Repairing future failure points before they fail is a lucrative way to save your customers money, just like maintenance does.
Preventative maintenance is great, but are you performing preventative repairs?
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
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.
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.
Rules of the torque wrench, explained
A helpful video investigation of proper (and improper) torque wrench techniques and habits.
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.
Quiz: Can you prove how big of a car nerd you are?
Is your brain filled with automobilia obscurity? Prove it.
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.
What are rear fog lights, and when should you use them?
Get up to speed on a safety feature not often seen in the United States.
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.
What’s in your toolbox?
Skillset and mindset often determine the toolset.
VIDEOS
Test fuses without removal! (VIDEO)
How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy method
Don’t let the grind of fixing cars wear down your love for ‘em
A local automotive event is the cure for whatever car doldrums you’re in.
Torque wrench vs. torque stick for installing wheels (VIDEO)
What tools do you trust when installing wheels on a vehicle? The trusty torque wrench, or the straightforward torque sticks? Or maybe both?