It takes a lot to get a Volvo to perform like a modern sports sedan in the summer. Stock-for-stock, even the hottest 850R will handle worse than most sports sedans produced in the last 5 years....
An OBD-II scan-tool will help provide great insight into the dreaded “Check Engine Light” (CEL) and passing state emission inspections. Most states will not pass a car for emissions or safety inspection with an illuminated “CEL," so it's critical to have the right tools in your arsenal to get...
80's and 90's BMW models have long been known as great handling cars. Part of the reason for that came from innovations on the rear of the cars, in particular the multi-link rear suspension introduced on the E31 chassis called Integral III Axle. What's the job of rear suspension? Ideally it...
Winter is upon us again, and that means rain. If you're lucky enough to own a Volkswagen or Audi with a sunroof, you could be looking at a flooded interior if your sunroof drains aren't working correctly. Fortunately, these drains are easy to service, and in my experience, are the major source of...
If you own a W123, W124, W201, or W126 Mercedes, there is a replacement item lurking in your dashboard that can be the cause of great heart (and wallet) ache if it finally decides to give out on you. The part I'm speaking about is the ignition lock cylinder, and when it finally breaks, you will...
I'm not about to say that a dirty cabin air filter will cause emphysema, or make your children cough and sneeze while you take comfort knowing you saved $20 by ignoring this service. It's not that serious of an item as some companies will lead you to believe, and you don't need to replace it...
It's not uncommon for RWD and AWD cars to exhibit driveline vibration at some point in their lives. Specifically, European vehicles can start to show failure at the giubo flex-joint. Pronounced "Gew-bo" though often misspelled and pronounced as "Guibo" (Gwee-bo). As I understand it, the name...
As automotive electronics are getting more and more complex, automotive manufacturers have been seeking more streamlined and efficient methods of integrating the audio system. At first thought, the audio system is simple - it just plays music from the radio, right? Well it also needs to integrate...
Discussing tires elicits different responses from different people. Some people will leap headfirst into a discussion about what brands they like the most, what tread patterns and season designs they have had the most luck with, and what places offer the best deals. Others, though, will have a...
Have you ever left your gas cap off and got a check engine light? It happens to the best of us, don't be afraid to admit it. Why does the check engine light come on? Is there really something seriously wrong with leaving the gas cap off? Leaving the gas cap off opens the evaporative fuel system,...