A Shop Press ode to the unsung heroes taking calls, keys, and credit cards.
A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Seven tips to help you pass your ASE exams
There’s no magic bullet, but sometimes one or two answers is the difference between pass and fail.
What are your least favorite repair jobs? (VIDEO)
Life can’t all be brake jobs and pre-delivery inspections. Beating time is the name of the game, but it doesn’t always work out. Watch as a few Dorman mechanics talk about the jobs that make more sweat than bread in this video.
PSA: Take a quick look at your punches and chisels (and be sure they’re ready for service)
Dressing chisels and punches, however, is a housekeeping task I’ve found not everyone knows they should be doing, and dress your punches and chisels!
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
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.
What type of part should you use to repair a car?
There’s a spectrum of parts ranging from fresh and new to tired but cheap. What should you use and when?
Is side work OK for service techs?
Does the shop retain right of first refusal, or is moonlighting A-OK?
Ranking the best fictional TV mechanics
From Colonel Hogan to Mr. T to Fonzie, here’s a completely unscientific list of television wrenches.
Jeep Spotter’s Guide (VIDEO)
ID Jeeps generation by generation with a few easy tricks.
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.
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.
Does your shop handle performance work?
Here are a few things consider before taking on work that falls beyond the scope of repair or maintenance.
Ralph Nader inspired a vehicle safety revolution and all he got was a lousy bolt named after him
Door striker bolts became known as Nader pins after “Unsafe at Any Speed” caused a national uproar and led to the first FMVSS rules.
Before asphalt, automotive pioneers used the beach as their racetrack
Several speed records were once set on the beach of Cape May, New Jersey
Schedule more work by improving the life of the waiters
If your waiting room stinks, so does waiting in it.
VIDEOS
Is your shop ready for the 4-day work week?
A shop foreman who did it for a year gained some firsthand experience that might help you answer the question.
The rarely seen control arm-mounted trailer ball rears its head
I really hope the whole week doesn’t go like this.
Let’s hear it for the mighty roach coach
In spite of the not-so-savory name, this ancillary piece of daily life in the shop is a beloved tradition in the automotive industry.