U

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.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

The Engine Control Module (ECM) is always keeping an eye on the amount of fuel it is adding to the cylinders, and it'll throw a code when it figures it can't keep the mixture right where it needs to be. You might see codes like "system rich" or "system lean," and they...

Back Away from the Wrenches

Today’s article is more of a philosophical one than a pragmatic one. You see, we’re in the business of buying and reselling auto parts, servicing automobiles, and getting paid for our efforts. But as automotive professionals, we merely delay the inevitable. The...

The Misunderstood Ford 6.0

My wife and I are RVers and started our RV adventure with a 23’ toy hauler. When we started, we pulled the trailer with a Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine, and for most outings, it handled the task just fine. It wasn’t until we took a trip to the North...

Side Business

If your shop is a typical one, you wouldn’t turn down easy, profitable work, right? Of course not. Maybe it’s time your foreman, techs, and service writers sat down and talked through the car that isn’t a car: side-by-side (SxS). Like other not-immediately-obvious...

Power and Ground Testing on an Electrical Circuit

I'll never forget this one day in the shop. One of the other techs was wrestling with an electrical gremlin and swung by my bay for some backup. "Pete, mind giving me a hand? I've got this GMC pickup with a blower motor that's running super slow. I checked the power...

ADAS Repairs: Why Calibration Is A Must

Modern vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are truly marvels of engineering. What started as high-end options found only on luxury cars can now appear as standard equipment on some econo-boxes (e.g., blind spot detection). That means it is...

Sergio Pininfarina: Sculpting Speed and Beauty in Metal (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, we looked at Sergio Pininfarina’s career up to 1987. In this part, we’ll take a look at his innovative concept cars. Concept cars: when art defied convention Sergio encouraged his designers to explore new ideas through concept vehicles that...

The Only Thing Better Than Making Money Is Not Losing It

Service writers, this piece is aimed squarely at you. You may be aware of many of the costs of doing business. Recognizing potential costs and preventing them from eating into your shop’s productivity is one of the skills that separates a good writer from an...

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by | Sep 24, 2024

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description All of the following could cause bump steer EXCEPT: A) Incorrectly mounted steering rack B) Worn idler arm C) Worn center link D) Incorrect camber More ASE Practice Questions Bump steer – ASE practice...
Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by | Sep 10, 2024

Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description When checking a brake drum during service, all the following should be checked EXCEPT: A) Diameter B) Out-of-roundness C) Minimum thickness D) Taper wear More ASE Practice Questions Why don’t you keep...
Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by | Aug 27, 2024

Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy method Description All of the following could cause noisy disc brake operation EXCEPT: A) Glazed pads B) Grease contamination on the pads C) Broken...
Piston rings – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Piston rings – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by | Jul 30, 2024

Piston rings – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description Which of the following statements about piston rings is incorrect? A) End gaps must be evenly spaced around the piston B) Rings are installed on the piston using a ring compressor C) Rings must be...