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
Mechanic trivia: Which vehicle has a longer passenger side wiper blade? (VIDEO)
Almost every vehicle on the road has a longer wiper blade on the driver side. On older vehicles, you’ll also see two of the same size wipers working together. But can you think of any models that have the longer wiper blade on the passenger side?
The Shop Press Automotive Paragon series: a recap
Let’s review some of the icons and oddballs we’ve featured here so far.
Minimum rotor thickness – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
What does “MIN THK.” really mean?
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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.
An Ode to “Car Talk”
A radio show that, hopefully, will live on for years to come.
Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things
One basic vehicle checkover has several lessons to teach.
Do you mind working on customer vehicles equipped with dash cams?
As dashboard cameras become more common, repair professionals should know how to deal with them.
The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun
“Rebuild in a can” is not the right way to fix the tool, but it will get you by until you can repair it correctly.
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.
Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)
On a hybrid vehicle’s air conditioning system that utilizes a high voltage electrical compressor, can only the oil specified by the vehicle manufacturer be used in the compressor or is PAG oil acceptable for use in an electric vehicle’s compressor?
Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop
Working on a right-hand drive vehicle requires deviating slightly from a mechanic’s routine.
The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)
T-belts aren’t scary at all.
Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask
Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (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.
VIDEOS
Why you shouldn’t throw out zip tie tails after a project (VIDEO)
Before you toss those zip tie scraps in the trash, consider saving them for plastic repair jobs. In many cases, the plastic used in zip ties will bond with common automotive plastics with the help of a soldering iron.
Oil leak – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to cause an oil leak? Our technicians have the answer.
Stainless doesn’t mean stain-proof; just ask Tesla Cybertruck owners
Spoiler alert: be careful running it through the car wash.