Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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Hot Off the Press

Five things to know when working on HID headlights

While working on some high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights this week, I realized that soon many younger techs are likely to be inexperienced with these lighting systems—and it’s not their fault. In the transition years between halogen lighting and the LED era,...

What’s the best way to move tools about the shop?

I was recently off my feet due to some unplanned surgery. Normally I go stalking around the garage like the proverbial bull in the china shop, but not lately—my ankle was a mess. Have you ever had an injury or illness serious enough to impact the way you make a buck?...

The best way to help customers find your auto repair shop

Description If your customers can’t easily find your location, hours, or contact information, you’ll clearly struggle to earn their business. That’s why creating and updating your Google Business account is both one of the simplest and most important things you can do...

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 2 (VIDEO)

Description Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators. Some are easy, others obscure, and a few are even fakes. How many can you identify?Other...

How to service spark plugs the professional way

The spark plug has a tough job to do, and it has to do it under extreme conditions. The terminal (top) end of the spark plug is connected to a high voltage supply source, the ignition coil. As current flows from the coil, a voltage potential builds between the center...

Report: cars are the worst products for protecting user privacy

Data security is one of the most frequently cited arguments automakers make in their fight against right to repair. For instance, in a memo published last October by their advocacy group, they called a new right to repair ballot initiative in Maine a “monetizable data...

Preventative maintenance is great, but are you performing preventative repairs?

In the world of commercial aircraft, parts are almost always replaced before the end of their expected service lives. Rather obviously, a plane that stops flying mid-flight presents some pretty serious hazards to the health and safety of the passengers and people on...

A/C bypass pulleys: a history lesson on a part you can’t get from a dealer

I’m going to share some theory behind bypassing air conditioning in this article. I recognize it may be elementary for some of you (who probably lived through the whole history I’m gonna delve into), but it may be quite the revelation for those who have not. In most...

Clean It or Crack It

Why clearing bolt holes of contaminants matters.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Pulse width modulation and automotive lighting

Pulse width modulation and automotive lighting

Once the most basic of circuits, the humble lamp has also progressed.

Top tips for car and truck fleet maintenance: what repair shops need to know (VIDEO)

Top tips for car and truck fleet maintenance: what repair shops need to know (VIDEO)

Ready to grow your shop’s business with fleet maintenance, service and repairs?

Another specialty punch

Another specialty punch

There are many types of punches. There’s a reason for that.

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.

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.

Choosing the right brake fluid

Choosing the right brake fluid

Just because it says “DOT 4” on the bottle doesn’t mean it’s the correct DOT 4 for the vehicle.

Five ways repair shops can address the rising costs of car ownership

Five ways repair shops can address the rising costs of car ownership

The struggle is real for many of your customers.

ICYMI: Secondary hood prop positions

ICYMI: Secondary hood prop positions

Props to second place, too.

Automotive terms that differ in other English-speaking countries

Automotive terms that differ in other English-speaking countries

Are they C-clamps or G-clamps?

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.

When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)

When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)

Many high-end scan tools come with a capable digital storage oscilloscope. Time to put that tool to work.

If you have a soldering iron, you need a solder sucker (VIDEO)

If you have a soldering iron, you need a solder sucker (VIDEO)

Removing old solder is a crucial part of preparing a component for a new soldered connection, and a desolder pump (often called a solder sucker) is the ideal tool for the job.

The very best way to remove grease from auto upholstery

The very best way to remove grease from auto upholstery

This surefire solution really stinks.

Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

When placing an airbag on a workbench, which is the safest direction for it to face? We have the answer.

A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race

A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race

Your daily work is also a cruel automotive penalty.

VIDEOS

PSA: Stop throwing away brake rotor screws

PSA: Stop throwing away brake rotor screws

They’re real important for two separate reasons.

What tools do you keep in your road box for car repair? (VIDEO)

What tools do you keep in your road box for car repair? (VIDEO)

Do you have a toolbox ready to go for repairs on the road? What do you keep in it?

Best of Shop Press 2024

Best of Shop Press 2024

Let’s recap the best of this year!