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.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Set the Toe and Go!

“Oh, and it’s pulling to the right a bit. Can you check that out?” If you run a small shop with just one or two service bays, it’s likely you’ve heard this before, since in a small shop the service writer, mechanic, foreman, parts department, and lube tech are often...

Chrome Overload: GM’s “Mistake of ’58”

I love chrome and mid-century automotive design. But I recently found a video that made me question my belief that there’s no such thing as too much chrome. The video is called “Mistake of '58: The GM Chromemobiles and Far Out '59s” from YouTuber Ed’s Auto Reviews....

Hand in Glove: EV and Hybrid Service Safety

Note: Working on high-voltage systems should only be performed by a trained professional. The Dorman Training Center offers automotive training programs tailored to your shop’s needs and taught by ASE-certified instructors. Learn more at:...

Symbol of a Stumble: Edsel’s “Horse Collar” Grille

Throughout the history of automotive manufacturing, there have been some notorious flops. Cars such as the Yugo GV, DMC DeLorean, Ford Pinto, and Pontiac Aztek are still remembered by many as symbols of automaker stumbles. Today, I want to talk about a design element...

Don’t Get Hung Up on Hanging Calipers

​Whether you’re turning wrenches for a living as your nine to five — or just for fun as your five to nine — chances are you’ve needed to get a brake caliper out of the way and keep it there for a while. As most of you should already know, hanging a brake caliper from...

Tire Damage Assessment – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is assessing tire damage in order to make a repair decision. A puncture is located at the edge of the tread block closest to the sidewall. Technician B says it can be repaired with a conventional tire plug. Technician A says the area of the...

Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO) Description Technician A has just completed a dry compression test of a four-cylinder engine. All four cylinders are below specification by about the same amount. After performing a wet compression test, values...
Misfire Cause–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Misfire Cause–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Misfire Cause–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO) Description Technician A is diagnosing a misfire. He states that a misfire is caused by a fault in the ignition system and that new plugs and coils will repair the problem. Technician B says that a misfire is detected when...
A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 2)

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, I traced the history of the U.S. presidential state car from the beginning to the Kennedy Lincoln Continental. In this part, I’ll pick up with President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s state car and continue to the present day. 1967 Lincoln...