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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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FEATURE STORY

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)

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 coolant’s health.

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Hot Off the Press

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...

An Ode to “Car Talk”

Back in the early aughts, I lived in the Washington, D.C. area for about nine years. Since my parents live in Pennsylvania, this necessitated many three-and-a-half-hour drives (as little as three, if I was lucky) back home for holidays or just a regular visit. At the...

Testing Battery State of Charge – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A and Technician B are discussing battery testing. Technician A says that an open circuit voltage of less than 10.5 volts indicates a bad battery. Technician B says that a reading of 12.5 volts indicates an 80% state of charge. Who is correct?A)...

PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too

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...

The Real Meanings Behind OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (VIDEO)

Description When the check engine light (CEL) pops up and your OBD-II scan tool displays a code, that’s only the start of the diagnostic process. By breaking down the structures used to create DTCs, you can learn how to “decode” beyond the simple descriptions...

October Automotive Horoscopes

by | Oct 6, 2022

Aries: You will be where you are supposed to be, even if you aren’t there now. When you’re undercar, rely upon intuition—and don’t forget the importance of timing. Keep the faith, because your goal is closer than you thought. Avoid Leo. This service writer is bound to make trouble for you. Keep a set of ratcheting wrenches at hand. You’re gonna need ‘em.

Taurus: Problems others can’t solve will be regarded as easy for you, but don’t get too big for your britches. Take it easy on the impact, metaphorically speaking. Some situations require finesse, not force. A Scorpio figures into an unusual shop scenario. Lunar position emphasizes success in romance, so make sure you use extra Gojo or Zep before you punch the clock.

Gemini: Financial difficulties arise in connection with payments. Be mindful of your accounting, and don’t assume all flagged time is correct, but don’t assume it’s wrong, either. Make concessions where they make sense, but don’t disregard your principles—if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Cancer: You’ve got a tough row to hoe for a while. Your reputation is at stake—comebacks are just the beginning. Entertain business offers and simultaneously batten down your romantic hatches, because you’re going to be weathering a storm for a bit. You’re not alone; an Aries will figure prominently as this act unfolds.

Leo: Have some fun when the boss is out of the shop. Lunar position emphasizes clandestine arrangements and romance—now might be just the time to form that ill-conceived alliance that keeps nagging at you. Your popularity increases as result of some important service information you dug up for a friend in a bay.

Virgo: People who doubted your methods and course of action are proved wrong. A fresh start might still be necessary; it’s not clear if you are where you are supposed to be. Let your creative juices ferment a bit. Love is not far away. Another Virgo makes a mess out of your bay. Grin and bear it.

Libra: Contrary to opinion, you’re doing the right thing. Don’t be the shop rag (or doormat). Make travel arrangements but have a tow truck at the ready. Your soul mate awaits, but you can’t lose focus on fitness, and employment. Aries plays an exciting role in things. Follow your heart for the considerable future—it’s gotten you this far already.

Scorpio: Is spirituality important in the shop? You’re about to find out. Your actions are about to be guided by a higher power. State your terms. Ask for what you need and you shall receive. A Taurus makes a declaration of loyalty. Mind the small stuff—now is no time to send a car out with loose lug nuts.

Sagittarius: There’s a snake in the grass, and the deception is likely to slip right by you. Fight for your legal rights. Insist on going through your ROs line-by-line; there’s hidden flag time you are missing. Questions concerning your inheritance arise; it may be time to address the head of the house, so to speak.

Capricorn: The sword of Damocles is removed! You’ll pay your bills and meet the obligations that have been hounding you. A long-term project moves out of the shop. You’ll become aware of your own worth, which is considerable. You’ll have a visitor in your bay who compliments you on your housekeeping.

Aquarius: The lunar phase highlights production and processes you’ve been working on; credit you should have received months ago finally materializes. You’ll get a material reward. Romantically, something is badly amiss—a longtime lover brings things to an end. Take your grease gun out of its drawer; a squeaky wheel at the parts store needs some attention.

Pisces: Stay flexible. Itineraries do you no good now. Start putting away money; a grave financial mistake is on your horizon. Take charge of your own destiny. Keeping in mind that flexibility, know that your relationship depends on your ability to travel. There’s an Aries involved.

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