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!

Editorial

Car Mechanics

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • On the face of it, Peter’s recent wedding went like clockwork. But as he reveals here, things could easily have turned out rather different.

INSTANT EXPERT Elf & Safety • Pleading with CM readers to excuse the festive pun for our December issue, Rob Marshall dives into an overview of the health and safety implications of DIY car maintenance.

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

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

Project Volkswagen Caravelle DSG DMF • Part SIX: The seven-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) has a Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) attached between it and the engine. After covering 202,000 miles, our DMF requires renewal. Martyn Knowles reports.

ZF 6-speed auto SERVICE • Rob Hawkins wanted to know how to correctly service an automatic gearbox, such as the ZF 6HP26 found in Jaguars, BMWs, Land Rovers and some Audis, so he asked the manufacturer to reveal all.

Porsche Boxster window regulator • Peter Rosenthal replaces the window regulator on a 2000 Porsche Boxster (986).

Land Rover Freelander 2 • If you want a still smart-looking Land Rover that’s reliable, cheap to run and inexpensive to buy – look no further.

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

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BMW 1-SERIES FRONT WING SWAP • BMW wings looking a bit rusty? No problem – they are quite a simple bolt on panel to replace, as Andrew Everett found out.

Servicing the Mk4 Mondeo • Rob Hawkins outlines the servicing on Ford’s fourth-generation Mondeo.

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

Diagnostics Doctor • Steve Rothwell answering your ENGINE MANAGEMENT queries

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Electronic Diagnostics Volvo XC90 D5 • Mark Shipman at AES explains to Rob Hawkins the potential problems that can arise with the D5 2.4-litre diesel engine in the Volvo XC90.

Your Letters

Check your nuts!

Golf Cab Project 3

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In my Humble Opinion • Despite trading conditions for dealerships never being tougher, the same old shoddy practices still prevail as Mike Humble...