The NAPA Car Battery

How It Operates:

The car battery is essentially the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system. It stores electrical energy and provides the necessary power to start the engine. It also supplies power to the lights, radio, and other electrical components when the engine isn’t running.

Signs of Failure:

1. Dim Lights: If your headlights or dashboard lights are dimmer than usual, it could be a sign of a weak battery.
2. Slow Engine Crank: When starting your vehicle, if the engine cranks slowly, the battery might be failing.
3. Battery Warning Light: A warning light on your dashboard could indicate a problem with the battery.

The NAPA Alternator

How It Operates:

The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering the electrical system while your vehicle is running. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy.

Signs of Failure:

1. Dead Battery: A failing alternator can lead to a dead battery because it’s not being charged properly.
2. Electrical Failures: Flickering or dimming lights and malfunctioning electrical accessories can point to alternator issues.
3. Warning Light: Often, a battery-shaped warning light on the dashboard indicates an alternator problem.

The NAPA Starter

How It Operates:

The starter is an electric motor that engages the engine’s flywheel to start the engine. Without it, your engine wouldn’t turn over.

Signs of Failure:

1. Clicking Noise: Hearing a clicking sound when you turn the key might indicate a problem with the starter.
2. No Start: If the engine doesn’t crank at all, the starter could be the culprit.
3. Intermittent Issues: Sometimes the car starts and sometimes it doesn’t, which can be a sign of a failing starter.

Special Offer: Save on Essential Electrical Components

To help you stay powered up, we’re offering a special promotion from July through August.

• Purchase and install a NAPA Legend or Legend Premium AGM Battery, NAPA Remanufactured Starter, or Alternator – Earn a $20 VISA Prepaid Card.
• Purchase and install a AAA Premium Battery or a NAPA New Starter or Alternator – Earn a $25 VISA Prepaid Card.

Submit your rebates online at NAPARebates.com by September 15, 2024. Don’t forget to provide all the necessary information to process your rebate.

Keeping your vehicle’s electrical system in peak condition is vital for reliable performance. Visit your nearest NAPA AutoCare Center today to take advantage of our special offer and ensure your vehicle is powered by the best equipment!

The post Understanding Your Vehicle’s Electrical System and How to Keep It Running Smoothly appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

Get up to $25 Back on NAPA Car Batteries, Alternators or Starters

The post Electric Savings – Battery, Alternator, Starter appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

Why Brake Performance is a Spring Essential

After a long winter, your vehicle’s brakes are likely to have undergone considerable stress, dealing with icy roads, salt, and other challenges. With spring’s arrival, ensuring your brakes are in top-notch condition is not just a matter of maintenance, but safety. Effective braking systems are pivotal for daily drives and long road trips alike, ensuring that you and your loved ones are safe on the road.

The Science of Stopping: What Happens When Your Car Comes to a Stop from High Speed

Imagine you’re driving at a high speed and suddenly need to come to a stop. It’s not just the brake pads and discs working tirelessly to bring your car to a halt. A complex interplay of force and inertia must be precisely controlled by your vehicle’s tires, shocks, and, importantly, brakes.

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is pushed through the brake lines, activating the brake pads. These pads then apply pressure to the rotating brake discs attached to the wheels, creating friction and ultimately slowing down the car. This process generates a lot of heat – a testament to the energy required to bring your vehicle, which is in motion due to inertia, to a complete stop.

The tires also play a fundamental role in this process. They must maintain ample grip on the road surface to effectively translate the braking force into stopping power. Meanwhile, the shocks absorb and dissipate some of the energy generated during braking, aiding in keeping the vehicle stable and ensuring the tires remain in contact with the road.

Ensuring Your Safety

At NAPA AutoCare Centers, our experts are committed to ensuring your vehicle’s braking system is functioning perfectly. A well-maintained brake system means shorter stopping distances, better vehicle control, and, most importantly, enhanced safety for everyone on the road. This spring, make brake performance a priority. Trust us to conduct a comprehensive check and maintenance routine, including inspecting the brake pads, discs, fluid, and overall system performance.

Because when it comes to safety, every detail matters. Visit us today and drive into spring with confidence, knowing your vehicle’s brakes are prepared to handle everything the season has in store.

The post The Essential Spring Checkup: Why Brakes Matter appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

The Essentials of Braking Systems

First things first, what exactly is a braking system? Simply put, it’s what makes your car come to a halt when you press the brake pedal. Sounds straightforward, right? But there’s much more to it than meets the eye.

The braking system operates on a surprisingly simple principle—friction. When you press the brake pedal, this action sends hydraulic pressure through brake lines to the brake pads or shoes. These components press against the rotors or drums, creating friction that slows down and eventually stops your vehicle.

Components That Make It Happen

Now, onto the heroes of the braking world:

1. Brake Pads and Rotors – These buddies work together like peanut butter and jelly. Brake pads clamp down on the rotors to create the friction needed to stop your car.
2. Brake Shoes and Drums – In some vehicles, especially older models or the rear of many cars, drums and brake shoes take the stage. The concept is similar, but they push outward to create friction within a drum.
3. Hydraulic Lines and Brake Fluid – They’re the messengers, sending your pedal’s command to the brakes themselves. Without them, your brakes wouldn’t know when to take action.
4. Calipers – These are the muscle, pressing the pads into the rotors.

Signs You Need Brake Service or Repair

“But how do I know if something’s wrong?” you might ask. Here’s what to look out for:

• Squealing or grinding noises
• Longer stopping distances
• A spongy or soft brake pedal
• The dreaded check brake light

Why Routine Checks Are Non-Negotiable

Regular checks are crucial. Why? Because prevention is always better than cure. By catching issues early, you ensure your safety on the road and save money in the long run.

At NAPA AutoCare Centers in New Mexico, we specialize in all things brakes. Our expert technicians are here to inspect, maintain, and repair your braking system, ensuring you’re always in good hands.

The post Understanding Your Car’s Braking System – A Complete Guide appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

April is National Auto Care Month, and it’s the perfect time to turn our focus to a crucial aspect of your vehicle that often goes unnoticed until there’s an issue: the suspension system, specifically shocks and struts. Why? Because they are the unsung heroes that enhance the handling, stopping power, and overall comfort of your ride. Let’s dive into why NAPA AutoCare Centers in New Mexico are your go-to experts for all things suspension-related.

New Mexico Roads Can Be Rough

Imagine cruising down the scenic roads of New Mexico, the comfort of your ride seamlessly blending with the landscape. But what happens when that ride starts to feel a bit off? Maybe your vehicle pulls to one side, or you notice uneven tire wear. These are tell-tale signs that your shocks and struts might be calling out for attention. At NAPA AutoCare Centers, we recommend an inspection of these components around every 50,000 to 60,000 miles to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Shocks and Struts

But it doesn’t stop at shocks and struts. The suspension system is a complex web of components that includes car axles and CV joints, which can suffer from road debris, curbs, and those dreaded potholes. Ever heard a clicking noise when turning? That could be a sign of a CV joint crying for help due to lost grease from a damaged boot.

ASE Certified Technicians

Now, you might wonder, “What exactly should I expect when I bring my vehicle in for shock and strut service?” First off, know that driving with compromised struts or shocks can lead to further damage across your suspension and chassis due to increased motion range. That’s why catching issues early is key. At NAPA AutoCare Centers, our ASE-certified technicians don’t just perform repairs; they provide peace of mind. They’re equipped with industry-leading diagnostic tools and install superior NAPA parts and components to ensure your vehicle leaves the shop ready for the road ahead.

Nationwide Peace of Mind Warranty

When we install new shocks or struts, expect a smoother ride with improved control and stability. And let’s not forget the free nationwide NAPA AutoCare 24-Month/24,000-Mile Peace of Mind Warranty, covering parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services across NAPA Auto Cares across the country. It’s our way of saying we’ve got your back, no matter where the road takes you.

So, this National Auto Care Month, why not give your vehicle the love it deserves? Visit your local NAPA AutoCare Center in New Mexico and experience the difference quality and care can make. Here’s to smooth travels and the peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in expert hands.

The post Celebrating National Auto Care Month: A discussion on Shocks and Struts appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

We, at NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico, are deeply committed to the Albuquerque community. With 41 independently owned shops in your neighborhood, we are more than just auto repair centers – we are part of your community, providing top-notch service right where you live. We provide 100s of auto repair professional jobs

These shops are owned and operated by industry professionals who have built their businesses from the ground up in Albuquerque. Each shop has ASE trained professionals, and as a group, we provide state-of-the-art training to keep our employees up-to-date on all the latest issues surrounding your vehicle.

The NAPA AutoCare Difference

Not just anyone can be a NAPA AutoCare Center. We adhere to a strict code of ethics, require ongoing training for our employees, and our shops are peer-reviewed. We also give back to our community in meaningful ways.

Nationwide Warranty

Let’s start with the NAPA AutoCare Center 24 month/24,000 mile nationwide warranty. When you choose us, you’re choosing peace of mind.

Strict Code of Ethics

Every member of the NAPA AutoCare Program agrees to have at least one ASE-Certified technician on staff, perform high-quality diagnostic and repair services at a fair price using quality NAPA parts, uphold the integrity of all members of the program, maintain the highest standards of the repair service profession, and be dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Ongoing Training

We understand that technology changes rapidly. That’s why our members retrain their teams annually. Our mechanics are given industry-best standards training as it comes available. One of our Members is even the ASE Technician of the Year – two years running!

Peer Reviewed Shops

As part of our commitment to quality, we have a panel of fellow shop owners who conduct shop visits and secret shopper exercises to review AutoCare practices and offer industry standards support. Many of our shops are also Repair Pal members and 5 Star Rated for Auto Repair in Albuquerque.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF INDEPENDENTLY OWNED NEW MEXICO NAPA  AUTO CARE CENTERS

In Our Community

We believe in giving back to our community. NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico have regularly contributed to community programs such as Toys for Tots collections, Food Drives, and annually we raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

When you see the NAPA AutoCare name, know that you’re dealing with a quality auto repair shop in Albuquerque that employs certified mechanics and uses quality parts. And, more importantly, remember that we are your neighborhood mechanics who genuinely care about our neighborhoods. We are not just fixing cars; we are serving our community.

Choose NAPA AutoCare Centers – because we care.

The post 41 Reasons to Choose NAPA AutoCare for your auto repair appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

We recommend checking your battery’s charge, inspecting it for any visible damage, and ensuring the cables are secure and not corroded. If you need help, our professionals are ready to assist you.

Choosing your neighborhood NAPA AutoCare Center means choosing an independently owned and operated, local auto repair shop with the NAPA Peace Of Mind 24 Month / 24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty.

The post Why a Car Battery Check is Essential This Winter appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

When temperatures drop, old or worn-out wiper blades can harden and crack, decreasing their effectiveness. New wiper blades provide a clean, clear view of the road ahead during those winter rain or snow showers.

Remember, when you choose us, you’re choosing an independently owned and operated, local auto repair shop that offers the NAPA Peace Of Mind 24 Month / 24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty.

The post The Importance of Wiper Blades Replacement in Winter appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

With durability and dependability that you can trust, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your new headlights as they make driving safer.  Invest today in NAPA Headlights and make sure you drive safely at night!

The post Headlights Dim? appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.

The post Braking News appeared first on NAPA AutoCare Centers of New Mexico.