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Shop Press

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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Hot Off the Press

Hand in Glove: EV and Hybrid Service Safety

Note: Working on high-voltage systems should only be performed by a trained professional. The Dorman Training Center offers automotive training programs tailored to your shop’s needs and taught by ASE-certified instructors. Learn more at:...

Symbol of a Stumble: Edsel’s “Horse Collar” Grille

Throughout the history of automotive manufacturing, there have been some notorious flops. Cars such as the Yugo GV, DMC DeLorean, Ford Pinto, and Pontiac Aztek are still remembered by many as symbols of automaker stumbles. Today, I want to talk about a design element...

Don’t Get Hung Up on Hanging Calipers

​Whether you’re turning wrenches for a living as your nine to five — or just for fun as your five to nine — chances are you’ve needed to get a brake caliper out of the way and keep it there for a while. As most of you should already know, hanging a brake caliper from...

Tire Damage Assessment – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is assessing tire damage in order to make a repair decision. A puncture is located at the edge of the tread block closest to the sidewall. Technician B says it can be repaired with a conventional tire plug. Technician A says the area of the...

Mastering the Numbers – Part 2

In our earlier article, Mastering the Numbers Part 1, we discussed why shop owners should understand the financial side of their business just as much as the technical side. We introduced the Cost of Doing Business (CODB) as an important baseline financial concept....

SLABs: Slow, Loud, and Bangin’

I love investigating specific subcultures, especially car subcultures. Doing so provides a unique lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of the broader society, including power, identity, defiance, and cultural change. Consider slab cars, for example....

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

by | Oct 2, 2025

Recently, I wrote about how brake cleaner can be hazardous if not used correctly, and how you should take safety precautions when using it. One of our readers had an insightful comment on the piece. Now, I think it’s debatable that carburetor cleaner is more hazardous...
What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

by | Sep 25, 2025

Torque-to-angle, also known as angle-torque or torque-plus-angle, is a fastening method that combines an initial torque application with a subsequent angular rotation to achieve precise bolt or fastener tension. This technique ensures consistent clamping force,...
Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

by | Sep 23, 2025

Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO) Description Technician A is working on a hybrid vehicle’s air conditioning system that utilizes a high voltage electrical compressor. Technician B says that only the oil specified by the vehicle manufacturer...
Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault

Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault

by | Sep 18, 2025

As the weather warms, more and more of your customers will be switching over their HVAC control settings to “max A/C”. If the system doesn’t respond by blowing that refreshing cool air into their faces, they will show up at your door to find out why. When faced with...