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Efficiency is the Name of the Game

Someone once told me that successful auto repair is a game of inches. But in our fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, inches are no longer accurate—we need to hit the bullseye every time. Margins are tighter, technology is advancing rapidly, and customer expectations...

Misfire Cause–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is diagnosing a misfire. He states that a misfire is caused by a fault in the ignition system and that new plugs and coils will repair the problem. Technician B says that a misfire is detected when the ECM detects a variation in crankshaft...

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, I traced the history of the U.S. presidential state car from the beginning to the Kennedy Lincoln Continental. In this part, I’ll pick up with President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s state car and continue to the present day.1967 Lincoln Continental...

Why Wheel Fastener Torque Matters More Than You Think (VIDEO)

Description If you’re still using torque sticks and impact power to install lug nuts and lug bolts, it’s time to reconsider. Pete Meier explains why the torque wrench is the only correct tool for the job … and what can go wrong when you don’t use one.Related...

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 1)

The U.S. presidential state car (aka "The Beast", "Cadillac One", "First Car", and codename "Stagecoach") is an unmistakable symbol of our nation’s executive branch. Since we had a presidential inauguration this year, I thought it would be a good time to look at the...

Dead Battery? (Video)

Description With dozens of electronic control units on automobiles built in the last 25 years, incidents of battery drain caused by an ECU that will not turn off when it is supposed to are on the rise. Tracing the ultimate cause can be made easier, though, if you know...

Check Engine Light On?

Diagnosing an illuminated check engine light (CEL) is something professional technicians do on an everyday basis. The key to a correct diagnosis is following a logical diagnostic process and gathering the information you need to isolate and repair the cause. The...

Are You Properly Checking Hub Bearings For Wear? (VIDEO)

Are You Properly Checking Hub Bearings For Wear? (VIDEO)

by | Jul 22, 2025

Are You Properly Checking Hub Bearings For Wear? (VIDEO) Description The old “grab the wheel and shake” test you may have used for tapered bearings doesn’t apply for the hub bearings found on most of today’s vehicles. Pete Meier explains how a dial indicator is...
Dead Battery? (Video)

Dead Battery? (Video)

by | Jul 1, 2025

Dead Battery? (Video) Description With dozens of electronic control units on automobiles built in the last 25 years, incidents of battery drain caused by an ECU that will not turn off when it is supposed to are on the rise. Tracing the ultimate cause can be made...
Check Engine Light On?

Check Engine Light On?

by | Jun 26, 2025

Diagnosing an illuminated check engine light (CEL) is something professional technicians do on an everyday basis. The key to a correct diagnosis is following a logical diagnostic process and gathering the information you need to isolate and repair the cause. The...
Betcha Haven’t Serviced the Tool You Use on Every Job

Betcha Haven’t Serviced the Tool You Use on Every Job

by | Jun 12, 2025

The most dangerous thing we do all day long is one most of us don’t think about: we raise a vehicle weighing a ton or three high in the air and work beneath it. And yet, lifts aren’t maintained well in most shops. I’ve seen lifts out of plumb, bent legs, lifts with...
Inside Global (Generic) OBD-II

Inside Global (Generic) OBD-II

by | May 29, 2025

The engine control module (ECM) could just as correctly be referred to as the emissions control module. Its primary function is to ensure that tailpipe emissions remain at or below the emissions standards to which the vehicle was originally certified. The ECM turns on...