Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS
Check out the latest featured automotive articles from the NAPA Know How Blog. With over 90 years of experience NAPA wants to share our Know How with everyone.
Changing your oil filter (and oil, of course) is the cornerstone of responsible engine maintenance. But what happens when you go to do the thing and your oil filter is uncooperative? If you know how to remove a stuck oil filter you can get back to taking care of your car to keep it running smoothly….
Engine oil specifications from most major car and truck manufacturers can get very, very detailed. We’re talking beyond simply matching viscosity ratings and brands — today’s companies often have in-depth requirements as to what oil you can put into their vehicles in…
Summertime and the living’s easy. But it is also very hot, which means heat takes its toll on vehicles and drivers alike. You can’t change the weather, but you can prepare for it. The following checklist covers the summer essentials that belong in your car’s toolkit. This is also a good time to replenish your…
Looking at disc brakes, have you ever wondered about brake pad size, shape and form? Most brake pads are shaped as a sector of a circle since brake rotors are circular, but what about slots, grooves or angles that are cut into them?
Most batteries in today’s vehicles fancy themselves “maintenance free,” but that’s not entirely true. This just means you won’t be concerning yourself with pulling terminals or pouring electrolyte. Actually, these batteries require attention to stay in good shape…
Wondering how to prepare your car for summer? The season’s warm weather can be hard on your ride, placing stress on everything from its air conditioner to its battery. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your vehicle cruise through the heat without breaking a sweat. Read on to learn how to get your car ready for the dog days of summer. The tasks listed below are easy to…
Engines are complex machines with rapidly moving metal parts and small clearances. And as such, they generate a lot of heat. You already know that coolant is an integral part of keeping your engine from exploding, and you probably also know that you have multiple coolant options that aren’t interchangeable…
You take pride in your vehicle and its appearance. But you don’t want to spend a fortune at the car wash every week. The answer is good, old-fashioned DIY — do it yourself. Washing’s easy — what we’re going to talk about is what comes after the wash — how to polish your car.
Your car battery is weak and you don’t know what is draining it. Likely, a combination of reasons is a factor here, including extreme weather and your driving habits. With care, you can extend battery life beyond the usual few years that it’s expected to last. We’ll take a look at how to preserve car battery life in an effort to reduce the risk of you someday becoming stranded.
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.