It’s been asked of every new mechanic for more than a century. Does it matter in 2025?
“Can you drive a stick?”
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
An Ode to “Car Talk”
A radio show that, hopefully, will live on for years to come.
Testing Battery State of Charge – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)
Technicians discuss battery testing, one says open circuit voltage of less than 10.5 volts indicates a bad battery, while the other says that a reading of 12.5 volts indicates an 80% state of charge. Who is correct?
PSA: Be Safe With Carburetor Cleaner, Too
Is carb cleaner actually more dangerous than brake cleaner?
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.
How Does Regenerative Braking Affect Brake Wear?
Regenerative systems slow the vehicle electrically, but the reduced use of friction brakes creates new maintenance challenges.
Check Engine Light On?
Grab a generic OBD-II scan tool and take these first steps to turn it off and keep it off.
Which Parts of a Tire Are Safe to Patch? The Answer Has Changed (VIDEO)
Patching a punctured tire is a common job, but are you up to date on the latest guidance for safe plug locations?
CDK Global Outage: The Aftermath.
How one dealership stayed open through the uncertainty of a cyberattack.
DIYers: Yes, You Can Handle a Window Regulator Replacement
Here are some tips to help get you started.
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.
Writers, Print Vehicle Service Histories for Every Vehicle
Don’t try to (needlessly) upsell me.
The Other Way to Use a File that Many Mechanics Don’t Know (VIDEO)
Need a smooth finish on a part you’re cleaning up with a file? Lemmy shows how draw filing can achieve a clean result with a totally different method of holding a traditional file.
Commercials That Make Technicians and Dealers the Stars of the Show
Here are some outlandish—and not so outlandish—examples of mechanic and dealership TV commercials.
Store stuff in your glove box? Thank automobile pioneer Dorothy Levitt (VIDEO)
Ever wonder why virtually all cars and trucks have glove boxes? A visionary woman and her little book about driving changed in-vehicle storage over a hundred years ago.
Inside Global (Generic) OBD-II
You don’t need an expensive scan tool to diagnose the cause of an illuminated check engine light.
VIDEOS
Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)
Technician A completed a compression test, noting high readings suggest an exhaust restriction, while Technician B says the test checks volumetric efficiency.
Do I Need a Tune-up?
When a customer rolls into your shop and asks for a “tune-up,” what’s your first reaction?
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.