May 14, 2003: by Jim Kerr Warm spring days bring collector cars, customs, and hot rods out of their hiding places in droves. You might see some of these vehicles in parking lots, local car shows, or simply cruising main street. Talk to their owners and you may find they talk a special "car" language. Here is a short guide to terms you may encounter. Cherry: perfect in every way. The paint reflects like a ... Read Article

May 8, 2002: by Jim Kerr Do you remember your driver training? Shoulder checking for traffic, operating the signal lights, and performing lane changes? Turning corners and stopping at stop signs was easy, but the dreaded start up a hill from a stop and performing a parallel park made my pulse rise rapidly. For the beginning driver, these are all essential skills that are soon mastered. Only the signaling be... Read Article

April 21, 2002: Driver's Tune-up by Jim Kerr Spring is here and tune-up specials are being promoted by dealerships and service shops across the country. While most drivers get their vehicles prepared for a summer of driving, very few get themselves ready. Getting yourself "tuned up" may be the best investment you could make. Not only is it a lot of fun, but the skills you learn could save your life! So where... Read Article

January 16, 2002: by Jim Kerr When the "check engine" or MIL (malfunction indicator light) shines brightly on the dash display and the vehicle seems to run fine, there is a good chance you have just become the latest victim of what many technicians are calling the "gas cap code". Most 1996 and newer vehicles are designed to meet On Board Diagnostic Level 2 (OBD2) emission regulations. Some of the regulations dea... Read Article

November 21, 2001: by Jim Kerr Rough roads, potholes, and curbs all take their toll on your vehicle over the course of a year. Some of the jolts can be hard, and damage to your vehicle can occur quickly. Your first line of defence is your vehicle's shocks, springs, and tires. Here is how they help soak up the bumps. As your vehicle drives over a hole, the wheel, tire, and suspension assembly are pushed down in... Read Article

September 21, 2001: by Jim Kerr Late summer heat, hard working equipment, and an engine that has had a couple years of service. All these conditions add up to the possibility of cooling system failure. While usually overlooked unless there is a problem, regular cooling system maintenance can save you the stress of a rushed repair and perhaps even save your engine! Your truck, tractor, combine, or any other wate... Read Article

August 21, 2001: Follow these steps when buying a vehicle and put yourself in control Next to buying a house, buying a car or truck is the second largest purchase most people will make. While you may have researched the make, model, and options you want on your next vehicle, few buyers ever research the buying process. The more you know about the process, the more control you will have when purchasing your next... Read Article

June 21, 2001: by Jim Kerr Your car's interior takes a lot of punishment. Even if you don't have children or pets, freezing cold, the baking sun and normal wear and tear take their toll. To keep your interior looking like new, give it some special treatment. You could take it to an auto detailer for interior cleaning, but much of it you can do yourself. Start by vacuuming the carpets and seats. Then clean ... Read Article

April 21, 2001: by Jim Kerr Take a quick glance at the classified advertisements in any newspaper and you will find hundreds of vehicles for sale. Many of these vehicles are being sold by private owners. If you are considering selling your vehicle, here are a few pointers that can make your sale easier. Once you decide to sell your vehicle, you must decide what the vehicle is worth. Unfortunately, it is onl... Read Article

April 21, 2001: By Jim Kerr Are modern vehicles more or less reliable than those manufactured decades ago? Many drivers remember the simplicity of automobiles in the 1950's and 60's. A peek under the hood of a car built in the 1990's leaves most drivers at a loss even where to start any repairs! Surely the older cars with their simplicity must be more reliable. Some drivers believe that the older and simple... Read Article

April 21, 2001: by Jim Kerr I get a lot or questions from car owners about their vehicles. Many of these questions are related to "driveability". Driveability is the automotive industry's term to identify any problems that have to do with engine performance. It could be a rough idle, stalls, hesitations, poor acceleration, low fuel economy, or even hard starting. As you can see, there are many potential proble... Read Article

April 12, 2001: by Jim Kerr This year, at the Automobile Journalist's Association of Canada (AJAC) annual Car of the Year testing, the panel judging new technology welcomed a new participant for AJAC's Best New Technology Award. Pennzoil-Quaker State introduced Quaker State's engine oil specifically formulated for higher mileage vehicles. In fact, that is the name on the bottle: Higher Mileage Engine oil. T... Read Article

March 21, 2001: by Jim Kerr The colour of your vehicle makes a statement about you, the owner. So does the quality of the paint. Stone chips and scratches not only make your vehicle look worn, but create a place for rust to start. Keeping the paint on your car looking good takes a little work, but the procedures are not difficult. It just takes time. Whether you need to paint the complete car to make it loo... Read Article