Peter F Meier, 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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Politics Ain’t Politic

Red, blue, or green? You’ve pieced together the point of this article by now, no doubt. This will not be a piece that risks raising the hackles of those who are deeply political. That’s not because you’re encouraged to avoid the topic, but instead, to do what makes...

Belt Noise – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says that "chirp" is the most common type of noise complaint customers bring to the shop. Technician B says that EPDM belts can be worn out yet pass a visual inspection. Who is correct?A) Technician AB) Technician BC) Both Technician A and BD)...

For Over 50 Years, France Required Yellow Headlights … Until Science Disagreed

Ever try those safety glasses with yellow lenses that are supposed to improve your vision? It’s hard to tell if they really do anything, but the packaging usually has a lot to say about better contrast and depth perception, reduced glare, and less eye strain. (And...

Diagnosing a Prius Coolant Leak (VIDEO)

Description When a Toyota Prius develops an exhaust leak or a coolant leak, the problems can be interrelated… and hard to diagnose. Dorman Training Center instructor Vince Manship explains the functions and failures of the Prius heat exchanger system.Related Videos

A Crash Course on Modern Impact Sensors

We’ve come a long way since the automotive impact detector was developed decades ago. One clever design used a metal ball in a tube that would move to complete a circuit during a collision. This rudimentary accelerometer proved that the idea of detecting a collision...

Alignment and Inner Tie Rod Play – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description A vehicle equipped with a MacPherson strut suspension is in the shop for new tires and an alignment. The technician notes play in the left-side inner tie rod end. What should the technician tell the customer?A) The play will not affect the vehicle's...

Put the Second Floor to Work

Paying the mortgage (or the rent) on the bricks—the actual shop itself—is an expense. (A fixed cost, if you want to be particular.) But that building does more than keep your tools and techs dry. It provides room to work and house equipment. And if you’re like most...