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
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)
Shop Press’ Andy Greaser breaks down permanent antifreeze and today’s coolant for your vehicles.
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.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Why don’t you keep gloves in your car’s glove box? (VIDEO)
It isn’t the “registration and insurance card box,” after all.
Why sidewall styling is both worthless and wonderful for drivers and tire shops
The appearance of off-road prowess while maintaining on-road comfort is what motorists want. Tire salesmen, take advantage.
Surprise: having snacks and phone chargers in your repair shop’s waiting room makes customers happier
A recent J.D. Power study found that a few simple amenities in your service center’s lobby go a long way toward making your customers want to come back, but few businesses have them.
Exhaust tips: three ways to fine-tune your method
Exhaust work is straightforward and (I think) easy to understand. Here are some pointers for service techs to avoid comebacks when hanging pipe.
Four not-so-obvious ways grease can come in handy
Lubricant? More like lubri-can. A very cheap staple of most shops, I’ve learned to use it in a few unconventional ways.
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.
Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
What causes brake noise?
Five tips for servicing cartridge-style oil filters
Any of these mistakes can lead to an unwanted oil leak or worse—a blown engine.
How to install a brake cable slack eliminator (VIDEO)
If your parking brake is weak or not working at all, a stretched cable is usually the issue.
The seven words you never want to hear from a customer (and how to avoid them)
It’s your job to tell customers about warning signs and bad repairs.
Flip spare tires to make life easier for owners and techs (VIDEO)
From the factory with the spare’s valve stem pointing up, but you can flip it over and reinstall for easy checks and refills.
VIDEOS
Quick tip: how to use an old phone to check vehicle lights by yourself
That old smartphone can actually help when you don’t have a second set of eyes to help out.
Shop Upkeep Essentials (VIDEO)
Shop Press’ Miriam discusses tasks and tips to maintain a well-rounded shop.
A comprehensive primer on the automotive right to repair debate
Your guide to understanding controversy and proposed legislation that directly affects how repair professionals earn a paycheck.