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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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FEATURE STORY

Time-Saving Tip for Bleeding Stubborn Brakes (VIDEO)

Time-Saving Tip for Bleeding Stubborn Brakes (VIDEO)

Some brake jobs can turn into headaches when small air bubbles get trapped within the caliper itself. To resolve the problem, you could pump the brakes over and over, or you could try this handy suggestion to free the air bubble and move on with the brake bleed process.

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Hot Off the Press

Shop Profile: DeLorean Midwest

As a Gen Xer, I have a soft spot for the “Back to the Future” movies and, of course, the DMC DeLorean used in those movies. Then I learned of DeLorean Midwest, a shop based outside Chicago that specializes in—you guessed it—DeLoreans. Watch this video profile of...

Watch this video on the four stages of grief for mechanics

You’ve likely heard of the psychological model called the five stages of grief. It’s used to describe the various emotions people might experience when dealing with a significant loss, and the the five stages of grief are commonly defined as denial, anger, bargaining,...

The first step I now take in vehicle diagnostics

The following four vehicles (which certainly are varied) all came to me for repair and I did not identify the root of their problems immediately. And that’s because I was staying stuck in my ways and not adapting to changing vehicles. Let’s examine. Situation One: A...

PSA: Stop throwing away brake rotor screws

Hello. My name is Lemmy, and I am guilty of throwing away brake rotor screws. At least I was guilty. I no longer commit this sin. You know the pieces I’m talking about. They’re the little screws with the huge heads that get boogered up when you try to remove them...

Best of Shop Press 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, the Shop Press team assembled some of the most notable articles, videos, and more of the year. Our goal all along has been to provide a unique voice on a mix of topics that speaks to mechanics and the mechanically inclined like no other...

Watch how magnetizer/demagnetizer tools work in this excellent video

During some recent work on an older SUV, I was absolutely fed up. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had just finished a fair bit of grinding and filing, and when I reached for my screwdriver to start installing some parts, I saw that the tool’s tip looked like the Wooly...

A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)

A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)

by | Jan 19, 2023

A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO) Description The hardest job in an automotive shop might just be that of the service writer. Taking heat from the boss, the techs, and the customers isn’t easy. That the role is for dynamic individuals becomes...
It’s totally fine to run your fuel tank down to empty

It’s totally fine to run your fuel tank down to empty

by | Jan 5, 2023

One of the pieces of automotive wisdom that’s been repeated by publications and mechanics alike for ages is that it’s not good to run a fuel tank below some arbitrary fill point, like a quarter of a tank. At some point, that probably wasn’t bad advice. But today? It’s...
Is side work OK for service techs?

Is side work OK for service techs?

by | Nov 8, 2022

Do you do side work? If you do, is that OK? There are tons of reasons for and against doing work outside the shop. I think my views have changed a little as I’ve been in the game a little longer, but this aspect of the job is contentious. I’ve heard various rationale,...
Schedule more work by improving the life of the waiters

Schedule more work by improving the life of the waiters

by | Oct 13, 2022

Everyone else knows a “waiter” as someone who brings you a burger. You and I, however, know a waiter to be a customer stranded in your customer lounge. Making waiting less painful can increase the likelihood folks schedule service. That seems pretty basic to me, but...
Trailer bearings: a hidden moneymaker for auto repair shops

Trailer bearings: a hidden moneymaker for auto repair shops

by | Sep 20, 2022

You already can see where I’m going with this based on the title. Trailers are the simplest things in the world, and yet unless you’re at an RV shop, a dedicated trailer shop, or you live in a rural or coastal area (ag and marine use), you probably rarely see trailers...