Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

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

Smarter, not harder: relative compression testing

Pete Meier, one of our Dorman Training Center instructors, is a pretty smart cat. Since the day I’ve met him, he’s made it clear that the lab scope is one of his favorite tools and that not using one is a mistake. Now I’ve put a lot of miles on my DVOM over the years,...

This Tool Makes Fuel Line Repairs So Much Easier (VIDEO)

Quick disconnect tools are a must for modern fuel, A/C, or transmission line jobs; no more fighting clips.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Should You Lubricate Spark Plugs Before Installing Them? (VIDEO)

Should You Lubricate Spark Plugs Before Installing Them? (VIDEO)

Do you lubricate the threads on spark plugs before installing them? Should you? Pete Meier explains the finer points of spark plug lube application for best results and OE service procedure compliance.

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.

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

All four cylinders are below specification by about the same amount. After performing a wet compression test, values remained unchanged. What could cause this condition?

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.

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

“System lean” diagnostic trouble codes are among the top 10 codes faced by techs.

Don’t Overlook This Step When Servicing Brakes (VIDEO)

Don’t Overlook This Step When Servicing Brakes (VIDEO)

A brake service job isn’t complete unless the reservoir cap’s diaphragm has been pushed back into place. This simple step is easy to forget, but it helps to reduce brake fluid contamination and ensure proper system function.

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).

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.

ADAS Repairs: Why Calibration Is A Must

ADAS Repairs: Why Calibration Is A Must

As ADAS becomes standard on modern vehicles, post-repair calibrations are a critical safety and legal requirement for every shop.

Basic Brake Fluid Testers Are Far More Sophisticated Than You’d Expect

Basic Brake Fluid Testers Are Far More Sophisticated Than You’d Expect

Peering inside the inner workings of a deceptively complex tool

Why We Take the Negative Battery Cable off First and Put It on Last (VIDEO)

Why We Take the Negative Battery Cable off First and Put It on Last (VIDEO)

Lemmy explains why this basic task always comes before removing the positive cable to help you understand the theory behind the practice.

Stress Test Vehicle Grounds

Stress Test Vehicle Grounds

Resistance is futile.

The Tightwad’s Way To Install Any Wheel Bearing Race

The Tightwad’s Way To Install Any Wheel Bearing Race

Stop beating your sockets to death.

VIDEOS

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 1)

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 1)

The commander-in-chief’s road transportation, from Pierce-Arrow cars to the Kennedy Lincoln Continental.

Dead Battery? (Video)

Dead Battery? (Video)

Diagnosing the cause of a battery drain can be a challenge today.

Check Engine Light On?

Check Engine Light On?

Grab a generic OBD-II scan tool and take these first steps to turn it off and keep it off.