There's often a lot of debate about what new products we add to our catalog at FCP. We often ask ourselves do the new products provide value to the customer? Are they actually useful? What is the...
When discussing maintenance with other like-minded Volvo enthusiasts, the most common items brought up are engine oil and transmission fluid. What kind of oil should I use? When should I change it? What about transmission fluid? Do I really need the expensive Volvo transmission fluid? How exactly...
I've written before about the “old days” of the 70s and 80s when cars were becoming a bit more sophisticated but still pretty manual in most ways. Take brakes, for example. Back in the day, if you had a brake problem, you simply looked for a leak, worn pads, shoes, drums or rotors or you started...
Having brakes that provide an extremely high level of performance inspires confidence in your driving. At the track it means you can go deeper in the corners lap after lap consistently, and consistency is one of the factors that improves lap times. On the street, it can mean the difference...
Mass Air Flow (MAF or Air Mass Meter) sensors are often overlooked when doing your routine maintenance schedule or a general service. This little sensor is usually housed in the intake hose duct or body between the fuel injection body and the air filter box. The MAF sensor monitors the amount of...
It used to be, spending most of my teen years in New York City, that I could not wait for April. Not only to be rid or our sometimes ridiculous winters and get the chance to enjoy the big apple more in the warmer months, but because April meant the arrival of the New York International Auto Show....
I tumble out of bed and I stumble to the kitchen and pour myself a cup of ambition. And I yawn and stretch and try to come to life. I jump in the shower and the blood starts pumping. Out on the street the traffic starts jumping the folks like me on the job from 9 to 5.They let you dream just to...
After 17 or more years in operation, a Volvo 850's blower motor might start to get a bit vocal. The bearings dry out, and the motors tend to howl or squeak. Don't let this noise turn into something more serious, as increased current draw from the blower motor can also cause premature failure of...
Every car is in essence numerous pieces of metal that are held together by an even greater amount of varying fasteners. Some of these fasteners are pretty common but you will occasionally come across a fastener that you can’t identify readily. These types of fasteners are potentially aggravating...
Andrew's 2006 XC90 V8 in Breckenridge, Colorado in January 2013 There are distinct advantages and characteristics to driving a Volvo. The solidly built chassis, high level of craftsmanship and build quality, and the clean design and function of the car always brings a smile to my face...