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How to Tell if Flood Water Has Damaged Your Vehicle
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By NAPA
What to Expect from Your Brake Service with NAPA Auto Care
There are more than 285 million vehicles registered in the United States today. The average vehicle on the road is 12 years old. And, it is estimated that more than 51 million commuter vehicles are in need of brake service and repair. This is a concerning number considering antilock brakes are the most important safety system in a car, truck, van or SUV. That’s why the experts at NAPA recommend having your brakes inspected as often as twice a year for wear and damage. If a small issue is caught early, this routine maintenance can save you from a much more intense, costly repair.
Depending on your make and model, the quality of your OEM parts, the climate in which you live and your driving habits, your brake pads should last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles. Additionally, you should have your brake fluid flushed and replaced every two to five years. Because these ranges are vast, NAPA recommends a routine brake inspection every 10,000 to 12,000 miles as part of your yearly vehicle maintenance.
A leak in your brake system, often caused by contamination and corrosion, could dampen or even prevent your stopping power. The right amount of
link hidden, please login to view is essential for the proper function of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. Replacement link hidden, please login to view include the master cylinder and valves, which determine the pressure applied to both the front and rear brakes, brake pads that protect your expensive disc rotors and brake lines that carry critical fluid. More than 17,000
link hidden, please login to view nationwide are committed to diagnosing a wide range of automotive problems and fixing them right the first time. NAPA Auto Care centers are known for reliable service performed by ASE-certified technicians and specialist mechanics. This NAPA standard for trusted car and truck repair has grown for more than 80 years across these local, independently owned auto shops and collision centers. Our promise to NAPA customers is to perform high-quality diagnostic and repair services by installing superior link hidden, please login to view. Check out NAPA’s free nationwide Two-Year/24,000 Mile link hidden, please login to view, which covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services across The NAPA Network. If You’ve Reached The Breaking Point, Head to NAPA link hidden, please login to view
There are many reasons why you need brake service. Powerful friction wears out even the best
link hidden, please login to view and intense heat can warp link hidden, please login to view. Air getting into a brake line is a common issue. Your link hidden, please login to view will measure the vehicle’s brake fluid level during a full-service oil change. But what if you are experiencing a noticeable problem, such as a squealing noise or a change in brake responsiveness? A standard brake inspection at a NAPA Auto Care center could include:
Brake pad or brake shoe replacement Brake rotor resurfacing or brake drum turning Brake rotor or drum replacement Brake fluid flushing Brake line leak repair Brake light diagnosis Keep in mind, brake services are duplicated on both wheels of the same axle. Multiple systems in your vehicle are designed for the parts on both sides of your vehicle to operate in matching condition.
After any inspection, the NAPA technician should thoroughly explain your vehicle’s condition. This includes documenting what problems are urgent and what repairs you can delay. If the damaged part no longer performs as designed, the repair is considered necessary. For instance, a cracked rotor requires replacement, so a less expensive ‘fix’ like a new brake pad is an unsafe repair in this case.
A NAPA Auto Care service technician can also make recommendations that are not critical. This includes proactively replacing parts likely to fail in less than a year. Your trusted mechanic should also advise you on maintenance recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. And, an inspection might include improvements that you can make with an aftermarket part upgrade to enhance performance, such as installing
link hidden, please login to view. With NAPA, you are always in good hands. Still, it is always best practice to do a little research before arriving at any auto body shop. Use the
link hidden, please login to view to instantly find out what your auto repair or service should cost at a NAPA Auto Care center. This competitive pricing tool provides quick and easy cost estimates for the most common repairs. Image courtesy of
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By NAPA
Eight Popular Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life link hidden, please login to view
Shopping for gifts that will surprise and delight our loved ones can be difficult. If you are struggling to figure out what to buy this Valentine’s Day, read this expert guide on the Top Eight Automotive Gifts To Buy For The Women In Your Life.
#1 Automotive accessories like the Betty Boop themed
link hidden, please login to view, with the matching link hidden, please login to view steering wheel set and the link hidden, please login to view, delivers a beautiful interior personalization boost for her. #2 If she is a country girl who loves nature, consider the
link hidden, please login to view or the link hidden, please login to view. For a more traditional, warm aesthetic, go for the black and white link hidden, please login to view or the two-toned link hidden, please login to view . #3 If your sweet ride is too tall for the lady in your life, consider installing a step rail, like the grip-enhanced
link hidden, please login to view. Some running boards incorporate safety LEDs to illuminate the steps, like the AMP Research PowerStep XL Running Boards. #4 If your Valentine is a perfectionist, who prides herself in keeping the interior of her vehicle spotless, gift her with the
link hidden, please login to view. This popular aftermarket accessory will prevent her factory-installed carpet from being ruined and run down, providing a layer of protection that can be rinsed clean. #5 Do you and your partner love chasing after adventures together? Then use Valentine’s Day for an upgrade. NAPA
link hidden, please login to view are tailor-made to fit her vehicle make and model, and can be easily installed. link hidden, please login to view are handy for taking extra luggage on a trip, and are a welcome organizational accessory that she’ll adore. #6 If your Valentine is a dog lover, she will appreciate NAPA’s pet travel accessories! A
link hidden, please login to view allows you to safely drive without your dog climbing all over you, and it is an excellent option for long-distance trips, short-distanced excursions and visits to the vet, especially if you have more than one dog.
link hidden, please login to view will make it easy to keep her car clean, which are washable and durably constructed in various colors. link hidden, please login to view allow animals to relax within your car, truck or SUV, and can be anchored using the included security straps. The waterproof polycotton blend is washable, resists scraps and snags, and is designed to breathe. #7 The
link hidden, please login to view comes in several feminine styles, and can all be paired with steering wheel covers that match for a stylish addition. Dash covers are an economical way to level up the look of any car, truck or SUV, and are a personalized gift for her. link hidden, please login to view #8 If the woman in your life ever needs to be outside of the vehicle during an emergency or to fix a tire, then having wearable accessories on hand is essential. The
link hidden, please login to view will keep her warm, and a link hidden, please login to view will keep her safe. Combined, these products make a great gift bundle, and is a thoughtful way to improve her preparedness when on the road, far away from home. This Valentine’s Day, NAPAonline.com has the gifts you need to wow her. Let her know you’re thinking about her safety, and add some style to her ride. Remember, changing her oil is a great gift too! If you’re not ready to work on her vehicle yourself, take the vehicle to
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By NAPA
Some people have been asking, do electric cars work in cold weather? Absolutely they do! But winter driving doesn’t always mean a winter wonderland, sometimes it just means preparing for the cold. People have been link hidden, please login to viewelectric cars in cold weather for years with little or no trouble other than potentially shorter battery range. Here’s a few tips about driving an electric car in winter.
Preheat Before You Leave
One advantage to plug-in electric cars in the winter is they can use grid power before you drive. It makes far more sense to prepare for your drive while connected to grid power than use up battery range. If your electric car has the option to preheat the cabin while link hidden, please login to view take advantage of that feature. Vehicles like the link hidden, please login to view and Nissan LEAF can be toasty warm for your departure. Use seat heaters if so equipped as they are more efficient at warming the occupants directly. Once you are on the way it will take far less power to maintain a comfortable cabin than if you had started cold leaving you parking spot.
Use The Right Tires
If you live in an area where winter tires are recommended, by all means use them. Snow tires are able to stay pliable in low temperatures and typically feature a special tread design that helps grip the wintery roads.
While it is common for electric vehicles to use special low rolling resistance tires, during the winter months you want all the grip you can get. Luckily with the growing popularity of electric vehicles there are now specific link hidden, please login to view made for EVs. These EV winter tires are designed specifically to address the needs of an electric car by balancing low rolling resistance while still offering winter weather traction. Just make sure to change into winter tires before the weather shifts.
Drive Easy
If your warm driving style is already easy going to maximize battery range, driving an electric car in cold weather will be an easy transition. The roads will likely be slippery so easing into acceleration and braking will help keep things under control.
Keep in mind that most electric vehicles are fairly heavy, so there is a lot of momentum built up even under normal driving. Loads of low-end torque make for spirited driving in warmer months, but you will need to dial back the accelerator pedal in slippery conditions. If your vehicle has “ECO” mode, use it. You may have a winter/snow driving mode as well so check your owner’s manual.
Turn Off Regenerative Braking
As amazing as regenerative braking is at recouping energy and extending driving range, it can also cause problems on slippery roads. Normally when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator pedal the regenerative braking system kicks in to help slow the vehicle. This is great in dry weather, but the braking action that recovers electricity can cause the wheel to lose grip on slick roads making for erratic handling. People driving electric cars in winter conditions need to pay attention to the road surface. If the road conditions are slippery, it is best to turn off your regenerative braking system and go back to using your trusty brake pedal.
Your Range May Vary
Depending on your vehicle, electric car battery life in cold weather will vary. If you have an older electric vehicle with less than 100 miles of range you will need to be as sparing with power as you can. Things like headlights, link hidden, please login to view, radio, seat heaters, battery heaters, fans, even power steering all take previous battery power. On the flip side, if your vehicle’s range is in the hundreds of miles and your trips around town are short, there’s no reason to skimp on the power. Of course this assumes you will recharge once you are done driving for the day.
Plan For An Emergency
This tip applies to everyone on the road, but in an electric vehicle your
link hidden, please login to viewshould include a portable 110v charger if you have one. Sure it is the slowest way to recharge, but it beats no charge at all if you are stuck at a friend’s house. 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 taking care of an electric car battery in cold weather and learning more about electric cars in winter driving, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. The post
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By NAPA
Winter is here and it came with a vengeance. The relentless march of snow falling means snow removal. Whether you are just shoveling your sidewalk, firing up your snow blower, or hopping in the cab of your snow plow, NAPA has everything you need to keep your snow removal equipment in top shape for the fight against old man winter.
Snow Shovels
When it comes to clearing snow the classic snow shovel is still a must-have tool. There’s a reason why the image in most people’s heads when they hear “snow shovel” is one of the best shovels for snow. The wide blade can clear a large area so you can take bigger bites in a single scoop. The flat lip scrapes down to solid driveways and sidewalks for complete snow removal. There’s nothing wrong with using the same snow shovel your parents used (it is still the best snow shovel in most cases), but there are also a few more options on the market. Different types of shovel handles can make
link hidden, please login to view. There are wheeled snow shovels that help take the strain off your back (including a snow shovel on a wheel design). There are even snow plow shovels that look like a small version of the snow plow for truck use for the streets. Just remember to dress warmly with a good pair of gloves and take breaks often when shoveling.
Snow Blowers link hidden, please login to view
link hidden, please login to view and snow throwers are a basic necessity in some parts of the world. They can move snow faster than a shovel and with relatively less effort. But are they the same thing? What about sno blowers vs snow throwers? It comes down to the mechanical design of the snow moving parts. Here’s a breakdown of the different machine types. Single Stage Snow Thrower
A single stage snow thrower is great for moving light snow. It has a single mechanism that both picks up the snow and throws it through the discharge chute. These are going to be your lighter duty electric snow blowers, cordless snow blowers
Two Stage Snow Blower
When the snow passes the 6” deep mark it is time to step up to a two stage snow blower. The first stage auger collects snow and passes it to the second stage impeller which blows it out of the discharge chute. These can be traditional gas powered snow blowers but advancements in batteries have seen a rise in cordless electric snow blowers that can clear a driveway with no issues.
Three Stage Snow Blower
When the snow starts nearing the 2’ deep mark it is time to fire up a three stage snow blower. These beasts have the same mechanisms as their two stage cousins, but another accelerator auger is added which greatly increases the volume of snow that can be removed. These snow eaters can blow snow across a yard and out of the way like a champ.
Regardless of which kind of snow blower you pick, there is maintenance to be done. Much like a snow plow the scraper blade needs to be checked and replaced when it gets worn down. Rubber paddles also wear down need to be replaced to maintain peak snow moving capabilities.
Snow Plows
Now we are talking about moving some serious snow. You can attach snow plows to pretty much any vehicle that has enough power to push snow. There are small snow plows that attach to lawn tractors, ATVs, and UTVs. Moving up are lighter duty but wider residential snow plows that mount on mid-size trucks and SUVs, perfect for clearing driveways. Some of these snow plows for pickup trucks and SUVs can even be switched from front to rear of the vehicle. But when you need to clear the company parking lot nothing can compete with the designs of commercial snow plows when coupled with a heavy pickup truck
Regardless of what kind of vehicle you press into plowing snow, it is going to need a
link hidden, please login to view before everything turns into a winter wonderland. All belts need to be checked, fluids changed, filters changed, driveline inspected, and a full check of the entire suspension front and rear. A snow plow puts a lot of weight and stress on a vehicle so it is worth giving your vehicle a full check. Your headlights are great for driving, but a set of extra snow plow lights will help you see the task at hand a lot better. Don’t forget to check the
link hidden, please login to view and replace it whenever it starts getting short. Remember, the plow wear bar keeps your main plow blade from wearing down so don’t forget about it. Give the snow plow link hidden, please login to view a good check including the pump, hoses, cylinder, and cab controls. While you are inspecting the plow double check all the mounting hardware to make sure it is tightened to specifications. Battling snow this winter doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With the right planning and right tools you can enjoy clear sidewalks and clear parking spots. Just make sure to keep up with the snowfall so it doesn’t turn into an impossible mountain to move later.
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 finding the best snow blowers of simply narrowing down the best shovels for snow in your area , chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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By NAPA
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For That Car Guy In Your Life link hidden, please login to view
If you’re searching for what to get him for Valentine’s Day, NAPA has you covered. Car lovers take pride in their vehicles, so now is the perfect time to show the special person in your life that same care. From personalized interior accessories to
link hidden, please login to view, NAPAOnline has all the upgrades, performance parts and quality tools for your DIY Valentine. That special mechanic or technician in your life needs a way to keep their hands clean and ready for date night with safe cleaning solutions like the
link hidden, please login to view. Pair this with link hidden, please login to view for small jobs and the link hidden, please login to view to keep their hands from cracking.
link hidden, please login to view will protect his hands while doing hard jobs, and the link hidden, please login to view protect him from potentially hazardous and harmful chemicals on-the-go. Add a link hidden, please login to view to his garage work area, so that he stays toasty and comfortable, especially in the cold winter and early spring mornings.
link hidden, please login to view Remember to shop NAPA’s giant selection of popular, long-lasting
link hidden, please login to view. The options are endless, with carpet floor mats and all-weather protection. link hidden, please login to view will create the ultimate shield for his vehicle’s interior, with a sturdy, customized fit that incorporates deep channels to trap liquids. WeatherTech is proudly made in the U.S. and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Explore how a good
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view can work together to keep the interior of his prized pickup or sporty roadster looking and smelling fresh. Industrial strength link hidden, please login to view is the perfect prime and shine solution for creating a blemish-free finish on his work truck or off-road Jeep.
link hidden, please login to view are a straightforward way to his heart, and these aftermarket upgrades are a great way to be noticed on the road. NAPA offers several high-end headlight and tail light customization products, including replacement parts for when your OM parts fail, like replacing a link hidden, please login to view. If you’ve noticed that his headlights are a little dim, grab a
link hidden, please login to view for a DIY fix designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of headlights, polishing them back to their original shine. The system cleans away yellow stains and clears buffs, scratches and smudges. Adding new light bulbs can be all he needs to cut through the fog, especially with the link hidden, please login to view. A
link hidden, please login to view can light the vehicle’s interior and exterior; this stylish gift can even be used inside your home. The link hidden, please login to view is a fun and useful lighting machine that simply stows away when not in use. It offers advanced optics and rotational points for lighting any vehicle’s undercarriage in a home garage. link hidden, please login to view A
link hidden, please login to view will keep him safe on the road. If he has to exit his vehicle, be sure he has a link hidden, please login to view to fare the wind and cold. The link hidden, please login to view or link hidden, please login to view will add even more equipment to his growing emergency supplies. The
link hidden, please login to view takes care of his organization, fitting 230 pieces into a durable toolbox, while the link hidden, please login to view is a fun way to keep him excited about chores. And the link hidden, please login to view hand tool offers a higher blade speed than corded jigsaws for a clean, more controlled cut. Share your love by ordering from NAPAOnline.com today for that special man in your life. Take advantage of
link hidden, please login to view, and don’t forget to browse our selection of link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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