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!

Camera, action

The Peter Simpson COLUMN

NETWORKING • Without vehicle networking, most modern car features would be unviable but, while DIYers need to adopt a different approach to repairs, they need not be afraid, as Rob Marshall learns.

CM Insider • Independent Garage Association (IGA) celebrates BIG Awards 2023 winners

Tales from the workshop

Autobox & diff fluids • PART FOUR: Martyn Knowles tackles the six-speed automatic gearbox filter change, drops out the diff oil and has a new windscreen fitted.

Pads down to the metal • PART SIX: The front brakes of Skelton’s Range Rover need attention. Sam Skelton reports.

BMW Z3 • Andrew Everett buys a Cat S BMW Z3 from Copart to break and realises it’s a bit too good to split for spare parts. So, he gets to work fixing the damage and finally, once roadworthy, sells to a mate.

Suzuki Jimny • Steve Hole wanted to buy a Suzuki Jimny but couldn’t, but he decided to do a feature on it anyway.

Your Letters

KIT OUT YOUR WORKSHOP

KEEPING CLEAN

STORING TOOLS

SHELVES, CUPBOARDS, BINS & BOXES

POWER TOOLS

HEALTH & SAFETY

Droptop Volvo • Using his own muchloved car as an example, Peter Simpson services a stylish Swede.

CAR BUILDER

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM’S HERITAGE CERTIFICATES • Who doesn’t love the British Motor Museum at Gaydon? A great destination venue. What you might not know is that they offer a great service supplying Heritage Certificates for a small fee. Steve Hole reports.

Where’s my V5C? • Peter Simpson provides us with an insight into the automotive sales trading world – and beyond.

What does it all mean?

Nissan GT-R • Silly quick, sophisticated and far more affordable than its rivals. What’s not to like about the R35?

Buying, Owning & Improving CONTINUED

Help! • Your non-diagnostic vehicle-related problems solved by Steve Rothwell

Diagnostics Doctor

Diagnostics Doctor

Electronic Diagnostics • Rob Hawkins visits AES near York to inspect a 2006 Mercedes C320 CDi with a blown turbocharger to help discover some of the common issues that can arise with its engine.

REGISTERING an INTEREST • The first vehicle registration plate in the UK was issued 120 years ago with the first age-related plate arriving exactly six decades later. With several other anniversaries being marked in 2023, much has changed over the years as Car Mechanics discovers – but what does it mean to you though?

Our Cars

Our Cars

In my Humble Opinion