Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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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...

Diesel Engines and Racing

You may be surprised at how diesels have made a name for themselves in motorsports.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The most important fluid in the car and how to test it.

The most important fluid in the car and how to test it.

Brake fluid can wear out just like any other fluid.

Rust belt vs salt belt: Do you know the difference? (VIDEO)

Rust belt vs salt belt: Do you know the difference? (VIDEO)

The Rust Belt and the Salt Belt may sound similar, and you might even hear them used interchangeably, but they are distinct names that any automotive professional or enthusiast should know. Take a few seconds to get the real story on these terms.

Buy once, cry once: Don’t cheap out on these auto repair tools (VIDEO)

Buy once, cry once: Don’t cheap out on these auto repair tools (VIDEO)

Auto repair pros probably know the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some tools, techs should buy the best they can afford.

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.

The Tightwad’s Way To Install Any Wheel Bearing Race

The Tightwad’s Way To Install Any Wheel Bearing Race

Stop beating your sockets to death.

How to crimp heavy gauge wire (VIDEO)

How to crimp heavy gauge wire (VIDEO)

Working on some battery cables or custom ground straps? A proper tool like Dorman’s 90707 heavy lug crimper has you covered.

Should you use anti-seize when installing spark plugs? (VIDEO)

Should you use anti-seize when installing spark plugs? (VIDEO)

Using a lubricant when installing spark plugs was once common practice, but today, you might want to think twice before adding anything to your spark plug threads.

Snap-on to expand Tennessee manufacturing plant

Snap-on to expand Tennessee manufacturing plant

Company makes $44 million investment to expand plant.

Tire service tips (that aren’t just for new technicians)

Tire service tips (that aren’t just for new technicians)

The habits you form first can be the hardest ones to break.

Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?

Are you a wrench and a writer? A counterperson and a communicator? A service writer and a scribe? Get paid to share your experience and expertise with thousands of Shop Press readers.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Dealers make house calls. Why not you?

Dealers make house calls. Why not you?

Can independent repair shops benefit by offering mobile service to an increasingly immobile America?

Why auto mechanics should check cabin air filters in every vehicle (VIDEO)

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

Creative repurposing: Shims have all sorts of uses in an automotive shop

There are applications for shims besides fixing camber and panel gaps.

Don’t let your scanner go unprotected

Don’t let your scanner go unprotected

Faults in the car pay you. Faults in the scanner cost you.

One lesson is harder for more experienced techs to learn than their rookie counterparts (VIDEO)

One lesson is harder for more experienced techs to learn than their rookie counterparts (VIDEO)

If you’re an experienced technician, you may feel as though you’ve seen everything, but don’t let your knowledge prevent you from learning more.

VIDEOS

Technicians vs. DIYers: How well can you gauge tire pressure? (VIDEO)

Technicians vs. DIYers: How well can you gauge tire pressure? (VIDEO)

In this challenge, techs and DIYers get as close as possible to a target final pressure to see who’s got the best skills and strategies at the tire machine.

EVs go through tires quicker: here’s what that means for your shop.

EVs go through tires quicker: here’s what that means for your shop.

A few things to bear in mind considering the increased wear on tires.

Separate gasket – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Separate gasket – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to require a separate gasket for installation?