Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

The Frog That Ate a TV: A Tech’s Guide to the Plastic Hiding in Plain Sight

Every car you touch is full of it, but it’s not in any service manual. Here’s the working tech’s guide to plasticizers: why plastic goes soft, sticky, chalky, and cracked, what actually happens when you hit trim with a torch, and why your customer’s dash keeps fogging the windshield.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Fuel pump designs are changing. Do you know what kind of fuel pump you’re troubleshooting?

Many vehicles today have made the switch to DC brushless fuel pumps. They don’t work like the older brush-type pumps do.

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.

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SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Best of Shop Press 2025

What were the most popular posts this year?

Several tips to make brake line removal less of a headache

Don’t break fittings—break ‘em free.

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.

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.

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SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

The History of the “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” Bumper Sticker

These ubiquitous stickers have a longer history than most people may think.

Maine voters approve ballot measure requiring automakers to share diagnostic system access

With 84% approval, it’s the latest electoral show of support for providing owners and independent garages with more ability to repair motor vehicles.

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.