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SLABs: Slow, Loud, and Bangin’

I love investigating specific subcultures, especially car subcultures. Doing so provides a unique lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of the broader society, including power, identity, defiance, and cultural change. Consider slab cars, for example....

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, we looked at Colin Chapman’s career up to the mid-60s. In this part, we’ll pick it up in 1965.Lotus wins the Indianapolis 500 In 1965, Chapman and Clark teamed up and made more racing history, this time across the pond at the Brickyard. Their...

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

Description How do you know when it’s time to flush coolant? Technicians may have different views on the subject, but Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how using a test strip at every service is a surefire way to get an accurate picture of the...

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 1)

Car designers have a lot of brain synapses firing. Some designers are driven by the pursuit of beauty, while others are motivated by the pursuit of speed. Giorgetto Giugiaro, Marcello Gandini, and Battista Pininfarina, though responsible for cars that raced, were...

Maximum Voltage Reading – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is using the min/max function of a digital voltmeter to test the battery and charging system on a customer’s vehicle. He notes a max reading of 17.2 volts has been recorded. Technician B says that the alternator has failed and is overcharging....

The Story of Dagmar Bumpers

If you’ve read my work here on Shop Press, you know I’m a sucker for chrome and mid-century automotive design. This week, I'd like to take a look at one of my favorite examples of that era: "Dagmar bumpers," the colorfully common slang used to describe the...

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...

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

by | Oct 28, 2025

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO) Description How do you know when it’s time to flush coolant? Technicians may have different views on the subject, but Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how using a test strip at every service is a...
PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

by | Oct 2, 2025

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...
What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

by | Sep 25, 2025

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,...