* EARLIER: Allen on Why Auto Engineers Don't Think Straight
Motor oil is often one of the most popular topics in my car care column, especially around the times when the American Petroleum Institute (API) changes its classifications. Folks also get an itch for this topic whenever the car manufacturers ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
How to Polish Your Headlights Like a Pro: Saturday Mechanic
It's a cold and rainy winter night. Your headlamp beams drill a tunnel of light into the gloom of a deserted country lane. Unfortunately, it's not a very deep or bright tunnel. You have to slow the car to a crawl, otherwise you'll overdrive the ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
SALT LAKE CITY -
Say what you will, but the association between Carroll Shelby and Ford's Mustang has been a long and profitable one. Now the 2008 Shelby GT500KR marks the newest flagship in that 40-year run of limited-edition iconic rides, with 1750 units headed ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Radio Frequency Car Keys Not Perfect: Car Care Tip
Many car keys nowadays use a small RF chip in the key fob to authenticate the key to the car's antitheft computer. It's a big improvement over the earlier system that used a resistor with potentially flaky mechanical contacts. Unfortunately, RF ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
How to Get Your Car Key Unstuck by Rocking the Wheel
It's a common problem-as evidenced by the fact that twice in the past month I had to go out and help someone get his car started. Here's the scenario: Get into your car, try to start it. The ignition key won't turn the lock cylinder. Try again, ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
How to Replace an Exhaust Crossover Pipe
One day your engine starts to rumble a little more than usual. Or was that just a passing airliner? Over the next few weeks the sound becomes a steady drone - and then you notice a faint smell of exhaust lingering inside your car. Even minor ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Why New Front Tires on Your Back Wheels Are a Good Idea
Some tire stores insist on installing two new tires on the rear wheels of vehicles when the fronts are worn, and moving the old rear tires to the front-much to the dismay of many customers who want the new tires on the front. So, who's ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Your Dad Was Wrong
Most of us grew up thinking our fathers had encyclopedic knowledge, particularly about those things important to a young man coming of age - sports, women and cars. But as we learn from experience, we realize that much of what we thought was ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Hi-Lift Handle-All
This four-in-one off-road recovery tool (including shovel, axe, pickaxe and sledgehammer) has a two-piece telescoping handle that's held together with strong, yet easy to operate, quick release Tab-Lok pins. You can shorten the handle for working ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
How to Run Your Car on E85 Ethanol: Auto Clinic
Q: We read numerous stories about the benefits of E85 fuel for cars, and I for one would like to use it, since it is becoming more available. But the service manuals for my '03 Acura and '07 Hyundai both state to use no more than 10 percent ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Magellan Maestro 3250
For this ultra-portable GPS navigation device, just input your destination by address or zip code using the 2.5-inch touchscreen LCD, hit the route button and go. The interface is amazingly simple to use, even a novice won't have a problem ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
How to Replace a Headlight That Doesn't Want to Be Replaced
Q: My buddy has a '97 Ford Escort, and I help him with his maintenance. I have replaced his left headlight bulb three times in the past year, and it just keeps blowing out. I am very careful not to touch the bulb when installing it. What am I ... [... more]
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