Over-the-air (OTA) microtransactions could be seen as a benefit to customers, but lack of communication thus far is not creating that perception.
Automakers borrow the worst thing from modern video games: microtransactions
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
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.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Fuel pump designs are changing. Do you know what kind of fuel pump you’re troubleshooting?
Many vehicles today have made the switch to DC brushless fuel pumps. They don’t work like the older brush-type pumps do.
The easiest way to remove a cotter pin (VIDEO)
If you’re using needle-nose pliers like I did for years, there’s a better way.
How to fix a Ford cupholder for almost free
The in-dash cup holder on certain late ’90s to early 2000s F-150s, Expeditions and Navigators tends to break, but it’s easy to repair.
How the electric starter motor helped start the automotive revolution
One man’s tragic death led to a device that transformed the automobile from a luxury fascination to something everyone could own and use regularly.
The other “Phillips” head screwdriver you might not know about
Not every Phillips head fastener is a Phillips head fastener. If you don’t know about Japanese Industrial Standard, now you’ll know.
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.
Using a spaghetti trick to keep zip ties organized (VIDEO)
Chefs know a helpful hack to keep spaghetti from falling out of an opened bag, and the same idea happens to work perfectly for zip ties. Give it a try next time you have a pack of zip ties that doesn’t have a resealable closure.
A simple tip for burping a radiator
I learned a trick from an old racer that works real well to bleed that rarely leaves me repeating my work.
7 low-tech tips to help bleed difficult brakes
Bleeding brakes is one of those jobs most of us know how to do, but when a hard-to-bleed system pops up, experienced techs have a few additional tricks up their sleeves to help get the job done.
Why service writers should always charge a diag fee – and let techs earn it
Vehicle diagnosis is no walk in the park. Proper diagnosis is critical and difficult, and it shouldn’t be done without doing the work.
Choosing the right oil filter’s more complicated than you think
Installing an old-fashioned filter on a modern vehicle because that’s what’s in stock may not be the best course of action.
VIDEOS
Does your shop handle performance work?
Here are a few things consider before taking on work that falls beyond the scope of repair or maintenance.
Ralph Nader inspired a vehicle safety revolution and all he got was a lousy bolt named after him
Door striker bolts became known as Nader pins after “Unsafe at Any Speed” caused a national uproar and led to the first FMVSS rules.
Before asphalt, automotive pioneers used the beach as their racetrack
Several speed records were once set on the beach of Cape May, New Jersey