It’s been asked of every new mechanic for more than a century. Does it matter in 2025?

You’re all signed up. Keep an eye on your inbox for a welcome email. If you’re new to Shop Press, you can also check out some of our latest articles below.
One of the most noticeable changes we’ll experience with more electric vehicles will be the noises from their acoustic vehicle alert systems, or AVAS.
Troubling new report from TechForce Foundation shows that fewer and fewer people are graduating from technical schools with automotive degrees.
We read the astrological signs and predicted your automotive future.
There’s a spectrum of parts ranging from fresh and new to tired but cheap. What should you use and when?
Does the shop retain right of first refusal, or is moonlighting A-OK?
From Colonel Hogan to Mr. T to Fonzie, here’s a completely unscientific list of television wrenches.
ID Jeeps generation by generation with a few easy tricks.
Is your brain filled with automobilia obscurity? Prove it.
Here are a few things consider before taking on work that falls beyond the scope of repair or maintenance.
Door striker bolts became known as Nader pins after “Unsafe at Any Speed” caused a national uproar and led to the first FMVSS rules.
Several speed records were once set on the beach of Cape May, New Jersey
If your waiting room stinks, so does waiting in it.
Skillset and mindset often determine the toolset.
You probably didn’t think you needed to mix fixing automobiles with reading astrological signs. We did. You’re welcome.
Co-founder of the famous car show writes Washington Post opinion piece calling for Congress to act.
Mary Walton’s 1997 look behind the scenes of the Ford Taurus shows the human side of car production.
Nick and Lemmy discuss the pros and cons of throwing parts at a problem.
Is this what automotive enthusiasm looks like now?
Why not capitalize on easy, predictable service that’s almost never a rush job?
Stew’s Garage near Tacoma, Washington, offers DIYers access to lifts, tools and expertise, and it’s building a following.