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When NOT selling helps business

When I was a wee sprat in my first automotive job selling service, I was beleaguered by a tech in the shop who wrote thorough, lengthy estimates. He would occasionally blow up at me for not selling enough, going so far once as to accuse me of not even trying to sell...

Why “topping off” a gas tank can be an expensive mistake (VIDEO)

Description When the pump automatically shuts off after filling a vehicle’s tank, many people are tempted to add a little more gas. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, and the repair bills could add up quickly.Related Videos

Why don’t you keep gloves in your car’s glove box? (VIDEO)

Description Most people treat their glove boxes like junk drawers. Ever consider keeping a pair of gloves in there? Gloves were essential equipment for early motorists, and it’s a good idea to keep a pair on hand today, too.

Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description When checking a brake drum during service, all the following should be checked EXCEPT: A) Diameter B) Out-of-roundness C) Minimum thickness D) Taper wearMore ASE Practice Questions

How to choose a memory saver tool for cars and trucks

As vehicle electronics become increasingly complex, the humble memory saver tool has gone from a convenience to an absolute necessity for maintaining power to vehicle systems while the battery is disconnected. Memory saver tools have changed over the years, too, and...

Welding tips for automotive repair: What you need to know (VIDEO)

Description Any auto repair shop worth its salt has at least one welding rig to handle all kinds of jobs. Whether you’re a competent welder or totally new to the game, check out these tips to improve the welding workflow and output in your shop.

Virgil Exner: The creator of Chrysler’s “forward look”

I’m a sucker for the sleek, smooth, and aggressive look of late 1950’s automobiles. As such, I owe a debt of gratitude to one man: Virgil Exner. In the 50’s, Exner was the head of styling at Chrysler, and he spearheaded the “Forward Look” of their cars, a look that...

Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy methodDescription All of the following could cause noisy disc brake operation EXCEPT: A) Glazed pads B) Grease contamination on the pads C) Broken anti-rattle clipsD) Foreign matter embedded into the pad...

Minimum rotor thickness – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Aug 13, 2024

Minimum rotor thickness – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description Technician A says the minimum rotor thickness specification etched into a disc is the minimum thickness beyond which a brake rotor should not be used. Technician B says the number indicates the...

Using a spaghetti trick to keep zip ties organized (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Aug 6, 2024

Using a spaghetti trick to keep zip ties organized (VIDEO) Description Chefs know a helpful hack to keep spaghetti from falling out of an opened bag, and the same idea happens to work perfectly for zip ties. Give it a try next time you have a pack of zip ties that...

Piston rings – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Jul 30, 2024

Piston rings – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description Which of the following statements about piston rings is incorrect? A) End gaps must be evenly spaced around the piston B) Rings are installed on the piston using a ring compressor C) Rings must be...

Rust belt vs salt belt: Do you know the difference? (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Jul 23, 2024

Rust belt vs salt belt: Do you know the difference? (VIDEO) Description The Rust Belt and the Salt Belt may sound similar, and you might even hear them used interchangeably, but they are distinct names that any automotive professional or enthusiast should know. Take a...

Buy once, cry once: Don’t cheap out on these auto repair tools (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Jul 18, 2024

Buy once, cry once: Don’t cheap out on these auto repair tools (VIDEO) Description Auto repair pros probably know the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some tools, techs should buy the best they can afford. In other cases, cheap and basic versions will be just...

Engine knock – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

by Shop Press Staff | Jul 16, 2024

Engine knock – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description An engine exhibits a knocking noise. During a cylinder power balance test, the noise abates. Technician A says the noise is likely worn big-end bearings on the connecting rod. Technician B says the noise...