Automotive Articles, Tutorials & Tips

We get quite a few phone calls about the Helix Power Tower Plus™ Throttle Body Spacer and the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake from Street and Performance Electronics, they are actually two of our best selling products for good reason…

The Helix Power Tower Plus™ throttle body spacer increases fuel economy while significantly increasing horsepower and torque by producing air breakup and turbulence that yields greater fuel burn efficiency, which translates into the best performing and most efficient throttle body spacer in the marketplace! Which in turn translates into more savings at the gas pump for you.

The AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake System increases air volume and causes a vortex which creates a turbulent air spiral! This increased air volume and vortex-like air action creates a turbulent air that when combined with fuel is more efficiently burned in the combustion chamber. The improved fuel burn results in newfound power, better torque and improved fuel economy from your stock engine. No other fresh air induction system can match the quality and engineering of the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake System.

Of course the best possible scenario would be to have both the Helix Power Tower Plus™ Throttle Body Spacer and the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake from Street and Performance Electronics installed… Since both products are manufactured by the same company there is absolutely no worry as to whether they will be compatible. They were designed to complement each other, yielding exponential gains when used in tandem, saving you literally hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year at the pump.

We actually put together a short video illustrating how quick and easy the Helix Power Tower Plus™ Throttle Body Spacer and the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake are to install…

As always, thanks for your continued support of HubcapsPlus and if you have any questions or comments I’m always here!

I got a call recently from a friend who had the tailgate stolen off his 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. He had stopped at the grocery store on the way home for a few things, he wasn’t in the store for longer than 15 minutes, and when he came out… Poof! His tailgate was long gone. I sympathized with him, because I know that is an awful feeling… But I couldn’t resist chiding him just a bit either, since I had warned him about tailgate theft when he first purchased the truck, and advised him to install one of our tailgate locks to prevent it from happening.

Tailgate theft has been a problem since 70’s when trucks became more popular in urban areas. As tailgates become damaged from use, or accidents, it is common for thieves to seek out a similar gate, remove it, and use it as their own or sell it to unscrupulous shops or yards who then resell it to honest people who just need a new gate. The tailgates make attractive targets because they can be removed in about 30 seconds, sometimes without tools, and can cost up to $500 used and $1,000 new, and rarely have vehicle identification numbers etched in them, making the stolen parts hard to trace or to identify as stolen.

Stealing a tailgate without a tailgate lock can be as simple as:

Finding a truck without a tailgate lock.

Opening the tailgate and disengaging the retention cables on both sides.

Lift the notched side out of the channel.

Once notched side is free, slide the opposing side out of the channel and lift the tailgate free.

Beat a hasty retreat.

So don’t make the same mistake my friend did. If you own a pick-up truck I urge you to install a tailgate lock. They come in many varieties including keyed tailgate locks, integrated tailgate locks and power tailgate locks.

The bottomline is any device that makes it harder to steal your tailgate would encourage a thief to move on to someone else’s truck. Be smart… Install a tailgate lock today!

I hope this helped… As always, thanks for your continued support of HubcapsPlus and if you have any questions or comments I’m always here!

The following step by step tutorial will guide through the installation or replacement of standard ring retention hubcaps. If your hubcaps are of the bolt on variety this tutorial will not apply to your vehicle. For specific bolt on hubcap instructions please feel free to call one of our Customer Service Representatives toll free at 1(888)482-2279 and they will be more than happy to assist you.

The first step in replacing your old hubcaps is to remove the old, worn or damaged hubcaps. This is actually quite simple. Slide a flat-blade screwdriver under the edge of the hubcap , and lever gently. Working clockwise around the wheel, move to several different spots around the perimeter of the hubcap , levering some at each position until the hubcap begins to slide out toward you. Pretend that you are opening a can of paint, as the actions are the same, and remember you do not want to force the hubcaps off. Hubcaps can take a fair amount of bending, but they will definitely break if you push them too far.

The next step is of course to install your brand new hubcaps . Hubcap installation is fairly easy and should not require significant amount of time or effort. Keep in mind that a standard snap on hubcap uses the tension of a spring steel retention ring, pushing out against the steel wheel, to hold its final position, so be sure that the retention rings are installed. Without the steel retention rings installed correctly the hubcaps will never stay on.

Most hubcaps will arrive with the steel retention rings factory-installed to the hubcap mounting legs. However some sets come with the steel retention rings loose, and you will need to install each retention ring into the slots on the clips around the hubcap . This isn’t hard. The retention ring has a bend designed to go around the valve stem. Orient this bent section of the ring with the hubcap’s notch for the valve stem, then begin inserting the steel retention ring into the slots on the interior side of the mounting legs. Work your way clockwise around the hubcap , inserting the steel retention ring into the slots on the mounting legs until it is completely secure. When properly installed the steel retention ring should be seated in the slots on all of the mounting legs pushing the legs out against the rim.

Finally install your new hubcaps . Simply hold the hubcap parallel to the rim all the way around and begin applying even, gentle pressure with both hands so the hubcap is not tilted away from the rim at any point. Begin increasing the pressure evenly, side to side, top to bottom, and you’ll notice the retention clips will begin to slide into the rim. It is important to try not to let the hubcap get too much away from parallel to the wheel as you ease it into place. If any areas of the steel wheel are rusted, rough, or sticky, you may need to gently punch it in at that point with the heel of your fist. A rubber hammer should not be necessary.

Properly installed hubcaps fit firmly to the wheel all the way around, and should not able to be pulled off using only your two bare hands. If the hubcap does not seat all the way around, do not drive with it. This is a sign of interference by tall lug nuts, hub, or an unusual wheel. If the hubcap will not fit, do not force it, call one of our Customer Service Representatives toll free at 1(888)482-2279 and they will be more than happy to assist you.

I hope this helped… As always, thanks for your continued support of HubcapsPlus and if you have any questions or comments I’m always here!

Whether you are selling a car on your own or trading it in for a newer one a little sweat equity goes a long way towards making sure you get what it’s really worth.

Replacing old and often times damaged hubcaps is one of the most cost effective things you can do to immediately improve your cars’ appearance, which in turn can increase the value of your car in the buyers mind. We have a huge stock of hubcaps, wheelcovers and chrome wheelskins all available at huge discounts! Everything from factory original hubcaps to universal replacement hubcaps, from spinner hubcaps to center caps are available right here at affordable prices, so definitely replace those old hubcaps… You’ll be glad you did when it comes time to negotiate price!

Next wash the entire car. Rinse off the car first. Next, gently wash it with an automotive cleaner and a soft sponge or wash mitt. (Don’t use dish detergent as it can be harmful to your paint) Be sure to rinse as you wash, too, so the soap does not dry on your car. Then dry the car with a clean, soft towel. Be sure to clean the tires too, and apply a dressing… We reccomend a product like Extreme Black, since it is water-based and will not sling up onto your car like so many other tire dressings do. You can use WD-40 on the wheel wells by spraying it on, letting it dry, and then wiping it off. A little elbow grease can really improve the looks of your tires. Finally, don’t forget to wax your car to give the exterior that polished look. When you’re selling a car, the first impression of the outside can make a huge difference!

Cleaning out your car is a must. The first thing you should do is clean out the junk. Throw away trash and anything else that you’ve been storing in your car. Dig down into the seats to remove all of the food, change and miscellaneous items that have accumulated. Next, wipe down and condition all of the surfaces inside your car again Extreme Black is perfect for this. This will give the interior a nice, clean look. Then using a window cleaner, clean all of the windows, both inside and out. Don’t forget to clean the mirrors, too. Make sure you Vacuum, and… Not just the carpets, but also the seats and crevices. Replacing the existing ratty floormats with a new set like the replacement floor mats we have available. It’s much easier than trying to clean your existing floor mats, and you won’t have to worry about them being thread bare.

Finally if your steering wheel seems damaged, worn or dirty, consider installing a leather wheelskin steering wheel cover. Wheelskins are the best way to inexpensively customize and upgrade any plastic steering wheel. They are also the premier option for replacing a damaged or worn original factory leather covered wheel.

Last but by no means least… Be sure all of your fluids are topped off. Check the air in the tires, and add some, if necessary. Make sure any lights or fuses that have burnt out are replaced and remove any bumper stickers on the car.

The bottomline is with a little effort, and a modest investment you can increase your profit when selling or trading in a car. If you have any tips that have worked for you in the past, please share them with us!

As always, thanks for your continued support of HubcapsPlus and if you have any questions or comments I’m always here!

With gas prices near all time highs, more and more people are looking for ways they can save a bit on gas. If you’re like me however you’re looking for ways to save on gas… Without sacrificing horsepower! What if I told you I knew of a way to save you money on gas and increase horsepower! What if I told you there was something available today that is easy to install and affordable that increases fuel economy and torque? It’s true! With a Helix Power Tower Plus™ Throttle Body Spacer or AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake from Street and Performance Electronics you can do just that!

The Helix Power Tower Plus™ throttle body spacer increases fuel economy while significantly increasing horsepower and torque by producing air breakup and turbulence that yields greater fuel burn efficiency, which translates into the best performing and most efficient throttle body spacer in the marketplace! Which in turn translates into more savings at the gas pump for you.

The AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake System increases air volume and causes a vortex which creates a turbulent air spiral! This increased air volume and vortex-like air action creates a turbulent air that when combined with fuel is more efficiently burned in the combustion chamber. The improved fuel burn results in newfound power, better torque and improved fuel economy from your stock engine. No other fresh air induction system can match the quality and engineering of the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake System.

Of course the best possible scenario would be to have both the Helix Power Tower Plus™ Throttle Body Spacer and the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake from Street and Performance Electronics installed… Since both products are manufactured by the same company there is absolutely no worry as to whether they will be compatible. They were designed to complement each other, yielding exponential gains when used in tandem, saving you literally hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year at the pump.

Speaking of saving money at the pump you can also try these 5 easy-to-do tricks that you probably haven’t considered before which can save you more than $100 a year on gas…

Park in the shade:

Allowing your car to heat up under the sun causes more gas to evaporate from the tank than if it’s parked in the shade. Shade will also mean that your car won’t be as hot when you get in and thus there will be less need for the gas guzzling air conditioner to be used.

Park in your garage:

If you have a garage, use it. While parking your can in the garage provides shade for the car and the resulting gas savings as mentioned above, it also saves gas in other ways. In the winter, it will protect the car from having ice and snow form on the windows and thus the gas wasted when you need to let the car idle with the defroster blasting until the ice has melted.

Always tighten your gas cap:

Loose, missing or damaged gas caps are estimated to cause some 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year. If your gas cap doesn’t fit properly or you forget to fully tighten it, gas will evaporate from your gas tank. Replace your current cap if needed and make sure you tighten it up each time you fill your car.

Never “top off” your tank:

Gas pumps don’t contain enough pressure to deliver gas well in short bursts meaning that you get short changed when you top off your tank. Not to mention topping off the tank makes it much more likely the gas will end up overflowing when it expands in the sun or if you park on a hill.

Turn the nozzle to get all of the gas you paid for:

After you have finished filling up your car with gas, turn the gas pump nozzle around 180 degrees (upside down) with the nozzle still in the tank. This will drain about a half cup of gasoline into your tank which you paid for, but didn’t get high enough in the hose to empty into your tank. If you don’t, it’ll either spill, evaporate or go into the tank of the next customer.

I hope the tips help, if you have any of your own please share them with us, and remember to try the Helix Power Tower Plus™ Throttle Body Spacer and the AirMax™ Spiral Flow Cold Air Intake from Street and Performance Electronics

As always, thanks for your continued support of HubcapsPlus and if you have any questions or comments I’m always here!