NAPA Know How

Typical suspension maintenance involves replacing shock absorbers or struts and sometimes coil springs. On the other hand, upgrading might involve new springs and shocks or struts or maybe coilovers. So, how do you choose one over the others? Whether part of a lift kit, suspension drop or suspension upgrade, coilovers…

Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just getting into automotive DIY, replacing common car fluids is something most anyone can handle. Manufacturers make it pretty easy to top off most fluids, and for many systems, you can replace the fluid entirely without a mechanic’s tool set or training. Granted, some…

If you’re hauling items on a roof rack or large loads in your pickup truck, tie-downs are a must. These hold your cargo tightly in place so it doesn’t shift when you’re on the road. But anchoring your gear is about more than just throwing a strap around it. It’s…

It’s your worst nightmare: a broken car key in door preventing you from either opening or properly locking your vehicle. This scenario is even worse if your car doesn’t come with a remote key fob that allows you to pop the locks at the push of a button, or if…

Ask anyone about “car flood damage repair,” and most will say it’s impossible. Even car insurance companies, known to avoid spending money, tend to simply write off a flood-damaged car. Since cars are complex machines and Uneconomical Car Flood Damage Repair When cars get hit by a storm surge or…

Rusted bolts stink. It doesn’t matter if the car is just a few years old or 50, there will always be rusted or seized nuts and bolts somewhere on the car. Murphy’s Law dictates that you will find those bolts when you are in the biggest hurry to complete a…

Restoring a classic car is akin to competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race: It’s a challenge that takes endurance, skill and patience. The final result can be astounding, but so can the repair bills. If you are interested in beginning your first major overhaul, these classic car…

Looking for some motorcycle packing tips to get you through your summer road trip without having to leave anything essential behind? There are a few key concepts to packing like a pro, while at the same time not overburdening yourself with gear. Check out these three motorcycle packing hints that…

Summer is here! How will you stay cool? For some, a simple fan suffices, but often times you need more. In the garage, when it comes time for cooling off this season, knowing the difference between air conditioning vs air cooling might be the key to helping you get the…

Early skeptics of gas-electric hybrid vehicles often imagined owners would simply abandon their vehicles after a few years because of the assumed high replacement cost for batteries. But that’s hardly been the reality. The typical hybrid battery, it turns out, enjoys a usable lifespan between seven and ten years and…