DIFM customers just won’t purchase this common underhood part.

DIFM customers just won’t purchase this common underhood part.
“Got a seven-foot section of brake line out without dropping the tank, cutting the line, or ruining a fitting. Today was a good day.” I sent that text to a friend of mine the other day. In a past life he was a wrench at a Cadillac dealer, so I think he sort of...
I picked up a habit many of you probably have: I had a “Lights Buddy” (patent pending) in the shop. This was usually someone who worked nearby who you could notify when pulling in a car. Said Lights Buddy would walk to the vehicle door as I exited the man door, open...
Description ShopPress's Miriam discussing shop upkeep and some important tips to maintaining a well rounded shop.
I began my wrench-turning career back in the late ‘70s when cars still used carbureted engines with mechanical points ignition systems. I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of what once were primarily mechanical systems controlling major engine and vehicle functions...
Description Air filter elements come in a variety of shapes and designs, but which one is right for you? Nick and Greaser discuss the advantages and drawbacks of three air filter designs, including filtration effectiveness, airflow, serviceability, overall size, and...
At a time when it seems like no one can agree on anything, 4 out of 5 voters in Maine voted “Yes” for a ballot question in Maine that asked whether vehicle manufacturers should be required to make it easier for drivers and mechanics to fix cars and trucks. More...
One of the most talented mechanics I know observed me struggling with damaged threads and dispensed an opinion: “Stripped thread repair is one of the most basic skills everyone should know how to deal with.” That’s not revelatory. However, when I pronounced the part I...
The title is a bit clickbait-y, but I won’t drag this out. Let me tell you about a part you’ll never get a repair customer to buy willingly: the hood strut.Photo: Mike Apice.How many times have you been working on something, and the hood comes down and clonks ya right...
Jun 16, 2022 | 3 Comments
Every mechanic manages their tool box differently, but these recurring characters seem to be in nearly every garage.