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Eight Popular Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life
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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 OReilly Auto Parts
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After 65 years of serving the automotive aftermarket across the United States and in Mexico, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (“O’Reilly”) (Nasdaq: ORLY) will celebrate the opening of its 6,000th store in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. This milestone will commemorate the continued excellent customer service and dedication of O’Reilly Professional Parts People throughout the Company. The opening of the 6,000th store will kick off with a day-long celebration on February 23, 2023, and reflect on the Company’s 65-year journey of growth and success. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend the celebration, which will begin at 1200 South Lee Street, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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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
When in search of a new-to-you vehicle, consumers are largely left with two options: dealerships and private sellers. Both have pros and cons, but if you decide to skip the
link hidden, please login to view, there are a few steps you should be sure to take. Knowing how to buy a car from a private seller can reduce the overall cost of a used car purchase, but you have to do your due diligence. Here’s a few tips for how to buy a car from a private seller. Research
With the right information, you’ll reduce the risk of being taken advantage of and be in a better spot to negotiate. Assuming you already know the type of vehicle you want, search available resources like
link hidden, please login to view to get a handle on what that vehicle at different years and mileages is worth. Ask a seller a lot of questions, including the vehicle’s history, usage, maintenance, mileage, VIN, known issues and any accidents or repairs. Use the VIN to pull up a history report online from link hidden, please login to view or link hidden, please login to view to ensure the title is not salvage, rebuilt, deemed a lemon or has any other substantial red flags such as existing liens. You can also run the VIN through the link hidden, please login to view for free to check for theft or salvage records. And if you need financing, get all that hammered out before heading into talks with a seller. How to Avoid Scams
Be aware of a number of potential scams for potential car buyers. Do not place money in escrow at the seller’s behest. Do not purchase a vehicle without a title or a title that’s not in the name of the seller. Match the VIN number from the windshield tag and door sticker to the title. If a seller’s answers don’t match up to a vehicle history report, that’s a red flag. Private sellers selling multiple cars may actually be a dealership selling damaged products under the radar. Sellers should be willing to meet in person. Beware of identity theft. Ultimately, if you have a bad feeling, trust your gut and walk away.
Protect Yourself
If you like what you hear, meet in a public place in the daytime and bring a friend. Take a picture of the seller’s driver’s license and send it to another friend who knows where you are. Also, get a photo of their insurance information, and check that their ID matches the name exactly as it appears on the title and registration, checking to make sure there are no additional names, etc. If emissions inspections are required in your state, ask for proof that the vehicle has passed.
Inspections
Operational inspections should include a test drive and basic use items such as
link hidden, please login to view, horn, windows, locks, steering, link hidden, please login to view, air conditioning and heat, radio, infotainment, cruise control, and general performance at stop-and-go and highway speeds. Check tire wear for any signs of unevenness that might hint at suspension or alignment issues. Use your senses to check for unusual sounds, smells and visual cues that tell you something is off. Use a link hidden, please login to view to look under the car for any rust or damage. Pull back the carpet at the edges to look for any signs of flood damage like silt or mold. Use a link hidden, please login to view to run any codes from the link hidden, please login to view port. All OBD systems should read ready, if not then the computer memory may have been recently wiped to hide a trouble code. You can also have your local link hidden, please login to view perform a pre-purchase inspection. If the seller balks at an professional inspection, walk away. Negotiations
If all checks out, negotiate a fair price. Know that it will likely be higher than you want and lower than they want; that’s just the nature of negotiation. As a final precaution, make the purchase contingent on passing a pre-purchase inspection, which you can get at your local
link hidden, please login to view. Save this as the last step and be prepared to buy if the vehicle passes. Ensure the bill of sale and title transfer are accurately filled out, make sure you’re covered for insurance before you drive away and don’t forget to register the car in your name. Congratulations on your new-to-you vehicle! Now protect your new ride with a good set of
link hidden, please login to view and give it a unique look with link hidden, please login to view. Check out all the code
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 buy a car from a private seller, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photos courtesy of Blair Lampe.
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