Does the shop retain right of first refusal, or is moonlighting A-OK?
Is side work OK for service techs?
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
What’s in your toolbox?
Skillset and mindset often determine the toolset.
October Automotive Horoscopes
You probably didn’t think you needed to mix fixing automobiles with reading astrological signs. We did. You’re welcome.
Car Talk’s Ray Magliozzi calls on lawmakers to pass right to repair law
Co-founder of the famous car show writes Washington Post opinion piece calling for Congress to act.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
How to crimp heavy gauge wire (VIDEO)
Working on some battery cables or custom ground straps? A proper tool like Dorman’s 90707 heavy lug crimper has you covered.
The easiest way to remove a cotter pin (VIDEO)
If you’re using needle-nose pliers like I did for years, there’s a better way.
How to fix a Ford cupholder for almost free
The in-dash cup holder on certain late ’90s to early 2000s F-150s, Expeditions and Navigators tends to break, but it’s easy to repair.
How the electric starter motor helped start the automotive revolution
One man’s tragic death led to a device that transformed the automobile from a luxury fascination to something everyone could own and use regularly.
The other “Phillips” head screwdriver you might not know about
Not every Phillips head fastener is a Phillips head fastener. If you don’t know about Japanese Industrial Standard, now you’ll know.
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 auto mechanics should check cabin air filters in every vehicle (VIDEO)
Air filters are an easy service item to overlook, but most manufacturers recommend a new filter every year or 15,000 miles.
A simple tip for burping a radiator
I learned a trick from an old racer that works real well to bleed that rarely leaves me repeating my work.
7 low-tech tips to help bleed difficult brakes
Bleeding brakes is one of those jobs most of us know how to do, but when a hard-to-bleed system pops up, experienced techs have a few additional tricks up their sleeves to help get the job done.
Why service writers should always charge a diag fee – and let techs earn it
Vehicle diagnosis is no walk in the park. Proper diagnosis is critical and difficult, and it shouldn’t be done without doing the work.
Choosing the right oil filter’s more complicated than you think
Installing an old-fashioned filter on a modern vehicle because that’s what’s in stock may not be the best course of action.
VIDEOS
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.
Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator
This tool is like black licorice: you’re probably either going to love it or have no use for it whatsoever.
PSA: Your customers are probably parking incorrectly
The e-brake serves TWO important functions.