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!

Project cars update

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Peter mourns the loss of easily-remembered car registrations, and high-profile plate changes.

HAND TOOLS • A thorough and safe car repair is virtually impossible without the ability to use decent tools properly, leading Rob Marshall to investigate the basics of hand tool use, maintenance and repair.

Top security key safe

New Clarke JS1224LIN Lithium-ion Jump Starter

Easy2Recruit seeks to fill openings for part-time staff

WAI Europe announces latest range expansion

New clutch design

COMPETITION WINNERS

Car wash association comments on right to work offences

Tales from the workshop

Crusty cable

Alternator change

Driveshaft knock

Broken spring

Lower swivel play found

Cabin filter change

Water pump & timing belt

ABS light illuminated

Soggy clutch trouble

Washer pump

Injector seals

Sleek Coupé

Professional appraisal

Catch’em while you can! • We take a look at new cars you can still buy that bring a smile to your face – and looking to the future, make sense to the DIY savvy motorist who wants nothing more than an internal combustion engine.

HEAD TORCHES • Steve tests twelve of the best head torches so you didn’t have to and suggests that prices and quality have increased since the last CM group test in early 2013.

Breaking down REGENERATIVE BRAKING • Regenerative braking is a key technology found in hybrid and electric vehicles. Although this system serves the same basic purpose as a traditional one found in internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, its various components look quite different. Jack Shaw brings us a breakdown of how the systems work.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class • The W221 offers unrivalled bang for your buck – but when buying, go in with your eyes wide open...

Dealer’s Diary • Peter Simpson provides us with an insight into the automotive sales trading world – and beyond.

MUSIC ON THE MOVE • With 2024 marking 90 years since the first standard-fit car radio in the UK, CM looks at how in-car entertainment (ICE) has evolved over the decades. And with one major exception, we never had it so good, reckons Alan Anderson.

Sorento AWD diesel service • Peter Simpson’s family-wagon gets its annual service, plus a few extra checks and jobs.

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

Diagnostics Doctor

Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems • Rob Hawkins visits Mark Shipman of Auto Electrical Services to discover some of the common engine management...