A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
When placing an airbag on a workbench, which is the safest direction for it to face? We have the answer.
A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race
Your daily work is also a cruel automotive penalty.
How to use a lockout kit (VIDEO)
Powerful tools—if you know how to use ‘em.
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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.
Do I Need a Tune-up?
When a customer rolls into your shop and asks for a “tune-up,” what’s your first reaction?
Why a magnetic drain plug is a worthwhile upgrade (VIDEO)
Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage.
Brake booster valve – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Which technician response is correct?
The final days (and cars) of AMC
In November 1988, two employees snuck a camera into AMC’s Kenosha plant for a farewell tour.
What is a core charge?
A little glimpse into the world of making old parts new.
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.
Which Is Faster: A Spark Plug Firing or a Fuel Injector Spraying? (VIDEO)
Did you know that a modern fuel injection system can fire off multiple sprays in the same time it takes for a spark to jump across a plug?
Brake rotor thickness variation – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
On a car with disc brakes, what is the most likely symptom of a vehicle with rotors that measured out-of-spec for thickness variation when measured at several places on the rotor surface?
The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)
Peter Meier discusses the importance of testing coolant and how mechanics can use simple strip testers to keep cooling systems safe.
How to use a refractometer
Dorman trainer Pete Meier turned me on to a handy new tool.
Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)
When two transfer cases love each other very much…
VIDEOS
Fuel pump designs are changing. Do you know what kind of fuel pump you’re troubleshooting?
Many vehicles today have made the switch to DC brushless fuel pumps. They don’t work like the older brush-type pumps do.
Mechanic trivia: Which vehicle has a longer passenger side wiper blade? (VIDEO)
Almost every vehicle on the road has a longer wiper blade on the driver side. On older vehicles, you’ll also see two of the same size wipers working together. But can you think of any models that have the longer wiper blade on the passenger side?
The Shop Press Automotive Paragon series: a recap
Let’s review some of the icons and oddballs we’ve featured here so far.