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!

MINI maintenance

ADDITIVES • In today’s cost-conscious times, supplementary additives promise means of cutting motoring costs but Rob Marshall studies whether you should dismiss them, or not.

The Peter Simpson COLUMN • This month Peter warns of a potentially costly online scam that could end up costing you £70.

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

Springing into action • PART TWO: Our 2008 Panda 100HP is due an MOT test. In preparation, we go through the mechanicals and replace a few bits to make sure it’s fighting fit. Andrew Everett gets his hands dirty for once!

MOT test & replacing the driver’s door • PART FIVE: Rob Hawkins puts our Kia through its MOT test and then returns to his local bodyshop, who have a driver’s door ready and waiting to paint.

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

MINI CLUBMAN • If space and style are equally important, then this big MINI F54 might prove the perfect answer.

“Don’t mess with MOT frequency,” says IAAF to government • Ben Hackney-Williams brings you another month of news and reviews from the automotive industry

Your Euro road trip essentials in one travel kit

Clarke trio offer heat

Hundreds of videos added to training platform

These masks aren’t compulsory, but they are essential

Sights and sounds sorted with Philips

News in Brief

News in Brief

Getrag Gearbox REPAIR • PART TWO: Rob Hawkins discovers there are more problems to fix on the Getrag gearbox for a 2005 MINI, but luckily, a local specialist can save the day with some machine work and new bearings.

SCREWDRIVER SETS • How many screwdrivers do you really need? Rob tries to fi gure it all out by testing a range of nine diff erent sets from Clarke, Draper, Laser and Sealey

Take a Brake • Scott Irwin MIMI, Head of Technical Training at TMD Friction’s aftermarket brake brand, Mintex, tells us more...

Chinese badge engineering • Rob Hawkins follows independent MG specialist Retro Sports Cars servicing the popular MG6 saloon.

Central locking

Rear heater blows fuse

Reconnected wire • Your non-diagnostic vehicle-related problems solved by Steve Rothwell

ABS light

Front suspension

Auxiliary belt replacement

Alternator life

Cambelt replacement

Service airbag message

EGR valve blanking

Brake bleeding

HT lead corrosion

Steering issue

Rear brake adjustment

Brake fluid loss

‘Water in fuel’ light...