Wheel Spacers - How Much is Too Much?

A door handle is just a simple mechanical lever right?  Well, back when BMW designed the 8-Series coupe in the late 80’s nothing was simple. There are a variety of features and functions contained within its handle. It just so happens I have a disassembled handle mechanism lying around, so let’s...

That's right, this unicorn feature can be yours - if you're lucky. Rear heated seats were a very rare option in the 93-00 run of P80 chassis Volvos. They were available in the 850, V70, V70 XC, and S70 models. It's nothing short of sublime having a heated torso in the Winter, and extending that...

Fixing windshield washers that have stopped spraying is one of the easiest fixes a DIY’er can take on.  Usually the fault is with the pump motor attached the fluid reservoir.  Just put your ear near it when the washers should be on and you should hear it buzzing.  If it doesn't then chances are...

Our blog in a short period of time has compiled a lot of useful information on how to keep your car running. After all, mechanical maintenance of your car is crucial if you want to get from point A to point B reliably. One area that we have not touched, and I believe is equally important, is how...

I'm babysitting a friend's Audi A6 2.8 this week and was recently greeted with the car overheating while traveling a short distance. A quick underhood inspection revealed a less than perfect situation under the hood. The most notable was a cracked and worn looking expansion tank, a fan that...

Proper maintenance of a car's exterior not only helps it retain its value, but improve its aesthetics as well. Not many of us have had the privilege of owning our cars their whole life and been able to do the maintenance we see fit.  Most of us will buy a car from someone we have no history with...

Engine coolant - that ubiquitous (traditionally) green, sweet smelling, slick liquid present in virtually all automobiles can be considered one of the most important fluids in the engine. It serves many purposes -  one of which is to help remove heat from the engine. Not only is it one of the...

It's been a long time since we've seen anything from our own Dr. Jay VanGorden, but he's back here today to show you how to replace your Volvo S60 (P2) front brakes using Bosch QuietCast™ rotors and pads.  A protective coating is used on each brake rotor to prevent rust and corrosion while...

Repairing your own Volvo can be a daunting prospect, especially if your tool crib isn't stocked with the right gadgets. Luckily, it's not a huge investment to properly stock your stash with tools that can unlock the door to most repairs any mechanic can handle at home. Here's some of my favorites...