Your multimeter is a versatile tool. But for certain diagnostics, you need an oscilloscope to get a closer look at a vehicle’s electrical systems.
What an oscilloscope shows that your DVOM can’t (VIDEO)
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What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO)
What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO) Description Air filter elements come in a variety of shapes and designs, but which one is right for you? Nick and Greaser discuss the advantages and drawbacks of three air filter designs, including filtration effectiveness,...
Thread repair for mechanics: an incomplete guide to essential products and procedures
One of the most talented mechanics I know observed me struggling with damaged threads and dispensed an opinion: “Stripped thread repair is one of the most basic skills everyone should know how to deal with.” That’s not revelatory. However, when I pronounced the part I...
Torches for courses: which heating tools should a mechanic own?
The oxyacetylene torch is the cornerstone of any shop’s torch selection, and for good reason. Oxyacetylene is the industry standard for heating and cutting with a flame. With some practice and a little know-how, this time-honored tool can handle virtually any torch...
A few tips for ball joint removal
I was thinking about some of the stumbling blocks I had when I began turning wrenches a long time ago, and I recall ball joints sticking out as problematic. I could not for the life of me understand why other mechanics considered them “gravy work.” And that’s because...
Five things to know when working on HID headlights
While working on some high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights this week, I realized that soon many younger techs are likely to be inexperienced with these lighting systems—and it’s not their fault. In the transition years between halogen lighting and the LED era,...