When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.
Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box, Part 2
The Proving Grounds crew takes on another round of The Mystery Box Challenge with new parts and a few new faces.
Why auto mechanics should check cabin air filters in every vehicle (VIDEO)
Air filters are an easy service item to overlook, but most manufacturers recommend a new filter every year or 15,000 miles.
Creative repurposing: Shims have all sorts of uses in an automotive shop
There are applications for shims besides fixing camber and panel gaps.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
LT-series vs. P-series tires
The truck and SUV have never been more prolific than they are today. Learn when to sell each type of these tires.
The pros (and more than a few cons) of chrome
Although I love the look of chrome on cars, there are very good reasons why it’s not used much anymore.
PSA: Make sure your Loctite isn’t fake!
Copycat Loctite is more common than you’d think. Learn how to check for counterfeit products.
What sealed chassis parts can teach us about shifting customer habits and technology’s march forward
The “best” parts for the job are highly dependent on the environment in which they operate.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? (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.
How to use a lockout kit (VIDEO)
Powerful tools—if you know how to use ‘em.
Dash warning lights: feature or bug?
At what point does an icon completely fail to provide critical information to a motorist?
PSA: Check that cabin air filter
The cabin air filter is arguably the most overlooked filter on the car.
Why sidewall styling is both worthless and wonderful for drivers and tire shops
The appearance of off-road prowess while maintaining on-road comfort is what motorists want. Tire salesmen, take advantage.
Surprise: having snacks and phone chargers in your repair shop’s waiting room makes customers happier
A recent J.D. Power study found that a few simple amenities in your service center’s lobby go a long way toward making your customers want to come back, but few businesses have them.
VIDEOS
The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun
“Rebuild in a can” is not the right way to fix the tool, but it will get you by until you can repair it correctly.
Are automakers starting to rethink OTA microtransactions?
Microtransactions spark unexpected microaggressions.