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PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

For the vast majority of vehicles on the road, swapping out spark plugs is gravy work. Yoink the old plugs, make sure the replacements meet the necessary gap spec, install the new plugs, and button up the ignition system. You’re in and out of there in no time, right?...

Tool Review: Permatex 25240 Thread Locker

Disclaimer: This chemical was purchased at full retail price at the expense of the author, with no compensation from the retailer or manufacturer to write about the item.Be honest: do you always check the manual for the correct grade of factory-recommended sealant on...

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

Today’s article is composed of two quick tips that are distinct and different, but interrelated because they’re used on the same items: the humble fasteners we remove and install hundreds of times daily. These tips are both geared to newer techs since we all must find...

Modern Power Window Switches: Smarter than You’d Think

When was the last time you rolled down the power windows in an older car or truck? I’m talking at least pre-2000. The older, the better. As a passenger, you’ll find that every door has a mix of buttons, switches, locks, and handles to mess around with, plus maybe a...

It’s All About the Process

Man, it feels like just yesterday you graduated with that Associate’s in Automotive Tech, but nope, it's been three months already, and you've landed a solid job at ABC Auto Repair back in your hometown. The boss has been taking it easy on you, dishing out a bunch of...

Rookie Tip: LOF? Leave the Dipstick Sticking Out and the Oil Cap on the Hood Latch

The following video has a great lesson in it, but most salty shop vets will miss it.Other than the obvious blowby issue, one thing that jumps out is the dipstick waving like a flag in the breeze. For you newer mechanics and home gamers: take a lesson! No doubt this...

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

The Engine Control Module (ECM) is always keeping an eye on the amount of fuel it is adding to the cylinders, and it'll throw a code when it figures it can't keep the mixture right where it needs to be. You might see codes like "system rich" or "system lean," and they...

Back Away from the Wrenches

Today’s article is more of a philosophical one than a pragmatic one. You see, we’re in the business of buying and reselling auto parts, servicing automobiles, and getting paid for our efforts. But as automotive professionals, we merely delay the inevitable. The...

At The Counter

Commercials That Make Technicians and Dealers the Stars of the Show

by Jonathan Roth | Jun 5, 2025

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Recently, I stumbled across some old TV commercials for a car repair and maintenance shop that took me back. You see, in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, some commercials ran for a local shop called ABE Car Care Center. These commercials featured two gentlemen with thick Pennsylvania Dutch accents. They were supposed to be funny but, well … judge for yourself.

Most memorable TV commercials for car repair shops you’ve seen probably look a lot like this one. They usually include low-quality video, attempts at humor, and/or outlandish costumes and voice-overs. Of course, I still remember the name of the shop 30-some years after I saw the commercials, so I guess they worked.

In a similar vein, here’s a more recent commercial for Arlen’s Transmission in Burbank, CA. However, this one was done for a comedy internet show called “The Mythical Show,” so it’s intentionally cringe-worthy.

On the other side of the coin, here’s a more recent, fairly polished commercial for Manny’s Automotive Repair in Columbus, GA, proving that commercials for car repair and maintenance shops don’t have to be bad.

Of course, we can’t talk about cars and commercials without talking about what are possibly the most ridiculous commercials: those for car dealerships. Here’s a collection of some crazy ‘70s and ‘80s car dealership commercials.

Let’s go even further back and check out this classic commercial for the 1955 “Motoramic” Chevrolets. With its quaint voiceover and black and white video, this spot just screams mid-50s TV commercial.

Has your shop ever made TV commercials? Or do you have any peculiar examples of mechanic or dealership commercials from your neck of the woods?

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