Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Tire Damage Assessment – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is assessing tire damage in order to make a repair decision. A puncture is located at the edge of the tread block closest to the sidewall. Technician B says it can be repaired with a conventional tire plug. Technician A says the area of the...

Mastering the Numbers – Part 2

In our earlier article, Mastering the Numbers Part 1, we discussed why shop owners should understand the financial side of their business just as much as the technical side. We introduced the Cost of Doing Business (CODB) as an important baseline financial concept....

Learn Why You Should Never Skip Battery Isolation (VIDEO)

Description Tempted to skip battery isolation during a repair? Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how this essential step can protect you from serious injury while working on a vehicle. Related Videos

SLABs: Slow, Loud, and Bangin’

I love investigating specific subcultures, especially car subcultures. Doing so provides a unique lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of the broader society, including power, identity, defiance, and cultural change. Consider slab cars, for example....

Decreasing Circuit Resistance – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description When the resistance of a circuit is decreased and voltage remains constant, what happens to current? What is the correct answer?A) It goes downB) It stays the sameC) It goes upD) It varies depending on the meter usedRelated Videos

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, we looked at Colin Chapman’s career up to the mid-60s. In this part, we’ll pick it up in 1965.Lotus wins the Indianapolis 500 In 1965, Chapman and Clark teamed up and made more racing history, this time across the pond at the Brickyard. Their...

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

Description How do you know when it’s time to flush coolant? Technicians may have different views on the subject, but Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how using a test strip at every service is a surefire way to get an accurate picture of the...

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 1)

Car designers have a lot of brain synapses firing. Some designers are driven by the pursuit of beauty, while others are motivated by the pursuit of speed. Giorgetto Giugiaro, Marcello Gandini, and Battista Pininfarina, though responsible for cars that raced, were...

The Stories Spark Plugs Have to Tell (VIDEO)

We don’t think much about spark plugs unless we think they’re the cause of a misfire concern, do we?

HOT OFF THE PRESS

ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says thrust angle must be set to zero on many ADAS-equipped vehicles during alignment. Technician B says the steering angle sensor and front wheel position must be correct before camera or radar calibration. Who is correct?

What are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Why are They Important?

What are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Why are They Important?

A nationwide framework of safety regulations has transformed vehicle design and saved countless lives since its introduction in 1968.

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle

Don’t try to (needlessly) upsell me.

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.

Politics Ain’t Politic

Politics Ain’t Politic

If you have to have them in the shop, endeavor to make politics polite.

Tool Review: Permatex 25240 Thread Locker

Tool Review: Permatex 25240 Thread Locker

Can there be one threadlocker color to rule them all?

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

When it comes to threaded items, wrong is right. Or is it left?

Modern Power Window Switches: Smarter than You’d Think

Modern Power Window Switches: Smarter than You’d Think

Window buttons and toggles are going the way of the dodo. That’s by design.

It’s All About the Process

It’s All About the Process

To reach a successful diagnostic conclusion, you have to follow the right diagnostic path.

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SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Alignment and Inner Tie Rod Play – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Alignment and Inner Tie Rod Play – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

A vehicle with MacPherson strut suspension is in for tires and an alignment. The technician finds play in the left inner tie rod end. What should the customer be told?

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

“System lean” diagnostic trouble codes are among the top 10 codes faced by techs.

Back Away from the Wrenches

Back Away from the Wrenches

“Drive it ‘til the wheels fall off” isn’t the safest decision. So when does it end?

The Misunderstood Ford 6.0

The Misunderstood Ford 6.0

Is the Ford 6.0-liter PowerStroke really worthy of its nickname, the “Sick-O?”

Side Business

Side Business

Don’t leave alternative vehicles on the sidelines.

VIDEOS

Modern Power Window Switches: Smarter than You’d Think

Modern Power Window Switches: Smarter than You’d Think

Window buttons and toggles are going the way of the dodo. That’s by design.

It’s All About the Process

It’s All About the Process

To reach a successful diagnostic conclusion, you have to follow the right diagnostic path.

Rookie Tip: LOF? Leave the Dipstick Sticking Out and the Oil Cap on the Hood Latch

Rookie Tip: LOF? Leave the Dipstick Sticking Out and the Oil Cap on the Hood Latch

A bent dipstick and a broken oil cap are lucky indeed!