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The most entertaining social media accounts to follow for car enthusiasts in 2023

Everyone likes informative, interesting, or funny social media accounts. Here are a few entertaining ones about cars and the people who drive them. And don't forget to follow us, too, at the following accounts:Obscure Cars...

Catalytic converters are the coolest car parts that get no respect

The air in Detroit during the 1960s was so polluted that mothers were scared for their children to play outside. In certain places, you couldn’t see the sun at noon, and buildings had to be cleaned or repainted every six months. Some people wrote letters to...

Car designer Brooks Stevens: the man behind the first Jeep Wagoneer, planned obsolescence, an iconic Harley-Davidson, and more

Previously, I wrote about Raymond Loewy, an automotive, industrial, and graphic designer who I thought should be better known due to his contributions to the look of early- to mid-20th century America. After we posted that piece, a former colleague of mine, Todd,...

A review of the last grease coupler you’ll ever need, the LockNLube

Several years ago, I was standing in a field watching a friend of mine add grease to a wheel. When he was done, he tugged on the coupler, and it held fast to his wheel. He tugged a little harder, and the coupler ripped the zerk right out of its threads, necessitating...

Is perseverance in the service bay a feature or a bug?

I am a proficient mechanic. I have long said my proficiency comes partially from skill, but mostly I’ve achieved good results due to my perseverance. I am generally unwilling to toss in the towel on something until it works correctly. “Too stupid to know when to quit”...

May Automotive Horoscopes

Aries: Your service writer will be keeping you busy this month, and you’ll need to keep your focus to avoid burnout. Pay special attention to the effects of distractions around you. Some coworkers have a way of keeping you from your work for a little longer than you...

Right to Repair gains momentum in Maine

The state motto of Maine, “Dirigo,” Latin for “I lead,” is being embraced by the members of the Maine Right to Repair Coalition who find themselves at the vanguard of a movement to ratify legislation that protects independent repair shops. Last February, a referendum...

Tool review: ICON 3/8” ratchet

About a year ago, I was reefing on some fastener, and my trusty old Armstrong ratchet let go and spun free. It did it again a few bolts later, and at that point I set the tool down before I got hurt. I had purchased a few 3/8” ratchets years earlier after some junkers...

What it’s like being a new tech in 2022 (VIDEO)

Shifting Gears

by Shop Press Staff | Sep 13, 2022 | 2 comments

Description

Torque specs. Electronics diagnostics. Foreign automobiles. 12V electrical systems. TPMS sensors. Disc brakes. 0W16 oil. All of the aforementioned technologies were changes that occurred in the automotive industry that changed the business and altered what techs “knew.” Learning is a career-long necessity for a technician—but in the beginning, there’s a lot of learning to be done all at once, and it gets harder as time marches on, because each year, there are new makes, models, updates, and challenges. Watch as a young tech and new tech share a bit about how they see the automotive world in 2022 and find out what’s not like it used to be. And don’t be shy, let others know how YOUR career kicked off in the automotive world, whether it was last week or many moons ago!

How to find a good auto repair shop, according to actual repair professionals (VIDEO)

There’s lot of advice out there about how to choose a reliable mechanic. We asked mechanics what they would advise.

Apr 20, 2023 2

The fastest way to remove a Woodruff key (VIDEO)

Watch as Lemmy demonstrates the fastest, easiest way to remove a Woodruff key using a common tool that might surprise you. Give it a try next time!

Apr 6, 2023 1

What are your least favorite repair jobs? (VIDEO)

Life can't all be brake jobs and pre-delivery inspections. Beating time is the name of the game, but it doesn't always work out. Watch as a few Dorman mechanics talk about the jobs that make more sweat than bread in this video.

Mar 30, 2023 12

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box

The Proving Grounds crew is back again for a new grudge match in the garage called The Mystery Box.

Mar 7, 2023 0

Learn all about how to identify a Mazda Miata.

Miata Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)

Learn to ID Miatas generation by generation like a pro (and from a pro!)

Jan 26, 2023 0

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