Car Mechanics

Car Mechanics is the UK's only car magazine with essential advice on maintaining and repairing popular makes and models. It’s an invaluable motoring resource that appeals to both the DIY car enthusiast and the more experienced motor trade professional. Car Mechanics has helped save money for our readers every month since 1958. Each issue includes a wide range of in-depth features written in a clear, straightforward manner: • Readers’ motoring-related problems answered for FREE • Real-life motoring dilemmas from our man in the garage trade • Electronic diagnostics delves inside a different modern vehicle each month to explain its management system • Survival Guide looks at new and used component prices for a particular vehicle • Used Car Focus is an in-depth buying guide on a specific make and model • Service Bay covers a full service with close-up images and comprehensive descriptions • Project cars are a major part of the structure of the magazine as we buy, fix and sell different vehicles over a period of months So if you're into saving money and being a home technician, Car Mechanics will help you out - guaranteed!

CONTACT US CAR MECHANICS

Values soften

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Prompted by difficulty finding a vital part for his Rover 827, Peter compares spares availability for younger and older classic cars…

AN INTRODUCTION TO ECUs • To many DIYers, electronic control units (ECUs) are mysterious no-go-areas, leading Rob Marshall to find what they are all about.

Failed window motor • Fixing advice from our garage proprietor Steve Rothwell

Flashing oil light

Rotten rack boot

Oil change

Weeping strut

Rocking engine

Gearchange trouble

Brake problems

Cleaning trouble

TOP TIPS from VARTA

Gasket replacement to stop a leak

Exhaust manifold bolt

Luxury on a budget • PART ONE: Martyn Knowles gets familiar with our latest project car from Toyota's posh department – asecond-generation Lexus IS 2.5 V6 model from 2005-2012.

Smaller jobs • PART THREE: Sam Skelton deals with loose odds and ends on his Range Rover, before contemplating the new Android radio fitment.

SUMMER FUN • Once more a wander down memory lane of old motoring magazines from the 1950’s show another insight of the assorted offers and gadgets that helped the motorist of the day cope. It might perhaps give the present day driver food for thought – or not. John Ward brings us such delights…

Recall warning • Peter Simpson provides us with an insight into the automotive sales trading world – and beyond.

Battery blues

Mercedes-Benz were first!

Battle for Lookers!

Toyota GT86 • Affordable and a real hoot to drive, Toyota’s coupe is reliable and inexpensive to run if you shop around for parts.

Timing Belt Clinic • Rob Hawkins visits AES near York to follow them replacing the timing belt and water pump on CM’s ex-project Mondeo.

ecoTEC Astra • Rob Hawkins outlines the servicing work to be undertaken on Vauxhall’s sixth-generation Astra.

Help!

Diagnostics Doctor

Electronic Diagnostics • Rob Hawkins visits Mark Shipman of Auto Electrical Services near York to discover the common ECU-related problems associated with the VW Golf 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine.

SUSPENSION FAILURE • Ben Johnson lets us into his diagnostics workshop.

Early E60 fixes

Gearbox gamble

NEXT MONTH

Elvis has left the building