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.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Why a magnetic drain plug is a worthwhile upgrade (VIDEO)
Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage.
Brake booster valve – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Which technician response is correct?
The final days (and cars) of AMC
In November 1988, two employees snuck a camera into AMC’s Kenosha plant for a farewell tour.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
What causes brake noise?
Parallel connectors vs. butt connectors
They look the same, but serve different roles. Here are the very specific scenarios where the lesser-known parallel connector shines.
What’s the deal with permanent and lifetime antifreezes? (VIDEO)
Shop Press’ Andy Greaser breaks down permanent antifreeze and today’s coolant for your vehicles.
Vehicle weights are increasing. Can your lifts handle it?
As new cars and trucks, especially EVs, get heavier than ever, it’s important to check your lift’s rating and condition.
Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things
One basic vehicle checkover has several lessons to teach.
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.
Battery date codes are painfully unstandardized and you’re better off without them
Don’t waste your time with codebreaking. Just grab a paint pen.
The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun
“Rebuild in a can” is not the right way to fix the tool, but it will get you by until you can repair it correctly.
Are automakers starting to rethink OTA microtransactions?
Microtransactions spark unexpected microaggressions.
Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop
Working on a right-hand drive vehicle requires deviating slightly from a mechanic’s routine.
VIDEOS
How to crimp heavy gauge wire (VIDEO)
Working on some battery cables or custom ground straps? A proper tool like Dorman’s 90707 heavy lug crimper has you covered.
Should you use anti-seize when installing spark plugs? (VIDEO)
Using a lubricant when installing spark plugs was once common practice, but today, you might want to think twice before adding anything to your spark plug threads.
Snap-on to expand Tennessee manufacturing plant
Company makes $44 million investment to expand plant.