NASCAR After The Lap™

NASCAR® has announced that NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford, Coca-Cola, and Sprint will return to Las Vegas for its sixth-consecutive year. Since its debut in 2009, NASCAR After The Lap has earned the reputation with fans as the must-see event during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week™. This year’s show returns to the Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel on Thursday, December 4 at 5 p.m. PT.

The expanded field of challengers competing in the new format of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup means attendees will be treated to more drivers than ever before. All 16 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders will be in attendance. ESPN’s Marty Smith will return as the show’s host and will again facilitate a spirited and unpredictable dialogue.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Ford Mustang, fans entering the NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes will have the opportunity to win a 2015 Ford Mustang GT. NASCAR fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting http://www.NASCARafterthelap.com through November 16. Additionally, two winners will receive an all-inclusive VIP trip for two to NASCAR After The Lap, including roundtrip airfare, hotel, ground transportation and VIP event access.

“Over the last six years as event sponsor, Ford has shared some incredible moments with our NASCAR drivers,” said Tim Duerr, motorsports marketing manager for Ford Racing. “The NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes remains to be an effective way to engage NASCAR fans, giving them a chance to not only win a trip to Las Vegas but an opportunity to leave with a brand-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT.”

During the last three weeks of the sweepstakes – fans entering will have an opportunity to become an instant winner. Ford, Coca-Cola, and Sprint will offer up to five pairs of race tickets to attend the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

“For the sixth consecutive season, Coca-Cola is proud to partner with NASCAR on this annual celebration of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season,” said Ben Reiling, director of motorsports for Coca-Cola North America Group. “The new Chase format promises to deliver an exhilarating finish to the season and we anticipate the momentum will carry over to this year’s show, producing even more unforgettable moments for our drivers and fans.”

Coca-Cola would also like to invite fans to “Open Happiness” for children in need when tickets for the event go on sale September 15. Tickets are priced at $20 each and all proceeds will benefit The NASCAR Foundation™, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that raises funds to support children’s charities and important causes throughout the nation. Fans can visit http://www.NASCARafterthelap.com to purchase tickets. For fans unable to attend NASCAR After The Lap, NASCAR.com will offer a live stream of the event.

Tire Talk from a NASCAR Professional

NASCAR tire changers know the importance of tightening lugs nuts.

Some learn their lesson the hard way.

Two years ago before the Daytona 500 when Tony Stewart radioed the pits complaining of a loose wheel after what he thought would be a routine tire change.

“Yeah, I got a lecture,” said the tire changer, who forgot to tighten a lug nut creating a vibration in Tony’s car. “If this happens to a motorist, it could cause an accident, so be aware.”

Seemingly, that’s an obvious task when caring of your tires, but what else can we learn from a professional who knows the ins and outs of tires and how they wear on the road?

“I always check my tires with the old penny trick,” he said. “Put a penny in the tread upside down and facing you, if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then you need new tires.”

Here are more tips from the NASCAR pros and the folks at Goodyear:

• Check your tire inflation.
• Check your tires’ air pressure at least once a month with an accurate tire pressure gauge and do it while your tires are cold and have not been used recently. Even driving a mile will cause your tire pressure to increase and give you an inaccurate reading.
• Check your tire tread at least every 3,000 miles.
• Know what certain wear patterns mean. Some can indicate a problem with your vehicle or under and over inflation.
• Keep your vehicle properly aligned to avoid uneven wear on your tires.
• Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Keep Your Wheels in Balance the Lead – Free Way

Most people know that proper tire pressure means better gas mileage and a more comfortable ride. But what about proper wheel balance?

Automobile manufacturers and tire retailers install a weight on the metal rim of each wheel when you purchase a vehicle or new tires. Traditionally made of lead, these small weights are designed to help provide a smoother ride, better gas mileage and more even tire wear.

However, there are several reasons why lead weights are becoming obsolete. As you know, lead is harmful to the environment. Lead weights are hammered into place on the rim, and can shake loose and fall off, leaving your wheels unbalanced. Rather than providing a custom fit, lead weights are only available in standard sizes; thus, the installer often has no way to precisely balance your wheels and you are left with a slightly under-balanced or over-balanced result. And over time, the use of a mechanically applied lead weight can result in unattractive corrosion and rust on your rims.

The latest products available for wheel balancing help correct these troubles. The new 3M™ Wheel Weight System is made of an advanced lead-free composite material that is designed to have less impact on the environment and is corrosion resistant so your wheel appearance is not compromised. The material is flexible and can be custom cut to the exact size required for precision-balanced wheels. And you can be confident that the weights will stay put for the long haul. They are attached with a proven 3M adhesive tape that has been used in the automotive industry for decades. Problem solved.

Next time you bring your vehicle in for wheel balancing, ask for the latest innovation from 3M and keep your wheels balanced the lead-free way.

For more information, click on http://www.3M.com/wheelweights, or call 800-328-1684.

When a Split-Second Counts

Picture yourself driving 500 miles at more than 200 miles an hour, under the most stressful conditions, never knowing what you might have to avoid in the next fraction of a second. That goes with the territory in the NASCAR racing circuit.

Compare this to your own driving. How much time would you need to deal with a road emergency? At 60 miles an hour, that’s 66 feet per second, you’ve already gone about 60 feet since you began reading this sentence.

Would that have given you enough time to stop in a panic situation? It depends not only upon your state of mind, eyesight and physical condition, says the Car Care Council, the condition of your brakes and your tires play a big part in instant response.

From the time you see the situation and process it in your mind, and then move your foot to the brake pedal and apply pressure to the pedal, precious time has elapsed.

Then, assuming your brakes will be responsive, the steering and tires can help avert the disaster.

How long since you had yours checked? Safe driving is a demanding responsibility.

Dad’s “Automotive Type” Helps Decide Father’s Day Gift

There are two types of fathers, those who work on their cars and those who don’t.

Whether your Dad is a do-it-yourself-er (DIY) or a Do-It-For-Me type (DIFM), consider an automotive gift for Dad this Father’s Day.

Sixty-nine percent of male drivers work on their car, truck, mini van or SUV, according to the Car Care Council. Whether it’s light maintenance, like changing the oil and replacing the wiper blades, or heavier projects, such as replacing brakes, most dads enjoy taking care of their vehicles. Automotive accessories, tools, parts and products make ideal Father’s Day gifts.

“If Dad’s a do-it-yourself-er, a gift certificate from the local auto parts store would be appropriate,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “If he’s a do-it-for me, think about a gift certificate for an oil change or other service at his favorite repair shop.”

Everyone loves a clean car, so offer to clean and polish Dad’s vehicle yourself. Remember to use automotive washes and waxes, not dish washing detergent from under the kitchen sink. This can harm the vehicle’s finish.

Automotive Cooling System Maintenance Tips

Water turns to a vapor or boils at 212°F. For every pound of pressure we put water under, it raises the boiling point 3 degrees. 15 lbs of pressure would raise the boiling point of water from 212°F to 265°F. (These numbers are all altitude sensitive.)  So 15 lbs of pressure created by the radiator cap multiplied by 3.5 degrees will move water’s boiling point upwards 45+ degrees. So under pressure, your radiator liquid will boil at 245-265°F and not at 212°F.

A large percentage of the engines that are replaced by professional technicians have been damaged beyond repair because of overheating. Others ran low on oil and some simply were worn out.

If you are thinking – If a 50/50 mixture is good, then 70/30 has to be better – get that idea out of your head immediately! Any deviation of this 50/50 mixture will do nothing to make your hot or cold protection any better. 100% coolant will cause your engine to overheat because 100% coolant cannot dissipate heat. Too much coolant can cause your engine to overheat because, like epoxy (or gravy), you need two components in the right amount to accomplish your goals.

The pressure tester to check the performance of your radiator cap is about 20 times the cost of a new cap, so replace the radiator cap with a name brand cap when you service your cooling system.

When servicing your cooling system, be sure to use a good flush to clean and remove the trash from your system. Rinse well with clean water. Then pick an appropriate coolant or antifreeze. You can enhance the properties of your coolant by using a water pump lubricant or rust inhibitor that will not damage your seals and gaskets.

About Mark Salem:

Mark Salem has owned and operated Salem Boys Auto in Tempe, Arizona since 1979. He is an ASE Master Tech since 1991 and has achieved L-1 certification for advanced engine performance. Mark is widely recognized and respected as an expert in his field and has been giving car repair advice on radio and TV since 1987.

About CRC Industries:

CRC Industries, Inc. is a chemical specialties manufacturer for maintenance and repair professionals and do-it-yourselfers in the automotive, marine, heavy trucking, electrical, industrial and hardware markets. CRC trademarked brands include: CRC®, K&W®, Sta-Lube®, and Marykate®. Visit the CRC website at http://www.crcindustries.com.

CRC also encourages automotive enthusiasts, professional technicians and do-it-yourselfers to interact with the company on Facebook. “Like” CRC at http://www.facebook.com/crcauto.

For automotive maintenance videos, visit CRC’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/crcauto.

An Automotive Gift for Mother’s Day? You Bet!

It’s time to be seriously thinking about Mother’s Day. A great place to look for useful ideas is her driver’s seat, especially if Mom spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

Her vehicle is her home away from home and gifts that enhance her enjoyment of that second home are likely to be appreciated, suggests Rich White, spokesperson for the Car Care Council. “We tend to gravitate toward gifts like jewelry, a framed photo or flowers,” he says. “But why not break from the traditional and dress up her car? Maybe she’s always wanted a sunroof or a cool sound system. Her wish could come true, with the help of your local auto specialty shop or service dealer.”

White suggests that, beyond the obvious gifts such as seat covers or floor mats, Mom might appreciate having her damaged steering wheel replaced with one that’s stylish, possibly even leather covered. A sun-damaged and faded dash could be repaired, replaced, or recovered to upgrade the interior. How about a GPS navigation system, remote starter, or satellite radio?

“Security devices such as a remote keyless entry or alarm systems are also popular add-ons,” says White, “as are custom wheels or wheel covers. Most women are interested in the safety and appearance accessories as opposed to those, which are performance related. Gifts can be inexpensive. Net shopping bags, that hook on back of the driver’s seat, are great gift items too. Just look around”

Right on the heels of Mother’s Day, of course, is Father’s Day, with additional categories of gifts to consider: special tools, custom rims, window tinting, or sound system enhancements, to mention a few. “Gifts for vehicles are always well received and the variety of innovative products never stops growing” adds White.

For more ideas and prices visit your auto supply store, service dealer, or specialty shop.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and repair. For more information visit www.carcare.org.

Green Auto Tips for Earth Day and Your Wallet

On April 22nd, when it comes to celebrating Earth Day and helping the environment, vehicle owners should do their part. By addressing a few habits, motorists can contribute, significantly, in helping the environment and their wallet both stay green, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies. What’s more, better automotive habits will help your vehicle last longer and command a better resale price at the same time.

The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care:

Click here for the complete article.

 

Gas-Saving Tips for Trying Times from ASE

Every day seems to bring higher prices at the gas pump. Some commuters are sharing rides, others are taking public transportation. But if you are like countless others, you depend on your personal vehicle. So here are some easy-to-follow gas-saving tips from the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on how to conserve fuel and make sure your car or truck gets optimal miles per gallon.

• Monitor tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder.
• Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage.
• Consolidate trips and errands. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.
• Keep your engine “tuned up.” Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by automobile technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.
• Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Keep windows up at highway speeds to reduce air drag. This is true even with the air conditioning on. But turn off the A/C in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel.
• Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.
• Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.
• Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence works to improve automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of auto service professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care tips and more.

“Cash for Clunkers” Deal is Peanuts Compared to Good Ol’ Vehicle Maintenance

Routine vehicle maintenance for an entire year costs a consumer less than a single monthly new car payment and would be significantly more successful in reducing gasoline use and pollution than the “Cash for Clunkers” program, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Vehicle maintenance would save consumers $30 billion in gasoline a year vs. spending $3 billion in taxpayer dollars to buy new cars.

While the “Cash for Clunkers” program is estimated to save 72 million gallons of gasoline each year, simple vehicle maintenance would save more than 12 billion gallons of gasoline a year (equivalent to all of the gasoline used in Illinois, Michigan and Connecticut in one year). Additionally, vehicle maintenance does not require a dime of taxpayer money and doesn’t require destroying perfectly good used vehicles that could be sold or donated to people who cannot afford a new car, reports AAIA.

“Understandably the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program is wildly popular among new car dealers, car makers and those consumers who have the ability to buy a new vehicle. However, the majority of Americans cannot afford a new car payment today, but they probably can afford to trade up to a newer used vehicle or make their current vehicle more fuel-efficient,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO.

“Doesn’t it make more sense to give a tax credit or other incentive to the majority of Americans to improve the fuel efficiency, safety and dependability of their current vehicle, rather than taking their tax dollars to help a small minority of consumers and pump up new car dealer profits?” Schmatz said.

AAIA opposes the “Cash for Clunkers” program for the following reasons:

• The program destroys many vehicles that are not even close to being defined as “clunkers” with years of remaining life and use.
• Destroyed vehicles are removed from the market forever, depriving consumers who seek to purchase a used vehicle or charities in need of donated vehicles.
• It hurts the aftermarket companies that manufacture, distribute, sell and install vehicle parts on used vehicles, and those who rebuild/remanufacture vehicle parts.
• Resources and energy use is multiplied when a vehicle is destroyed and a new one is built to replace it.
• The majority of vehicles being traded in are domestic, and the majority of new vehicles being sold are foreign.
• The program entices consumers to purchase a new car that they might not be able to afford and certainly to go further in debt, reminiscent to the sub-prime home mortgage debacle.
• The program is regressive since only those at higher income levels who can afford to purchase a new car will qualify for the $4,500 voucher, while destroying used cars that could be purchased by lower income families, most in need of assistance in obtaining transportation.

Consumers interested in learning exactly how vehicle maintenance will save money should visit the Car Care Council Web site at www.carcare.org.