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Fundamental Electrical Knowledge – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A and Technician B are discussing electrical fundamentals. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?A) All electrical circuits are made up of a load, a source, a control, a circuit protection device and a path that connects them all.B)...

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...

Beware the SAE Lead

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...
Why Does an Electric Car Need a Radiator?

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 Fuel Octane Rating Really Matter?

Does Fuel Octane Rating Really Matter?

Life is full of small decisions. Pulling up to the gas pump, you are immediately faced with a choice: which octane fuel to use? The owner’s manual for any vehicle should provide a minimum octane requirement, but is it worth filling up with a more expensive fuel...
EDC: Mechanic Edition

EDC: Mechanic Edition

EDC, or “everyday carry” has become a popular topic of conversation. At first I thought people’s interest in this was a zeitgeist, but I think it’s got more staying power than I originally surmised. I used to (and still) roll my eyes when someone posts a beautiful...