An engine should always be brought to its standard operating temperature before leaning on it in anything more than easy driving. That is especially the case with engines under boost pressure, such as Audi's 3.0t. Built with tighter tolerances to endure abuse, you should only thrash on them when...

Metal keys are somewhat of a dying breed these days. More and more, automakers are turning to make the plastic key fob into the actual key. Aesthetically, they get to ditch the ugly key while decluttering what ends up in a customer's pockets. Though you may use the fob as a key or only a tool to...

We all know that working in the engine bay can mean dropping a bolt and losing it to the great beyond that is somewhere underneath the intake manifold, around the alternator. Depending on the job, that bolt or nut is now gone forever, never to return. You cant see 104° around a corner, and the...

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...