AA- Auto Acronyms

Every industry has them, short cuts for technical terms expressed in only letters. At Autopartstomorrow.com we have been selling auto parts to industry experts since 1924. As a result our call center can get a little ahead of some of our new "general population" customers. I have found a great site that "decodes" many of these terms. Pico Technology is an automotive tool diagnostic company that has many other services (check out their library). Thanks to them for this online decoder ring!!

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Toy Car, Toy Car, Toy Car!

Do you remember when you were a kid and your only car worry was where you were going to imagine driving to today? Unfortunately, the cars we drive today are not quite as resilient as those (although I broke my share of Hot Wheels in my day). Today, when a car breaks down it many times takes a highly skilled mechanic with very expensive diagnostic equipment to work out the problem.

While we have a large contingent of customers who work on their own vehicles, we also have MANY shops and garages that utilize our low prices and fast shipping to give their customers the best service possible. Being a mechanic is not as easy as it once was. Many are shop owners, wrench turners, depression counselors and accountants all rolled up into one. If you find a good one that will treat you like a partner, hang onto them!

Once that hard part is done, here is the easy one... add Autopartstomorrow.com to the equation to maximize the experience for both of you. Quick delivery and great prices will make your car repair process smooth and pain free!

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Don't Put it Off!!

So that noise your car has been making is getting worse. Or maybe you have just learned to ignore the Check Engine light. Putting off repairs may seem like the only option for now because money is tight, but in the long run it may actually cost you more. Here is a suggestion...

Get with your mechanic and see if they will allow you to get your auto parts on your own. If you explain your situation, and let them make suggestions on brand or type, even by part number, most of the time they will work with you (unless they are heartless or have more business than they can keep up with). I can even say that chances are great you are not the first customer to ask. Show them our site, Autopartstomorrow.com if they have time and you can even have the parts delivered there directly to save time and hassle. Our prices are very low on many of the same brands sold at the OE dealerships. It may well be the difference that will allow you to afford that repair today, while it is still a repair. Better today than waiting until the emergency happens and you get stranded.

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120MPH Ford Focus Crash

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Pumpkin Colored Acura

It began as a white Acura that wasn't running. Apparently she received proceeds from ticket sales to offset her "donation". File this one under "I never would have thought of that... but it's pretty cool!".



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How do you roll?

Like it or not, most of us really care what other people think of our car. Although it is mainly for transportation, our vehicle can also be representative of our image to the world. Do you agree, or do you think a car should just be to get from point A to point B? And if you don't, what do you drive? Think about it ...

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EPIC Hotwheel Track!!

Be prepared to waste the next 3-4 minutes watching this Hot Wheels car continue along a never ending track. Wow!!

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Painful Checkout?

We are constantly working on a quicker and easier interface to allow our customers checkout process become as pain-free as possible. With banking and security regulations however, it still isn't as "instant" as we would like. This video pokes fun at the online checkout process as a whole (and we are included). Maybe knowing it is a universal problem will make it better?



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Wrap Rage

Believe it or not, we will soon be seeing the Fall foliage replaced by Christmas holiday decorations. In order to set the mood I have chosen to highlight a pet peeve of mine on this auto parts blog... totally off topic. But I am in charge here and reserve the right to swerve from time to time (see how I used an automotive term there?).


Please people, when you are doing your shopping this year, especially for children... do not buy anything that is wrapped in a heavy duty plastic clamshell. This article in Wikipedia gives credibility to my aversion. Wrap Rage is the term used to describe the frustration of trying to open these demonic packages, designed to maim and disable (and void returnability). It almost seems an attempt to send customers to the emergency room while the whole family is gathered for Christmas morning celebrations.

OK, I am going to step away from the keyboard now or else I will type for hours. I think you get the gist of what I am saying here. Many of you probably agree... Just say no to plastic clamshell packaging!!

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Yamaha Supercar?

I was not aware that Yamaha had built a "supercar" in the 90's, were you? In fact, as I roam the web in search of stories I come across tons of these unique and beautiful vehicles that I had never heard of. This article from diseno-art.com highlights 10 such exotic examples. See how many of them you were aware of. I kind of like the Cardi Curara, which is your favorite?

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Plasma Ignition

One of the weakest efficiency links in current internal combustion engine designs is the spark plug. With newer platinum and irridium plugs, the lifespan has increased greatly but the basic design still only creates a small spark. Plasma, in this new design from Federal Mogul has a greater ability to fill the combustion chamber with ignition, creating a more efficient and cooler burn.

There is also a new laser design plug being developed by other manufacturers in Japan. Design is changing quickly these days. These new initiatives are probably great advancements, but I feel that soon we will have a complete replacement technology from the combustion engine (maybe yesterdays post). When it does come however there will still be a vast market for those of us who want to keep our throwback vehicles up and running, albeit with newer technology to afford the gasoline costs...

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Cold Fusion

I was thinking the other day that our alien benefactors at Area 51 really need to share the next step in technological innovation, if for no other reason than to kick start our economy again. Now it appears they have used a crazy Italian inventor by the name of Andrea Rossi (not related to Martini) to unveil a new E-Catalyst that magically transforms Hydrogen into heat with a dramatic increase in net energy.

This article from Wired.co.uk highlights another in the long run of supposed game changers on the global energy scene. We have all heard of the 100 mpg cars that run on water, and cold fusion that once started would run forever. I am really hoping that something like this will come along soon, but it does seem a bit simple to me. Read the article yourself and see what you think. There are some powerful people who believe in and are investing in this new design. I guess one of these days something will eventually work. When we find it, I want to work for the company that retrofits classic cars into fuel it up and go... forever vehicles.

... and we will buy the parts and kits from; Autopartstomorrow.com

Bring Your Own Parts

Of course you know my position on bringing your own auto parts. This is a growing trend (war in some places) that I believe will continue to grow. These people have done what a good politician will do... See an inevitable change and jump out in front to claim it as your own. Hey, there is nothing wrong with that. I am just jealous they got there before me. Before long I can imagine our Autopartstomorrow.com parts showing up at their store to be installed. Innovation is the American way, good for them!!

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Be Careful Going Home...

Don't get the wrong idea from the picture, we love our public servants around here. We actually have several municipal accounts that LOVE our Performance Friction and Motorcraft brakes. You have to admit though, that's a pretty funny sign.

It caught my eye partly because I was speaking with my brother (he is a fireman) last night about his new part time job at Force911 and all of the cool vehicles they are outfitting over there. Then we got into the discussion of which makes the best police vehicle. They are currently outfitting some Caprice Classics and have heard through the grapevine that they will trounce the Crown Vic's and Dodge Chargers on overall performance. I figured you guys might have an opinion.

So here is the two- no three part question. Question one is easy, which one looks the best? Question two has two parts... which one would you prefer to be chased by? I think you can figure out why that is two parts ;-)

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P.S. I actually prefer the K-9 Tahoes.

Fighting Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we wanted to do our part in giving you information and sources for our great customers to help out. Almost everyone will at some point in their life have a close relationship with someone going through the battle with breast cancer. If we all continue to fight together, raise awareness and contribute to the cause we will put an end to the problem sometime soon.

One of the best websites for resourcing and help is Susan G. Komen for the Cure. If you watched any sporting events this weekend I am sure you saw PINK everywhere. Even the states are getting into the cause as evidenced by this pink Alabama car tag. Find something to do or contribute to, make a difference. The women in your life will appreciate it.

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Monroe Rebate

What Shocks You?!

Monroe is currently running a promotion that offers rebates on shocks or struts bought from anyone during the months of September or October. The Rebate form from Monroe can be downloaded by clicking the link. Just send it to Monroe with the included instructions and your online Autopartstomorrow.com invoice.

This offer is good from Monroe no matter where you buy their parts. You may as well get them from us at a huge discount, THEN get your rebate on top of the savings!!

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New Age Dune Buggy?

Volkswagen has introduced a new concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show that combines the best of new engineering with old school styling. The Concept Cars website C-Car.net highlights the vehicle in their Sept. 29 post linked here.

While it does not pay homage to my favorite VW from the past, the 181 (Thing), it does a pretty good job with resurrecting the versions made by fiberglass fabricator Myers Manx in the late 60's and early 70's, exclusively for use on the sand. Of the three which would you prefer to drive? To own? They all seem pretty fun...

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