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...

Engine Management and Fuel Trim – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says the ECM’s main job is to keep emissions within certified limits. Technician B says fuel trim PIDs show corrections to fuel calculations. Who is correct?

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Put the Second Floor to Work

Put the Second Floor to Work

Real estate is an investment—make yours start earnin’.

The One Tool That Knows More Than Any Tech (VIDEO)

The One Tool That Knows More Than Any Tech (VIDEO)

A factory service manual gives you every spec, procedure, and diagram—stop guessing, start fixing smart.

How Does Regenerative Braking Affect Brake Wear?

How Does Regenerative Braking Affect Brake Wear?

Regenerative systems slow the vehicle electrically, but the reduced use of friction brakes creates new maintenance challenges.

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.

Coolant Service – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Coolant Service – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Proper cooling system maintenance goes beyond time and mileage, requiring technicians to evaluate coolant condition, additive depletion, and the root causes behind cooling system issues.

What’s the Deal with DIP Switches? Aren’t They Just … Switches?

What’s the Deal with DIP Switches? Aren’t They Just … Switches?

They may look simple, but these little toggles can enable powerful electronic versatility.

Why Your Shop Should Be Using Loaded Knuckles to Save Time and Money

Why Your Shop Should Be Using Loaded Knuckles to Save Time and Money

Loaded knuckles streamline wheel bearing and suspension repairs to help shops boost efficiency and profitability.

Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Cars have a backup cooling system—use it when the situation demands!

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

New techs and DIYers should know that not all spark plugs are created, or treated, equally.

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SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Should You Replace That Damaged Plastic Intake Manifold?

Should You Replace That Damaged Plastic Intake Manifold?

Find out when plastic intakes go bad, and why you should or shouldn’t replace one.

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.

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!

VIDEOS

Why Your Shop Should Be Using Loaded Knuckles to Save Time and Money

Why Your Shop Should Be Using Loaded Knuckles to Save Time and Money

Loaded knuckles streamline wheel bearing and suspension repairs to help shops boost efficiency and profitability.

Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Cars have a backup cooling system—use it when the situation demands!

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

New techs and DIYers should know that not all spark plugs are created, or treated, equally.