They look the same, but serve different roles. Here are the very specific scenarios where the lesser-known parallel connector shines.
Parallel connectors vs. butt connectors
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
Easy tests for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) contamination (VIDEO)
DEF is easy to contaminate, and fortunately, it’s also easy to test. Check to be sure that your customers’ DEF is up to spec with these simple tests.
Technicians vs. DIYers: How well can you gauge tire pressure? (VIDEO)
In this challenge, techs and DIYers get as close as possible to a target final pressure to see who’s got the best skills and strategies at the tire machine.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Sergio Pininfarina: Sculpting Speed and Beauty in Metal (Part 1)
Tracking Pininfarina’s career from the beginning to 1987.
Surprise: having snacks and phone chargers in your repair shop’s waiting room makes customers happier
A recent J.D. Power study found that a few simple amenities in your service center’s lobby go a long way toward making your customers want to come back, but few businesses have them.
Exhaust tips: three ways to fine-tune your method
Exhaust work is straightforward and (I think) easy to understand. Here are some pointers for service techs to avoid comebacks when hanging pipe.
Four not-so-obvious ways grease can come in handy
Lubricant? More like lubri-can. A very cheap staple of most shops, I’ve learned to use it in a few unconventional ways.
Two A/C checks you don’t wanna skip
Failing to perform these two vital service steps could cost time and money—or worse.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
What Happens When You Don’t Drain Your Air Compressor? (You Don’t Want to Find Out.)
The shop maintenance task you can’t afford to forget.
How to install a brake cable slack eliminator (VIDEO)
If your parking brake is weak or not working at all, a stretched cable is usually the issue.
The seven words you never want to hear from a customer (and how to avoid them)
It’s your job to tell customers about warning signs and bad repairs.
Flip spare tires to make life easier for owners and techs (VIDEO)
From the factory with the spare’s valve stem pointing up, but you can flip it over and reinstall for easy checks and refills.
Three lessons from “Traffic: why we drive the way we do (and what it says about us)”
A textbook yields a few pearls of wisdom for those in the automotive biz.
VIDEOS
Buy once, cry once: Auto parts that are worth the extra cost (VIDEO)
We’ve all heard the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some auto parts, those are words of wisdom. For others, it might be an unnecessary expense.
Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)
When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.
The best explanation of a differential is from 1937
Featuring state-of-the-art editing, this video is still relevant nearly a century later.