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By NAPA
Hybrid vehicles work by powering off the engine when they are not in motion on the road, such as at a stop light or in traffic, which is considered idling. Hybrid-electric vehicle technology uses idling to achieve fuel savings of nearly 15% according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is a great choice for consumers who are environmentally conscious or want to save money at the pump. However, you should understand some key insights about letting your hybrid vehicle sit idle for too long.
With more professionals working from home, it is all too easy to let your hybrid vehicle sit completely idle in your garage for long periods of time. However, if you do not start up and drive your hybrid regularly, you run the risk of causing serious issues to your battery pack. link hidden, please login to view need exercised weekly at a minimum to prolong your hybrid vehicle’s performance. But remember, there are also other ways a vehicle can idle.
The exact length of time that you can let a hybrid car, truck or SUV sit completely idle without being turned on varies by the make and model. If you’re working from home and not driving as much, make sure to turn your hybrid vehicle on in a ventilated area and let it run for at least a few minutes each week to exercise the battery pack. If you cannot turn the vehicle on at least once a month, consider having a friend or trusted neighbor do it for you.
If you have to let your hybrid sit idle without powering it on for more than 30 days, inspect your vehicle or take it to
link hidden, please login to view to prepare for your absence. Store the hybrid vehicle in a well-ventilated area or garage that is free of moisture, ensure any interior lights or plug-in accessories are turned off and rest easy knowing you’ve prepared your prized hybrid vehicle for a long absence. Do Hybrid Vehicles Use Gas While Idling? link hidden, please login to view
Hybrid vehicles use a combination of gas and battery power to function and can include an array of features like idle-stop systems where energy is transferred from the gasoline engine to the electric starter and back to the generator/battery. An idle-stop system (also commonly known as the start-stop system) helps drivers save gas by powering down the engine (idling) when the vehicle comes to a halt for even a short period of time. Imagine you brake at a red light—the hybrid engine automatically shuts down to save on gas. Then, when you release the brake pedal to accelerate, the engine starts back up again.
The idle-stop system makes up today’s market of hybrids that can come standard in both mild hybrids and full hybrids. Mild hybrids that use idle-stops are typically conventional combustion engine vehicles that simply idle when not in motion, but do not take advantage of an electric motor that full hybrid vehicles possess. So, which type of hybrid electric vehicle has an idle-stop operation? The answer is that many mild and full hybrids now come with idle-stop technology, shutting off the gasoline engine when at rest, coasting or slowing down.
Due to idle-stop, no gas burns inside the engine, saving you money while saving the planet at the same time. NAPA thanks you for doing your part to reduce the heat island effect, which happens in large metropolitan areas where air quality and pollution is affected by vehicles that have high carbon emissions from fossil fuel. According to Reuters, U.S. hybrid vehicle sales increased a whopping 76% in 2021 and is on pace to continue growing sales. Additionally,
link hidden, please login to view estimates that the hybrid-electric vehicle market was worth $252 billion in 2020 alone and may reach as high as $1,165 billion by 2026. Even Ford Motor Company predicts that electric vehicles will make up 40% of its sales by 2030. How Long Can a Hybrid Vehicle Sit Idle?
As you cruise along in your planet-loving automobile, just as you start to brake, the hybrid’s stop-start system will engage the regenerative braking system. Regenerative braking uses rotational energy from your wheels to create electricity for your generator in a full hybrid vehicle model. The generator then sends the electricity to your battery where it is stored and used later as your energy reserve.
As the brake is fully pushed, the generator shuts down the gas flow. Stepping on the accelerator again restarts the engine and uses that stored energy, running it to the link hidden, please login to view. If you have a full battery, hybrid vehicles can idle for nearly two hours. Of course, this figure can scale up or down depending on your hybrid’s make and model. Keep updated about the condition of your hybrid battery and take care of the day-to-day maintenance needs with the help of NAPA’s expert technicians, the
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view. Note: Although mild hybrids offer fuel savings, they are only a small savings compared to fully hybrid-electric vehicles. For more information about hybrid-electric vehicles, consider reading “
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By NAPA
Kid-Proof Your Car with NAPA
Family vacations. Carpooling to school. Loading up the team after a tournament. Balancing a packed weekday schedule full of appointments, practices and club meetings. There is seemingly never a free day or even a spare minute to clean up from and compartmentalize the chaos of carting around those adorable kids and their friends. But it is critical for your family’s health and safety on the road to kid-proof your car with NAPA.
While national driving statistics show that parents are more likely to complain that their car is a mess, vehicle owners with kids are also more likely to clear out the clutter in their vehicles every week. However, too many drivers in the U.S. admit to going three months or more between an actual interior cleaning. Although most vehicle owners report that the floor is the dirtiest area, drivers with kids consistently say the backseat is the messiest spot of their sedan, SUV or minivan. Cup holders, the dashboard and trunk round out the
link hidden, please login to view. How is Your Car Interior Getting So Filthy?
Food crumbs, empty bottles and fast-food wrappers are the top three issues making commuter cars so filthy in America. National driving statics also reveal that a family with kids is more likely to eat in their car, than owners without children. Food garbage and packaging can create a health hazard. A vehicle left out in the sun, especially during the summer, is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. And, occupied drink holders cause parents to break one of the worst safety rules: driving while ‘holding’ a drink between their legs.
At the NAPA Network, we get it. The typical schedule of a parent is so full that the family car is filled with every item that is needed for activities throughout the day. But sports equipment and toys of every size are lethal when flying through the air because of sudden braking or a rear-end crash. Loose objects on the dashboard or center console, such as earbuds, loose change, sunglasses and smartphones, are distracting as they slide around when the driver turns a corner. Soda cans, sports drinks and water bottles (not to mention tennis balls and school supplies) rolling around on the floor can also lodge under your gas pedal or brake pedal.
Car Organizers for Kids & You Too link hidden, please login to view
Distracted driving causes accidents! According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of automotive accidents and 65% of near-accidents involve some form of driver distraction within three seconds of the crash or near-miss. For those little things that all too often roll around before getting lost in cracks and crevices, the NAPA experts recommend the
link hidden, please login to view. This slender space is perfect for smartphones, chargers, house keys, permission slips, plastic utensils, pencils, hair ties, baby socks or any other small ‘give me that before you lose it’ item. For those more bulky items that you still need to have within reach, go for the
link hidden, please login to view, which doubles as a backseat protector from kicking legs and backpack scuffs. Easily contain and organize water bottles, snack packs, computer tablets, library books and action figurines. This machine-washable interior accessory is available in three patterns—gravel, brown and mossy oak camouflage. If you are desperate for more cabin storage, especially in a small truck cab or two-door sports car, check out the
link hidden, please login to view. This storage accessory fits under a front seat or back bench to contain emergency supplies, hand tools or valuable items you need to keep locked away. This steel lock box is about as kid proof as any aftermarket part can find. Protective Car Seat Covers & Floor Liners
A cluttered car can seem like a temporary problem until the mess turns into something more permanent. Without the proper protective gear, today’s spills can cost you when trying to sell your vehicle in the future. The NAPA Network has you covered when it comes to interior accessories, including
link hidden, please login to view customized for your exact make and model. Shop NAPAOnline.com now for trusted, long-lasting brands, including link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view. Don’t forget to upgrade your trunk or cargo space. A
link hidden, please login to view prevents permanent damage to your upholstery while also making clean-up jobs much quicker and easier. For parents of infants and toddlers, the link hidden, please login to view is a must! Constructed with WeatherTech’s thermoplastic, this sturdy base sits underneath the baby carrier or booster seat to prevent wear and tear on your original material. From muddy uniforms to sticky hands, kids love to share everything they have contacted throughout the day. Don’t stress over the mess; add a layer of protection to ensure your original upholstery remains spotless. Designed with durability in mind,
link hidden, please login to view protect your bucket seats and bench seats from snags, rips and stains with a range of materials from link hidden, please login to view to link hidden, please login to view. Each custom-made seat liner is designed to the specifications of your prized pickup truck, deluxe SUV, sporty sedan or reliable minivan. These removable covers follow every curve and contour of your existing seat, including any functionality of seatbelts and airbags. Don’t forget to add a
link hidden, please login to view to your online order today. Interior Car Cleaning Essentials
Finally, don’t leave home without a solution! NAPAonline is fully stocked with all the
link hidden, please login to view you could ever need, including link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, carpet cleaners, vinyl repair kits and leather conditioners. Browse the large selection of link hidden, please login to view. Order your car cleaning and organizing supplies today and take advantage of our In-Store Pickup service or Free One-Day Shipping! The post
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By NAPA
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
link hidden, please login to view is essential for the proper function of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. Replacement link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view. Check out NAPA’s free nationwide Two-Year/24,000 Mile link hidden, please login to view, which covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services across The NAPA Network. If You’ve Reached The Breaking Point, Head to NAPA link hidden, please login to view
There are many reasons why you need brake service. Powerful friction wears out even the best
link hidden, please login to view and intense heat can warp link hidden, please login to view. Air getting into a brake line is a common issue. Your link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
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By NAPA
Eight Popular Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life link hidden, please login to view
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
link hidden, please login to view, with the matching link hidden, please login to view steering wheel set and the link hidden, please login to view, delivers a beautiful interior personalization boost for her. #2 If she is a country girl who loves nature, consider the
link hidden, please login to view or the link hidden, please login to view. For a more traditional, warm aesthetic, go for the black and white link hidden, please login to view or the two-toned link hidden, please login to view . #3 If your sweet ride is too tall for the lady in your life, consider installing a step rail, like the grip-enhanced
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view are tailor-made to fit her vehicle make and model, and can be easily installed. link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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.
link hidden, please login to view will make it easy to keep her car clean, which are washable and durably constructed in various colors. link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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. link hidden, please login to view #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
link hidden, please login to view will keep her warm, and a link hidden, please login to view 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
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By NAPA
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
link hidden, please login to view. 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 link hidden, please login to view
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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