The Rust Belt and the Salt Belt may sound similar, and you might even hear them used interchangeably, but they are distinct names that any automotive professional or enthusiast should know. Take a few seconds to get the real story on these terms.

Your daily work is also a cruel automotive penalty.
Powerful tools—if you know how to use ‘em.
Smokin’ tires and smokin’ stacks!
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.
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Ever spot what appears to be a second oil filter under a vehicle? Lemmy and Nick discuss the advantages of spin-on transmission filters for fluid protection and service.
Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to require a separate gasket for installation?
Analyzing a new trick I learned from an old dog.
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.
Unless you’re a professional mechanic or a hardcore DIYer, I suggest you focus on building memories instead of a car.
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.
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Learn about a shop that’s making Jeeps all they can be.
Break out your paint pen—you’re the service writer now!
Do you have a study guide to prepare for your ASE exams? Which parts of that study guide do you use the most? Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains.
Why wouldn’t your shop purchase a few of these?
Two technicians are examining a tapping sound coming from a V6 engine. See who has the correct response about what’s causing the noise.
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?
Let’s review some of the icons and oddballs we’ve featured here so far.
What does “MIN THK.” really mean?