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!

Pay to pollute

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • A recent visit to the British Motor Museum has reminded Peter of one of the few childhood toys he still has.

AIR-CONDITIONING • A broken aircon system can not just affect comfort, it also has safety implications and can even stop the whole car from working, as Rob Marshall explains.

Tales from the workshop • Fixing advice from our garage proprietor Steve Rothwell

Servicing made easy • PART TWO: Martyn Knowles lifts the lid on his toolbox and gets stuck into servicing the V6 engine, as well as performing other checks.

Music to one's ears • PART FOUR: Sam Skelton replaces the original radio with a modern Android unit.

Burton Power • Yes, if you wanted more performance from your Ford for the last 60 years! Alan Anderson visits one of the longest-serving and best-known tuning companies in the UK and Europe which is always looking to the future.

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

Volvo on stilts?

Saabs sell quickest

Recalls on test certificates

Manic MOTs

VW Beetle • The last of the line Beetle was the most sophisticated Bug of them all and it’s inexpensive to buy, run and make even better.

Arm-in-Arm • Andrew Rolland rebuilds a significant part of the front suspension of his BMW in one go.

NEXT MONTH

VAUXHALL ASTRA J • Rob Hawkins visits AES near York to follow them replacing the clutch onCM’s ex-project Astra J that’s equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.

3-cylinder supermini • Rob Hawkins volunteers to service the courtesy car for his local bodyshop.

Help! • Your non-diagnostic vehicle-related problems solved

Battery test advice

Plug interval

Engine noise

Rust protection

Poor starting when warm

Clunk with gear change

Random codes

Oil leak

Timing belt change

Service details

Pre-heat problem

Constant wipers

Timing belt

Low temp gauge reading

Brake pad light

Temperature troubles

Fluid change

Have a problem vehicle?

Glow plugs

Timing chain concerns

Brake disc corrosion

Diagnostics Doctor • Steve Rothwell answering your ENGINE MANAGEMENT queries

Dangerous as engine cuts out when cold

What is causing P2562?

Engine management light

Electronic Diagnostics • Rob Hawkins visits BMW MINI specialist Mad4Mini to discover the common problems that can arise on the F55 Cooper S diesel engine.

Mike Humble

Peter...