Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Is side work OK for service techs?

Do you do side work? If you do, is that OK? There are tons of reasons for and against doing work outside the shop. I think my views have changed a little as I’ve been in the game a little longer, but this aspect of the job is contentious. I’ve heard various rationale,...

Ranking the best fictional TV mechanics

TV and automobiles were both major forces in America in the mid- to late-20th century, so it’s perhaps no surprise that mechanics are regular characters throughout the history of television. But which ones are the best? Let’s find out with this completely unscientific...

Jeep Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)

Description If you can't tell DJs (2WD variant of the CJ) from PJs (the clothes you wear to bed), this is the video for you. Watch as Nick quickly walks you through identifying features of the Jeep. He covers the major iterations of America's 4x4. Become a Wrangler...

Quiz: Can you prove how big of a car nerd you are?

Is your brain filled with automobilia obscurity? Prove it by answering these questions pulled from the minds of the Shop Press editorial team.

Does your shop handle performance work?

If you turn wrenches for a living, odds are good you’ve either hopped up your own ride at some point or had someone ask you to hotrod theirs. (Or maybe you’ve done it virtually.) The work is often fun and rewarding on a Saturday afternoon. But in the shop? There are a...

Ralph Nader inspired a vehicle safety revolution and all he got was a lousy bolt named after him

In 1965, Ralph Nader published his best-selling takedown of car companies, “Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile.” The book accused automakers of prioritizing profits over personal safety, and caused an uproar from both politicians...

Before asphalt, automotive pioneers used the beach as their racetrack

If your idea of Jersey beach towns comes from “Jersey Shore,” Cape May is not that. As opposed to the ride-filled boardwalks of Ocean City or Wildwood or the casinos of Atlantic City, Cape May is a much more laid back, family-oriented shore destination. I recently...

Schedule more work by improving the life of the waiters

Everyone else knows a “waiter” as someone who brings you a burger. You and I, however, know a waiter to be a customer stranded in your customer lounge. Making waiting less painful can increase the likelihood folks schedule service. That seems pretty basic to me, but...

Are you adding engine oil the wrong way? (VIDEO)

Think you know how to pour oil out of a jug? Are you sure about that? Lemmy and Nick talk about the best oil pour techniques to avoid making a mess.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Tapping V6 – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Tapping V6 – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Two technicians are examining a tapping sound coming from a V6 engine. See who has the correct response about what’s causing the noise.

Buy once, cry once: Auto parts that are worth the extra cost (VIDEO)

Buy once, cry once: Auto parts that are worth the extra cost (VIDEO)

We’ve all heard the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some auto parts, those are words of wisdom. For others, it might be an unnecessary expense.

Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)

Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)

When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Photo gallery: Auto repair (and a few motorcyclists) in Indianapolis, Indiana

Photo gallery: Auto repair (and a few motorcyclists) in Indianapolis, Indiana

Shop Press photographer Mike Apice recently visited Indiana, exploring the local scene and a few repair shops. Here’s a bit of what he saw behind his lens.

Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things

Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things

One basic vehicle checkover has several lessons to teach.

Do you mind working on customer vehicles equipped with dash cams?

Do you mind working on customer vehicles equipped with dash cams?

As dashboard cameras become more common, repair professionals should know how to deal with them.

The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car

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

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.

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.

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Lemmy tries out the cheapest lab scope available on Amazon.

Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop

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.

The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)

The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)

T-belts aren’t scary at all.

Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask

Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask

Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (VIDEO)

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (VIDEO)

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.

VIDEOS

The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)

The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)

Peter Meier discusses the importance of testing coolant and how mechanics can use simple strip testers to keep cooling systems safe.

$How to use a refractometer$

How to use a refractometer

Dorman trainer Pete Meier turned me on to a handy new tool.

Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)

Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)

When two transfer cases love each other very much…