Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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

Decreasing Circuit Resistance – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description When the resistance of a circuit is decreased and voltage remains constant, what happens to current? What is the correct answer?A) It goes downB) It stays the sameC) It goes upD) It varies depending on the meter usedRelated Videos

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, we looked at Colin Chapman’s career up to the mid-60s. In this part, we’ll pick it up in 1965.Lotus wins the Indianapolis 500 In 1965, Chapman and Clark teamed up and made more racing history, this time across the pond at the Brickyard. Their...

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

Description How do you know when it’s time to flush coolant? Technicians may have different views on the subject, but Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how using a test strip at every service is a surefire way to get an accurate picture of the...

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 1)

Car designers have a lot of brain synapses firing. Some designers are driven by the pursuit of beauty, while others are motivated by the pursuit of speed. Giorgetto Giugiaro, Marcello Gandini, and Battista Pininfarina, though responsible for cars that raced, were...

Maximum Voltage Reading – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is using the min/max function of a digital voltmeter to test the battery and charging system on a customer’s vehicle. He notes a max reading of 17.2 volts has been recorded. Technician B says that the alternator has failed and is overcharging....

The Story of Dagmar Bumpers

If you’ve read my work here on Shop Press, you know I’m a sucker for chrome and mid-century automotive design. This week, I'd like to take a look at one of my favorite examples of that era: "Dagmar bumpers," the colorfully common slang used to describe the...

Should You Charge More When Dealing with Tire Sealant? (VIDEO)

Description Aerosolized tire sealant is widely available, and in some vehicles, it is used in place of a full-size spare. While this “tire repair in a can” might be the best solution in a jam, it creates a messy, stinky situation for a tech changing the tire for a...

An Ode to “Car Talk”

Back in the early aughts, I lived in the Washington, D.C. area for about nine years. Since my parents live in Pennsylvania, this necessitated many three-and-a-half-hour drives (as little as three, if I was lucky) back home for holidays or just a regular visit. At the...

A Brighter Future: The History and Evolution of Car Headlights

You may not think it, but automotive lighting has come a long way.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Politics Ain’t Politic

Politics Ain’t Politic

If you have to have them in the shop, endeavor to make politics polite.

Belt Noise – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Belt Noise – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says chirp is the most common belt noise complaint. Technician B says EPDM belts can wear out without showing visible damage. Who is correct?

For Over 50 Years, France Required Yellow Headlights … Until Science Disagreed

For Over 50 Years, France Required Yellow Headlights … Until Science Disagreed

An attempt at improving driver safety might not have worked as intended, but it sure gave a distinctive look.

ABOUT 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. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Does Fuel Octane Rating Really Matter?

Does Fuel Octane Rating Really Matter?

Spoiler alert: yes!

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The Japanese Domestic Market performance car you’ve waited 25 years to drive is finally ready for legal export.

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

Did you know that fuel blends change with the seasons in the United States?

Ferdinand Porsche: Engineering the Shape of Speed

Ferdinand Porsche: Engineering the Shape of Speed

How a visionary engineer shaped everything from early EVs to the world’s most iconic sports cars.

Service Writers: Don’t Leave Your Greatest Diag Tool in the Shop

Service Writers: Don’t Leave Your Greatest Diag Tool in the Shop

Techs can’t solve the problem that can’t be found

Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?

Are you a wrench and a writer? A counterperson and a communicator? A service writer and a scribe? Get paid to share your experience and expertise with thousands of Shop Press readers.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

When Selling a Job, Get It In Writing (Not an Emoji)

When Selling a Job, Get It In Writing (Not an Emoji)

Casual communication can have formal consequences.

Why Your Shop Should Be Using Loaded Knuckles to Save Time and Money

Why Your Shop Should Be Using Loaded Knuckles to Save Time and Money

Loaded knuckles streamline wheel bearing and suspension repairs to help shops boost efficiency and profitability.

Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Cars have a backup cooling system—use it when the situation demands!

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

New techs and DIYers should know that not all spark plugs are created, or treated, equally.

Tool Review: Permatex 25240 Thread Locker

Tool Review: Permatex 25240 Thread Locker

Can there be one threadlocker color to rule them all?

VIDEOS

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Don’t try to (needlessly) upsell me.

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The Japanese Domestic Market performance car you’ve waited 25 years to drive is finally ready for legal export.

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

Did you know that fuel blends change with the seasons in the United States?