If you’re at all familiar with the current car channels on YouTube, you might have noticed a new trend these past couple years. Creators like Samcrac, Hoovies Garage, Tavarish, Rich Rebuilds, and B is for Build have been buying salvage title cars at auction with the intention of rebuilding....

The brake vacuum pump on the MK5 GTI (or any car with the TSI motor) is prone to failure. The main point of failure is a leaking gasket which causes a vacuum leak and directly affects braking performance. Luckily, replacement of the pump or just the seal is a straightforward process that anyone...

Your PCV system is an extremely important, yet often overlooked collection of parts that affects how well your car runs. On some cars, like our  2007 MK5 Volkswagen GTI, the PCV system is actually built into the plastic valve cover. Charles "HumbleMechanic" Sanville breaks down how the PCV system...

Let's face it, valve covers love to leak. I personally have one that needs attending to this winter. Thankfully, it's not too complex of a job on the MK5 GTI or any other car with the VW BPY engine. Whether you have an oil leak from your valve cover gasket or a vacuum leak from your PCV system,...

A failing wheel bearing is never a comfortable feeling. Usually, you hear it before you feel it. This sound ranges in volume from a slight hum, to something like you're standing next to a helicopter. Luckily though, on an MK5 GTI, replacing the rear wheel bearings is a job that most anyone can do...

Though the styling may be questionable, side marker lights are actually required by law here in the United States. If your side marker lights have gone out, separated, or are just falling apart, a few minutes is all it takes to prevent a ticket or worse, an accident.  Tools needed to complete...

Does your brake pedal or steering wheel shudder under hard braking? Do the pads sound like they're squealing at low speeds? Does your brake pedal engage lower than you remember? If so, than it's time to refresh your brake system. Here's how to do it yourself in just a few easy steps.    Tools...

Frequent cleaning of your wheels isn't just to look good, it can actually be considered preventative maintenance. Here's a simple method using just a spray bottle and a hose that you can amplify should your wheels be in really rough shape.  Tools needed to clean your wheels: Hose Powerwasher...

Every model year that passes, we have fewer and fewer new car options shipping with manual transmissions. This is becoming even more apparent and worrisome as we approach the age of the EV takeover. It might not matter to most, but to us enthusiasts, a grim future is quickly approaching where we...

  Does your brake pedal or steering wheel shudder under hard braking? Are they squealing at low speeds? Does your brake pedal engage lower than you remember? If so, than it's time to refresh your brake system. Here's how to do it yourself in just a few easy steps.    Tools needed to complete...