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Each week, check out our important topics relating to the care of your vehicle.



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  • When Should Your Wiper Blades Be Replaced?

    Wiper blades are an important part of preventative car maintenance yet are often overlooked until it’s too late.

    Posted September 13th, 2018

  • Broken Air Conditioners Aren't Cool

    It’s likely you don’t give the air conditioning in your vehicle much thought until you notice it’s failing or broken.

    Posted July 31st, 2018

  • Does the Oil Type Matter?

    Oil changes are something that cannot be escaped or overlooked. The quickest way to ruining a perfectly good engine is neglecting to swap out your old filthy oil after the appropriate amount of mileage.

    Posted May 3rd, 2018

  • Four Things to Avoid Leaving in a Cold Vehicle

    According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, we spend 17,600 minutes in our vehicles each year.

    Posted January 11th, 2018

  • Leave It To The Pros

    Having a car’s like having a house. Chances are your home’s going to need some work from time to time.

    Posted January 4nd, 2018

  • Seat Filters

    Seat filters! At first blush, it may seem like seat filters fit in the same category as blinker fluid – a silly joke. But, alas, there is such a thing as seat filters. We can replace your dirty seat filter along with your other important filters.

    Posted November 2nd, 2017

  • Traveling with Kids

    Kids naturally have a lot of energy, imagination, and playfulness. Traits that are all more endearing at the park than in the confines of the family car. A little planning may make all the difference – even on shorter trips.

    Posted October 12th, 2017

  • Shake Rattle and Roll

    What’s up when you hear a rattle coming from under your vehicle? If the issue is a loose muffler or other exhaust system component, it can easily be fixed. And like most things, addressing the problem as soon as possible can prevent it from getting worse.

    Posted October 5th, 2017

  • The Belt You Want to Keep Tight

    If you’ve been putting off getting your timing belt replaced or haven’t had it checked in a while, you might want to schedule an appointment with your service advisor right away! Some of today’s vehicles have timing chains, which don’t typically need to be changed, but it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your automobile’s manual for recommended maintenance.

    Posted September 21th, 2017

  • Wheel Bearings

    Wheel bearings play an important role in your vehicle’s performance on the road. They help your vehicle’s tires spin freely with as little friction as possible, bear the weight of your vehicle, and handle steering forces when it corners.

    Posted May 25th, 2017

  • What to Do in Case of a Breakdown

    Having your vehicle break down is always inconvenient. Sometimes it’s downright scary. Knowing what to do in advance will help you make better decisions if you should break down.

    Posted March 16th, 2017

  • Causes of Air Conditioning Failure

    Summertime rolls around, you push the air conditioning button on your dashboard, and . . . no cold air comes out. No one wants that. There could be several reasons for air conditioning (A/C) failure.

    Posted March 2nd, 2017

  • Safe Driving - Best Practices

    Driving is such a common part of our everyday lives that it's easy to forget how inherently dangerous it can be.

    Posted January 26th, 2017

  • An Ounce of Prevention = A Pound of Cure Pt.2

    Few things are more annoying than something happening that could have been easily prevented. Sound familiar? Here are three things that can happen to your vehicle that you can, and should, avoid.

    Posted November 17th, 2016

  • An Ounce of Prevention = A Pound of Cure Pt.1

    Avoiding performing recommended maintenance service can come with a hefty price tag. Here are four important steps you can take to protect your vehicle.

    Posted November 10th, 2016

  • The Multi-Tasking Serpentine Belt

    Let’s talk about serpentine belts, specifically: what they do and how frequently they need to be changed?

    Posted November 3rd, 2016

  • Multiple Reasons for Multi-Point Inspections

    Unless your vehicle is sitting in a climate-controlled garage under glass, it’s going to take a beating. The weather, the road, and age all take their toll on your automobile, and all of them are causing wear and tear at the same time.

    Posted October 20th, 2016

  • When To Change Your Windshield Wipers

    You’re on the road, maybe headed to work and rain drops start to hit the windshield. You start up your windshield wipers and you suddenly remember; it’s past time to change your wiper blades.

    Posted September 22nd, 2016

  • Driverless Cars: Coming to a Road Near You

    Though it’s hard to imagine a country song about throwing the cooler in the back of an Apple car and being driven down the dirt road to the fishin’ hole by Siri, self-driving cars are on their way. In fact, just about everyone will be driving one, (or not driving one), in the next few decades.

    Posted September 15th, 2016

  • How to Check Your Fluids pt. 2

    In our last article we talked about 3 of the 7 fluids found in your car which need to be checked regularly in order to stay safe on the road. In this article we’ll discuss how to check your coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid.

    Posted August 25th, 2016

  • How to Check Your Fluids

    Did you know that there are typically seven fluids found in your car which need to be checked regularly in order to stay safe on the road?

    Posted August 11th, 2016

  • What Does A Recall Mean?

    The largest vehicle recall ever was in 1980 when Ford Motor Company recalled 21 million vehicles for an issue that caused the car to go from park to reverse.

    Posted July 21st, 2016

  • A Little Act of Kindness goes a Long Way

    June 7th, 2016 may have begun like any other day for Iraq War Veteran, Mitch Olsen, but it certainly didn’t end like one.

    Posted July 14th, 2016

  • What’s The Deal with A Catalytic Converter?

    Once upon a time cars didn’t have catalytic converters, and you could tell.

    Posted June 16th, 2016

  • What’s A Reflash Anyway?

    All of our products are getting smarter. Phones, TV’s and even refrigerators are featuring more and more “smart” functions.

    Posted June 9nd, 2016

  • Keeping Your Pets Safe On The Road

    We love our animals. In 2015, Americans spent over $50 billion on their pets.

    Posted June 2nd, 2016

  • When to Replace Shocks or Struts

    If you’ve ever ridden on a boat through choppy waters, you know how unpleasant the ride can be.

    Posted May 26th, 2016

  • Running Smooth at the Right Temperature

    Ever notice how you start to slow down when summer temperatures start to peak?

    Posted May 12th, 2016

  • Passion Drives Quality

    Ever find yourself surfing through channel after channel on the TV looking for something to watch?

    Posted April 21st, 2016

  • Clean Vehicle Tips

    Modern vehicles are so much more durable and reliable than their predecessors that most people are keeping them for longer than ever before.

    Posted March 10th, 2016

  • Oh How I Love thee. Let me count the ways…

    Here are four more ways how you’ll always know that NAPA AutoCare Centers love working harder to make their relationship with you better.

    Posted February 11th, 2016

  • Overrunning Alternator Pulley System

    Creating more efficient parts within a vehicle takes a combination of ingenuity, perseverance, testing, and “KNOW HOW”.

    Posted January 28th, 2016

  • Types of Power Steering

    We’ve all had some pretty close calls behind the wheel at one point or another.

    Posted January 14th, 2016

  • Serpentine Belt Material

    Out with the old. In with the new.

    Posted January 7th, 2016

  • Money Tips For Stress-Free Auto Repair Care

    Gifts begin accumulating and wallets feel a little thinner with each passing week.

    Posted December 17th, 2015

  • Family Safety

    Thanksgiving 2015 has recently passed but the season of being thankful never really ends.

    Posted December 10th, 2015

  • Brake Pad Options

    There are many types and grades of brake pads.

    Posted December 3rd, 2015

  • Head Gasket

    Your engine is a busy place – akin to say a packed dance hall on a Saturday night.

    Posted November 12th, 2015

  • Oxygen Sensors

    Having the appropriate oxygen “Calibration” level is extremely critical when it comes to optimizing engine performance and fuel economy in your vehicle.

    Posted October 29th, 2015

  • Ignition Coils

    You may not realize it but it takes a lot of energy to start your vehicle up each day.

    Posted October 22nd, 2015

  • Shocks and Struts

    Whether you’re driving a sedan, convertible or Formula 1 car, maneuvering any vehicle around turns and dips in the road requires a lot more than expert handling and quick reflexes.

    Posted October 15th, 2015

  • Battery Upgrade

    Depending on where you live and the amount that you drive - purchasing a battery with a longer warranty period may help you manage your replacement costs.

    Posted October 1st, 2015

  • Oil Filter

    Replacing the oil filter at a minimum of every 3 months or 3,000 miles is essential to prevent dirty oil from circulating through your vehicle’s engine

    Posted September 17th, 2015

  • Happy EVAP to you

    Those of us who have older vehicles must ensure that our vehicles meet the environmental guidelines regarding the vapors emitted from our car.

    Posted September 1st, 2015

  • Airbags – The Need for Speed

    Click here to learn how airbags work and when they should be replaced

    Posted August 27th, 2015

  • Timing Chain

    Click here for information about timing chains and when they should be replaced

    Posted August 20th, 2015

  • Crash Avoidance Systems – “Great Scott!”

    Click here to learn how to get the most out of your Crash Avoidance Systems.

    Posted August 13th, 2015

  • Multi-Point Inspection = Auto T.L.C.

    Whether you drive yourself to the mailbox or take the truck out “mudding” in the country – your vehicle and its parts will eventually get worn down over time.

    Posted August 3rd, 2015

  • Distracted Driving – The Real Cost

    When was the last time you checked a text, made a call, or dropped a ketchup covered French fry on your lap while driving?

    Posted July 29th, 2015

  • Demystifying Octane Ratings

    Regardless of the type of engine you have in your vehicle – it requires the right fuel in order for it to work efficiently.

    Posted July 23rd, 2015

  • Quality Replacement Parts: Why Cutting Corners is a Bad Idea!

    Let me tell you about an experience that I’ve had recently at a well-established, long-time favorite restaurant of mine.

    Posted May 14th, 2015

  • What is power brake service and why do I need to have it done?

    Imagine you pour a tablespoon of water into your hand and throw it as far as you can.

    Posted March 5th, 2015

  • Under Pressure: Your TPMS System

    Let’s pretend that you have three doughnuts in front of you for our discussion on upsizing wheels and tires.

    Posted February 12th, 2015

  • Upsizing Your Wheels and Tires

    Flats, blowouts, skids and longer stopping distances can all be the result of under-inflated tires.

    Posted February 5th, 2015

  • All About Axles

    Your axles are an extremely important part of your vehicle. They are the last link in transferring power from the engine to your wheels.

    Posted January 15th, 2015

  • Use the Correct Fluids in Your Vehicle

    Huge advances in automotive technology have led to the development of high-tech fluids to keep pace.

    Posted December 18th, 2014

  • Winter Tires

    December is here and it’s time to talk about winter tires! We’re not talking about all-season tires here, but tires that are specifically for winter.

    Posted December 11th, 2014

  • Diesel Maintenance

    A lot of people are excited about the ever-expanding availability of diesel engines in passenger cars and SUV’s.

    Posted December 4th, 2014

  • What To Do After You Buy A Used Car

    When you buy a used car, it’s brand new to you. However, people sell cars for different reasons.

    Posted November 13th, 2014

  • Severe Driving

    The typical owner’s manual offers a schedule for your specific vehicle’s recommended preventative maintenance, including oil changes, transmission services, etc.

    Posted October 31st, 2014

  • Finding Vehicle Recall Information

    No matter how well they are made, vehicles can still have design and/or manufacturing problems. When the government thinks the problem...

    Posted October 23rd, 2014

  • Get Fresh Air INSIDE Your Car

    Air quality affects us wherever we are. We have become more aware of how air pollution negatively affects our lives over the past few decades.

    Posted October 16th, 2014

  • Deciphering the Menu Board

    You may not be familiar with all of the items on your service center’s menu board, so here is a quick description of the typical services...

    Posted October 9th, 2014

  • Spark Plugs

    The days of changing your spark plugs every couple of years are over. Back in the day, spark plugs truly did wear out that often!

    Posted October 2nd, 2014

  • Maintenance for High Mileage Vehicles

    Recent reports state that the median age for cars on the road is over nine years, and that two-thirds have over 75,000 miles.

    Posted September 25th, 2014

  • Combating Blind Spots: Best Practices

    While this is a very common term and nearly everyone understands the concept, blind spots still contribute to about 840,000 accidents...

    Posted September 18th, 2014

  • The Auto Repair Code of Ethics

    For this blog, we are going to be talking about the ethics of automotive repair. Unfortunately, every profession has some bad actors...

    Posted September 11th, 2014

  • Tire Rotation & Wheel Balancing

    The interval for the tire rotation could depend on a recommendation from either the tire manufacturer or the vehicle maker...

    Posted August 31st, 2014

  • Fuel System Cleaning

    Obviously, the dirtier your fuel system is, the bigger the improvement you will see in performance and fuel economy...

    Posted August 21st, 2014

  • The 411 on Replacing Batteries

    Question: When do I need to replace my battery?

    Posted August 14th, 2014

  • Is Nitrogen Right for your Tires?

    So why use nitrogen in your tires? Air is air….right? Wrong. Turns out that there IS a difference...

    Posted August 7th, 2014

  • Viva la Differential

    Since front wheel drive is so common these days, the differential is taken care of during a routine transmission service...

    Posted July 31st, 2014

  • Emergency Items to Have in Your Vehicle

    Emergencies happen all the time, and there are a wide variety of things that could go wrong while on the road.

    Posted July 24th, 2014

  • Why People Hesitate to Get Their Vehicle Serviced

    160 million vehicles in the United States are not serviced when it is needed. A recent report stated that 80% of vehicles on the road have...

    Posted July 17th, 2014

  • Budgeting For Maintenance

    We all do our best to budget for scheduled maintenance. The part that is tough to plan for are unexpected repairs.

    Posted July 10th, 2014

  • Exhaust

    We’ve all heard that incredibly loud car going down the street that obviously needs a new muffler. But did you know that there is more to the exhaust...

    July 1, 2014

  • Why isn’t my air conditioner blowing cold air?

    Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to create cold air. The most common reasons why your vehicle’s air conditioning system would...

    Posted June 19th, 2014

  • Trip Inspection

    Have you ever wondered how to prepare your vehicle for a road trip? It’s a big deal and the safety of you and your family is a big concern.

    Posted June 12th, 2014

  • How to Save Gas

    Summer is coming and vacations are getting closer, time to start calculating how much Gas you’re spending on that drive!

    Posted June 5th, 2014

  • The Check Engine Light

    When the Check Engine Light comes on in your vehicle, do you cringe in fear or just ignore it?

    Posted May 8th, 2014

  • How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

    When a vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned they all point in the same direction. When out of alignment, most motorists notice a couple of things.

    Posted May 1st, 2014

  • Three tips for getting the most out of your vehicle

    First, performing scheduled maintenance is essential for avoiding costly damage...

    Posted April 10th, 2014

  • What’s the harm in putting off replacing my engine air filter?

    That’s a fair question because after all, my car still starts and runs fine. However, trouble could very well be on the way

    Posted April 4th, 2014

  • What can I do to improve fuel efficiency?

    There are actually a lot of things you can do to improve your fuel mileage – and some of them are pretty easy. One of the first things drivers should do on a regular basis is to make sure their tires are properly inflated.

    Posted March 27th, 2014

  • Customer Detective Work

    One might say the most challenging part of being an automotive service technician is diagnosing a problem so it can be fixed.

    Posted March 13th, 2014

  • Don’t get stranded in the COLD with a Dead Battery

    Car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced. Especially when the weather outside is as cold as it has been this winter!

    Posted March 6th, 2014

  • Alternator

    Why is there a warning light that looks like a car battery on your dashboard? The purpose of the light is to let you know your battery is not charging…

    Posted February 27th, 2014

  • What You Should Know About Repairing and Servicing Your Vehicles

    There are some things you should know about repairing and servicing today’s vehicles. First and foremost, your local NAPA AutoCare Centers care about…

    Posted February 20th, 2014

  • Headlamps…

    Did you know that 40% of traffic fatalities take place at night even though there's 60% less traffic?

    Posted December 19th, 2013

  • Prepare for the Winter Months

    It is that time of year when jackets get heavier and the Heat replaces the AC in your home and car. It's also the time of year that your vehicle…

    Posted December 12th, 2013

  • 10 Overlooked Services

    Let's talk about automotive service schedules and particularly, the scheduled services that are sometimes forgotten.

    Posted December 5th, 2013

  • What does a water pump really do?

    What does a water pump really do? It drives the process for cooling the engine by helping a mixture of water and coolant or antifreeze to…

    Posted November 19th, 2013

  • Busted: The Maintenance Free Myth

    Today's new vehicle is made better than ever before. Surveys show the quality of the vehicle and the components on the vehicle are made better…

    Posted November 10th, 2013

  • Do I Need a New Battery?

    For many of us, we don't worry about our car battery until it doesn't start the vehicle….then it's a major problem, especially if we're away from home.

    Posted October 17th, 2013

  • Cabin Air Filter

    Cabin air filters are a common topic these days because not all vehicles have them. To clear up any confusion, let's discuss the difference…

    Posted October 10th, 2013

  • Avoid Expensive Suspension Auto Repairs

    Today we're talking about suspension integrity. Your skeletal structure provides the framework to hold up your body weight. Your joints cushion…

    Posted October 3rd, 2013

  • Fresh Wipers for a New Season

    Let's talk about your windshield wiper blades. Why that topic may not be as interesting as others, think about how important your vision is.

    Posted September 26th, 2013

  • Full-Service Oil Change at NAPA AutoCare – Now that's maintenance!

    Most of us take preventive action with important elements of our everyday life. Whether it's brushing our teeth or mowing our lawn, we know that…

    Posted September 19th, 2013

  • Time For New Tires?

    A lot of factors go into selecting new tires: weather conditions, traction, handling, fuel efficiency, load capacity, tread life, looks, warranty and price.

    Posted August 15th, 2013

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