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The most entertaining social media accounts to follow for car enthusiasts in 2023

Everyone likes informative, interesting, or funny social media accounts. Here are a few entertaining ones about cars and the people who drive them. And don't forget to follow us, too, at the following accounts:Obscure Cars...

Catalytic converters are the coolest car parts that get no respect

The air in Detroit during the 1960s was so polluted that mothers were scared for their children to play outside. In certain places, you couldn’t see the sun at noon, and buildings had to be cleaned or repainted every six months. Some people wrote letters to...

Car designer Brooks Stevens: the man behind the first Jeep Wagoneer, planned obsolescence, an iconic Harley-Davidson, and more

Previously, I wrote about Raymond Loewy, an automotive, industrial, and graphic designer who I thought should be better known due to his contributions to the look of early- to mid-20th century America. After we posted that piece, a former colleague of mine, Todd,...

A review of the last grease coupler you’ll ever need, the LockNLube

Several years ago, I was standing in a field watching a friend of mine add grease to a wheel. When he was done, he tugged on the coupler, and it held fast to his wheel. He tugged a little harder, and the coupler ripped the zerk right out of its threads, necessitating...

Is perseverance in the service bay a feature or a bug?

I am a proficient mechanic. I have long said my proficiency comes partially from skill, but mostly I’ve achieved good results due to my perseverance. I am generally unwilling to toss in the towel on something until it works correctly. “Too stupid to know when to quit”...

May Automotive Horoscopes

Aries: Your service writer will be keeping you busy this month, and you’ll need to keep your focus to avoid burnout. Pay special attention to the effects of distractions around you. Some coworkers have a way of keeping you from your work for a little longer than you...

Right to Repair gains momentum in Maine

The state motto of Maine, “Dirigo,” Latin for “I lead,” is being embraced by the members of the Maine Right to Repair Coalition who find themselves at the vanguard of a movement to ratify legislation that protects independent repair shops. Last February, a referendum...

Tool review: ICON 3/8” ratchet

About a year ago, I was reefing on some fastener, and my trusty old Armstrong ratchet let go and spun free. It did it again a few bolts later, and at that point I set the tool down before I got hurt. I had purchased a few 3/8” ratchets years earlier after some junkers...

How to test and fix a car USB charger (VIDEO)

Wrenching

by Shop Press Staff | May 2, 2023 | 1 comment

Description

Most late-model cars have a USB charging port for smartphones and other devices. In older vehicles, many owners have added USB charging capabilities with cigarette lighter adapters powered by accessory circuits. USB charge ports are used frequently, and today’s techs need to know how to test, diagnose, and repair these systems. This video gives an overview of tools, techniques, and common problems for customer cars. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to test USB ports for voltage and amperage, check cables for connection issues, and even simulate a load on the charging system. Not all USB charging components are created equally, and because most customers are mixing and matching devices from different manufacturers, the right tools and techniques become essential for troubleshooting.

The fastest way to remove a Woodruff key (VIDEO)

Watch as Lemmy demonstrates the fastest, easiest way to remove a Woodruff key using a common tool that might surprise you. Give it a try next time!

Apr 6, 2023 1

What are your least favorite repair jobs? (VIDEO)

Life can't all be brake jobs and pre-delivery inspections. Beating time is the name of the game, but it doesn't always work out. Watch as a few Dorman mechanics talk about the jobs that make more sweat than bread in this video.

Mar 30, 2023 12

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box

The Proving Grounds crew is back again for a new grudge match in the garage called The Mystery Box.

Mar 7, 2023 0

Learn all about how to identify a Mazda Miata.

Miata Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)

Learn to ID Miatas generation by generation like a pro (and from a pro!)

Jan 26, 2023 0

A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)

A Shop Press ode to the unsung heroes taking calls, keys, and credit cards.

Jan 19, 2023 2

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