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By NAPA
Christian Eckes returned to victory lane at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in thrilling fashion to give McAnally-Hilgemann Racing the organization’s first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) victory on Saturday afternoon. The driver of the No. 19
link hidden, please login to view Chevrolet Silverado RST reclaimed the points lead after racking up 50 points and capturing his second stage win of the year. The victory gives Eckes and his team a virtual lock to the NCTS playoffs for the third time in his career.
The Middletown, N.Y., native started the 137-lap event from the fourth position after inclement weather washed out qualifying on Friday afternoon. Eckes boldly asserted himself as a threat by taking the lead on the opening lap and dominated Stage 1. The NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet paced the field on the outside of the AMS high banks until a caution flew on lap 24. Crew chief Charles Denike kept Eckes on track to go for the stage win, and the call paid off. Eckes held off all challengers on lap 30 to earn 10 points and one playoff point with his second stage win of 2023 after leading every lap.
Eckes pitted under the stage caution for right side tires and restarted 20th on lap 38 as the running order flip-flopped due to contrasting pit strategies. Eckes stayed in the lead draft for the majority of Stage 2 and ran as high as ninth but was scored 14th at the end of the segment on lap 60. Denike put four tires on Eckes’ Chevrolet, which allowed him to restart 11th on lap 68. Another quick caution on lap 79 offered Eckes the chance to top off with fuel for the final run, but he was caught speeding on pit road.
Eckes started his march back to the front from 28th position on lap 84 and took advantage of every opportunity to claw his way back into contention. A restart on lap 103 saw him rocket to 11th, which included a four-wide maneuver to cut through the pack. Eckes worked the less-preferred bottom lane to perfection as he capitalized on the restarts to crack the top five on lap 121, and he claimed the runner-up spot on lap 123. A late caution set up an overtime restart. Eckes elected to take the bottom of the front row, which proved to be the winning decision. Eckes traded the lead with fellow Chevrolet driver Nick Sanchez on the overtime restart and used a surge of momentum on the final lap to pull alongside for the lead down the backstretch. Eckes held the lead on the final lap as a caution waved coming out of Turn 4 to secure the victory, his third playoff berth, and his first victory at AMS.
“Just really happy,” Eckes said. “Thanks to Charles (Denike), everybody on this team. They work so damn hard and this is what makes it all worth it. Thanks to NAPA, Chevrolet, everybody. I’m pumped. It’s going to be a really good year.
“I think this is just what I kind of figured was going to happen coming here. I knew the potential of Charles (Denike), and I knew the potential of the race team, and Bill’s passion to win, so it made my decision to come here really easy.”
Start / Finish: 4 / 1
Points Standing / Total: 1st / 151 pts.
Next Race: Saturday, March 25, Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas
How to Watch or Listen: FS1, MRN, SiriusXM
NAPA:
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By NAPA
Shopping for Spark Plugs With NAPA
Automotive ignition and engine work are some of the most straight-forward DIY projects that at-home mechanics have performed for decades. At NAPA, not only do we want to guide you on which
link hidden, please login to view to purchase, but also educate drivers on how they function and the process for link hidden, please login to view. Your vehicle’s ignition system routes high-voltage current from the ignition coils to the
link hidden, please login to view in a synchronized firing order. The timing is critical to optimize the power created from the explosion or spark. Spark plugs use precisely crafted ceramic insular bodies and punched steel casings, which house two electrodes with a gap in between them. When voltage is sent to the plug, an electrical arc is formed between the two electrodes, thus igniting the fuel/air mixture. Spark plugs determine the power output, fuel economy and even engine temperature of your automobile. Signs that it is time for spark plug and coil replacement include jittery or rough idling, power surges from the engine, diminished acceleration and decreased gas mileage. Remember that spark plugs are not designed to last the lifetime of a vehicle. Built-up deposits and natural widening of the electrode gap can cause spark plugs to fail as time passes, so replacing spark plugs is a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Note: It is always best to replace all the spark plugs at the same time.
NAPA experts recommend
link hidden, please login to view every 30,000 miles on older models, which matches most manufacturer recommendations. With a modern vehicle, you only need to change spark plugs every 100,000 miles thanks to advances in materials and ignition design. Replacing spark plugs will take roughly an hour if your vehicle has a four-cylinder engine. Spark plug replacement takes longer for vehicles with a V6 or V8 engine. A standard vehicle typically has the same number of spark plugs as the number of cylinders. So, a V6 would need six replacement spark plugs. There are exceptions like Chrysler V8s, which use two plugs per cylinder. Which Plug Sparks Your Interest? link hidden, please login to view
At the heart of each spark plug is an electrode that connects to the vehicle’s ignition coil via a thick wire. Spark plugs installed by car manufacturers often contain copper, nickel or chromium core electrodes. The metal mentioned in the replacement part’s name indicates the material used to construct its electrode, which gives you an idea of the different
link hidden, please login to view in most retail aftermarkets. You can also find high-performance spark plugs composed of rare, powerful metals like ones with fine-wire iridium centers and double platinum ground electrodes. Glow plugs are typically used for heavy-duty diesel applications. So, are you wondering what type of spark plug is best for your car?
link hidden, please login to view are ideal replacements for older model vehicles. These copper spark plugs are applicable to a wide range of makes/models and are guaranteed to deliver quick starts, good fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. Although, for commuter vehicles that aren’t classics, some of the best types of spark plugs come from link hidden, please login to view. This product line includes reliable conventional spark plugs, specialized marine spark plugs and link hidden, please login to view. Our experts highly recommend spark plugs from the top-tier levels: ACDelco Silver (Advantage) and ACDelco Gold (Professional). One of the reasons to go with a premium spark plug is that their platinum construction provides better performance and more durability when compared to copper. For example, platinum spark plugs are typically good for up to 100,000 miles of service. These plugs are engineered to generate more heat, which means they can operate in hotter environments. Due to the minimizing of carbon deposit build up, platinum plugs give a better spark for a longer period of time. For an ideal upgrade, go with the
link hidden, please login to view, which delivers optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. This Autolite spark plug is specifically designed for Ford pickups and SUVs, such as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Because iridium conducts energy better (an iridium electrode’s durability is six times harder than platinum), it’s the optimal choice if you want to get the most out of a performance engine. Iridium spark plugs are engineered to offer excellent engine idling stability and a smooth performance, which is critical in newer vehicles that use
link hidden, please login to view. NGK Spark Plugs manufactures replacement parts for virtually every automotive, motorcycle, marine and small engine application. link hidden, please login to view are specifically designed for the performance enthusiast, because they provide outstanding acceleration and high fuel efficiency. Get Started With NAPA
Are you looking for where to buy spark plugs and
link hidden, please login to view? NAPA Auto Parts stores and NAPAonline.com are proud to offer thousands of spark plugs and ignition components for sedans, pickups, minivans, SUVs and more. Make sure to select the ones specifically engineered for your vehicle’s make and model. Plus, take advantage of our convenient link hidden, please login to view option. If you are concerned about how much spark plugs cost, we have some good news! The cost of spark plugs ranges as low as less than $2 per spark plug to more than $100 dollars for spark plugs used in industrial or racing vehicles. You can purchase a long-lasting, high-quality, aftermarket replacement spark plug for less than $6 each.
Keep in mind, you need to remain patient while removing spark plugs and make sure to remove one spark plug at a time in the correct firing order. You must remove and replace each spark plug, along with any accompanying wires, before moving on to the next one in the chain. Most modern vehicles incorporate coil-on-plug technology, which don’t utilize external spark plug wires.
Finally, you must check to see if there are proper gap spaces on your new set of spark plugs to finish this installation. This technical auto repair requires using a
link hidden, please login to view with a swivel head, a spark plug wire puller and a link hidden, please login to view just to name a few specific tools. With that in mind, you are probably wondering how much it costs to get spark plugs changed by a professional mechanic. The average cost of spark plug replacement is $140 for a four-cylinder engine, $180 for a six-cylinder engine and $220 for an eight-cylinder engine. Schedule an appointment with your nearest link hidden, please login to view today! Photo courtesy of
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By NAPA
The Latest in EV Brake Technology
Advances in electric vehicle systems are happening at record speed. Entire components are getting eliminated. What was once old is new again. But the NAPA experts are warning customers not to get ahead of themselves. Let’s slow down, stop spinning our wheels from all this momentum and start with the basics.
How do brakes work on an electric car? Almost all personal vehicles use disc brakes containing a pair of
link hidden, please login to view attached to a link hidden, please login to view, which squeezes the disc to generate friction and slow the wheel’s rotation. Electric cars utilize these standard mechanical brakes in cases of low speed and sudden emergency braking. In addition, an electric car brake system (found in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full EVs) incorporates regenerative braking. Many consumers are familiar with brakes on electric cars because of the popularity in the past decade of the
link hidden, please login to view, which uses regenerative braking to deliver better fuel economy. Electric car brakes (regenerative brakes) capture the energy output (propulsion power) when a vehicle is slowing down, turning the electric motor into a generator for the battery pack. In more technical terms, the brake system in a hybrid or electric vehicle applies reverse current to the motor, which opens the charging circuit. The EV’s computer system determines the amount of ‘brake’ getting applied from the backward running motor, thus decreasing the speed until the vehicle comes to a stop. In a fully electric vehicle, this controlled braking extends the travel range by replenishing the battery system. As much as 90% of everyday braking is operated by this electric power switch. The hydraulic system (aggressively depressing the brake pedal to activate brake pads) is only necessary at speeds under 3 mph (when there isn’t enough energy momentum to transfer) or at high speeds with sudden emergency braking.
This ‘brake-through’ technology has created challenges when it comes to a seamless transition between regeneration and foundation braking. To create an unnoticeable transition with no rough jitters or jumping,
link hidden, please login to view developed algorithms for their new Taycan model that constantly monitor the friction brake system so that the regenerative brakes create matching pressure. Similarly, the design of the Porsche Taycan also tackles the unequal distribution of braking power between the vehicle’s two axles. Two thirds of stopping power is provided by the front axle. This means the front brakes capture 60 to 80 percent of a slowing vehicle’s momentum compared to the rear battery generator. Learn more about leveraging braking force between the axles in the January 2023 article by ElectricCarsReport,
link hidden, please login to view. The Future of EVs Might Involve Reaching Into the Past
For many decades, the advancements in brake systems have relied on improvements made to an isolated system. But with the expansion of consumer EVs, braking systems are now interconnected to the battery, powertrain and electronic conduction involved in deceleration. The way electric brake systems function has actually pushed car designers to reconsider an ‘outdated’ technology,
link hidden, please login to view. At one time, brake drums were the standard on personal vehicles until the invention of disc brake systems, which provided quicker stopping force. Because EVs require less engagement of mechanical brakes, especially on the rear axle, these newer vehicles run the risk of failing discs due to corrosion and rust from lack of use. This has generated renewed interest in rear axle drum brakes, which are sealed off from road and weather conditions. Learn more about why old-school drum brake technology is possibly the way of the future for compact commuter EVs in congested cities with
link hidden, please login to view. Because regenerative braking redirects the energy involved in stopping the vehicle, the lack of friction reduces the thermal load on your brakes and brake pads. This has led vehicle manufacturers to consider using thinner materials (like aluminum combined with cast iron) in brake pads, calipers and discs, which in turn makes EVs lighter weight and more energy efficient (longer runtime on a full battery). For a brake drum, this thinning can result in a 30% decrease in mass. However, in traditional brake systems, that large mass is required to absorb heat. So, the determining factor in using old tech for new EVs comes down to retaining enough resistance to heat-related brake fade.
Stop by NAPA Auto Care for EV Brake Maintenance
Now let’s talk about replacing EV brake pads and other components. Although mechanical brakes on a hybrid or EV are only relied on for quick, complete stopping, these components are still vital because regenerative systems are not designed for emergency braking or firmly holding a vehicle still. Relying on the motor to handle declaration does mean that brake pads for electric vehicles don’t wear out as quickly as full hydraulic brake systems on gasoline-powered combustion vehicles.
However, because they are used less (yet still exposed to moisture and grime), it is critical to ensure your EV brake pads are in good shape. This means routine maintenance and periodic cleaning every year versus wear-related replacement. For example, Tesla recommends cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers on a Model 3 once a year (or every 12,500 miles) for those who live in an area that uses road salt.
It is also true that fully electric cars do not require oil changes, exhaust inspections or spark plug replacement. But these prized vehicles still need brake system care, such as checking the brake fluid at least every two years. Dirty brake fluid needs a full brake system flush to prevent it from harming expensive auto parts. When in doubt, take your vehicle to
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By NAPA
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Your
link hidden, please login to view is one of the most important liquids in your vehicle. Brake fluid is what transmits your foot’s movement of pressing on the brake pedal into movement of the friction material at the wheel. It is rarely seen unless you check their brake fluid level or are unlucky enough to have a brake system leak. But your brake fluid is not immortal and needs changed just like any other automotive fluid. Your owner’s manual lists how often to flush brake fluid for a reason, so let’s take a look at how to flush brake fluid. Why Flush Fluid Brake Fluid?
Just like every other automotive fluid, brake fluid changes as time passes. In the case of brake fluid, it gets contaminated.
link hidden, please login to view is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. That’s bad because if the water content in the brake fluid gets too high, it might boil under heavy braking. Brake fluid can also become contaminated with rust and copper. Brake Fluid Flush Preparation
Before starting a brake flush, you need to take these first no matter which type of brake flush method you choose:
Turn off the ignition of the vehicle. Using a vacuum bulb or similar siphon, remove almost all of the old brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir. Leave a shallow puddle of it to prevent air from entering the brake system. Top off the brake reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Lift the vehicle off the ground and support it on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. A jack is a lifting device only, a jack stand is a support device. Remove the tires and wheels. If possible, remove all four wheels, but you may also flush one wheel at a time. Place a drain pan under each wheel that you flush to catch the brake fluid as it drips. Once these steps are completed, you can move on to the brake flush method of your choice.
Gravity Brake Flush
With this method you let gravity do all the work. The tradeoff is that it takes more time than any other method.
Open the brake bleeder valve on each wheel The brake fluid will drip from the open bleeder valves Keep the brake reservoir filled with fresh brake fluid Wait for the fluid dripping from the bleeder valve to run clear (this may take more than an hour) Once the brake fluid runs clear, close the bleeder valve Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Manual Brake Flush
This is the method most people think of when bleeding or flushing brakes. One person sits in the driver’s seat working the brake pedal while another person opens up the bleeder valves.
Have an assistant sit in the driver’s seat Choose a wheel and locate the brake bleeder valve Ask the assistant to pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down Open the brake bleeder valve to release the pressurized fluid Close the brake bleeder valve Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid if necessary Repeat steps 3–6 until the fluid is clear Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Pressure Brake Flush
Pressure brake fluid tools have become increasingly popular. This brake fluid flush tool uses pressurized air to push brake fluid through the system.
Read the instructions included with the pressure brake fluid tool Fill the pressure brake fluid tool with fresh brake fluid as directed in the tool instructions Attach the pressure adapter to the brake fluid reservoir Pressurize the tool as directed in the tool instructions Open the brake bleeder valve to release the pressurized fluid, and allow the fluid to flow until it is clear Close the brake bleeder valve Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Vacuum Brake Flush
As the name implies, this method uses a vacuum tool to pull brake fluid through the system. It is usually part of a
link hidden, please login to view that includes a brake fluid catch bottle. Read the instructions included with the vacuum brake fluid tool Attach the vacuum brake fluid tool to the brake bleeder valve Pump the vacuum brake fluid tool to create vacuum at the brake bleeder valve Open the brake bleeder valve to begin pulling brake fluid through the system Allow the brake fluid to flow until it is clear Close the brake bleeder valve Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid if necessary Repeat steps 3–7 until the fluid is clear Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Regardless of which
link hidden, please login to view you choose, the goal is to replace as much old fluid as possible. You will likely use more brake fluid than you expect, but considering the long service interval, it is worth using a bit more fluid just to make certain. There is no difference between a brake fluid change vs. flush, they are the same process with the same goal: new brake fluid. The cost to flush brake fluid depends on who is doing the work. A DIY brake flush at home will only cost you the price of a few bottles of brake fluid, but a professional brake fluid flush using specialized equipment will likely put the cost at more than $100.
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 do a brake fluid flush and a typical brake fluid flush price, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. You Might Need These
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