A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Which technician response is correct?
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Tire service tips (that aren’t just for new technicians)
The habits you form first can be the hardest ones to break.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box, Part 2
The Proving Grounds crew takes on another round of The Mystery Box Challenge with new parts and a few new faces.
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.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
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?
Vehicle weights are increasing. Can your lifts handle it?
As new cars and trucks, especially EVs, get heavier than ever, it’s important to check your lift’s rating and condition.
Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things
One basic vehicle checkover has several lessons to teach.
Do you mind working on customer vehicles equipped with dash cams?
As dashboard cameras become more common, repair professionals should know how to deal with them.
The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
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.
Square drive: make or buy before you need ‘em
Female metric square drive plugs were new to me. They might be to you, too.
Are automakers starting to rethink OTA microtransactions?
Microtransactions spark unexpected microaggressions.
Top 5 mechanical oddities on RHD vehicles, and how to deal with them if one rolls into your shop
Working on a right-hand drive vehicle requires deviating slightly from a mechanic’s routine.
The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)
T-belts aren’t scary at all.
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.
VIDEOS
Do you mind working on customer vehicles equipped with dash cams?
As dashboard cameras become more common, repair professionals should know how to deal with them.
The story of the very first reverse gear in an American car
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
How to get a little more (temporary) performance out of your air impact gun
“Rebuild in a can” is not the right way to fix the tool, but it will get you by until you can repair it correctly.