Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

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FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Modern GDI systems have brought back decades-old maintenance issues

Have you performed a mechanical valve cleaning lately? Did you ever stop to think about how strange it is we need to do that again, when “decoking” stopped being a necessity half a century ago? Have we outfoxed ourselves in the eternal automotive quest for higher...

Two reasons you should have a welder in your shop (and know how to use it)

I learned how to weld when I was about 17. I was not a good welder, but I could operate the machine well enough to get by, and like most of us who can weld, I improved with time and practice. As a young mechanic, I distinctly remember tackling a few projects with...

Want to get kids interested in trades? Start with their school science fair.

While their interest in learning a skilled trade continues its precipitous decline, American youth and young adults seemingly cannot break eye contact with their phone screens. Coincidence? I think not, and humbly offer all parents a suggestion to help alter the...

This guide to being a mechanic-saboteur could teach you to be a better tech

Almost 80 years ago, the United States Office of Strategic Services, which eventually became the CIA, created a pamphlet to help people living in Nazi-occupied countries discretely undermine the enemy. This Simple Sabotage Field Manual was published in 1944 and...

7 things in Car Mechanic Simulator that will make a real mechanic’s eyes roll

These days, there’s a simulator video game for everything. There are games that simulate flying a plane, games that simulate working in an office, and yes … even a game that simulates what it’s like to be a goat. Add to that list Car Mechanic Simulator, a game first...

Detroit geology: all about Fordite, an automotive gemstone

Ever heard of Fordite? Fordite, often called Detroit agate or motor agate, isn’t a rock at all. In fact, it has nothing at all to do with geology—but it’s not very different than a sedimentary rock. Unlike sedimentary formations, Fordite is not composed of layers of...

Meet the best auto tech in the United States

When Logan Brown first heard about a national auto technician skills competition, he was slightly skeptical. “Who the hell’s going to pay a technician $40,000 to show off his skills?” he said recently. The answer was the first annual U.S. Auto Tech National...

One guy designed the 20th century’s sexiest cars, logos and kitchen appliances

In one of my graphic design classes, the professor asked everyone who their favorite graphic designers were. I mentioned Raymond Loewy, and was met with a puzzled face and a “I don’t know who that is.” That was a shock to me, since I knew him as the designer of the...

LOF PSA: Don’t forget the lube job

Engine oil is a lubricant, but that’s not what the task’s title is referencing.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Nine notable “cars” that aren’t cars

Nine notable “cars” that aren’t cars

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The Polaris Slingshot and eight other vehicles that make you ask, “What’s the deal with that?”

Mechanics React: More horrors hidden behind “customer states” (VIDEO)

Mechanics React: More horrors hidden behind “customer states” (VIDEO)

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Wait, the horn blows every time you come off the brake? Nick and Lemmy observe this weird scenario and others from the internet.

Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

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This tool is like black licorice: you’re probably either going to love it or have no use for it whatsoever.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Quiz: Can you prove how big of a car nerd you are?

Quiz: Can you prove how big of a car nerd you are?

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Is your brain filled with automobilia obscurity? Prove it.

Where do you leave your hitch?

Where do you leave your hitch?

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In the receiver? In the bed? On a shelf?

5 unconventional brake job tips

5 unconventional brake job tips

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Tip #1: stop calling it a “brake job.”

Windshield wipers have had a surprisingly messy evolution

Windshield wipers have had a surprisingly messy evolution

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There are literally thousands of wiper-related patents, stretching over a century, and we’re still looking to build better designs today.

Mechanics React: Can you diagnose a vehicle’s problem just from the sound? (VIDEO)

Mechanics React: Can you diagnose a vehicle’s problem just from the sound? (VIDEO)

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Nick and Lemmy, Dorman employees and mechanics, took a gander at a few internet videos and did their best at diagnosing via the Internet.

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.

What’s in your toolbox?

What’s in your toolbox?

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Skillset and mindset often determine the toolset.

Which type of salvage yard do you prefer?

Which type of salvage yard do you prefer?

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There are more variables than you might think

VIDEO: The fastest way to remove a wiper arm

VIDEO: The fastest way to remove a wiper arm

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An inexpensive tool that’s worth its weight in gold.

Mechanics React: Dorman techs respond to crazy Reddit questions (VIDEO)

Mechanics React: Dorman techs respond to crazy Reddit questions (VIDEO)

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Nick and Lemmy again try their darnedest at hip-shooting responses to Reddit questions.

Five different types of service techs everyone knows, based on how they manage their tools

Five different types of service techs everyone knows, based on how they manage their tools

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Every mechanic manages their tool box differently, but these recurring characters seem to be in nearly every garage.

VIDEOS

VIDEO: (Spoiler within) Crimp or solder?

VIDEO: (Spoiler within) Crimp or solder?

3 Comments

An unfair and unbalanced review of different ways to make electrical connections.

Where do you leave your hitch?

Where do you leave your hitch?

0 Comments

In the receiver? In the bed? On a shelf?

5 unconventional brake job tips

5 unconventional brake job tips

1 Comment

Tip #1: stop calling it a “brake job.”