Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.
Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
The worst cars are the best classrooms
They don’t build ‘em like they used to, and that’s a shame.
What are the sockets and wrenches you can do without?
There are definitely useless sizes. Or are there?
The surreal appeal of steel wheels
Why does a set of steelies on the right vehicle hold such allure?
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)
When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.
Spoiler alert: Manual transmissions are not ‘100% useless’ as claimed
Is this what automotive enthusiasm looks like now?
Trailer bearings: a hidden moneymaker for auto repair shops
Why not capitalize on easy, predictable service that’s almost never a rush job?
Do self-service garages have a place in the auto care industry? This growing business thinks so.
Stew’s Garage near Tacoma, Washington, offers DIYers access to lifts, tools and expertise, and it’s building a following.
What it’s like being a new tech in 2022 (VIDEO)
“I am ready to face any challenges that might be foolish enough to face me.”
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.
Why a magnetic drain plug is a worthwhile upgrade (VIDEO)
Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage.
Hacker plays “Doom” on farm tractor to raise awareness of right to repair
The right-to-repair issue is so pressing for farm equipment that someone hacked a tractor to draw attention to it.
Automakers borrow the worst thing from modern video games: microtransactions
Over-the-air (OTA) microtransactions could be seen as a benefit to customers, but lack of communication thus far is not creating that perception.
Nine notable “cars” that aren’t cars
The Polaris Slingshot and eight other vehicles that make you ask, “What’s the deal with that?”
Mechanics React: More horrors hidden behind “customer states” (VIDEO)
Wait, the horn blows every time you come off the brake? Nick and Lemmy observe this weird scenario and others from the internet.
VIDEOS
Beverly Hills auto body shop launched a jewelry business using scrap metal from luxury cars
CRASH Jewelry uses real fenders, doors and hoods from high-end vehicles to make cuffs, earrings, necklaces and more.
Your customers are using their HVAC systems wrong
It’s up to you to tell them why.
Should a customer bring parts?
How does your shop weigh the risk and reward of customer-supplied parts?