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
The Real Meanings Behind OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (VIDEO)
By breaking down the structures used to create DTCs, you can learn how to “decode” beyond the simple descriptions presented by a scanner.
What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?
It’s like torquing a bolt, but with an extra twist.
Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)
On a hybrid vehicle’s air conditioning system that utilizes a high voltage electrical compressor, can only the oil specified by the vehicle manufacturer be used in the compressor or is PAG oil acceptable for use in an electric vehicle’s compressor?
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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. 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.
ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)
Technician A says thrust angle must be set to zero on many ADAS-equipped vehicles during alignment. Technician B says the steering angle sensor and front wheel position must be correct before camera or radar calibration. Who is correct?
DIYers: Yes, You Can Handle a Window Regulator Replacement
Here are some tips to help get you started.
Betcha Haven’t Serviced the Tool You Use on Every Job
The most dangerous piece of equipment in a shop is often the most neglected.
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.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Ferdinand Porsche: Engineering the Shape of Speed
How a visionary engineer shaped everything from early EVs to the world’s most iconic sports cars.
Inside Global (Generic) OBD-II
You don’t need an expensive scan tool to diagnose the cause of an illuminated check engine light.
Time-Saving Tip for Bleeding Stubborn Brakes (VIDEO)
Some brake jobs can turn into headaches when small air bubbles get trapped within the caliper itself. To resolve the problem, you could pump the brakes over and over, or you could try this handy suggestion to free the air bubble and move on with the brake bleed process.
Shop Profile: Hansville Repair
71 years of success started at the end of the road.
Do You Know the Right Way to Use Rasps and Files? (VIDEO)
Any technician will have a few files in the toolbox for material removal jobs. But are you using these tools with the correct technique?
VIDEOS
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)
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?
When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)
Many high-end scan tools come with a capable digital storage oscilloscope. Time to put that tool to work.