NAPA Know How: Brad Sweet Maintains Second in Championship Standings

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It was a busy week of racing for the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws series. With four races at three different tracks scheduled over five nights, the Kasey Kahne Racing team was hard at work all week.

 

 

The first race of the week was Wednesday at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania. Brad
Sweet and the NAPA AUTO PARTS team unloaded fast, qualifying third out of 43 cars. Sweet went on to win his heat race and finish fifth in the dash, earning him the fifth starting spot in the 30-lap feature around the 3/8-mile oval. The Grass Valley, Calif., native stayed in the top five the entire race and crossed the checkered flag in the fourth position – his tenth top-five finish of the season.

 

Brad Sweet NAPA AUTO PARTS 49 Outlaws sprint car Lincoln Williams Grove 2019

 

Thursday was a travel day for the teams as they headed to Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Penn., for Friday night’s show. Again, 40 cars entered the event, With many of the “Pennsylvania Posse” members vying to take down the Outlaw regulars, it would prove to be a night of some of the toughest competition in the country. Crew chief Eric Prutzman had the NAPA car dialed in off the truck again, and Sweet captured the fifth-fastest qualifying position. Sweet went on to finish third in his heat. In the feature, he started ninth and ultimately finish ninth as passing conditions were difficult for the entire field.

 

Brad Sweet NAPA AUTO PARTS 49 Outlaws sprint car Lincoln Williams Grove 2019

 

The series returned to Williams Grove on Saturday for night two of the “Morgan Cup.” Sweet qualified ninth and, after a fifth-place finish in his heat, started deep in the field in 17th for the feature. Sweet was able to maneuver the No. 49 machine up to 14th by the 30th lap of the race.

 

Brad Sweet NAPA AUTO PARTS 49 Outlaws sprint car Lincoln Williams Grove 2019

 

Sunday’s scheduled event at Weedsport Speedway in Weedsport, NY, was canceled due to rain. No make-up date has been announced.

 

Brad Sweet NAPA AUTO PARTS 49 Outlaws sprint car Lincoln Williams Grove 2019

 

The World of Outlaws return to action Tuesday, May 21 at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, NJ, and then head to Charlotte for the Patriot Nationals on Friday and Saturday. Sweet currently sits second in the championship standings, trailing Donny Schatz by 26 points.

 

Start / Finish:
Wednesday, May 15, Lincoln Speedway, Abbottstown, Penn.: 4 / 5
Friday, May 17, Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, Penn.: 9 / 9
Saturday, May 18, Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, Penn.: 14 / 17
Sunday, May 19, Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY: rained out
Points Standing / Total: 2nd / 2538 pts.

 

Next Race: Tuesday, May 21, Bridgeport Speedway, Swedesboro, NJ
How to Watch or Listen: www.dirtvision.com

 

NAPA: @NAPARacing
Brad Sweet: @BradSweet49
Kasey Kahne Racing: @KKRdirt



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NAPA Know How: Types of Brake Fluids ExplainedNAPA Know How Blog

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You can see your brakes behind your wheels and at first glance, it might not look like there are many types of brake fluids involved in the process. Take a closer look and you’ll find this is a hydraulic system that uses pressure to move brake fluid down to your brakes to stop your car.

If you run out of brake fluid, then the system simply will not work. No fluid means no pressure and that means no brakes. There’s still the emergency or parking brake as backup, but it’s not designed to stop your car the same way as the hydraulic system. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of brake fluids and when it may be time to change or refill those fluids.

Brake Fluid Basics

Not all types of brake fluids are the same. You’ll find a different type of fluid in an everyday sedan than you will in a performance car designed for the track. The key factor in determining which brake fluid to use is the fluid’s boiling point.

While you don’t often jam on the brakes during your morning commute or a typical day of driving, that’s exactly what you do on a track. Repeated hard braking heats up the brakes and it can cause the fluid to boil, resulting in a spongy brake feel and even complete brake failure.

That’s why it’s important to use the right brake fluid for your vehicle. The best way to be sure you have the right brake fluid in your car is to go with what’s in the owner’s manual. If you aren’t sure, don’t guess, because you should never mix different types of brake fluids.

Glycol or Silicone

The most common types of brake fluids are glycol-based and are labeled DOT 3 or DOT 4. The lower number indicates a lower boiling point, so these aren’t what you’ll find in a performance car, but perfectly acceptable for most driving conditions.

Silicone brake fluid is labeled DOT 5 and it has a higher boiling point. It’s also more expensive and is not recommended for every vehicle. It cannot be mixed with a glycol-based brake fluid. This makes it important to know what’s recommended for your vehicle before you start adding fresh fluid.

When to Refill

The brake fluid reservoir is in the engine compartment and it’s either white or opaque. There are markings on the outside that show when it’s full or low and you can see the fluid right through the container. If it’s low, then go ahead and add enough to meet the full line, but do not overfill the reservoir.

When to Replace

Brake fluid doesn’t last forever. If your old brake fluid looks dark, much like the color of used engine oil, then it’s probably time to have it changed. Even if it looks fine, it’s still a good idea to change your brake fluid at the manufacturer recommended intervals to ensure this crucial system works properly.

Brake fluid is a necessity if you want your vehicle to stop when you push the brakes. If you’re wondering what kind of brake fluid your car needs or when it needs to be changed, following your car’s owner’s manual is the best way to stay on top of your vehicle’s brake fluid.

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

Photo courtesy of Nicole Wakelin.

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NAPA Know How: Do You Really Need To Change It?

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Chances are the automatic transmission filter in your vehicle is something you rarely think about. In fact, it’s most likely not even come up when discussing basic maintenance with your mechanic. This might seem strange, given that most of the other filters on your car or truck have specific service intervals that are important to keep track of.

What’s the deal with this transmission filter? Do you really need to change it? And if not, why not?

Sealed vs. Open

There’s a crucial difference between an automatic transmission filter and every other filter in your vehicle: It’s part of a completely closed system. Your car’s air filter, gas filter, and oil filter are all in place to prevent contamination from the outside world because your engine and fuel tank are open at all times to ingest dirt and other gunk via the intake or fuel tank. Even your cabin filter is exposed to the environment and is responsible for filtering out leaves, dust and pollen.

An automatic transmission, on the other hand, is a completely closed system. Yes, there’s a vent designed to release any pressure that might build up inside of it as it heats up, but it doesn’t suck in any air during that process. In short, it’s blocked off from the outside world.

Two Different Jobs

You might see where this is going. While other filters in your car are busy screening out particles that could damage your engine or make you sneeze, and thus need to be regularly changed, the automatic transmission filter doesn’t fill the same role.

Why, then, is there a filter in the first place? It’s mostly in place to catch any leftovers from the manufacturing process. On occasion, flaws (read: bits of metal) from the transmission’s construction might end up circulating in the hydraulic fluid, and the filter catches those items and keeps them from doing any harm. It’s a very, very small amount of material, which means the filter will never get clogged.

Back in the Day

A few of you might be saying, “Hey, we used to change these filters!” This is true — there was once a time when it wasn’t uncommon to swap out a transmission filter as part of regular fluid servicing. In that era, however, to drain and fill a transmission correctly it was necessary to drop the pan and replace the gaskets at the same time, and so with the gearbox apart, the filter replacement was an easy add-on task (and a bit of a money-maker for garages). Nowadays, it’s possible to drain and fill a transmission without disassembling it, which means the filter replacement is significant extra work for no real benefit.

 

NAPA Know How: Changing Your Oil: The Essentials

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Changing your oil regularly is the cornerstone of good car maintenance. It’s not the cleanest job, but just about anyone can do it. So read up on some tips and tricks to make the job easier, then gather the following tools and supplies and get to it.

Safety First

Accessing your car’s oil drain plug and oil filter almost always requires getting under the vehicle. Putting safety first only requires a few simple items. Wearing the appropriate eye gear and gloves will ensure that debris stays out of your eyes and you don’t cut your hands on a jagged edge. If you are lucky you can access the plug and oil filter all four tires on the ground, otherwise you will to safely jack up the vehicle. If you aren’t comfortable working underneath your car, you can always take it to your local NAPA AutoCare experts.

Keep It Clean

Have at the ready a drain pan to catch the old oil, spill pads to catch what splatters out of the drain pan, and rags for your hands, tools, the drain plug … basically, have plenty of rags.

Tools

Check whether you need additional tools to remove anything covering the drain plug (most don’t). Have a ratchet and socket or wrench that perfectly fits the drain plug or you run the risk of rounding out the head of the bolt. Also, don’t use an impact gun to remove or install the plug, or you might strip the bolt or engine pan or both, leaving you with a much bigger repair.

Filter Extras

Always change your filter when you change your oil. So have at the ready a new filter (make sure it’s compatible with your engine), and filter wrench for getting the old one off. You don’t need to use the wrench to put it back on, heavy hand-tight will do! You’ll thank yourself at the next oil change.

Things to Make Your Life Easier

A funnel is strongly recommended. It will help you transfer old oil out of the pan and new oil into the engine. Additionally, a light source and creeper (or a panel of cardboard) will go a long way in making the process more comfortable. Don’t forget the gloves or else have some very good soap available.

Oil

You have many different choices here, so it’s important to evaluate your needs and consult your owner’s guide or a professional before deciding. Fully synthetic oil definitely has its advantages, but it’ll cost you. Factors such as the temperatures in your area, what you’re asking of your engine performance-wise, the age of your vehicle, manufacturer specifications and more will impact what the right choice is for you. Double check the amount of oil you need, so you don’t end up over or under filled.

A Plan

Make sure you know what happens when the oil change is done. You’ll need a receptacle with a secure lid so the oil doesn’t slosh out when transported. One trick is to pour the used engine oil from the pan into the now empty new oil bottles. This way, you can put lids back on them and take the used oil to your nearest auto store for disposal.

Totally easy, right? With an eye toward safety, a solid plan and a little preparation, changing your oil is one of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do for your car. And with most vehicles requiring at least two changes a year, it’s a handy skill to tick off the list.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on what you need to change your engine’s oil and filter, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photos courtesy of Blair Lampe.

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NAPA Know How: Car Maintenance for the Spring Season Ahead

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Spring is here and it’s the perfect time for a drive! But there’s a little car maintenance you should do before you hit the road. You never know when that first beautiful spring day will come, and you want to be prepared. Here are five things to do to get your car ready for spring adventures.

1. Give Your Car a Good Wash

Winter is finally over so you should give your car a thorough cleaning. This will get rid of all the corrosive road salt and chemicals that collected on your car. It might look clean, but the undercarriage especially takes a beating through the winter months. Make sure you hose off and wash the whole car. When you’re done, consider giving it a wax to not only make it look great but to also protect the finish from the harsh summer sun.

2. Clean the Interior, Too

The inside of your car also gets rough treatment during the winter and should be cleaned when warm weather arrives. The floor mats are likely holding a good bit of salt along with plenty of dirt. Vacuum your floor mats and then wash them with a floor mat cleaner. This is especially true if you have fabric floor mats rather than more rugged rubber mats as salt can ruin the fabric over time.

3. Check the Wiper Blades

Snow and ice are hard on your wiper blades. Clean them off and do a quick visual check to be sure they weren’t damaged. If there are any rips or missing bits of rubber in either of the blades, then they’re not going to do a good job of keeping your windshield clear. If you see damage, then it’s time to get the blades replaced.

4. Check Your Tires

Tires are what keep your car connected to the road and checking them is a key part of car maintenance. Make sure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations and add or remove air as needed. Also, check for tread wear to be sure there was no damage over the harsh winter months. If your tires aren’t in good shape, get them replaced.

5. Be Prepared

Make sure that you have a stocked emergency kit just in case you have a breakdown or accident. It should (at least) include flares, a basic first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables or a portable power supply, and a blanket.

Follow this simple checklist and do a little basic car maintenance before you head out on the road this spring and you’ll be sure to enjoy the ride.

Check out all the battery products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on completing spring maintenance, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

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NAPA Know How: Capps Races NAPA Dodge to First Semifinal of 2019

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Behind the wheel of the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car, Ron Capps made the second-best pass of qualifying to earn the No. 2 starting position at the MOPAR Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil. On race day, he successfully advanced to the semifinal round and accumulated 81 points to move to seventh (tied) in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship Funny Car rankings.

Capps powered the NAPA Dodge to a stout run of 3.893 seconds on Saturday to qualify second. The run held up to be the quickest of the session, and Capps was one of only two drivers to dip into the 3.8-second range during qualifying.

 

 

Capps drew Jeff Diehl as his first-round opponent and had no trouble defeating the part-time racer with his 3.950 E.T. versus Diehl’s tire-smoking effort. In the quarterfinals, Capps once again had the better car as he navigated the NAPA Dodge to a 3.938-second lap to claim the win over Shawn Langdon’s 3.983 E.T. The round two victory set up a teammate versus teammate semifinal battle with the 2016 NHRA Funny Car world champion squaring off against Matt Hagan.

Capps and Hagan had nearly identical reaction times, but Capps’ machine gave way to tire smoke at the hit of the throttle. Hagan lost traction at the 300-foot mark and Capps attempted to catch up to his stablemate, but Hagan was already too far downtrack and was able to post the win.

 

 

“This was definitely a ‘get-healthy’ weekend for the NAPA guys,” said Capps, a four-time Houston Raceway Park event champion. “To come in and run like we did in qualifying, progressively getting better, and end up No. 2 and then to go out there and get to the semifinals was great. We are still looking at the data trying to figure out why we smoked the tires at the hit. They did scrape the track in front of us. Obviously, cars in front of us and behind us ran really well. For some reason, our car didn’t. I always brag about (crew chief Rahn) Tobler and his NAPA Know How; I know he’ll have it figured out by tonight.”

 

 

Sunday’s semifinal appearance was Capps’ first of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. His strong qualifying performance coupled with two round wins enabled Capps to accumulate 81 points over the course of the weekend and move into a two-way tie for seventh in the Funny Car rankings.

 

 

“After a week off for Easter, we’ll be right back at it going four-wide in Charlotte,” said the second-winningest Funny Car driver in NHRA history. “We’ve got a racecar. I’ve been telling our fans to hang with us. After a slow start, we’re back in fighting shape. It’s going to be fun now. It was so much fun going up there with the juices flowing and trying to cut my best light knowing I had a good thoroughbred underneath me. The confidence just grows and grows. We’ll build off this semifinal finish and continue to move up in the points. Our goal is to be ‘top three’ by the middle of the summer.”

 

Start / Finish: Qualified No. 2 / Lost in the semifinal to Matt Hagan
Points Earned: 81
2019 NHRA Mello Yello Series Points Standing / Total: 7th / 286 pts.

 

Next Race: April 26-28, Concord, N.C., NHRA Four-Wide Nationals
How to Watch or Listen: FS1; NHRA.TV

 

NAPA Racing:@NAPARacing
Ron Capps: @RonCapps28
Don Schumacher Racing:@ShoeRacing



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NAPA Know How: Replacing an Oil Filter By Itself: Should I?

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Everyone knows frequent oil changes are a vital part of vehicle maintenance, but usually replacing an oil filter occurs at the same time as an oil change, assumed to be basically equal parts of the one procedure. And while this is generally the case, there may, on rare occasions, come a time when replacing an oil filter alone is desirable. But before deciding whether this is something you want to do, make sure you have a basic understanding of the roles both oil and filters play.

Smooth and Cool Runnings

Engine oil does more than lubricate and keep things moving. By flowing through and across hot surfaces, it disperses heat and helps cool the engine to keep heat-sensitive parts safe. Additionally, the additives in engine oil work as a detergent to clean internal components as oil flows over them. As the oil cycles through the system, it begins to carry tiny particles of metal and debris, which can potentially cause major damage in such close clearances. That’s where the engine’s oil filter comes in. The microscopic holes in the internal fibers allow proper flow volumes to pass while holding behind particulate matter. Eventually, this can become a liability if the filter becomes clogged and restricts oil flow, and this is why we change them.

Slick and Slide

The oil itself also breaks down over time and becomes less effective at its job, this is why both oil and filter are usually changed at once. However, there are rare circumstances where you might want to leave the oil and change only the filter. Presumably, this is because there is damage to the filter itself or you might have a situation where high-quality synthetic oil was used with a mid or low-quality filter and thus the life of the oil outlasts the usefulness of the filter. Generally speaking though, it is advised to do both at once — partly for simplicity’s sake and also because timely oil changes are just so darn important to keeping an engine running.

Filter Out

It is, in fact, possible to change the filter alone, with varying degrees of difficulty. The filter is usually installed above the level of the oil pan, so you don’t have to worry about all the oil pouring out, but do expect a little. If you let the car sit for a while before attempting the replacement, you can minimize this, but keep a drip pan and rags handy. You’ll also want to prime the filter — this means filling it with oil, letting it sit and soak in, topping it off, rubbing a little around the lip, and installing it. Some filters must be installed on their sides, so these you don’t want to fill all the way up or they will spill on installation. Always check the oil level after installing a new filter and top off as necessary.

Even though it is possible, changing an oil filter alone is a rarity and frankly, inadvisable. It is certainly not an alternative to a full oil change. Your engine is a precise machine that requires care and attention, and frequent oil and filter changes are the foundation of good maintenance.

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on why you should change your engine’s oil filter and oil at the same time, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

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NAPA Know How: What Causes Oil Filter Bloat?

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Occasionally, you may remove a spin-on oil filter to find that it has become bloated at or near the top of the can. Because no other damage is evident, other than the deformed shape of the filter, the belief is that the product is exhibiting a manufacturing defect. This is most often not the case. But what causes oil filter bloat?

When Things Go Right

Under normal operating conditions, oil is forced by the oil pump throughout the engine for the purpose of both lubricating and cooling various internal engine components.

High flow from the oil pump causes the Pressure Relief Valve to open, thereby regulating system pressure.

High flow from the oil pump causes the Pressure Relief Valve to open, thereby regulating system pressure.

Each vehicle has a predefined normal operating oil pressure which is set by the manufacturer and controlled by the use of a Pressure Relief Valve. The Pressure Relief Valve is most commonly located in the oil pump, where it opens and closes to regulate the flow of oil.

When Things Go Wrong

If this valve becomes defective or fails to function, the lubrication system will experience either low or high oil pressures.

Pressure Relief Valve is stuck in the open position allowing the oil to return to sump.

Pressure Relief Valve is stuck in the open position allowing the oil to return to sump.

When the valve becomes stuck in the open position, the vehicle may experience low oil pressure as oil flow is allowed to immediately return to the oil sump.

When the valve is stuck in the closed position, the lubrication system can be subjected to the maximum flow rate of the oil pump. This equates to an increase in oil pressure.

Pressure Relief Valve is stuck in the closed position allowing the pump’s complete oil volume to reach the filter.

Pressure Relief Valve is stuck in the closed position allowing the pump’s complete oil volume to reach the filter.

Since the oil filter is located after the pump, it is often first to be subjected to the uncontrolled surge in oil pressure. If this occurs, the filters will begin to deform or “bloat”. If not corrected, the filter’s baseplate may also bend allowing the gasket to become displaced. A displaced gasket will result in rapid oil loss which may result in engine failure.

Oil filter bloat is a warning indicator that the system’s Pressure Relief Valve has at some point failed. Like many early stage mechanical failures, a sticking valve may be sporadic or even the result of temporary climatic conditions such as very cold morning. In either case, the sticky valve must be remedied to avoid damage to the filter and potentially the vehicle’s engine.

NAPA Know How: Can a Fuel Filter Stop a Car From Starting?

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Just like a good tailgate party, your engine requires three basic things to get cooking, fuel, oxygen and heat. In your engine — hold the bratwurst — oxygen is delivered by the intake, heat by spark or compression, and fuel by the fuel pump. Before fuel gets to the cylinder, though, it passes through tubes and fuel filters, maybe one or two fuel pumps, and finally to the fuel injectors. If you’re having trouble starting your engine, a failure in any one of these areas could be the culprit, but can a fuel filter stop a car from starting?

Can a Fuel Filter Stop a Car From Starting? Absolutely!

Unlike your car’s electrical system, which is a parallel system, the fuel system is a serial system. In other words, if the CIG fuse blows, it doesn’t affect the windshield wipers. In the fuel system though, any problems will affect the entire system. In general, the fuel is picked up in the fuel tank and delivered to the fuel injectors, more or less following this path:

  1. Fuel Screen: Captures larger contaminants, over 25 to 400 µm, like rust, scale or dirt.
  2. Rotary Fuel Pump: Pressurizes the system, up to 15 psi, for carburetors, or 70 psi for fuel injection systems.
  3. Fuel Filter: Captures finer particles, from 1 to 75 µm, such as dust, pollen and silt. Diesel filters might separate water, as well.
  4. Fuel Pressure Regulator: Maintains constant fuel pressure, bleeding off excess to the tank.
  5. Mechanical Fuel Pump: On gasoline direct injection and diesel engines, bumps fuel pressure up to 4,500 to 25,000 psi.
  6. Fuel Injectors: Delivers precise fuel pulses to each cylinder, controlled by the engine control module.

Seeing as the fuel can only take one path from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors — some components might vary, depending on year, make and model — it’s easy to see how a fuel filter problem can stop your engine from starting.

How Can a Fuel Filter Stop a Car From Starting?

Fuel filter clogging is the most common fault, caused by excessive contaminants in the fuel. This is usually because whatever fuel source hasn’t been taking care of their own filtering equipment. In high-mileage vehicles, this can simply be the buildup over years and years of operation — over 100,000 miles, a 30-mpg vehicle’s fuel filter will process at least 3,333 gallons of fuel.

At first, a clogged fuel filter might manifest itself as a fuel trim problem, hesitation or poor performance, but eventually could cause cylinder misfires or starve the engine of fuel, preventing it from starting in the first place. While a clogged fuel filter might sideline your car for a day, there’s a bright side to your engine stalling out: Your clogged fuel filter was doing its job, preventing damage to other parts of the fuel system. Install a new fuel filter and you’ll be back on the road.

Check out all the fuel & emission system parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how a bad fuel filter can stop your engine from starting, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

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NAPA Know How: 5 Tips for Long Drives

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Every year, Americans put over 3 trillion miles behind them, enough to drive to Voyager 2 and back almost 300 times. At all hours of the day, short trips and long trips, across town or across the country, drowsy driving is a serious problem. A recent American Automobile Association study calculates nearly 10 percent of car crashes are related to drowsy driving. Considering driving long distances can be mind-bendingly dull, driving while tired can make it difficult to stay awake.

Some of the signs of drowsiness are obvious, such as yawning, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing, or drifting or swaying. Other signs aren’t so obvious because sleep isn’t an on/off switch, but more of a spectrum between fully awake and fully asleep. You might think you’re awake, but if you haven’t had a good night’s rest, part of your brain is likely already asleep! You might jerk awake if you nod off, but many drivers don’t even notice microsleep episodes lasting a few seconds. To keep from nodding off the road, keep in mind these five drowsy driving prevention tips.

1. Rest Well

Be sure to sleep well all of the time, particularly on the days or nights before a long drive. Remember, you never get back the sleep you lose. Getting six to eight hours of sleep is generally suggested and will help you remain attentive during your long drive.

2. Eat Right

Before driving or when on the road, it can be tempting to pick up something quick. Unfortunately, most quick foods are loaded with salt, fat and sugar, which increase drowsiness. Sugar might give you a quick boost, but the crash afterward can be devastating. Instead, choose complex carbs and protein for long-lasting energy.

3. Hydrate

It might be tempting to reach for coffee or energy drinks, but these are only short-term solutions. Like sugary snacks, caffeine crashes are inevitable. Dehydration is the real problem here, so keep a few bottles of water in your vehicle and sip often. True, this will eventually force you out of your car to stretch your legs, but that’s another good way to stay alert.

4. Cat Nap

Don’t worry so much about getting somewhere by a certain hour, or else you might consider leaving even earlier. If you feel yourself nodding off or even if you don’t, pull over in a safe spot and take a 20-minute cat nap. Any shorter and you won’t get enough rest, but any longer and you might wake in the middle of your sleep cycle, feeling even more tired.

5. Share the Wheel

If possible, share the drive with someone else. Having someone to talk with helps keep you awake and focused. Don’t be offended if your driving buddy says you’re drifting a little too often or noticeably tired. Instead, switch drivers for a couple of hours and take a short nap.

We all want to get where we’re going in one piece, whether it’s for work, going on a road trip, visiting family or on vacation, but drowsy driving is a problem that just can’t be underestimated. Getting a good night’s rest and making sure your car is properly outfitted with the right tools for the long haul is really the only way to stay alert on long drives, but the other tips will certainly help.

Check out all the vision and safety products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on long drives, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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