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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Don’t Overlook the Elementary

Today’s article is one borne from experiences. Exasperating experiences, no less. All novice mechaniclets are taught engines need fuel, air, spark, and compression to run. This is true, but we often take those for granted, and diagnosing even one vehicle with a basic...

ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says that the thrust angle must be maintained at zero degrees when performing an alignment on many vehicles equipped with certain ADAS systems (like lane departure warning). Technician B says that the steering angle sensor must be properly...

What are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Why are They Important?

It may sound crazy, but there was a time when automobile manufacturers were not required to make vehicles safe. Many manufacturers touted the safety of their vehicles, but some of those features were just as much marketing as they were practical. In the 1960s,...

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

The fellas who taught me to write service were arguably some of the best I’ve seen do the job. They had all sorts of tricks up their sleeves, like the boomerang business cards you’ve read about before. Today, I’d like to share another tip my friend Sam gave me. It...

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars during their heyday in the 1990s were the unattainable treasure, not for North American consumption, only accessible in video games. They were tantalizingly close but not truly attainable. Turns out all it takes is patience: 25...

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

For those of us wrenching here in Uncle Sam’s country, we prepare for the arrival of spring by “springing forward” an hour with our clocks. (And maybe even helping a few customers fix the time on their dashboards.) But there’s another seasonal change going on behind...

Ferdinand Porsche: Engineering the Shape of Speed

Ferdinand Porsche is one of the earliest designers featured in our “Automotive Paragons” series, and few figures loom as large over the modern automotive world. His career began at the dawn of motoring itself, when horseless carriages were still experimental...

Service Writers: Don’t Leave Your Greatest Diag Tool in the Shop

Today’s piece starts with a one-question quiz that’s not a trick question: in your shop, what is your best diagnostic tool? It’s not a meter or a scan tool or a stethoscope, though those all are handy items to have nearby. It’s your technician. And as much as leaving...

Coolant Service – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Proper cooling system maintenance goes beyond time and mileage, requiring technicians to evaluate coolant condition, additive depletion, and the root causes behind cooling system issues.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Politics Ain’t Politic

Politics Ain’t Politic

If you have to have them in the shop, endeavor to make politics polite.

Belt Noise – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Belt Noise – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says chirp is the most common belt noise complaint. Technician B says EPDM belts can wear out without showing visible damage. Who is correct?

For Over 50 Years, France Required Yellow Headlights … Until Science Disagreed

For Over 50 Years, France Required Yellow Headlights … Until Science Disagreed

An attempt at improving driver safety might not have worked as intended, but it sure gave a distinctive look.

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.

This Tool Makes Fuel Line Repairs So Much Easier (VIDEO)

This Tool Makes Fuel Line Repairs So Much Easier (VIDEO)

Quick disconnect tools are a must for modern fuel, A/C, or transmission line jobs; no more fighting clips.

Put the Second Floor to Work

Put the Second Floor to Work

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

The One Tool That Knows More Than Any Tech (VIDEO)

The One Tool That Knows More Than Any Tech (VIDEO)

A factory service manual gives you every spec, procedure, and diagram—stop guessing, start fixing smart.

How Does Regenerative Braking Affect Brake Wear?

How Does Regenerative Braking Affect Brake Wear?

Regenerative systems slow the vehicle electrically, but the reduced use of friction brakes creates new maintenance challenges.

Air Conditioning Service Fundamentals – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Air Conditioning Service Fundamentals – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

A/C systems are evolving with new designs and refrigerants, making accurate diagnosis and repair more important than ever.

Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?

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SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

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.

ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says thrust angle must be set to zero on many ADAS-equipped vehicles during alignment. Technician B says the steering angle sensor and front wheel position must be correct before camera or radar calibration. Who is correct?

What are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Why are They Important?

What are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Why are They Important?

A nationwide framework of safety regulations has transformed vehicle design and saved countless lives since its introduction in 1968.

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Don’t try to (needlessly) upsell me.

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The Japanese Domestic Market performance car you’ve waited 25 years to drive is finally ready for legal export.

VIDEOS

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Don’t try to (needlessly) upsell me.

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The JDM Class of 2001 Comes of Age

The Japanese Domestic Market performance car you’ve waited 25 years to drive is finally ready for legal export.

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

It’s That Time of Year to Change Your Clocks. And Your Gasoline Blend.

Did you know that fuel blends change with the seasons in the United States?