Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

It’s time to stop salting the roads

I was just thinking today that my “fun vehicle” window is closing soon; this is the period of the year where I’ll drive or ride anything I own. Old vehicles don’t stand a chance in the salt belt. Anyone I know who has anything nice keeps it far away from...

Hacker plays “Doom” on farm tractor to raise awareness of right to repair

For those who are unaware, hacking technology to run the legendary ‘90s first-person shooter video game “Doom” has been a trend for a while now. Since technology has advanced so much in the last three decades, the size of the original 1993 “Doom” is so small in...

Automakers borrow the worst thing from modern video games: microtransactions

If you’re a video gamer, you’re likely aware of the concept of microtransactions. If you’re not, allow me to explain. Microtransactions are payments that gamers can make after they’ve started to play a game, to purchase purely cosmetic digital items (in its more...

Nine notable “cars” that aren’t cars

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of Polaris Slingshots on the road. OK, not a ton of them, but I do take notice of them when I see them. Usually it makes me think, “What is the deal with those things? Are they cars or not?” When I looked into it, I discovered there...

Mechanics React: More horrors hidden behind “customer states” (VIDEO)

Description In this episode of Mechanics React, Nick and Lem see some vehicles with pretty major problems and give their expert mechanical opinions completely free of charge—and their diags are worth exactly what they've been paid for them! Check out the video.

Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. I have a relative who works at Milwaukee Tool who usually gets me items at a steep discount, but there is no requirement to write about them. Have you switched (or are you switching) to electric tools from air?...

PSA: Your customers are probably parking incorrectly

It’s hard to tell someone they do something as basic as parking their car incorrectly. But I’m a charismatic guy, and I like a challenge, so I do this with customers and have for a long time. Why? Because the commonly accepted way of parking a car is pretty dangerous....

Mechanics React: There are a few missing symptoms on these ROs (VIDEO)

Description Nick and Lem are at it again. They took a peek at some pretty wild repair scenarios this time around the block, and a theme seemed to emerge: customer obfuscation of symptoms. See some of the surprises Reddit had in store and what two Dorman wrenchers had...

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

Peering inside the inner workings of a deceptively complex tool

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)

Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)

When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.

The best explanation of a differential is from 1937

The best explanation of a differential is from 1937

Featuring state-of-the-art editing, this video is still relevant nearly a century later.

Rust exhaust hole – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Rust exhaust hole – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Which of the following is the most critical result of a rust hole in an exhaust system?

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Sketching Skodas

Sketching Skodas

Stevan Ivanov strives to give a little-known brand its rightful place in automotive history.

Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop

Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop

Working on a right-hand drive vehicle requires deviating slightly from a mechanic’s routine.

The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)

The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)

T-belts aren’t scary at all.

Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask

Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask

Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (VIDEO)

TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (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.

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.

Using voltage to locate electrical faults

Using voltage to locate electrical faults

Understanding how voltage is used in an electrical circuit can help your troubleshooting.

Quick tip: how to use an old phone to check vehicle lights by yourself

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 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

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.

What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO)

What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO)

Air filter elements come in a variety of shapes and designs, but which one is right for you?

VIDEOS

Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)

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)

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!

Square drive: make or buy before you need ‘em

Square drive: make or buy before you need ‘em

Female metric square drive plugs were new to me. They might be to you, too.