Does the shop retain right of first refusal, or is moonlighting A-OK?
Is side work OK for service techs?
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Texas nonprofit helps low-income vehicle owners afford auto repairs
Autocare Haven uses donations and volunteers to subsidize service for vets, seniors, single parents and others.
A day in the life of a service writer (VIDEO)
A Shop Press ode to the unsung heroes taking calls, keys, and credit cards.
Serviceability Hall of Shame: Ford Taurus Spring Shields
Ford’s so-called fix for servicing corroded front springs was something neither drivers nor dealer techs were happy about.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Why “topping off” a gas tank can be an expensive mistake (VIDEO)
When the pump automatically shuts off after filling a vehicle’s tank, many people are tempted to add a little more gas. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, and the repair bills could add up quickly.
Holistic healing works on cars, too
Parts on cars are interconnected—and their problems often are as well.
Modern GDI systems have brought back decades-old maintenance issues
Decreased emissions and other benefits do come with increased valve maintenance costs.
Two reasons you should have a welder in your shop (and know how to use it)
Other than the obvious roles, there are other really, really good reasons you should have a welder in the shop.
Want to get kids interested in trades? Start with their school science fair.
To inspire the next generation of service technicians and tradespeople, start by getting their hands off their phones and onto building something cool.
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.
Virgil Exner: The creator of Chrysler’s “forward look”
Exner was responsible for the look of cool cars of the late 1950’s, not just at Chrysler, but at other automakers as well.
7 things in Car Mechanic Simulator that will make a real mechanic’s eyes roll
How accurate is Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 to being a real mechanic? Let’s just say, not really, as any real mechanic can tell you.
Detroit geology: all about Fordite, an automotive gemstone
It looks and sounds like a semi-precious stone, but it’s not. Fordite is a cool byproduct of the car manufacturing process.
Meet the best auto tech in the United States
*According to the first annual U.S. Auto Tech National Championship, a new auto repair skills competition.
One guy designed the 20th century’s sexiest cars, logos and kitchen appliances
For his contributions to the look of early- to mid-20th century America, Raymond Loewy should be just as renowned as Frank Lloyd Wright and Carroll Shelby.
VIDEOS
The bumpy story of vinyl record players in cars
Despite being obviously ill-suited for use in vehicles, I still want to find a workable solution for installing a record player in my car.
U.S. parents becoming slightly more likely to recommend their kids pursue trades, although prefer electrician and plumber over mechanic
New report from IMR Inc. measures household perception of trade professions to help the automotive industry attract more skilled workers.
Chasing down Volkswagen’s best-selling sausage
For decades, VW served its workers a unique German dish that I had to try for myself: currywurst.