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!

A cluster of gadgets

BMW Buy, Own, Run

Car Mechanics

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Peter has found a fabulous garage-workshop, but clearing the previous occupants stuff turned out to be surprisingly emotional.

Automatic Transmissions • With fewer than 30% of last year’s new cars possessing traditional H-pattern manual gearboxes, Rob Marshall dives into the complex topic of automatic transmissions, including a technical insight into the latest technologies.

CM Insider • Martyn Knowles brings you news and product reviews from the automotive industry

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

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Bodywork, tyres & more… • Part FIVE: Small bodywork repairs require professional help and new tyres arrive courtesy of Kumho. Martyn Knowles reports.

The end of the jobs list • PART EIGHT: In the final episode, Rob Hawkins replaces a sticking bonnet lock, services the sunroof, changes the cabin filter and assesses the remaining issues.

TAILGATE SWITCH • Peter Rosenthal replaces the boot lock on a 2009 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI engine.

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

GADGETS for your GARAGE • Rob Hawkins picks out some of the equipment he thinks you can’t be without for working on vehicles, discovers some of the latest products and asks CM contributors for their opinions.

LIGHTING

BATTERY CARE

TYRE SAFETY

KEEPING COMFY

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT LASTS ALL YEAR! • Give a subscription to CAR MECHANICS

POWER TOOLS

AIR POWER

DIAGNOSTICS

FAULT CODE READERS

CLEANING UP

GADGETS for your GARAGE TOP GADGETS

Timing Belt Clinic • VW’s three-cylinder 1.0 MPI engine is slightly unusual from a timing belt change perspective, but different doesn’t always mean difficult, as Peter Simpson explains.

Ford Focus ST • Folk have always liked fast Fords and the value-packed Mk3 ST is unlikely to disappoint.

All-wheel-drive SUV • Powered by a 1591cc petrol engine driving all four wheels through an auto shift manual and transfer box, Rob Hawkins outlines the routine servicing on the fourth-generation Kia Sportage.

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

Diagnostics Doctor • Steve Rothwell answering your ENGINE MANAGEMENT queries

Welcome to WREXHAM • The former Welsh mining town may be synonymous with a certain Disney football documentary starring Ryan...