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By NAPA
5 Must-Have Tools You Can Use Outside the Garage
It’s true: NAPA boasts nearly 6,000 Auto Parts stores and more than 17,000 Auto Care centers. With America’s largest network of aftermarket automotive parts and auto service, it might come as a surprise that NAPA also specializes in equipment and expertise outside the garage. That’s right, NAPAonline.com carries a huge range of tools from the smaller
link hidden, please login to view like measuring tape, screwdrivers and extension cords to large power tools for serious home repair like pressure washers and cordless or corded power drills. Shop for all the best tools from top brand names like DeWalt,
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, Craftsman and more. These compact tools work great inside and outside the garage, around the home or even on the road. From full home renovation projects like siding replacement, hardwood floor installation and plumbing upgrades to small jobs like fixture installation or adding window treatments, a great home improvement journey starts at NAPA. Shop for Hand Tools at NAPAonline link hidden, please login to view
Even the most complicated at-home projects require those small toolbox staples like a reliable measuring tape. This
link hidden, please login to view features magnetic hooks that cling to steel, as well as a reduced blade arc for a straighter standout. For outdoor projects and surveying, larger units can span up to 300 feet, such as this link hidden, please login to view. A link hidden, please login to view is a great addition in any link hidden, please login to view to use for scale reference in accident photos. Nothing kills the excitement of a home-improvement odyssey like a lack of electrical outlets or worse, a too-short extension cord. Keep a UL Listed basic
link hidden, please login to view on hand for electrical access or upgrade to a link hidden, please login to view for maximized length. These cords are durable, insulated for use with power tools and remain flexible in temperatures down to -40 degrees F. This link hidden, please login to view features four grounded outlets and a safety circuit breaker, plus the built-in cable management eliminates twisting. Best of all, the spool design has a rewind handle for fast and tidy pack-up and storage. The humble screw is an ancient design. It’s the fastener that holds our world together, so never underestimate the tool that drives it. In all shapes and sizes, both Phillips head screwdrivers and flat-head screwdrivers are critical tools for any basic tool kit and are used everywhere. This durable
link hidden, please login to view is a great way to make sure you always have the right size screwdriver. For a space-saving option, go with a multi-head device like this link hidden, please login to view. Different types of specialized screws require specific kinds of screwdrivers, such as these link hidden, please login to view for torx security screws. Also, consider this link hidden, please login to view, which includes a #00 size for small tech repairs. Powerful Tools for Every Project link hidden, please login to view
One of the simplest ways to improve your home is a good, old-fashioned scrub down! As time passes, ultraviolet rays, dust, insects and even algae and smoke can build up on and stain siding, outdoor furniture and concrete driveways. The garden hose is rarely sufficient for a quality clean and the cost of hiring a service racks up quickly. Shop NAPAonline.com for a personal pressure washing system, so you can keep the outside of your home looking great and free of damage.
These versatile tools are powered either by electricity or gas and come in a variety of psi ratings that you can use to clean more than just siding and driveways. If you only need a
link hidden, please login to view, this link hidden, please login to view offers 1300 psi and a quick connect multi-directional nozzle. For a more robust, gas-powered cleaning, try this link hidden, please login to view with a 208cc gas engine and brass head axial pump with a preset unloader valve for low-maintenance use. No home improvement kit is complete without a reliable power drill. Choosing the best option may take some research, but these days, many power tool systems are designed to utilize one common type of battery. Both
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view offer combo kits that feature multiple tools, as well as charging bases so you never get stuck with a dead battery. Additionally, consider a uniquely designed link hidden, please login to view for drilling in tight corners and hard-to-reach spaces. Shop at your
link hidden, please login to view and check off your home improvement to-do list! When you sign up for link hidden, please login to view, you get access to our members-only offers and special promotions. Get 1 Point for every $1 you spend. When you collect 100 points, you’ll automatically receive $5 off your next purchase. Photo courtesy of
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By Mighty Auto Parts
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link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. Troubleshooting today’s technology can be challenging for even the most experienced technician. Making an accurate diagnosis, rather than throwing a lot of expensive parts and labor at the symptom can be a challenge. How would your shop handle the following customer complaints? a) Crank but no-start b) Hard starts c) Long crank time d) Misfire […]
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By NAPA
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
link hidden, please login to view, 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 link hidden, please login to view
Replacing aging
link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view or a link hidden, please login to view, 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
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view to get the job done right. Now, you can use our handy link hidden, please login to view so you can budget for a repair job and know what to expect before you bring in your vehicle. Featured image courtesy of
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By NAPA
Engine coolant keeps the waste heat of the combustion process at bay. There’s no denying the importance coolant plays in keeping an engine running, but how do you know when it needs to be changed? But also to make sure your coolant is doing its job it needs to be monitored by a coolant sensor. Let’s look at how to test engine coolant, how to pressure test a cooling system, and equally important how to test coolant temp sensor operation.
Why Test Engine Coolant?
Your engine coolant is part of an enclosed system, but that system consists of many components of varying materials. Over time under the stress of extreme heat exposure the coolant loses some of its ability to control and conduct those temperatures. There are also parts of the cooling system that can corrode internally leaving tiny rust flakes that act like silty mud. There are all reasons why your engine coolant needs to be tested and periodically replaced when it has reached the end of its service life. But you need to test not only for the right coolant mixture ratio, but also the chemical composition of the coolant.
Testing Engine Coolant Ratio link hidden, please login to view
The easiest way to test coolant mixing ratio with an
link hidden, please login to viewr. This neat little device tests the specific gravity of the coolant using either little colored floating balls or a swing arm. The balls and swing arm are calibrated to float at different levels based on the specific gravity of the coolant. Simply draw coolant into the antifreeze tester and compare the results to the included chart. Typically on a floating ball type tester the higher the concentration of ethylene glycol, the more balls that float. You can then estimate the freezing point of the coolant and how well you are protected against the cold. Just be aware that there are different testers for propylene glycol and ethylene glycol, so choose a tester that matches what is used in your cooling system. For a more accurate measurement of your coolant’s freezing point you can use a refractometer. There are
link hidden, please login to viewand link hidden, please login to viewrefractometers but they both work on the same idea. Simply place a few sample drops of coolant in the tool. For the analog refractometer you then look through the eyepiece and read the inside gauge. For the digital refractometer you just have to push a button and the reading will be displayed on the screen. You will need to read the instructions and be familiar with the tool to understand what the results of each one means to the specific gravity of your coolant. Testing Engine Coolant Condition
As mentioned earlier your coolant can actually degrade over time. Luckily a simple
link hidden, please login to viewcan give you a glimpse of what is in your coolant. When the engine is cool and depressurized (never work on a hot engine’s cooling system) just remove the radiator cap and dip in a testing strip. Make sure to read the directions included with the testing strip to make sure you get a good reading. Most test strips can tell you the pH level, nitrate concentration level, and liquid freeze point. If any of these readings are out of specification, it is time for a link hidden, please login to viewand refill. How To Test A Coolant Temp Sensor
Knowing how to test coolant temp sensor output is a bit more technical. You will need a multimeter to read the resistance of the coolant temp sensor during the test. You will also need to remove the coolant temp sensor from your vehicle, so refer to a repair manual for the specific procedure. For sensor range testing you will need a container of ice water and a container of boiling water. Finally you need the factory sensor range specifications (usually found in the repair manual) along with a pen and paper to take notes.
Once you have the sensor out of the vehicle attach it to the connections on the multimeter. Most sensors have two connections and since you are testing resistance, it does not matter which order is used. If your sensor has more than two connections refer to a vehicle wiring diagram to find the ground connection and the voltage input connection.
You will be testing engine coolant temperature sensor resistance output in cold water and hot water, then comparing the two readings to the factory specification found in your repair manual. Check the temperature of the ice water to make sure it is as close to freezing as possible (32 degrees F or 0 degrees C). Set the voltmeter to the 20,000 ohm range. Dip the tip of the sensor in the cold water and observe the reading on the multimeter. When the reading stops changing, write it down on the paper as the cold reading. Repeat the same process with the boiling water, being careful to hold the sensor with tongs or similar tool to reduce the chance of touching the boiling water. Write down the hot temperature reading from the multimeter.
Now you can compare the two voltage readings to the factory sensor specifications. If the readings are not within specifications the sensor is bad and should be replaced. Now that you know the steps for how to test an engine coolant temperature sensor, you can decide if it is worth your time or if the sensor is cheap enough to just replace it and move on.
How To Pressure Test A Coolant System
Luckily learning how to pressure test coolant system components is pretty easy. You will need an
link hidden, please login to view which looks like a bicycle tire pump attached to a universal radiator cap. Start with a cool engine (never work on a hot engine cooling system under pressure). Remove the radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap if so equipped. Attach the pressure tester to the same place where you just removed the radiator cap or reservoir cap. The pressure tester may have a universal rubber fitting or come with an array of adapters to connect with your particular cooling system. Now use the pump to add pressurized air to the cooling system. Watch the pressure gauge on the pressure tester and add roughly 15 psi of pressure (but no more than that). The pressure gauge should hold steady indicating no leaks. If the pressure gauge goes down or does not register any pressure, double check your pressure tester connection just in case. If the system will not hold pressure, you will need to repair the leak. You can use link hidden, please login to view to help locate the leak if it is not easily apparent. 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 how to test engine coolant sensor output and other cooling system parts, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. The post
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By Mighty Auto Parts
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link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. Neglecting maintenance intervals can result in performance issues and internal engine damage due to sludge deposits restricting the flow of lubricant to vital engine components. Evidence of lack of maintenance will normally show up in the oil filter and related housing. The filter media will be impacted with sludge deposits. Where applicable, the filter cap […]
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