RockAuto's wide selection of exceptionally low priced SKP brand parts continues to grow as SKP releases new products. SKP's precision manufacturing systems, rigorous testing standards and ISO 9001 certification ensure each SKP part matches or is better than OE specifications.

New SKP parts include:

• Iridium Spark Plugs designed to enable top efficiency in all ignition types
• Ignition Coils for older engines as well as coil-on-plug designs for the most modern engines
• More hard-to-find interior parts such as Center Console Latches for 2007-2014 GMC/Chevy trucks
• Oil Pressure Sensors to fix many 2002-2005 GM vehicles, everything from Escalades to Corvettes

Find SKP parts under nearly every category ("Belt Drive," "Cooling System," etc.) in the RockAuto.com catalog.

RockAuto's broad selection of emission parts now includes DEC Catalytic Converters. Diversified Environmental Catalysts (DEC) meticulously analyzes each vehicle's emission system details before designing a direct-fit catalytic converter that is loaded with the correct wash coat for that specific model. (The wash coat is the layer of material covering the inside of a catalytic converter that includes the precious metal catalyst.)

DEC builds an exceptional number of C.A.R.B. (California Air Resource Board) compliant catalytic converters, which are legal for use in California and other states and jurisdictions that require compliance with C.A.R.B. regulations. Find DEC catalytic converters under "Exhaust & Emission" in the RockAuto.com catalog for everything from a 1975 Triumph Spitfire to a 1998 Ford Ranger to a 2005 Subaru Forester.

Rav 4 World (established in 2004) is likely the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community; discuss towing, modifications and more. This easy to navigate website is full of useful tips and information for DIYers of every experience level.

If you are the administrator or member of a forum and you would like to see your website featured in an upcoming newsletter and receive a discount code to share with your members, contact marketing@rockauto.com.

A few years ago, my neighbor and I were replacing the tires and tubes on my 1929 Ford Model A. I am a car guy, but my neighbor is a car repair professional. But, neither of us had any experience replacing tires and tubes on a Model A.

Once we removed the tires and tubes from each wheel, we found that there was a rubber liner to protect the tubes from the spokes. We figured that was good, but my neighbor felt we should also put talcum powder on the inside of the rims and on the tubes just to be sure we did not accidentally pinch and/or puncture any of the rubber.

Three tires were installed perfectly and properly filled with air. We thought the fourth tire and tube was also done correctly, but when inflated, the tube inside the tire on the final rim gave off a loud "POP!" and we were instantly covered from head to toe in a dense cloud of talcum powder.

At first we were in shock...but then we started laughing and could not stop. The tube had about an 18-inch split in it. Fortunately, I had an extra, and the second time we got it right.

David in North Carolina

Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please email your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the RockAuto catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!

Where did white sidewall (whitewall) tires originate?

A. The first car tires in the early 1900s were made of natural white colored rubber. Around 1910, to increase durability, tire manufacturers added a strip of carbon black to only the tire's tread surface, leaving the white rubber sidewalls still exposed.

B. The 1929 Cord L-29 debuted at the 1928 Chicago Auto Show with gleaming "white pearl" paint and custom tires with large whitewalls. The whitewalls were a fashion sensation but were not mass produced and widely used on production cars until after World War II.

C. White painted sidewalls were common on luxury coaches and buggies, predating cars by at least 80 years. The first whitewalls may have been the ivory inlaid wheels installed on the royal coach used by the monarch of the kingdom of Kozhikode (Calicut) on the Malabar Coast of India.

Answer below

Toilet paper may be in short supply, but there are now plenty of children wandering around aimlessly after their schools shut down and booted them out the door. Now is a great opportunity to get kids interested in cars. A little tinkering on cars can help teach them how to use their minds and hands to prevent and solve problems. Increased confidence and competence will make them better able to handle and enjoy life's challenges.

If they have replaced heater hoses on a car, then they probably will have the confidence to replace a leaky bathroom faucet in their own homes someday. Instead of feeling helpless and panicky when the toilet paper shelves are empty, they will stay calm, trusting in their ability to come up with their own solutions if necessary; rags, shop towels, thimbleberry leaves, dad's old hankies... (note: RockAuto is not suggesting using shop cloth/towels or any other parts or products for non-automotive uses. Be sure to consult the proper authorities (medical, legal, government, plumbing, botanical, etc.) before using anything new for personal hygiene.)

While their high school education is on hold, I plan on helping my youngest daughter get to work changing the Spark Plugs and Coil-On-Plug Boots on the transverse V6 in her 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe and help my oldest daughter install a Back Up Camera System in the family van, a 1992 Dodge B250.

Car "tinkering" does not have to start big. A child's first car project could be as simple as learning how to properly wash a car. It is easy to forget that a younger child may not even yet know how to connect a garden hose to a spigot. He/she will beam with pride once he/she has that knowledge and sees how nice the family vehicle looks after winter grime is washed away. The adults involved in all this mentoring will have memories of good times spent with the kids that drown out insignificant memories of empty toilet paper shelves.

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

To read more of Toms articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page.

This is my 2000 Toyota 4Runner. It has been my labor of love for the last five years. My adventure/travel truck is supercharged and lifted on 33 inch tires. After installing Wheel Bearings, Axle Seals, Brake Pads, Exhaust, Steering, Suspension, Engine and Emissions parts from RockAuto, my truck went on its first 1,000 mile trip without a single hiccup.

Alex in New Jersey (RockAuto customer for over three years)

Share Your Hard Work
Do you purchase parts from RockAuto? If so, RockAuto would like to give you the opportunity to have your car or truck possibly featured in one (or occasionally more) of our publications such as the monthly newsletter, collector magnets, RockAuto social media or other commercial use. New, old, import, domestic, daily driver, trailer queen, classic, antique, we want to see them all! Please email flamur@RockAuto.com with the vehicle history, interesting details, your favorite images (tips for taking pictures of your car) and what parts from RockAuto you have used.

Where did white sidewall (whitewall) tires originate?

Answer: A. The first car tires in the early 1900s were made of natural white colored rubber. Around 1910, to increase durability, tire manufacturers added a strip of carbon black to only the tire's tread surface, leaving the white rubber sidewalls still exposed. Additional bit of trivia: The Michelin Man (Bibendum) is white because his design pre-dates carbon-black tires. (link to Hemmings.com article featuring a vintage photo of a Cord L-29 with white wall tires)

B. The 1929 Cord L-29 debuted at the 1928 Chicago Auto Show with gleaming "white pearl" paint and custom tires with large whitewalls. The whitewalls were a fashion sensation but were not mass produced and widely used on production cars until after World War II.

C. White painted sidewalls were common on luxury coaches and buggies, predating cars by at least 80 years. The first whitewalls may have been the ivory inlaid wheels installed on the royal coach used by the monarch of the kingdom of Kozhikode (Calicut) on the Malabar Coast of India.

Back up to trivia question