E3 Spark Plugs News

Got what it takes to join Team E3 Racing? Zoom over to the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page and find out.

If you’re an up-and-coming motorsports racer, why not put the power of E3 in your ride and on your back? Starting February 1, here’s your chance to be part of Team E3 Racing!

Over the next three months (Feb-April), we will award four WINNERS from each tier listed below a Race Sponsorship and load them up with Official Team E3 Racing Sponsorship Prizes!

• Tier 1: 12 Fans win $500 cash, 25 E3 Spark Plugs and Official E3 Race Day Gear/Decals
• Tier 2: 12 Fans win one (1) Set of up to 8 Plugs and Official E3 Race Day Gear/Decals
• Tier 3: 12 Fans win Official E3 Race Day Gear and Decals

In addition to being officially sponsored by E3 Spark plugs, being a part of Team E3 Racing means we can help you grow your fan base by following your standings throughout the 2012 racing season, posting your videos and pictures and featuring you on the E3 website and social media channels!

So how do you become part of Team E3 Racing? Zoom over to the E3 Spark Plugs’ Facebook fan page, “Like us” and sign up via the Team E3 Racing tab. Fill in your name, age, contact information and T-shirt size. Give us the lowdown on your racing career thus far, including your ride’s make and model and info on your current series, standings and significant winnings. And hit us with your best pitch as to why YOU should be part of Team E3. We’re expecting lots of entries, so you’d better be convincing!

E3 Spark Plugs’ patented DiamondFire technology means a stronger, smoother, cleaner ride. Developed with help from some of the nation’s top scientists and engineers, E3 spark plugs are proven to boost your engine’s performance, mileage and fuel efficiency without mucking up the environment. In fact, E3 is the ONLY spark plug to be included in a federal rule making for emission standards.. Just like the best motorsports racers on the podiums, E3 spark plugs are “Born to Burn.”

Got your heart set on buying a classic car? E3 Spark Plugs offers tips for finding, buying and maintaining the perfect classic.

It’s the dream of many a gearhead – to own a beautifully restored classic car. If that’s on your list of goals to accomplish this year, you’d better start doing some homework now. There is much to consider when making such an investment (and a classic car purchase really should be seen as an investment). So, E3 Spark Plugs offers its top tips to make sure your classic car dream doesn’t turn into a financial and mechanical nightmare.

First, decide what car you want and how you’ll be using it. Do you want to tool around town daily in that ’66 Mustang or maintain its pristine showroom condition for entry into classic car shows and competitions? If it’s a daily driver, you’ve got a little wiggle room when it comes to whether the parts are all original. But if you’re going for the competition ride, you’ll need to insist upon all original parts in good condition, or expect to spend a lot more money – both on the initial purchase and in continued restoration. Study everything you can get your hands on about the particular make and model you’re eying and talk with members of classic car clubs. Pay attention to common problems that pop up with your desired model. For instance, many European classics are known for electrical glitches.

Once you’ve done some homework, take a look at all the possible scenarios and decide whether you’ve truly got the time, space and finances to make it work. Classic cars can be expensive to restore and maintain. If you’re on a limited budget, don’t blow it all on the purchase or it may end up sitting in your garage for years while you work and wait for the money to fix it up. Of course, if you’ve got time on your hands and some mechanical ability, perhaps money is a bit less of an issue. Or, if you’re loaded with cash but limited on time, a great mechanic and parts pro experienced with classic cars might be your new BFF. But if you’re strapped for both time and cash, your car might end up spending many lonely months and years in the garage. And you just KNOW that your spouse is gonna want to use that space for something else eventually.

Once you’ve decided to go for it and think you’ve found the perfect specimen, you’ll still want to ask a few questions and make a few confirmations before you plop down that stack of bills or write that check. Top priority is to make sure that the VIN number on the car (usually located at the base of the windshield, but may be in the driver’s side door sill or in then engine compartment on older cars) matches the official VIN tag. If not, that could be a red flag that the car has been in a serious wreck, is stolen or is bogus. Even if the numbers match do your own vehicle history report to make sure it hasn’t been stolen and to find out how many previous owners there have been. A few too many names might signify problems that’ll have you looking to unload it before long too. If possible, try to buy a classic car with full service records. And have an appraiser look it over to make sure that the engine, transmission and other vital components are original and that the car hasn’t been wrecked.

Got a great classic car buying success story? E3 Spark Plugs wants to hear it. Post your story and your pics on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page.

Have fun tearing it up on the slope. Just make sure you're packing a snowmobiling survial kit in case you break down, E3 Spark Plugs says.

Snowmobiling season is in full force. Every day, hundreds of avid snowmobilers are riding the powdered slopes, tearing it up and, unfortunately, breaking down. Each year, rescuers head out to help dig dozens of stranded snowmobilers out of snow banks and ditches. E3 Spark Plugs offers a few tips for stocking your snowmobiling survival kit to help keep you from being stranded, or at least making your time spent waiting for rescue a little more bearable.

Here’s what we recommend you take with you on all snowmobiling excursions:

• First aid items, including bandages, adhesive tape, iodine swabs, antibacterial, analgesic ointment, sun screen, lip balm, aspirin or other OTC pain reliever, antihistamine and diarrhea medications, etc
• A knife for cutting your way out of a tangle.
• A snow shovel to dig your way out of a snow bank or dig yourself a snow cave if it looks like you’ll be hanging out for a while.
• A whistle, mirror, dye marker or other signaling tool to help alert other snowmobilers to your plight or to help you find your snowmobile later should you have to leave it.
• Pull and tow straps should a rescue team or a Good Samaritan arrive to help pull your snowmobile out.
• A map, compass or GPS to help find your way back.
• A set of snowmobile spark plugs to help get your ride started again.
• A pair of snow shoes in case your ride is too far gone for those new spark plugs to fix.
• A flashlight if you’re snowmobiling at night or in case night falls while you’re trekking your way back home.
• Snacks and water should you find yourself stranded overnight.

What NOT to take with you: Alcohol. None. Period. Alcohol is a top factor in snowmobiling accidents as it messes you’re your motor skills and slows your reaction time, even if you’re not yet certifiably blitzed. So, fugghetaboutit until you’re back home or at the bar and done snowmobiling for the day. Seriously.

Companies and websites like www.snowstuf.com offer complete snowmobile survival and emergency kits, including some with provisions needed to survive for three days or more stranded in the snowy wilderness. Whether you buy one of theirs or build one of your own, just make sure you’re covered. Have fun, stay safe, come home.

New Year's Day is the deadliest on the roadways. E3 Spark Plugs offers tips for staying safe in the hectic Christmas and New Year holiday traffic.

When the sounds of sleigh bells and carolers get rudely interrupted by the sounds of glass shattering and metal crunching, you know your holiday spirit just took a dive. E3 Spark Plugs wants you and yours to enjoy a safe and happy holiday, so we’ve compiled a list of top holiday roadway safety tips.

It’s not exactly a news flash that America’s roadways are more dangerous during the holidays. Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve bashes nearly always involve drinking. Those who get a little too merry too often end up behind the wheel – and in the hospital. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 10-year Crash Stats study found that New Year’s Day is the deadliest day of the year for speeding-related fatal crashes, followed by Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. A high percentage of these accidents also involve drunk driving. In fact, 54 percent of all New Year’s Day accident deaths and 38% of Christmas-time car accident deaths are alcohol related, the NHTSA says.

To help keep you and your loved ones safe on the roadways this holiday season, follow these tips:

• If you and your family or friends plan to attend parties where you’ll be drinking, make sure you designate a driver and have a backup plan should your designated driver bail on you. Find the best local taxi services and load their phone numbers into your phone’s contacts list. Some cab services offer free rides to get inebriated passengers home safely.

• If you must drive and want to enjoy a drink, do so sparingly. Drink a glass of water or sparkling water between alcoholic drinks. Sip, don’t chug. And mingle. A lot. After all, you can’t talk and drink at the same time, and who knows who you’ll meet while you mingle.

• When driving, be hyper-aware of other vehicles around yours. Keep the radio volume low and the distracting chatter to a minimum so you can keep your eyes and ears on the road. If another car is having trouble staying in one lane or is driving too fast or too slow, steer clear of it. Even the safest driver can fall victim to a speeding, intoxicated one.

• Before you head out for the holidays – whether going out of state to a family gathering or just across town to a friend’s party – check your brakes and tires. Get a full brake inspection and, if it’s time for new brake pads, change them now. And double check that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries a year on America’s roadways. Plus, they suck up your gas mileage.

Got more holiday roadway safety tips? Post them on our Facebook fan page. And from all of us here at E3 Spark Plugs, have a fantastic holiday season!

Looking to buy a used snowmobile? E3 Spark Plugs offers some buyers-beware tips.

If the pristine, powdered landscape has you aching to throw some snow into the air, it just might be time to pony up some change for a sled. If you’re eyeing a used snowmobile, E3 Spark Plugs has 10 top tips for choosing a sled that’ll keep you riding the slopes for years.

1. Resist the temptation to buy the first shiny sled you see. Study up on the models and features you want before you venture out on your shopping spree and be sure to bring a flashlight and a friend so you can see all the dark crannies and get a second, and likely more objective opinion.
2. Start ‘er up. If you’re considering a sled being sold by a private owner, ask that it not be “warmed up” prior to your visit. You’ll want to know how well the engine does with a cold start.
3. Check for clues that the snowmobile has been crashed. A few tell-tale signs are deep scratches on the running boards and plastic; a non-standard paint job; cracks in the body work (remove or run your fingers over any stickers, as they’re often used to hide cracks; twisted, bent, toed-in or toed-out skis; handlebars that are cracked, bent or appear to have been replaced.
4. Check for clues it’s been raced. Racing or aggressive riding put some real stress on machinery, but then again, racing sleds often are the best maintained you’ll find. Look for holes drilled through the bolt heads; cracks or welds in the frame, around the engine mounts and in the front cowling brackets. If the sled has been raced, ask for maintenance records and make sure it’s priced accordingly.
5. Look for tears or cracks in the vinyl seat cover. Cracked or torn seat covers retain water and the resulting cold, wet spot on your butt will make for quite the uncomfortable ride. If you love the rest of the sled, know that new upholstery will cost you upwards of $150.
6. Inspect the track. Look for cracking, dry-rot and excessive rust – all of which can leave you and your snowmobile stranded. Not fun. Especially if you also have a wet butt.
7. Check the brakes, brake pads and brake fluid.
8. Peek inside the gas tank. If it’s discolored or has rust, sediment or a milky white paint-like coating, expect to pay for a thorough fuel system cleaning.
9. Make sure all the electric features work. These include the headlights, signaling and instrument-cluster lights and kill switches.
10. Ask how often the suspension was serviced. The answer should be at least once a year.

When you get your new sled home, be sure to outfit it with a new set of E3 snowmobile spark plugs for a cleaner, stronger burn. Be safe and keep the shiny side up.

Holiday shopping for a car buff? California's King Bag Co. creates funky, fashionable purses, travel bags and messenger bags from vintage auto seat covers.

You know what’s difficult about buying a holiday gift for a car buff? Selecting just one! There is a wealth of cool products and experiences out there sure to make the car, truck or motorcycle lover on your list happy. Here are a few favorites selected by E3 Spark Plugs‘ staff:

Corvette Car-a-Day 2012: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a different gorgeous vintage ‘Vette to drive each of the year’s 352 days? Sorry ’bout your luck. But all is not lost. With the Corvette Car-a-Day 2012 calendar, you can at gaze across your desk at the antique car of your dreams. The calendar features more than 300 black-and-white photos of the legendary “America’s Sports Car” by David Newhardt and Chris Endres, two of the nation’s leading automotive photographers. And it comes with a bonus: a die-cast Corvette toy.

Cover of Tom Cotter's "The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology"

The Vincent in the Barn: They are words to the vintage motorcycle lover’s ears: “You know, there’s an old bike that’s been sitting in this garage for years.” Variations of that one line have kick-started many a journey to find and restore a genuine classic bike rescued from the hollows of long-forgotten garages, basements, barns, sheds and fields. The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology is the latest of Author Tom Cotter’s “In the Barn” series of photographic short-story books that chronicle the discovery and restoration of classic rides. “You never know what you might find in a barn, back of a garage or under a dusty tarp,” says CycleWorld of the 256-page book.

Hemmings Car Lover’s Cruise: Now this is the gift that will truly impress. And it will give the auto buff you love something to look forward to in 2012. Hemmings Motor News’ annual Car Lovers Cruise departs from Rome August 13th and makes stops in Santorini, Athens and Mykonos, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus, Turkey; and Naples, Italy before returning to port in Rome. While at sea, passengers will enjoy automotive seminars, private cocktail parties and mixing and mingling with automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

Monticello Motor Club: Billed as North America’s premier automotive resort and racetrack, the Monticello Motor Club offers great getaway packages for car lovers. Excursions will include the one-day Cadillac CTS-V High Performance Driving Experience, a two-day racing school and exclusive racing gifts and gear. It’s located in Monticello, NY at the foot of the Catskill Mountains and promises to be the gift that’ll put everything else under the Christmas tree to shame.

King Bag Co.: For the fashionable car buff on your list, you can’t go wrong with a selection from the King Bag Co. When the iconic King Kovers auto upholstery shop in uptown Oakland went out of business, artist Bobby Glasser went on a liquidation sale shopping spree, buying all the vintage (mostly 1950s-era) seat covers, seat belts and other assorted upholstery scraps he could get his hands on. Today, that material has been reborn as bowling bag-styled purses, travel bags, messenger bags and coin purses in funky retro patterns and colors. Look for King Bag Co. products in stores throughout California or on the company’s Etsy site.

From all of us at E3 Spark Plugs – Happy holiday shopping!

Headed out of town for Thanksgiving? E3 Spark Plugs offers family road trip tips.

If over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother’s house you go this Thanksgiving, be sure your ride is ready. E3 Spark Plugs offers a few road trip tips to help make your holiday a happy one – as long as you’re in the car, that is. You’re on your own with the in-laws and crazy Uncle Louie.

• Go with the flow: Check, change and/or top off all your car’s fluids including the oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluid. It’s a good idea to switch out for a high-quality new oil filter too, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance.
• Hit the brakes: The Thanksgiving holiday is the busiest time of the year on the roadways. Consider that it’s also a big NFL football day and that many post-game celebrants might be less than sober by the time they get back behind the wheel to head home. So being able to brake quickly and safely is critical. E3 Spark Plugs recommends getting a brake inspection before any holiday road trip to make sure your rotors are smooth and your brake pads remain thick. Also make sure your tires still have ample tread and that they’re aired up to proper pressure. Braking on bald or underinflated tires can have tragic results.
• Light up: It’s just the lights on your holiday decorations that are important. Make sure your headlights, tail lights and brake lights all are working as well. This is particularly important if you’re traveling in snowy or foggy weather. Plus, a burnt-out light bulb is a major cop-magnet and that high-dollar ticket will cut into your Black Friday budget.
• Banish bad blades: If it’s been six months or more since you last switched out your windshield wiper blades, chances are you need a new pair anyway. Driving in unfamiliar territory with a backseat full of antsy kids and a dish of green bean casserole is stressful enough. If it’s raining or snowing, a bum set of windshield wipers will really make you a cranky traveler.
• Keep it clean: If you’re traveling in wet weather, all that mud and muck will do a real number on your nice carpet-like floor mats. Opt for an inexpensive pair of all-weather mats for the duration of the trip. And clear your backseat, dashboard and trunk of all unnecessary items – including that 40-pound set of golf clubs. The reduced weight will help you maximize gas mileage and you’ll have more room for bringing home leftovers, Black Friday booty and sleepy kids.
• Keep the spark alive: Clean or replace your spark plugs to help maximize your car’s performance and your fuel economy. Be sure to check E3′s online catalog to make sure you’ve got the right set of car spark plugs or truck spark plugs for your vehicle.

From all of us here at E3 Spark Plugs, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Oh, no - What's that noise?! E3 Spark Plugs can help you decipher the message your car is sending via those pops, screetches and clunks.

You know that sinking-in-your-stomach feeling when you first hear that weird clinking, popping or screeching sound emanating from somewhere in your vehicle while cruising down the highway? Yeah – we hate that feeling too. Some of those noises simply serve as maintenance reminders. Others are signs something is seriously wrong. Don’t cover your ears in denial. Find out what your car is trying to tell you fast, before the damage and the costs rack up.

E3 Spark Plugs shares a few tips on deciphering just what that weird noise might be:

• Squealing brakes: This may just mean there is dirt on the brake rotors, drums pads or shoes. But it also can be a red flag that some component of your brakes is worn or defective.
• Scraping rear brakes: Your brake shoes may be worn.
• Clunking brakes: Could be as simple as the disc brake caliper being improperly mounted, but also could be an indication of damaged brake hardware or worn steering system components.
• Hissing engine: Quick! Check your temperature gauge. Your engine may be overheating. If so, pull over immediately and call a tow truck. That hissing may also mean you’ve got a leak in your coolant or air/vacuum hoses.
• Popping engine: A popping noise coming from your engine can be caused by a myriad of problems including a dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, dirty or worn spark plugs, damaged spark plug wires, water in your gasoline or ignition trouble.
• Popping from the exhaust: Your fuel injectors may be leaking or you might have a leak in your exhaust.
• Ticking engine: Your valves may be stuck or simply need a little adjusting. But it also could be an indication that your engine oil level or pressure is low or that engine sludge is keeping the oil from circulating properly.
• Squealing engine: If you hear a squeal while you’re accelerating, chances are you’ve got a loose belt or your engine’s drive pulleys are misaligned.
• Screeching steering: Can your neighbor hear you coming from six blocks away when you turn the corner? That screech likely means that your power steering belt is slipping; your steering linkage is damaged, loose or dry; or that your suspension pieces are worn.
• Clicking wheels: Check for a loose hubcap or a small object (such as a pebble) lodged in your hubcap or tire tread.

Whatever noise you’re hearing, E3 Spark Plugs highly recommends getting it checked out as early as possible. Some of these noises are indications of minor troubles that can be inexpensive to fix early on, but ultimately very costly if ignored.

Let me gues... E3 Spark Plugs lists the top 10 reasons your car breaks down.

So you’re on the side the road again, hoping your cell phone battery will hold out long enough for you to get through a phone call with the tow trucker, dad, significant other, best friend, neighbor, guy you met in the bar last night, or whomever else you can think of who might be willing to give you a lift home. E3 Spark Plugs probably knows why you’re there. Here are our top ten reasons for auto breakdowns:

1. You’ve got a bum battery. Small trips can be a big drain on a battery. Make sure your car gets an extended run every few weeks. It’s a great excuse for a fun day trip.
2. You lost your keys. Again. Make several copies of your car keys. Keep one in your purse or wallet, another at your home and one or two with a trusted family member, friend or neighbor.
3. Your tire went flat. Check your tires weekly to make sure the tread remains deep and your tires remain adequately aired up.
4. You’ve got a damaged distributor cap. Damp conditions can play a part in this little fiasco if your distributor cap happens to be cracked or otherwise damaged. It can cause a high voltage short circuit, preventing the spark from reaching your spark plugs.
5. You’ve got a faulty alternator. Check for a worn drive belt or a wonky connection.
6. You’ve got fuel trouble. Were you paying attention at the gas station? Accidentally filling up (even just a little) with diesel gas instead of regular can damage your engine.
7. Your clutch cable is shot. A clutch cable engages every single time you change gears. Eventually, it will wear out and, unfortunately, it doesn’t always give you any warning.
8. Your spark plugs have lost their spark. If they’re misfiring or just not sparking, they may be fouled. You may be able to give them a good cleaning and re-install. But if they’re worn or cracked, you may have to switch them out for new ones.
9. Your HT leads have fizzled out. HT leads deliver high voltage currents to your spark plugs. Long periods of repeated temperature cycling can deteriorate them and cause them to fail without warning.
10. Your starter won’t start. Your starter may be shot, but it could also be a bad battery, worn battery cables, broken starter mounting bolts, a stuck neutral safety switch, the starter solenoid or armature.

If you suspect it’s your spark plugs, be sure to check our online cross reference catalog to choose the right spark plugs for your vehicle.

Spark plugs make great (and cheap) fishing lure retrievers.

Going fishing? Well, if you’ve got a used spark plug sitting in your tool box, you may want to drop it in your tackle box on your way out the door. That’s because car spark plugs make great fishing lure retrievers.

Old-school fishermen have used this trick for decades, but the idea went mainstream with the onset of urban fishing holes, where young, hip city denizens gather to cast lines and compare catches. Photos of these events certainly are not the stuff of Field & Stream photo spreads. Fishing spots often are small bodies of water surrounded by chain link fencing with razor wire, rusting metal beams and concrete slabs jutting out of the surface. But the camaraderie of anglers everywhere is just as strong in urban areas as it is anywhere else.

“Fishing is so cool because it breaks down social barriers,” Ben Sargent, founder of New York’s Brooklyn Urban Anglers Association and Brooklyn Fishing Derby told reporters. “If you’re male or female doesn’t matter, race doesn’t matter. There’s definitely skill involved, but you can bring out a newbie who can catch a 40-inch fish.”

Many of those involved in these organizations, which encourage fishing in New York’s East River and surrounding waterways, use the spark plug lure retriever trick. Simply slip a snap swivel on the spark plug electrode and bed or tap the electrode downward, closing the gap. If your lure gets snagged (as often happens when fishing beneath bridges and dams), tighten your line, clip the swivel onto the line between the rod tip and your lure, and let the spark plug go. It’ll link down and knock your lure free. Spark plug lure retrievers work best on crankbaits and jigging spoons. They’re less effective with small lures such as jigs and worms. And if your lure doesn’t come free, you’ll have to break the line and leave behind both your lure and the spark plug retriever. You might miss your favorite lure, but at least your spark plug retriever is cheap and easily replaceable.

To help keep America’s fishing holes clean from toxins, be sure to boil your spark plugs in salt water before using them as lure retrievers. This will get rid of any oil or grease.

Have you used a spark plug as a fishing lure retriever or for some other odd-but-handy purpose? E3 Spark Plugs wants to know. Drop us a line on in our blog comment section or on our E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page. Don’t forget to post your pictures, too.