
From Bowie to Hansen: A History of Blazers' Big Men
the Trail Blazers are embarking on an exciting new chapter. Yang Hansen, the 7-foot-2 center from China, was acquired by Portland through a draft trade in June 2025. At just 20 years old, Hansen is the ninth Chinese player drafted to the NBA and the third-highest draft pick ever from China.

What Drivetrain Does Your Car Have and Why Does It Matter?
The drivetrain is essentially the system that takes the engine's power and sends it to the wheels. While it might sound like a technical detail, your drivetrain choice affects everything from fuel efficiency to how your car performs on a rainy highway.

The Ugly Truth About Your New Car
The most expensive car isn't the one with the highest purchase price—it's the one that costs you a fortune in surprises you didn't see coming.

Top 5 Spare Parts for Your Zombie Apocalypse Getaway Truck
We all know the zombie apocalypse probably isn't happening this October (probably). But these five parts represent the most common catastrophic failures that can leave you stranded in the real world, too.

The Strange Evolution of Oregon's Emissions Testing: From Tailpipes to Trouble Codes
We still require it, we still make you drive to a testing station every two years, but if you pay attention to what's actually happening during your test, you might scratch your head and wonder: "Wait, are they actually testing my emissions?"

The Top 5 Used Cars for Young Drivers: Safe, Affordable, and Practical
when it comes to buying a car for a young driver, there’s no better option than a quality used vehicle. New cars come with a high price tag, and the moment you drive off the lot, their value starts to depreciate. Buying used allows you to get a reliable, safe, and stylish car without breaking the bank. Here, we’ve rounded up the top 5 used cars for young drivers, all based on their affordability, safety features, and overall appeal.


Back to School, Back to Commutes: 5 Car Checks to Keep Your Ride Safe and Smooth This FalL
For families and commuters in Portland, fall means more time behind the wheel—whether you’re navigating the school drop-off line or battling I-205 during rush hour. A quick check-up now can keep your ride running strong all season long!

From 8-Tracks to AI: How Cars Went From Transportation to Spaceships
The tragedy isn't that cars became complex – it's that they became disposable. Your 8-track player was objectively terrible technology, but when it broke, you could fix it. Your modern infotainment system is a marvel of engineering, but when it fails, you replace the whole unit for $3,000.

From Logging Roads to Lifestyle: How the Pacific Northwest Created Its Own truck Scene
The next time you see a lifted truck in Portland, don't dismiss it as compensation or flamboyance . Consider that it might be connection – to our past, to our landscape, to a way of life that values getting there as much as being there.

When America Stopped Building Things to Last: A Tale of Cars and construction
-after decades of getting our hands dirty under hoods and crawling through engine bays, we've noticed something that homeowners are discovering too: somewhere around the 1990s, America stopped building things to last.

Life Is Too Short to Drive Something You're Not in Love With
At Heavy Metal Motors, we believe every mile should matter. Whether you're nursing a classic back to life, keeping a modern performance machine in peak condition, or finally ready to find something that makes your pulse quicken – we're here to help. - Don't settle. Life's too short, and the road's too long.


Understanding Your Car's Personality: What Those Weird Noises Actually Mean
Your car talks to you every day. Not in words, obviously, but through a symphony of sounds that tell the story of what's happening under the hood - And let's be honest – between the potholes on Sandy Boulevard and the steep hills in the West Hills, Portland cars work harder than most!

a $79 investment can save you thousands
Let me be crystal clear: Getting a pre-purchase inspection isn't about finding reasons NOT to buy a car. It's about knowing exactly what you're buying and using that knowledge to get a fair price. At $79 for our complete inspection, it's the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever buy.

Why Your Tires Screech in Parking Garages: Understanding Rear Differentials
Next time you're spiraling up a parking garage, listen to your vehicle. Smooth and quiet? Your differential is doing its job! Excessive scrubbing or clunking? It might be time for professional attention.

The Transmission Truth: Why Your CVT Might Be a Ticking Time Bomb
Our hills, rain, and stop-and-go traffic are transmission killers. Add our temperature swings, and fluid maintenance becomes even more critical. We see more transmission failures in cars that do the Beaverton-to-Downtown crawl than highway cruisers with twice the mileage.

A/C vs Windows Down: The Ultimate Fuel Efficiency Showdown (Settling the Debate Once and For All)
“at Heavy Metal Motors in Southeast Portland, we hear this question constantly: "Will running my A/C really hurt my gas mileage that much?" The short answer? It's complicated. The long answer involves physics, aerodynamics, and some surprising research that might challenge what you think you know.”

How Summer Heat Puts Modern and Vintage Vehicle Cooling Systems to the Test
The cooling system is your engine's lifeline, and summer is when that lifeline faces its greatest test.

The 5 Most Expensive and 5 Least Expensive Vehicles to Own Over 10 Years (For Average Consumers)
Understanding total cost of ownership can save you thousands of dollars over a decade. Let's break down what makes some vehicles expensive to own long-term, and which mainstream models offer the best value for average consumers.