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
Texas nonprofit helps low-income vehicle owners afford auto repairs
Autocare Haven uses donations and volunteers to subsidize service for vets, seniors, single parents and others.
A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)
A Shop Press ode to the unsung heroes taking calls, keys, and credit cards.
Serviceability Hall of Shame: Ford Taurus Spring Shields
Ford’s so-called fix for servicing corroded front springs was something neither drivers nor dealer techs were happy about.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Engine knock – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
An engine exhibits a knocking noise. During a cylinder power balance test, the noise abates. Which technician has the correct diagnosis?
Take it from a moron like me: giving customers advance notice of preventive maintenance works!
Giving customers like me a heads-up about recommended maintenance will help us, and yourself.
Should a repair shop be liable for fixing a vehicle involved in a hit and run?
A new bill in Pennsylvania would create an alert system that service centers would need to regularly check.
Serviceability Hall Of Shame: CDJR batteries
Who puts a battery in a fender? Quite a few mechanics, that’s who.
Is it OK to plug a tire? (VIDEO)
Some sources say you should never, ever plug a tire … despite the fact that trained professionals have been doing it for decades. We debate.
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.
Stainless doesn’t mean stain-proof; just ask Tesla Cybertruck owners
Spoiler alert: be careful running it through the car wash.
Whaddya call two hybrid Toyotas?
Latin is a language, as dead as it can be/It killed the ancient Romans, and now it’s killing me.
Godspeed, Pat
Pat Goss, arguably America’s most famous mechanic, has died.
Let’s bring back this tiny piece of archaic automotive technology
It’s a tiny step on the manufacturing line, but boy, drain plugs save mechanics a ton of time.
Break down ROs into three boxes
Help your customers prioritize their repairs and they’ll keep coming back.
VIDEOS
The bumpy story of vinyl record players in cars
Despite being obviously ill-suited for use in vehicles, I still want to find a workable solution for installing a record player in my car.
U.S. parents becoming slightly more likely to recommend their kids pursue trades, although prefer electrician and plumber over mechanic
New report from IMR Inc. measures household perception of trade professions to help the automotive industry attract more skilled workers.
Chasing down Volkswagen’s best-selling sausage
For decades, VW served its workers a unique German dish that I had to try for myself: currywurst.