When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.
Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Maine voters approve ballot measure requiring automakers to share diagnostic system access
With 84% approval, it’s the latest electoral show of support for providing owners and independent garages with more ability to repair motor vehicles.
Thread repair for mechanics: an incomplete guide to essential products and procedures
Proper tooling and techniques are critical to repairing threads—and if you’re a mechanic, neither are marketed well to you.
The one part of the car you’ll never install for a customer
DIFM customers just won’t purchase this common underhood part.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
A visit to Elite JDM (VIDEO)
A playlist of videos from a recent trip to a Dorman contributor’s personal shop.
Torque wrench vs. torque stick for installing wheels (VIDEO)
What tools do you trust when installing wheels on a vehicle? The trusty torque wrench, or the straightforward torque sticks? Or maybe both?
A 3-minute video kept me from going ballistic over a $3,000 repair
Here’s 4 reasons you should consider putting them to work at your shop.
Service writers vs. technicians (VIDEO)
Examining the differences (and similarities) between these key roles in the automotive service industry.
EPA emergency action allows nationwide summer sales of E15 gasoline
Get ready for an increase in fuel system corrosion repairs on older vehicles and small engines.
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.
Fuse box-compatible circuit breakers are the ultimate spares when space is limited
Throw a set of these resettable “fuses” in your toolbox.
Preston Tucker: Visionary or Villain?
The Tucker 48 had many innovative design features, but was Preston a scam artist?
Average U.S. vehicle age reaches new record high, again
Low new car inventory, inflation, and rising interest rates have all caused people to keep their vehicles at historic levels.
Witness marks: your reassembly guide when the service manual isn’t enough
Examining the parts closely can yield valuable clues for putting a machine together.
The aggressive question you can ask that instantly calms a customer down
This seemingly-impolite question can defuse tense situations in the shop or auto parts store.
VIDEOS
Report: cars are the worst products for protecting user privacy
A scathing new analysis from the Mozilla Foundation says every single car brand failed its standards for security and respecting user privacy.
Preventative maintenance is great, but are you performing preventative repairs?
Repairing future failure points before they fail is a lucrative way to save your customers money, just like maintenance does.
A/C bypass pulleys: a history lesson on a part you can’t get from a dealer
Accessory belt drive evolution can provide some clues for the most efficient way to get a customer back on the road.