From the factory with the spare’s valve stem pointing up, but you can flip it over and reinstall for easy checks and refills.
Flip spare tires to make life easier for owners and techs (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
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.
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.
Transfer cases: how to talk to your customers
You can’t sell what you don’t understand.
Before asphalt, automotive pioneers used the beach as their racetrack
Several speed records were once set on the beach of Cape May, New Jersey
Schedule more work by improving the life of the waiters
If your waiting room stinks, so does waiting in it.
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.
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.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Five best car and truck tips from mechanics to non-mechanics (VIDEO)
Want to make your vehicle last? Not sure how to talk to a shop about car repairs? Nick and Lemmy offer their five top recommendations.
Book review: “Car: A Drama of the American Workplace”
Mary Walton’s 1997 look behind the scenes of the Ford Taurus shows the human side of car production.
Fire the parts cannon! Is shotgun diag ever acceptable? (VIDEO)
Nick and Lemmy discuss the pros and cons of throwing parts at a problem.
Spoiler alert: Manual transmissions are not ‘100% useless’ as claimed
Is this what automotive enthusiasm looks like now?
Trailer bearings: a hidden moneymaker for auto repair shops
Why not capitalize on easy, predictable service that’s almost never a rush job?
VIDEOS
Don’t let the grind of fixing cars wear down your love for ‘em
A local automotive event is the cure for whatever car doldrums you’re in.
Torque wrench vs. torque stick for installing wheels (VIDEO)
What tools do you trust when installing wheels on a vehicle? The trusty torque wrench, or the straightforward torque sticks? Or maybe both?
A 3-minute video kept me from going ballistic over a $3,000 repair
Here’s 4 reasons you should consider putting them to work at your shop.