-
Welcome to Auto Parts Forum
Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and LinkedIn.
Take Action to Reduce Effects of Severe Driving
-
Similar Topics
-
By Counterman
Continental has introduced 10 new professional-quality driving lights as part of the company’s NightViu line.
The new lights have been designed to help improve operational safety by dramatically increasing nighttime visibility.
Engineered for use in agriculture, construction and mining, the new NightViu driving lights also are suitable for marine and powersports applications. They feature rugged aluminum diecast housings with cataphoretic coating, and resilient shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. Depending on the model, they are rated IP69K or IP67K for ingress protection (IP) from dust and water, according to the company.
NightViu multi-function driving lights and lightbars feature free-form reflectors that direct the light beam exactly where it’s needed. NightViu reversing lights feature Fresnel lenses to create a broad field of illumination directly behind the equipment. NightViu driving lights provide up to 5,500 lumens and a beam field length of up to 440 meters.
NightViu driving lights feature an integrated electronics driver and thermal management system to allow them to operate safely from minus 40 F to 190 F. They produce from 50 to 100 lumens per watt, depending on the model, and have been designed to ensure that they do not create electrical interference that could affect the vehicle’s existing electronics.
“Our new NightViu driving lights provide the illumination that operators need for maximum nighttime safety,” said Edwin Betancourt Jr., product manager, Continental. “With three styles and a choice of configurations, they offer the right light for just about every application.”
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
By Mighty Auto Parts
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. Scheduled vehicle maintenance makes good business sense, especially when compared to costly engine repairs or an engine replacement. Many vehicle owners unknowingly select a service interval that is not healthy for the engine or recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Most vehicle manufacturers offer two service schedules…Normal and Severe Service. These options have created much controversy […]
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
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
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
By NAPA
Finding a Mode for Every Mood and Move You Make
Driving mode controls are a relatively new technology leveraged to offer you the best, most personalized driving experience possible. Access to mode controls and select traction systems has revolutionized the market of available vehicles that respond to performance cues. Driving modes include flexible ways to improve towing capability, fuel efficiency and controls for weather conditions like sleet, ice, wind and snow.
For example, Tow / Haul mode allows the transmission to hold gears longer when engaged. This protects the transmission from damage caused by towing heavy objects at low RPMs. It also makes it easier to drive up steep terrain while pulling.
Modern automobile manufacturers have engineered ways to stylize your driving preference using various systems. Each driving mode option serves a specific purpose for when, where and how you drive. Every mode choice improves your vehicle’s performance in a specific area and works to adjust the steering throttle and engine control functions that respond to road conditions.
Modes of driving include:
Economy / Tour Comfort Smart / EV Only Off-Road All-Terrain All-Weather Snow Mode Tow Mode Sport or Sport+ V-Max +R (Track Mode/Racing Mode) Leveraging your
link hidden, please login to view, traction system and desired reaction to road conditions is paramount to comfortable driving. You can switch on any driving mode at any time, even while in motion. Sophisticated electronic vehicle systems allow you to master seasonal driving changes and can even keep you safe in harsh conditions. The Snow and Ice drive mode feature improves performance across slick road conditions by altering your pedal map and torque response.
link hidden, please login to view saves on fuel consumption costs by adjusting how the engine and link hidden, please login to view function together. This can decrease your vehicle’s power output, which protects the environment and improves your miles per gallon. Transform Your Driving Experience link hidden, please login to view
As you explore customizing your driving style, you’ll discover that several driving modes will improve your experience on the road. Personalizing your commuter sedan, hard-working pickup truck or deluxe SUV is more accessible than ever. In-demand driving mode technology allows you to ride in luxury or rule the road. With features like automatic engine starting and advanced all-wheel drive toggles, performance tech is at your fingertips.
Driving modes have transformed drive time into fun, tailored experiences that can change from circumstance to circumstance. Although some vehicles only have a few options, others feature nearly a dozen or more choices. Switching between driving modes is more commonly included in newer model cars, trucks and SUVs.
Depending on your vehicle, you have several performance settings to navigate from like Snow, Ice, Mud, Sand, Towing and Steep Terrain. Add to that list racetrack settings and velocity boosting elements. Keep in mind, the various modes might have different names depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
For example, Tour mode is in line with Eco mode. At the same time, you can use the Terrain mode on low speed through mountainous terrain, but it is also good for pulling boats out of the water, launching a boat and mild off-roading adventures. This is similar to Off-Roading mode, which improves your traction when the surface below your vehicle is less than ideal.
When the Sport or Track mode is activated, you can tighten the front seat side bolsters. Depending on your vehicle, the active exhaust will open, and the car won’t cut power when you go sideways due to all traction-related systems turning off temporarily. Sport modes are so much fun to try, but you should only test them on a safe, open track with an experienced driver at the wheel. Sport mode variants can also include the ability to stiffen the suspension, which reduces the car’s traction.
In general, the road condition options like Mud, Sand, Snow and Rock modes are for specified situations and terrains. While in Sand mode, your ride might have an extra sensitive throttle control to allow for more wheel slip so you can maintain momentum as you drive. Rock mode will adjust the traction control system to dampen the throttle response, letting you experience a less bumpy ride. This usually requires you to select a low-range setting for activation.
On most vehicles, the driving mode is connected to the engine control module (ECU) to control the engine, transmission,
link hidden, please login to view and brakes. This offers power maps for different driving conditions. Each mode alters engine functions to suit your choice, and you can pick the mode you prefer as you commute. Modern Vehicle Technology Supported by NAPA
Smart system-wide support birthed a new driving experience where you can develop on-road skills, making it safer and more fun to cruise the streets. Take the variations in Sport mode, for example, which enable that car, truck or SUV to react sharply and in style.
Adjusting driving dynamics is an automatic function in some vehicles. Imagine commuting across the country and going from sandy terrain into a mountainous snow range. Now, picture your vehicle automatically toggling between your vehicle’s ideal driving mode based on your preferences, road conditions and weather. Won’t it be thrilling to drive on cruise control, and your ride automatically switch from Comfort or Economy into sport mode when you hit the open, backcountry pavement?
In part, driving modes have improved all-season driving safety by eliminating common driving issues using advanced sensors that predict the road. Extra safety is paramount when driving in winter conditions, and Snow / Ice and Rain mode can significantly reinforce your traction. Snow mode is known for dialing back your throttle response, increasing the stability of your traction control system and reducing wheel spin.
Different road conditions and your own brand of driving contribute to your vehicle’s unique characteristics; therefore, you must investigate to choose the best driving mode for you. Browse through all the
link hidden, please login to view that NAPAOnline.com offers for improving your Sport mode. For advice and expert tips from our technicians on enhancing your ride, visit one of link hidden, please login to view. The next time you drive, play with the different modes and see how you and your vehicle respond. Featured image courtesy of
link hidden, please login to view. The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view 
-
By Counterman
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) recently hosted its 2022 Independent Store Meeting.
The two-day business event opened at Target Field, where Corey Bartlett, APH president and CEO, led off with a report on the company’s growth, personnel additions, aftermarket industry trends and Auto Care Association/Right to Repair legislative efforts. A special virtual appearance from John and JC Washbish, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, got everyone excited about the upcoming Aftermarket Jackpot Convention in Las Vegas.
Business training was conducted by APH staff members Tim Feddema and Jim Pascale in the areas of online reputation and search engine optimization, as well as employee retention and recruitment. Jim Becker and Kevin Mack, also from APH, discussed future merchandising opportunities and updated attendees on current supply chain challenges.
Channel-partner representatives from MacPherson struts (FCS Automotive), MacPherson hubs (MPA), Parts Master filters (First Brands Group), Prestone and Milwaukee Tools wrapped up the first day with product information and selling seminars.
All guests and their families then enjoyed an evening of food, fun and camaraderie while watching the Minnesota Twins battle the Los Angeles Angels from the comfort of their Skyline Suite seats. Recent Twins Hall of Fame inductee, Dan Gladden, entertained the group with fun stories from his 1987 and 1991 World Series Championship playing years, and also joined everyone for a group photo.
link hidden, please login to view independents, APH staff and channel partners spent the final day of the meeting at APH’s store support center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a vendor brunch show followed by tours of the distribution center, BENCO Equipment, and flagship store, Auto Value St. Cloud. The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view
-
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.