A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
HOT OFF THE PRESS
How to use a refractometer
Dorman trainer Pete Meier turned me on to a handy new tool.
Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)
When two transfer cases love each other very much…
New to the team but not new to the business (VIDEO)
A Master Technician and nationally known trainer joins the Shop Press family. Say hello to Pete Meier!
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
How to choose a memory saver tool for cars and trucks
These simple tools can be worth their weight in gold if you know how to use ‘em.
Several tips to make brake line removal less of a headache
Don’t break fittings—break ‘em free.
Quick tip: how to use an old phone to check vehicle lights by yourself
That old smartphone can actually help when you don’t have a second set of eyes to help out.
Shop Upkeep Essentials (VIDEO)
Shop Press’ Miriam discusses tasks and tips to maintain a well-rounded shop.
A comprehensive primer on the automotive right to repair debate
Your guide to understanding controversy and proposed legislation that directly affects how repair professionals earn a paycheck.
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.
Mechanic trivia: Which vehicle has a longer passenger side wiper blade? (VIDEO)
Almost every vehicle on the road has a longer wiper blade on the driver side. On older vehicles, you’ll also see two of the same size wipers working together. But can you think of any models that have the longer wiper blade on the passenger side?
Maine voters approve ballot measure requiring automakers to share diagnostic system access
With 84% approval, it’s the latest electoral show of support for providing owners and independent garages with more ability to repair motor vehicles.
Thread repair for mechanics: an incomplete guide to essential products and procedures
Proper tooling and techniques are critical to repairing threads—and if you’re a mechanic, neither are marketed well to you.
The one part of the car you’ll never install for a customer
DIFM customers just won’t purchase this common underhood part.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 3 (VIDEO)
Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators.
VIDEOS
Don’t let your scanner go unprotected
Faults in the car pay you. Faults in the scanner cost you.
One lesson is harder for more experienced techs to learn than their rookie counterparts (VIDEO)
If you’re an experienced technician, you may feel as though you’ve seen everything, but don’t let your knowledge prevent you from learning more.
Give your customers extra grease
Especially for your mechanically-inclined clientele, sometimes a fingerful of clean grease is a lifesaver.