Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Stainless doesn’t mean stain-proof; just ask Tesla Cybertruck owners

Two years ago, I posted a piece wondering if stainless steel cars were finally having their moment. I wrote about the introduction of the Tesla Cybertruck and the announcement of a new DeLorean, both of which were to be clad in stainless steel body panels. I also...

Low-mileage JDM automatics: Worthwhile or worthless? (VIDEO)

Description Nick and Lemmy check out a flex plate from an imported Japanese automatic transmission with very few miles under its belt. Even so, Nick explains why nobody really wants these transmissions or parts… and why many of them end up in the scrapyard.

Fuse box-compatible circuit breakers are the ultimate spares when space is limited

My brother and I both work in vehicle repair, and he sure got my attention when he gave me a set of resettable blade “fuses” to try out. These devices are actually fuse-shaped circuit breakers, and my new kit of six breakers goes up to 30A in 5A increments—just right...

Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says a defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings. Technician B says a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Who is correct?More ASE Practice Questions

Easy tests for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) contamination (VIDEO)

Description DEF is easy to contaminate, and fortunately, it's also easy to test. Check to be sure that your customers' DEF is up to spec with these simple tests.Related Videos

Technicians vs. DIYers: How well can you gauge tire pressure? (VIDEO)

Description After seating the bead on a new tire, the valve core needs to be installed and the tire inflated to the correct pressure. Some techs can air up a tire, install the core and land right on the target final pressure… but it’s not as easy as it looks. In this...

EVs go through tires quicker: here’s what that means for your shop.

Recently, my Shop Press colleague Andy wrote a piece about vehicle weights increasing and whether your lifts can handle it. Much of that increase in weight is due to hybrid and electric vehicles, which can be especially heavy with their batteries and motors. That...

Separate gasket – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to require a separate gasket for installation?A) EGR valve B) Exhaust manifold C) Oxygen sensor D) TurbochargerMore ASE Practice Questions

Tire Damage Assessment – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Assessing tire damage in order to make a repair decision, which technician is correct with the right repair?

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Watch This Video On Dry Sump Oil Systems

Watch This Video On Dry Sump Oil Systems

Find out how they differ from wet sump oil systems.

Tariff Talk: A Look Backwards at The Chicken Tax

Tariff Talk: A Look Backwards at The Chicken Tax

Lighten the mood at the next cocktail party you attend.

Watch This Video on the Inventor Who Put Lead in Gasoline

Watch This Video on the Inventor Who Put Lead in Gasoline

He also synthesized chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

ABOUT 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. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners? (VIDEO)

Pete Meier explains why these single-use bolts should always be replaced for safety and proper function.

Pulse width modulation and automotive lighting

Pulse width modulation and automotive lighting

Once the most basic of circuits, the humble lamp has also progressed.

Top tips for car and truck fleet maintenance: what repair shops need to know (VIDEO)

Top tips for car and truck fleet maintenance: what repair shops need to know (VIDEO)

Ready to grow your shop’s business with fleet maintenance, service and repairs?

Another specialty punch

Another specialty punch

There are many types of punches. There’s a reason for that.

Rules of the torque wrench, explained

Rules of the torque wrench, explained

A helpful video investigation of proper (and improper) torque wrench techniques and habits.

Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?

Are you a wrench and a writer? A counterperson and a communicator? A service writer and a scribe? Get paid to share your experience and expertise with thousands of Shop Press readers.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

PSA: Be Safe With Brake Cleaner

PSA: Be Safe With Brake Cleaner

Brake cleaner is loved by techs (for good reason), but make sure you’re taking safety precautions.

Shop Profile: Top Auto Center

Just when you thought The Golden Rule was out of style, this independent repair shop and used car sales center proves otherwise.

Are you servicing your car’s oil correctly?

Are you servicing your car’s oil correctly?

It might be time to rethink oil changes.

No bead seating tank? No problem!

No bead seating tank? No problem!

There’s two ways to use tire mounting compound.

What are rear fog lights, and when should you use them?

What are rear fog lights, and when should you use them?

Get up to speed on a safety feature not often seen in the United States.

VIDEOS

What an oscilloscope shows that your DVOM can’t (VIDEO)

What an oscilloscope shows that your DVOM can’t (VIDEO)

Your multimeter is a versatile tool. But for certain diagnostics, you need an oscilloscope to get a closer look at a vehicle’s electrical systems.

Tire techs: Elevate your work with this one humble task

Tire techs: Elevate your work with this one humble task

A set of tires is expensive. Make it special.

Tools beyond the basics for DIYers

Tools beyond the basics for DIYers

Step up your repair game with sensible choices.