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.

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A visit to Elite JDM (VIDEO)

Description Recently we took a trip to Dorman Proving Grounds manager Nick D'Alessio’s personal shop, Elite JDM. While we were there, we shot some videos about some fascinating things we found in his shop. We decided to put those four videos together in a playlist for...

Why you shouldn’t throw out zip tie tails after a project (VIDEO)

Description Before you toss those zip tie scraps in the trash, consider saving them for plastic repair jobs. In many cases, the plastic used in zip ties will bond with common automotive plastics with the help of a soldering iron.Related Videos

Oil leak – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to cause an oil leak?A) Torn valve cover gasket B) Worn wrist pin bushings C) Worn rear main seal D) Worn piston ringsMore ASE Practice Questions

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...

Low-mileage JDM automatics: Worthwhile or worthless? (VIDEO)

Description Nick and Lemmy check out a flex plate from an imported Japanese automatic transmission with very few miles under its belt. Even so, Nick explains why nobody really wants these transmissions or parts… and why many of them end up in the scrapyard.

Fuse box-compatible circuit breakers are the ultimate spares when space is limited

My brother and I both work in vehicle repair, and he sure got my attention when he gave me a set of resettable blade “fuses” to try out. These devices are actually fuse-shaped circuit breakers, and my new kit of six breakers goes up to 30A in 5A increments—just right...

Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says a defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings. Technician B says a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Who is correct?More ASE Practice Questions

Easy tests for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) contamination (VIDEO)

Description DEF is easy to contaminate, and fortunately, it's also easy to test. Check to be sure that your customers' DEF is up to spec with these simple tests.Related Videos

Miata Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Jan 26, 2023

Miata Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)...

“Horizon Chase Turbo” is probably my favorite racing game of the last 30 years (VIDEO)

by Jonathan Roth | Jan 12, 2023

I’ve got a soft spot for arcade racing games. Sure, simulation racing games are great and all but, to me, nothing beats a racing game with hot starts, token or ring collecting and forgiving drift physics. “Horizon Chase Turbo” was offered as a free game as part of my...

January Automotive Horoscopes

by Shop Press Staff | Jan 10, 2023

Aries: You may not think of some of your repairs as innovative, but a creative fix is a creative fix. Your outlook is out there, and that’s OK. Expect to see someone else cribbing your notes but remember to take it as flattery. Not everyone has the same gift of...

December Automotive Horoscopes

by Shop Press Staff | Dec 20, 2022

Aries: The shop has a somber attitude, so tone down the practical jokes on a friend. Stick close to home and get your chores done. Now is the time to to start thinking about spring tasks. Have you started seedlings for the garden yet? Restraint pays dividends this...

An open letter to automotive customers about Christmas gifts (and tipping)

by Lemmy | Dec 15, 2022

Dear Automotive Customer, Over the years, I have become aware that some of you wish to do something extra for your friendly local automotive technician around the holidays. I’ve also overheard conversations about this topic hotly debated, oddly, by people who are not...

The bumpy story of vinyl record players in cars

by Jonathan Roth | Dec 8, 2022

As a lover of vinyl records, I’ve often thought over the years of how to install a record player in my car, so I could enjoy the superior sound quality of vinyl while I’m driving. Of course, there are naturally a few ways that this idea is not practical. First, a form...