Cars & Conversation — Advance Auto Parts

How far can you really go on empty?

February 20, 2013 by The Advance Team 1 Comment

Oh, how we wish we’d thought of this! You know when that pesky little light goes off on your dashboard? No, not the “check engine” light. At Advance Auto Parts, we know exactly what to do with that one—just pull on up to one of our stores and ask a Team Member to use a code scanner to help diagnose the likely problem.

We’re talking about that other light—the one that tells you that you’re almost out of gas! The one that makes you ponder either stopping for gas immediately, or driving around another several days. Recently, we were able to track down some statistical evidence that may help you make a more informed decision. Check it out at: tankonempty.com

It’s a simple little site that gathers facts and stories from car owners about how far their car will go after the empty gas tank light comes on.

Here’s the information they’ve gathered on my good ol’ Acura CL.

acura_cl

If I’m reading this right, seven people have said their Acura CL will go 60 miles before it’s really out of gas! I don’t know about that. Hmmm, now I’m really going to have to pay attention. I’m on day number two right now, but I’ve only driven about 20 miles. Most people voted in the 35-45 mile range for this particular vehicle. Ah well, we’ll just have to see.

Make sure to check out the site—some of the stories are pretty funny, too.

When you’re done, just remember, if you need a new gas cap, or fuel treatment to maintain optimal performance for whatever gas you do still have, stop by an Advance Auto Parts store, or shop online.

We may not be able to tell you exactly how far you can drive, but we can help ensure that you’re safe and secure on the road, using the best auto parts possible.

So, how far can you go? Tell us in the comments section!

Filed Under: Cars & Conversation Tagged With: check engine light, gas mileage, gas tank light, quality auto parts

How to buy tires: choosing the right ones for your needs

February 20, 2013 by The Advance Team Leave a Comment

Buying the right tires for your car is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your car’s performance, and your safety depend upon you making the right choice. The best choice will vary by car type, tire type needed (for example, all-season vs. summer), your driving style, plus road and weather conditions.

Tire tread wear: first, how do you know when it’s time to buy tires?

While there are several factors that can lead tire tread wear, when the rubber hits the road, a single penny is all you need to gauge whether or not you need new ones. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head when a penny is placed upside down in the tread, you need new tires (or good used tires that aren’t worn completely). But, if you live in heavy, wet weather or snow, you’ll find that hydroplaning resistance and snow traction occur when tread depth reaches only 4/32 inch. Better to be safe than sorry—don’t wait too long to buy when yours show tire tread wear.

How to buy tires that will fit your needs:

You’ll want to get the best tires for the money—that means tires that last the longest. What criteria should you use to buy tires? Tires that do well in tests for braking, handling and resistance to hydroplaning should be the first choice, with tread wear, ride, comfort, noise and rolling resistance, second. In the final analysis, safety should come first.

On the sidewall of a tire is a designation beginning with DOT (for Department of Transportation) and including four digits. The digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, 1012 means the tire was made during the 10th week of 2012. You should always try to buy the freshest tires available—older tires, even if they are still “new,” can and do deteriorate.

What about a tire warranty?

Be aware of tire warranties. Typically, the tread-wear tire warranty provided by manufacturers is pro-rated. This means, the more miles on the tire, the less credit you’ll get. A typical tire warranty covers damage that is the result of regular use and not from potholes or other road hazards.

Getting the most from your tires also depends on a tire maintenance program. That means your tires should be rotated, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Editor’s note: Advance Auto Parts carries a wide selection of tire care products for all different types. Buy online, pick up in store.

Filed Under: Advance Auto Parts News, Cars & Conversation, Uncategorized Tagged With: Buy tires, Tire tread wear

An Internet guide to humorous traffic laws

February 14, 2013 by The Advance Team 3 Comments

As you can probably imagine, there are loads of humorous traffic laws floating around the Internet, claiming to be real. Real or not, some of them are downright hilarious. Read on for your entertainment…just not while driving!

Alabama Traffic Laws

Alabama traffic laws include this puzzler: it’s illegal to drive in that state while blindfolded. (We’d like to say that this is a bad idea in ANY state.)

Alaska Traffic Laws

If you have a dog, it isn’t legal to strap him to the top of your car.

Arkansas Traffic Laws

It is illegal to blast the horn of your car after 9 p.m.–that is, if sandwiches and/or cold beverages are available. Hmmm.

California Traffic Laws

There are multiple California traffic laws that are unique and interesting, including:

In Eureka, California, it’s not permissible to sleep on the road.
It is illegal in the city of Chico to plant rutabagas in the street.
In Glendale, California, it is illegal to leap from a vehicle that’s traveling at 65 m.p.h.

Connecticut Traffic Laws

It isn’t legal to hunt from your car in this state. And, no, not even during deer season.

Georgia Traffic Laws

In the city of Dublin, you aren’t allowed to drive through a playground.

Kansas Traffic Laws

One of the localized Kansas traffic laws is broken all across the country: if you’re in the city of Derby, screeching your tires is not allowed and is in fact a misdemeanor offense.

Are you transporting dead chickens and other poultry? If so, you’ll need to reroute your trip so you don’t go through Topeka, Kansas.

Kentucky Traffic Laws

Dogs are not permitted to chase cars in the city of Fort Thomas.

Maryland Traffic Laws

If you don’t want a misdemeanor on your record, don’t swear in Rockville.

Minnesota Traffic Laws

One of the Minnetonka, Minnesota traffic laws states that you’ll be labeled a “public nuisance” if your truck leaves behind dirt, mud or a sticky residue on the street.

Nevada Traffic Laws

In the city of Reno, there are plenty of “No Standing” signs. To stop any smart alecks from finding a way around this law, it isn’t legal to put any chairs or benches in the road.

New Jersey Traffic Laws

If you live in New Jersey and plan to pass another car, you need to honk first.

In Blairstown, you aren’t permitted to plant a tree in the road.

New York Traffic Laws

Planning to undress? If you’re in Sag Harbor, it isn’t legal to do so in your car.

North Carolina Traffic Laws

Officials in Dunn, North Carolina, have decreed that:

Playing in traffic is not legal. Neither is driving through a cemetery.

Ohio Traffic Laws

In Canton, it’s illegal to wear roller skates in a street with cars.

West Virginia Traffic Laws

In the Mountain State, officials have deemed it perfectly legal for anyone to scavenge road kill.

What unusual or humorous traffic laws, rules and regulations do you know about that didn’t make our list?

Editor’s note: Be cautious, laughing while driving is a major traffic violation in several states. As you’re pondering the validity of such a “law,” just bear in mind that the deals you’ll find at Advance Auto Parts are no laughing matter whatsoever. Buy online, pick up in store to save time.

Filed Under: Advance Auto Parts News, Cars & Conversation, Uncategorized Tagged With: rules and regulations, Traffic laws

Car audio systems: tips for your new or used car.

February 7, 2013 by The Advance Team 1 Comment

It used to be that once you bought a new car, the next step was to take out the factory car audio system and then install aftermarket audio components. This is not true today.

Factory car audio systems available from the manufacturer range from basic to high quality. For example, you can get a basic system from Chrysler or an upgraded Infinity branded stereo that is better suited for the audiophile. Such a stereo will have more features and a better bass response, as well as a higher potential for volume.

Plus, the upgraded stereo system will fit with the rest of the car and will match the rest of the car’s dashboard. The knobs and dials will also match the rest of the car and often you’ll find steering wheel controls, which add convenience to the whole system. And, of course, the factory car audio will be covered under the car’s warranty, should service problems arise.

There are more aspects of factory car audio systems to consider.

The cost of a factory radio is higher; the factory radio is not easy to upgrade, and replacing it with another system can be more difficult.

On the plus side, a factory car audio system will save you installation costs, look better in your car, and sound pretty good to boot!

Used car questions: what’s the best choice of audio for me?

If you’re planning to purchase a used car, buying an aftermarket audio system poses its own set of challenges. Researching the audio system that will work with your car is worthwhile. It will probably raise the following used car questions:

What speakers should I install?
How about a sub-woofer?
How about the power requirements of the new system?
Do I need to re-wire the car’s audio system to handle the added power?
How much will it cost? (The cost of an aftermarket system can sometimes get out of hand.)

Editor’s note: If you’re operating on a budget (and who isn’t these days?) you should check out the audio components available at Advance Auto Parts—audio components that offer good value, ease of installation and killer sound.

Filed Under: Cars & Conversation Tagged With: car audio systems, factory car audio, used car questions

What’s new in car interior accessories and features?

January 16, 2013 by The Advance Team Leave a Comment

Advance Auto Parts Here are tips about some of the car interior accessories and features available today:

Climate control systems

A simple AC system is no longer enough. Dual or even three-zone climate control systems are now important, since second or third row passengers now want to have their own temperature dials with their own gradient levels.

How many ways can you adjust power seats?

Power seats are a must—and, the more ways that you can adjust power seats, the better, especially for the driver. But a seat should also be orthopedically designed. A 6-, 8- or 10-way power seat might look good but, if it can’t support your back, it’s not for you.

Leather is great, but with kids in tow, synthetic or vinyl seats can do the job and are easy to clean.

Center car console

A well-designed center car console will hold your beverage, phone, iPod, book or other items such letters, lists and CDs. A poorly designed center car console will not.

User-friendly car navigation system

Gone are the days when turning on a radio meant just one volume button and another for stations. These days a car navigation system, coupled with AM/FM/satellite radio, CDs, Bluetooth and MP3 input, is usually condensed into a single unit that is mounted in the center of the dashboard. However, not all car navigation systems are comprehensive, intuitive or easy to use.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Interior Quality and Satisfaction Study (released on September 16, 2011), it is a well designed interior that satisfies most new car owners — and is worth recommending to others. Car makers, take note!

Some of their findings:

1. The top five issues with interiors all focus on design rather than technical problems. Here they are: material that stains or scuffs too easily; hard to use cruise control and/or badly placed controls for the system; hard to use cup holders; hard to use center console; and poorly placed or difficult to use door locks.

2. People who are satisfied with their car interiors tend to recommend their car brand to others, with 74% of new-vehicle owners saying they definitely would do so.

3. People who are satisfied with their car interiors tend to buy or lease from the same car maker, with 50% of new-car owners saying they definitely would do so.

Editor’s note: Visit Advance Auto Parts for the best in car audio systems, GPS systems, accessories and more.

Filed Under: Advance Auto Parts News, Cars & Conversation Tagged With: adjust power seats, car console, car interior accessories

Our Best-of-2012 lists are in!

January 4, 2013 by Jim Kazliner Leave a Comment

Range Rover Evoque Named Women’s World Car Of The Year 2012 Try as we all might to downplay the relevance of end-of-year lists and the like, it’s time to be honest with ourselves: we love this stuff. And we’re not afraid to fly our checkered flag proudly when it comes to talking about the most eventful things that happened last year in the field of cars and DIY.

Our esteemed bloggers have their own unique views on 2012. As you’ll see, it even gets a little intense when two of them go head to head. But, that’s what The Advance auto blog is all about—sharing passions, thoughts and opinions. Let the fireworks begin!

Jim Kazliner
Editor • DIY’er

Top 5′s for 2012

The DIY Mom:

5. The one-year anniversary of the campaign that lifted the ban of women drivers in Saudi Arabia

Gives perspective on the freedoms we enjoy (and take for granted).

4. The Range Rover Evoque being named the Women’s Car of the Year 2012

Didn’t even know that there was even just such a list. Now I’m wanting to know more about this vehicle that I don’t see much advertising for. Also drives curiosity about the runners up. (Award is based on panel results of worldwide women motoring writers.)

3. The Google Car that drives itself

Looking forward to the day when this becomes a commonplace reality! And who couldn’t use this “chauffeur” for commuting? What a great idea for those doing a night out on the town and no one has to be the designated driver . . .

2. Danica Patrick’s racing year

She has admirers, she has her detractors; in more ways than one, she’s a role model who’s not afraid of breaking ground.

1. The opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park

A fun new place the entire family can enjoy, no matter the age of the kids.

Rural Tales:

5. Lower Gas Prices

After starting out 2012 around $3.23 and trending up to around $3.90 in April and again in September, I’m liking the trend for the average retail price for gas to be lower—at the close of 2012 it was at $3.22. Check out Gas Buddy for more info on gas prices.

4. Mild Temperatures

I love a good snow, but when I have to work outside, I extra appreciate the mild temperatures. The lack of winter weather some of us had in 2012 led to lots more DIY.

3. 2012 NASCAR Champion

My son’s a big NASCAR fan, and this year his favorite driver, Brad Keselowski, was crowned as NASCAR’s champion after capturing the points lead in The Chase.

2. The Growth of Online Vehicle Repair Videos

For saving time and money, nothing beats the thousands of online videos out there—on everything from changing a busted hydraulic hose on a farm tractor (did it) to a shortcut for getting around the air filter cover for headlight replacement on an Odyssey (did it).

1. Vehicles That Last Longer

The average age of vehicles on the road today is a record 10.8 years old. That means vehicles are built better and running longer. With that, 2012 saw my old F150 and Honda Odyssey reach new high-mileage milestones.

Street Talk:

5. The New 2014 Ford Fiesta

Motor Trend is giving the one-liter, three-cylinder 2014 Ford Fiesta a strong review. I especially like the clean looks, both inside and out.

4. Kia and DC Comics join forces

To help fight hunger in Africa, Kia Motors and DC Comics joined forces, bringing various players from ImportTuner magazine and West Coast Customs together to build eight cars resembling a superhero from DC Comic’s Justice League.

3. Formula Drift Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fundraiser

Formula D organizers gave drift fans a chance to ride along with their favorite driver at Irwindale Speedway this past December—all for a $150 contribution to the Red Cross Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Not a bad deal.

2. 2012 Wekfest

This import car show was huge in 2012, and looks to be even bigger, better and more exciting when it kicks off 2013 in Hawaii this February, followed by San Francisco.

1. A rookie wins Formula D

Rookie Daigo Saito captured the 2012 Formula D championship in his first year in this drift competition. Read more about Daigo Saito.

The Mechanic Next Door and Gearhead’s Garage:

These two distinguished DIY’ers happened to be visiting the same town during the holidays. Over beers, they went over my latest assignment… the results of which are below, same as they arrived to me on a musty ol’ cassette tape (our resident Gearhead is very old-school), via media mail (he’s cheap, too). —JK

MND=The Mechanic Next Door
GG=Gearhead’s Garage

5. 2013 Ford Fusion

MND: “The new Fusion gets almost 50 mpg in Hybrid form, and with a starting price in the low $20,000 range, it’s an impressive value. The Aston Martin-inspired styling is a nice bonus.”

GG: “Forget the Hybrid, I’ll take the six-speed stick and the 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo. Scoots along pretty good, still doesn’t suck gas, and man, can this thing take a corner for a front-driver. It’s really something.”

4. 2013 Cadillac ATS

GG: “Rear drive and that big 3.6-liter V6 in something this small? This is the first Caddy I’ve wanted since the XLR!”

MND: “That V6 is nice, but the story here is that Cadillac finally gets the sport-sedan formula right across the board. It’s great that you can get a regular 2.5-liter four in this car as well, or a 2.0-liter turbo. Something for everyone.”

3. 2013 Honda Accord

MND: “A real return to form. I remember when the Accord was a no-brainer choice, but Honda had lost the plot in recent years. Nice to see them back on their game.”

GG: “Yeah, nice ride all around. I especially like that they still build an Accord coupe after all these years. Shoot, the V6 coupe can give a Mustang a run for its money, and it looks a lot better than it used to.”

2. 2013 Toyota Avalon

MND: “Has a sedan this large ever crossed the 40 mpg barrier? I don’t think so, and the new Avalon Hybrid is no slouch off the line with that electric-motor torque, either. Plus, it’s got the looks to compete with attractive midsizers like the Fusion. This could be the future of the big American-style sedan.”

GG: “Will you quit with the Hybrid talk? The regular V6 is one of the best things going. It’ll do 30 mpg or so if you baby it, and then it’ll blow the doors off that punk kid next to you at a stoplight. Handling’s solid, too.”

1. 2013 Porsche Boxster

GG: “You know why this was the best car of 2012? Simple, because it’s the only car ever that left me satisfied with just the entry-level motor. You have got to hear the Boxster’s 2.7-liter flat-6 sing its song, and these are the strongest 265 horses I’ve ever had at my disposal. If you know me, you know I’ve got a thing for American muscle, but I’d go German in a heartbeat if my wife would let me buy one of these. And would you look at that styling! It’s an exotic for a fraction of the price.”

MND: “As a mechanically inclined guy, I have to give credit where credit’s due: the new Boxster is an engineering masterpiece. It’s as rigid as a coupe over bumps, its top powers down in a flash, and whether you get the base motor or the 3.4-liter ‘S’ version, it’s a blast to drive. I love that Porsche hasn’t given up on building pure driver’s cars in this day and age.”

Filed Under: Advance Auto Parts News, Cars & Conversation Tagged With: Best cars of 2013

Looking at used cars? See our safety features checklist.

January 3, 2013 by The Advance Team Leave a Comment

Advance Auto Parts

We all love classic and vintage cars. That said, many of them are a little lacking when it comes to basic car safety features. Even seat belts. (Yep, once upon a time, seat belts were strangely missing in most all modes of transport.) So, as you ponder your next purchase—vintage or not—we’ve compiled a list of safety features that you should keep in mind.

Car air bags

Front car air bags have been standard since 1998 and most cars had them before that year. Sensors connected to an onboard computer detect a frontal collision and trigger the bags. Adaptive, or dual-stage, front car air bags started appearing in 2003 and were standard across the board by the 2007 model year. Side air bags (side curtains) are usually available on more luxurious models.

Anti-lock brake systems

Anti-lock brake systems pulse the brakes on and off when the brake pedal is hit hard. This system lets the driver retain steering control while braking.

Safety belt features

Seat belts are the most important safety feature. Adjustable upper anchors and seatbelt pretensioners make safety belt features work even better.

Traction control systems

Traction control systems limit tire spin when starting off in wet or icy conditions. Most traction control systems use the car’s anti-lock brake systems. Some traction control systems work only at low speeds while others work all the time.

Electronic stability control

Taking the traction control a step further, electronic stability control allows the car to avoid sliding or skidding during a turn by using series of computer sensors to detect wheel speed, steering angle, sideways motion and yaw (spin) by limiting engine power to one of more wheels, to pull the car back on course. Electronic stability control became standard equipment on all cars starting in 2012.

Lane departure warning system

The lane departure warning system reminds the driver if his car drives from its lane without using the turn signals. High tech versions of this system can even intervene by using the car’s electronic stability control to prevent you from sideswiping another car.

Adaptive cruise control

The adaptive cruise control system maintains a constant distance between your car and the car in front. Lasers or radar are used to do this.

Car blind-spot warning

The car blind-spot warning system uses radar or cameras to warn that another car is in the lane beside your car, usually hidden by your car’s blind spot.

Backup cameras

Mostly used as a parking aid, backup cameras can help you spot a child or a pedestrian hidden in the blind spot right behind your car.

Upcoming car safety features

Besides these systems, certain car companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Cadillac are working on car safety systems that will enable you to drive your car both in semi-autonomous and fully automated modes. Obviously, a lot of work is still needed.

Mercedes is also testing for unintentional airbag deployments when driving over curbs, and detection of high-speed merging traffic or sudden braking.

Another key advance is the 2013 BMW i3, which will be equipped with a new traffic jam assistant system that will steer, accelerate and brake the city car up to 25 mph in congestion.

Editor’s note: As you gear up for your new ride, shop Advance Auto Parts for the best in roadside safety accessories and more.

Filed Under: Cars & Conversation Tagged With: anti-lock brake systems, car air bags, car safety features

Do auto parts make good gifts? You bet!

December 20, 2012 by Jim Kazliner Leave a Comment

What do you get the gearhead or DIY’er on your list? We get that question pretty often around this time of year at Advance HQ. And it’s not hard to understand why. The truth is, auto parts, tools and related gear just don’t feel very “giftable.” But when you get down to the nuts and bolts of it, things that may not seem that appealing on the surface are in actuality, some of the most valuable gifts you can get—or give. (Even where non–gearheads are concerned.)

Think about it, if you’re like most of us, you probably spend a fair amount of time in your vehicle. So, why not make it quality time? When you factor in how gratifying it is to know that the car you’re driving is running smoothly and looking sweet, the notion of “gifts” takes on a whole new meaning.

Without getting too philosophical, if a gift can enhance your driving experience every day, you’re ultimately going to feel happier, even if it doesn’t seem as tangible as say, a new pair of socks (although, socks are pretty good things to have, too).

As you ponder this concept, we’ve got a few ideas to help get you started. For the DIY’er in the household, we suggest premium tools and garage equipment, not to mention the latest in electronic gadgets. For those who prefer a feminine touch, we’ve got a wide selection of accessories to choose from, including themed interior sets and warm and cozy seat covers plus a wide selection of car care items to add a little flair to her ride. For teens, it’s all about safety—and style. We recommend coordinating interior sets, stereo systems and roadside safety kits to help keep your peace of mind in check.

If you need further inspiration, be sure to visit our Gift Guide. To ensure you’ve got your gifts on hand in time for the big day, be sure to buy online and pick up at your local Advance Auto Parts store.

Jim Kazliner

Editor • DIY’er

Filed Under: Advance Auto Parts News, Cars & Conversation Tagged With: best car gifts, car gift, unique car gifts

Fiestas, Fiats and Fun at the LA Auto Show!

November 30, 2012 by The Advance Team 1 Comment

The LA Auto Show is officially open to the general public and Advance Auto Parts is there! The latest buzz centers on a couple of smaller vehicles—the Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500L.

The Fiesta is green in every way. This svelte little number gets 40 mpg on the highway with its sturdy little 1.6L engine. It also handles like a dream, making it a drifting dynamo, if you’re so inclined.

Check out this little hottie here…envious yet?

Following in Mini’s footsteps, Fiat debuted its first four-door, the 500L. Its extra 26 inches in length will be driven by a sweet 160 hp 1.4L turbo engine. (Yeah, we’re salivating, too.) Expect to see it in showrooms mid-2013.

While it may be oh, so cute on the outside, this little demon packs a serious punch…

Editor’s note: Keep an eye out on our DIY auto blog for more updates from the LA Auto Show. (And from the after-parties, if we ever get invited!) Also, check out Advance Auto Parts this weekend for some killer deals of our own. —JK

Filed Under: Advance Auto Parts News, Cars & Conversation Tagged With: auto show, car show, Ford Fiesta

Get the lowdown on Car Stance – with Matt Phillips

November 9, 2012 by The Advance Team Leave a Comment

If you’re into cars, you’ve probably heard something about the “Lowered Lifestyle,” or at least seen vehicles where the edge of a car’s or truck’s rims are tucked so closely beneath the fenders that you could barely slip your driver’s license in between them. What’s up with that?

To answer that question, we met up with Matt Phillips, the guru behind the Lowered Lifestyle website to find out more about this growing contemporary subculture—and its appeal. From the get-go, it became clear that Matt is addicted to the lifestyle. “At 3:00 a.m.,” he confesses with a laugh, “my very understanding girlfriend will tell me to give it a rest and stop working on my car or my website. I will have completely lost track of time.”

On the surface, the car stance movement is pretty straightforward. DIY’ers work on their vehicles to achieve tight fitment through the tweaking of suspension—that’s why you see such a tiny gap between wheels and fenders. Some people accomplish this through air suspension, where the air pressure is adjusted so that the car can be raised and lowered; sometimes the car is lowered so much that the vehicle isn’t drivable until it’s partially raised again. Other people go a cheaper route, using shortened springs, which aren’t adjustable.

This simple explanation doesn’t begin to cover the many creative ways that people accomplish their goals. For that, check out the amazing shots of cars with lowered suspension found on Lowered Lifestyle. “There’s a real thrill in doing something new with your car that’s never been done before,” Matt explains.

The car stance movement is more than a group of people working on vehicles.

It’s a real family, and the environment is welcoming and empowering.

“In one way,” Matt says, “this movement is obviously about cars. In another way, it isn’t at all. It’s about friendships.”

Matt points out the diverse groups that come together in stance, from a young guy with not much pocket change doing interesting things to his ride, to an older enthusiast who has the income to transform the most expensive of vehicles. “Bottom line, though,” Matt says, “is that everyone invests blood, sweat and tears.”

People reach out to help one another in this movement. Matt remembers how, in high school, he was the guy who didn’t know how to change his own oil and so he’d have to ask a friend to help. Now, Matt is at the center of the car stance movement, with a growing Facebook page that includes nearly 12,000 “Likes,” just a few months after launching. Ironically, through Facebook, he met up again with the same high school buddy who used to change his oil.

At car shows, like the upcoming SimplyClean4, people don’t compete with each another. The car culture is not about who has the nicest set of wheels. It’s about a passion for the projects.

Where is this contemporary subculture is going?

After a few years of stagnation, Matt started noticing a real change in the movement. People used to focus on creating crazy paint jobs and installing giant sound systems. Now, a classier, more understated look is popular in these cars with lowered suspension, but it’s hard to know what will happen next. “Just when I think the outer limit of what’s possible in stance has been reached, someone thinks of a brand-new way to work with suspension, or finds a fresh way to take wheels that should be way too big for a car, and makes them work.”

Editor’s note: The car stance movement is all about doing it yourself—and choosing just the right quality auto parts to make it happen. Find what you need at Advance Auto Parts today.

Filed Under: Cars & Conversation Tagged With: car culture, car stance, cars with lowered suspension