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!

Astra J petrol project

CAR MECHANICS

DSG 7-SPEED CLUTCH REPLACEMENT • While many technically-interested owners understand conventional dry friction three-piece clutches, Rob Marshall explains how the versions, fitted to Dual Clutch Transmissions, differ.

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

Star car gamble • PART ONE: Rob Hawkins takes delivery of a 2011 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 petrol, bought at British Car Auctions for £2280.

Cambelt & water pump • PART FOUR: The cambelt was due to be renewed on our 56,000-mile DS3 after ten years service. It’s actually one of the easier belts to change, says Andrew Everett – and you don’t need special tools either if you’re careful.

Fare Dodgers • Transport for London’s new Ultra Low Emissions Zone is supposedly all about improving air quality and is set to be echoed by other cities across the UK - but it’s fundamentally flawed. Here are 10 reasons why says Craig Cheetham.

Timing Belt Clinic 2010 FIAT PUNTO 1.4 PETROL • Rob Hawkins follows Turin Motors renewing the timing belt and water pump on a 1.4-litre petrol engine Fiat Punto.

Buying, Owning & Improving Lexus CT 200h • The posh hybrid hatch that’s refined, cheap to run, reliable and easy to own.

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

BMW 4-CYLINDER THERMOSTAT SWAP • BMW’s N Series 4-cylinder petrol is an unconventional design that makes a few jobs pretty tricky. Replacing a leaking thermostat housing is one of them. Andrew Everett shows that’s actually not that bad.

Service Bay 2016 MERCEDES-AMG C63 V8 AMG after-care • AMG Mercedes-Benzes may be expensive, high performance machines, but you can still cut-out some of the associated costs by doing at least some of the servicing yourself. Richard Gunn tackles a C63.

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

Have a problem vehicle? • GET IN TOUCH...

Diagnostics Doctor • Steve Rothwell answering your ENGINE MANAGEMENT queries

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • Peter’s favourite car parking spot being taken over by a webuyanycar.com branch has prompted a few thoughts…

Your Letters

Spotlight REVIVE TURBO CLEANER & POWER RESTORER • STARTER KIT 750ml for Diesel engines

Readers’ Motors

Our Cars

Our Cars

Good Garage Guide

In my Humble Opinion • Mike Humble mourns the passing of...