Bob Garofoli (left) and his father, Roberto, smile for a photo with Bob’s Corvette. Photo courtesy of Bob Garofoli
Dads are often who we turn to for car help. Whether they helped you through your first repair, gave you advice while car shopping, or just wanted an excuse to spend time with you in the garage, we know fathers play a big role in the sentimentality of cars. In our miniseries “Car memories with dad,” we’ll share stories about and interviews with some car-loving dads leading up to Father’s Day.This series originally ran in June 2019.
I vaguely remember shyly checking out and sitting in my dad’s friend’s Corvettes as a little girl with my sisters. I’m sure I thought they were cool or fun, but undoubtedly didn’t understand or appreciate all of the work and passion that went into those cars behind the scenes.
Dads are often who we turn to for car help. Whether they helped you through your first repair, gave you advice while car shopping, or just wanted an excuse to spend time with you in the garage, we know fathers play a big role in the sentimentality of cars. In our miniseries “Car memories with dad,” we’ll share stories about and interviews with some car-loving dads leading up to Father’s Day.
What is the first car memory that comes to mind when you think of your dad?
It’s a funny memory. It’s long—it’s way back. And it has to do with my dad, as well as my uncle. I was maybe 1-and-a-half or 2 years old. We were moving from California to Delaware.
Cars can be expensive to fix and maintain, but there are some repairs nearly anyone can do at home to save money.
Depending on the model, a lot of the maintenance and beginner repairs on this list can be done with basic hand tools, and they won’t cost a lot to fix. Some repairs listed here may call for special tools, and these can be worth owning if you plan to use them regularly. Others may call for no tools, taking up very little of your time. Doing some of these repairs yourself can help you save money in the long run and improve the life and performance of your vehicle.
1. Air Filters
Common tools required: None (usually)
Although you might want to have on hand a flat blade screwdriver, ratchet, and sockets.
Unless your air filter housing is held together by screws or bolts, changing the engine air filter is a simple process that doesn’t require any tools. In most cases, you’ll just have to undo the clips on the housing, lift the housing cover, and remove the air filter. The install is just as easy, requiring you to align the new filter according to the directional arrows if it has them, close the cover, and latch the clips that secure the cover in place.
Changing the cabin air filter is similar, but depending on your model, you may have to open the hood or remove the glove box to reach it.
2. Wiper Blades
Common tools required: None
Changing the wiper blades is so common that your manual might have tips to guide you. You just need to find and press the clip on the wiper blade, slide it off the hook, and carefully lower the wiper arm down. To install, simply raise the wiper arm, and pull the wiper blade up onto the hook until it clicks into place.
1A Auto is excited to offer TRQ brake parts. TRQ parts undergo rigorous testing to ensure their quality, fit, and function,and can even be bought in kits to save you time and money.
Changing worn out brakes is key to having a safe vehicle and safe driving experience. On average, brake parts need to be replaced between 30k and 50k miles depending on road conditions, driving habits, and the vehicle’s type and weight. Working brakes in good condition allow you to stop effectively, which can prevent accidents, breakdowns, and subpar braking. The better the quality of the brakes, the better stopping power and driving experience.
It’s for that reason that 1A Auto is excited to carry TRQ brake parts! These replacement and performance brake parts are true to TRQ’s acronym: Trusted, reliable, and quality.
Keep reading to learn why you should replace or upgrade your brakes with parts from TRQ (fun fact: You can even purchase TRQ brake kits to save time and money).
The Strat 200 race of the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series is tonight! In anticipation of the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, we’re re-reading one of our favorite blog posts from last season.
We selected some racecar-driver worthy tunes to help you get into a racing state of mind, some of which are even NASCAR-driver approved. The list is rounded out with a few of Spencer Boyd‘s picks.
Cars are a great way to learn about our past and especially American history. You can certainly learn a lot about our presidents based on the cars they drove (or rode in).
The United States presidential state car, or the presidential limo, was more recently better known as “The Beast.” These imposing cars reflect the auto and presidential trends of their day.
Transmissions “transmit” power created by the engine to the wheels to move the vehicle forward. Without the transmission, your car would start but it wouldn’t drive. Some transmissions can last the life of a vehicle, but they are also capable of wearing out. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of transmission failure and how to prevent it.
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