Patented coupler lock engineered to stand up to power tools is now available to NAPA and Auto Accessories Garage customers

STERLING, Va., May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altor Locks, the minority and woman-owned small American manufacturer with the strongest coupler lock available on the market, has partnered with Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts. Together, they will make the ICON Trailer Lock available to customers around the world through their NAPA, Auto Accessories Garage, and other trusted brands. The retail giant chose to offer the Altor ICON Trailer Lock because no other lock on the market keeps trailers safer.

Automotive, Travel, Boat, and Utility trailer and property theft is on the rise in the U.S. along with other vehicles and cargo. According to recent reports:

• 67,095 trailers were reported stolen in 2022, but only 36% of them recovered, according to Detective Charles Warner with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Multi-Agency Vehicle Theft Task Force;
• 2023 cargo thefts were up more than 57% according to CargoNet;
• 2023 car thefts topped 1 Million for the first time since 2008 according to an April 2024 report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

“We are thrilled and honored to work with Genuine Parts Company,” said Larry Thomas, Altor Locks Chief Revenue Officer. “This partnership expands our reach in one of our four key verticals – Automotive. Marine, RV/Camping, and Utility trailers are the others.”

Altor’s US Patent 11,766,905 B2 was issued in 2023 for a premium lock specifically engineered to stand up to thieves using angle grinders, reciprocating saws, drills, lock picks, pry bars and hammers. Conventional locks on the market can be compromised in 120 seconds or less. The innovative ICON survived a concentrated attack with an angle grinder, lasting more than 1 hour and 32 minutes, using 14 blades, and eight battery packs. (See the testing video here).

The ICON Trailer Lock is made with over twenty pounds of high quality (or premium) cast steel hardened to 450 Brinell making it able to withstand a lot of force. Common conventional locks use cheaper low carbon steel which is more malleable and vulnerable to saw blades and drill bits. In addition to the patented radial fin design, the ICON features a premium disc detainer lock core, extreme weather resistant seals and one-piece design for easy lock and go experience.

Established in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a leading global service organization specializing in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. Their Automotive Parts Group operates across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal, and their Industrial Parts Group serves customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. They keep the world moving with a vast network of over 10,700 locations spanning 17 countries supported by more than 60,000 teammates. Learn more at genpt.com.

Genuine Parts Company’s retail and wholesale customers can learn more and buy the ICON on NAPAOnline and Auto Accessories Garage.

The ICON Trailer Lock Review – Towing expert and influencer Mr. Truck called the ICON Trailer Lock “the best lock you can buy” after he “tests, tortures, and reviews” it. See what else he had to say in this video.

About Altor Locks, LLC. – Headquartered in Sterling, Va., Altor Locks is a woman- and minority-owned company. CEO and Co-Founder Karen Schaufeld met Co-Founder, Engineer, and Inventor Dylan Cato through a Lehigh University product development program in 2015. Their goal is to improve the quality of trailer locks on the market. The Altor team is redefining physical lock security by designing a better product that addresses common lock vulnerabilities especially in the age of power tools. The trailer lock products are innovative in their engineering, using premium materials, technology and design to create a tier of physical security. All Altor locks are designed and assembled in Sterling, VA. Visit www.altorlocks.com.

Avoiding crashes in motor racing is a must, and it always involves skills, tactics, and presence of mind. At high speed, something as simple as a lap, as these drivers call it, can precipitate a crash rather quickly. Nevertheless, it is always helpful to know how to deal with such occurrences so that what could be a minor incident can be avoided. So, let’s understand in more detail what tools can help to avoid an accident on the race track.

Understanding the Risk

None of us is safe and racing is an inherently dangerous sport. Drivers strain to get the best out of both themselves and their vehicles, while champions strive to achieve a win. However, as speeds have increased, the chances of an accident have always remained at a high level. This must further be understood and accepted as a possibility so that the driver’s mindset is set for a possible crash.

Safety Equipment

Preparation involves wearing protective outfits if an accident occurs before the racing event begins. This compromises the helmets, the fireproof suit, the gloves, and racing shoes. These items are special safety mechanisms that are expected to shield motorists if they get involved in an accident to reduce the possibility of severe injuries.

Hiring a Lawyer

Assuming that you are involved in motor accidents, you should consider hiring the services of a lawyer. You should hire an expert car accident lawyer who can handle your case. They know the legal processes and the law to the letter that your interests are protected. Apart from helping you deal with insurance firms to work on your behalf in court, they deal with the paperwork and formalities as you concentrate on the healing process. An experienced attorney calculates the extent of the loss, collects pertinent information, and advocates for clients’ recovery. Having them in your corner means you stand a better chance of getting the settlement that you need. You don’t have to go through the aftermath on your own; reach out to a reliable lawyer to help you fight for yourself and lead you through it.

Staying Alert

Indeed, amazing motors provide only a few moments to decide in the case of reaching maximum speed. That is why the drivers need to concentrate during the racing event to avoid the debilitating effect. They have to constantly assess the environment and be able to respond immediately when something dangerous appears on the horizon.

Avoiding Collisions

The best course of action for managing accidents is to prevent them as a response to potential risks. This takes some driving skills and a proper appreciation of the circumstances on the road. It is a game that requires that drivers try to understand the behavior of their competitors in a bid to see if they have a problem to solve. By being awake and keeping a distance from the motors in front, they can avoid an accident that may occur.

Reacting Quickly

This is true even if much effort is made to ensure that greater safety is observed, as there is always a possibility that an accident may happen. When an accident occurs, the drivers have to act promptly so as not to get pulled into a chain. This could be in the form of either applying forces of deceleration, steering to the side or avoiding the wreckage.

Maintaining Control

The motor that is out of control only worsens the situation. Aggressive behaviors must be avoided and instead, drivers should focus on how to control the vehicle again. It can include counter-steering, varying throttle inputs, or adapting their braking method to find the balance.

Communicating with the Team

Racing is a team sport and there is a lot of communication on the part of the racers and, of course, on the part of the coaches and managers. In the course of an accident, drivers have to convey their pits to their team. This might include information about the intensity of the crash, the extent of the motor’s damage, or even whether or not they can carry on racing. Specific communication enables members of the team to develop sound plans on the best strategy to employ and how to effect the necessary repairs.

Assessing Damage

In this case, the drivers are required to determine the capital, especially when they decide to navigate an accident. As the article suggests, even minor impacts can bring hidden harm to any vehicle and, subsequently, its performance. There are times like damages to the suspension system, a flat tire, or any mechanical issues with the engine. If a driver is in dire straits, he will need to come to the pits for some re-fueling before rejoining the competition.

Staying Focused 

This event can turn out to be extremely challenging, not only for the drivers but also for the motors. Even if a driver has successfully managed to run through an accident, there is still a lot that he or she needs to pay attention to in the next few minutes. Negative thinking reduces motivation and does not help in the improvement of performance.

Learning from Experience

While there is no such thing as safe driving, every occasion that results in an accident can be good in one way, to the extent that it presents a chance to extend one’s knowledge. Even if one is involved in a crash or witnesses one, it is useful to know what led to it or observe other people’s behavior, which also contributes to the occurrence of accidents.

Avoiding accidents in motor racing is an aspect that can be as risky as racing itself since it involves risk-taking, calm, and decision-making. Good driving involves paying attention, responding in a timely and accurate manner, and overall, behaving in a manner to reduce the odds of something awful happening, while at the same time increasing the likelihood that everything will go well on the racetrack. Crashes are always expected to occur during racing and how drivers deal with these incidents may ultimately make or break their career and also play a positive role in the safety measures of racing.

Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Car Servicing and Repair in Perth. If you’ve been experiencing car problems, fear not, Westside Auto has the tools and knowledge to help get you back on the road quickly and reliably.

A car’s performance hinges heavily on its maintenance. It’s important to service your car regularly to ensure its longevity and reduce the risk of unforeseen breakdowns. Their car repair Perth team can provide a wealth of knowledge to keep your vehicle in peak condition.

From routine servicing, diagnosing car troubles, through to comprehensive repairs, we cover it all. Ignoring minor issues today might lead to major, costly repairs in the future. Instead, trust our team of experienced mechanics to fix those niggling concerns.

Remember, maintaining and repairing your car is not just about improving its performance and longevity but also about ensuring your safety on the road. Don’t let car problems spoil your travel plans. Reach out for professional help today.

Choosing a Repair Shop

You need to be meticulous when picking a car repair shop in Perth. It’s crucial to ensure that the shop you select meets your needs and budget.

The average cost for a basic car service in Perth usually falls in the AUD 150 to AUD 300 range. Consider this price range when setting your budget.

Recommendations Matter

Always ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had their cars serviced or repaired. This can save your time and resources.

Check Qualifications

Make sure the technicians in your preferred repair shop are trained and certified. Certifications guarantee they can handle any vehicle-related problem proficiently.

Warranty Evaluation

If your car is under warranty, confirm that the shop is authorized to perform warranty repairs. Unauthorized repairs could void your warranty coverage.

Service Specialization

Does the repair shop specialize in handling your vehicle’s make and model? Specialized service can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better quality of repairs.

Evaluate Communication

A good repair shop should communicate effectively, providing clear explanations of the issues and necessary repairs. This transparency will help you trust them with your vehicle.

Shop Environment

The repair shop should be clean and well-organized. A clean environment often indicates professionalism and care for the vehicles being serviced.

Common Car Problems in Perth

Perth residents experience a range of car troubles. Many of these issues are preventable with regular maintenance and servicing.

An increasing problem is the high cost of new car warranty servicing at authorized dealerships. Contrary to popular belief, you can still maintain your manufacturer’s warranty while using an independent mechanic.

In fact, conducting your new car warranty servicing at authorized dealerships in Perth can be approximately 15-30% more expensive than at an independent mechanic. This significant price difference often leads to Perth drivers neglecting necessary services for their vehicles.

• Frequent Overheating: Perth’s hot climate contributes to cars frequently overheating.
• Worn Brake Pads: Stop-and-go city driving causes brake pads to wear out faster.
• Battery Issues: Battery life can decrease due to Perth’s extreme temperatures.
• Tyre Wear: Poor road conditions lead to excessive tyre wear.

You can avoid these common problems by regularly servicing your vehicle. Remember that quality service doesn’t always have to include high dealership costs.

A reliable independent mechanic can provide the same quality of service for less money, while maintaining your manufacturer’s warranty. Never forget the power of regular vehicle maintenance in preventing avoidable car problems.

Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

Regular servicing is crucial to maintain your car’s optimal performance. However, it can be challenging to recognize when your vehicle needs it. Ignoring the signs could lead to costly damages and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

If you sense a change in your car’s handling or feel any unusual vibrations while driving, it’s a clue your vehicle may need servicing. Volatile braking performance or seeing the ‘check engine’ light could also suggest a looming issue.

“Ignoring telltale signs that your vehicle needs servicing can not only result in expensive repairs later but also pose serious safety risks.”

Besides noticing changes in vehicle performance, understanding parts life-span is critical as well. For instance, car battery replacements are common services. Typically, a car battery replacement in Perth can cost anywhere from AUD 120 to AUD 300 significantly varying on different factors including battery type and labor charges.

Therefore meaning that it might be more cost-effective to replace an aging battery, rather than waiting for it to fail on you unexpectedly.

Preventative Maintenance Practices

Preventative maintenance aims to prevent failures before they occur. It involves regular, scheduled service and maintenance of your vehicle to keep it in optimal condition. This approach can help you avoid significant and potentially costly repairs down the line.

Your vehicle’s logbook serves as the best guide for preventative maintenance routines. It instructs on when to perform specific checks and services, ensuring your car continues running smoothly. Remember that a full logbook service can cost you between AUD 300 and AUD.

Central to preventative maintenance is the routine inspection of various vehicle components. These include the oil filter, air filter, brakes, battery life, tyre pressure, and car fluids among other parts.

By diligently following these preventative maintenance practices you extend your vehicle’s life, improve its performance and safety, and save yourself from expensive repair bills down the road.

Dealing with Car Breakdowns

Experiencing a car breakdown can be very frustrating. But, do not panic. You don’t have to be an expert mechanic to handle a vehicle problem. Knowledge about basic car problems and their solutions can significantly help in these situations.

If your engine won’t start, the battery may be flat. If you feel something wrong while driving like vibrations or hearing unusual noises, pull over safely to inspect the vehicle.

1. Flat Battery: The most common cause of breakdowns. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle. You can jump-start your car using another one.
2. Tire Blowouts: Keep a spare tire and learn how to change it. Regularly check the condition of your tires.
3. Overheating Engine: This could be due to a coolant leak. Fill up regularly and check for leaks.

In case of major issues, a reliable service or repair garage in Perth is recommended. Avoid DIY if you lack knowledge or resources because it might worsen the problem.

To avoid unnecessary breakdowns, keep up with regular maintenance. Professional services can diagnose problems early, which can save time and money in the long run.

Cost of Car Servicing

In Perth the cost of car servicing and repair often appears daunting. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance. It’s important to make sure your car is properly maintained to keep it running efficiently and safely.

Perth vehicle owners are strongly advised to service their cars every 10,000-15,000 km or every 6 months. The sooner of the two is always considered optimal.

1. Standard Service: This involves basic checks and top-ups. Oil and filter changes come under this category.
2. Intermediate Service: In addition to Standard Service tasks, brake checks, tyre rotation and spark plug replacement are included.
3. Comprehensive Service: Besides both above mentioned procedures, thorough engine checks occur as part of this service type.

The cost of these services depends largely on the type of your vehicle and its age. Depending on the model, a standard service could range between $150-$350.

Apart from this, certain repairs can be expensive too. It’s vital for you to understand what routine maintenance and common repairs might cost you in Perth.

Essential Car Fluids

Maintaining optimal fluid levels in your vehicle is paramount to its overall function and longevity. This not only ensures smooth driving but prevents expensive repairs down the line. It’s recommended to check your car fluids regularly to maintain your vehicle’s performance.

Oil is considered the lifeblood of any vehicle, providing essential lubrication for your engine. Failure to regularly check and change your oil can lead to engine problems. Brake fluid is also crucial, it enables you to stop your vehicle smoothly and safely.

Transmission fluid provides lubrication for the gears in your vehicle’s transmission system, ensuring smooth gear changes. Power steering fluid allows the steering wheel to turn effortlessly while coolant keeps your engine from overheating.

Type of Fluid	Function
Engine Oil	Lubricates engine components
Brake Fluid	Enables effective braking
Transmission Fluid	Lubricates gearbox components
Power Steering Fluid	Eases steering maneuvers
Coolant	Maintains engine temperature

In addition to regularly checking these fluids, tyre maintenance should also be a part of your routine car service. Remember that tyre replacement services in Perth usually average around AUD 100 to AUD 300 per tyre, depending on the brand and type.

Timing Belt Replacement Signs

Your vehicle’s timing belt is a beneficial part of the engine. It synchronizes your engine’s operations and contributes to smooth rides. However, like any other component, it wears out over time.

Being aware of the warning signs it gives off when its lifespan starts to expire is paramount. This way, you can prevent further damage occurring in your car’s engine, saving your money and reducing stress levels.

Engine Misfires

An aging or worn-out timing belt may affect the engine’s fire rate. The result could be an engine misfire which can cause serious harm if not addressed promptly. Ordinarily, this belt controls how the valves open and close in correlation to the cylinders. It also coordinates the pistons and valves’ sequence, guaranteeing that they work in conjunction without crashing into each other.

Noisy Engine

A loud noise that seems to emanate from your car’s vehicle timing cover area could be another signal for an impending timing belt replacement. Often, these sounds could either be ticking, rumbling, or humming noises that become more frequent when you start or stop the car.

Hard Starting or No Starting

If you are having trouble starting your vehicle or it doesn’t start at all, the problem may be due to a broken timing belt. In such situations, it would be best to have professionals inspect and fix any issues with your car.

Poor Engine Performance

Poor engine performance such as power loss could also indicate a problem with your timing belt. If left unserviced for a prolonged period, this might cause significant engine damages – underscoring the importance of regular check-ups and servicing from professional mechanics in Perth.

Battery Maintenance Tips

Battery maintenance is crucial for ensuring your car runs smoothly. A poorly maintained battery can lead to inconvenient breakdowns.

Regular inspection of the battery for signs of corrosion, leaks or damage can prolong its life. When cleaning the battery, take care to avoid direct contact with corrosive deposits.

Additionally, ensure that the battery terminals are always clean and tightly fastened. Loose or corroded connections can cause your vehicle to not start.

• Maintain Proper Fluid Levels: Always keep a tab on the level of electrolyte in your car’s battery. If it falls below the recommended level, refill it with distilled water.
• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your battery for any visible signs of damage or wear like bulging, cracks, or leaks.
• Preventive Measures: Unnecessary parasitic drains, like leaving headlights or interior lights on when not in use, can deplete your car’s battery life significantly faster.

Your vehicle’s automatic transmissions need appropriate servicing. Transmission servicing for an automatic transmission can range between AUD 150 and AUD 300; thus, regular check-ups and preventative measures aid in avoiding expensive repair costs.

Remember to follow this expert advice regularly. This will extend the lifespan of your car’s battery exponentially, helping you avoid unnecessary stress and expenses in the future.

Climate-Specific Car Care in Perth

In Western Australia, varying weather conditions and climatic changes can impact your vehicle’s performance through the years. In the summer, the intense heat can lead to overheating while during winter, your car battery might struggle.

Summer Car Maintenance

The high temperature in Perth during summer can cause your car engine to overheat. Hence, regular coolant checks are crucial. Ensure your car’s cooling system is working properly and keeping the engine at a stable temperature.

Winter Servicing Needs

Australian winters might not be freezing but your car battery would still need special attention. Ensuring that your battery connections are clean, tight and corrosion-free are essential for optimal performance.

Balancing Dealership and Independent Services

More than 80% of car owners in the Perth area are likely to use a mix of dealership and independent services over the lifetime of their vehicle. Knowing when to opt for which kind of service will save you time and money.

Dealership Vs Independent Repair

A dealer’s service department has specialized knowledge about your specific model but can be costlier. Conversely, an independent garage may offer you a lower rate with broad servicing abilities. Thus, understanding the variations helps in choosing accurately.

Perth Car Care

Our comprehensive guide introduces essential car servicing and repair procedures in Perth, designed to help vehicle owners maintain optimal car performance, understand repair processes, and locate reputable service providers in the city.

Car accidents are unfortunately very common, occurring every 13 minutes in the US. Understanding the most frequent causes of crashes can help drivers be more aware and drive safer. Here are some of the top reasons car collisions happen:

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of accidents is distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel to focus on something else, it diverts their attention and reaction time. Common distractions include texting or talking on the phone, adjusting music, eating, interacting with passengers, or being otherwise inattentive to driving. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances for an accident. Drivers should keep 100% focus on driving any time they are behind the wheel. 

Drunk Driving

Driving while impaired by alcohol significantly increases the chance of crashes, with 35% of accidents caused by impaired drivers. Reaction time, coordination, concentration, and judgement are all negatively affected after consuming alcohol. Drunk drivers are a huge risk on roadways. Sadly, about a third of all fatal crashes involve an intoxicated driver. Driving after drinking any amount of alcohol reduces the ability to drive safely. 

Speeding

29% of fatal accidents are caused by speeding drivers. Higher speeds leave less time to react, extend stopping distances, and increase the severity of accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s control and makes it harder to steer safely around other vehicles and curves. People tend to underestimate how speed impacts the dangers of driving. For each mph over 50mph, the risk of crashing goes up exponentially. Car accident attorneys in El Paso advise that obeying speed limits and driving appropriate speeds for conditions is critical for accident prevention. Contact a car accident lawyer if a speeding driver caused an accident you were involved in. 

Reckless Driving

Reckless behaviors like swerving, improper passing, running lights and signs, and other aggressive behaviors are major contributors to accidents. Road rage and impulsive actions can quickly create unsafe conditions and collisions. Patience and courtesy towards other drivers is key to help avoid reckless driving habits. 46% of drivers in fatal crashes were not wearing a seatbelt, which is the height of recklessness.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigued and drowsy driving also leads to a huge number of crashes each year. Falling asleep behind the wheel impairs your abilities similar to or worse than intoxication. Signs of drowsy driving include yawning, difficulty focusing, heavy eyes, and drifting in the lane. Getting adequate sleep before driving and taking breaks helps prevent drowsy driving accidents. 

Weather Conditions 

Inclement weather like rain, snow, fog, and ice reduce traction and visibility for drivers, making it easier to lose control and harder to stop. Speeds need to be lowered and distance increased between vehicles to compensate for slick road conditions. Changing weather patterns also impact driver abilities. Being prepared for conditions and allowing extra time is key to safer driving.

Night Driving

Driving at night presents additional challenges for drivers – 35% of fatal accidents happen between 6PM and midnight. Reduced lighting makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles sharing the roads. Drowsy driving and DUI also frequently occur at night. Reflective strips and lighting help increase visibility after dark. But night driving still requires heightened awareness and precautions from drivers.

While many factors lead to car crashes, focusing on the road, driving cautiously and defensively, obeying traffic laws, and avoiding distractions and impairment can significantly reduce accident risks. But as driving abilities vary, even the most safety-minded individuals can end up in collisions due to the actions of others or unforeseen hazards. Taking precautions and exhibiting patience provides a better chance of reaching your destination safely.