Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things

A vehicle recently came to me that made me feel pretty terrible. The customer was not happy, and I know for a fact the shop lost money on the job, so presumably they were unhappy, too. The vehicle—and scenario—seemed ripe for a quick story, because there were so many...

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

When you spot a dashboard camera inside a customer’s vehicle, how do you react? At this point I think we have all seen dash cam videos from customer vehicles that capture what mechanics are saying and doing at work. Some recordings are harmless fun, like this chap...

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

Making a car go backwards was not the most important part of the automobile’s development, but it sure is important in its operation. In fact, if the average automobile enthusiast was to guess which American-built car had the first reverse gear, he or she would likely...

How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun

I would like to start this article off by mentioning that yes, I know air impacts are slowly going out of style—which is exactly why you might want to keep this tip in the back of your head. Parts availability can be a challenge for some old impact wrenches, and even...

Are automakers starting to rethink OTA microtransactions?

Over a year ago, I wrote a piece on this very media hub about the trend of auto manufacturers offering customers over-the-air (OTA) microtransactions to unlock options on their vehicles. I talked about what Tesla, BMW, VW, and Kia had introduced in that area, and...

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

Working in a shop means working on many different vehicles, each of which have their own quirks. However, right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles have their own specific mechanical oddities that are distinct from LHD vehicles. The next time a RHD car or truck rolls into your...

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

Recently a friend of mine, a heavy-duty truck mechanic, asked if I’d help him replace the timing belt on his car. He’s an experienced wrench but this job left him wanting guidance, knowing the high stakes if something went amiss. I agreed, of course, and it got me...

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

At its core, writing service is information synthesis—collect, sort, simplify, regurgitate, repeat. Obtaining the raw information from techs and customers alike relies on prompts, usually in the form of a question. The correct question asked at the correct time pays...

Start Fasteners by Hand Before Using Power Tools (VIDEO)

Cross-threading or stripping a fastener can bring progress to a halt in an instant. Start by hand-threading fasteners.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A is preparing to recover the refrigerant from a customer’s vehicle. What are the steps he should take when performing this service?

The Folded Paper Era and Beyond: Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Iconic Design Journey

The Folded Paper Era and Beyond: Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Iconic Design Journey

Giorgetto Giugiaro influenced everything from groundbreaking supercars to beloved city vehicles.

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)

Pete Meier explains why these single-use bolts should always be replaced for safety and proper function.

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.

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

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

Peering inside the inner workings of a deceptively complex tool

Why We Take the Negative Battery Cable off First and Put It on Last (VIDEO)

Why We Take the Negative Battery Cable off First and Put It on Last (VIDEO)

Lemmy explains why this basic task always comes before removing the positive cable to help you understand the theory behind the practice.

Stress Test Vehicle Grounds

Stress Test Vehicle Grounds

Resistance is futile.

The Tightwad’s Way To Install Any Wheel Bearing Race

The Tightwad’s Way To Install Any Wheel Bearing Race

Stop beating your sockets to death.

Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?

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.

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.

Why you should empty the master cylinder before bleeding brakes (VIDEO)

Why you should empty the master cylinder before bleeding brakes (VIDEO)

Removing old fluid from a vehicle’s braking system can be a time-consuming chore, but it doesn’t need to be.

Check Out This Hacky Diag Tool

Check Out This Hacky Diag Tool

Why build what you can buy inexpensively?

Are You Adding Engine Oil the Wrong Way? (VIDEO)

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.

Dealers make house calls. Why not you?

Dealers make house calls. Why not you?

Can independent repair shops benefit by offering mobile service to an increasingly immobile America?

VIDEOS

Add or Delete These Simple Parts to Help Customers Save Money

Add or Delete These Simple Parts to Help Customers Save Money

Use it or lose it. Looking for an easy way to win over your customers that they’ll enjoy every time they drive? Look at their vehicles from a hypermiler’s perspective.

Are You Properly Checking Hub Bearings For Wear? (VIDEO)

Are You Properly Checking Hub Bearings For Wear? (VIDEO)

Pete Meier explains how a dial indicator is necessary for a true wear check.

Efficiency is the Name of the Game

Efficiency is the Name of the Game

Four proven ways to run a tighter ship at your shop.