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February Automotive Horoscopes

Aries: Stress around the shop is about to melt away. Resist packrat urges—letting go is just as important as gathering items of value. Spruce things up! After work, be careful not to overdo things in extracurricular matters. Pay careful attention to the cars above you...

Clean the #&@$ing snow off the roof of your car or truck

As we are deep into winter here in the northern hemisphere, I believe it’s time for this seasonally appropriate rant: clean the #&@$ing snow off the roof of your car or truck. Look, I’ve been there. You’re running late for work after a big storm the night before,...

Texas nonprofit helps low-income vehicle owners afford auto repairs

At any given time, about 1 in 5 vehicle owners are delaying some sort of auto repair, with the most common reason being that they can’t afford it, according to the Auto Care Association Factbook. All this deferred work adds up to an estimated $31 billion that drivers...

A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)

Description The hardest job in an automotive shop might just be that of the service writer. Taking heat from the boss, the techs, and the customers isn't easy. That the role is for dynamic individuals becomes apparent quickly when considering the tasks that make up...

Serviceability Hall of Shame: Ford Taurus Spring Shields

The Serviceability Hall Of Shame was born from all the times we’ve looked at a vehicle and realized some usually simple task was going to be nightmarish. It is, ultimately, a response and explanation of the inevitable question, “Good Lord, why?!” Today’s entrant isn’t...

Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. I have a relative who works at Milwaukee Tool who usually gets me items at a steep discount, but there is no requirement to write about them. Have you switched (or are you switching) to electric tools from air?...
Is that catalytic converter actually bad? (VIDEO)

Is that catalytic converter actually bad? (VIDEO)

Is that catalytic converter actually bad? (VIDEO) Description Diagnosing a catalytic converter isn’t always the most straightforward process simply because it’s so far downstream from other parts that affect its operation. You might watch this video and...
VIDEO: (Spoiler within) Crimp or solder?

VIDEO: (Spoiler within) Crimp or solder?

VIDEO: (Spoiler within) Crimp or solder? Description The spoiler here is that Nick and Lem don’t solder much at all, so if you’re not a die-hard crimp aficionado, this might not be your favorite video. They’re pretty different mechanics working on very...
5 unconventional brake job tips

5 unconventional brake job tips

We’ve all read articles on brake jobs and are familiar with the standard tips. Check the rotor thickness and runout. Pay attention to pad wear patterns. Don’t add fluid to the system when pads are worn. Blah, blah, blah. Here’s another list of tips that’s slightly...
Quick tip for greasing clogged fittings

Quick tip for greasing clogged fittings

I’m showing my age a bit, but when I write a car up for a LOF job, while I’m undercar I’m sniffing around looking for spots to hit with my grease gun. Many newer cars have nothing at all, but an older truck? There might be a dozen. Older tractors and motorcycles,...
Which type of salvage yard do you prefer?

Which type of salvage yard do you prefer?

In the world of salvage auto parts, most yards fall into one of two camps: you-pull-it and full-serve. You-pull-it yards are just what they sound like: bring your tools; you’ll be removing the parts you need. Full-serve is just the opposite; you call up and either...