Issue September 2015 - Car Mechanics (2024)

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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 monthsSo if you're into saving money and being a home technician, Car Mechanics will help you out - guaranteed!

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IN THIS ISSUEMiniature MINIEditorial Miniature MINI Born in 2001, the BMW MINI isn’t that miniature if you compare it to the original Mini from 1959 to 2000. That piece of information didn’t cross our minds when we decided that the next CM project should be one of the original R50 models. With the August issue of CM at the printer, I took the opportunity to drive my Skoda Octavia to Leeds to be used for the feature on suspension upgrades (see page 42). Planning my route the day before, I realised I wouldn’t be far from the car auctions at BCA Brighouse, where they had 10 MINIs up for grabs on the Tuesday night sale. One stood out: a 2004 MINI One with a lovely Electric Blue exterior, mileage at 113,000 and six…2 min

IN THIS ISSUEMiniature MINIBorn in 2001, the BMW MINI isn’t that miniature if you compare it to the original Mini from 1959 to 2000. That piece of information didn’t cross our minds when we decided that the next CM project should be one of the original R50 models.With the August issue of CM at the printer, I took the opportunity to drive my Skoda Octavia to Leeds to be used for the feature on suspension upgrades (see page 42). Planning my route the day before, I realised I wouldn’t be far from the car auctions at BCA Brighouse, where they had 10 MINIs up for grabs on the Tuesday night sale. One stood out: a 2004 MINI One with a lovely Electric Blue exterior, mileage at 113,000 and six owners. Sounded ideal.I arranged…2 min

IN THIS ISSUECM’s MGB still going strong after a decadeCM’s MGB still going strong after a decade Talking of project cars, back in 2004, CM carried out a restoration project on a 1973 MGB. We bought it as a shell, with the original engine removed to make way for a planned body modification. However, the previous owner had given up and offered it for sale instead. We bought RNH 690K and featured the rebuild over 14 months in CM from May 2004 to June 2005. Current owner Michael Davison (pictured) recently got in touch to tell us that the MGB is still in fine fettle and is seen at many MG and other classic car shows around UK.…1 min

IN THIS ISSUECM’s MGB still going strong after a decadeTalking of project cars, back in 2004, CM carried out a restoration project on a 1973 MGB. We bought it as a shell, with the original engine removed to make way for a planned body modification. However, the previous owner had given up and offered it for sale instead. We bought RNH 690K and featured the rebuild over 14 months in CM from May 2004 to June 2005. Current owner Michael Davison (pictured) recently got in touch to tell us that the MGB is still in fine fettle and is seen at many MG and other classic car shows around UK.…1 min

IN THIS ISSUEFirst MoT @ 4 yearsFirst MoT @ 4 years In his July budget speech, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced a change to the first MoT test on new cars and motorcycles from three years to four, possibly leading to a 4-2-2 system in the not-too-distant future. Is this a good thing? I’m not so sure. Thankfully, vans are excluded from any proposed MoT changes. A consultation period will be required before any decision goes ahead.…1 min

FEATURESTURBOCHARGERSAlthough turbochargers appeared first on mass-produced petrol cars in the 1970s, they advanced the practice of supercharging, which had been patented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885. Both technologies make more oxygen available within the cylinders – instead of sucking in air, they are force-fed – enhancing not only an engine’s efficiency, but also its power output. While both superchargers and turbochargers are sophisticated air pumps, a supercharger is driven directly from the engine (usually from the nose of the crankshaft), while a turbocharger is powered by the exhaust gases. As a result, theoretically, turbocharging does not sap power, it simply utilises energy that would otherwise have been wasted.Why turbos developedEven though turbos are relatively new in automotive terms, they were fitted to fighter aircraft prior to World War Two, which…5 min

Issue September 2015 - Car Mechanics (2024)

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