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!

Driveshafts galore

CAR MECHANICS

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Despite recent claims, Peter reckons reports of the diesel car’s imminent demise might be misguided.

BE A FIRST TIME PASSER • Despite its ongoing changes, an impending MOT Test should not bring dread, leading Rob Marshall to look at how your car can pass with flying colours, with a shot of DIY TLC.

CM Insider

Tales from the workshop

Handbrake mystery • PART THREE: With a new set of rear brake pads and a wear sensor, Rob Hawkins visits his local garage to help fit them and to also fix the inefficient handbrake.

Misfire mayhem

CAR POLISHERS • Rob tests nine polishers and discovers the differences between rotary, random orbit and dual action, along with brushed and brushless motors.

Dealer’s Diary

Volvo XC90 • Stylish, safe and practical, the classy seven-seater second-generation XC90 is finally affordable now, too.

ALTERNATOR SWAP • Poor starting or running issues can often be traced to a defective alternator on a Porsche Boxster 986. It’s an easy job to replace it and needs no specialist tools as Peter Rosenthal explains.

Servicing the Mk1 • Rob Hawkins follows the servicing of the first generation of the SUV-styled Nissan Juke at AES York Ltd.

Help!

Diagnostics Doctor

Electronic Diagnostics • Rob Hawkins visits Mark Shipman of Auto Electrical Services near York to discover some of the common engine management issues on a 2018 petrol engine Vauxhall Corsa.

Looking back at DIESEL • The diesel engine has come a long way since it first appeared in cars, so we’re taking a look at where it has been and where it is today. Chris Randall reports.

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