How many times have you seen a hub dust cap with ugly dents from a sloppy installation? A dust cap tool is a handy tool for installing caps on customer vehicles without damaging the cap’s appearance.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 2 (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.
How to service spark plugs the professional way
Spark plugs have a tough enough job to do—don’t make it any harder by servicing them improperly!
Report: cars are the worst products for protecting user privacy
A scathing new analysis from the Mozilla Foundation says every single car brand failed its standards for security and respecting user privacy.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Fuse box-compatible circuit breakers are the ultimate spares when space is limited
Throw a set of these resettable “fuses” in your toolbox.
May Automotive Horoscopes
We read the astrological signs and predicted your automotive future.
Right to Repair gains momentum in Maine
75,000 state residents agree that independent repair shops should have ready access to real-time vehicle data.
Tool review: ICON 3/8” ratchet
I hate buying ratchets. Here’s what I think of my newest one, an ICON 56193.
How to test and fix a car USB charger (VIDEO)
USB charging problems? Dorman’s experts explore specialized tools and provide handy tips for these increasingly common repairs.
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.
Separate gasket – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to require a separate gasket for installation?
Junkyard therapy. It’s my kind of therapy.
When I feel like dropping off the grid for a couple hours of “me” time, I head out for a walk in the park—in the junkyard.
How to find a good auto repair shop, according to actual repair professionals (VIDEO)
There’s lot of advice out there about how to choose a reliable mechanic. We asked mechanics what they would advise.
The worst cars are the best classrooms
They don’t build ‘em like they used to, and that’s a shame.
What are the sockets and wrenches you can do without?
There are definitely useless sizes. Or are there?
VIDEOS
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.
Exhaust tips: three ways to fine-tune your method
Exhaust work is straightforward and (I think) easy to understand. Here are some pointers for service techs to avoid comebacks when hanging pipe.
Four not-so-obvious ways grease can come in handy
Lubricant? More like lubri-can. A very cheap staple of most shops, I’ve learned to use it in a few unconventional ways.