Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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Hot Off the Press

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

Description Torque-to-yield fasteners are designed to deform during installation to ensure a secure connection. If a TTY fastener looks to be in good shape after removal, can it be reused? Pete Meier explains why these single-use bolts should always be replaced for...

Do You Survey Your Customers, and How?

Recently, I had the opportunity to take my car to a body shop (it’s a long story). Once the work was done and I was checking out, the office manager mentioned to me that they would be sending me a customer satisfaction survey and encouraged me to fill it out. Then she...

Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A has just completed a running compression test using a mechanical compression gauge. Technician B says that the test is used to check the volumetric efficiency of the engine. Technician A says that the higher-than-expected readings indicate a...

Do I Need a Tune-up?

If you’re like me, you might cringe a little. More often than not, they’re hoping this magical procedure will fix some mysterious issue with their car. But let’s break it down: what is a tune-up, anyway? Most dictionaries describe a tune-up as “a general adjustment to...

Should You Lubricate Spark Plugs Before Installing Them? (VIDEO)

Description 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.Related Videos

PSA: Be Safe With Brake Cleaner

If you work in a shop (and if you’re reading this, chances are you do), you are undoubtedly familiar with brake cleaner. And, if you know the scent of brake cleaner, you probably know that using it is not great for your health if it comes in contact with your skin,...

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A has just completed a dry compression test of a four-cylinder engine. All four cylinders are below specification by about the same amount. After performing a wet compression test, values remained unchanged. What could cause this condition? A)...

When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)

Description With the variety of electronically controlled systems on a modern automobile, the days when a test light or simple voltmeter was enough to diagnose problems are long gone. Using a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) can make troubleshooting faster and more...

Harley Earl: The Designer Behind the Corvette, Tailfins, and Jet Era Concept Cars

As General Motors’ first design chief, Harley Earl transformed the automobile from a machine into a cultural icon.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Diagnosing a Prius Coolant Leak (VIDEO)

Diagnosing a Prius Coolant Leak (VIDEO)

Learn how to pinpoint common Prius coolant leak sources with step-by-step diagnostic tips from the shop floor.

A Crash Course on Modern Impact Sensors

A Crash Course on Modern Impact Sensors

Modern impact sensors work together to detect collisions in milliseconds and activate critical safety systems.

Alignment and Inner Tie Rod Play – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Alignment and Inner Tie Rod Play – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

A vehicle with MacPherson strut suspension is in for tires and an alignment. The technician finds play in the left inner tie rod end. What should the customer be told?

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.

Forgotten Classics: The 1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS Muscle Truck

Forgotten Classics: The 1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS Muscle Truck

The 454 SS combines the time capsule looks of the GM GMT400 platform with an entertaining drive that harkens back to the muscle car heyday.

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?

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?

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SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Diesel and DEF – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Diesel and DEF – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says an empty DEF tank can cause a no-start condition. Technician B says DEF quality should be checked when SCR faults are present. Who is correct?

It’s All About the Process

It’s All About the Process

To reach a successful diagnostic conclusion, you have to follow the right diagnostic path.

Rookie Tip: LOF? Leave the Dipstick Sticking Out and the Oil Cap on the Hood Latch

Rookie Tip: LOF? Leave the Dipstick Sticking Out and the Oil Cap on the Hood Latch

A bent dipstick and a broken oil cap are lucky indeed!

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

“System lean” diagnostic trouble codes are among the top 10 codes faced by techs.

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?

VIDEOS

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

What’s the Deal with DIP Switches? Aren’t They Just … Switches?

What’s the Deal with DIP Switches? Aren’t They Just … Switches?

They may look simple, but these little toggles can enable powerful electronic versatility.