Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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Hot Off the Press

Check Out This Hacky Diag Tool

Disclaimer: Dorman Products purchased this kit at full price.In the interest of serious investigative reporting, I swiped the Shop Press credit card for $14.83 to try out a diag tool I thought looked super-cool: the relay bypass. What’s that? Short version: Imagine a...

Are You Adding Engine Oil the Wrong Way? (VIDEO)

Description Think you know how to pour oil out of a jug? Are you sure about that? Lemmy and Nick talk about the best oil pour techniques to avoid making a mess.Related Videos

Dealers make house calls. Why not you?

I had a great experience recently when my dealer’s service department called to ask if I’d like to schedule some routine maintenance needed on my SUV from one of their fleet of nifty new mobile service vans, with the promise that my cost would be the same as if I...

What an oscilloscope shows that your DVOM can’t (VIDEO)

Description Your multimeter is a versatile tool. But for certain diagnostics, you need an oscilloscope to get a closer look at a vehicle's electrical systems.Related Videos

Tire techs: Elevate your work with this one humble task

I have mounted and balanced many tires. I have also sold many tires, and there was a step I took when I was installing them that I insisted all techs did when I eventually began writing service. I’m going to share it here, and while I can’t insist upon anything from...

Tools beyond the basics for DIYers

Except when it comes to mountain bikes and drum kits, I’m frugal (read: cheap) by nature, so I’m not the kind of guy who would blow a chunk of change on tools that I will never use. I’m also keenly aware of the limitations of my skills when it comes to automotive...

Transfer cases: how to talk to your customers

The transfer case is an essential part of the part-time four-wheel drive system found on many traditional vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks. The customers you help at your service counter may well rely on vehicles with 4WD daily and understand the systems well. But...

Easy trick to transfer gear oil with a simple length of hose (VIDEO)

Description A fluid transfer pump is the cleanest and easiest way to fill a differential, transmission or transfer case with its necessary fluid. When you don’t have access to a pump, there’s another way to get the job done using supplies you probably already have in...

Put the Second Floor to Work

Real estate is an investment—make yours start earnin’.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Tire Damage Assessment – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Tire Damage Assessment – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Assessing tire damage in order to make a repair decision, which technician is correct with the right repair?

Mastering the Numbers – Part 2

Mastering the Numbers – Part 2

Using your shop’s Cost of Doing Business (CODB) as a baseline for labor rates.

Learn Why You Should Never Skip Battery Isolation (VIDEO)

Learn Why You Should Never Skip Battery Isolation (VIDEO)

Tempted to skip battery isolation during a repair? Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how this essential step can protect you from serious injury while working on a vehicle.

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.

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

When it comes to threaded items, wrong is right. Or is it left?

Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault

Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault

Why a compressor clutch doesn’t engage, and tips to find the cause quickly.

Is the Oil Change Interval in a Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual Always the Right Choice? (VIDEO)

Is the Oil Change Interval in a Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual Always the Right Choice? (VIDEO)

Pete Meier explains how vehicle usage and oil/filter quality should affect your maintenance schedules.

Diesel Engines and Racing

Diesel Engines and Racing

You may be surprised at how diesels have made a name for themselves in motorsports.

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A is preparing to recover the refrigerant from a customer’s vehicle. What are the steps he should take when performing this service?

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.

Back Away from the Wrenches

Back Away from the Wrenches

“Drive it ‘til the wheels fall off” isn’t the safest decision. So when does it end?

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)

Pete Meier explains why these single-use bolts should always be replaced for safety and proper function.

Do You Survey Your Customers, and How?

Do You Survey Your Customers, and How?

Customer satisfaction surveys should be clear, concise, and targeted.

Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Technician A completed a compression test, noting high readings suggest an exhaust restriction, while Technician B says the test checks volumetric efficiency.

Do I Need a Tune-up?

Do I Need a Tune-up?

When a customer rolls into your shop and asks for a “tune-up,” what’s your first reaction?

VIDEOS

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

Is carb cleaner actually more dangerous than brake cleaner?

The Real Meanings Behind OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (VIDEO)

The Real Meanings Behind OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (VIDEO)

By breaking down the structures used to create DTCs, you can learn how to “decode” beyond the simple descriptions presented by a scanner.

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

It’s like torquing a bolt, but with an extra twist.