Volvos with perforated cooling hoses, missing serpentine belts, and rotten engine mounts come through my garage. But not many people...

The MAF (or Mass Air Flow meter) is an important part of a fuel injected engine, as it essentially estimates the amount of air going into the engine so the correct amount of fuel can be injected to match.  If a MAF sensor reports more air than there is, then too little fuel will be injected and...

If you own an E36 BMW, no doubt you have experienced excess noise coming from the engine compartment. Finding the solution to these noises can seem taxing, especially since VANOS noises are so common with these cars. The VANOS ticking can sometimes overshadow other things making excess noise. It...