I'm really starting to enjoy my new-to-me 2004 Audi A4 Avant. Like any Euro, it's got a few quirks but overall it's been an honest, fun to drive sports wagon. However, the other day my Audi had...
Purchasing an out-of-state vehicle for us New Yorkers involves a very painful aesthetic modification. The front license plate required here not only involves drilling into the bumper, but it's a bug magnet, slightly increases the aerodynamic drag coefficient, and probably doesn't match the color...
Have you ever pulled up to a valet drive in your Mercedes Benz only to have the engine continue to run? Did you go through the further embarrassment of popping your hood to shut it off and then explain to the porter how to do this? I have. And I won’t do it again. Older Mercedes diesels are known...
Many people seem down on the Nivomat dampener, however when working properly they do an excellent job at keeping everything level on the back of an AWD Volvo. The idea behind the shock is the force of the road pushing back against the shock helps it 'pump up' and reach its specified level. If...
The newer C-Classes and E-Classes like the Mercedes E350 have really made cabin filter replacement much more of a chore. No longer are the cabin filters located under the hood in a large plastic box like their predecessors. Now you must earn your purified air if you choose to do this job...
Suppose you wanted to cook yourself a burger. It would make sense to go to the grocery store, buy all your ingredients that you need, then bring them home ready to cook and sit down to watch latest F1 race in Montreal. Replacing individual parts can be like putting duct tape on yout car: its...
Buying a used vehicle always involves a few surprises. Luckily, my recent purchase of a 2004 Volvo C70 didn't involve major ones, and I knew the car wouldn't be perfect. With a bad transmission and cupped (feathered) tires, I knew something was amiss with the steering or suspension, so it was...
My friend Binny asked for my assistance in replacing the front brake pads on his 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG. His rear pads and rotors were replaced not too long ago by his indie tech so there was no need to for replacement. However his front pads were squeaking pretty good - it was time for a...
Continuing on the path to keeping my old Volvo on the road, it was a logical step to replace the distributor cap and rotor. While I was at it, I thought I might as well replace the seals. How hard could it be? Well, in most cases, you never want to start your car project thinking that. But in...
Oxygen sensors are a common fault after 100,000 miles on most any vehicle. My old B5 Audi A4 once needed the upstream (pre-cat) oxygen sensors replaced, both of which being accessible from under the hood. Tools Required Crow's foot (specialty socket for O2 sensors)3/8" Drive Extension (about 2'...
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