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Mastering the Numbers – Part 2

In our earlier article, Mastering the Numbers Part 1, we discussed why shop owners should understand the financial side of their business just as much as the technical side. We introduced the Cost of Doing Business (CODB) as an important baseline financial concept....

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....

Tool review: Klein 3255 bull pin

Tool review: Klein 3255 bull pin

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price at my own expense, with no compensation to write about the item. Most mechanics I know value tools that have either of the following characteristics: Useful, but from another industry (because it might be useful...
Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

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...