The early Mercedes AIRMATIC struts don’t have the best reputation. The comfort they bring when they are functioning is balanced by the prohibitively expensive repair costs when they go wrong. These days, aftermarket struts and springs from Arnott are the smart and cost-effective way to replace...

The early Mercedes AIRMATIC struts have a polarizing reputation. The comfort they bring when they are functioning is balanced by the prohibitively expensive repair costs when they go wrong. On chassis that aren't worth nearly what they were ten years ago, the cost of replacement may not be worth...

The first-generation Porsche Cayenne is an affordable and fairly reliable SUV easily found on the second-hand market, and that can be maintained at home. Brake jobs and oil changes are achievable in the driveway with no need for special tools. However, depending on the model, there is an often...

The ignition system controls one of the three essential functions needed for an engine to run. Failing spark plugs or coils on the 1.8t/2.0t engine in your Volkswagen or Audi will produce a weakened spark at best, resulting in poor ignition of the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder. Without the...

The timing belt is the only thing preventing all of the engine’s moving parts from slamming into each other in interference engines. As such, keeping track of your P1 Volvo timing belt’s health is a critical part of being a vehicle owner. Typically, manufacturers will recommend a belt change...

On top of all that is already happening inside an engine, there needs to be a constant vacuum source. For naturally aspirated cars, vacuum isn't hard to come by as they produce their own at all times. Turbocharged engines, on the other hand, can use all of the help they can get. The boost...

The serpentine belt on the front of the BMW N52 engine is responsible for driving the power steering pump, alternator, and A/C compressor. If either the belt or the tensioner fails, you'll lose your power steering, and the battery won't be receiving a charge. It's recommended that the belt be...

The stock suspension on the BMW F30/F32 chassis has been enjoyed on the street by many of its owners. However, those searching for more style have found the ride height to be higher than they'd like and have found coilover suspension is the best solution to this problem. They allow you to set the...

Like the previous generation of 3-series BMW, the N-series engines in the E90 chassis are notorious for oil filter housing leaks. This gasket is critical to a healthy engine as it prevents oil from getting out of the engine, along with keeping the oil out of the cooling system. The oil that the...

Audi neatly packaged a lot of important components on the S4's engine beneath the supercharger. While they created a good looking engine, the packaging makes service work tricky. One of the components located under the supercharger is the PCV/air oil separator. The PCV/AOS will affect a vast...