NAPA Know How: Car Questions You’re Scared to AskNAPA Know How Blog

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In most aspects of life, knowledge is power; this is especially true when it comes to your car. Having insight into how your vehicle works plays a part in keeping you safe on the road, and it can help you handle any car troubles without breaking a sweat.

Asking the right car questions can provide you with some valuable automotive know-how. Still, many people new to owning or caring for a vehicle shy away from asking questions for fear of looking uninformed. If you’re one of those folks, you’re in luck! Here are the answers to four car questions you may have been scared to ask.

What happens if I use gas with a lower octane level than my car’s manufacturer recommends?

When it comes to your car’s fuel, there are two words to watch for in the owner’s manual: “required” and “recommended.” If a specific octane is “required,” always choose that octane when getting gas. Failure to do so could damage the engine.

However, if the manual “recommends” a specific octane, you have more wiggle room. Using a gas with a lower octane than the one recommended by the automaker every once in a while shouldn’t cause any problems. Still, don’t make this a regular practice. Octane ratings impact an engine’s performance and fuel economy. To get the best possible performance and gas mileage, stick with the octane recommended in the owner’s manual.

How often should I check the air in my tires?

Some experts recommend that you check your tire pressure every time you put gas in your car. Not everyone will have the time to do this, but it’s a good rule to follow. At the very least, check your tire pressure once a month. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps to optimize your car’s fuel economy and handling.

How often should I change my car’s timing belt?

Your car’s timing belt plays an important role in the way your vehicle runs. It controls and synchronizes the pistons and valves in a car’s combustion engine. Deterioration of the timing belt can happen suddenly, causing unsafe driving conditions if it happens while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, it’s advisable to replace the belt according to recommendations given by your mechanic or your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Newer cars can go for up to 100,000 miles without needing a new timing belt, while older vehicles may need a replacement after about 60,000 miles.

How often should I change my car’s air filter?

The air filter keeps sand and other debris from entering your car’s engine. In doing so, it prevents engine damage and extends its life. Typically, it’s recommended that you replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, you may need to replace the filter more frequently if your car has a turbocharged engine or if you regularly drive on unpaved roads.

These tips will help you get up to speed on issues related to automotive care and maintenance. Having access to basic car knowledge and advice makes owning a car a lot less stressful.

Check out all the filters and related products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more answers to common car questions, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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NAPA Know How: What Is a Throttle Position Sensor?NAPA Know How Blog

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What is a throttle position sensor, and why is it important for it to work correctly? The throttle position sensor (TPS) is an essential part of your vehicle’s fuel management system, tasked with ensuring that a precise blend of air and fuel is routed to your engine. This sensor works in tandem with others sensors to optimize acceleration, cruising speed and fuel economy. Replacing a defective TPS is critical for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. But, exactly what is a throttle position sensor, and how can you recognize when one might be faulty?

TPS Trouble

Manufacturers typically place the throttle position sensor on the throttle valve spindle to monitor its position. The engine control unit (ECU) collects TPS data to optimize vehicle performance.

A faulty throttle position sensor doesn’t happen without warning. Some of the telltale signs include:

  • The panel light activates. Once a TPS goes rogue, the ECU displays a warning on the instrument panel. A diagnostic tool will help you determine what the check engine light is signaling.
  • Your car shakes and quakes. A faulty TPS can cause your car to shake like it has engine knock.
  • The acceleration is unresponsive. Press the pedal to the metal and you should receive an instantaneous response. But not so when the TPS is bad or failing. This doesn’t mean your vehicle won’t move forward, however. Indeed, the ECU may activate a “limp home” mode, which makes it possible to get the vehicle out of traffic and over to the side of the road.
  • The engine stalls or surges. Instead of outright failure, the TPS may cause the engine to stall or surge as the sensor attempts to send the right mixture of fuel and air.
  • The fuel economy nosedives. Sometimes, before the TPS exhibits other signs of trouble, you’ll notice that your car’s fuel economy has taken a direct hit. Specifically, your vehicle will consume more fuel as the engine works harder to compensate for a faulty TPS.

TPS Solution

Once you diagnose the problem, the solution is straightforward: Replace the throttle position sensor. Luckily, this is a job you can handle on your own.

After locating the TPS, disconnect the negative battery terminal before you remove the sensor electrical connector. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the sensor mounting screws, then lift the sensor. Swap out the old sensor with a new one, then reverse the earlier steps. You may need to adjust the sensor screws using a voltmeter to achieve an optimal reading.

TPS Takeaway

When the throttle position sensor is doing its job, your vehicle should accelerate smoothly and maintain its optimal fuel economy. But when it fails, it becomes a safety issue — a problem you must address at once.

Check out all the fuel and emissions products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on throttle position sensors, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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NAPA Know How: Car Maintenance Checklist for the Long HaulNAPA Know How Blog

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It used to be that 100,000 miles on a used car was a lot, and some car buyers still turn up their nose at used cars with six digits on the odometer. Cars have come a long way in recent years, however, and many vehicles pushing 100,000 miles are just getting started. Keeping your car running past 100,000 miles, through 200,000 miles and even higher is absolutely possible. It all boils down to sticking to your car maintenance checklist and putting in the time and money to properly maintain your car.

Whether you’re looking at a late model car or even a classic car — such as Irvin Gordon’s 1966 Volvo P1800S, which holds the Guinness World Record for most miles on a noncommercial vehicle reaching nearly 3 million miles in 2013 — keeping up with a comprehensive car maintenance checklist will keep you on the road for many years and thousands of miles. As you start racking up the miles, what kind of things should you make sure are on your car maintenance checklist?

Regular Maintenance

  • Check your engine and oil filter approximately 5,000–7,500 miles, depending on vehicle and oil type. Some manufacturers and oil companies suggest oil change intervals of up to 15,000 miles; consult your owner’s manual to see what’s best for your vehicle.
  • Rotate and balance your tires every 5,000 miles to even out wear, extend their life and keep on top of vibrations.
  • Inspect your brakes every 5,000 miles to keep on top of wear and, if necessary, replace pads or shoes before they ruin rotors or drums.
  • Monitor the level and condition of your fluids every 5,000 miles. This will give you an overall feel for how your car is running. Check differential fluid and transfer case oil every 15,000 miles.
  • Make timely repairs. Addressing any issues that arise as soon as possible helps you avoid poor fuel economy, drivability issues and collateral damage.

Additionally, here are a few basic things that you should make sure are on your car maintenance checklist as you close in on some major mileage milestones.

Service at 50K Miles

At around 50–60,000 miles, many vehicles need a few things monitored, if not replaced. Some cars require an engine coolant flush around this time, although many have moved to long-life coolants, with up to 100,000-mile lifespans.

Some spark plugs will need to be replaced about this time, and any drive belts that have made it this far are sure to be in need of replacement. Check radiator hoses for swelling and weak spots. Many struts and shock absorbers start to wear out about this time. You should definitely have the suspension alignment checked at 50,000 miles, if not at the last time you had your tires replaced.

Service at 100K Miles

Once your car has gotten to 100,000 miles, there are probably some things that you should consider replacing, if you haven’t already done so. Long-life engine coolant will need to be replaced about this time. Some manufacturers suggest up to 120,000 miles for spark plug replacement. The timing belt should definitely have been replaced by now, and most technicians will recommend replacing the water pump, too, particularly if it’s driven by the timing belt.

Service at 250K and Beyond

Once you hit this mileage milestone, your car maintenance checklist has become pretty much old hat. You’re going to have to make repairs now and then, but with regular inspections by a certified mechanic, you’ll be able to fix problems as soon as they arise.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on your car maintenance checklist, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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NAPA Know How: The Effect of Temperature on Battery LifeNAPA Know How Blog

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Mild temperatures are ideal for the body as well as for machines. Under extreme conditions, humans and automobiles struggle, with the latter prone to outright failure. Your car’s battery is especially susceptible when operating in adverse conditions. The effect of temperature on battery life becomes particularly evident during the winter and when it fluctuates wildly.

Extreme Temperatures

There are three things to keep in mind regarding extreme temperatures and your car battery:

1. The optimum operating temperature. A car battery operates best when the air temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, the temperature under the hood will increase once the car’s driven several miles, and will stay at an elevated temperature for the trip’s duration. That’s why when a heatwave arrives (90 degrees Fahrenheit or more), you’ll see more vehicles under duress.

2. The impact of heat degradation. Extreme heat takes its toll on vehicle systems, including the battery. Weeks, if not months, of operating your car in hot temperatures will corrode its internal components and weaken its power. The heat might not cause outright failure, but it will set the battery up for failure later.

3. Here comes the cold. Autumn and spring may supply the best conditions for a car battery. But autumn will soon give way to winter and that’s when cold air increases internal resistance and lowers capacity. Specifically, a battery operating at 100% capacity under optimum conditions will lose about half its strength when the temperature reaches 0 degrees Fahrenheit. For older and weaker batteries, capacity is already reduced, which means a cold snap can do them in. Increased pressure on battery life also occurs when temperatures move back and forth between optimum and extreme conditions.

Battery Testing

There is not much you can do to extend battery life, as most batteries last three to five years. The average life span varies by region, with batteries in northerly climates lasting an average of 58 months to just 41 months in the deep south.

To head off “sudden death,” you should regularly inspect your battery. In particular, ensure that it’s secure in the engine bay, that the terminals are free of corrosion buildup and properly connected, and by testing its charge with a multimeter.

But that’s not enough: You should go one step further by having the battery load tested annually to determine its cold-cranking amps. This test, which involves connecting the battery to a load-testing machine, will demonstrate the battery’s ability to hold voltage. The results will help you decide whether to keep your battery or replace it.

Battery Replacement

If your battery is still in working order but is nearing the end of its life cycle, you can avoid a breakdown by replacing it immediately. Recycle the old battery at the store when you purchase a new one, or find a recycling facility that accepts them.

Remember these tips about the effect of temperature on battery life to avoid disasters and maintain the health of your car year-round.

Check out all the car batteries available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how climates affect car performance, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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NAPA Know How: NAPA’s Free Vehicle Health Check Is October 12th, 2019

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Whether you’re a DIY car guy or the person who always ignores their warning light — it’s time for a vehicle health check. On October 12th, bring your vehicle to your local participating NAPA AUTO PARTS store and NAPA AutoCare technicians will inspect it free of charge. So no matter who you are, or what you drive, we’ve got your back.

For more information about participating locations and timing please check our map and with your local store: https://www.napaonline.com/en/offers/vehicle-health-check

Not sure if you need a vehicle health check? Here’s some points to ponder:

Fuel System Treatment

Adding a Fuel System Treatment to your car with every oil change will help remove excess buildup and deposits from fuel injectors, carburetors, and intake valves which may improve fuel mileage, enhance performance, and reduce emissions.

Cabin Air Filter

Cabin air filters block airborne contaminants, pollen, dust, toxins, allergens and the like that can cause smelly build-up caused by mold, mildew, algae and more. Cabin air filters should be inspected every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Tire Air Pressure

Proper tire inflation can affect the control you have of the vehicle, fuel economy, wear of the tires, tire failure rate, and the comfort of your ride. Regularly check tire pressures to the tire PSI recommendations, particularly with temperature change.

Headlights

While only 25% of driving happens at night, nearly 50% of all accidents occur after dark. Also, as your headlights age they produce less light for a shorter view of the road! Upgrade your headlights in pairs with premium bulbs for whiter, brighter and safer visibility!

Air Filter

The role of an engine air filter is to filter the air and prevent harmful things like leaves, insects and contaminants from entering your engine. Engine air filters should be inspected every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Wiper Blades

You should replace your wiper blades every 6 to 9 months to maintain the safest visibility in adverse weather conditions. Also remember you might have a rear blade if you have a SUV or CUV. Washer fluid is also important to a clean and clear view.

Brake Inspection

Rubber components within your vehicle’s calipers and brake hoses can deteriorate, over time, causing uneven or premature brake pad and rotor wear. Have your calipers and brake hoses checked during every brake job.

Battery

The summer intense heat and winter severe cold can adversely affect the life expectancy of your battery. Be sure to have your battery tested every time you have your vehicle serviced to ensure you have the power when you need it.

Ride Control

Shocks and struts can affect your vehicle’s stopping distance. Properly functioning shocks and struts are necessary for a safe and comfortable ride. Consider replacing shocks and struts every 75,000 miles.

Cooling System

A vehicle’s engine cooling system is comprised of a number of parts that work together to circulate engine coolant throughout the system. The radiator, thermostat, water pump and cooling hoses should be periodically inspected as they all play critical roles in ensuring proper engine heat management is attained under any driving condition.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on a vehicle health check, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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NAPA Know How: What Kind Of Truck Oil Should I Put In My Pickup?NAPA Know How Blog

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Truck oil plays a key role in the performance of your pickup. It dissipates heat, keeps the engine lubricated, and shields it from damage. Choosing the right type of oil can do a great deal to preserve the life of your truck’s engine.

The two main types of truck oil are conventional and synthetic. What kind of oil should you use in your truck? Let’s take a look at what each type of oil has to offer.

The Scoop on Conventional Motor Oil

Made using crude oil, conventional motor oil has been in existence almost since the dawn of the combustion engine. Because of its crude-oil base, this type of oil comes with a certain level of inherent impurities, and this can compromise the way in which your engine performs. However, additives are available that can mitigate the effects of these impurities, thus improving engine performance.

The biggest advantage offered by conventional truck oil is cost. It’s significantly cheaper than synthetic oil.

Conventional oil may be perfectly acceptable in a hatchback, coupe, or sedan. However, if you have a truck that’s used for towing, this type of oil is less effective than synthetic oil at providing the protection needed to keep the engine safe and sound.

The Skinny on Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic motor oil is made from raw materials such as mineral oil. This oil first hit the scene right after World War II, and it’s experienced an upswing in popularity over the past few years. Synthetic oil doesn’t have as many impurities as conventional oil, and this brings performance advantages. It’s able to withstand higher temperatures than conventional oil, and this allows it to last longer.

Towing can be hard on an engine, and conventional oil can fall short of delivering adequate performance in this situation. Synthetic oil offers the necessary protection for engines that are tasked with towing heavy loads.

This type of oil has the goods to deliver solid protection in vehicles that are being driven in extreme heat. Synthetic oil also fares well when it’s frigid outside. In cold temperatures, this type of oil flows better than conventional oil, and this can reduce engine wear. Additionally, synthetic oil does a better job than conventional oil of diminishing engine friction, and this can lead to better gas mileage.

If you’re using additives to reduce sludge buildup in your truck’s engine, they’ll last longer when used with synthetic motor oil. That’s because this type of oil doesn’t break down as quickly as conventional motor oil.

Synthetic motor oil can be more expensive than conventional oil. However, if you have a truck, it’s worth the investment. This type of oil provides the protection needed by your pickup’s engine during towing. It may also help you optimize your truck’s fuel economy.

Summing Up

The type of motor oil that’s best for your vehicle will depend on the demands placed on its engine. For a pickup that faces challenges such as towing, synthetic truck oil is the way to go.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on motor oil for your truck, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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NAPA Know How: 11 Strut Replacement Tips For The DIY Auto MechanicNAPA Know How Blog

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Shocks and struts, shock absorbers and MacPherson struts to be exact, typically last 20,000 to 60,000 miles before requiring replacement. Insufficient shock absorption is a typical concern, but shock or strut replacement may be necessary for several reasons.

Poor handling, excessive corner roll, brake dive, or acceleration squat might require new shocks or struts. Wandering or brake pull might indicate front strut problems. Shock or strut replacement can prevent abnormal tire wear or excessive bounciness. Abnormal steering feel or noise can indicate worn strut bearings. Lifting, dropping, or retrofitting the suspension usually requires replacing strut components.

Almost a Dozen Strut Replacement Tips

Replacing struts isn’t complicated. You’ll need basic tools to lift and support the vehicle and remove the wheel, shock absorber, and strut assembly. If you plan on replacing only the strut cartridge, buy or rent a spring compressor.

  • Clean and Dry – Before loading the strut into the spring compressor, be sure it is clean and dry. Oil and grease can lead to slippage or damage.
  • Proper Lubrication – Lubricated threads, engine oil being a good choice, makes the spring compressor easier to use. Use only hand tools for even spring compression and best tool life.
  • On Your Marks – Before disassembly, use a paint marker to add alignment marks to the strut cartridge, spring insulators, spring, plate, and upper mount. This makes it easier to put everything back together straight.
  • Extra Hand – Locking pliers are a good extra hand and can prevent the tool from slipping. Clamp the pliers to the spring adjacent to the spring compressor jaws.
  • Torque Specifications – Because struts are important to your vehicle stability and safety, proper torque, not just good-n-tight, keeps everything from coming undone down the road. A repair manual and torque wrench are your best friends.
  • Replace ’em All – Chances are good that if one strut has failed, the others aren’t far behind. It’s typically recommended to replace the opposite strut at the same time. Similarly, you might consider doing the opposite axle, too. You’ll save time doing everything at once, especially once you add the alignment procedure.
  • Test Drive – Before heading for the alignment shop, take a small test drive. Wiggle the steering wheel, bounce the vehicle, hit a speed bump, accelerate and brake, all the while listening and feeling for loose parts.
  • Wheel Alignment – After strut replacement, it’s a good idea to have the vehicle aligned. Slight variations in strut alignment can skew suspension and steering angles, leading to abnormal tire wear or steering problems.
  • Don’t Stretch – When removing the shock or strut from the vehicle, support the lower suspension with a jack stand. The suspension may hang lower than normal, which can damage the brake line or wheel speed sensor cable.
  • Replace Everything – It’s usually not a good idea to replace just the obviously-failed parts of the strut assembly. It’ll be double the work to go back in later to replace a bearing, mount, or insulator. Better yet, a whole strut assembly can save even more time.
  • Break-In Time – Immediately after strut replacement, you’ll likely notice the vehicle to be stiffer or higher than before, especially if installing new springs. It takes time, at least a few hundred miles, for the struts to break in under the weight of the vehicle.

Changing suspension components on your car may seem like a challenging task, but it’s something the average DIYer can tackle over a weekend. Take your time, use these 11 tips, and you’ll fix your car’s ride in no time.

Check out all the steering and suspension products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on DIY strut replacement, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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NAPA Know How: 10 Overlooked Services That Can Extend The Life Of Your VehicleNAPA Know How Blog

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Servicing your vehicle is usually the last thing on your mind. The daily grind of life tends to take all of your focus, so unless it is actively causing an issue, your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is out of sight, out of mind. The problem is that ignoring that schedule will eventually cause a failure, costing you more time and money that necessary. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

While oil changes and tire service are the most common maintenance items, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most overlooked services that you should keep in mind the next time you change the oil.

Power Steering Service

This is one of those overlooked services that rarely comes up in a situation before it is too late. Over time, the fluid in your power steering system picks up dirty and moisture, clogging the steering components, eventually causing a failure. Adding a power steering fluid additive will help maintain your system’s function, as will a periodic flushing of the system.

Wheel Alignment

How your wheels are aligned not only effects how the car handles, but also the life of your tires and suspension components. The alignment can fall out of adjustment from several factors, including component wear and potholes. Hitting a curb is a sure-fire way to jar the alignment as well. When the alignment is out, the car may pull to one side or the other, steer erratically, and may even dart across the lanes with just a small move of the wheel, making driving the car a perilous adventure. Not only have that, but even a slight mis-alignment leads to uneven and premature tire worn.  An annual wheel alignment ensures that your wheels are pointed the right way.

Differential Service

The differential is the component that transfers input from the transmission to the wheels. Some front wheel drive vehicles incorporate this into the transmission, but some have separate units, and all rear wheel drive vehicles have a rear differential. The rear axles an differential are housed in the rear end housing. Over time, the gear oil breaks down, reducing its viscosity and ability to properly lubricate the differential and wheel bearings. Additionally, the transfer case (for vehicles equipped with one) should be serviced at the same time as the differential. Most manufacturers have a set maintenance schedule for the differential and transfer case fluids.

Cabin Air Filter

When you turn on the AC does your car smell like a junior high gym locker? Can you still smell that dead skunk you drove by last week? Does the air coming out of your vents barely move? Well then maybe you need to check the cabin air filter. You may not even realize there is such a thing, but it helps filter out the bad smells, dirt and other debris from entering the interior of the car as your drive. One side of the filter is directly exposed to the outside environment, meaning they get wet. This moisture builds up, leading to mildew and mold spores that stink up the interior of the car. These are easily changed by the owner in most vehicles; you just need to look up the location in your vehicle’s manual and use a new filter from your local NAPA AutoParts store. Maybe your car won’t smell like roadkill anymore.

Timing Belt Replacement

Not all vehicles have timing belts. DO NOT confuse this with the accessory drive belt, which drives all of the engine accessories such as the AC compressor, alternator and water pump. The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s). Some engines have external belts, while others use internal belts. Regardless of how they are accessed, these are incredibly important to the function of the engine. If the engine is what is known as an “interference” engine, a slipping or broken timing belt can not only keep the engine from running, but can destroy the internals of the engine itself as the valves and piston can collide. Each manufacturer has specific maintenance schedules for the timing belt, make sure you check your owner’s manual. If your odometer is showing 50-60,000 miles, you need to get your timing belt checked. This is one of the overlooked services that can really hit your wallet hard if you ignore it.

Transmission Service

Leaving your transmission fluid unchecked for 100,000 miles it usually a recipe for disaster, so don’t let it go that long. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines on transmission filter and fluid change, and be sure to check the fluid level at every oil change. Burnt or dark-colored fluid is a sign of an overheated transmission and continued use without servicing could lead to internal damage.

Air Conditioning Service

When the AC system goes down, it is usually during blistering heat or brutal cold. These situations can often be avoided with a few basic tips. The AC compressor contains oils that lubricate the seals and moving parts. Because the AC only sees action in the summer months, these oils tend to drain away from the places they are needed the most. Switching the AC on for 15 or so minutes once a month will keep those oils circulated, so that the seals and moving parts stay functional. Additionally, an annual service replenishes those oils and checks the system for leaks and ensures the proper levels of refrigerant.

Brake Service

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that means it can absorb water out of the air. Even though the hydraulic system is sealed, the reservoir is not, meaning it can pull water straight out of the air and into the system. Over time, this corrodes the internal workings of the hydraulic system of your brakes. You can use a simple dip-strip (available at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS Store) to test your brake fluid. If it is a dirty dark brown color, it is old and should be flushed and replaced with new fluid.

Coolant System

Unless you drive a Corvair or VW Beetle, chances are your engine is water cooled. Because you are dealing with water, heat and several different types of metal, there are all kinds of potential maladies that can occur inside the cooling system. Contrary to popular belief, aluminum does in fact corrode, particularly when water and electricity are in close proximity, this is known as electrolysis. The cooling system is full of electrolysis, rust and degrading coolant which can lead to broken parts, cracked blocks and overheated engines. Check your coolant for the proper level of anti-freeze each winter, and flush the system with fresh fluid every 2 years.

Fuel System Cleaning

Carbon, sludge and dirt. These nasty bits of junk flow through your fuel system every single second the engine is running. As the build-up grows, the level of fuel that can pass is reduced, meaning the engine loses power, the fuel economy suffers and the drivability of the car is diminished. Restore the performance and economy of your engine with a fuel system cleaning. This can be performed in most cases with a twice-yearly fuel additive to the gas tank. Be sure to use quality gasoline to avoid dirty fuel.Cleaning your fuel system is as easy as adding some Royal Purple MaxClean to a tank of gas.

Addressing these overlooked services will only take a few hours combined, but they will add thousands of miles of life to your vehicle. A recent survey showed that 90% of all vehicles on the road have at least one basic maintenance item that has not been performed. Don’t let your car be the one on the side of the road when those issues come to fruition, visit your local NAPA AutoCare specialist and create a service schedule today.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on overlooked services for your vehicle, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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NAPA Know How: Best West Coast Road Trips / NAPA Know How Blog

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It’s summertime — the perfect time to explore California in your car! It’s a huge state, so unless you have all summer, you’ll need to pick some highlights. Prepare your car and choose from these best West Coast road trips:

Southern California: San Diego and Orange County

Southern California means “LA” to most people, but if you skip San Diego, you’re missing out. A near-perfect climate, beautiful beaches, great restaurants and shopping, a thriving downtown including the historic Gaslamp District. And there’s 1,200-acre Balboa Park with its museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The only drawback to San Diego is that you won’t want to leave.

From San Diego, take Interstate 5 north for an hour. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a great starting point for your Orange County adventure. Built in 1776, it is famed for the annual return of the swallows. Thirty miles on Highway 5 north from there will take you to Disneyland. It’s true what they say — you can’t see it all in one day.

Skipping Disneyland? Take State Route 73 out of San Juan Capistrano until it meets Highway 133, running alongside Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Take 133 to SR 1 and you’re in Laguna Beach, famed for its sea views and vibrant art scene. Stay with Highway 1 and enjoy the laid-back beach vibe of coastal Orange County, the upscale shopping and dining in Newport Beach, the charming village of Balboa Island and its old-school Fun Zone, and the surfer havens of Huntington, Sunset and Seal Beach.

The Central Coast

Rolling hills and oak trees on one side, the Pacific Ocean on the other, with an attitude very different from LA, that’s the Central Coast. Santa Barbara is called “California’s Riviera,” and with good reason. San Luis Obispo is a charming small college city with wonderful food and shopping. Hearst Castle, near San Simeon, is a must-see, as are the elephant seals that bask on the rocks right by Highway 1. Big Sur is where the mountains meet the sea and you’ll never forget the view as you drive across Bixby Bridge.

After Big Sur, you’re minutes away from the lovely village of Carmel-By-The-Sea and the exquisite 17-Mile Drive (there’s a toll) that connects it with Monterey, home of the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium and world-class seafood.

The North Coast

Highway 1 north of San Francisco to Fort Bragg is a trip that will challenge all of your assumptions about California, and that’s why it’s one of the best West Coast road trips. As soon as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge out of San Francisco, you’re in the woods of Marin County. Highway 1 takes you through the Point Reyes National Seashore and up the rugged, unspoiled coast through small towns you’d swear were in New England. The lovely town of Mendocino doubled for Maine in the old “Murder She Wrote” TV show and Fort Bragg is a rough-and-tumble former logging and fishing town.

There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip, but before you head out, make sure you’re prepped for the trip. You should have a tire repair kit in your car, just in case, and all your car’s maintenance should be up to date including the basics like tires, air filters, windshield wipers, and washer fluid.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to prepare your car for a road trip, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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NAPA Know How: How to Check Tire Pressure in Three Simple StepsNAPA Know How Blog

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As summer approaches and the weather warms up, your tire pressure fluctuates rapidly, regardless of your driving habits. Knowing how to check tire pressure can go a long way toward helping your tires last longer, keeping a good grip on the road and improving your fuel economy.

Seasons of Change

The temperature of the outside air directly affects the pressure in your tires. Tires lose pressure naturally, at a rate of approximately one to two pounds per square inch per month. They also gain or lose pressure based on the weather, about 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase or decrease in ambient temperature. For instance, if your tires were set at 32 psi in January, when Boston temperatures were hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and you didn’t touch your tires until August, when temperatures average over 70 degrees Fahrenheit, your tires could theoretically be as low as 15 psi. If you know when and how to check tire pressure, though, you can dispose of any theoretical physics.

Relieve the Pressure

If you want to maintain traction, safety, fuel economy and tire longevity, follow these three simple steps to check and adjust your tire pressure.

  1. Buy a tire pressure gauge and a portable air compressor. Tire pressure gauges come in a number of varieties that fit any budget. Similarly, portable air compressors that plug into your car’s 12 volt power socket are also generally inexpensive and easy to use. Of course, if you have an air compressor in your garage, you can just run an air hose out to your car.
  2. Look up the proper tire pressure for your vehicle. This is not the “Max. Press.” number on the side of your tire, but rather the specification in your owner’s manual, or on the “Tire and Loading Information” on your driver’s door or door jamb. This pressure was specified for your vehicle to balance tire wear, traction, noise and fuel economy.
  3. Inspect when they’re cold. Check and adjust your tire pressure at least every couple of weeks, when the tires are “cold,” or when your tires have sat for at least three hours. Try to check your tires first thing in the morning, before you’ve gone about your daily business. It generally takes less than 10 minutes and should be performed once every week or two. If you park in a heated garage in the winter, you’ll want to park the car outside overnight before you check your tire pressure. The goal is to get your “cold” tire pressure as close as possible to outside temperatures for the best results.

By following these three simple steps to maintain your tire pressure, you can significantly improve tire longevity, reduce replacement costs and increase fuel economy, because under-inflated tires will cause you to pay more at the pump. Also, properly inflated tires are safer, as they improve traction and reduce the chance of a tire blowout. Why not work checking and adjusting your tire pressure into your weekend routine, just after you mow your lawn and before you fire up the grill this summer?

Check out all the Steering & Suspension parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to check tire pressure, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Image courtesy of Flickr

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