Lemmy, Author at 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.

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The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car

Making a car go backwards was not the most important part of the automobile’s development, but it sure is important in its operation. In fact, if the average automobile enthusiast was to guess which American-built car had the first reverse gear, he or she would likely...

How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun

I would like to start this article off by mentioning that yes, I know air impacts are slowly going out of style—which is exactly why you might want to keep this tip in the back of your head. Parts availability can be a challenge for some old impact wrenches, and even...

Are automakers starting to rethink OTA microtransactions?

Over a year ago, I wrote a piece on this very media hub about the trend of auto manufacturers offering customers over-the-air (OTA) microtransactions to unlock options on their vehicles. I talked about what Tesla, BMW, VW, and Kia had introduced in that area, and...

Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop

Working in a shop means working on many different vehicles, each of which have their own quirks. However, right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles have their own specific mechanical oddities that are distinct from LHD vehicles. The next time a RHD car or truck rolls into your...

The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)

Recently a friend of mine, a heavy-duty truck mechanic, asked if I’d help him replace the timing belt on his car. He’s an experienced wrench but this job left him wanting guidance, knowing the high stakes if something went amiss. I agreed, of course, and it got me...

Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask

At its core, writing service is information synthesis—collect, sort, simplify, regurgitate, repeat. Obtaining the raw information from techs and customers alike relies on prompts, usually in the form of a question. The correct question asked at the correct time pays...

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (VIDEO)

Description Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators. Some are easy, others obscure, and a few are even fakes. How many can you identify?Other...

Several tips to make brake line removal less of a headache

“Got a seven-foot section of brake line out without dropping the tank, cutting the line, or ruining a fitting. Today was a good day.” I sent that text to a friend of mine the other day. In a past life he was a wrench at a Cadillac dealer, so I think he sort of...