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.
The 5 Most Common Vehicle Break Downs on a Summer Road Trip (And How to Prevent Them)
Remember, your vehicle works harder during summer road trips than it does in everyday driving. So show it some extra attention before you hit the road, and it will reward you with reliable transportation to your destination and back.
Beyond the Check Engine Light: Why Understanding Your Car's Needs Saves You Money
That check engine light blinking on your dash? It's your vehicle's only way of talking to you. Ignoring its messages is like refusing to open bills—the debt doesn't disappear just because you're not looking at it!
Keep That Vintage Ride Rolling: Why Maintaining Your Current Car Beats the New Car Payment Blues
At Heavy Metal Motors, we're noticing a concerning trend: Portlanders rushing to trade in perfectly serviceable vehicles for shiny newer models—only to find themselves underwater on loans, when problems arise.