September 7, 2011: By Jim Kerr The young automotive students at the college where I teach often ask me how they should "hop up" their cars. They are looking for more power, quicker acceleration, and better fuel economy, too. Many of these young students drive compact import cars referred to as "tuners." With splashy paint schemes, custom wheels, aftermarket exhaust systems and powerful audio systems, these cars h... Read Article

February 9, 2011: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr Winter is the time I tinker with my hobbies in the shop, so I am back to work on my classic ‘64 Impala. Much of the bodywork has been done, and now it is time to work on the chassis. During the earlier part of the winter, I spent time getting suspension pieces off parts vehicles; these have been cleaned, painted... Read Article

December 8, 2010: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr It’s that time of the year again! A time when Christmas gift shopping involves harried trips to the mall, decisions on items that seem either too expensive or not meaningful enough. If you are like me, you find competing with the crowds at the malls is no fun. Here are some suggestions that will reduce your gif... Read Article

May 5, 2010: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr I have just gone through a painful experience: I went with my son shopping for his first car. You might think this would be an exciting time, and I am certain it was for him, but it wasn’t for me. First of all, I had to live through his disappointment when I rejected a Subaru Impreza coupe he had selected. ... Read Article

March 28, 2007: By Jim Kerr The most difficult part of restoring or performing major repairs on a vehicle isn't turning the nuts and bolts or lifting heavy parts. The most difficult part is preparing oneself mentally to complete the task. This is especially true of someone attempting their first major work on an automobile. I am not a psychologist, but there is definitely psychology at play when working on any... Read Article

August 23, 2006: By Jim Kerr I must admit to being a tool junkie. My tool cabinet is overflowing with tools, some of which have been necessary in my career as an auto mechanic. Many of those tools aren't really necessary but sure are nice to have. Like so many other people, I have tried to curb the urge to buy more tools, but there are so many unique and useful tools out there (tool junkies have to justify thei... Read Article

September 22, 2004: The view from Jim's sofa. Click image to enlarge Story and photos by Jim Kerr Welcome to my den. This is not your typical den. Many people would look around and say "Hey, this is a garage", but to me it's my den. Find a seat and we can spend some time with some of my favourite things. There are several places to sit. A cosy overstuffed armchair in the corner is a favourite spot to curl u... Read Article

May 12, 2004: by Jim Kerr Have you ever had the urge to build a kit car? I have. If I was smart, the kit would be one of those little plastic models but it is still wonderful to dream of owning an exotic car with superb performance and stunning looks. Imagine a replica Ferrari Testarossa or Lamborghini Countach or Lotus Super 7 or Shelby Cobra or even a Mercedes SSK. Some of these kits are so close to the or... Read Article

December 31, 2003: by Jim Kerr If you enjoy restoring old cars or building custom cars, summer is the time for cruising. Winter is time for working on your project or seeking out another one. There are many collector car auctions or speciality dealers where you may find your dream car. Some buyers search out private sales, thinking they may be getting a better deal. Regardless of where you buy, determining the ve... Read Article

December 3, 2003: by Jim Kerr It's that time of year again when most drivers are busy avoiding busy Christmas traffic and trying to do a little shopping too. If you are a car or truck enthusiast, here are some Christmas gift suggestions you can conveniently place for others to see. If you are buying for an enthusiast, this should make shopping a lot less hectic. Any car enthusiast will appreciate a car cleani... Read Article

September 17, 2003: by Jim Kerr I just purchased another car. It's a 1964 Chevrolet Impala and I should know better than to buy another project but somehow the car bug has bitten me again. If you too have had the urge to buy and drive an older car, there are a few things that you should know before laying out that cash. Any older car will need work. Vehicles are available that don't need much work, but even the... Read Article

August 27, 2003: by Jim Kerr Cars built in the 1960's and 70's were easy to "hop up". Big V8's filled the engine bays of many vehicles on the road and the manufacturers offered several special high performance models. Many of the parts used on these high performance models could be easily bolted onto the family grocery getter, and there were no electronics or emission controls to get in the way. Today, performa... Read Article

August 13, 2003: by Jim Kerr The installer had just finished bolting a new wheel aligner to our shop floor and was about to give a demonstration. The machine looked impressive - shiny red paint, glittery chrome, a large colour computer display, and flashing LED sensors made it seem more suitable for a disco club than an automotive shop. Do we really need this high-tech equipment just to check wheel alignment, o... Read Article