Vehicle diagnosis is no walk in the park. Proper diagnosis is critical and difficult, and it shouldn’t be done without doing the work.
Why service writers should always charge a diag fee – and let techs earn it
read more
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Car designer Brooks Stevens: the man behind the first Jeep Wagoneer, planned obsolescence, an iconic Harley-Davidson, and more
His lofty intentions were misconstrued into a shopworn excuse for building crummy cars
A review of the last grease coupler you’ll ever need, the LockNLube
A strong endorsement, I know—but it’s that good.
Is perseverance in the service bay a feature or a bug?
The flat-rate system doesn’t reward tenacity.
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.
Should You Lubricate Spark Plugs Before Installing Them? (VIDEO)
Do you lubricate the threads on spark plugs before installing them? Should you? Pete Meier explains the finer points of spark plug lube application for best results and OE service procedure compliance.
Godspeed, Pat
Pat Goss, arguably America’s most famous mechanic, has died.
Let’s bring back this tiny piece of archaic automotive technology
It’s a tiny step on the manufacturing line, but boy, drain plugs save mechanics a ton of time.
Break down ROs into three boxes
Help your customers prioritize their repairs and they’ll keep coming back.
Holistic healing works on cars, too
Parts on cars are interconnected—and their problems often are as well.
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.
P0420/P0430—The #1 DTC in the Country
And the most misdiagnosed.
Two reasons you should have a welder in your shop (and know how to use it)
Other than the obvious roles, there are other really, really good reasons you should have a welder in the shop.
Want to get kids interested in trades? Start with their school science fair.
To inspire the next generation of service technicians and tradespeople, start by getting their hands off their phones and onto building something cool.
This guide to being a mechanic-saboteur could teach you to be a better tech
The CIA’s Simple Sabotage Field Manual can help mechanics both frustrate the enemy and think about being more effective in the shop.
7 things in Car Mechanic Simulator that will make a real mechanic’s eyes roll
How accurate is Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 to being a real mechanic? Let’s just say, not really, as any real mechanic can tell you.
VIDEOS
The fastest way to remove a Woodruff key (VIDEO)
Watch as Lemmy demonstrates the fastest, easiest way to remove a Woodruff key using a common tool that might surprise you. Give it a try next time!
Seven tips to help you pass your ASE exams
There’s no magic bullet, but sometimes one or two answers is the difference between pass and fail.
What are your least favorite repair jobs? (VIDEO)
Life can’t all be brake jobs and pre-delivery inspections. Beating time is the name of the game, but it doesn’t always work out. Watch as a few Dorman mechanics talk about the jobs that make more sweat than bread in this video.