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A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 1)

The U.S. presidential state car (aka "The Beast", "Cadillac One", "First Car", and codename "Stagecoach") is an unmistakable symbol of our nation’s executive branch. Since we had a presidential inauguration this year, I thought it would be a good time to look at the...

Dead Battery? (Video)

Description With dozens of electronic control units on automobiles built in the last 25 years, incidents of battery drain caused by an ECU that will not turn off when it is supposed to are on the rise. Tracing the ultimate cause can be made easier, though, if you know...

Check Engine Light On?

Diagnosing an illuminated check engine light (CEL) is something professional technicians do on an everyday basis. The key to a correct diagnosis is following a logical diagnostic process and gathering the information you need to isolate and repair the cause. The...

CDK Global Outage: The Aftermath.

Nobody wants to hear it, but cyberattacks and ransomware are part of a complicated new reality for the digital systems supporting the auto repair industry. Are you prepared? Months after the CDK Global outage ravaged the auto repair industry, there are still lingering...

DIYers: Yes, You Can Handle a Window Regulator Replacement

I’ve had an ongoing disagreement with a few of my Shop Press colleagues for some time now. Personally, I believe that replacing a window regulator is a perfect job for a DIYer. I mean, I’ve done them myself, and I barely even consider myself a DIYer. However, some of...

Betcha Haven’t Serviced the Tool You Use on Every Job

The most dangerous thing we do all day long is one most of us don’t think about: we raise a vehicle weighing a ton or three high in the air and work beneath it. And yet, lifts aren’t maintained well in most shops. I’ve seen lifts out of plumb, bent legs, lifts with...

Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description When placing an airbag on a workbench, which is the safest direction for it to face? A) Up B) Down C) To a wall D) Away from a wall More ASE Practice Questions Airbag direction – ASE practice...
Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO) Description All of the following could cause bump steer EXCEPT: A) Incorrectly mounted steering rack B) Worn idler arm C) Worn center link D) Incorrect camber More ASE Practice Questions Bump steer – ASE practice...
When NOT selling helps business

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...
Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Brake drum – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

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 wear More ASE Practice Questions Why don’t you keep...