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!

Bad Engines

Car Mechanics

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Recent press reports have prompted Peter to think a bit about MOT testing in general, and the 40-year classic exemption in particular.

Keep it safe • The last decade has seen car theft rising and things are getting worse. Rob Marshall, therefore, looks at what you can do to encourage the would-be thief to leave your vehicle alone.

GET THIS SEALEY TOOLS RECHARGEABLE HEAD TORCH WITH AUTO-SENSOR

GSF Car Parts introduces new range of DriveTec door mirror units

Ring’s Xenon220 bulbs – the brightest choice!

HEVRA launches Bodyshop Membership to elevate workshop standards

News in Brief

NEW FROM THE TOOL CONNECTION

Remove heavy corrosion from brake discs and calipers

News in Brief

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

BACK ISSUES

Focus Mk3 • Part TWO: James Burr changes air and cabin filters, plus shows us the major components of the Focus EcoBoost.

Subaru Forester REAR STRUT REPLACEMENT • The self-levelling rear suspension struts fitted to many Subaru models often fail, but aftermarket replacements are a quick and easy fit. Peter Rosenthal reports.

Citroën Xantia WINDOW REGULATOR CLIP • Peter Rosenthal replaces the window regulator clip on a Citroën Xantia. The same clip is also used on the Saxo and Peugeot 306.

Vauxhall ROCKER COVER & VENT VALVE RENEWAL • A rough idle and smoke from the exhaust can point to a failing Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. Martyn Knowles investigates further.

Buying & Owning smart forfour • The easy to park, cheap to run and funky looking second generation forfour is the smart choice for those in search of a city car with soul.

The Treasury step in! • Peter Simpson provides us with an insight into the automotive sales trading world – and beyond.

The fake report scam

Volkswagen drop agency sales plan

Auction scene news

Sticky brake REMEDY • Sticking rear brakes on the VW up! family are fairly common, but the cure is usually straightforward, as Peter Simpson explains.

Tempting take-aways • Cheaper replacement parts stemming from Asian markets are becoming more widespread – but is this still something to fear asks Alan Anderson?

Supermini SUV • Rob Hawkins follows the servicing of a six-year-old FWD Mokka X at AES York.

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

The problem with the Renault H5F

Diagnostics Doctor • Steve Rothwell answering your ENGINE MANAGEMENT...