This seemingly-impolite question can defuse tense situations in the shop or auto parts store.
The aggressive question you can ask that instantly calms a customer down
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop
Working on a right-hand drive vehicle requires deviating slightly from a mechanic’s routine.
The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)
T-belts aren’t scary at all.
Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask
Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.
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.
PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too
Is carb cleaner actually more dangerous than brake cleaner?
LOF PSA: Don’t forget the lube job
Engine oil is a lubricant, but that’s not what the task’s title is referencing.
Best of Shop Press 2022
Our favorite and most popular articles and videos from the first year of ShopPress.com.
What to check when you’re checking out a car (VIDEO)
How do you suss out problems on a car that’s come to you for service?
Which road maintenance fleet has the best snowplow names?
Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Vermont, even Arizona, and many other state and city government fleets have held naming contests for their winter service vehicles. But who has the best?
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 the Oil Change Interval in a Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual Always the Right Choice? (VIDEO)
Pete Meier explains how vehicle usage and oil/filter quality should affect your maintenance schedules.
An open letter to automotive customers about Christmas gifts (and tipping)
You don’t need to do anything—but if you do, there are only a few things worth doing.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen in a vehicle?
Every tech has a story. What’s yours?
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.
VIDEOS
Torches for courses: which heating tools should a mechanic own?
Supplement your shop’s oxyacetylene torch with alternatives.
More ways to use oil pan alignment pins around the shop! (VIDEO)
These handy tools can are useful for all kinds of alignment tasks involving covers, pans, and gaskets.
A few tips for ball joint removal
If you’re a budding technician, a few of these pointers might help ya during front end work.