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!

Welcome

Car Mechanics

An INTRODUCTION to HYBRIDS • With drivetrains evolving so rapidly, considering a replacement car has never been more confusing, leading Rob Marshall to find out what hybrids are all about.

At the sharp end • What does the rise of electrification mean for the garage trade and for the DIY enthusiast? As Paul Wager discovers, it’s not time to throw away the toolbox just yet.

BACK ISSUES

Faults & Fixes Hybrid basics • Though hybrid technology is generally durable. It’s now been around for long enough for significant issues to develop, though things like a failing traction battery don’t always write a car off. Peter Simpson explains what it is, and how it works.

Faults & Fixes Hybrid hands on • We run through the basics of maintenance, fault-finding and cost-effective fixes on hybrid cars.

THE E-AXLE • Battery electric vehicle transmissions won’t last indefinitely. Rob Marshall looks at whether cost-effective repairs are possible.

Leaf it out! • Inevitably there will eventually be a good choice of older electric vehicles, so is there any merit in buying a cheap EV? Ralph Hosier bought one, and this is how it turned out.

Tesla Model 3 SERVICE • CM reader, Steve Everitt, bought himself a 60th birthday present – a new Tesla Model 3. Now, after a year with the EV he decided to it needed a service and didn’t want to be paying for someone to do what he could do perfectly well himself. This is what he found…

THE BIG EV DEBATE • Steve Rothwell looks into some of the myth and rumour surrounding EVs.

Making EVs & hybrids safe • Many independent garages refuse to work on hybrids and EVs, running scared of their lethal voltages. Rob Marshall evaluates their safety, by attending the IMI-accredited Level 2 & 3 Hybrid/EV Repair & Replacement course.

Buying EVs

Buying the Jaguar I-PACE • As Jaguar inches ever closer to its all-new electric future, how does its first EV shape up as a used buy? Sam Skelton finds out.

Buying the Toyota Auris • The Toyota Auris brought the Prius’s hybrid tech into the mainstream and remains a superbly economical family car. Here’s what you need to know before buying.

Buying the Nissan Leaf • It’s cheap, but is it still cheerful? We tell you what you need to know when buying what was one of the most popular early EVs in the UK.

Buying the Renault Zoe • Cheap but charming, the short range of the Zoe is no problem for many owners. Here’s what you need to know.

Buying the BMW i3 • BMW’s game-changing electric car is value-packed and cheap to run. But should you buy one?

Buying...