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

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...

What’s in your toolbox?

Tools help ya earn your bread, which is why most automotive technicians have more than a passing interest in them. What brands do you buy? What do you buy, and what do you expect the boss to provide? Do you run a tab on the tool truck? Two Dormanites hash some of...

Basic Brake Fluid Testers Are Far More Sophisticated Than You’d Expect

Peering inside the inner workings of a deceptively complex tool

HOT OFF THE PRESS

EGR system – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

EGR system – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Under what conditions would the EGR system be expected to be operational? We have the correct answer.

A low-tech favor you can perform for every customer (and yourself)

A low-tech favor you can perform for every customer (and yourself)

Break out your paint pen—you’re the service writer now!

ASE test prep requires more than sample questions (VIDEO)

ASE test prep requires more than sample questions (VIDEO)

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.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Tool review: Klein 3255 bull pin

Tool review: Klein 3255 bull pin

You can’t beat it. Well, actually, you can.

Parallel connectors vs. butt connectors

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)

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?

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

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.

Cars that make you think of something specific

Cars that make you think of something specific

Chances are you’re going to have a Pavlovian response when seeing one of these vehicles.

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.

Are automakers starting to rethink OTA microtransactions?

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

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

The final days (and cars) of AMC

The final days (and cars) of AMC

In November 1988, two employees snuck a camera into AMC’s Kenosha plant for a farewell tour.

What is a core charge?

What is a core charge?

A little glimpse into the world of making old parts new.

How do you inspect a serpentine belt for wear?

How do you inspect a serpentine belt for wear?

Inspection of a belt goes beyond the old standbys of checking for cracks and fraying.