5 Inexpensive Replacement Parts With Shocking Repair Labor Rates

One of the more costly parts of owning a car is the upkeep. Maintenance is typically affordable, but every car has an area or two that are an “Achilles’ heel,” so to speak. For many, it’s a big, expensive part that requires some involved hours. However, there are plenty of others whose big issues stem from inexpensive parts that require tens of hours of labor just to reach the issue. That might not be a problem if you’re DIY’ing, but take your car to the dealership or an independent shop, and that repair that needs just a $10 part might cost 100x as much once all the work is factored in. There’s not much you can do about those chronic issues other than repair them when it’s time, so here are a few to look out for and potentially avoid in your next automotive purchase.

Read more »

Save up to 20% - Labor Day Sale Ends 9/8

Accessory Belt Kits Are The Easiest Way To Care For Your Tensioners, Pulleys, & Belts

Engine accessory belts are a great example of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” With just a few hundred millimeters of rubber-coated cord, engineers can drive a handful of accessories that provide any vehicle with several of its most necessary functions. Its cost-to-effectiveness ratio might be the highest in the engine bay. Yet, owners often overlook the belt and its associated rollers in favor of ignition and fluid-related servicing. That’s not the best way to maintain your engine, and here’s why.

Long Time Endurance Racer – 1969 Porsche 911 Vintage Race Car

For over two decades, this classic Porsche racecar has caught the eyes of Porsche's own factory drivers. That includes Luftgekuhlt founder Patrick Long, who even built a steet-driven replica of this 911 racer. In the picture above, you can even see Long's trademark helmet. However, the build up of this 911 didn't begin as a whole car.

Volkswagen Mk7 GTI vs. Golf R - Which Is Right For You?

There’s a short list of vehicles that are certain to make you smile, get you around reliably, and go easy on your wallet. Somewhere near the top of the list sits VW’s pair of hotshot hatchbacks. After forty years of development, the GTI and the Golf R are refined, fun, and supremely capable in everyday life, but it only makes sense to have one in your life. Choosing between them is like choosing between a left and right arm. Sure, one arm is a bit stronger and looks better in the mirror, but the other is just as great. They’re essentially the same car built for the same function and are separated by only a few key differences.