Datsun Bulletside

Belts, hoses, batteries, and tires are the parts most likely to fail during the summer. Rubber belts and hoses often deteriorate on the inside, making the damage nearly impossible to see. As heat builds beneath the hood, a frayed belt can break and a hose may spring a leak. Summer heat is also a battery's worst enemy. Hot temperatures can accelerate the chemical reaction in a battery, causing it to break down faster than usual.

Contrary to popular belief, heat will build up faster in a tire that is under-inflated rather than over-inflated, which makes checking tire pressure essential.

Although most drivers know to have the oil in their cars changed routinely, many overlook transmission fluid and antifreeze. Both substances have additives that deplete over time.

"It's important to make sure the vehicle's cooling system is working and that fluids are at proper strength because heat can damage a transmission and an engine quickly," cautioned Walker.

Walker recommends routine maintenance year-round for cost efficiency and longer vehicle life. NAPA AutoCare Centers offer a preventive maintenance program that includes a complete inspection and regular monitoring of vehicle systems. Consumers can learn more about the preventative maintenance program by contacting their local NAPA AutoCare Center.

"Too often, consumers tend to think about their cars and what they need to do to keep them going down the road when it's too late," Walker said. "Planning ahead can save precious vacation time and help ensure a safe trip."

Say Hello To Project Dark Horse
Dick Deloach of Lowrider Magazine fame approached us a few months back with an idea and rendering for one cool truck. The truck, an '04 Ford F-150 Fleetside extended cab, would be dubbed Dark Horse and be built with styling cues taken from high-performance Mustangs and a hammered stance. Sport Truck will feature most of this truck's buildup in upcoming issues. Here is a rundown of what you'll find here at ST: a complete Chassis Tech air suspension installation performed by our friends down at GO EZ in Placentia, California, rolling stock from Nitto Tires, huge brakes, 22-inch Equis wheels, and all the pertinent body mods. Look for paint and graphics to mimic the Ford GT500 and a gang of audio and video stuffed into the leather interior.

Buy A Set Of Tires, Score A Free Dragon!
Toyo Tires announces its Shades of Performance promotion for the summer of 2005. The promotion celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Toyo Group with an offer to score a free pair of Dragon sunglasses (suggested retail price of as much as $90) with the purchase of Toyo Proxes tires. Buy any set of four Proxes T1R, Proxes T1-S, or Proxes4 tires for performance sedans and coupes-or a set of four Proxes S/T tires, which are popular for large performance sedans and wagons, sport trucks, and SUVs-and get a sick pair of men's or women's Dragon shades for free. Toyo's Proxes line of ultra-high performance tires set the benchmark for performance and style. Enhance your look for summer by outfitting your car or truck with great-looking Toyo Proxes skins, and score the hottest look in personal eyewear. The Shades of Performance promotion begins July 1, 2005, and ends on Labor Day weekend, September 5, 2005. For more details, log onto www.toyo.com. In addition to the Shades of Performance promotion, don't forget to log onto www.toyosweeps.com for the Catch Our Drift Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will drive away with an '05 Ford Mustang GT, styled after the Toyo Tires Ford Mustang Drift Car. The Catch Our Drift Sweepstakes runs from June 1, 2005, to December 31, 2005.