At The Counter Archives

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

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Drag racing semi-trucks (VIDEO)

Hi, my name is Lemmy and I enjoy the inappropriate application of power. It’s the lighter side of our mutual profession, I feel. I’ve written before about keeping your mojo flowing if the biz of fixing stuff is wearing you down. Here’s another way to do that: watch...

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description All of the following could cause bump steer EXCEPT: A) Incorrectly mounted steering rack B) Worn idler arm C) Worn center link D) Incorrect camberMore ASE Practice Questions

When NOT selling helps business

When I was a wee sprat in my first automotive job selling service, I was beleaguered by a tech in the shop who wrote thorough, lengthy estimates. He would occasionally blow up at me for not selling enough, going so far once as to accuse me of not even trying to sell...

Why “topping off” a gas tank can be an expensive mistake (VIDEO)

Description When the pump automatically shuts off after filling a vehicle’s tank, many people are tempted to add a little more gas. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, and the repair bills could add up quickly.Related Videos

Why don’t you keep gloves in your car’s glove box? (VIDEO)

Description Most people treat their glove boxes like junk drawers. Ever consider keeping a pair of gloves in there? Gloves were essential equipment for early motorists, and it’s a good idea to keep a pair on hand today, too.

Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description When checking a brake drum during service, all the following should be checked EXCEPT: A) Diameter B) Out-of-roundness C) Minimum thickness D) Taper wearMore ASE Practice Questions

How to choose a memory saver tool for cars and trucks

As vehicle electronics become increasingly complex, the humble memory saver tool has gone from a convenience to an absolute necessity for maintaining power to vehicle systems while the battery is disconnected. Memory saver tools have changed over the years, too, and...

Welding tips for automotive repair: What you need to know (VIDEO)

Description Any auto repair shop worth its salt has at least one welding rig to handle all kinds of jobs. Whether you’re a competent welder or totally new to the game, check out these tips to improve the welding workflow and output in your shop.

Tired of dead 9V batteries? Convert to rechargeables! (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Jul 11, 2023

Tired of dead 9V batteries? Convert to rechargeables! (VIDEO) How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy method Description If you have tools that use 9 volt batteries, it’s cheap and easy to convert them to rechargeable batteries. Watch to learn...

A 3-minute video kept me from going ballistic over a $3,000 repair

by Mike Principato | Jun 27, 2023

If you’ve read my stuff before, you know I have a checkered history of repairing my own vehicles. It’s the inevitable outcome of going out of my way to deliberately (read: dimwittedly) buy a series of notoriously crappy cars and trucks that nonetheless looked very...

The aggressive question you can ask that instantly calms a customer down

by Lemmy | Jun 1, 2023

If you write service or sell parts, angry customers on the other side of the counter are an occasional part of the job. Maybe it’s someone picking up a car who is facing a bill that’s vastly different than the estimate. Or maybe in the parts store it’s a customer with...

How to find a good auto repair shop, according to actual repair professionals (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Apr 20, 2023

How to find a good auto repair shop, according to actual repair professionals (VIDEO) Description Here at Shop Press we’re always looking for interesting news about the auto repair industry, and we see articles pop up pretty routinely offering advice to vehicle owners...

The best auto racing movies to convert non-racing fans

by Mike Principato | Mar 23, 2023

There are two kinds of people in the world: race fans and people who haven’t watched these movies. If you’re not a fan, auto racing may seem like sort of the Earth-borne equivalent of space exploration: an oddly unsatisfying venture hallmarked by astronomical costs...

The $2.5 million man: hire the right manager for your shop if you want to run with the big dogs

by Mike Principato | Mar 16, 2023

Starting a shop and managing it to the big leagues require very different skills. Odds are you don’t have both, and that’s okay. Let’s assume you’ve built a profitable independent repair shop and it’s…well, it’s just not enough. I get it. A convergence of your vision,...