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It’s no surprise that electrification has spread into every corner of the automotive world. From humble local delivery vans to high-voltage track monsters, the gamut of EVs on the road is impressive. So, it is no shock that manufacturers recognized the inherent benefit electric motors have in delivering a ton of torque at initial startup. That gives an EV tremendous power for launching off the line, something enthusiast drivers appreciate. Here’s the top hot rod electric cars that are guaranteed to get your blood pumping in 2024. Porsche Taycan – 750 Horsepower Porsche launched the Taycan in 2019 as its first dedicated electric car. Keeping with Porsche naming conventions, the highest output version, Taycan Turbo S, is the top-of-the-line in terms of performance. No, there is not a “turbo” in the traditional sense, but the Turbo and Turbo S models do get a nice first bump of recognition with the powerful name. Driver’s get a 2.6 second 0–60 mph launch and a 161 mph top speed for track days. Mercedes-AMG EQS – 751 Horsepower It should come as no surprise that the in-house hot rod division of Mercedes-Benz would get its insulated-gloved hands into the EV market. While the Mercedes-AMG EQS is not the first electric AMG vehicle (the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive gets that nod), it is the first on a dedicated electric vehicle chassis. Mercedes claims a 3.4 second 0–60 mph time, which is .1 second faster than the combustion-engine Camaro ZL1 Coupe from the same year. Rivian R1T – 835 Horsepower Rivian may only sell one vehicle (the SUV is pretty much identical to the truck), but sales show the payoff of extreme product focus. R1T buyers can select the quad motor version for combined 835 horsepower and a 3.0 second 0–60 mph time. That’s faster than a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, plus it has enough room to pick up a load of mulch from the local garden center. GMC Hummer EV – 1,000 Horsepower It feels kind of silly labeling the hulking Hummer EV as an EV hot rod, but stay with us. When the spec sheet shows three motors with a total of up to 1,000 horsepower and a 0–60 mph time of 3.0 seconds flat, that’s hustling. And when that hustle is brought by something the size of a tiny house, it is even more impressive. Sure “Watts to Freedom” mode sounds silly, but it is akin to a tank getting shot out of a cannon, so it matches. Tesla Model S Plaid – 1,020 Horsepower When it comes to drag racing electric cars, Tesla was likely the first manufacturer to grab driver’s attention. Fans of the 1987 movie “Spaceballs” should get Tesla’s name reference — setting light speed to Plaid. Three motors with a combined 1,020 peak horsepower rocket this sedan to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds. That’s a full second faster than a new Corvette. It also rips the quarter mile in 9.23 seconds at 155 mph. Just how quick is that? If you want to race your Tesla Model S Plaid at a sanctioned NHRA drag race, it will need a roll cage and a parachute! Tesla Model X Plaid – 1,020 Horsepower Tesla took the same drivetrain as the already insane Model S Plaid and put it in an SUV, thus creating the Model X Plaid. The added size and weight took a toll as 0–60 mph now takes 2.5 seconds, but the quarter mile time is just a touch slower at 9.9 seconds. That’s two seconds faster than a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. Plus, it has cool gullwing doors and can tow 5,000 pounds. Lucid Air – 1,234 Horsepower Now we’re getting into ridiculous territory. Dropping $250k on a Lucid Air Sapphire gets you 1,234 horsepower and a top speed of 205 mph. That money also gets you to 60 mph in 1.89 seconds and an 8.95 second quarter mile time. All this in a four-door sedan that can go more than 400 miles on a single charge. Sure, a Bugatti Veyron will outrun it on the top end, but the Lucid Air Sapphire will make it claw for every inch on the way to 200 mph. Rimac Nevera – 1,914 Horsepower For our pick of the baddest electric hot rod, we have the Rimac Nevara. This is beyond simply an electric sports car and ventures into pure hypercar territory with a sleek body to match. Its 1.74 second 0–60 mph time set a new world record in May of 2023 along with a slew of other acceleration world records. It can hit 249 mph in just 21 seconds. It can also go from a dead stop to 249 mph and back to a dead stop in just less than 30 seconds. And, just for silliness, Rimac set a world record for the fastest driving…in reverse (171 mph). Now, for the big downside, that mind bending speed will set you back $2.2 million dollars. NAPA Is Your One-Stop EV Shop So, there you have it. Electric hot rod options from tame to insane. Rumors still surround a possible electric muscle car from Dodge in the form of the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee, but no official production date is set. Looking to build your own EV muscle car? Chevrolet Performance’s eCrate system is an electric motor swap kit that you should find available to the public soon. Thinking of upgrading to the electric vehicle lifestyle, but you need a complete at-home charging station setup? NAPA has you covered thanks to a partnership with Qmerit, which can assist you in purchasing the best home EV charger for your needs, and correctly installing a home EV charger in your garage. And remember, NAPA Auto Parts has a long history of supplying quality parts for at-home mechanics restoring muscle cars. Tackle your muscle car restoration with the best cooling fans, cold air intakes, control modules and more. Simply shop NAPAonline or head over to your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Sign up for NAPA Rewards now to start earning Points—earn 100 Points, and you get $5 off your next purchase automatically! Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. The post Electric Hot Rods Designed to Ignite EV Enthusiasm in 2024 appeared first on NAPA Blog. View the full article

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Brad Sweet and the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 team returned to action for the 2024 season in spectacular fashion, winning at the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida. Four nights of racing began on Wednesday with the Big Cat showcasing his skills right from the start. The Kasey Kahne Racing driver qualified fourth in Flight A with a blistering time of 13.513 seconds. He continued the momentum in his heat race, securing a second-place finish and guaranteeing him a spot in the Fast Pass Dash. Sweet dominated the dash, picking up the win after starting on the pole. In the first main event o f 2024, the NAPA No. 49 machine proved unstoppable for 25 laps, earning the win and solidifying Sweet’s status as a giant of the sprint car world. On Thursday night, however, a different story unfolded for the five-time champion. Sweet qualified fifth in Flight B, posting a solid time of 13.430 seconds, but his heat race presented a challenge. He started third but slipped to fourth, relegating him to a 14th-place starting position in the feature. He ultimately finished 15th, determined to bounce back on Friday night. On Friday, the NAPA team hit the reset button and prepared for another shot at a win. Sweet posted a time of 13.359 seconds in qualifying, securing the third spot in Flight B and setting a strong tone for the evening. During heat race action, competitor David Gravel ran Sweet up the track, forcing him over the cushion and into the brakes of the No. 49 machine. He regained momentum, though, and ultimately finished third after starting second. Friday’s feature race truly highlighted Sweet’s racing prowess as he battled his way through the field from a 10th-place start to finish on the podium in third. On the final night of the DIRTcar Nationals, the NAPA No. 49 team had one last shot at a $20,000 payday. The Big Cat hit the charts at 13.452 seconds in qualifying, placing him fifth. In his heat race, Sweet charged from third to second, placing him in the dash. Although he did not advance from his eighth-place starting spot in the dash, Sweet continued undeterred into the feature race. He stood out among the fierce competition, climbing from an eighth-place starting spot to another podium finish of third. Sweet and the NAPA team ended the weekend third in overall event points. Next up for the Sweet and the No. 49 team is the start of the High Limit Racing season at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa. Start / Finish: Wednesday, Feb. 7: 1 / 1 Thursday, Feb. 8: 14 /15 Friday, Feb. 9: 10 / 3 Saturday, Feb. 10: 8 / 3 Next Race: Monday, February 12, East Bay Raceway Park, Tampa, FL How to Watch or Listen: FloRacing NAPA: @NAPARacing Brad Sweet: @BradSweetRacing Kasey Kahne Racing: @KKRdirt The post Sweet Starts 2024 Continuing Winning Ways appeared first on NAPA Blog. View the full article

TLANTA, Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, plans to release fourth quarter and full-year financial results on February 15, 2024. Following the release, management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET. The public may access the webcast and supplemental earnings materials on the company's investor relations website. The call is also available by dialing 1-800-836-8184. A replay of the call will be available on the company's website or toll-free at 1-888-660-6345, ID 30941#, two hours after completion of the conference call. About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 17 countries and has approximately 58,000 employees. Further information is available at genpt.com. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company For further information: Investor contact: Timothy Walsh, (678) 934-5349, Senior Director - Investor Relations; Media contact: Heather Ross, (678) 934-5220, Vice President - Strategic Communications View the full article

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, announced today its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of ninety-five cents ($0.95) per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable January 2, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2023. About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 17 countries and has approximately 58,000 employees. Further information is available at www.genpt.com. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company For further information: Investor, Timothy Walsh, (678) 934-5349, Senior Director - Investor Relations; Media, Heather Ross, (678) 934-5220, Vice President - Strategic Communications View the full article

ATLANTA, Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, announced today its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. "Our third quarter performance was highlighted by double digit earnings growth, driven by benefits from the mix and geographic diversity of our businesses as well continued progress on our strategic initiatives," said Paul Donahue, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Through our One GPC approach, we are simplifying our business while driving productivity and efficiency across our operations. We would like to thank our teams around the world for their continued dedication to serving our customers and delivering solid quarterly results." Third Quarter 2023 Results Sales were $5.8 billion, a 2.6% increase compared to $5.7 billion in the same period of the prior year. The growth in sales is attributable to a 0.5% increase in comparable sales, a 1.7% benefit from acquisitions and a 0.4% net favorable impact of foreign currency and other. The third quarter of 2023 had one less selling day in the U.S. compared to the third quarter of 2022, which negatively impacted third quarter sales growth by approximately 1.2%. Net income was $351 million, an increase of 12.4% compared to net income of $312 million in the prior year. Diluted EPS was $2.49, an increase of 13.2% compared to $2.20 in the prior year period. Net income of $351 million compares to adjusted net income of $317 million for the same three-month period of the prior year, an increase of 10.7%. On a per share diluted basis, net income was $2.49, an increase of 11.7% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.23 last year. Refer to the reconciliation of GAAP net income to adjusted net income and GAAP diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share for more information. Third Quarter 2023 Segment Highlights Automotive Parts Group ("Automotive") Global Automotive sales were $3.6 billion, up 3.9% from the same period in 2022, with a 0.6% increase in comparable sales, 2.4% benefit from acquisitions and a net 0.9% favorable impact of foreign currency and other. Segment profit of $322 million increased 4.1%, with segment profit margin of 8.9%, flat compared to last year. The third quarter of 2023 had one less selling day in the U.S. compared to the third quarter of 2022, which negatively impacted third quarter Global Automotive sales growth by approximately 1.0%. Industrial Parts Group ("Industrial") Industrial sales were $2.2 billion, up 0.6% from the same period in 2022, reflecting a 0.3% increase in comparable sales and a 0.6% benefit from acquisitions, slightly offset by a 0.3% unfavorable impact of foreign currency. Segment profit of $283 million increased 16.6%, with segment profit margin of 12.9% up 180 basis points from the same period of the prior year. The third quarter of 2023 had one less selling day in the U.S. compared to the third quarter of 2022, which negatively impacted third quarter Industrial sales growth by approximately 1.6%. "While our Industrial and international Automotive businesses performed well during the third quarter, the results for our U.S. Automotive business were below our expectations and negatively impacted by one less selling day," said Will Stengel, President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our third quarter results reflect continued improvement in segment margins, driven by strong team operating discipline despite the slower growth environment." Nine Months 2023 Results Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $17.5 billion, up 5.6% from the same period in 2022. Net income for the nine months was $1.0 billion, or $7.08 per diluted share, an increase of 8.4% compared to $6.53 per diluted share in 2022. Net income of $1.0 billion, or $7.08 per diluted share, compares to adjusted net income of $896 million, or adjusted diluted earnings per share of $6.29, in 2022, an increase of 12.6%. Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Capital Allocation The company generated cash flow from operations of $1.1 billion for the first nine months of 2023. We used $473 million in cash for investing activities, including $350 million for capital expenditures and $211 million for acquisitions, net of $80 million in proceeds from the sale of our remaining investment in S.P. Richards and other investments. We also used $599 million in cash for financing activities, including $393 million for quarterly dividends paid to shareholders and $172 million for stock repurchases. Free cash flow was $733 million for the first nine months of 2023. Refer to the reconciliation of GAAP net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for more information. The company ended the quarter with $2.2 billion in total liquidity, consisting of $1.5 billion availability on the revolving credit facility and $655 million in cash and cash equivalents. 2023 Outlook The company is updating full-year 2023 guidance previously provided in its earnings release on July 20, 2023. The company considered its recent business trends and financial results, current growth plans, strategic initiatives, global economic outlook, geopolitical conflicts and the potential impact on results in updating its guidance, which is outlined in the table below. View the full article

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ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, announced today that it has published its 2023 Sustainability Report. The new report highlights GPC's approach to sustainability that looks inward to global operations and outward to how the company helps improve its vast network that includes teammates, suppliers, customers, communities and investors. "At GPC, we embrace our role in the global sustainable economy," said Paul Donahue, chairman and chief executive officer. "We are proud to share GPC's 2023 Sustainability Report, which highlights our work as One GPC Team to make significant progress on our environmental, social and governance initiatives. Thank you to our teammates, partners and suppliers who strive for excellence every day and deliver exceptional service for our customers and the communities in which we work and live." VIEW THE REPORT HERE: www.genpt.com/sustainability About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 17 countries and has approximately 58,000 employees. Further information is available at www.genpt.com. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company For further information: CONTACTS: Investor Contact: Tim Walsh, 678.934.5349, Senior Director - Investor Relations; Media Contact: Heather Ross, 678.934.5220, Vice President - Strategic Communications View the full article

ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, plans to release third quarter financial results on October 19, 2023. Management will also conduct a conference call on this date at 11:00 a.m. ET. The public may access the webcast and supplemental earnings materials on the company's investor relations website. The call is also available by dialing 888-317-6003. The conference ID is 9754822. A replay of the call will be available on the company's website or toll-free at 877-344-7529, ID 7086770, two hours after the completion of the conference call. About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 17 countries and has approximately 58,000 employees. Further information is available at www.genpt.com. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company For further information: Investor contact: Tim Walsh, (678) 934-5349, Senior Director - Investor Relations; Media contact: Heather Ross, (678) 934-5220, Vice President - Strategic Communications View the full article

ATLANTA, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, announced today that Bert Nappier, EVP & CFO, will present at the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference at 1:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The presentation will be webcast live on the company's investor relations website. A replay of the webcast will be available after the event. About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 17 countries and has approximately 58,000 employees. Further information is available at www.genpt.com. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Tim Walsh (678) 934-5349 Heather Ross (678) 934-5220 Senior Director - Investor Relations Vice President - Strategic Communications SOURCE Genuine Parts Company View the full article

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ATLANTA, May 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) announced that Kevin Herron, President, U.S. Automotive Group (USAG) will retire at the end of 2023 after a distinguished 34-year career with the company. The company also announced Randy Breaux's promotion from President, Motion to the newly created role of Group President, GPC North America, effective July 1, 2023. Mr. Herron will serve in an advisory role until his retirement to assist in an orderly and seamless transition. View File Download File Kevin-Herron View File Download File Randy-Breaux "Kevin has been an invaluable asset to GPC throughout his 34 years of dedicated service to the company, including the last five years as President of USAG," said Paul Donahue, Chairman and CEO. "He embodies GPC's values. He is a caring leader who always puts customers and people first, and his work ethic and automotive industry knowledge are unmatched. We extend our deepest gratitude for his commitment and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement." Mr. Breaux joined Motion in 2011 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Distribution, Purchasing and Strategic Planning. He was promoted to Executive Vice President in January 2018 and then President in January 2019. Over the past five years, Mr. Breaux has led the impressive transformation of Motion, including the strategic acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group (KDG). He established a strategic vision, developed a high-performing team and culture, and delivered consistent and exceptional performance each year. In the new role, Mr. Breaux will oversee both the automotive and industrial businesses across North America, while assuming day-to-day responsibility as President of USAG. He will continue to report to Will Stengel, President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Randy to the new role of Group President, GPC North America," Mr. Donahue continued. "He has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver outstanding results. Randy's leadership and relevant expertise make him the ideal candidate for this role. This transition also represents the depth of our leadership team and our talent initiatives as we continue to foster the power of One GPC." About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 17 countries and has approximately 58,000 employees. Further information is available at www.genpt.com. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company For further information: Investor Contact: Sid Jones, (678) 934-5628, Senior Vice President - Investor Relations, Media Contact: Heather Ross, (678) 934-5220, Vice President - Strategic Communications View the full article

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5 Must-Have Tools You Can Use Outside the Garage It’s true: NAPA boasts nearly 6,000 Auto Parts stores and more than 17,000 Auto Care centers. With America’s largest network of aftermarket automotive parts and auto service, it might come as a surprise that NAPA also specializes in equipment and expertise outside the garage. That’s right, NAPAonline.com carries a huge range of tools from the smaller toolbox basics like measuring tape, screwdrivers and extension cords to large power tools for serious home repair like pressure washers and cordless or corded power drills. Shop for all the best tools from top brand names like DeWalt, Carlyle Tools, Milwaukee Tool, Craftsman and more. These compact tools work great inside and outside the garage, around the home or even on the road. From full home renovation projects like siding replacement, hardwood floor installation and plumbing upgrades to small jobs like fixture installation or adding window treatments, a great home improvement journey starts at NAPA. Shop for Hand Tools at NAPAonline Even the most complicated at-home projects require those small toolbox staples like a reliable measuring tape. This Milwaukee Tool 25-foot measuring tape features magnetic hooks that cling to steel, as well as a reduced blade arc for a straighter standout. For outdoor projects and surveying, larger units can span up to 300 feet, such as this DeWalt fiberglass long tape. A keychain-style measuring tape is a great addition in any vehicle emergency kit to use for scale reference in accident photos. Nothing kills the excitement of a home-improvement odyssey like a lack of electrical outlets or worse, a too-short extension cord. Keep a UL Listed basic 25-foot extension cord on hand for electrical access or upgrade to a 100-foot cord for maximized length. These cords are durable, insulated for use with power tools and remain flexible in temperatures down to -40 degrees F. This Craftsman 50-foot retractable extension cord features four grounded outlets and a safety circuit breaker, plus the built-in cable management eliminates twisting. Best of all, the spool design has a rewind handle for fast and tidy pack-up and storage. The humble screw is an ancient design. It’s the fastener that holds our world together, so never underestimate the tool that drives it. In all shapes and sizes, both Phillips head screwdrivers and flat-head screwdrivers are critical tools for any basic tool kit and are used everywhere. This durable Craftsman 8-piece screwdriver kit is a great way to make sure you always have the right size screwdriver. For a space-saving option, go with a multi-head device like this Milwaukee Tool 13-in-1 screwdriver. Different types of specialized screws require specific kinds of screwdrivers, such as these Carlyle T6 torx screwdrivers for torx security screws. Also, consider this Milwaukee Tool precision screwdriver set, which includes a #00 size for small tech repairs. Powerful Tools for Every Project One of the simplest ways to improve your home is a good, old-fashioned scrub down! As time passes, ultraviolet rays, dust, insects and even algae and smoke can build up on and stain siding, outdoor furniture and concrete driveways. The garden hose is rarely sufficient for a quality clean and the cost of hiring a service racks up quickly. Shop NAPAonline.com for a personal pressure washing system, so you can keep the outside of your home looking great and free of damage. These versatile tools are powered either by electricity or gas and come in a variety of psi ratings that you can use to clean more than just siding and driveways. If you only need a great way to wash your vehicle, this NAPA electric pressure washer offers 1300 psi and a quick connect multi-directional nozzle. For a more robust, gas-powered cleaning, try this BE Power Equipment 3100-psi pressure washer with a 208cc gas engine and brass head axial pump with a preset unloader valve for low-maintenance use. No home improvement kit is complete without a reliable power drill. Choosing the best option may take some research, but these days, many power tool systems are designed to utilize one common type of battery. Both DeWalt and Milwaukee Tool offer combo kits that feature multiple tools, as well as charging bases so you never get stuck with a dead battery. Additionally, consider a uniquely designed right angle drill for drilling in tight corners and hard-to-reach spaces. Shop at your local NAPA Auto Parts store and check off your home improvement to-do list! When you sign up for NAPA Rewards, you get access to our members-only offers and special promotions. Get 1 Point for every $1 you spend. When you collect 100 points, you’ll automatically receive $5 off your next purchase. Photo courtesy of Pexels. The post 5 Must-Have Tools You Can Use Outside the Garage appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. View the full article

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Imagine you are driving your Jeep or heavy-duty truck down the highway when you hit a bump and suddenly the steering wheel starts shaking violently. The shaking is so bad you can’t stop it no matter how hard you try to steady the wheel and it only goes away once you are nearly stopped. This situation is known as “death wobble” and it has troubled drivers of mostly offroad and heavy-duty vehicles for decades. So, what is a death wobble and how can you stop it? What Is Death Wobble? The term “death wobble” is not a technical term, but one made up to describe an occurrence when driving. While traveling straight at normal speeds and on flat roads, the vehicle has no issues. But if it hits a bump, an oscillation begins in the front wheels. The oscillation increases causing the front wheels to “wobble” violently back and forth. The wobbling motion is then transmitted to the steering wheel through the steering linkage. The forces are usually so great that the driver is physically unable to steady the steering wheel. Some drivers have come to accept the event as a normal part of driving their vehicle, while those who experience it for the first time are usually left shaken both literally and physically. What Causes Death Wobble? The simplest explanation for what causes death wobble is looseness in the front-end components. Here are a few common causes: Loose steering joints Tie rod ends worn Track bar bushings worn Worn ball joints Sway bar bushings worn Worn out wheel bearings Out of spec alignment Depending on which part is worn out, it may only take one of them to induce death wobble. The more likely scenario though is that several parts are degraded allowing for a greater combined amount of looseness in the system. And as one part wears and creates more movement, it speeds up deterioration of connected parts. There are reports of Jeep Wrangler death wobble stemming back for years, which are now joined by reports of Jeep Gladiator death wobble. While Jeeps are a large part of death wobble issues, there are also Ford truck death wobble reports (mainly in the Super Duty line) and even some in the Dodge Ram truck line. The main connecting theme to these vehicles is a solid front axle. While some drivers have reported death wobble with independent front suspension vehicles, it is uncommon. Oftentimes, tire shimmy is misidentified as death wobble. A vibration that appears at one speed but goes away at another speed is more likely tire shimmy or an out of balance tire. Most people peg it as Jeep death wobble though because of lifted aftermarket suspension parts, but stock suspensions are susceptible as well if worn. Larger tires, which cause more stress on suspension and steering components, can cause death wobble to worsen. Adding larger tires to a vehicle with no death wobble issues won’t cause an immediate change, but it can speed up the breakdown of components. Is Death Wobble Dangerous? Anything that affects your steering and interferes with your ability to control the vehicle is a dangerous condition. The greatest danger from death wobble comes when driving on slippery roads (rain, snow or ice) where reduced vehicle control can prevent an effective response in an emergency situation. How to Stop Death Wobble Once the front wheels start to shake violently back and forth, the only reliable way to stop it is to bring the vehicle to a halt. Do not slam on the brakes, just slow down the vehicle in a controlled manner. You may still have some steering control, but it is difficult to grip the wheel, so don’t expect to make any sharp turns before stopping. Once the vehicle is no longer in motion, the shaking will stop. How to Fix Death Wobble The best Jeep death wobble fix is to replace loose or worn suspension and steering components. You must take the entire front end into consideration as a unit with every part having an effect on the others. All pieces need inspected for wear and looseness while leaning towards replacement of any questionable pieces. It is unlikely that death wobble is caused by a single loose component and is far more likely brought about by the sum of multiple loose joints. To inspect the steering components, have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth quickly while the vehicle is flat on the ground. Observe the steering joints. You should see no delay in the movement from one part to the next connected part. Movement from the steering wheel should create movement at the front wheel nearly instantly. Any loose joints need replaced. An alignment is also recommended whenever trying to fix death wobble. This ensures that all the front-end components are pointing the right direction and with the correct angles. Some suspension lift kits can affect the front axle caster, which you should check and correct if found out of spec. Sometimes vehicle owners will add a heavy-duty aftermarket steering stabilizer to remedy death wobble, but it is not a solution and may not stop the problem. You still need to address the underlying worn component issues. If your Jeep or truck is affected by death wobble, you need to deal with the problem sooner than later. Death wobble is curable, so there is no reason to live with it. Check out all the steering and suspension products available on NAPAonline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA Auto Care locations for routine maintenance and repairs. To learn more about how to fix death wobble, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Photo courtesy Flickr. The post What Causes Death Wobble? appeared first on NAPA Know How Blog. 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