Early in the relationship between mechanic and car owner, the questions a customer will ask are pretty straightforward: “Do you hear that clunk-clunk? What do you think it is?” or […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Is Your Car Blizzard-Ready?
Five things you need for winter car safety
I’ve been late for dinner before, but there are people in Buffalo who left work on Friday afternoon and still hadn’t gotten home by Christmas. The weather this week inspired […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The Dirty Work
Do you know where your used motor oil goes?
There’s a dark side to this business — by which I mean there’s dirt and grime involved. Nothing nefarious, unless you are a do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t dispose of your oil […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
A Mechanic Takes a Busman’s Holiday
A spring trip to the North Country, where it’s BYOE (bring your own engine)
I know some of you are not going to approve of what I do for my winter vacation. But if I didn’t love driving and engines, would I really be […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
A New Year’s Resolution for Car Owners
Whatever else you’re planning to do better this year, think ‘maintenance’
This week brought mixed reports from my customers on the season of gift giving. You really appreciate your new wool socks. They are very nice. But you are, understandably, a […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
How to Scare Your Mechanic
Mixing up the cables is one way to give new meaning to the term ‘jump start’
Car prices are about the scariest thing I can think of in this Halloween week. It looks like we’re all going to have to settle in and get comfortable with […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
It May Be Broke, But I Can’t Fix It
Tips for getting safely through summer driving distress
I like to fix things. So much so that, on the weekends, even after a week of 10-hour days at the garage, I might find time to take a carburetor […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Fresh Air for Your Car
That little paper pine tree is not going to cut it
After a long winter, especially this one, it just feels right to air out your car. The weather warms up, you roll down your windows, people can hear you singing […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
A Reason to Look Under the Hood
For some critters, the engine compartment offers cozy winter quarters
When was the last time you checked under the hood? More and more of my customers don’t even know how to open theirs. That’s not just because they’re not mechanically […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The Long and Winding Road to Restoring a Classic
Notes on bringing back one of the last of the muscle cars
For those of us who are pretty much swamped during the summer season, but not the kind to close up shop in the winter, this is no time to kick […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Are Your Treads Ready for Winter?
You probably don’t need special snow tires
There’s talk of the first big winter storm, so it’s a pretty good bet someone in your pod just told you to get your snow tires on for the season. […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Salt Sea Air Eats Brakes for Breakfast
A few things you can do to make them last a little longer
People complain a lot when they bring their cars in for brake work. “I just had my car inspected and they’re telling me I need new brakes,” they say. “Didn’t […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Car Repair Starts With the Senses
Listening is one of your auto mechanic’s most important tools
People ask me what I think of Question One, which will be on the ballot in the Commonwealth on Nov. 3. My answer is that, while it may not be […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
A Lot of Neglected Service
Covid means more reasons to get your car checked before you hit the road
“I’m driving my parents’ 2008 Subaru to college in Ohio.” The daughter of some regular customers was pretty excited when she told me about the drive she’ll be making next […]
