Tag Archive for: #popthehood

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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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: What That Battery Light Could Indicate

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

 

You’re driving along, getting yourself from Point A to Point B, and you see it: That red light that just suddenly pops on. It’s the battery icon.

Now what?

Although it’s a picture of a battery that has suddenly illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard, it could indicate a problem with not just the battery, but the whole charging system.

Let the staff at Advance Auto Parts conduct a battery check to see what’s causing the light to come on.

If it’s not the battery, then it could be the alternator. And alternators in newer models have a voltage regulator located inside the alternator assembly. So the problem could be something simple, like replacing a battery, or it could require a bit more investigation to determine whether it’s the alternator that’s causing the trouble.

Either way, it’s something to get checked out fairly quickly. If the alternator is faulty,  it can drain a perfectly good battery in short order.

If you’re driving and the light comes on, there are a couple of things you can do to reduce the pull on your vehicle’s electrical system: turn off the heat or AC (they use fans), turn off the radio and unplug any other devices that may suck up electricity.

And don’t kick yourself for not noticing earlier signs that the charging system may need some attention.

Dim lights, odd noises emanating from under the hood, automatic windows that seem to be sluggish or the engine stalling out momentarily are all signs that your car’s charging system is not functioning at its optimum level.

Advance Auto Parts has a wide assortment of alternators that range anywhere from just more than $100 to $250.

Let the staff guide you to choose the best kind for you and your pocketbook. They offer replacement alternators that are refurbished and remanufactured that will cost you less than a brand new one.

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: Warming Your Engine

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

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: Repairing Dents, Dings And Scratches

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

Don’t you just hate it when you get just a little too close to the mailbox with your car and you hear “that” sound – that metal on metal sound, just as you’re lowering your window to pick up the mail?

Even the most careful drivers can probably remember a similar experience, from a drive-thru bank or fast-food restaurant, or even a runaway grocery cart that came to a stop against your car’s side panel, leaving a little dent or ding.

How hard could it be to buff out a scratch, fill a ding or pop out a dent?

The folks at Advance Auto Parts can help you decide the materials you need to tackle the project yourself.

WIZS’s John Stevenson and Bill Harris discussed some how-to’s during the Pop The Hood segment of Thursday’s The Local Skinny!

“It’s not terribly hard,” Stevenson said of doing cosmetic work on your vehicle. “It’s just time-consuming. The more time you take, the better your results are going to be.”

A shallow scratch may be able to be buffed out, for example, but a deeper scrape could require some sanding before you add body filler and then paint.

Did you know that the sticker inside your vehicle’s door jamb is the place to look to find paint codes? The friendly staff at Advance Auto can find the paint to match the code and fix you up with the other items you need to tackle the job yourself.

Armed with a few items and a little bit of patience, you’ll have your vehicle looking great in a jiffy

Until the next time you get too close to the mailbox.

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: Winterize Your Vehicle

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

When the weather cools off, we think about taking steps to winterize our homes and our wardrobes, but what about our vehicles? There are a few key steps car and truck owners can take now to keep those vehicles in top running order through the cold winter months.

Is your car harder to start in the winter? It could be a faulty thermostat, weak battery or starter issue, said John Stevenson, WIZS’s resident expert.

“The number one thing is to make sure you have the right content of antifreeze,” Stevenson said, “not the level, but the mixture,” he added. A 50-50 ratio is recommended for most vehicles, but let the professionals at Advance Auto Parts help you select the right product for your vehicle’s needs.

Take a moment to get your battery tested, too. Advance can test your battery at no charge.

In anticipation of icy road conditions, taking a moment to inspect your brakes and tires is another way to make sure you stay safe.

And taking a peek under the hood to do a visual inspection on those cables, belts and spark plugs is not a bad idea, either.

One other item that drivers may overlook is washer fluid. There are different formulas, Stevenson said. “There’s all kinds of stuff that you would never think about,” he said. “That’s a good reason to check things out with the folks 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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