Chefs know a helpful hack to keep spaghetti from falling out of an opened bag, and the same idea happens to work perfectly for zip ties. Give it a try next time you have a pack of zip ties that doesn’t have a resealable closure.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Fuel pump designs are changing. Do you know what kind of fuel pump you’re troubleshooting?
Many vehicles today have made the switch to DC brushless fuel pumps. They don’t work like the older brush-type pumps do.
Mechanic trivia: Which vehicle has a longer passenger side wiper blade? (VIDEO)
Almost every vehicle on the road has a longer wiper blade on the driver side. On older vehicles, you’ll also see two of the same size wipers working together. But can you think of any models that have the longer wiper blade on the passenger side?
The Shop Press Automotive Paragon series: a recap
Let’s review some of the icons and oddballs we’ve featured here so far.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Using voltage to locate electrical faults
Understanding how voltage is used in an electrical circuit can help your troubleshooting.
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
Easy tests for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) contamination (VIDEO)
DEF is easy to contaminate, and fortunately, it’s also easy to test. Check to be sure that your customers’ DEF is up to spec with these simple tests.
Technicians vs. DIYers: How well can you gauge tire pressure? (VIDEO)
In this challenge, techs and DIYers get as close as possible to a target final pressure to see who’s got the best skills and strategies at the tire machine.
EVs go through tires quicker: here’s what that means for your shop.
A few things to bear in mind considering the increased wear on tires.
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.
Making custom coiled wire is easier than you think (VIDEO)
Coiled wire is a smart idea for adding service loops or mechanical strain relief on automotive electrical jobs or other projects.
Smarter, not harder: relative compression testing
Analyzing a new trick I learned from an old dog.
Can’t break that crank bolt loose? You need a crank socket (VIDEO)
Crank fasteners are often a real pain to remove. Mechanics with expensive impact wrenches and large breaker bars struggle to remove them—but there’s a better way.
So you want to restore a classic or build a kit car? Think twice.
Unless you’re a professional mechanic or a hardcore DIYer, I suggest you focus on building memories instead of a car.
EGR system – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
Under what conditions would the EGR system be expected to be operational? We have the correct answer.
VIDEOS
A visit to Elite JDM (VIDEO)
A playlist of videos from a recent trip to a Dorman contributor’s personal shop.
Why you shouldn’t throw out zip tie tails after a project (VIDEO)
Before you toss those zip tie scraps in the trash, consider saving them for plastic repair jobs. In many cases, the plastic used in zip ties will bond with common automotive plastics with the help of a soldering iron.
Oil leak – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to cause an oil leak? Our technicians have the answer.