Buy Auto Parts Blog

Set of four red and silver performance car shocks and struts

The Difference Between Shocks & Struts

While they mostly do the same job and the words are often used interchangeably, shocks and struts refer to two vastly different suspension designs. You cannot use a shock absorber in the place of a strut, and vice versa. This can naturally lead to some confusion when trying to order the correct parts for your…

Slotted and drilled brake rotors with a red question mark overlay

Performance Benefits of Slotted And Drilled Rotors

One of the most important systems on every vehicle on the road today is the brakes because going fast, or even moving at all, isn’t fun or efficient if you aren’t able to stop. A properly functioning brake system is vital not only to vehicle control, but also safety. It won’t matter at all how…

Silver Mercedes SL with hood up on lift, likely for AirMatic suspension repair.

Is Your Mercedes AirMatic Suspension Sagging or Compressor Seized?

Driving a Mercedes equipped with AirMatic suspension should be a comfortable and soothing experience. After all, the smooth ride of a fine German luxury car is legendary! But as these vehicles age, the active air suspension system develops malfunctions that are almost always accompanied by hefty repair bills that that will often hinder the satisfaction…

Blue 2000 Audi S4 sedan, front view, showing potential control arm and ball joint failure issues.

1998 – 2004 Audi and Volkswagen Control Arm and Ball Joint Failure

With the introduction of the fifth generation of Volkwagen’s B and C platform that underpins the Audi A4, A6, Allroad, and Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen-Audi AG moved to a multilink front suspension system. The entire front suspension consists of eight individual control arms, two upper and two lower on each side. Together they locate the wheel…

Dark blue 2001-2006 BMW 3-series coupe, relevant to ignition coil failure.

2001-2006 BMW 3-series Ignition Coil Failure

The engine compartment is a harsh environment on any vehicle. But in a high-performance German sport sedan like the BMW 3-series, it is even more so. And the incredible technology that these cars use to manage fuel delivery, timing, and ignition are often the components that break down most often. The heat, vibration, and moisture…

Red 2002-2007 Subaru WRX sedan with yellow fog lights

2002-2008 Subaru Turbocharger Failure

The reliability of many Japanese cars is legendary. In fact, Subaru has one of the most well-deserved reputations among manufacturers for building vehicles with robust drivetrains, strong engines, and well-handling chassis. But that’s not to say that every Subaru that leaves the factory is designed perfectly. Today we’ll be talking about one such problem that…

Red 2002-2006 MINI Cooper front view, relevant to power steering issues.

2002-2011 MINI Cooper Power Steering Pump Failure

For a long time, the power steering systems equipped in most cars on the road were hydraulically assisted and driven with a belt from the engine crankshaft. Though many cars still use a hydraulic power steering system, the focus on fuel economy in recent years has had many manufacturers make the move to electric power…

AC compressor for 2003-2014 Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs

2003-2014 Chevy/GMC Truck & SUV AC Compressor Failure

If your part of the country is hot even just a few days out of the year, you already know how important the AC system is when you’re driving. Driving around town in stop-and-go traffic won’t give you enough cooling breeze even with the windows down and a long commute in the heat can leave…

Black 1996-2002 Audi A4 1.8t sedan parked outdoors

1996-2002 Audi A4 1.8t Turbocharger Problems

More than 20 years ago, Audi introduced the A4, a brand-new model that completely revitalized the brand and firmly established the Volkswagen Group as one of the leaders in cutting-edge automotive engineering. While the A4 was new to the Audi line-up, it continued the lineage of the venerable Audi 80 and was built upon a…

2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Liter Turbo sedan in gray against a mountainous backdrop.

The 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Liter Turbo: Next-Generation Advancement or Four-Wheeled Rolling Grenade?

The 2016 Honda Civic Turbo represents a major change for an established platform. This is the first Civic ever offered in factory trim that also features a boosted engine of any kind. Previous versions of turbocharged or supercharged Civics were only achieved through the aftermarket or Honda’s race teams. This is, in fact, only the…