Tag Archive for: #popthehood

The Local Skinny! Pop the Hood: Spring Cleaning Your Car

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Getting a little spring cleaning done may be on people’s minds, now that the pollen has done its thing and the weather’s warming up.

But spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to homes and businesses – what about your vehicles?

We make lists to take care of seasonal household chores like washing the windows and cleaning out the gutters, but cars and trucks would benefit from having seasonal checklists, too.

The professionals at Advance Auto Parts can help you choose the right products to keep your vehicle looking great and running great this spring and all year long.

Some maintenance and spring cleaning tasks are recommended based on time, others on the number of miles you’ve driven, and some are simply preventative measures to keep your vehicle in good repair.

The “check” lights on dashboards of many newer models remind us when it’s time to change the oil or check tire pressure – they may be annoying to see, but they shouldn’t be ignored.

There’s not a “check” light for things like belts, battery terminals and spark plugs, so a quick look under the hood can help you spot little problems before they become big problems that could leave you stranded along the roadside.

Spark plugs may need to be replaced every few years, especially if you put 30,000 or more miles a year on your vehicle. Timing belts should last for 50,000 miles or so, but all hoses and belts should be checked periodically for wear.

If you use a mechanic for tire rotations and oil changes, they should be checking things like tire pressure and uneven wear, as well as air filters and cabin filters.

DIY’ers need to keep those things in mind as well – a cabin air filter helps keep dirt and irritants out of the interior of your vehicle.

Speaking of interiors, when’s the last time you cleaned the inside of the windshield? That filmy buildup can be easily removed. While you’re at it, go ahead and give the seats and floorboards a deep clean.

If vehicles are, indeed, a reflection of the owners who drive them, then some of us may need to tackle a spring cleaning project or two before we head down the road.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood Engine Additives

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Yeah, yeah. We know…you meant to put that stuff in the gas tank to keep moisture from forming when you put the mowers, boats, jet skis and weed trimmers away for the season.

Now “the season” is here again, and what product or products will serve you and your equipment the best? The grass won’t stop growing just because the mower’s on the fritz, and you’re ready to trailer your watercraft back up to the lake for some weekend fun.

Choosing the right product from shelves and shelves full of cans, bottles and containers can be a daunting task. But if you stop by any Advance Auto Parts location – including the ones in Henderson on Raleigh Road and just off Dabney Drive, you’re sure to get expert help to figure out the right product for you.

There’s no “magic bullet” or one-size-fits-all approach, but with a bit of information about the issue, the Advance staff can help troubleshoot the problem and get you and your gear humming again in no time.

You’ll walk out with the right product for your needs, and the peace of mind that comes from consulting with folks who know what they’re talking about.

It’s important to pair the right product to your vehicle – and to address the particular problem it may have. Between the name-brand products on the shelves and the knowledgeable staff behind the counter, you can be reassured that you’re getting the best bang for your buck at Advance.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Catalytic Converters

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Ask a mechanic about your vehicle’s catalytic converter and you’re likely to hear about how it reduces pollution and toxic gases that come from the engine.

An environmentalist may tell you how essential this little piece of metal is to protect the air we breathe.

Ask an unscrupulous so-and-so and you’ll likely hear that they’re super easy to steal, strip of its precious metals and make some serious money, all at the vehicle owners’ expense.

This relatively small, but essential, piece of equipment has attracted thieves looking to make a fast buck. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says claims of catalytic converter thefts have increased by nearly 300 percent since 2020.

Vehicles can run without a catalytic converter, but legally, they’re supposed to have one. If you notice that your vehicle makes a very loud sound when you start it, you may want to check to see that the catalytic converter is there – if not, that 18-inch gap in your exhaust system where the converter used to be is the reason for the noise.

So, what’s a car owner to do? There are several suggestions to keep your vehicle safe:

  • Always park in your garage or a brightly-lit area, ideally in view of a security camera. At home, put in a motion sensor light that covers your driveway.
  • Install an anti-theft device that makes it impossible to cut off your catalytic converter. Several manufacturers sell shields, cables or plates that are bolted onto your car to cover the component.
  • Spray paint the catalytic converter a bright color with high-temperature exhaust manifold paint, which should alert a recycler that it could be stolen property.
  • Etch your license plate or vehicle identification number on the converter so it’s easier to track if stolen.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Extending Your Vehicle’s Life

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

With spring having officially “sprung,” folks are getting serious about the proverbial spring cleaning tasks at home and in the yard and garden. The folks at Advance Auto Parts have everything you need to take care of those spring cleaning projects with your vehicles that take place in your garage or driveway.

Vehicle owners can check off a good number of these tasks to extend the life of their car or truck, but there may be some that are better left to a professional.

Trust the team at Advance Auto Parts to help you make sure your vehicle is in top condition as warmer weather approaches. Whether it’s parts you need, cleaning supplies or a battery check, Advance is the place to make sure sure your car or truck remains road-worthy.

  • Check your tire pressure – improperly inflated tires affect gas mileage and can reduce traction in rain – April showers bring May flowers, but also slick roads.
  • Take a look at your tires – check the level of tread and for any cracks or other signs of wear or damage.
  • Replace wiper blades – get into the habit of replacing blades a couple of times a year.
  • Check the battery – who wants to be stranded in a parking lot, on the side of the road or anywhere for that matter. If you see corrosion around the battery’s connection points or cracks along the top or sides, it may be time to swap it out for a new one.
  • Change the Air Filter – just like your home’s air filters, your car or truck’s filters need changing periodically. The staff at Advance Auto Parts can help you determine which type of filter is best for your vehicle and your wallet.
  • Change the oil and the oil filter for maximum efficiency. The frequency, however, depends on the kind of vehicle you drive and how your drive it. Oil changes are necessary to reduce excess dirt and sludge that may build up inside the engine.
  • Take a look at belts and hoses – pop the hood and visually inspect engine belts and hoses to make sure they aren’t cracked. A leaky coolant hose, for example, can lead to an overheated engine. And when the belt that turns the water pump snaps, your car’s cooling system won’t work. If you hear a high-pitched whine or squeal, it may be a sign of a worn belt that’s losing its tension.
  • Check the A/C before outside temps get too hot to make sure the system is working properly. Don’t wait ‘til summertime – nothing worse than climbing into a hot car and not being able to cool it down!
  • Inspect the radiator and its rubber cooling hoses for any signs of cracking or swelling that could cause leaks.
  • Wash your vehicle. A shiny, clean car isn’t just for looks. Your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage need an occasional wash.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS. Safety First! Always seek proper help. This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood And Blowing Out Engines

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

The next time you hear someone say that you need to “blow out the carbon” of your vehicle’s engine, you may want to call that bluff.

With today’s detergent fuels and oils, there ain’t a whole lot of carbon buildup in that engine, folks.

In fact, over-revving an engine can cause more damage – so think twice before pushing the gas pedal to the floor – it could hurt your vehicle’s engine and your pocketbook, if the law pulls you over.

The older rules simply can’t be applied to today’s engines, which are more likely to experience a chip problem or a bad sensor. If your car’s not running smoothly to begin with, forcing it to go faster – and work harder – isn’t going to help.

For instance, if your daily errands or trips through the carpool lines are smooth sailing, but a trip on the interstate raises a red flag when it comes to your vehicle’s performance, it could be that your fuel-to-air mixture is off.

Check in with the pros at Advance Auto Parts when you have questions about how your vehicle’s running. They can point you in the right direction and can let you know what type of additive may be called for.

Consult someone in the know before adding anything to the gas tank or crankcase. It may not be harmful, but it may not help, either.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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Pop The Hood: Conventional vs. Synthetic Motor Oil

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Thank you for listening to Pop The Hood on WIZS!

Changing the oil in your car or truck is probably one of the most important – if not THE most important – piece of maintenance you can do to care for your vehicle’s engine.

Up for debate is when to change the oil – is it every 3,000 miles? Every 5,000? It depends.

Another debate involves the type of oil to use: conventional, synthetic or a hybrid?

Again, depends on who you ask. And on the vehicle.

Let the professionals at Advance Auto Parts help you find answers to your questions about the brand and type of oil best suited for your needs.

Conventional oil is fine for many makes and models, but some manufacturers recommend synthetic oil, which is supposed to have fewer impurities than the conventional oil.

Think of conventional oil as a material made up of molecules that resemble a handful of gravel – it’s all the same substance, but they’re all different shapes. Synthetic oil is more like a handful of marbles – more uniformly shaped and smooth.

As you may expect, synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil, so you’ll spend more for an oil change if you use synthetic oil.

Follow your vehicle’s specs to make sure the oil you choose is compatible with the vehicle.

If your vehicle is an older model, a synthetic oil can help prevent sludge buildup and prolong engine life.

Expect to spend $25-$50 for a conventional oil change at your neighborhood oil change shop; that range could be $45-$70 for synthetic oil. The good news is that synthetic oil doesn’t have to be changed as often.

Another plus for synthetic over conventional comes for drivers who tend to make many short trips. Conventional oil doesn’t have a chance to warm up enough to burn off impurities; synthetic oil does warm more quickly, so it may to prevent engine malfunctions.

The do-it-yourselfer may be able to crawl under a vehicle, drain the old oil and replace it with new oil for a fraction of that cost, but consider the time and effort involved to determine which route is better for you and your situation.

Be an informed consumer and know which questions to ask, whether you’re going to take your car to the shop or DIY it.

The three types of motor oil will work fine in your vehicle as long as they meet current American Petroleum Institute certification and don’t go against the manufacturer’s recommendations. The only type of engine you should never use synthetic oil in is a rotary. Rotary engines have unique seals that are engineered for use with conventional oil only.

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The information contained in this audio on air and online as well as the wizs.com web post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS. Safety First! Always seek proper help. This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Batteries

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

If the memories from that elementary school science lesson about how batteries work are a little fuzzy, here’s a recap: batteries store chemical energy that is changed to electric current that is used to do work.

When you’re talking flashlights and other handheld devices, replacing those AA or AAA cylinders is no big deal.

But when it comes to car batteries, replacement – or recharging – is a horse of a different color.

Those heavy squares with the plastic-capped terminals are nothing to trifle with, so let the professional staff at Advance Auto Parts help you determine whether your vehicle’s battery needs a charge or whether it’s time to replace.

In fact, come to Advance and they’ll check the battery, starter and alternator for free – no appointment necessary.

Do-it-yourselfers can recycle old batteries at Advance and get a $10 gift card good on future in-store purchases.

Those batteries are filled with sulfuric acid, a caustic and flammable substance. Use safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself in case of an accident.

Check your battery every so often to make sure the terminals are free of corrosion, there’s no leakage and the battery itself is properly seated and secure.

There are many choices for batteries, and the staff at Advance can help you decide which type is best for you.

Whether you’re replacing your vehicle’s battery or you need a battery for a golf cart, lawn mower, motorcycle or watercraft, check with Advance Auto to get just the right type for your application.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood Changing A Tire

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Count yourself lucky if you’ve never had to change a tire on your vehicle.

Count yourself luckier still if someone taught you how to change a tire, just because it was something you needed to know.

Thursday’s Pop the Hood segment features some key reminders about being safe when changing a tire, especially if you’ve been stranded by the side of the road.

It’s tricky enough to remember all the steps when you’re in your level driveway on a sunny day when the temps are mild and there’s no rain in sight.

But blowouts never occur when it’s convenient, so it’s vital to keep safety in mind when you’ve got to remove one tire and put another one on.

First of all, make sure the jack is rated for your vehicle and is properly placed before you attempt to lift the vehicle- don’t use cinder blocks to hold up a car. It’s a bad idea.

Once you’ve got the bad tire off and you’re ready to mount the spare in its place, make sure it’s properly seated. Seat the tire by putting the first two lug nuts on hand-tight. Then introduce the other three lugs and tightening every other one until you’ve gotten them all. The tightening pattern to remember is 1, 3, 5, 2, 4.

It’s a process that takes time, but it’s worth it to get the torque specifications right – too loose, you’ve got problems. Too tight, different problems.

If the circumstances aren’t right, the main order of business is to get the vehicle safely off the road and get help.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Flat Tires, Spare Tires

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

OK, you consider yourself a good car owner – you keep the oil changed, make sure the filters get replaced when they need replacing and you even have a litter bag stashed in the backseat to help keep the interior tidy.

But when’s the last time you checked the spare tire?

Thursday’s Pop the Hood segment could be called “Pop The Trunk” because it’s all about that item resting in a well under trunk lining.

Is your vehicle’s spare tire a full-size tire, just like the other four? Or is it one of those “donuts” that are useful enough to get us to a repair shop or back home?

A small-size tire – that “donut” – is designed for short distances and is rated for speeds of about 45 mph.

It’s not the same as a full-size tire, so drivers who must use this type of spare tire should be mindful to take it slow and to get it replaced as soon as possible.

If you’ve never had a flat tire, count yourself among the lucky ones (and knock on wood, for good measure). And if you’ve never had to use your spare tire, just remember: It’s been sitting in the same location for awhile, so it may need some air. Just because it’s not one of the four tires currently in use, doesn’t mean it deserves to be ignored. You should check periodically that the spare is properly inflated, too.

There are other products available at Advance Auto Parts to help in case of a tire emergency. Let the helpful Advance staff help you find a plug kit or a can of Fix-a-Flat that you can stash in the trunk alongside that spare – just in case.

 

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value on and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Brake Fluid

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

 

Engine oil, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid – even the most novice vehicle owner can probably figure out where to look under the hood to check for proper levels of these key fluids, vital for proper functioning of any car or truck.

But do you know where to look to check your car’s brake fluid?

It’s another vital fluid that needs checking, just to make sure your vehicle’s braking system works when you call upon it to stop.

Sometimes, a dashboard light will illuminate to let a driver know something may be amiss – other times, it’s that soft, mushy, spongy feeling you feel when you apply the brakes. Whatever the sign, it’s important to get the brake system checked out

The brake fluid reservoir is located on top of the master cylinder, which is usually located in one of the back corners of the engine compartment. The reservoir will usually be marked to reflect maximum and minimum levels.

Still not sure where to look? No problem. Visit one of Henderson’s two Advance Auto Parts locations and the helpful staff can help you locate the brake fluid reservoir.

A few things to remember about topping off or changing brake fluid: it should always be done when the engine is cold. Brake fluid is flammable and corrosive, so extra care is needed to make sure it stays away from heat sources and painted surfaces.

There are different types of fluid on the market, so you should check your owners’ manual to determine which fluid is right for your vehicle, or you can get recommendations from the folks at Advance.

They can also tell you which types can be mixed together and which cannot.

Brake fluid should be a light golden brown color; darker fluids mean it’s time for a change, not just a topping off.

And because it’s considered a hydroscopic fluid – which means it draws fluid from the air – you shouldn’t save opened bottles of brake fluid for later use.

For the do-it-yourselfer there are videos on shop.advanceauto.com to view that can guide you to replace brake fluid.

Topping off brake fluid is not one of the curbside services offered at Advance, but remember that Advance Auto employees will happily test and install batteries, check those pesky engine light readings and replace wiper blades.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o29lPbQYPog

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-do-brake-fluid-change

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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