It’s been asked of every new mechanic for more than a century. Does it matter in 2025?
“Can you drive a stick?”
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Book review: “Pump and Circumstance”
Recently I was organizing my books on a new bookshelf and came across one that I had almost forgotten about. I picked it up after seeing an exhibition called “See the USA: Automobile Travel and the American Landscape” at the Building Museum when I lived in D.C. The...
Stainless doesn’t mean stain-proof; just ask Tesla Cybertruck owners
Two years ago, I posted a piece wondering if stainless steel cars were finally having their moment. I wrote about the introduction of the Tesla Cybertruck and the announcement of a new DeLorean, both of which were to be clad in stainless steel body panels. I also...
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box, Part 2
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...
What’s the deal with permanent and lifetime antifreezes? (VIDEO)
What’s the deal with permanent and lifetime antifreezes? Description Your customers may have heard the terms “lifetime” or “permanent” antifreeze, but those confusing names have very specific meanings. Make sure your customers know the...
Vehicle weights are increasing. Can your lifts handle it?
Average vehicle weights in the United States have steadily increased since the mid 1980s, driven by sustained consumer demand for vehicles with more power, features, and room. Hybrid and electric vehicles can be especially heavy with their batteries and motors,...