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Brad Sweet and the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 team kicked off a 93-race campaign last week with five consecutive days of racing at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fl. The DIRTcar Nationals hosted two nights of All Star Circuit of Champions racing before the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series officially began, with three additional nights of Outlaws racing to follow. Sweet, the four-time and reigning Outlaws champion, won the All Star feature Tuesday in pursuit of the DIRTcar Nationals’ “gator” trophy and embarked on his championship defense once the Outlaws season was underway. On Tuesday, the NAPA No. 49 was slated to start fourth in Heat Race 3, and the Big Cat made moves to cross the checkers in second, punching his ticket to the Dash. In the Dash redraw, Sweet drew the third starting spot. “It’s always a new challenge down here, a lot of competition every year,” Sweet said during the redraw. “I just want to get the NAPA Auto Parts car handling good and have a good, solid first night and have a solid week, so you can set your year up with some good momentum.” With only a six-lap distance to advance through the Dash field, Sweet was able to pick off one position to finish second, placing him on the front row to start the A-main. Sweet was confident in the setup that Crew Chief Eric Prutzman had provided, and when he rolled off for the 25-lap feature, the Big Cat had his sights set on the golden gator. Off the start, Sweet was shuffled back to third, but it didn’t take the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 long to come to life. Sweet took off like a rocket. For the sixth time in his career, he picked up the Allstar win, crossing the line with a 2.5-second advantage. Heading into Wednesday night’s program with heavy momentum for the prior night’s win, Sweet looked to continue his success. The No. 49 went out fourth for qualifying among 34 cars in attendance. Sweet clicked off a lap time of 13.749 seconds, slating him to start fifth in Heat Race 1. With a fast, one-lane track, the heat field quickly began to spread out. Sweet finished fifth, putting him toward the back to start the feature. With 25 laps to make his way through the field, the NAPA driver knew he had his work cut out for him. The Big Cat used all 900 horsepower the No. 49 could offer to make a charge. His setup was perfect, and Sweet was red hot; he advanced a total of 11 positions to finish in sixth. Thursday brought the first official race of the 2023 World of Outlaws season. As Sweet kicked off his “Drive for Five” campaign to defend his title, he also looked to collect his 80th World of Outlaws win and his 10th gator trophy. Volusia had 36 cars in attendance with Sweet heading out 29th for qualifying. A lap time of 14.021 seconds placed him 24th overall and sixth to start Heat Race 4. Sweet attempted to make charges forward in his heat race but had enough dirty air to prevent him from gaining more than one spot. It was enough to allow the NAPA driver to transfer to the feature starting in 20th, but the same issue plagued him in the main event. In the back of the pack with dirty air, Sweet could gain only one position to finish 19th. Friday night offered the NAPA No. 49 team a chance to hit the reset button. Qualifying 10th of 35 cars in attendance, Sweet clocked a 13.811-second lap for a third-position starting spot in Heat Race 2. Due to earlier rain, the track surface was still a bit greasy when his heat race went green. Competitor Gio Scelzi battled Sweet for third and, with the preferred line, took the position. The No. 49 crossed the checkers in fourth, placing Sweet 14th to start the A-main. When the green flag waved on the 25-lap feature, Sweet charged forward, gaining eight positions. The NAPA driver finished in the sixth spot as fog began to settle on Volusia Speedway Park. Saturday was scheduled to mark the conclusion of the DIRTcar Nationals. As stormy weather quickly approached the speedway, the program moved swiftly to beat the rain storm. With 36 competitors in attendance, Sweet was slated to go out 25th for qualifying. He hit the charts at 13.845 seconds, placing him second overall and on the pole for Heat Race 2. The Big Cat needed to hold his line to make the Fast Pass Dash. On the drop of the green, the outside line had the advantage, causing Sweet to fall back to second. After stalking the leader throughout the heat race, Sweet finished in second, scoring himself a spot in the Dash. Sweet drew the sixth starting position for the Dash, but a large rain cell soon reached Volusia Speedway Park, canceling the remainder of the event for the night. Sweet and the NAPA Auto Parts team have a few weeks off before returning to Volusia on March 5th and 6th, when they will complete Saturday night’s weather-postponed World of Outlaws Dash and A-main along with the scheduled Spring Showdown at Volusia. Start / Finish: Tuesday, Feb. 7: 2 / 1 Wednesday, Feb. 8: 17 / 6 Thursday, Feb. 9: 20 / 19 Friday, Feb. 10: 14 / 6 Saturday, Feb. 11: postponed Points Standing / Total: 10th / 250 pts. (-50) Next Race: Sunday, March 5, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL How to Watch or Listen: www.dirtvision.com NAPA: @NAPARacing Brad Sweet: @BradSweet49 Kasey Kahne Racing: @KKRdirt The post Sweet Wins at Volusia ahead of Outlaws Season Opener appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

While automobile brakes are meant to stop a car, sometimes they can do their job a little too well. Thanks to hydraulic pressure and power brake booster muscle, it is quite possible to completely stop a wheel from turning while the vehicle is still in motion. When this happens, it is called brake lockup and it is not a welcome situation. Let’s look at what causes brakes to lock up and how to fix the problem. What Does Brakes Locking Up Mean? Brake lockup happens when the grip of the brake friction material overcomes the grip of the tire on the road. It can happen on dry pavement during a panic stop or on an icy road with just a touch of the brake pedal. Power brakes make it easier to lock up due to reduced pedal effort, but it can happen with manual brakes as well. It can also mean a situation where the brake mechanism fails to release its grip on the wheel, such as a stuck trailer brake. Why Is Brake Lockup Bad? A wheel that isn’t turning also isn’t controlling the travel direction of the vehicle. If this happens to a front wheel, it can no longer steer the vehicle. Brake lockup can also damage your tires. If the vehicle is still moving while the tire is locked up, the road will cause a flat spot on the tire where the tread is worn down far more than the rest of the tire. This can throw off the tire balance, as well as cause erratic handling. What Causes Brakes to Lock Up? Let’s take a look at a few common causes of brake lockup. Sticking Brake Caliper or Wheel Cylinder If a brake caliper or wheel cylinder isn’t retracting correctly after brake pressure is let off, then it can stick in place. This causes the brake pad or brake shoes to hold in place against the drum or rotor. Corrosion around the brake caliper or wheel cylinder pistons can prevent them from moving freely. Damage to the piston bores can also cause the pistons to stick in their travel. The solution is to rebuild or replace the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. Corrosion If your car brakes locked up and now won’t move, you probably have severe rust affecting the braking components. Drum brakes can’t retract the shoes if all the parts are unable to move freely. This is less likely to happen with disc brakes, but in severe circumstances a brake rotor can rust badly enough to prevent it from passing through the brake pads. This is rare and usually only happens to vehicles that were parked for an excessive amount of time. Non-Functioning ABS Unit Almost every modern vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock brake system from the factory. So, what do anti-lock brakes do? Simply put, they prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. The anti-lock brakes unit is usually connected to the brake master cylinder. The ABS unit is a complicated component made up of a pump, valves and a control module. If any of these components malfunction, the overall unit will not operate correctly. A problem with the anti-locking brake system unit will almost always trigger the anti-lock brake system warning light on the dashboard. If the ABS light comes on, understand that your anti-lock brakes are probably no longer working and need checked immediately. You should never ignore an ABS problem. Worn Tires This seems obvious, but too many drivers ignore their tires as long as they are holding air. Take the time to check your tire tread depth on all four wheels. If the tread depth on a tire is less than 2/32”, the tire is worn out and needs replaced. A bald tire can’t grip a wet or icy road, making brake lockup a likely possibility. Tires also wear out due to age. Check the tire date code on the sidewall. If the tire is more than six years old, it is no longer able to perform at its peak. Rubber gets hard and cracks as it ages, which reduces its ability to grip the roads and thus in turn can lock up your brakes. How to Stop Brake Lockup The key to preventing your brakes locking up when driving is good maintenance. There’s more to maintaining your brake system than just replacing worn brake pads and shoes. Each braking assembly needs inspected on a routine basis along with getting cleaned and lubricated where necessary. Tires need inspected and replaced as necessary. Ask your local NAPA Auto Care for a brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is in top braking shape. A Brake Lockup Exception There is actually one scenario where brake locking is done on purpose. For those who drag race, there is a point where it is necessary to spin the drive tires while holding the entire vehicle in place. This is done using a brake line lock kit that allows for one pair of wheels to stop. The driver steps hard on the brakes, activating the line lock to hold brake pressure on the desired wheels, then lets off the brake pedal to allow the driven wheel to turn for a burnout. Once the burnout is over, the brake locks are deactivated and the brakes work as normal. Check out all the brake system products available on NAPAonline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA Auto Care locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on figuring out why your car brakes locked up, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Photo courtesy of Flickr. The post What Is Brake Lockup and How to Fix It appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

When in search of a new-to-you vehicle, consumers are largely left with two options: dealerships and private sellers. Both have pros and cons, but if you decide to skip the dealerships to find the best deal, there are a few steps you should be sure to take. Knowing how to buy a car from a private seller can reduce the overall cost of a used car purchase, but you have to do your due diligence. Here’s a few tips for how to buy a car from a private seller. Research With the right information, you’ll reduce the risk of being taken advantage of and be in a better spot to negotiate. Assuming you already know the type of vehicle you want, search available resources like Kelley Blue Book to get a handle on what that vehicle at different years and mileages is worth. Ask a seller a lot of questions, including the vehicle’s history, usage, maintenance, mileage, VIN, known issues and any accidents or repairs. Use the VIN to pull up a history report online from CARFAX or AutoCheck to ensure the title is not salvage, rebuilt, deemed a lemon or has any other substantial red flags such as existing liens. You can also run the VIN through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) for free to check for theft or salvage records. And if you need financing, get all that hammered out before heading into talks with a seller. How to Avoid Scams Be aware of a number of potential scams for potential car buyers. Do not place money in escrow at the seller’s behest. Do not purchase a vehicle without a title or a title that’s not in the name of the seller. Match the VIN number from the windshield tag and door sticker to the title. If a seller’s answers don’t match up to a vehicle history report, that’s a red flag. Private sellers selling multiple cars may actually be a dealership selling damaged products under the radar. Sellers should be willing to meet in person. Beware of identity theft. Ultimately, if you have a bad feeling, trust your gut and walk away. Protect Yourself If you like what you hear, meet in a public place in the daytime and bring a friend. Take a picture of the seller’s driver’s license and send it to another friend who knows where you are. Also, get a photo of their insurance information, and check that their ID matches the name exactly as it appears on the title and registration, checking to make sure there are no additional names, etc. If emissions inspections are required in your state, ask for proof that the vehicle has passed. Inspections Operational inspections should include a test drive and basic use items such as lights, horn, windows, locks, steering, brakes, air conditioning and heat, radio, infotainment, cruise control, and general performance at stop-and-go and highway speeds. Check tire wear for any signs of unevenness that might hint at suspension or alignment issues. Use your senses to check for unusual sounds, smells and visual cues that tell you something is off. Use a flashlight to look under the car for any rust or damage. Pull back the carpet at the edges to look for any signs of flood damage like silt or mold. Use a scan tool to run any codes from the OBD II port. All OBD systems should read ready, if not then the computer memory may have been recently wiped to hide a trouble code. You can also have your local NAPA Auto Care perform a pre-purchase inspection. If the seller balks at an professional inspection, walk away. Negotiations If all checks out, negotiate a fair price. Know that it will likely be higher than you want and lower than they want; that’s just the nature of negotiation. As a final precaution, make the purchase contingent on passing a pre-purchase inspection, which you can get at your local NAPA Auto Care location. Save this as the last step and be prepared to buy if the vehicle passes. Ensure the bill of sale and title transfer are accurately filled out, make sure you’re covered for insurance before you drive away and don’t forget to register the car in your name. Congratulations on your new-to-you vehicle! Now protect your new ride with a good set of floor mats and give it a unique look with custom accessories. Check out all the code reader and scanning products available on NAPAonline, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA Auto Care locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to buy a car from a private seller, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Photos courtesy of Blair Lampe. You Might Need These Floor Mats Flashlights Code Readers The post How to Buy a Car From a Private Seller appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

What Maintenance Does a Hybrid Car Need? While standard vehicles that rely only on combustion engines do suffer from more wear and tear under the hood due to high heat and intense vibrations, hybrid vehicles still require routine maintenance and repair. A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Hybrid vehicles can go anywhere without requiring a charge because they are started with a fuel injection to get the motor running. The electric motor in a hybrid vehicle reduces the work the vehicle must do, making fuel consumption minimal. Due to the advanced technology of regenerative braking, a hybrid car is designed to capture excess engine power to improve vehicle efficiency and mile per gallon (MPG). Hybrid owners benefit from less frequent brake part replacements because the regenerative braking system redirects the friction involved in stopping your vehicle. While the brake pads and brake rotors on a hybrid do not wear as quickly as standard combustion cars, it is still important to have them routinely inspected, cleaned and replaced when advised by a professional technician at a NAPA Auto Care Center. The maintenance needs of your hybrid vehicle still include tune-ups. Don’t skip out on those routine oil changes and fluid top-offs, as well as replacing windshield wipers, headlight bulbs and cabin air filters. A proper wheel alignment and tire rotation is still recommended each 5,000 miles or every six months for daily commuters in hybrid vehicles. During those service appointments, your technician should also check the condition of your belts and battery. You are possibly wondering about the cost to maintain a hybrid vehicle. The cost covers a large range because of factors like the type of hybrid you own and the advanced level of service required to work on a hybrid vehicle. Fortunately, NAPA is heavily investing in the certified training required for the next generation of mechanics to comprehensively perform your hybrid vehicle maintenance. NAPA is committed to keeping maintenance costs affordable for drivers while offering state-of-the-art vehicle parts, services and support. Different Hybrid Vehicles for Different Drivers The burning question remains: Do hybrid vehicles cost more to own? The good news is that most hybrid vehicles do not need any special maintenance. And the great news is that investments in the upkeep of a hybrid vehicle are often balanced by the savings at the gas pump, as well as the long intervals between routine servicing. Keep in mind, the replacement parts of a hybrid, from popular makers like Toyota and Lexus, can cost more at checkout due to their advanced functionality. As the future of car driving, ownership and maintenance moves toward all things electric, the experts at The NAPA Network are here to guide you as you debate if it’s worth making the switch to hybrid, a hybrid plugin or a fully electric vehicle. Remember, an EV draws all of its power solely from an electric battery system that needs charged regularly. For more information, checkout “Electric Car Battery Problems And Resolutions” on our NAPA Know How Blog. Another factor when gaging if a plug-in model will work for your lifestyle is determining if there are charging stations in your area, at home and at work or if you will take the leap by installing an at-home charging station in your garage. NAPA offers electrification installation services powered by Qmerit, which provides all of your home-garage EV charging station needs. Whether you are cost-saving or trying to save the planet, the evolving hybrid and EV market offers fascinating technological advances and fun ways to save money while still exercising your freedom to take on the open road. Remember, you can order all the hybrid replacement parts you need from NAPAOnline.com or visit a local NAPA Auto Care Center near you. Featured image courtesy of Pixabay. The post What Maintenance Does a Hybrid Car Need? appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Three Auto Repairs You Can Do at Home Many drivers avoid working on their own vehicles out of fear that they don’t have the expertise or the time. Some vehicle owners imagine a sizable garage full of tools is required for a standard repair. But investing yourself in an at-home vehicle repair is rewarding and can ultimately save you time and money in the long run. You don’t need a bunch of fancy tools or a big garage to complete routine maintenance. All you need is NAPA. The experts at NAPA Auto Parts can help you perform three straightforward vehicle repairs at home as part of your regular vehicle upkeep: replacing worn or dead spark plugs, rotating tires and changing your wiper blades. With the right tools and tips, adhering to a routine maintenance schedule prevents critical failures and expensive repairs plus keeps your ride on the road longer. Find Your Spark: How to Change Spark Plugs Replacing aging spark plugs is a critical part of vehicle maintenance as they are responsible for igniting the fuel that powers your engine. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing your spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so, depending on your year, make and model. If you notice your fuel efficiency decreasing or your vehicle is starting or idling rough, then it possibly time to replace your spark plugs. First, do your research. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the information you need about the kind of spark plugs required and where they are located. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and eye protection to avoid injury. Clear any debris from around the plug with a brush and small vacuum to ensure no particulates get into the engine through the plug hole. Then, remove the old plugs (always pull from the wire boot, never pull the wire itself). Once you remove the plug, inspect it carefully for blistering or an abundance of soot. This could indicate your fuel mixture is incorrect or there are deeper issues in the engine. Before you install the new plugs, refer to your owner’s manual for the proper spark plug gap measurement. Using a spark plug gap tool or a feeler gauge, set the gap by gently lifting or lowering the electrode to the proper width. When installing the new plugs, make sure not to use anti-seize on the threads. Check the manufacturer’s recommended torque specs and tighten the plugs with a socket and ratchet accordingly. Simply reinstall your plugs in the proper order and that’s it! You’re officially a home mechanic. A Good Rotation: How to Rotate Tires Rotating your vehicle’s tires is another important part of vehicle maintenance, but an easy one you can do at home. As you drive, the rubber composite of your tires naturally wears down. When you steer your car, the front and back wheels move differently, so the tires wear down at different rates. To extend the life of your tires and maintain proper alignment, you should rotate your tires at least once a year. If you live in a colder climate, consider rotating them twice a year. Before getting started, familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s drivetrain (Front Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, 4 Wheel Drive) and the kind of tires your vehicle uses (directional or non-directional). These factors affect the pattern in which you rotate your tires. Once you’ve established the rotation pattern that works for your vehicle, put on your gloves and goggles and get to wrenching. To perform a successful tire rotation, you’ll need a jack, jack stands and a lug nut wrench. Make sure your vehicle’s parking brake is engaged, then: Loosen the lug nuts on each wheel before lifting your vehicle Use the jack and jack stands to lift your vehicle Remove the tires and reinstall them according to your vehicle’s ideal rotational pattern Hand-tighten lug nuts, and you’re done No More Losing Streaks: How to Change Wiper Blades You may not consider your windshield wiper blades a very important part of your routine vehicle maintenance. It’s easy to forget that these essential components can wear down, and no one wants to get caught in a rainstorm with windshield wipers that can’t do the job. If your wipers are leaving behind streaks or jumping and squealing over the glass, it’s time to replace your wiper blades. Do your research and figure out the correct length of wiper blades for your vehicle. Using the incorrect blade size can put undue strain on the wiper arms and wiper motor, which could mean they wear out faster. Consider the climate you in which you live and the time of year you use your wipers the most. In the winter, make sure your windshield is always deiced before engaging your wipers. Avoid engaging your wipers in the summer without moisture present on the windshield. NAPA Auto Parts carries a vast range of replacement windshield wiper blades for hundreds of vehicles and any weather condition. Shop all the best brands: NAPA Exact Fit, Proformer, Rain-X, Bosch and many more. Once you have the correct blades for your vehicle, turn off the engine, then lift and secure the wiper arms. If your wiper arms are spring-loaded, lay a towel over your windshield while replacing the blades to avoid cracking your windshield if the arm springs back into place. Once replaced, test the wipers to make sure they work using a hose or your windshield washer function. While you’re replacing your wiper blades, check that the arms aren’t warped or cracked and clear out any leaves and debris that can collect in the air intake at the base of your windshield. While acting as your own mechanic is a great way to give a little love back to your ride, it’s not always easy to get under the hood yourself. Whether your baby is a premium SUV, a reliable sedan or a beloved old jalopy, you can always trust the ASE-certified technicians at your local NAPA Auto Care to get the job done right. Now, you can use our handy repair estimator tool so you can budget for a repair job and know what to expect before you bring in your vehicle. Featured image courtesy of Pixabay. The post Three Auto Repairs You Can Do at Home appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

This weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series kicked off its season with the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Chase Elliott qualified 30th on Saturday evening, putting him in the second heat race on Sunday afternoon. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion came up just short of advancing from his heat and started on the pole for the second of two last chance qualifiers. He led every lap on his way to the win, securing his spot in Sunday evening’s 150-lap main event. The Dawsonville, Georgia, native started the race from the 22nd position and was trying to work his way forward when he got caught up in a multi-car incident that brought out the caution on lap 23. Elliott’s No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet suffered damage to the nose, but he was able to remain on the track. After repairs made during the race’s halfway point, the Hendrick Motorsports driver continued to battle down to the last lap to ultimately earn a 21st-place finish. The NASCAR Cup Series kicked off the 2023 season with Sunday’s Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a non-points paying exhibition event. Elliott and the NAPA Auto Parts team had their work cut out for them after qualifying 30th on Saturday evening, but they were up for the task. The 27-year-old lined up eighth for the second heat race and finished sixth in the 25-lap event, forcing him into the second last chance qualifier. Elliott started the LCQ from the top spot and led every lap to advance into Sunday evening’s 150-lap main event. The Dawsonville, Georgia, native started the race from the 22nd position and was trying to work his way forward when he got caught up in a multi-car incident that brought out the caution on lap 23. Contact with another car caused damage to the nose of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, but Elliott was able to stay out on the track. The damage caused a tight handling condition, which the team worked to repair during the six-minute break at the midpoint of the race. Even with the repairs, his Chevrolet was too wounded to advance up inside the top-10 and Elliott ultimately ended the caution-filled race in the 21st position. Start / Finish: 22 / 21 Next Race: Sunday, February 19, Daytona International Speedway How to Watch or Listen: 2:00 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NAPA: @NAPARacing Chase Elliott: @ChaseElliott Hendrick Motorsports: @TeamHendrick No. 9 Team: @Hendrick9Team The post Elliott Battles to 21st-Place Finish after Early Incident in the Clash appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

What to Expect from Your Brake Service with NAPA Auto Care There are more than 285 million vehicles registered in the United States today. The average vehicle on the road is 12 years old. And, it is estimated that more than 51 million commuter vehicles are in need of brake service and repair. This is a concerning number considering antilock brakes are the most important safety system in a car, truck, van or SUV. That’s why the experts at NAPA recommend having your brakes inspected as often as twice a year for wear and damage. If a small issue is caught early, this routine maintenance can save you from a much more intense, costly repair. Depending on your make and model, the quality of your OEM parts, the climate in which you live and your driving habits, your brake pads should last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles. Additionally, you should have your brake fluid flushed and replaced every two to five years. Because these ranges are vast, NAPA recommends a routine brake inspection every 10,000 to 12,000 miles as part of your yearly vehicle maintenance. A leak in your brake system, often caused by contamination and corrosion, could dampen or even prevent your stopping power. The right amount of brake fluid is essential for the proper function of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. Replacement brake parts include the master cylinder and valves, which determine the pressure applied to both the front and rear brakes, brake pads that protect your expensive disc rotors and brake lines that carry critical fluid. More than 17,000 NAPA Auto Care centers nationwide are committed to diagnosing a wide range of automotive problems and fixing them right the first time. NAPA Auto Care centers are known for reliable service performed by ASE-certified technicians and specialist mechanics. This NAPA standard for trusted car and truck repair has grown for more than 80 years across these local, independently owned auto shops and collision centers. Our promise to NAPA customers is to perform high-quality diagnostic and repair services by installing superior NAPA branded parts and components. Check out NAPA’s free nationwide Two-Year/24,000 Mile Peace-of-Mind Warranty, which covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services across The NAPA Network. If You’ve Reached The Breaking Point, Head to NAPA There are many reasons why you need brake service. Powerful friction wears out even the best brake pads and intense heat can warp brake rotors. Air getting into a brake line is a common issue. Your local NAPA Auto Care center will measure the vehicle’s brake fluid level during a full-service oil change. But what if you are experiencing a noticeable problem, such as a squealing noise or a change in brake responsiveness? A standard brake inspection at a NAPA Auto Care center could include: Brake pad or brake shoe replacement Brake rotor resurfacing or brake drum turning Brake rotor or drum replacement Brake fluid flushing Brake line leak repair Brake light diagnosis Keep in mind, brake services are duplicated on both wheels of the same axle. Multiple systems in your vehicle are designed for the parts on both sides of your vehicle to operate in matching condition. After any inspection, the NAPA technician should thoroughly explain your vehicle’s condition. This includes documenting what problems are urgent and what repairs you can delay. If the damaged part no longer performs as designed, the repair is considered necessary. For instance, a cracked rotor requires replacement, so a less expensive ‘fix’ like a new brake pad is an unsafe repair in this case. A NAPA Auto Care service technician can also make recommendations that are not critical. This includes proactively replacing parts likely to fail in less than a year. Your trusted mechanic should also advise you on maintenance recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. And, an inspection might include improvements that you can make with an aftermarket part upgrade to enhance performance, such as installing NAPA’s Adaptive One Performance rotors. With NAPA, you are always in good hands. Still, it is always best practice to do a little research before arriving at any auto body shop. Use the NAPA Auto Care Repair Estimator to instantly find out what your auto repair or service should cost at a NAPA Auto Care center. This competitive pricing tool provides quick and easy cost estimates for the most common repairs. Image courtesy of Pixabay. The post What to Expect from Your Brake Service with NAPA Auto Care appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) has solidified its driver lineup for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series West season and will be led by Las Vegas, Nev., native Tanner Reif. The 17-year-old and two-time race winner in 2022 will drive the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet SS full-time to pursue BMR’s 12th championship. Cole Moore, who earned his first-career victory at All-American Speedway last season, returns to BMR for a partial schedule and will share the seat of the No. 19 Chevrolet SS with La Center, Washington’s Eric Johnson Jr. Reif delivered an impressive rookie campaign in 2022 by earning two victories at Irwindale Speedway and Evergreen Speedway en-route to a runner-up finish in the championship standings. The sophomore driver is positioned to build on his rookie season and extend BMR’s mark of 107 wins and 11 titles on the tour. “This is such a great opportunity for me to join BMR and the NAPA Auto Care team,” Reif said. “BMR has been the standard in the West Series for so many years, so to have this chance to join the team is exciting. Last season was great to get a couple wins and compete for a championship, and I know the potential is there to accomplish more this year.” “We’re excited to have Tanner join the NAPA Auto Care team after the season he put together last year and showing his talent,” team owner Bill McAnally said. “We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great young drivers be a part of our team in the ARCA Menards Series West that graduated on to the NASCAR national series, and I think Tanner has what it takes to compete for a championship this year and be a threat to win each week.” Moore finished the 2022 campaign third in the drivers’ championship standings thanks to a victory and an average finish of 7.1, which was tied for third-best in the series. He’ll chase an owners’ points championship along with Johnson Jr., a late model racer who served as a mechanic and spotter for the BMR team last season. “I’m excited to have Cole return after winning at Roseville last fall and provide an opportunity for Eric to get experience,” McAnally said. “Both of them are going to make a great combination to go after the owners’ points championship and hopefully this gives them a chance to continue their development together throughout the season.” The ARCA Menards Series West tour will kick off on Friday, March 10th at Phoenix Raceway. Stay connected with the BMR team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmr_nascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook. The post Tanner Reif to Pilot No. 16 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet in ARCA West Series appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

First, How to Prevent Frost on Car Windows We’ve all experienced it, when you’re already running late and you rush outside to find your vehicle’s windows completely encased in ice and frost. While you may think your plans are frozen solid, don’t panic. The experts at NAPA are here to help with an effective game plan to defrost your car windows and get you on your way! The best option to prevent a frosted or iced-over windshield before it starts is to park your vehicle in a garage. Obviously, this isn’t an option for everyone, so it’s a good idea to swing by your local NAPA Auto Parts and get a plan together before the cold weather starts. Pretreat your vehicle windows and windshield with a treatment like Prestone® Ice Fighter Treatment Ice & Frost Shield to help prevent heavy ice and frost buildup. This pretreatment uses hydrophobic compounds to create an invisible barrier between your windows and the cold winter air so that mild frost and ice cannot build up on them. When you park your vehicle in the evening, consider covering the windshield with a towel or tarp. You can use bungee cords or magnets to hold the tarp in place, which can help prevent moisture and eventually ice from collecting. Pause Before You Thaw In the mad rush to get their vehicles defrosted and get to work on time or make a flight, many panicked drivers have filled a bucket with hot water, tossed it over their windshield and immediately regretted it. Cold glass that is suddenly exposed to hot water will expand very quickly. In very cold climates, the windshield glass will quickly contract again. This radical temperature fluctuation puts stress on the glass and can cause chipping, cracking and may require a costly windshield replacement. Likewise, you should never dump hot water on icy doors and door handles. Modern vehicles contain a network of sensitive electronics and exposing these to hot water can mean a very pricey repair bill. You should also avoid attacking your frosted windows with anything besides a durable windshield scraper, especially anything metal. While it might help you take out some pent-up frustration, it can lead to cracking and may damage the seals on the outer edge of your windshield and windows, causing leaks. Best Way to Defrost Car Windows The best way to defrost your windows and windshield is easy. Remember that warm, dry air can hold more moisture than cold, moist air, so defrosting windows is all about dry air. Follow these three steps to getting back on the road with frost-free windows and avoid spending a fortune in repair costs this winter: Start your vehicle and turn the heat on High. The air won’t be warm at first, but as it warms, the circulating air will help collect moist air in the vehicle cabin. Turn on A/C and turn off the air recirculation. It may seem crazy, but using the coils in your vehicle’s A/C and pulling in cold, dry winter air from the outside results in dryer air in your cabin. Crack your windows. This helps get even more cold dry air circulating. Depending on the climate and your vehicle, using these three simple steps should help your windows defrost in 5–10 minutes. Resist the urge to turn on your windshield wipers until your windshield is defrosted. Using your wipers when frost is still on your windshield puts strain on the wiper arms and motor plus dulls the blades. Most importantly, remain patient and don’t drive with partially defrosted windows! Limited visibility means unsafe driving, so the wait is worth it. Sure, you might still run late, but at least you’re not risking an accident or a steep repair bill. You can also keep a can of windshield spray de-icer handy to help get your windows clear faster. Now you can save even more on all the great deals NAPA Auto Parts has to offer for safe driving this winter when you sign up for NAPA Rewards! Get 1 Point for every $1 you spend. When you reach 100 points, enjoy $5 off your next transaction. Best of all, there’s no card to carry; your NAPA Rewards membership is part of your NAPAonline account. Featured image courtesy of Pixabay. The post How to Defrost Car Windows Easily appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Is Customized WeatherTech Worth the Investment? For more than 30 years, WeatherTech has remained an industry staple for high-quality automotive carpet and interior protection. By designing, engineering and manufacturing all its products in the U.S., WeatherTech invests back into American communities by committing to fair labor, sustainability practices and quality assurance standards. The investment you make by shopping WeatherTech is one that directly affects skilled American employees and small businesses everywhere from the fibers used in your favorite floor mats to the equipment used to manufacture them. From the initial product conception to the point of delivery, WeatherTech employs local resources every step of the way. At NAPA, we prioritize the same level of manufacturing standards and performance quality when cultivating our product selections. That’s why we partner with WeatherTech and other quality-driven brands that refuse to cut corners. When it comes to customizing your vehicle’s interior, nothing speaks louder than thoughtful, functional design that focuses on the details. A Comprehensive System Made Just for You Vehicle customization isn’t just steering wheel covers and aftermarket tech upgrades; it’s the overall personality of your ride and how the enhancements fit together. While a lot of mainstream brands offer a ‘universal’ fitment for liners, mats and covers, this has the potential to leave uncovered cabin areas exposed to stains and spills. WeatherTech factors in the small contours in each year’s make and model to give you customized, vehicle-specific floor mats, floor liners, cargo liners, cargo holders, seat protectors and so much more. WeatherTech’s use of advanced laser technology allows for an extremely precise fitment to deliver maximum protection against damage, as well as a clean, seamless look. Whether you find yourself hitting the dirt roads, beach dunes or commuting from one jobsite to another, WeatherTech offers a range of products that give you customized cabin comfort and functionality. No Stress. No Mess. Shop NAPA Without well-fitted vehicle upholstery, lingering spills, dirt and pet dander will always find its way into the cracks and crevices of your ride. And if left untreated, it can get ugly. Even worse, an unseen spill that’s left to marinate in your carpet will lead to foul odors and unsightly stains that’ll have you scrubbing for hours with no end in sight. Guarding your cabin floors and seats against life’s inevitable messes means you get to hold onto the value of your investment for much longer. With something like a classic WeatherTech Cargo Liner, a nasty grocery spill won’t become a full-on disaster and a pet accident won’t ruin your entire day. Unlike the factory upholstery in your cargo area (or poor-quality covers that fade and stain), you can easily remove and wash WeatherTech liners with mild detergent and warm water to get them back to like-new status. Another way to customize your vehicle’s interior is by investing in a set of WeatherTech Seat Covers that you can slip right on and throw in the wash for a quick scrub. They’re a great add-on for those who let their backseat become a catch-all for cargo and work well as a barrier against over-excited furry pals who tracked mud and dirt into your ride. Check out how to Get the Most Out of New Seat Covers and Floor Mats for more tips on securing stylish and practical cabin protection. To keep your interior cabin cool in the sweltering summer months or your windshield frost-free in the winter, keep a WeatherTech sun shade within reach. Made to fit your exact vehicle, these easy-to-roll, heat-absorbing shades offer great coverage to regulate the interior temps of your ride. Remember, long exposure to intense heat can warp or fade your dashboard, so keep it safe with a TechShade. If a single shade isn’t enough for you, WeatherTech also offers a multi-set piece to protect side and rear windows. Beyond the best-in-class selection of floor mats and seat covers, WeatherTech can also help you customize the exterior of your ride with license plate covers, bumper steps, window deflectors, truck bed liners, mud flaps and more. Shop a wide selection of interior and exterior accessories for your car, truck, van or SUV on NAPAonline.com today and get Free One-Day Shipping on thousands of products! The post Is Customized WeatherTech Worth the Investment? appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Eight Popular Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life Shopping for gifts that will surprise and delight our loved ones can be difficult. If you are struggling to figure out what to buy this Valentine’s Day, read this expert guide on the Top Eight Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life. #1 Automotive accessories like the Betty Boop themed Seat Cover Chain Link High Back Bucket Plasticolor, with the matching Steering Wheel Cover Betty Boop Timeless Speed Grip steering wheel set and the Windshield Sun Shade Betty Boop Timeless, delivers a beautiful interior personalization boost for her. #2 If she is a country girl who loves nature, consider the Northern Frontier TrueTimber Camo Seat Covers or the Coverking Mossy Oak Camo Seat Covers. For a more traditional, warm aesthetic, go for the black and white Saddleman Saddle Blanket Seat Covers or the two-toned Coverking Saddle Blanket Seat Covers . #3 If your sweet ride is too tall for the lady in your life, consider installing a step rail, like the grip-enhanced Trident ToughTred 3″ Nerf Bars. Some running boards incorporate safety LEDs to illuminate the steps, like the AMP Research PowerStep XL Running Boards. #4 If your Valentine is a perfectionist, who prides herself in keeping the interior of her vehicle spotless, gift her with the WeatherTech DigitalFit Floor Liners. This popular aftermarket accessory will prevent her factory-installed carpet from being ruined and run down, providing a layer of protection that can be rinsed clean. #5 Do you and your partner love chasing after adventures together? Then use Valentine’s Day for an upgrade. NAPA bike racks are tailor-made to fit her vehicle make and model, and can be easily installed. Cargo carriers are handy for taking extra luggage on a trip, and are a welcome organizational accessory that she’ll adore. #6 If your Valentine is a dog lover, she will appreciate NAPA’s pet travel accessories! A pet barrier allows you to safely drive without your dog climbing all over you, and it is an excellent option for long-distance trips, short-distanced excursions and visits to the vet, especially if you have more than one dog. Seat protectors will make it easy to keep her car clean, which are washable and durably constructed in various colors. Canine covers allow animals to relax within your car, truck or SUV, and can be anchored using the included security straps. The waterproof polycotton blend is washable, resists scraps and snags, and is designed to breathe. #7 The Coverking Fashion Print Dash Cover comes in several feminine styles, and can all be paired with steering wheel covers that match for a stylish addition. Dash covers are an economical way to level up the look of any car, truck or SUV, and are a personalized gift for her. #8 If the woman in your life ever needs to be outside of the vehicle during an emergency or to fix a tire, then having wearable accessories on hand is essential. The MILWAUKEE TOOL M12 Women’s Heated AXIS Jacket Kit will keep her warm, and a Roadside Emergency Vehicle Kit will keep her safe. Combined, these products make a great gift bundle, and is a thoughtful way to improve her preparedness when on the road, far away from home. This Valentine’s Day, NAPAonline.com has the gifts you need to wow her. Let her know you’re thinking about her safety, and add some style to her ride. Remember, changing her oil is a great gift too! If you’re not ready to work on her vehicle yourself, take the vehicle to a local NAPA Auto Care Center near you. Photo courtesy of Unsplash. The post Eight Popular Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Some people have been asking, do electric cars work in cold weather? Absolutely they do! But winter driving doesn’t always mean a winter wonderland, sometimes it just means preparing for the cold. People have been driving electric cars in cold weather for years with little or no trouble other than potentially shorter battery range. Here’s a few tips about driving an electric car in winter. Preheat Before You Leave One advantage to plug-in electric cars in the winter is they can use grid power before you drive. It makes far more sense to prepare for your drive while connected to grid power than use up battery range. If your electric car has the option to preheat the cabin while connected to the charger take advantage of that feature. Vehicles like the Tesla Model S and Nissan LEAF can be toasty warm for your departure. Use seat heaters if so equipped as they are more efficient at warming the occupants directly. Once you are on the way it will take far less power to maintain a comfortable cabin than if you had started cold leaving you parking spot. Use The Right Tires If you live in an area where winter tires are recommended, by all means use them. Snow tires are able to stay pliable in low temperatures and typically feature a special tread design that helps grip the wintery roads. While it is common for electric vehicles to use special low rolling resistance tires, during the winter months you want all the grip you can get. Luckily with the growing popularity of electric vehicles there are now specific winter tires made for EVs. These EV winter tires are designed specifically to address the needs of an electric car by balancing low rolling resistance while still offering winter weather traction. Just make sure to change into winter tires before the weather shifts. Drive Easy If your warm driving style is already easy going to maximize battery range, driving an electric car in cold weather will be an easy transition. The roads will likely be slippery so easing into acceleration and braking will help keep things under control. Keep in mind that most electric vehicles are fairly heavy, so there is a lot of momentum built up even under normal driving. Loads of low-end torque make for spirited driving in warmer months, but you will need to dial back the accelerator pedal in slippery conditions. If your vehicle has “ECO” mode, use it. You may have a winter/snow driving mode as well so check your owner’s manual. Turn Off Regenerative Braking As amazing as regenerative braking is at recouping energy and extending driving range, it can also cause problems on slippery roads. Normally when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator pedal the regenerative braking system kicks in to help slow the vehicle. This is great in dry weather, but the braking action that recovers electricity can cause the wheel to lose grip on slick roads making for erratic handling. People driving electric cars in winter conditions need to pay attention to the road surface. If the road conditions are slippery, it is best to turn off your regenerative braking system and go back to using your trusty brake pedal. Your Range May Vary Depending on your vehicle, electric car battery life in cold weather will vary. If you have an older electric vehicle with less than 100 miles of range you will need to be as sparing with power as you can. Things like headlights, wipers, radio, seat heaters, battery heaters, fans, even power steering all take previous battery power. On the flip side, if your vehicle’s range is in the hundreds of miles and your trips around town are short, there’s no reason to skimp on the power. Of course this assumes you will recharge once you are done driving for the day. Plan For An Emergency This tip applies to everyone on the road, but in an electric vehicle your winter emergency kit should include a portable 110v charger if you have one. Sure it is the slowest way to recharge, but it beats no charge at all if you are stuck at a friend’s house. Check out all the EV-related products available on NAPAonline, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA Auto Care locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on taking care of an electric car battery in cold weather and learning more about electric cars in winter driving, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. The post Electric Vehicle Winter Driving Tips appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

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Winter is here and it came with a vengeance. The relentless march of snow falling means snow removal. Whether you are just shoveling your sidewalk, firing up your snow blower, or hopping in the cab of your snow plow, NAPA has everything you need to keep your snow removal equipment in top shape for the fight against old man winter. Snow Shovels When it comes to clearing snow the classic snow shovel is still a must-have tool. There’s a reason why the image in most people’s heads when they hear “snow shovel” is one of the best shovels for snow. The wide blade can clear a large area so you can take bigger bites in a single scoop. The flat lip scrapes down to solid driveways and sidewalks for complete snow removal. There’s nothing wrong with using the same snow shovel your parents used (it is still the best snow shovel in most cases), but there are also a few more options on the market. Different types of shovel handles can make lifting a load of snow easier. There are wheeled snow shovels that help take the strain off your back (including a snow shovel on a wheel design). There are even snow plow shovels that look like a small version of the snow plow for truck use for the streets. Just remember to dress warmly with a good pair of gloves and take breaks often when shoveling. Snow Blowers Snow blowers and snow throwers are a basic necessity in some parts of the world. They can move snow faster than a shovel and with relatively less effort. But are they the same thing? What about sno blowers vs snow throwers? It comes down to the mechanical design of the snow moving parts. Here’s a breakdown of the different machine types. Single Stage Snow Thrower A single stage snow thrower is great for moving light snow. It has a single mechanism that both picks up the snow and throws it through the discharge chute. These are going to be your lighter duty electric snow blowers, cordless snow blowers Two Stage Snow Blower When the snow passes the 6” deep mark it is time to step up to a two stage snow blower. The first stage auger collects snow and passes it to the second stage impeller which blows it out of the discharge chute. These can be traditional gas powered snow blowers but advancements in batteries have seen a rise in cordless electric snow blowers that can clear a driveway with no issues. Three Stage Snow Blower When the snow starts nearing the 2’ deep mark it is time to fire up a three stage snow blower. These beasts have the same mechanisms as their two stage cousins, but another accelerator auger is added which greatly increases the volume of snow that can be removed. These snow eaters can blow snow across a yard and out of the way like a champ. Regardless of which kind of snow blower you pick, there is maintenance to be done. Much like a snow plow the scraper blade needs to be checked and replaced when it gets worn down. Rubber paddles also wear down need to be replaced to maintain peak snow moving capabilities. Snow Plows Now we are talking about moving some serious snow. You can attach snow plows to pretty much any vehicle that has enough power to push snow. There are small snow plows that attach to lawn tractors, ATVs, and UTVs. Moving up are lighter duty but wider residential snow plows that mount on mid-size trucks and SUVs, perfect for clearing driveways. Some of these snow plows for pickup trucks and SUVs can even be switched from front to rear of the vehicle. But when you need to clear the company parking lot nothing can compete with the designs of commercial snow plows when coupled with a heavy pickup truck Regardless of what kind of vehicle you press into plowing snow, it is going to need a full pre-season service before everything turns into a winter wonderland. All belts need to be checked, fluids changed, filters changed, driveline inspected, and a full check of the entire suspension front and rear. A snow plow puts a lot of weight and stress on a vehicle so it is worth giving your vehicle a full check. Your headlights are great for driving, but a set of extra snow plow lights will help you see the task at hand a lot better. Don’t forget to check the plow wear bar and replace it whenever it starts getting short. Remember, the plow wear bar keeps your main plow blade from wearing down so don’t forget about it. Give the snow plow hydraulics system a good check including the pump, hoses, cylinder, and cab controls. While you are inspecting the plow double check all the mounting hardware to make sure it is tightened to specifications. Battling snow this winter doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With the right planning and right tools you can enjoy clear sidewalks and clear parking spots. Just make sure to keep up with the snowfall so it doesn’t turn into an impossible mountain to move later. Check out all the snow plow parts available on NAPAonline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA Auto Care locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on finding the best snow blowers of simply narrowing down the best shovels for snow in your area , chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Photo courtesy of Pexels. The post Depend on NAPA for Your Blizzard Battling Fleet appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For That Car Guy In Your Life If you’re searching for what to get him for Valentine’s Day, NAPA has you covered. Car lovers take pride in their vehicles, so now is the perfect time to show the special person in your life that same care. From personalized interior accessories to branded memorabilia for the garage, NAPAOnline has all the upgrades, performance parts and quality tools for your DIY Valentine. That special mechanic or technician in your life needs a way to keep their hands clean and ready for date night with safe cleaning solutions like the Fast Orange Pumice Cream Hand Cleaner. Pair this with quick-grab wipes for small jobs and the matching lotion to keep their hands from cracking. Grease Monkey Gloves will protect his hands while doing hard jobs, and the Nitrile Powder Free Gloves protect him from potentially hazardous and harmful chemicals on-the-go. Add a space heater to his garage work area, so that he stays toasty and comfortable, especially in the cold winter and early spring mornings. Remember to shop NAPA’s giant selection of popular, long-lasting floor mats and cargo liners. The options are endless, with carpet floor mats and all-weather protection. WeatherTech will create the ultimate shield for his vehicle’s interior, with a sturdy, customized fit that incorporates deep channels to trap liquids. WeatherTech is proudly made in the U.S. and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Explore how a good fabric guard and carpet stain remover can work together to keep the interior of his prized pickup or sporty roadster looking and smelling fresh. Industrial strength carwash cleaner is the perfect prime and shine solution for creating a blemish-free finish on his work truck or off-road Jeep. Lighting accessories are a straightforward way to his heart, and these aftermarket upgrades are a great way to be noticed on the road. NAPA offers several high-end headlight and tail light customization products, including replacement parts for when your OM parts fail, like replacing a pilot light. If you’ve noticed that his headlights are a little dim, grab a headlight respiration kit for a DIY fix designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of headlights, polishing them back to their original shine. The system cleans away yellow stains and clears buffs, scratches and smudges. Adding new light bulbs can be all he needs to cut through the fog, especially with the NAPA NightVision Brilliant 9005 Headlight / Fog Light. A Hi-Performance Strobe Light Kit can light the vehicle’s interior and exterior; this stylish gift can even be used inside your home. The MILWAUKEE TOOL M12 Underbody Light Kit is a fun and useful lighting machine that simply stows away when not in use. It offers advanced optics and rotational points for lighting any vehicle’s undercarriage in a home garage. A Roadside Emergency Vehicle Kit will keep him safe on the road. If he has to exit his vehicle, be sure he has a heated hoodie to fare the wind and cold. The compact electric tire inflator or digital tire inflator will add even more equipment to his growing emergency supplies. The Mech Toolbox by Craftsman takes care of his organization, fitting 230 pieces into a durable toolbox, while the MILWAUKEE TOOL M18 Compact Blower is a fun way to keep him excited about chores. And the cordless jigsaw hand tool offers a higher blade speed than corded jigsaws for a clean, more controlled cut. Share your love by ordering from NAPAOnline.com today for that special man in your life. Take advantage of Free One-Day Shipping, and don’t forget to browse our selection of Monthly Deals, Limited-Time Offers and Clearance Sales. Photo courtesy of Unsplash. The post Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For That Car Guy In Your Life appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Troubleshooting With NAPA: Why Is My Car Heater Blowing Cold Air? It’s easy to take modern conveniences for granted. An electric coffee pot brewing while you step out of the room. A garage door that opens with the click of a button. Heated air pumping out of the vents into your vehicle on a cold winter’s morning. But what would you do if those conveniences just stop working? Specifically, how do you fix a car heater that is blowing cold air? Before you panic, let’s double check the obvious. Is your vehicle warmed up enough from a cold start to push out heated air? For your car heater to function properly, the temperature gauge on your dash (which measures the heat around your engine) should read in the middle, not in the blue cold zone or the red hot zone. If you’re too impatient to wait for your vehicle to run long enough to push out hot air before hitting the road, our experts suggest installing a remote starter to give yourself some extra time. Next, let’s check the settings of your internal cabin temperature controls. Has your automatic climate control system set itself to defrost only for the first few minutes? Are the vents on your dashboard open and angled properly to disperse a strong current of air? If those quick checks were the problem, we promise, we won’t tell anyone. However, if you still haven’t found the answer to ‘why is my heater blowing cold air into my car,’ the next step is to lift the hood to remove any possible obstructions, like leaves and debris, that might be blocking the cold air intake system. Airflow backup could also be caused by a dirty, clogged cabin air filter. A high-quality NAPA Cabin Air Filter keeps the air inside your vehicle clean, while also trapping dust and dirt before it enters your heater core and evaporator. Locate your air filter, and remove it for inspection. If the pleats are clogged with debris, it’s due for a change. As part of a maintenance routine, replace your cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Another easy solution to solving a car heater problem is topping off the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, not only will heat not reach your heater core, but the built-up heat not being transmitted properly by coolant could damage your engine. If your coolant level is low, top it off. Be aware, it is critical that you also check for signs of damaged hoses or loose connections that could be leaking. Another common problem that causes a car heater to pump out cold air is if the control valves in the thermostat are stuck open or closed. A thermostat is a temperature regulator in the form of a valve, situated between the engine coolant outlet and the radiator inlet. If possible, fix the stuck valves, or follow these tips for a full thermostat replacement. The Fix Is In, And It Won’t Be Pretty Any quick fix for no heat in a car was mentioned above. If you are still experiencing car heating problems, it is likely a more costly and time-consuming solution. Let’s start with the fan, often called the blower. You should hear the fan running if your heater is turned on, especially full blast. It is possible debris has been lodged or wrapped around the fan, which would cause a tapping noise or popping sound. If the airflow is weak coming out of your HVAC system, then it is likely a blown blower motor. When you turn on your interior heat, a fan behind the core starts up and blows heat into the passenger compartment. If there is no air current, the solution could be as simple as replacing a fuse or as complicated as replacing the fan itself. If your heater is blowing cold air, the fan motor might be working, but the water pump, actuator or heater core could be failing. A car heater not working could be due to the vital role the water pump performs. The water pump is typically driven by the accessory drive belt, serpentine belt or timing belt. A worn-out belt can prevent your water pump from operating at peak efficiency. A slow leak from your water pump will cause residue to build up around the pump. Look for coolant trails leading down from the pump or a gunky deposit around the outside. Still car heater troubleshooting? Actuators are critical to controlling heat, the A/C and even defrost. Knocking, clicking and fluctuating air flow could point to a bad actuator, or two. Cold air output could be an issue if either of the hoses connected to your heater core have become loose. One hose is tasked with transporting hot coolant from the water pump to the heater core. The second hose returns the coolant to the top of the engine. Worst case scenario, if the area inside your vehicle, underneath the dash, is damp from a continuous leak, it is highly likely your heater core needs replaced. Most drivers are not equipped to fix a car heater blowing cold air. Just to diagnose the problem can require a jack, jack stand and many, many hand tools. The solution, even if simple, could involve specialty hoses, connections and clamps. To replace an entire heater core entails removing several components to get behind the firewall, or even removing the entire dash inside your cabin. Newer model vehicles, packed with sensitive electronics, make things even more challenging. When in doubt, take your vehicle to a local NAPA AutoCare Center near you. Photo courtesy of Unsplash. The post Troubleshooting With NAPA: Why Is My Car Heater Blowing Cold Air? appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Mooresville, NC (January 18, 2023) – Kasey Kahne Racing (KKR) and NAPA announced today that they have agreed to a multi-year contract extension. Brad Sweet will continue to pilot the team’s No.49 machine as he has been the primary driver since 2017 when the partnership began. “We have had a blast teaming up with NAPA on the 49 and are thrilled to have the opportunity to keep winning with them. NAPA is a great partner, and it’s so fun to see how many store owners and employees join us at the track throughout the year,” said Kasey Kahne, president of Kasey Kahne Racing. The partial partnership began in 2017 when Sweet claimed 2nd in the World of Outlaws Series point standings. Concluding the 2017 season, NAPA elevated their role to become the primary sponsor of the No.49, which has since won several of the most prestigious sprint car racing events, the 2018 Knoxville Nationals, 2019 King’s Royal & the 2019 Jackson Nationals. Sweet and the NAPA No.49 team are looking to Drive for Five consecutive championships in 2023! The new season will kick off Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida. “I’m excited to continue our partnership with NAPA. We’ve won four championships and countless races together. I’ve met so many great NAPA store owners and employees along the way and am excited to continue representing the NAPA family across the country,” said Brad Sweet, driver of the 49. About KKR Kasey Kahne Racing, located in Mooresville, NC, was formed in 2005 and employs more than ten people dedicated to sprint car racing. The organization fields two entries in the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series; Brad Sweet (No.49) and former NASCAR Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne (No.9). In 2013, KKR’s Great Clips No.9, driven by Daryn Pittman, won their first World of Outlaws Series Championship while earning the Kasey Kahne Racing organization their first title as well. Brad Sweet joined KKR in 2012 and has since then won four consecutive World of Outlaws Series Championships along with a list of historic event wins. About NAPA Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 17,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with more than 700,000 available parts, accessories, and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com. The post Kasey Kahne Racing and NAPA Auto Parts Ink Multi-Year Contract Extension appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

You’ve Got the Power to Clear the Powder Installing a snow plow on your truck is a great way to get inches or even feet of snow cleared out of your way when you need without waiting around for a municipal or private service to arrive. People who live in snowier parts of the country know that the saying is correct: “If you want something done, do it yourself!” It’s especially beneficial for those who live in rural areas or may need a clear route in an emergency. Many truck owners with added-on aftermarket snow plows also choose to offer their services to neighbors or set up small businesses during wintertime. Let’s face it, many truck, SUV and Jeep owners forego installing and operating personal snow plowing equipment because of the risk to their vehicles. But most of those snow-laden horror stories usually originate from poor maintenance and improper installation. Fortunately, the experts at NAPA Auto Parts have all the right snowplowing tools and equipment, tips for first-time snow plow drivers and techniques for snowplowing to ensure your rig can handle the next big blizzard or nor’easter. How to Use a Snow Plow on a Truck Before getting your rig out in the downy flakes, it’s important to consider a few things: How much snow will you plow and where? Will you install the plow mechanism only once or twice every winter? Will you focus on a driveway or will you clear larger areas? What kind of terrain will you clear? Roads? Fields? Answering these questions can help you determine the type of plow to install: a for light-duty snow clearing, a v-plow for breaching large drifts and depositing snow on either side or a box plow for moving large amounts of snow. Once you find the right plow, you need to install it correctly. Carefully study your vehicle owner’s manual, as well as the manual for the plow, so you know the right tools to use and what precautions to take. Get familiar! Study the terrain prior to a snow event and never plow unfamiliar terrain. Hidden boulders, ditches, stumps and retaining ponds can spell disaster for a truck, so make sure you know where you’re going and what’s below the snow. To minimize the chances of engine trouble while you’re plowing, set aside some time to do a full tune-up on your rig before you start. Check your tire pressure and fluid levels, change the oil and the oil filter. Replace any headlights or taillights that are dim or out completely. Replace wiper blades if they are worn and consider upgrading to a model that’s suited for winter use like the Bosch ICON or TRICO Ice Beam. Transmission issues are common problems that can arise from plowing with a truck, but you can avoid undue stress to your gearbox by doing your research and adhering to a mindful maintenance schedule during the winter months. Check your transmission fluid frequently. Smell it for a burning odor that could indicate overheating. Consider installing a transmission temperature gauge and pause plowing if the temperature goes above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Putting Safety First Comes with Rewards Winter driving can get risky, especially when you’re plowing with your truck, SUV or Jeep, so make sure you are prepared for any possible emergency situations. Along with keeping your truck stocked with a good winter roadside emergency kit, keep a travel blanket, hand warmers, foot warmers, energy bars and bottled water in case you become stranded overnight. Retrieval equipment like traction tracks, reinforced tow straps and can come in handy in case you come across a stranded driver. Visibility on the road is always important, but the bleak, dim days of winter make visibility crucial. Equip your rig with a fully-functional lighting kit for snow plowing before you begin so that everyone else on the road can see you and you can see them. From windblown drifts to a few inches in the driveway, let NAPA Auto Parts help you prepare for the powder this winter! We also offer a great selection of smaller plowing options if you want to plow with something other than your pickup. Turn your UTV, ATV or even your into a small plow so you can leave your ride in the garage. Start reeling in the points when you join the NAPA Rewards program this winter—sign up now and get $5 automatically! Featured image courtesy of Pixabay. The post How to Use a Snow Plow Without Damaging Your Truck appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Why Do Car Batteries Die in the Cold? It happens every year: the days get shorter, the nights get longer and we bundle up and prepare for the long, cold months ahead. When it comes to automotive issues, winter is sometimes an especially challenging time. When the mercury drops, it can wreak havoc on the complex systems and parts under the hood of your vehicle. If you drive a car, truck or SUV with a traditional internal combustion engine, the battery in your ride is particularly vulnerable in lower temperatures. Most vehicle batteries are 12-volts, and they consist of six cells. Each cell houses two plates—one made of lead, the other of lead dioxide. The plates are submerged in sulfuric acid, which acts as a catalyst, causing a chemical reaction between the plates producing about two volts of energy per cell. With six cells, you get twelve volts of power. Your battery may start acting up when the temperature drops, so check out these cold weather car battery care tips. The chemicals inside the battery move slower at lower temperatures, putting stress on the battery and making it difficult to provide sufficient starting power to your vehicle. If you park your vehicle outdoors, you may notice a significant decrease in battery power if the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if your battery is older than three years and you don’t plan on starting your vehicle for several days or weeks at a time. Let’s face it: vehicle batteries are expensive, and the added stress of cold temperatures can shorten their lifespan. To prolong battery life and save cash, it’s a good idea to invest in a battery tender or trickle charger or disconnect and safely store your vehicle battery indoors. Car battery winter storage is also a great way to maintain the units of your favorite outdoor toys, such as boats, ATVs or UTVs. Let the experts at the NAPA Network help you save money and get the most out of your vehicle battery by safely disconnecting and storing it this winter. Disconnecting a Car Battery for Storage So, you decided to disconnect your car battery for storage this winter. Great idea! Troubleshooting battery problems in cold weather is a headache, but it can also lessen the overall life of your battery, costing you a lot of money in the long run. If you park your vehicle outdoors or in a garage with minimal insulation, it’s a good idea to remove and store the vehicle battery if you don’t plan on driving it more than once every two weeks during the winter. First, you need to safely disconnect your vehicle’s battery. Before you begin, make sure you’re using safety goggles and insulated gloves. You’ll also need a wrench that fits the bolts of your battery—your owner’s manual should have this information available. Turn off your vehicle. Never attempt to disconnect your battery with the engine running. With the engine off, locate the terminals of your vehicle battery. They may have black and red caps on them, black for negative and red for positive. The negative terminal is labeled with a negative symbol and the positive terminal is labeled with a positive symbol. Remove the plastic caps and locate the negative terminal. Using the wrench, loosen the nut and bolt, then remove the connector cable from the terminal. Repeat this process with the positive terminal. Now you’re ready to safely remove and store your battery! Car Battery Storage for Winter The battery is a vital component of your vehicle, but it is also sometimes a volatile one. The chemicals that provide the crucial reaction that powers your vehicle and its systems are extremely caustic and dangerous. Neglecting proper car battery storage for winter can cause significant damage to your battery and anything nearby, so let NAPA Auto Parts help you plan for properly storing your battery. Before you store it, take the time to carefully clean any corrosion off the battery terminals and out of the battery tray. Ideally, you should store your battery indoors in a dry, temperature-controlled area like a closet or utility pantry. Always store your battery in a battery storage box and keep it on a low shelf above the cold cement floors or carpets to avoid static discharges. If you’re storing your battery in an area with minimal temperature control like a garage or shed, equip the space with sturdy shelving to ensure the battery storage box stays level and away from any moisture that might collect on the ground. Never store a vehicle battery on a high shelf above your head. Make sure to routinely check the batteries while in storage to ensure no fluids are leaking and top off any fluids that have evaporated. While some drivers want to disconnect and store their vehicle batteries, others may not have the time or a good space to store them. Fortunately, NAPA Auto Parts offers a great selection of battery maintainers, battery conditioners and trickle chargers. These low-profile devices not only charge and maintain your vehicle battery while not in use, but they also help break down any buildup of sulfur crystals on the plates. Don’t let Old Man Winter’s plummeting temperatures send your battery to an early grave! Shop NAPA Auto Parts for car battery winter storage solutions. Now you can choose to stay out of the cold and take advantage of our Same-Day Delivery service. After you checkout online, select “Deliver From Store” and add your delivery address (must reside within 5 miles of the servicing NAPA Store). The store will notify you when your order is out for delivery, it’s that simple! Photo courtesy of Unsplash. The post How to Store a Car Battery for Winter appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Tread Carefully! It’s a Slippery Slope If you live in an icy climate, you know the danger that comes with venturing onto roads layered with snow and sleet. Any slippery surface like that requires superior traction to maintain a sense of control. Without proper handling of your vehicle, you’re raising the risk of an accident, getting stranded and ruining the underbelly of your vehicle. That’s why it’s always important to have a winter emergency kit. No matter if you feel confident trekking snowy terrain, loss of tire traction can result from a lot of things, including worn tires, hurried acceleration and climbing steep hills that cause wheels to spin. Even in climates where it isn’t the norm, having the right gear to handle those one-off snow days is critical! That’s when tire snow chains come in handy. Rather than investing in costly snow tires for your vehicle, tire chains are a budget-friendly solution that improves the grip your tires have on ice and snow. These are chain systems help dig into packed snow and icy surfaces with spiked grip, improving the traction of your vehicle so you aren’t prone to skidding. Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution Before you get started, you’ll want to know the right kind and amount of snow tire chains needed for your specific vehicle. It’s also important to check the legal restrictions of tire chain use as some states don’t allow them. Clearance heights and material restrictions also apply to certain vehicles. If you need a refresher on your specific needs, check your owner’s manual for details. Once you’ve read up on OEM requirements and sizing, the next step is to look for chains that fit your application. For example, if you’re dealing with more icy conditions than snow, you want to look for chains that feature spiked ends, studs or “icebreakers” that can properly grip the slick surface. There are also deep snow chains designed with large, square links that are a bit more rounded, giving you a smoother ride over packed snow. You should also know chains aren’t the only option out there, but they work well for moderately snowy climates. There are also tire control cables, which are long pieces of metal cables wrapped in plastic that are ideal for occasional use. They’re typically cheaper, easier to install and allow for higher speeds, but they’re not as durable as chains. We outline the differences in Snow Chains vs Cables: Which is Right for You? so can narrow down the options for a better lifestyle fit. Survive Snowpocalypse with NAPA For most snow drivers, chains are the happy medium. However, installing chains and pulling them apart is a process you’ll have to familiarize yourself with before you can use them without damaging your vehicle or road. You’ll need to drive slower than usual and always make sure to pull over and remove the chains when not directly driving over packed snow or ice. Using snow chains over bare pavement or gravel can result in serious damage to your tires and the road itself. For a more in-depth look into how you should incorporate tire chains into your gear collection, check out Chains for Tires 101: When Should You Use Tire Chains for Cars? Depending on your vehicle’s build and the amount of snow you’re dealing with on a regular basis, your best tool for combatting snow chaos might look different than that of your neighbor. What’s most important is that you stay prepared for the days when you can’t stay indoors and hide from the blistering cold weather. Using traction-enhancing devices to stabilize your vehicle is the key to calm, collected snow driving. Let the friendly NAPA folks help you choose the best tire chains for snow or ice by shopping our selection of winter accessories. If you still aren’t sure of the right fit, stop by your local NAPA Auto Parts to get expert guidance on vehicle-specific parts, tools and more. Photo courtesy of Pexels. The post Why You Need Snow Chains This Winter appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Catalytic Converter Theft Statistics According to data compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), reported catalytic converter thefts jumped from 1,298 in 2018 to 14,433 in 2020. And this trend is still gaining speed. In the first half of 2022, the automotive insurance provider State Farm received more than 23,000 catalytic converter theft claims. This national crime spree has drawn the attention of local law enforcement, as well as federal investigations. In November 2022, the U.S. Justice Department released information on the bust of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converters theft network. Arrests, searches and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina and Virginia. California accounts for nearly 25% of insurance claims for theft of catalytic converters followed by Texas with nearly 14% of claims. Approximately 1,600 catalytic converters are reportedly stolen in California each month. However, vehicle owners across the country must prepare ahead of time to prevent catalytic converters from getting stolen. On December 9, 2022, the Glenwood Police Department busted a ‘chop shop’ in a suburb south of Chicago. They seized 128 stolen catalytic converters worth approximately $54,000. In the stash were several reciprocating saws, which are used by thieves to detach a catalytic converter in less than a minute. Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft To prevent catalytic converter theft, crime experts recommend parking your vehicle inside a secure garage or in a well-lit area. But that isn’t always possible, especially for work vehicles. Sure, an alarm system might help deter someone from quietly breaking into your vehicle for valuables, but a criminal ring willing to operate an electric reciprocating saw at night in a suburban neighborhood is most likely not scared away by an annoying alarm. Because fleet vehicles like cargo vans and heavy-duty pickup trucks sit higher, they are often the target of catalytic converter theft. However, reports show that standard commuter hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX and Honda Jazz, have the highest number of cases of catalytic converters getting stolen. Fortunately, The NAPA Network is here to help with catalytic converter theft prevention. Best Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device A catalytic converter is a metal device designed to reduce harmful emissions and gases, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and other air pollutants. On a standard combustion engine, this required part converts toxic fumes into safe gases through a chemical reaction. On the inside, catalytic converters are lined with tiny pores that are coated with platinum, rhodium or palladium. These precious metals are what makes a premium catalytic converter worth more than $1,000 on the black market at junk yards. For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. Built from heavy-duty metal wire, the cage of your CatClamp is unbreakable by design. Choose either the Standard Model with a 1-Year Warranty or the Stainless Steel MAXX Model with a Lifetime Warranty. Both versions are manufactured in the United States. This easy-to-install catalytic converter theft deterrent product fits almost any gas-powered vehicle, including RVs. The durable metal rope can loop around your converter in as many as eight different points. Keep in mind, your CatClamp cables must route through a permanent (non-moving) component of your vehicle. While this catalytic converter anti-theft device can cost a couple hundred dollars, installing a replacement catalytic converter can cost thousands of dollars between the purchase of the part and the professional labor required. Signs of a Stolen Catalytic Converter Signs that your catalytic converter was stolen include a loud noise coming from your open exhaust, sluggish acceleration, dark smoke expelling from your tailpipe or the smell of rotten eggs coming from underneath your vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, investigate further. Driving a vehicle without a catalytic converter is illegal, unless the age of your vehicle makes it exempt. Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle will not pass the required annual emission test. Operating a vehicle with no catalytic converter also means hot, dangerous gas is released under your car, which heats up sensitive components and exposes passengers to carbon monoxide. That’s why many car owners place an anti-theft device for catalytic converters on each of their gas-powered vehicles. Keep in mind, all-electric vehicles, which consume no gasoline or diesel and plug into electric sockets to replenish their batteries, are the only vehicles on the road today that do not have and do not need a catalytic converter. But for all other vehicles, including standard hybrids and plug-in hybrids, NAPA is your one-stop-shop for all the exhaust replacement parts you need, as well as upgrades to your fuel and emission systems. Photo courtesy of Flickr. The post How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Before It Starts appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

A dead battery is never a good way to start the day. Maybe the cold weather got to your weak battery, or maybe an interior light was left on overnight. Regardless of what caused it, the dead battery doesn’t have enough juice to start the engine and something needs to be done. You can reach for a pair of jumper cables, but a car battery jump starter may be more convenient. Let’s take a look at what makes a car jump start battery pack worthy of a spot in your trunk, and how to jump starter a dead battery using one. What Is a Car Battery Booster Pack? In its simplest form a battery booster pack (sometimes called a jump starter) is a portable power source with sufficient electrical capability to start a car, truck, or SUV engine. There’s really no difference in booster pack vs jump starter when it comes to the name. Most commonly these units contain an internal jump starter battery connected to a pair of cables with alligator clamps. Just like a normal jumper cables there is a positive and a negative connection. Battery booster packs usually have a 12-volt sealed lead acid (SLA) battery inside, but advancements in technology have led to smaller lightweight units that use capacitors for their power source. A traditional SLA powered booster pack weighs several pounds and takes up almost as much room as a car battery, while the newer capacitor booster packs can fit in a glovebox or console. When To Use a Booster Pack Any time when you would normally use a pair of jumper cables you can use a battery pack jump start. But there are certain situations when a car battery jump start pack shines. The most obvious example is when there is simply no other vehicle around to supply a jumper cable boost. Jumper cables require a second car and if one isn’t around, they are basically useless. This can be true in a home driveway or off in the wilds on an off road adventure. Another handy use is when the dead vehicle is stuck in a parking spot that can be accessed by another vehicle. Maybe the dead vehicle is pulled into a single car garage or stuck in an awkward spot in the parking deck. Yes there are jumper cables available with extra long wires, but those aren’t nearly as common as the shorter versions. Having a portable booster pack means you only need to access the dead battery to get back on the road. How To Boost a Car Battery The best thing about a portable battery jump starter is ease of use. First off you should read the directions on your booster back before you attempt to jump start a car battery with it. This will help you get familiar with its operation in case it has any special steps. Here is a generic dead battery jump start procedure for most booster packs: Turn off all electrical accessories (light, radio, fan, etc.). Locate the battery. Uncover the battery terminals (the positive terminal is usually shielded). Attach the positive and the negative alligator clamps from the booster pack to the corresponding battery terminals. Switch on the booster pack. Wait 30 seconds to allow for a small charge to be transferred to the dead battery. If you have a capacitor powered jump starter, wait the amount of time specified in the user manual. Crank the vehicle. If the vehicle does not crank immediately turn off the ignition key and repeat step #6. Once the vehicle is running, switch off the booster pack and remove the alligator clamps from the battery terminals. With the vehicle now running, drive normally to your destination. Now is a great time to have your battery tested by your local NAPA Auto Parts store or NAPA AutoCare location. Other Battery Booster Pack Uses Most car battery jump start packs have extra features built-in like a 12-volt power source, USB outlets, air compressor, even a light. If you need to recharge your phone on a camping trip or power a light, a booster pack can handle it with ease. It is the ultimate battery bank for the outdoors with as many uses as you need power. Just remember to plug it back in when you get home. The best portable car battery jump starter is one that is fully charged when you need it! At-Home Jump Starter There are also car battery charger jump starter units which can be used at home. These jump starter battery charger units plug into a 110-volt outlet and can not only recharge a car battery but they can also provide a car battery jump start kick. Operation is the same as cordless battery pack but without the need to recharge itself after use. Check out all the battery booster and jumper starter packs available on NAPAOnline, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to choose the best battery jump starter, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Photo courtesy of Unsplash. The post Should You Use a Jump Starter or a Booster Pack? appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

Finding a Mode for Every Mood and Move You Make Driving mode controls are a relatively new technology leveraged to offer you the best, most personalized driving experience possible. Access to mode controls and select traction systems has revolutionized the market of available vehicles that respond to performance cues. Driving modes include flexible ways to improve towing capability, fuel efficiency and controls for weather conditions like sleet, ice, wind and snow. For example, Tow / Haul mode allows the transmission to hold gears longer when engaged. This protects the transmission from damage caused by towing heavy objects at low RPMs. It also makes it easier to drive up steep terrain while pulling. Modern automobile manufacturers have engineered ways to stylize your driving preference using various systems. Each driving mode option serves a specific purpose for when, where and how you drive. Every mode choice improves your vehicle’s performance in a specific area and works to adjust the steering throttle and engine control functions that respond to road conditions. Modes of driving include: Economy / Tour Comfort Smart / EV Only Off-Road All-Terrain All-Weather Snow Mode Tow Mode Sport or Sport+ V-Max +R (Track Mode/Racing Mode) Leveraging your powertrain response, traction system and desired reaction to road conditions is paramount to comfortable driving. You can switch on any driving mode at any time, even while in motion. Sophisticated electronic vehicle systems allow you to master seasonal driving changes and can even keep you safe in harsh conditions. The Snow and Ice drive mode feature improves performance across slick road conditions by altering your pedal map and torque response. Economy mode saves on fuel consumption costs by adjusting how the engine and transmission function together. This can decrease your vehicle’s power output, which protects the environment and improves your miles per gallon. Transform Your Driving Experience As you explore customizing your driving style, you’ll discover that several driving modes will improve your experience on the road. Personalizing your commuter sedan, hard-working pickup truck or deluxe SUV is more accessible than ever. In-demand driving mode technology allows you to ride in luxury or rule the road. With features like automatic engine starting and advanced all-wheel drive toggles, performance tech is at your fingertips. Driving modes have transformed drive time into fun, tailored experiences that can change from circumstance to circumstance. Although some vehicles only have a few options, others feature nearly a dozen or more choices. Switching between driving modes is more commonly included in newer model cars, trucks and SUVs. Depending on your vehicle, you have several performance settings to navigate from like Snow, Ice, Mud, Sand, Towing and Steep Terrain. Add to that list racetrack settings and velocity boosting elements. Keep in mind, the various modes might have different names depending on your vehicle’s make and model. For example, Tour mode is in line with Eco mode. At the same time, you can use the Terrain mode on low speed through mountainous terrain, but it is also good for pulling boats out of the water, launching a boat and mild off-roading adventures. This is similar to Off-Roading mode, which improves your traction when the surface below your vehicle is less than ideal. When the Sport or Track mode is activated, you can tighten the front seat side bolsters. Depending on your vehicle, the active exhaust will open, and the car won’t cut power when you go sideways due to all traction-related systems turning off temporarily. Sport modes are so much fun to try, but you should only test them on a safe, open track with an experienced driver at the wheel. Sport mode variants can also include the ability to stiffen the suspension, which reduces the car’s traction. In general, the road condition options like Mud, Sand, Snow and Rock modes are for specified situations and terrains. While in Sand mode, your ride might have an extra sensitive throttle control to allow for more wheel slip so you can maintain momentum as you drive. Rock mode will adjust the traction control system to dampen the throttle response, letting you experience a less bumpy ride. This usually requires you to select a low-range setting for activation. On most vehicles, the driving mode is connected to the engine control module (ECU) to control the engine, transmission, suspension and steering and brakes. This offers power maps for different driving conditions. Each mode alters engine functions to suit your choice, and you can pick the mode you prefer as you commute. Modern Vehicle Technology Supported by NAPA Smart system-wide support birthed a new driving experience where you can develop on-road skills, making it safer and more fun to cruise the streets. Take the variations in Sport mode, for example, which enable that car, truck or SUV to react sharply and in style. Adjusting driving dynamics is an automatic function in some vehicles. Imagine commuting across the country and going from sandy terrain into a mountainous snow range. Now, picture your vehicle automatically toggling between your vehicle’s ideal driving mode based on your preferences, road conditions and weather. Won’t it be thrilling to drive on cruise control, and your ride automatically switch from Comfort or Economy into sport mode when you hit the open, backcountry pavement? In part, driving modes have improved all-season driving safety by eliminating common driving issues using advanced sensors that predict the road. Extra safety is paramount when driving in winter conditions, and Snow / Ice and Rain mode can significantly reinforce your traction. Snow mode is known for dialing back your throttle response, increasing the stability of your traction control system and reducing wheel spin. Different road conditions and your own brand of driving contribute to your vehicle’s unique characteristics; therefore, you must investigate to choose the best driving mode for you. Browse through all the vehicle performance enhancers that NAPAOnline.com offers for improving your Sport mode. For advice and expert tips from our technicians on enhancing your ride, visit one of NAPA’s 17,000 AutoCare locations. The next time you drive, play with the different modes and see how you and your vehicle respond. Featured image courtesy of Pixabay. The post How to Pick the Right Driving Mode appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

With winter’s grasp firmly upon us, the issue of getting stuck in snow becomes more prominent in our daily lives. Whether you are just slipping a little or the wheels are buried to the axles, these 10 tips on how to get your car unstuck from snow are not only helpful, but can prove to be a lifesaver. All of these tips have been compiled through years of getting stuck ourselves. 1. Don’t Stop! The best tip for how to get car out of snow is to not get stuck in the first place. If you are sliding off the road, headed towards a snow drift, slush pile, etc, do not stop unless you are going to end up in a dangerous situation or hit something. Your vehicle’s momentum can carry you out of the mush. The same goes for when you are stuck and get some movement. Don’t stop until you are absolutely stuck. Even a little bit of constant movement is better than just spinning the wheels. If the way in front of you is clear and you are in no danger of hitting anything, try to keep moving. 2. Don’t Spin the Wheels When you are stuck and your tires are just spinning, stop. That is not how to get unstuck in snow. Unless you are on solid ground (concrete or asphalt), stomping the pedal and spinning the wheels is just going to make it worse. You will just end up digging a hole with the tires and possibly ending up with the chassis sitting on the ground, making getting unstuck ever harder. 3. Apply Proper Power A little accelerator pedal finesse is one answer of how to get a car unstuck from snow. Use your throttle sparingly and in the right way. If too much power is overpowering the tires and snow, use part throttle. You would be surprised how less power might just get you out of a bad situation. 4. Shift to Low Gear Make sure your automatic transmission is shifted into the lowest gear. For manual transmissions, you actually want to shift into a higher gear, such as 3rd or 4th, and use the clutch to control the spin. There will be less shock on the tires and you will have more control to keep the tires from spinning in the snow. 5. Turn Off Traction Control This one might seem counter-intuitive for how to get unstuck from snow, but when you are stuck and need power to the wheels, any slipping will cut the power right when you need it. Traction control is an wonderful feature most of the time, but once you are stuck it can just get in the way. Push the traction control button to turn it off. Some vehicles require you to push and hold the button for several seconds. When in doubt check your owner’s manual. With this feature off you will be able to spin the tires with no interference from the onboard computer. Watch out for using too much power though (see #2). 6. Rock Back & Forth The classic move for how to get a car unstuck by yourself is called rocking. This is a maneuver where use the engine to roll the vehicle forward, put it in reverse, roll it backward, and then shift to drive and roll forward. Doing this several times builds momentum for the vehicle, often getting it out of the rut it is stuck in. Once you are over the hump and rolling in one direction, power out of the mess until you are on solid ground. This trick is a little easier for automatic transmission owners and will take some coordination for those with a manual transmission. 7. Use Traction Devices It is too late to add chains or cables to your tires, but you can use other items to enhance the grip of your tires. Rocks (quarter size and smaller), sand, even small branches and sticks can give you the grip you need to get out. It is a good idea to carry a bucket or bag of sand, pebbles, kitty litter, etc when you live in snow-prone areas. 8. Go Straight Ahead Make sure your tires are pointed straight. There is considerably more stress on the tires when they are turned and plowing through the snow. This means means it is harder for the vehicle to move, and therefore easier for the tire to spin rather than get traction and push or pull the vehicle out of the mess. 9. Let Some Air Out When you just can’t get the grip, try letting some air out of the tires. This makes a wider contact patch and can give you the necessary grip to get out. Just don’t forget to reinflate the tires to the proper specification as soon as possible. Until you get the tires reinflated, keep the speed down so you don’t ruin your tires. 10. Be Ready to Shovel Snow Sometimes the answer for how to get car unstuck from snow if you just have to get down and dig. Carrying a camp folding shovel will make this easier, but a stick, wood board, or even a plastic cup can get the snow, slush and mud out of the way. The idea here is to dig a long ramp from the tire to the flat ground instead of a deep sudden rut that you likely find yourself in. Additionally, there may be a large mass of snow under the chassis, making it difficult to move. You need to try to remove as much of this as possible. If you can’t get your car unstuck with these tips, call a tow truck for assistance. Make sure your tailpipe is clear of snow so that the exhaust fumes don’t back up into the cab of the vehicle. This is now the time to break out your winter emergency car kit, sit tight and wait for the cavalry. Stay safe! If you have any tips on how to get your car unstuck, please leave them in the comments section below. Check out all the winter accessories available on NAPAOnline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to get a truck unstuck by yourself or any other vehicle, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. 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Your engine’s serpentine belt is probably not something you check on very often. If it is working then your vehicle will run, the battery will charge, the power steering works, and the engine stays cool. But if that belt were to break you will likely be stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. That’s why it is important to learn the signs of a bad serpentine belt before it fails. Cracking One of the common signs of bad serpentine belt condition is cracking. With the engine turned off, pop the hood and grab a flashlight to inspect the serpentine belt. If you see more than three cracks in the belt along the same three inch section, it is time for replacement. Be aware though that some modern serpentine belts are made from materials like EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). These materials are highly resistant to cracking, so a belt that is well past its prime may still look good with no cracking, so it is best to keep checking for other wear indicators if you suspect a worn belt. Squealing A belt that is no longer able to grip the engine pulleys may begin to squeal as it slides over them rather than spinning them. This leans to even more accelerated wear of the belt as well as putting heat into the belt via friction. Even if the squealing goes away, don’t ignore it. Normal serpentine belt operation should be nearly silent. A worn out belt tensioner can also cause the serpentine belt to slip so be sure to check it or else your new serpentine belt may have a short service life. If the belt is chirping like a bird the problem might be one or more accessory pulleys are out of alignment. Not only is this annoying but it will also cause the serpentine belt to wear out faster or even cause the belt to come off.  Worn Out Modern serpentine belts are actually pretty well engineered to resist physical damage. But just because a belt isn’t cracked or falling apart doesn’t mean it is still good. Just like a car tire the surface material on a belt can wear down. When this happens the ribs on the belt lose their original tight tolerances, and therefore their grip on the engine pulleys. The belt may still fit fine on the pulleys, but it won’t be fully contacting the pulley. The belt may actually end up riding on just the pulley ridges which makes for a tiny contact patch. Mileage Even the best serpentine belt doesn’t last forever. If you have been inspecting your serpentine belt regularly and it still looks fine, you should still replace it every 90,000 regardless. Even without any of the signs of worn serpentine belt life racking up that much mileage means it is time for the belt to move on. If you can’t remember when you change your serpentine belt, it is probably time. Electrical Gremlins One of the lesser known signs of bad serpentine belt condition is an electrical system that starts to act up. Modern vehicles are chock full of computers, modules, sensors and more components that rely on certain conditions to remain constant, like voltage. If the serpentine belt is worn to the point where it no longer spins the alternator consistently there could be variation in alternator output. You may even get a check engine light for random systems issues. If you are pulling your hair out chasing electrical issues, check the alternator output for consistency. If it is jumping all over the place a worn serpentine belt may be the issue. Not So Cold AC Another one of the not so common signs of a worn serpentine belt can be a weak AC system. Your air conditioning compressor takes a bit of engine power to turn. You’ve probably noticed that in a car with a small engine turning off the AC feels like it gives you a bit of a power boost. If the serpentine belt can’t grip the AC compressor clutch, it also can spin it to compress the refrigerant back into a liquid to cool you off. You might hear a squealing sound when the AC compressor cycles on, but don’t rely on sound as the only symptom. If your AC isn’t blowing as cold as you remember and you can’t remember when you changed the serpentine belt, it is probably time for a belt replacement. Diagnosing a worn out serpentine belt isn’t as easy as it used to be, but the signs are all there if you are paying attention. Luckily serpentine belts are usually affordable and easy to change, so when the time comes there’s no excuse to put it off. Check out all the belts available on NAPAOnline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on diagnosing engine drive belt tensioner failure, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. The post Serpentine Belt Wear Indicators appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article