1998 500 Skandic Bombardier Skidoo Cylinder Heads on 2040-parts.com

Tax-return car deals

Automakers are offering cut-rate financing, cash back and lease deals just as our income-tax-refund checks are coming in the mail. These timely tax-return car deals are paired with the necessity for automakers to make room on dealer lots for all-new models. (See the Cadillac CTS deals.) Here, we break down some of the incentives being offered this month.

Missing oil changes is false economy

TRYING TO SAVE money on motoring costs by not changing a car’s oil is risking a false economy as it could lead to more wear and fuel consumption, according to Two-thirds (65%) of British drivers admitted they have not changed the oil in their car in the last 12 months, with the same number admitting they buy oil for their car based solely on price. The same study by Mobil 1 also showed only 45% of drivers knew when their car’s scheduled service intervals were, while 15% said they would cut back on servicing to save money. Dan McGoldrick, of Mobil 1, said: ‘Choosing the right oil for your car is vital as it means both the lubricant and the engine will last longer, so you’re saving in the long term.’ Tim Shallcross, Head of Technical Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, added: ‘Apart from lubricating the engine, oil has the important job of absorbing harmful by-products given off by the burning fuel.

Video: Chevrolet engineer Oppenheiser talks 2012 Camaro ZL1

What we have here is a little teaser video of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 featuring chief engineer Al Oppenheiser. It was filmed at the Camaro Homecoming Event in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, in June. Oppenheiser gives us a look at the 6.2-liter supercharged Camaro, explaining how airflow will enter the front grille and be drawn away from the engine with the hood vents.