Changing the transmission fluid on your Volvo is one of those jobs you are always ready to do, whether you know it or not. It requires minimal tools, hardly any preparation, and can take no more...
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...
Engine efficiency is a very broad concept, and a very large component of the physical discipline known as thermodynamics. For all engines, there is a calculable maximum efficiency. Since the laws of thermodynamics prohibit 100% efficient machines, we do know how good of an efficiency we can come...
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...
Modern cars have advanced to the point where the much of the concern of pollution is no longer from the tailpipe - modern emissions controls such as catalytic converters, secondary air pumps, and advanced engine control units have advanced emissions control to the point that in some cases, the...
A closeup of the idler arm as installed- passenger tie rod to the left, and drag link to the right. Before the mid 1990's (including the W123, W124, W126, and W201), Mercedes-Benz generally used a steering set up that is more typical on commercial trucks and tractors than on fine luxury...
Diagnosing a newer car is easier than you think. Since 1996, all new cars like the Volvo S60 and BMW 325i have been fitted with the OBD-II system, which monitors the engine very closely, specifically the emissions systems. If anything looks wrong, and the computer cannot regulate it, it will set...
Getting into the car DIY world means there are going to be some tough times and occasionally some serious road blocks. Having someone local or at least reliable to call on for help and advice is huge. I got myself into a few situations that my independent Volvo mechanic was able to quickly and...
The BMW 3-Series is one of the most iconic vehicles BMW ever built. It has always been synonymous with the motorsports division of BMW since the day of the E30 M3. Recently I had the opportunity to do a little wrench time on a friend's 1987 BMW 325i. He had retired the car early this year from...
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