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 • A failed headlight bulb in Peter’s Mondeo prompted a few thoughts about how bulbs, and changing them, have and haven’t changed over the past 40+ years.

HANDS-ON TOWING THE BASICS • With recent law changes permitting younger drivers to tow without taking a dedicated examination, Rob Marshall examines how DIY-orientated towing novices can keep safe on the road.

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

News in Brief

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

Servicing setbacks • With a last-minute change of plan thanks to COVID-19, Rob Hawkins makes a start on the servicing of our Astra on his driveway at home.

Clutch drama • PART FIVE: The clutch is biting quite high on our 2011 Citroën and it crunches into third gear quite badly – will a new clutch and some new gear oil make a difference? Andrew Everett finds out.

A GUIDE TO Rustproofing • Rob Hawkins provides a guide to rustproofing; covering everything from a chemistry lesson in iron hydroxide to applying various rust-prevention products.

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

Audi TT Mk2 • Assuming you buy right in the first place, the second-generation Audi TT is a real gem that’s easy to upgrade and inexpensive to run.

GLASS CLEANERS • The latest car care product group to fall under CM’s spotlight are glass cleaners – and with over 300 standalone products on the market in the UK even we couldn’t test them all – BUT we have 27 of the very best for you to consider here.

In my Humble Opinion • Another piece of automotive history is fading fast – Mike Humble talks family cars.

Suzuki’s small-sized 4x4 • Rob Hawkins visits independent Suzuki Jimny specialist K2 Autos to find out how to service these vehicles and the common problems to look for.

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

Diagnostics Doctor • Steve Rothwell answering your ENGINE MANAGEMENT queries

Bearing up

Touareg V6 TDI