It’s Your Turn (Using Turn Signals)

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Distracted driving causes a lot of motor vehicle accidents. Well, according to one study, twice as many are caused by people not using their turn signals.

Drivers have a lot of excuses for not signaling. About a quarter of drivers in one survey said they were just too lazy to do it. Others think they really don’t have to use a turn signal, even though traffic laws in most areas require it. There are drivers who think they don’t have enough time to do it because they make last-minute decisions; not the kind of driving that experts consider safe.

An insurance company surveyed young drivers and more than two-thirds of them admitted they didn’t regularly use turn signals.

Here are a few reasons drivers should use their turn signals. When you signal a turn or a lane change, it lets drivers around you know what you intend to do. That way the other drivers can anticipate your actions and take whatever measures they must. For example, if there’s a long line of traffic and you’re having a hard time merging, turning on your signal at least gives other drivers a chance to be courteous and let you in. Or if you’re turning left, the driver behind you may choose to change lanes rather than having to wait behind you until traffic clears. It’s always nice to be considerate of the other driver.

Some reported that they don’t use their turn signals because they’re broken. If that’s the case for you, head on over to your NAPA AutoCare Center and have yours checked out. It may be a burned-out bulb, a relay, or other electrical problems such as wiring or a switch. In any case, your turn signals should be in operable condition.

Finally, the number one reason people don’t use their turn signals is that they just forget. Oh, and how about those drivers who do use their turn signal and forget to turn it off?

There are many things you must keep track of when you’re driving. Another driver’s turn signals give you one more piece of information you can use to move through traffic safely. Isn’t it your turn?

Symptoms of a Bad Turn Signal Switch

The turn signal switch performs several functions, both electrical, and mechanical, while indicating a vehicle turn. Electrically, it signals the turn signal flasher to flash either the right or left turn lights, both front and rear. Mechanically, it maintains the turn signal flasher function until the steering wheel is reversed from the turn direction selected. For example, if a left turn signal is selected, the turn signal switch will maintain a flashing left turn signal until the steering wheel is turned a certain amount counterclockwise (for a left turn), then turned clockwise back to a straight-ahead, or centered position. The same is true for a right turn. The flashing turn signal is then “cancelled”.

One of the most frequently used electrical components on a vehicle, a failed, or failing, turn signal switch may be indicated by the following symptoms:

  1. Turn signal indicator continues to blink when the steering wheel returns to the center. This symptom likely reflects a failure of the mechanical portion of the turn signal switch. Unfortunately, we’ve all seen drivers cruising straight down the road, with their turn signal still blinking. This failure mode is the likely original cause.
  2. Turn signal lights don’t continue flashing unless turn signal lever is held down. Similarly, this symptom also reflects a failure of the mechanical portion of the switch. Correction of this problem is best left to a professional mechanic at AAC who can provide you with a diagnosis, and then perform the turn signal switch replacement.
  3. Left or right turn signals or the Hazard Warning Light not working properly. The hazard warning flasher and turn signal flasher functions are built into a single, integrated electrical unit, potentially affecting both turn signal and hazard flasher functions at the same time. AAC can confirm the hazard flasher failure, and replace the flasher unit if this is the failing component.

Turn Signal Bulb Replacement Service

What is the Turn Signal Bulb

The turn signal bulbs are located inside the light assemblies on all four corners of the car. The turn signal switch takes the drivers input and sends power to the corresponding bulb to inform other drivers that you intend to change lanes or make a turn.

Keep in mind:
If all four turn signal bulbs stop flashing or lighting up, it is likely that the turn signal flasher has gone bad, not the bulbs.

The mechanic at AAC will check all the lights in your car every time you get a major service at our auto shop.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Turn Signal Bulb?
Turn signal lights are not flashing or lighting up.

How important is this service?
Turn signals exist to alert your surroundings that your vehicle will be making a turn. When you press the lever on your steering column, front and rear turn signal bulbs flash, to let drivers around you know of your intention to make a turn. When a turn signal bulb dies, that turn signal will no longer light up. This means that your vehicle will not alert drivers in front of you (if it’s the front turn signal bulb) or behind you (if it’s the rear turn signal bulb) that you plan to turn, which makes your vehicle a safety hazard.

Not having a functioning turn signal is also illegal, and carries a hefty fix-it ticket price.

Federal Government Issued Guidance to State Officials including Vehicle Service & Repair as Essential Services

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NAPA Know How: What Is an Engine Air Filter Made of?

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Engine air filters come in lots of different shapes and sizes, but they all do one job: They keep the inside of your engine free from harmful debris. Over the years, the design of engine air filters has changed, from their size to their material, so no one filter works best for all makes and models. Here’s a rundown of an engine air filter’s components.

A Little History

The first cars didn’t have engine air filters — automotive pioneers quickly figured out that debris was getting inside the engines, hurting performance and shortening engine life. Early on, the first solution was a water bath that trapped particles, which led to a second attempt: an oil bath, thicker and stickier, to trap still more impurities. Lastly, their third solution included air filters made of paper or fiber — a variation of which we’ve continued to use for more than half a century.

From Round to Flat

If you look under the hood of older cars with carburetors, you’ll find the engine air filter inside a round container that looks like a holiday cookie tin. The idea was to surround the carburetor with a filter.

As we’ve moved on from carburetors to fuel injection, a large, round air filter would take up important space needed for hoses and wires, including the engine itself. If you have a fuel-injected vehicle, your air filter is probably flat, rectangular and not visible when you first open the hood. Although, there are some nice aftermarket air filters that still get the job done and look good doing it, too.

Common Air Filter Materials

The earliest, simplest engine air filters were made of paper, and some still are, but you can also get filters made of premium cotton, synthetic foam and cotton soaked in oils that trap even more contaminants. Paper filters are produced with different features: Some are treated, others are pleated or embossed, which their manufacturers claim makes them more efficient at trapping impurities before they reach the engine. Other filters use a metal mesh to help with that.

Filter frames also come in a variety of material types. They’re usually made with either plastic or rubber, which are both designed for an airtight fit, eliminating the need for separate gaskets or seals.

Whatever material you choose, the main thing to remember is that you need to change your engine air filter regularly. Just pull the old frame out, put the new one in and you’re good to go for another 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Because they’re so easy to replace, engine air filters are a great maintenance item for a beginner DIYer. Once you add it to your routine maintenance list, your car will run better for longer.

Check out all the engine air filters available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on air filters, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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Door to door pick up and delivery of your vehicle! Preventive vs Reactive…

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Owner of Advanced Auto Clinic Tony Lynn would like to take a couple minutes to inform the community about what’s going on at AAC and what extra precautions we are taking to be safe.

Preventive vs Reactive…

Advanced Auto Clinic is leading the way in doing what we feel is best for our customers and our community. We have a long history of community support and involvement when needs arise. NOW THAT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IN WISCONSIN WE ALL NEED TO BE PREVENTIVE!

Door to door pick up and delivery of your vehicle!
Advanced Auto Clinic would like to help our community and our customers in any way we can. Starting right now we will be offering and providing door to door pick up and delivery of your vehicle from home or office if it is in need of service or repairs at our facility. We will be providing this service within 12 miles at NO CHARGE.

Our service staff and shuttle driver will take necessary hygienic precautions while in possession of your vehicle. Once at our facility your vehicle will be subject to the basics of hygiene wipe down on high contact surfaces and the use of airborne disinfectants and cleaners upon your approval. This is NOT a guarantee that all forms of bacteria or virus will be removed or eliminated, but we do feel that this is a step in the right direction in being preventative.

Give us a call to keep you and your vehicle healthy, 262-728-2944.

AAA Newsroom: Two-Thirds of All States See Double-Digit Pump Price Drop on the Week

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Eleven States Have Gas Price Average of $2/Gallon or Less

As crude oil prices trend close to $30/bbl, Americans are seeing pump prices plummet across the country. On the week, gas price averages in 35 states decreased by double-digits, pushing the national average to $2.25, the cheapest price point of the year.

“The national gas price average is 13 cents cheaper on the week and nearly 20 cents less than the beginning of the month. These are significant decreases in just 7 and 16 days,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “AAA expects gas prices to continue trending cheaper, with the high likelihood of the national average hitting $2/gallon before the end of March.”

During this uncertain time of COVID-19, gas prices are declining despite increasing gasoline demand and decreasing U.S. stock levels.

Quick Stats

  • The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases are: Ohio (-27 cents), Kentucky (-21 cents), Michigan (-21 cents), Wisconsin (-21 cents), Indiana (-19 cents), Illinois (-19 cents), Oklahoma (-15 cents), Iowa (-15 cents), Maine (-15 cents) and Minnesota (-15 cents).  
  • The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Oklahoma ($1.92), Texas ($1.96), Mississippi ($1.96), South Carolina ($1.97), Ohio ($1.97), Indiana ($1.97), Missouri ($1.98), Kentucky ($1.99), Louisiana ($2.00) and Alabama ($2.00).  

Great Lakes and Central States

Some of the largest weekly pump price savings in the country can be found in the Great Lakes and Central states. Eight out of the top 10 largest weekly decreases are states from the region: Ohio (-27 cents), Kentucky (-21 cents), Michigan (-21 cents), Wisconsin (-21 cents), Indiana (-19 cents), Illinois (-19 cents), Iowa (-15 cents) and Minnesota (-15 cents). All states in the region saw double-digit decreases, with South Dakota (-10 cents) seeing the smallest decrease on the week.

With the substantial drops at the pump, state gas prices in the region are relatively cheap, ranging from as low as $1.98 in Missouri to a high of $2.30 in Illinois.

With a draw of 1.8 million bbl, the Great Lakes and Central states region saw its first substantial drop in gasoline stocks in two months, according to the Energy Information Administration’s latest report. At 58 million bbl, stock levels remain healthy and in line with levels this time last year. If stocks were to decrease again in the coming week that would traditionally mean a pump price increase, but given current trends it’s more likely gas prices would decrease.

South and Southeast

Four states in the South and Southeast region have a gas price average below $2/gallon: Oklahoma ($1.92), Texas ($1.96), Mississippi ($1.96) and South Carolina ($1.97). It’s likely other states in the region will fall below the two dollar price point in the coming week, including: Louisiana ($2.00), Alabama ($2.00), Arkansas ($2.01), Tennessee ($2.03) and Georgia ($2.07). At $2.16, New Mexico and Florida carry the most expensive state averages in the region.

State gas price averages in the South and Southeast are 10 to 15 cents cheaper on the week. Oklahoma (-15 cents) saw the largest decline in the region and ranks among the top 10 states with the biggest pump price change in the last seven days.

Gasoline stocks saw another week of substantial draw, this time 3.7 million bbl. The EIA reports that with the latest draw, total regional stock levels measure at 83 million bbl – the lowest level seen since the end of December last year. Year-over-year, regional stocks are sitting at a 4 million bbl deficit. Typically this could push gas prices more expensive, but its likely motorists in the region will see cheaper gas prices in the week ahead due to market uncertainties associated with the coronavirus.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast

On the week, motorists in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region saw average declines of 6 to 15 cents. Maine ($2.21) saw the biggest weekly difference of any state in the region.

State gas price averages are $2.50 or less for every state in the region. New York ($2.48), Washington, D.C. ($2.47) and Pennsylvania ($2.46) carry the highest averages in the region while North Carolina ($2.07) and Virginia ($2.06) have the cheapest regional averages.

Gasoline stocks built by 400,000 bbl, bumping total regional stock levels to nearly 64 million bbl. More positive news for the region was revealed in EIA’s latest report: refinery utilization increased for the first time since early January, up almost three percentage points to nearly 59%. In the coming week, regional gas prices are likely to follow the national trend of pushing cheaper. 

Rockies

Three Rockies states land on the top 10 list of states with the smallest weekly change: Utah (-1 cent), Idaho (-2 cents) and Wyoming (-3 cents). Montana (-8 cents) and Colorado (-11 cents) saw more significant pump price drops.  Regional gas price averages range from as cheap as $2.18 in Colorado to $2.53 in Idaho.

Stocks dipped slight by 140,000 bbl to 9.1 million bbl. Compared to last year at this time, EIA data shows that current regional stock levels are at a 1.8 million bbl surplus. This healthy difference will likely keep state gas price averages declining in the week ahead, though potentially only by a few pennies for most of the region.

West Coast

Like the rest of the country, pump prices in the West Coast region have declined and are poised to continue their descent this week, as crude prices remain low. When compared to a week ago, California (-10 cents) saw the largest decline. Hawaii ($3.52) and California ($3.34) remain the most expensive markets in the country. Washington ($3.02), Oregon ($2.92), Alaska ($2.86), Nevada ($2.82) and Arizona ($2.67) follow.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased slightly from 31.41 million bbl to 31.64 million bbl, which is 1.14 million bbl lower than the level at this time in 2019. Pump prices are likely to continue decreasing this week, barring any supply challenges.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI increased by 23 cents to settle at $31.73. Fears about COVID-19 and the crude price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia pushed crude prices lower last week. After President Trump announced that the U.S. Department of Energy would purchase oil to top off the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, crude prices rallied briefly. However, the announcement is unlikely to help increase crude prices further since the limited number of barrels the U.S. could purchase is small when compared to the dramatic reduction in global crude demand as a result of reduced economic activity due to COVID-19. Moving into this week, crude prices are likely to continue decreasing as the world grapples with how to contain the ongoing international public health crisis and associated economic challenges that could lead to a global recession. Until the price war ends and fears about COVID-19 subside, domestic crude prices are likely to remain low.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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Rough Road Ahead? Get $75 back when you purchase qualifying NAPA Steering & Suspension Parts!*

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Get $75 when you purchase qualifying NAPA Steering and Suspension Parts of $250 or more.*

NAPA Steering and Suspension is pleased to provide this consumer rebate offer where customers can Get $75 when they purchase qualifying NAPA Steering and Suspension Parts of $250 or more. Valid March 1 – April 30, 2020. Claims due by May 15, 2020.

Whether your family drives cars, light trucks, SUVs or all three, Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan is with you for every bump and turn. AAC can be your one-stop headquarters for vehicle service and repairs. We’ll check suspension parts for wear and ensure that you enjoy a smoother ride. Now with a qualifying NAPA steering and suspension purchase of $250 or more you get back a $75 prepaid Visa card. Have peace of mind knowing your vehicle can handle any rough roads ahead and you enjoy extra rewards.

Stop in or call Advanced Auto Clinic to schedule your inspection today!

Qualifying NAPA Steering and Suspension Parts:

  • NAPA Bearings: BRN, BRG, PGB Qualifying lines excluding AG & HD Bearings and all promotional items.
  • NAPA Seals: OSN, NOS Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items.
  • NAPA U Joints: UJS Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items
  • NAPA CV Shafts: NMD NCV Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items
  • NAPA Chassis: NCP, PCC, TTX Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items
  • NAPA Ride Control: KYB, NS, RR, RRA, RCP, ARN Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items.
  • NAPA Exhaust, Magnaflow Exhaust and Bosal Exhaust: EXH, MAG, MF, BOS Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items.
  • NAPA Steering: PS, NRP, NSP Qualifying lines, excludes all promotional items.

NAPA Know How: How Do You Wire Up a Trailer to Your Car?

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Connecting a trailer to your vehicle is easier than ever, especially with backup cameras to guide you. Yet, the process requires some knowledge about wiring and hitch pins, which control trailer lighting, turn signals, reverse lights and trailer braking.

How do you wire up a trailer to your car? Let’s dive in.

Ensure Your Vehicle Can Do the Job

It’s critical that your vehicle is rated for towing. Not all cars are, and even some utility vehicles aren’t designed for towing. If you tow with a vehicle not intended to pull, you risk damaging its brake and suspension systems. The engine and transmission may not be able to handle the strain, potentially damaging both.

Even if your vehicle is rated for towing, you need to know its towing capability. That information is typically listed in your owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. The weight limit includes the trailer, a boat or other object sitting on the trailer, and anything inside. It’s a good idea to weigh your tow vehicle and trailer before you hit the road. Visit any truck stop with a certified scale to obtain weights.

Use a Wiring Harness

Wiring your trailer makes it possible for the turn signals, lighting, reverse lights and trailer brakes to activate. From both a safety and legal standpoint, each component must work. That’s where a trailer wiring harness comes in.

A trailer wiring harness is vehicle-specific, which means it’s designed for the make, model and year of your vehicle. Also known as a T-connector, it usually plugs in without any splicing required and supplies a standard connection such as a four-way flat. Each harness includes vehicle-specific plugs and, if necessary, an electrical converter. Power is drawn from the tow vehicle’s taillights or from a battery connection.

Make the Connection

When ordering a wiring harness, it’ll come with a four-, five-, six- or seven-way wiring connection, depending on the vehicle and how you’re planning to tow (i.e., a boat trailer with or without surge brakes, utility or camper trailer, or a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer).

The wiring is universally color-coded for ease of connection. The colors include:

  • Green (right turn brakes).
  • Yellow (left turn brakes).
  • Brown (taillights).
  • White (ground).
  • Blue (electrical brakes).
  • Black (reverse lights).
  • Red (auxiliary power).

Simply bring the two connection points together, ground the white wire to the frame and you’re ready to go.

It’s important that the wires are properly grounded, otherwise, problems may arise, such as the brakes illuminating unevenly. Use a circuit tester to verify that each wire is correctly supplying power. If the trailer wiring connectors are dirty, apply white vinegar or an electrical degreaser to clean them.

Ready to Hit the Road

Before heading out, make sure the coupler latch is closed, the hitch pin is inserted and the safety chains are in place. Lastly, have someone check while you activate the headlights, turn signals and brakes. Verify a secure trailer connection by driving around your neighborhood. Once satisfied, you’re ready to begin your trip.

And just like that, you’ve transitioned from asking, “How do you wire up a trailer?” to “Are we there yet?”

Check out all the truck and towing products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on towing equipment, chat with an expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

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NAPA Know How: How to Choose the Right Off-Road BatteryNAPA Know How Blog

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Choosing the right off-road battery can mean the difference between making it home at the end of a long day on the trail and having to hike back to civilization to find a jump-start. Depending on how or what you’re driving, a standard automotive battery may not be powerful enough for the number of accessories being used on your rig and its lighting demands.

How can you make the best battery decision for your truck or SUV? Let’s take a look at the best options.

Take Stock of Your Setup

The factory battery in your vehicle was designed to handle the specific demands of its stock lighting, heating, cooling and engine systems. Once you add accessories that pull extra power, you need to reevaluate whether your existing alternator and battery setup are still up to the task or if you need to switch to a larger off-road battery system.

Some examples of equipment that can punish your vehicle’s electricals include winches, auxiliary lighting, air compressors and stereo systems. If you’re running one or more of these, check to see if your existing battery can withstand the cumulative load.

Double Up or New Tech?

A common choice for off-roaders seeking additional battery life is to add a second 12-volt battery to the mix. This works fine as long as you have the space under the hood or in the cargo area to mount a second unit that’s protected from potential damage.

Modern trail drivers might find a better option with advanced battery tech. Instead of doubling up, you can use a traditional, sealed lead-acid battery that’s designed to produce deep cycle power that can withstand a heavy load.

An even better option for an off-road battery is to select an absorbed glass mat design. AGM batteries are sealed, so they won’t spill if your vehicle tips sideways or sits at an extreme angle on a hill. They are often smaller than similarly powerful lead-acid batteries and offer better resistance to the vibrations you encounter on a rough trail.

Remember: Choosing the right battery is a combination of understanding your needs, finding an option that fits your budget and making sure that your choice is compatible with the space and connections your vehicle has for mounting a battery. Just as you’ve modified your truck to handle rougher conditions than the factory intended, so too can you upgrade your electrical system to deal with whatever adventure might be thrown your way.

Check out all the batteries available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on off-road batteries, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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AAA Newsroom: Six Hotels and Five Restaurants Earn AAA’s Coveted Five Diamond Designation

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Five Diamond establishments are noted for world-class luxury and extraordinary service

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2020) – With the addition of six hotels and five restaurants, AAA has unveiled the 2020 Five Diamond list, comprising just 119 hotels and 67 restaurants. This exclusive group represents less than 1% of the nearly 60,000 AAA Diamond establishments across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“AAA Five Diamond hotels and restaurants represent the best of AAA’s transformed Diamond Program,” said Stacey Barber, executive director, AAA Travel Information & Content. “These hotels and restaurants consistently exceed expectations by providing their guests highly personalized, memorable experiences. They truly represent the upper echelon of the hospitality industry.”

Hotels

Five Diamond hotels, which include just 0.4% of the nearly 27,000 AAA Diamond lodgings, are noted for world-class luxury, amenities and indulgence for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston, MA) – Gracious hospitality is prevalent at this luxury hotel, which merges modernity and classic décor. The guest rooms offer a supremely luxurious experience with a view of marina activity and local marine life from Boston Harbor’s Rowes Wharf. (Upgraded from Four Diamonds)
  • Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (Scottsdale, AZ) – Well-designed landscaping seamlessly blends with the desert surroundings, allowing for striking views from the territorial-style casitas, each with a fireplace and terrace. (Upgraded from Four Diamonds)
  • Hotel Bel Air (Los Angeles, CA) – This classical establishment was brought into the 21st century with contemporary, elegant and high-quality décor. The location is the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy the meticulously manicured gardens and the lovely pond, home to graceful swans. (Upgraded from Four Diamonds)
  • Hotel Xcaret Mexico (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) – This all-inclusive resort is packed with activities, including eight theme parks, many pools, three exercise rooms, and a private island. Many of the modern rooms open up to pools or the river. (New listing)
  • Mandarin Oriental, Canouan (Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – This world-class property, unique for its remote location, offers just 26 large suites and 13 villas, as well as a private beach, impressive marble work throughout, and leading-edge technology enhancements. (New listing)
  • UNICO 20°N 87°W Hotel Riviera Maya (Akumal, Mexico) – This unique property features guest rooms with spacious balconies offering an oversize seating area and large oval-shaped hot tubs. Each guest room is assigned a local host who is tasked with ensuring that guests have a pleasurable stay to maximize their valuable vacation time. (Upgraded from Four Diamonds)

Restaurants

Five Diamond restaurants, just 0.2% of more than 30,000 AAA Diamond restaurant listings, feature leading-edge cuisine, ingredients and preparation with extraordinary service and surroundings.

  • Ha’ (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) – Guests will discover themselves surrounded by flowing water as they enter the dining room. The ever-changing, contemporary, seven-course tasting menu reflects a variety of regional influences, paired with fine Mexican wines. (New listing)
  • Le Baccara (Gatineau, Canada) – Nestled atop Casino du Lac-Leamy, this adults-only dining room has a bank of oversize windows, which afford views of the Ottawa skyline. Custom table settings, fine crystal stemware, an impressive art collection and distinctive service make this a favorite place for special occasions. (Upgraded from Four Diamonds)
  • Providence (Los Angeles, CA) – Prepare for a thrilling culinary adventure, and, for an optimum experience, select the multicourse chef’s tasting menu. It changes seasonally, but count on unusual and exotic choices like local Santa Barbara sea urchin, Pacific geoduck (a large saltwater clam native to the West Coast) and Australian spanner crab. (New listing)
  • SingleThread Farm – Restaurant – Inn (Healdsburg, CA) – Enjoy an amazing 11-course dinner that is expertly served using ingredients from the chef/owner’s nearby farm and artisan items from around the world. Dishes may include Santa Barbara abalone, smoked trout and braised lamb, each artfully presented. (New listing)
  • Smyth (Chicago, IL) – This remarkable restaurant partners with an Illinois farm to supply its creative kitchen with fresh products. Choose between three prix-fixe menus, each offered with a variety of wine pairings. Every dish emerges as a work of art in both its appearance and amazing flavor. (New listing)

To earn the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation, hotels and restaurants must pass a rigorous evaluation that includes unannounced, in-person inspections, anonymous overnight stays for hotels, and, finally, review by a panel of experts as an additional step to ensure credibility. All AAA Diamond Program hotels and restaurants are re-evaluated annually to ensure they provide the best experience for travelers and diners.

AAA Four Diamond hotels and restaurants, which represent just 4.2% of the total, are also an exclusive group. They must be refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. This year, there are 1,718 Four Diamond hotels and 682 Four Diamond restaurants, including 125 new hotels and 62 new restaurants.

To see the complete lists of 2020 AAA Four and Five Diamond hotels and restaurants, visit AAA.com/DiamondAwards. To see which cities and states have the most award winners, see AAA Four Diamond and Five Diamond facts.

In January, AAA unveiled a contemporized version of its highly acclaimed AAA Diamond Program, modernized to meet the needs of today’s travelers. A new Diamond designation reflecting AAA’s professional inspector reviews using updated guidelines sets the program apart from services that rely on unverified hotel and restaurant ratings. For more information, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.

About the AAA Diamond Program

For more than 80 years, AAA’s professional inspectors have conducted in-person property evaluations. AAA is the only entity using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities. AAA’s inventory includes some 60,000 Diamond hotels and restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Travelers can find AAA Diamond hotels and restaurants and inspector insight in AAA’s trip planning products: AAA Mobile app, AAA Travel Guides, TripTik Travel Planner and the AAA TourBook guides available to members at AAA offices. For more information, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.

About AAA

AAA provides more than 60 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 34 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.

 

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NAPA Know How: Car Questions You’re Scared to AskNAPA Know How Blog

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In most aspects of life, knowledge is power; this is especially true when it comes to your car. Having insight into how your vehicle works plays a part in keeping you safe on the road, and it can help you handle any car troubles without breaking a sweat.

Asking the right car questions can provide you with some valuable automotive know-how. Still, many people new to owning or caring for a vehicle shy away from asking questions for fear of looking uninformed. If you’re one of those folks, you’re in luck! Here are the answers to four car questions you may have been scared to ask.

What happens if I use gas with a lower octane level than my car’s manufacturer recommends?

When it comes to your car’s fuel, there are two words to watch for in the owner’s manual: “required” and “recommended.” If a specific octane is “required,” always choose that octane when getting gas. Failure to do so could damage the engine.

However, if the manual “recommends” a specific octane, you have more wiggle room. Using a gas with a lower octane than the one recommended by the automaker every once in a while shouldn’t cause any problems. Still, don’t make this a regular practice. Octane ratings impact an engine’s performance and fuel economy. To get the best possible performance and gas mileage, stick with the octane recommended in the owner’s manual.

How often should I check the air in my tires?

Some experts recommend that you check your tire pressure every time you put gas in your car. Not everyone will have the time to do this, but it’s a good rule to follow. At the very least, check your tire pressure once a month. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps to optimize your car’s fuel economy and handling.

How often should I change my car’s timing belt?

Your car’s timing belt plays an important role in the way your vehicle runs. It controls and synchronizes the pistons and valves in a car’s combustion engine. Deterioration of the timing belt can happen suddenly, causing unsafe driving conditions if it happens while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, it’s advisable to replace the belt according to recommendations given by your mechanic or your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Newer cars can go for up to 100,000 miles without needing a new timing belt, while older vehicles may need a replacement after about 60,000 miles.

How often should I change my car’s air filter?

The air filter keeps sand and other debris from entering your car’s engine. In doing so, it prevents engine damage and extends its life. Typically, it’s recommended that you replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, you may need to replace the filter more frequently if your car has a turbocharged engine or if you regularly drive on unpaved roads.

These tips will help you get up to speed on issues related to automotive care and maintenance. Having access to basic car knowledge and advice makes owning a car a lot less stressful.

Check out all the filters and related products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more answers to common car questions, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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