Shifting Gears 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.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Watch this video on the invention of the Ford V-8 engine

If you enjoy pioneering developments in automobile history, this video on the development of Ford’s V8 engine is a must-watch. It’s a bit on the long side (a little over an hour), but it’s well worth your time to fully appreciate this revolutionary success in Ford—and...

How to crimp heavy gauge wire (VIDEO)

Description Working on some battery cables or custom ground straps? Your crimped connection needs to be totally reliable, and with a proper tool like Dorman’s 90707 heavy lug crimper, you’ll get secure and consistent results. This crimper also happens to work well...

Should you use anti-seize when installing spark plugs? (VIDEO)

Description Using anti-seize when installing spark plugs was once common practice, but today, you might want to think twice before adding anything to your spark plug threads. Pete explains why today’s plugs generally don’t need any thread prep when installing, unlike...

Snap-on to expand Tennessee manufacturing plant

Snap-on recently announced that they will invest $44 million to expand their manufacturing operations in Elizabethton, Tennessee, according to a press release from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development. This investment will add nearly 49,000...

Tire service tips (that aren’t just for new technicians)

Recently I had occasion to watch the following video from Dorman Training Manager (and ASE Master Tech) Pete Meier:I was fortunate enough to be there live and talk to Pete after he was done shooting, and this video really stuck with me. If you think about it, the...

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box, Part 2

Description The Proving Grounds crew takes on another round The Mystery Box Challenge with new parts and a few new faces. Could you guess these auto parts simply by the way they feel? It’s more difficult than it looks.

Why auto mechanics should check cabin air filters in every vehicle (VIDEO)

Description Air filters are an easy service item to overlook, but most manufacturers recommend a new filter every year or 15,000 miles. Protect your customers from dirty air entering the cabin (and the stink of a filthy filter element) by checking cabin air filters on...

Creative repurposing: Shims have all sorts of uses in an automotive shop

When you saw the image at the top of this article, you probably knew what you were looking at. If you hang panels all day, you said, “A body shim!” If your life is spent undercar, you said, “An alignment shim!” You might also think they're for antiques. But shims have...

The Toyota Tacoma just doesn’t make sense any more

by Lemmy | Dec 3, 2021

Allow me to deliver you a Very Spicy Take: the Toyota Tacoma is not a great truck. Oh, it was a great truck. At one point, it was awesome. The Hilux (and later the Tacoma) was small, light, capable far beyond its advertised abilities, rugged, and cheap to own and...