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!

MOT gossip

CAR MECHANICS

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Some OE parts seem in short supply at present, and many that are available seem to be taking longer to arrive. Peter looks at why, and some possible answers.

THE WORKINGS OF THE GLOW PLUG • Of ten overlooked, glow plugs are vital not just to get a diesel engine going but also to keep it running happily, as Rob Marshall discovers.

Buying decent glow plugs

CM Insider • Ben Hackney-Williams brings you another month of news and reviews from the automotive industry

Tales from the work shop

Suspension overhaul • PART TWO: Rob Hawkins visits AES near York to follow them replacing the rear trailing arm bushes, coil springs, dampers and bump stops.

Seeing red • PART FIVE: We’re reminded again that professional car body repairs are time consuming and expensive as our battered and peeling Fiat Panda completes its makeover. It’s looking good though. Andrew Everett reports.

BONNET LOCK REPAIR • Ford fitted a lock to the bonnet of the Focus and C-MAX models from 1998-2012. Problems can occur after a few years, but there is a cheap fix, says Martyn Knowles.

BMW Z4 • Great build, slightly softening prices and good parts availability makes the first and second generation Z4 a fun, shrewd buy these days.

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

Residental garage DAMP-PROOFING • Follow Peter Clayton as he performs a DIY repair to his damp and cold external garage.

NEXT MONTH

Fast Estate • Rob Hawkins follows Mad4Mini servicing a petrol engine F54 Clubman Cooper S

Spotlight • Car Mechanics reviews equipment that is available to help us motorists.

Help!

Diagnostics Doctor

Electronic Diagnostics • Mark Shipman of AES York examines our former CM project 2011 Kia Sportage to outline the common ECU-related problems that can arise and how to fix them.

Brakes & tyres

Fleet update – all change!

SERVICE KIT

BATTERY LIFE

TAXIS ARE US

BRIGHT LIGHTS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

TALE OF AN EV WORKOUT

RUSTY ARM

NOT BAD

STAR LETTER • The reader awarded the STAR letter will receive a Sealey LED318R lamp

SILICA BAG IS NOT FOR LIFE

FORD CORTINA RECALLS

BEAT THE DRUM

TAK E THOUGHT

EMISSIONS UPDATE

SHAFTED

Goodnight Mr Tom • Mike Humble marks the passing of a friend and industry legend – Tom Karen OBE.