Auto Blog

The failure of a timing belt is one of the most common reasons why cars break down. By familiarizing yourself with the timing belt, how it functions and how to identify whether or not something is wrong with it, then you can prevent serious damage to your car and you’ll know when to replace it. Knowledge about timing belt symptoms will save you from having to experience being stuck on the side of a road because of a broken timing belt.

By definition, a timing belt is a chain or cam belt that is part of a car’s internal combustion engine. It connects a crankshaft to a camshaft which control the opening and closing of a car’s valves. Without a properly functioning timing belt, an engine’s pistons would cease to function hence a car would be unable to run. Worn timing belt can no longer perform its job properly this is why old timing belts can lead to performance problems with a car.
Now there are a number of timing belt symptoms to watch out for: if your car starts belching more exhaust than usual, if the car’s engine vibrates so much that it causes the entire car to shake, if you experience difficulty in starting the car or if you hear strange noises coming from the car’s engine. These are just some of the common timing belt symptoms. If you experience one or more of these it would be ideal to consult with an Auto Care NW service advisor as soon as possible.

So remember, once you notice these timing belt symptoms it would be best to get your car checked. Waiting for the damage to become grave is definitely not something you’ll want to do.

During January and February Auto Care NW members are offering $60.00 Instant savings on qualifying NAPA Timing Belt Kits, Water Pumps, Micro V-Belts and Belt Tensioner purchases.  Visit our member page for the nearest Auto Care NW center to you and schedule your appointment on line.

Doing the most good this holiday season, NAPA AutoCare Centers are partnering with the Salvation Army and Lars Larson for the 8^th Annual Lars-A-Thon radio-a-thon on Friday, December 9^th.  NAPA AutoCare Centers throughout the state of Oregon and SW Washington are banning together in support to help those in need.  For every $100 donation to the Salvation Army, you will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate to a participating NAPA AutoCare Center.  Participating stores can be found on our website at Lars A Thon and donations can be made during the radio a thon on December 9^th or directly on line at Donate to Salvation Army.

Lars Larson, “I support many great causes but my number one charity is the Salvation Army. This year like every year I am asking you to join us and donate to the Lars Larson Lars-a-Thon on Friday December 9th. I think the Salvation Army is a good example of how we can rely less on government and take care of our own. This is an organization that represents Christian values and is there to assist anyone in need regardless of race color or creed. Whether it’s a down and out vet, women without shelter, disaster survivors or a young child that needs to encouragement and hope, The Salvation Army is providing the resources to get people through tough times. And thanks to the people at NAPA auto care centers, with every one hundred dollar donation you are going to receive a $25.00 gift certificate to a participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. We all need service for our cars and NAPA AutoCare Centers are providing this service throughout the state of Oregon for contributors to the Salvation Army.”

NAPA AutoCare Centers are Doing the most good this holiday season!

CALLING ALL OREGON FOOTBALL FANS!  The big Civil War game with the University of Oregon Ducks taking on the Oregon State Beavers is right around the corner.  Auto Care NW just announced that they have two tickets to the big game on Saturday, November 26^, 2011 at Autzen Stadium and they want to give them away. Game kickoff is at 12:30pm and you’ll need to find your own ride to Eugene, but if you are the lucky winner, we’ve got your tickets, and all you have to do is enter to win!  Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page and then enter the sweepstakes at AutoCare NW.com.  No purchase is necessary, but if you do spend $40 at any of the participating AutoCare NW AutoCare Centers, you’ll receive an exclusive NAPA AutoCare Civil War Football for FREE, while supplies last.  AutoCare NW has shops all over Portland, Tigard, Wilsonville, Gresham and more.  You can find the shop nearest your home or work location, just by clicking here. We also are offering a special offer on NAPA Wiper Blades; Buy 1 and get 1 FREE.  The storm yesterday was so bad, I am sure we all could use a replacement on our blades.  Official Contest Rules.

Auto Care NW is gearing up for the big Civil War game in Oregon.  Its the OSU Beavers v OU Ducks Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday November 26th.  Going to the game or not, you need to get your NAPA Civil War football to cheer on your team.  For a limited time only, and while supplies last, participating Auto Care NW NAPA Auto Care Centers are offering the 2011 Civil War football FREE with any $40 purchase.  Visit your nearest Auto Care NW auto care center for more information.  But hurry, these gifts go fast!