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Chains For Tires 101: When Should You Use Tire Chains for Cars?
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By Counterman
The Tire Industry Association has joined other association leaders to support the critical global Right to Repair movement by signing the new Right to Repair position statement.
The statement enumerates the core beliefs of the movement and the objectives and intended outcomes of right to repair legislation. The document also sets forth 10 best-practice principles to developing a framework for Right to Repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt them to their needs.
Globally, the automotive aftermarket keeps 1.5 billion vehicles on the road while contributing $1.8 trillion to the global economy. After vehicles exit their warranty period, independent repair shops perform 70% of repairs. This vibrant industry and the consumer choice that it creates is being threatened by automotive manufacturers that block access to wirelessly transmitted vehicle repair and maintenance data, according to TIA.
Without the convenience and choice of independent parts and repair, especially in suburban and rural communities, consumers will have limited access to affordable vehicle service and repair. These restrictions can have catastrophic effects on local economies and the well-being and safety of millions that rely on vehicle transportation daily, TIA says.
In the United States, the automotive aftermarket is a $492 billion industry employing 4.5 million professionals, according to the Auto Care Association.
“Right to Repair is a top priority for TIA members and for the global automotive aftermarket,” said Richard “Dick” Gust, TIA CEO. “Without safeguards, independent automotive repairers and vehicle owners will have fewer repair options, face longer wait times and pay higher prices when they repair their vehicles. It is crucial for independent auto repair locations to have access to the equipment and data needed to repair today’s highly technological vehicles and that consumers have a choice in where they get their vehicles repaired.”
Both
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view have successfully retained their drivers’ right to repair their vehicles. These countries are a model for similar legislation in the United States that levels the playing field and keeps the consumer at the heart of decision-making across the transportation ecosystem. Read the full position statement
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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 NAPA
You’ve Got the Power to Clear the Powder link hidden, please login to view
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view: 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
link hidden, please login to view or link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view, keep a link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, energy bars and bottled water in case you become stranded overnight. Retrieval equipment like
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view 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,
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view program this winter—sign up now and get $5 automatically! Featured image courtesy of
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By NAPA
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
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view for your vehicle, link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view
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
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view, 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 link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view. If you still aren’t sure of the right fit, stop by your link hidden, please login to view to get expert guidance on vehicle-specific parts, tools and more. Photo courtesy of
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By NAPA
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
link hidden, please login to view worthy of a spot in your trunk, and how to jump starter a dead battery using one. What Is a Car Battery Booster Pack? link hidden, please login to view
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
link hidden, please login to view. A traditional SLA powered booster pack weighs several pounds and takes up almost as much room as a car battery, while the newer link hidden, please login to view 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
link hidden, please login to view, 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
link hidden, please login to view or link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view 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
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 choose the best battery jump starter, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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