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Servicing Diesels Lack of Maintenance Promotes Costly Repairs
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By Counterman
Being a somewhat evolved primate, I appreciate tools. I have a LOT of tools – maybe more than strictly necessary for a guy who spends most of the day behind a parts counter rather than in a shop bay. To be completely honest, I even own a few tools that I’ve never actually used, simply because at the time of purchase, I thought they were pretty darn cool, and I might need them some day. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it, right?
Historically, tool selections were pretty basic: an open stock display of wrenches, sockets and drive tools, and a small display of specific-use tools from one of the major jobber distributor brands. These days, in-store tool selection reflects the diversity of manufacturers in today’s aftermarket and the vehicle-specific engineering that goes into servicing a wide range of global nameplates. Given the tight confines of the modern engine bay and the variety of service opportunities, the “underhood” tool category is spread across several vehicle systems, and includes a number of specialty tools.
Underhood services can include belt-drive and cooling-system service; electrical diagnosis and repair; fuel and emissions; LOF (lube, oil, filter) and other fluid-exchange services; and internal engine repairs. Considering that performing one repair often requires disassembly or removal of multiple components just to access the affected part, underhood repairs often will require multiple specialty tools as you dig deeper into the engine bay. While a complete review of each and every specialty underhood tool is nearly impossible, there are a few types that are universally required for servicing many different vehicles.
Quick-disconnect (QD) tools are one of the most universally requested tools in this category, and also the most diverse. Fuel and emissions lines, transmission and coolant connections and A/C lines all routinely feature a QD fitting of some variety. From scissor-type tools to pliers and spring-lock tools, each is designed for a particular type of fitting. Master-disconnect kits cover the majority of styles in one convenient case, and many QD tools can be purchased individually.
For OEM clamped-hose connections, flat-band clamps have mostly replaced worm-drive clamps, and the “go-to” tool for this type of clamp is the cable-operated plier, which can reach remotely into the engine bay where your hands won’t fit. Another popular OEM clamping method is the “Clic” and “Clic-R” clamp, a reusable clamp similar to the Oetiker ear-type clamps found on CV boots.
Clic-R-style pliers make removal and re-use of these clamps possible without damage. Blunt flat-bladed hose-removal tools then can be used to separate stubborn hoses without puncturing or gouging the rubber – a common problem when improvising with a screwdriver or pick tool. Screwdrivers also can damage stretch-to-fit serpentine belts, so using the proper removal and installation tool increases the chances of reusing a good belt! Belt-tension release tools make accessing buried tensioner assemblies much easier, especially when clearance issues prevent the use of a breaker bar or ratchet.
LOF service – once the most basic of maintenance tasks – has become increasingly complex in recent years. The resurgence of cartridge-type filters has resulted in a variety of specialty sockets for opening engine-oil and diesel-fuel filter housings. GM, Ford and some European OEMs now feature uniquely shaped plastic oil-drain plugs that require specialty sockets to remove and replace without damaging the plug.
Some tools (for example, a particular-size specialty socket or bit) are “required” in the sense that you cannot use any other tool to perform a specific task, while others have been developed to make a job easier or beat the published flat-rate schedule. For professional technicians, time is money, and specialty tools are an investment that help them save time and earn more money. For DIYers, specialty tools reduce the frustration of fighting with an unfamiliar component, and reduce the potential for damaging new or existing parts when using improvised tools
and methods.
Tool rentals allow the DIYer (and even some professionals) access to more expensive tools that they otherwise wouldn’t purchase. As add-on sales, specialty tools can earn the parts store additional income, encourage sales of parts that may be more difficult to install without the proper tools and reduce “defective” returns resulting from installation errors. Having a diverse selection of relevant specialty tools in stock is easier than ever before, and is another way to differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive market.
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By NAPA
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
link hidden, please login to view. 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
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view. 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,
link hidden, please login to view 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 link hidden, please login to view
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 “
link hidden, please login to view” 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
link hidden, please login to view, 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
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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 Counterman
Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions has appointed Josh Gordon as president and CEO, effective immediately, the company announced.
Previously, Gordon was president and COO of Spectra.
Gordon joined Spectra in November 2021 and brings a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, with previous leadership roles at Fram Group and Old World Industries, as well as a rich commercial background in consumer products.
Denis Chabot, Spectra’s previous CEO, is retiring but will remain closely involved with Spectra as a board member and senior advisor.
“We are excited about all the positive momentum at Spectra Premium, which continues with the appointment of Josh as the new CEO,” said Ilya Koffman, chairman of the board at Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions. “Josh is a proven leader in the industry, and we are confident that he will drive Spectra’s future success. “We would also like to thank Denis for all his contributions to Spectra Premium and look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as a member of the board of directors.”
“Josh is the perfect person to lead Spectra forward. He has the right combination of experience, leadership, and temperament to realize Spectra’s full potential,” Chabot added. “I am excited to continue my engagement with this great team and this great business.”
Gordon will be leading the business transformation that started last November upon Spectra’s acquisition by Turnspire Capital Partners.
“Spectra Premium’s primary objectives are to optimize our unique North American manufacturing capabilities, as well as our superior engineering expertise, to reduce supply chain risks and grow product categories for our valued customers “ Gordon said. “With a healthy balance sheet, we have invested in improved service levels through inventory availability, production improvements and talent upgrades in key positions, all of which will enable us to serve our current and future aftermarket and OE customers.”
In addition to changes in executive leadership, new talent has been added to the aftermarket and OE teams in recent weeks. Each of these new members will bring a fresh perspective to the team as well as further expertise and experience that will strengthen Spectra’s value proposition. Below are a few of the exciting additions:
Erich Schmidt – Senior director, aftermarket sales Simon Weallans – Senior director, OE sales Jessica Hyde – Marketing director Scott Nash – Category and product management director “Spectra Premium will continue to be a trusted partner in providing heat-transfer, undercar, engine-management and metal-fabrication solutions that exceed the expectations of the market,” the company said in a news release. “Spectra has unique capabilities as a North American manufacturer as well as a management team and dedicated employees that are working together to deliver the same OE-quality parts and category expertise that have made Spectra Premium a market leader.”
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By Mighty Auto Parts
The post
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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