Shop Press

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

The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)

How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy methodDescription Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains why you should be testing engine coolant on vehicles in your bay. With a simple test strip, you can quickly check the coolant's health...

How to use a refractometer

I used to feel real dumb when I didn’t know what a tool was. After fixing things for a bit, I have come to learn that there are a lot of specialized tools and the only dumb thing is not learning about them. So when Dorman Trainer Pete Meier showed up recently with a...

Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)

There is a paucity of divorced transfer cases fitted to vehicles traversing the roadways in 2024. In fact, some technicians—especially younger ones—aren’t even aware a setup beyond the married arrangement exists. If you’re unfamiliar with them, our own Technical...

New to the team but not new to the business (VIDEO)

Greetings, Shop Press readers! I joined the Dorman team earlier this year and you may have already noticed a few posts with my name on them. Maybe you’re even asking yourself “What makes this guy qualified to offer an opinion or try to tell me how to work on cars?”...

Square drive: make or buy before you need ‘em

As a new tech, all I did was borrow tools from mechanics who were good to me. They usually lent and trained me on etiquette just after. (If you need to borrow it more than once or twice, maybe you ought to buy your own.) It’s not that often that I find myself without...

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...

Godspeed, Pat

by | Mar 24, 2022

Pat Goss died on March 19, 2022, at the age of 77.

Pat owned auto repair shops in Maryland, and he also was heard on the radio, where he hosted multiple car shows. Pat also made a weekly appearance on YouTube for many years, but you probably know him best for the Goss’ Garage segment on MotorWeek, the longest-running automotive series on television.

Pat Goss on set.

Pat Goss delivered sound auto advice for enthusiasts, wrenches, and owners for over four decades. He was an institution. MotorWeek photo.

Pat was with MotorWeek for over forty years; he debuted on the show’s initial episode in 1981. A master technician, Goss had repair and maintenance tips geared to drivers. Over the years, his segment shifted a bit from DIY instructions for budding home mechanics to broader overviews of systems operation geared towards vehicle owners who probably weren’t going to be picking up a wrench. Here’s Pat explaining how a turbo operates and how to prolong the life of one. Unsurprisingly, this is still pretty accurate and easy to understand. (A turbo timer! Pretty heady stuff for 1991.)

A hat is being passed to help with burial costs. I stuck a few bucks in; maybe you might want to do the same. Evidently, Pat had all his money tied up in the shop. That’s a situation I can certainly identify with—there but for the grace of God go I.

On an editorial note, I always loved watching MotorWeek. I was a little wrench (an ignition wrench, maybe?) taking on bicycles, but I happily learned from Pat for years. I know lots of other mechanics who loved the MotorWeek series because it focused on practical everyday cars we actually saw and worked on. MotorWeek delivered pragmatic information, and Pat played a large part in that, which I’m pretty sure is exactly what he set out to do.

I’d say he succeeded. Godspeed, Pat.

The articles and other content contained on this site may contain links to third party websites. By clicking them, you consent to Dorman’s Website Use Agreement.

Related Articles

Shop Press Comment Policy

Participation in this forum is subject to Dorman’s Website Terms & Conditions. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
4 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline feedback
View all comments

Get Articles In Your Inbox

Subscribe to receive a monthly email summary of our latest Shop Press stories.

Shop Press

I agree to the above privacy statement and T&Cs

Thanks! You're now subscribed.