Burning oil, low power, or misfires getting you down? Compression is the driving force that keeps an engine alive, and not enough can mean any one of these factors will set in. Often considered the benchmark of an engine's health, a compression test can provide a wealth of information to an avid...
I'm not a fan of manual transmissions anymore. At all. Being a car enthusiast, this puts me in a tough place amongst others that swear by it. With modern DSG transmissions being so fun to drive (And non-DSG too! I'm looking at you, ZF 8-Speed) I feel that the need for a manual is dwindling....
European vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and more attainable as manufacturers trend towards the mainstream buyer. Vehicles like the Mercedes CLA and Audi A3 simply didn't need to exist in the past - entry level luxury wasn't "entry level" yet, and there was no cheap way in without...
Driving a four-door coupé in the winter is not my idea of a good time. The impracticality of this front-wheel drive sled is exacerbated by the wide front wheels (Skinny snows? Nope.) and poor rear visibility in all types of weather. Despite all of this, the car is still drop-dead gorgeous. I can...
It's unfortunate that winters are so harsh on our cars. With a tenfold increase in road debris this time of the year, it's no wonder a winter car takes some serious clean-up work in the spring to get ready for the shows again. If you've got a new addition to the family that must be driven in the...
Now that the US has finally gotten as cold as it should be in the winter, I'm sure I'm not alone amongst Volvo owners that noticed their cars complaining a bit more than usual. In my case, the ABS module just started showing signs of failure by illuminating the dash like a Christmas tree. ...
Like religion, politics, and "Ford vs Chevy", there are many with their own set of opinions, so I'll add mine as well. While most aftermarket companies will offer an “OEM equivalent” replacement part, Meyle's "HD" line is specifically a redesign of the original component with the sole purpose of...
There it is. I'm test driving a used Volvo, and it happens. Every.Single.Time. I ease into the brakes, exclaim expletives, and finish the test drive in my usual peeved attitude. Smooth brakes are something I'm very picky about. At 120mph it feels great to stomp on the brake pedal and lock the...
The P80 chassis designation for Volvo cars extended from MY 1993 to 2000 in the US market. Towards the end of its run a rare but useful vehicle was created in the form of the 1997 Volvo 850 AWD. It was essentially an 850 GLT, but featured Volvo's first all-wheel-drive system. As the chassis...
In the world of European vehicles, genuine almost always wins. Replacing failed components with aftermarket is often an endeavor in cost cutting, but if you know how to shop, it can be a great way to save money while meeting or exceeding the genuine specifications the manufacturer originally...