2017-05-25 12:00
There is something both practical and adventurous about camping in your daily driver. You can go anywhere your four wheels take you, sleep at any place that looks suitable, and discard the s… Read More
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Advance Auto Parts Diy Garage Blog
blog.advanceautoparts.com
The DIY Garage blog of Advance Auto Parts features cutting edge automotive news, green driving and fuel economy tips and how-to posts for car maintenance/car repair.
2017-05-24 12:00
Source | Christopher Windus Summer is upon us, and the streets are heating up. That means it’s time to prep your car for the hottest time of year. Of course you should perform all the… Read More
2017-05-22 12:00
Source | Mike/Pexels Unless you’ve owned a car with a broken air conditioning system, it’s hard to imagine having to slog through the long, hot summer in a vehicle that’s j… Read More
2017-05-18 08:00
Source | William Clifford/Flickr Brake pads are the unsung hero of modern motoring, able to stop your heavy vehicle by converting kinetic (motion) energy into heat. It’s simple, yet br… Read More
2017-05-16 18:59
Back when the Chevrolet Camaro debuted, the Beatles were making albums, color TV was a new novelty and the Vietnam war was escalating. Chevy’s sleek new number, an answer to Ford&rsquo&hell…Read More
2017-05-15 12:00
Source | Andrew Duthie/Flickr Over the last 50 years, dozens of SUVs and off-roaders debuted only to become stuck in the ruts and mud holes of history, forgotten. There are very few legends… Read More
2017-05-11 12:00
2011 Ford F-150. Source | Creative Commons It’s no secret that we Americans love our trucks, and that love is unlikely to dwindle any time soon. This love story has had its ups and dow… Read More
2017-05-08 12:00
So your car’s been experiencing bad fuel pump symptoms. Sounds like an expensive, time-consuming fix, right? A fuel pump replacement doesn’t have to be either of those things. Wi… Read More
2017-05-05 09:00
There are few things worse than turning the key and hearing nothing but a loud click, click, click, as the gauge lights fade. Your battery is dead. It’s time for a new one, but when yo… Read More
2017-05-02 12:00
Source | Rich Helmer, Unsplash Modern interior designs often deliver shifters that aren’t very memorable. That’s not the case with classic shifters. Those look incredibly differe… Read More
2017-04-27 10:30
Lincoln Continental Mark II f34. Source | Wikimedia Commons To fully appreciate the Continental Mark II, you have to look at what the automotive scene in mid-1950s America was like. The econ… Read More
2017-04-24 12:00
Source | Jon Flobrant/Unsplash We all face car trouble eventually. Whether it’s a vehicle that won’t start or a door that’s been frozen shut, issues crop up. Proper mainten… Read More
2017-04-20 12:00
Source | Dave_7/Flickr Auto manufacturers have almost exclusively used turbochargers in sports cars or race cars in the last couple of decades. Considering their main purpose is to provide a… Read More
2017-04-18 09:00
Bryce Hudson Need to get your hands clean after working in the lawn and garden? Or worse, that nasty grease from working on the rear differential? If only there were an effective product tha… Read More
2017-04-13 09:00
There’s nothing quite like a road trip to Charlotte, NC, to get immersed in the world of NASCAR and racing. Right off the line, the majority of NASCAR race teams are based in the area… Read More
2017-04-12 14:00
Whenever Hollywood experiences a box-office hit, a sequel is almost inevitable. As fun as it is to see our favorite characters change and mature, it’s almost equally as exciting to see… Read More
2017-04-10 11:00
Source | Craig Howell/Flickr You might be thinking it’s time to replace your tie rod ends, or maybe your mechanic laid down the law. Either way, it’s time to first understand the… Read More
2017-04-05 15:00
America’s automotive past is all around us, but it’s usually hidden under decades of change. There were a lot more auto manufacturers back in the day, and many more car factories… Read More
2017-04-03 10:00
Source | Matthias/Flickr The Mother Road still delivers one of the best road-trip experiences. Originally a transportation lifeline, Route 66 developed into a unique culture of old-school Am… Read More
2017-03-28 08:30
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon towing an Airstream, Source | Flickr A truck is great for getting work done, but what if you don’t have one? Fear not—you can still make things happen. If y… Read More
2017-03-23 10:30
Imagine this: It’s summer 1991 and you’re cruising around in your new Mustang GT. You rumble up to a red light and notice a black Chevy S-10 with lower body skirts and fancy whee… Read More
2017-03-21 16:00
Source | Daniel Watson/Unsplash Your lawn mower might not have a 450hp big block, but believe it or not, the same tune-up principles for your classic muscle car apply to your lawn and… Read More
2017-03-16 09:00
Source | Steve Ferrante/Flickr Giant wheels, perfect stance, megawatt power, and excellent handling—all wrapped in timeless muscle beauty. Pro-Touring can be the ultimate expression of… Read More
2017-03-13 17:00
Source | Paul Townshend/Flickr Last February alone, light-duty truck sales in the U.S. totaled over 800,000 units. Drivers are moving from traditional coupes and sedans to SUVs and pickups d… Read More
2017-03-09 18:21
Tuner cars are nothing new. Back in the ’60s, they were called third-party muscle cars, modified by the dealership or company to increase performance over what the factory offered. Som… Read More
2017-03-08 10:00
The automotive industry has a reputation (fairly or unfairly) for limiting women’s roles to posing for pinup calendars next to super-fast cars. But since the very beginning, women have… Read More
2017-03-07 11:00
Source | Steinar Engeland/Unsplash
A small crack, a rock chip, a tiny leak around the edge of the door, a foggy scene when things get steamy—we’ve all been faced with a windshie… Read More
2017-03-06 21:16
Source | Chris Isherwood/Flickr
When that “check engine” light comes on, many drivers start thinking about their bank accounts. They wonder if they need to immediately pull over… Read More
2017-03-03 14:00
You’ve de-winterized your favorite ATV, the weather is getting better and better, and you’ve got a serious case of the itch to get out and ride. But what if your local trails fee… Read More
2017-03-02 15:30
Source | Peter Stevens/Flickr
Now it’s easier than ever to keep your car running smoothly for thousands of miles. If your vehicle has less than 50,000 miles on it today, chances are i… Read More
2017-03-01 17:00
Source | Allar Tammik/Flickr
Spring hasn’t sprung in many parts of the U.S., but it has started its slow and steady ascent from the south. That means sunnier days, warmer weather, and… Read More
2017-02-23 08:30
During the late 1960s, American performance cars that could seat four or five adults comfortably were big, heavy, and fast. We’re talking midsize coupes like the Pontiac GTO, Chevelle… Read More
2017-02-22 14:00
By Stephanie McDonald
Source | Hogarth de la Plante/Unsplash
Hi, everyone! Stephanie here, aka the Blonde Bandit. Spring is coming soon, and that means it’s time for some long and exc… Read More
2017-02-21 17:00
During the thick of rain-and-snow season, your windshield wipers are as important a piece of safety equipment as your brakes or headlights. But cars didn’t always have the means to ens… Read More
2017-02-17 12:00
Source | Luke Jones
Engines wear out. It’s an unfortunate truth, but it’s not one you simply have to accept, even if you own a classic car. There are steps you can take to keep… Read More
2017-02-14 17:00
Intake manifolds are a fascinating part of the internal combustion engine. Their design has a great deal of influence on how the engine performs. The simplest change can drastically alter h… Read More
2017-02-13 09:00
Source | Gerard McGovern/Flickr
Do you clean your vehicle? The answer’s probably yes. But do you clean your engine bay? If not, that’s like taking a shower but never brushing yo… Read More
2017-02-10 20:06
Source | Jaromír Kavan/Unsplash
When it comes time to choose windshield wipers, the number of options available might surprise you. While wiper blades all share the same function, th… Read More
2017-02-10 12:00
Lots of people love pickup trucks but don’t always have the need for a full-size truck. Way back in the ’50s, manufacturers developed a solution with the car-based truck, commonl… Read More
2017-02-09 09:30
John Force is a legendary NHRA racer, team owner of John Force Racing, and proud father of racers Courtney, Ashley, and Brittany, and father-in-law to Rob Hight. He started racing in 1978 an… Read More
2017-02-07 12:00
We recently sat down with Bruno Silikowski to talk about his pet project, the AutoMotorPlex in Chanhassen, Minnesota. What is the AutoMotorPlex, you ask? Picture the love child of a Lamborg… Read More
2017-02-06 12:00
Keep your engine in good working order. Here’s how to change spark plugs.
To some, a car’s engine may seem like an impossibly complicated hunk of mystical machinery. While that&r&hell…Read More
2017-02-03 13:00
NHRA Funny Cars deliver some of the most exciting racing on earth, backed by extreme engineering, precision teamwork, and fearless drivers. Nothing quite matches the fury of two racers blist… Read More
2017-02-02 00:30
The mid- to late-1970s were rightfully regarded as the darkest days of performance. In an effort to meet ever-tightening emissions standards, engines were detuned as compression ratios were… Read More
2017-02-01 13:34
Did you pick up a classic project car? Or did you simply decide that it’s time to start modifying your current vehicle? Before you kick off the projects, there are a few things you sho… Read More
2017-01-30 11:00
Source | Augustinedelosdolores2002/commons.wikimedia.org
Super Bowl LI takes place on February 5th in Houston, Texas. The last time Space City hosted the Super Bowl was 2004 (do the words … Read More
2017-01-25 15:00
Whether you’re shopping for your first classic car, handing down a beloved vehicle to a high schooler, or looking to upgrade your current ride, adding modern stereo tech to an older ca… Read More
2017-01-20 17:00
On the list of things we take for granted, automobile suspension is definitely up there near the top. Without it, every seemingly harmless car ride down an uneven street would have the poten… Read More
2017-01-18 15:00
Source | Clem Onojeghuo
If you own a classic car or have been thinking about getting one, chances are someone has told you that you need to use a lead substitute. But what is lead substitut… Read More
2017-01-17 12:00
Windshield wipers are one of the most commonly replaced items on a car. Coincidentally, they’re also one of the most neglected parts as many DIYers are unsure when to change windshield… Read More
2017-01-12 11:00
Yutaka Katayama. You may not have heard of him, but you’ve surely seen his influence on the automotive world. Affectionately known as “Mr. K” and the “Father of the Z… Read More
2017-01-11 13:30
Source | Flickr
When it comes to winter road trips, you could go one of two ways. Either embrace the snow and head to mountain slopes or flee to warmer waters. But why not combine the two w… Read More
2017-01-09 15:00
Source | Andy Jensen
If you’ve decided to tackle a vehicle repair by yourself for the first time, welcome to the DIY Club! It’s fun here, plus we’ve got awesome tools. Whe… Read More
2017-01-05 20:00
Hot rodders and horsepower enthusiasts tend to have a dismal opinion of electric cars. Once accurately described as slow tin cans, today’s electric vehicles are the future of the muscl… Read More
2017-01-03 17:00
The automobiles of the 1930s and ’40s were mysterious machines. They had evolved from clunky motorized carriages to comfortable, reliable forms of transportation. Yet they were still f… Read More
2016-12-27 10:00
Happy Holidays from the Advance Team! As we prepare to spend time with family for the holidays and celebrate the arrival of 2017, we thought we’d take a look at your favorite posts of… Read More
2016-12-26 13:00
Take a look back at the all the exciting Speed Perks events we held in 2016. From Daytona Bike Week, to Coca-Cola 600 race day, to NFL Legends meet and greets, it’s been a great year f… Read More
2016-12-22 11:00
Andrew Pons/Unsplash
The holidays are a time for visiting with family and friends. When those friends live far away, many motorists choose to take their pets along for the ride. According t… Read More
2016-12-21 17:54
From timeless icons to everyday essentials, Crucial Cars examines the vehicles we can’t live without. For this installment, we put the spotlight on Toyota’s feisty sports car, th… Read More
2016-12-20 19:03
Intake manifolds are often a hot rodder’s upgrade part but are otherwise mostly ignored. Every minivan on the road has an intake manifold feeding an air and fuel mixture to the cylind… Read More
2016-12-14 18:21
You’ve heard that old advice countless times: “You should change your oil every three months, or 3,000 miles.” While commonly followed, is this rule still true today? How… Read More
2016-12-08 13:00
Depreciation is a disappointing reality for new car owners, but it also has a bright side for those who avoid buying new: allowing magnificent machines to become easily affordable in just a… Read More
2016-12-06 17:00
Neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night shall stop today’s drivers from getting somewhere sunny and bright! Nope, we’re not referring to the delivery route of your friendly neig… Read More
2016-12-05 14:55
Advance Auto Parts opened its doors in 1932 in Roanoke, Virginia, back when driving was still in its early days and you could buy parts for just a quarter. Our stores have changed over the y… Read More
2016-12-02 15:00
Do you want to go racing, but only lack the race car and professional license? That’s okay! While NASCAR won’t allow you on-track just yet, there are plenty of ways for the total… Read More
2016-12-01 05:05
‘Tis the season for holiday light tours, where you can view thousands of twinkling lights and giant, animated reindeer from the comfort of your automobile. Whether you find these roads… Read More
2016-11-30 12:00
Just as TV is enjoying a unrivaled era of quality programming, the automotive industry is experiencing a golden age of lighting. Today, manufacturers use everything from halogen to LED techn… Read More
2016-11-29 12:00
Source | Juha Lakaniemi/Unsplash
Your vehicle’s weather stripping is like the defensive lineman of a football team—an important player but not often seen on the highlight reel… Read More
2016-11-21 15:00
We’re lucky to have a dedicated community of DIYers here at Advance. In fact, our customers and Team Members always seem to have great stories to share and tips to teach each other. Si… Read More
2016-11-15 12:30
Whether you love winter or dread it, one thing you can’t do is ignore it. Unless you live a ways south of the Mason-Dixon line, in which case, carry on. For those remaining cold few (o… Read More
2016-11-14 17:14
From timeless icons to everyday essentials, Crucial Cars examines the vehicles we can’t live without. For this installment, we put the spotlight on Buick’s iconic ’80s musc… Read More
2016-11-12 13:04
With Thanksgiving and the holidays around the corner, our Store Team Members are giving thanks. We asked them to share the automotive experiences for which they’re most grateful, and w… Read More
2016-11-10 17:00
Winter is coming. Many of us have already started switching on the heater immediately after start-up and impatiently waiting for warm air. The season takes a toll on us, no doubt, but it&rsq&hell…Read More
2016-11-07 15:00
Few things are more frustrating than climbing into a cold, snow-covered car or truck only to hear the dreaded “click-click” of a dead battery. It happens to the best of us. But w… Read More
2016-11-02 15:20
Rally racing looks like a blast, but the costs often seem prohibitive to drivers with a casual interest. What many don’t realize is there’s a rally for everyone, from affordable… Read More
2016-10-31 19:00
We’re big fans of getting together with our customers to talk cars. It’s always a good time, and some of the stories that get shared… well, let’s just say we&rsquo&hellip…Read More
2016-10-28 11:00
Daylight Saving Time ends this month, which means you’ll be spending more time driving in the dark. You know what we’re talking about: long evening commutes, running errands at t… Read More
2016-10-27 19:44
When we started Speed Perks two years ago, we couldn’t have imagined that we’d hit 15 million members. Thanks to you, we’ve done it! To join us in the celebration, take a l… Read More
2016-10-26 13:00
Mercedes-Benz is a global luxury brand that needs little introduction. But how much do you know about Bertha Benz, the wife and business partner of founder Karl Benz, who is often credited a… Read More
2016-10-24 15:30
Frantzou Fleurine/Unsplash
Driving on a dark, foggy road past a graveyard in the middle of nowhere, you may feel a bit uneasy at your creepy surroundings. But you should never feel unease a… Read More
2016-10-20 16:00
If you find your car covered in blood and mysterious goo this month, don’t rush to call CSI. It’s the witching hour, or—ahem—Halloween ‘season,’ and that… Read More
2016-10-18 12:00
With high-stakes competitiveness and quick action, auto auctions are the most fun you can have outside your vehicle. They can be a unique way to score an incredible deal on a used car, and… Read More
2016-10-12 12:00
Drive belts are a regular vehicle maintenance item. Loud squeals, poor battery charging, and even overheating are symptoms that should lead you to investigate the drive belts on your engine… Read More
2016-10-10 18:38
National Motorcycle Ride Day rolls around every year on the second Saturday in October. To celebrate, we asked motorcycle enthusiasts to share photos of their favorite bike rides or rou… Read More
2016-10-10 11:04
Engine misfires can be a mysterious, frustrating problem—and information around them often makes them sound worse than they are. The symptoms vary by vehicle but are usually described… Read More
2016-10-06 13:08
Carlos Segura has a hard time walking by a parked car without stopping. While most of us don’t even glance at the Fords, Hondas, and Cadillacs dotting the road, Segura will look them u… Read More
2016-10-05 13:38
With outrageous paint, high-end interiors, and hydraulics to adjust the ride height or even make them hop, you can’t ignore the modern lowrider. This thriving automotive subculture ha… Read More
2016-10-03 14:56
October 8th is National Motorcycle Ride Day, so we hit Facebook and asked about your favorite routes. Many of you agreed with one poster, who said, “My favorite road is wherever that… Read More
2016-09-26 10:58
As you probably already know, mats and liners are a rather simple cover for a vehicle’s floor and footwell area, protecting the carpet from the dusty, snowy, and muddy outside world th… Read More
2016-09-22 13:34
Cold weather is coming for most of us. It’s time to say “goodnight” to summer toys like ATVs, boats, jet skis, golf carts, and motorcycles. Before you tuck them in until s… Read More
2016-09-20 08:30
The Appalachian Trail, or AT as it’s often called, is a “bucket-list” adventure for hiking enthusiasts. Hikers prepare months for the 2,100-mile journey that takes six mon… Read More
2016-09-19 16:00
“Float like a Cadillac, sting like a bimmer.” That may not have been the original phrase, coined by Muhammad Ali, but automotive enthusiasts like the pun. Cadillacs are luxurious… Read More
2016-09-15 11:01
Pre-game tailgating is a ritual as revered as the sporting events themselves. Friends and family come together year after year to eat great food and cheer on their team. Some tailgaters hav… Read More
2016-09-13 13:58
We think it might be time for you to get to know Miles Krieger. He’s a guy we’d all like to be friends with, and you might want to kick back with him too, after hearing about his… Read More
2016-09-06 14:28
Each year millions of us attend county fairs not for the deep-fried twinkies but for the vehicular mayhem–bumper-smashing, whiplash-making, ear-splitting, grit-in-your teeth, eyes-bur… Read More
2016-09-01 12:00
2016-08-25 12:00
Labor Day Weekend is often seen as the last goodbye to summer beach trips. Which means beachgoers encounter sweltering traffic jams, crowded beaches, and higher hotel rates. But there’… Read More
2016-08-23 12:00
For boat owners there’s nothing worse than having an engine that won’t start. Especially when you have a boat full of expectant skiers. Or a long line behind you at the ramp. For… Read More
2016-08-15 14:35
Coaxing the maximum life out of your vehicle’s transmission isn’t difficult if you follow some simple yet proven advice. True, the transmission is one of the most expensive parts… Read More
2016-08-10 13:02
Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/hardchessesandyou
You’ve probably heard a saying similar to this: just like your body, your car needs fluids to keep going. That’s a truth man… Read More
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