Peter Meier discusses the importance of testing coolant and how mechanics can use simple strip testers to keep cooling systems safe.
The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
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.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 3 (VIDEO)
Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Sketching Skodas
Stevan Ivanov strives to give a little-known brand its rightful place in automotive history.
The fastest way to remove a Woodruff key (VIDEO)
Watch as Lemmy demonstrates the fastest, easiest way to remove a Woodruff key using a common tool that might surprise you. Give it a try next time!
Seven tips to help you pass your ASE exams
There’s no magic bullet, but sometimes one or two answers is the difference between pass and fail.
What are your least favorite repair jobs? (VIDEO)
Life can’t all be brake jobs and pre-delivery inspections. Beating time is the name of the game, but it doesn’t always work out. Watch as a few Dorman mechanics talk about the jobs that make more sweat than bread in this video.
PSA: Take a quick look at your punches and chisels (and be sure they’re ready for service)
Dressing chisels and punches, however, is a housekeeping task I’ve found not everyone knows they should be doing, and dress your punches and chisels!
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.
Using voltage to locate electrical faults
Understanding how voltage is used in an electrical circuit can help your troubleshooting.
A few tips for tow truck operators
Hookin’ ain’t easy. Here’s what I wish I knew on Day 1.
The $2.5 million man: hire the right manager for your shop if you want to run with the big dogs
Starting a shop and managing it to the big leagues require very different skills. Odds are you don’t have both, and that’s okay.
Why you should add a spring hook to your toolbox
It’s the perfect tool for some jobs.
March Automotive Horoscopes
We read the astrological signs and predicted your automotive future.
VIDEOS
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.
The pros (and more than a few cons) of chrome
Although I love the look of chrome on cars, there are very good reasons why it’s not used much anymore.