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

Holistic healing works on cars, too

Holistic seems to be a buzzword that’s (over)used in medicine. From a medical diagnosis perspective, that word may cause you to roll your eyes, but not a bad way to think about automotive diagnostics. If you work on a counter, approaching repair holistically helps...

Modern GDI systems have brought back decades-old maintenance issues

Have you performed a mechanical valve cleaning lately? Did you ever stop to think about how strange it is we need to do that again, when “decoking” stopped being a necessity half a century ago? Have we outfoxed ourselves in the eternal automotive quest for higher...

Two reasons you should have a welder in your shop (and know how to use it)

I learned how to weld when I was about 17. I was not a good welder, but I could operate the machine well enough to get by, and like most of us who can weld, I improved with time and practice. As a young mechanic, I distinctly remember tackling a few projects with...

Want to get kids interested in trades? Start with their school science fair.

While their interest in learning a skilled trade continues its precipitous decline, American youth and young adults seemingly cannot break eye contact with their phone screens. Coincidence? I think not, and humbly offer all parents a suggestion to help alter the...

This guide to being a mechanic-saboteur could teach you to be a better tech

Almost 80 years ago, the United States Office of Strategic Services, which eventually became the CIA, created a pamphlet to help people living in Nazi-occupied countries discretely undermine the enemy. This Simple Sabotage Field Manual was published in 1944 and...

7 things in Car Mechanic Simulator that will make a real mechanic’s eyes roll

These days, there’s a simulator video game for everything. There are games that simulate flying a plane, games that simulate working in an office, and yes … even a game that simulates what it’s like to be a goat. Add to that list Car Mechanic Simulator, a game first...

Detroit geology: all about Fordite, an automotive gemstone

Ever heard of Fordite? Fordite, often called Detroit agate or motor agate, isn’t a rock at all. In fact, it has nothing at all to do with geology—but it’s not very different than a sedimentary rock. Unlike sedimentary formations, Fordite is not composed of layers of...

Meet the best auto tech in the United States

When Logan Brown first heard about a national auto technician skills competition, he was slightly skeptical. “Who the hell’s going to pay a technician $40,000 to show off his skills?” he said recently. The answer was the first annual U.S. Auto Tech National...

Tool review: Klein 3255 bull pin

You can’t beat it. Well, actually, you can.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Several tips to make brake line removal less of a headache

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

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.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Book review: “Pump and Circumstance”

Book review: “Pump and Circumstance”

A walk (or drive) through the history of gas and service stations.

A cheap bore scope is your best friend for prepurchase inspections

A cheap bore scope is your best friend for prepurchase inspections

Saving time and labor while giving PPI customers a clear picture.

Tired of dead 9V batteries? Convert to rechargeables! (VIDEO)

Tired of dead 9V batteries? Convert to rechargeables! (VIDEO)

If you have tools that use 9 volt batteries, it’s cheap and easy to convert them to rechargeable batteries. Watch to learn how it’s done!

Test fuses without removal! (VIDEO)

Test fuses without removal! (VIDEO)

How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy method

Don’t let the grind of fixing cars wear down your love for ‘em

Don’t let the grind of fixing cars wear down your love for ‘em

A local automotive event is the cure for whatever car doldrums you’re in.

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.

Engine knock – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Engine knock – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

An engine exhibits a knocking noise. During a cylinder power balance test, the noise abates. Which technician has the correct diagnosis?

A 3-minute video kept me from going ballistic over a $3,000 repair

A 3-minute video kept me from going ballistic over a $3,000 repair

Here’s 4 reasons you should consider putting them to work at your shop.

Service writers vs. technicians (VIDEO)

Service writers vs. technicians (VIDEO)

Examining the differences (and similarities) between these key roles in the automotive service industry.

EPA emergency action allows nationwide summer sales of E15 gasoline

EPA emergency action allows nationwide summer sales of E15 gasoline

Get ready for an increase in fuel system corrosion repairs on older vehicles and small engines.

What are the first mods repair professionals make to a vehicle? (VIDEO)

What are the first mods repair professionals make to a vehicle? (VIDEO)

Car mods to do first: auto technicians’ favorites!

VIDEOS

Five things to know when working on HID headlights

Five things to know when working on HID headlights

Set yourself up for success with high intensity discharge lighting systems.

What’s the best way to move tools about the shop?

What’s the best way to move tools about the shop?

There are a lot of ways to approach the business of servicing the car in front of you. Which one is king?

The best way to help customers find your auto repair shop

The best way to help customers find your auto repair shop

If your customers can’t easily find your location, hours, or contact information, you’ll clearly struggle to earn their business. Here is a tip to help.