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
Do you mind working on customer vehicles equipped with dash cams?
As dashboard cameras become more common, repair professionals should know how to deal with them.
The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun
“Rebuild in a can” is not the right way to fix the tool, but it will get you by until you can repair it correctly.
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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.
Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault
Why a compressor clutch doesn’t engage, and tips to find the cause quickly.
Clean the #&@$ing snow off the roof of your car or truck
Driving around with a bunch of snow on top of your vehicle is not only unsafe, but also illegal in many places
Miata Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)
Learn to ID Miatas generation by generation like a pro (and from a pro!)
Texas nonprofit helps low-income vehicle owners afford auto repairs
Autocare Haven uses donations and volunteers to subsidize service for vets, seniors, single parents and others.
A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)
A Shop Press ode to the unsung heroes taking calls, keys, and credit cards.
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.
Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)
Pete Meier explains why these single-use bolts should always be replaced for safety and proper function.
“Horizon Chase Turbo” is probably my favorite racing game of the last 30 years (VIDEO)
There’s still a place for arcade racing games, even in today’s world of hyper-realistic simulation racing games
January Automotive Horoscopes
We read the astrological signs and predicted your automotive future.
It’s totally fine to run your fuel tank down to empty
Stop telling your customers otherwise—modern fuel systems don’t care.
LOF PSA: Don’t forget the lube job
Engine oil is a lubricant, but that’s not what the task’s title is referencing.
VIDEOS
Maine voters approve ballot measure requiring automakers to share diagnostic system access
With 84% approval, it’s the latest electoral show of support for providing owners and independent garages with more ability to repair motor vehicles.
Thread repair for mechanics: an incomplete guide to essential products and procedures
Proper tooling and techniques are critical to repairing threads—and if you’re a mechanic, neither are marketed well to you.
The one part of the car you’ll never install for a customer
DIFM customers just won’t purchase this common underhood part.