A Couple Of Things To Be Found In Every Good Trunk!

No one plans to have trouble on the road and very few of us plan to be prepared if we do have a problem. There are a few things that I carry in my trunk all the time, These are "just in case" items.

Screw drivers. I have a standard size Phillips and common head as well as a larger common head that will double as a pry bar.

Duct tape. I keep a roll of the miracle tape in all my cars. It can work as a temporary patch for a leaky hose, reattach damaged bumpers or hog tie the grandkids if they get out of hand.

Jug of water. I keep a gallon jug of water in the trunk. This is a clean jug so that it can either be used for the radiator or drinking water if necessary. Using plain water to refill the radiator is fine for a temporary repair.

Pliers. I have a set of channel locks, lock jaw and regular pliers in there.

Hammer. You can't fix nuttin without a hammer!

Flashlight. If you are good about checking the batteries then a regular light is fine. I need one of those "shake it" lights that generates it own power.

Trash bag. I keep 2 large bags in the trunk. If you need to sit or lay on the ground they will help keep you clean. If a window breaks you can use the duct tape and bag to keep the wind, rain and cold out. It will also make a good seat cover if needed.

Short piece of rope and a coat hanger. The rope can fasten a hood with a broken latch and the wire will hold up a muffler torn lose by road debris.

Waterless hand cleaner and a couple of rags. For the obvious reasons.

These few things will get us out of a lot of the minor problems on the road and don't use up much space in the trunk.

Of course while you are in there check to be sure that the spare is good and inflated and that the jack and all of its parts are there.

Oh yeah, take the cell phone, if all else fails there is a phone number on the back of your inspection sticker to call for help.

Have a safe trip.

Cabin Air Filters

We all know that we have to periodically change the engine air Cabin Air Filter filter, but did you know there is another air filter in most late model cars? This one filters the air that you breathe.

The Cabin Air Filter is located in the air intake system for the air conditioner and heater system. This filter is very much like the one found in your home A/C system.

Just like the filter in your home this one traps the small dirt particles, the mole spores and air born contaminates that would be circulated in the interior of your car. Also, like the filter in your home, this one will directly affect the performance of the air conditioning system.

On most cars that have a Cabin Air Filter it is a fairly easy procedure to replace them. Your owner's manual will usually have the procedure in it. The filters are available at Napa Auto Parts, or from the dealer and relatively inexpensive.

If you are wondering if your car has a Cabin Air Filter call us at the shop, or call you local NAPA parts store.

Wiper Blades

If you are like me the only time you think of your wiper blades is when it starts raining. At that moment it is usually too late to do anything about the old, worn out and streaking blades. Of course as soon as it stops raining we forget about them again.

Once a year, when you get your state inspection they are suppose to be checked, but they are only checked to be sure that they operate and that the rubber isn't torn on them.
Do yourself a favor, take a look at them and replace them if you can remember that the last time you used them the windshield was not as clean as you would have liked.

You can't duck if you don't see it coming.