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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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Is an Appointment-Only Shop Schedule Wise or Madness?

You probably have an “Open” sign hanging in the shop window or door. But what if you didn’t? Could you—and your shop—function as a shop without regular hours? The answer, like so many things in life, isn’t completely binary. Before we begin, maybe it makes sense to...

What does dark brake fluid really mean? (VIDEO)

Description Don’t just rely on brake fluid color to determine its condition. Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier demonstrates how to use a quick DVOM test for a more precise brake fluid condition check.Related Videos

Beware the SAE Lead

The SAE connector is instantly recognizable to many technicians. Commonly found on electrical junctions that need the ability to be disconnected often but ought not be reversed, the plug seems like it should be a no-brainer—however, it’s anything but. If the picture...

DSO Settings – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says that when using a lab scope, most signals can be captured using the 20/20 Rule - that is, by setting up the scope to capture a range of 0-20v on the vertical scale and setting the time base to 20ms per division. Technician B says that a...

Why Does an Electric Car Need a Radiator?

Have you ever taken a glimpse at the front end of an electric vehicle and thought, “Wait…is that a radiator?” Why does an electric car even need a radiator when it doesn’t have an internal combustion engine? Turns out there are plenty of things on an EV that need...

Does a car or truck’s air filter stop wildfire smoke? (VIDEO)

Description Can a vehicle’s air filtration help keep you safe from wildfire smoke and poor air quality? While that’s a tougher standard than most systems are built to meet, don’t overlook a simple step to get the most of your existing filter.Related Videos

Forgotten Classics: The 1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS Muscle Truck

The early 1990s were an interesting time for those looking for raw horsepower in a fun package. Ford’s Mustang had a 5.0L V8 with 205 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, not too shabby. Camaro buyers could get a 5.7L V8 that put out 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of...

Engine Management and Fuel Trim – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says that the ECM's primary role in engine management is to ensure that emissions remain within the limits for which the vehicle was originally certified. Technician B says that the fuel trim data PIDs (Parameter Identifiers) represent...

Average U.S. vehicle age reaches new record high, again

Average U.S. vehicle age reaches new record high, again

by | Jun 8, 2023

Does it feel like the cars and trucks in your repair shop keep getting older and older? Well, that’s because they are. The average U.S. vehicle age is now up to 12.5 years, according to a recent analysis by S&P Global Mobility (formerly IHS Markit). That’s a new...
Right to Repair gains momentum in Maine

Right to Repair gains momentum in Maine

by | May 9, 2023

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...
Which road maintenance fleet has the best snowplow names?

Which road maintenance fleet has the best snowplow names?

by | Dec 22, 2022

Asking the public for creative input can sometimes be an effective way to crowdsource ideas and foster community engagement. Or, it can be an exercise in large-scale trolling, as we saw with the infamous tale of Boaty McBoatface. Nevertheless, over the past few years,...