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Should You Charge More When Dealing with Tire Sealant? (VIDEO)

Description Aerosolized tire sealant is widely available, and in some vehicles, it is used in place of a full-size spare. While this “tire repair in a can” might be the best solution in a jam, it creates a messy, stinky situation for a tech changing the tire for a...

An Ode to “Car Talk”

Back in the early aughts, I lived in the Washington, D.C. area for about nine years. Since my parents live in Pennsylvania, this necessitated many three-and-a-half-hour drives (as little as three, if I was lucky) back home for holidays or just a regular visit. At the...

Testing Battery State of Charge – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A and Technician B are discussing battery testing. Technician A says that an open circuit voltage of less than 10.5 volts indicates a bad battery. Technician B says that a reading of 12.5 volts indicates an 80% state of charge. Who is correct?A)...

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

Recently, I wrote about how brake cleaner can be hazardous if not used correctly, and how you should take safety precautions when using it. One of our readers had an insightful comment on the piece.Now, I think it’s debatable that carburetor cleaner is more hazardous...

The Real Meanings Behind OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (VIDEO)

Description When the check engine light (CEL) pops up and your OBD-II scan tool displays a code, that’s only the start of the diagnostic process. By breaking down the structures used to create DTCs, you can learn how to “decode” beyond the simple descriptions...

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

Torque-to-angle, also known as angle-torque or torque-plus-angle, is a fastening method that combines an initial torque application with a subsequent angular rotation to achieve precise bolt or fastener tension. This technique ensures consistent clamping force,...

Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is working on a hybrid vehicle’s air conditioning system that utilizes a high voltage electrical compressor. Technician B says that only the oil specified by the vehicle manufacturer should be used in the compressor. Technician A says PAG oil...

Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault

As the weather warms, more and more of your customers will be switching over their HVAC control settings to “max A/C”. If the system doesn’t respond by blowing that refreshing cool air into their faces, they will show up at your door to find out why. When faced with...

What are rear fog lights, and when should you use them?

What are rear fog lights, and when should you use them?

If you’re a vehicle owner or auto repair professional in the United States, odds are that you haven’t seen (or even used) rear fog lights on a vehicle. The vast majority of vehicles sold in the US do not include them, and in some cases, the feature is disabled or the...
What is a core charge?

What is a core charge?

The article title is a question I asked when I was a young counterman, and most of you oldtimer mechanics and parts people of course know the story: the core charge is a way to be sure the smoked part makes its way back to the parts counter. A core charge is a deposit...
Watch this video on the invention of the Ford V-8 engine

Watch this video on the invention of the Ford V-8 engine

If you enjoy pioneering developments in automobile history, this video on the development of Ford’s V8 engine is a must-watch. It’s a bit on the long side (a little over an hour), but it’s well worth your time to fully appreciate this revolutionary success in Ford—and...
How to install a brake cable slack eliminator (VIDEO)

How to install a brake cable slack eliminator (VIDEO)

How to install a brake cable slack eliminator (VIDEO) Description If your parking brake is weak or not working at all, a stretched cable is usually the issue. The Dorman 03006 parking brake slack eliminator is a quick and easy way to restore brake function. Related...