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Shop Press

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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Better ops with SOPs

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a documented tool designed to provide formal, consistent, and efficient results. Put another way, an SOP can bring order to a process that might otherwise be unpredictable at best and chaotic at worst. And given how dynamic the...

Cars that make you think of something specific

Some vehicles have the power to evoke strong memories or associations. Whether it's a classic film, a historical event, or a beloved television show, these vehicles often serve as iconic symbols. You’ll likely only have to read the headers in this piece for you to...

Using voltage to locate electrical faults

Locating the cause of an electrical fault can be a challenge even for the most experienced professional. I’m not referring to open circuits or even short circuits. These are relatively easy to find. In either case, the component, or load, won’t work. But the most...

How do you handle billing shop supplies?

When I first began writing service at an indie auto repair shop, one line item on the bill was “shop supplies.” We tacked on some percentage of the bill, capping at $19.88. Shows you how long ago that was! Customers would ask about it, and many were angry about the...

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. In fact, I actually purchased two so I could try out the version with a high-voltage lead.If you’ve met my fellow Shop Press contrib Pete, seen his videos, taken his classes, or read his articles, you’ll know...

A few tips for ball joint removal

A few tips for ball joint removal

by | Oct 24, 2023

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

Five things to know when working on HID headlights

by | Oct 17, 2023

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,...
What’s the best way to move tools about the shop?

What’s the best way to move tools about the shop?

by | Oct 12, 2023

I was recently off my feet due to some unplanned surgery. Normally I go stalking around the garage like the proverbial bull in the china shop, but not lately—my ankle was a mess. Have you ever had an injury or illness serious enough to impact the way you make a buck?...
How to service spark plugs the professional way

How to service spark plugs the professional way

by | Oct 3, 2023

The spark plug has a tough job to do, and it has to do it under extreme conditions. The terminal (top) end of the spark plug is connected to a high voltage supply source, the ignition coil. As current flows from the coil, a voltage potential builds between the center...