Little Mistakes That Can Lead To Big Car Repair Bills

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be taken as a replacement for following your owners manual or the advice of a certified mechanic. These tips are a culmination from various sources widely available on the internet.

As anyone who’s ever owned a car knows, they are a huge financial responsibility. Aside from the initial purchase price, there’s insurance, gasoline, and of course, repairs and maintenance.

While some car repairs are unavoidable, there are others that are totally avoidable if you take proper care of your vehicle. Here are a few of the most costly car repairs that are avoidable with some simple preventive maintenance.

Never Ignore The Check Engine Light

Ignoring the check engine can lead to major engine damage that could have easily been avoided had the problem been addressed immediately. There are many reasons the light comes on such as a loose gas cap, bad oxygen sensor, or failed catalytic converter.

Failing To Replace The Batter When Needed

Depending on the battery's condition, most last anywhere from three to five years. If you're still driving on the original battery that came with the car, chances are it needs to be replaced. Modern vehicles are full of electronic features that put a strain on the electrical system, and an old battery will struggle to keep up.

If your battery is drained, it will take longer for your starter to turn over. Your vehicle now draws more electricity, and the alternator kicks in to throw additional amps at the battery in order to recharge it. All those things drawing current can be affected by the spikes and lows over time.

It's easy to eliminate a lot of electrical problems by replacing the battery when needed

Not Maintaining Proper Fuel Level.

Electric fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank. Running the pump dry can damage it. The debris from the bottom of the tank will also get into the fuel filter and clog it. This will reduce fuel flow to the engine and cause all sorts of drivability problems.

If you allow the fuel level to constantly run lower than a quarter tank full, you run the risk of having  to replace the fuel pump sooner than necessary. It sounds weird but gasoline has a cooling effect on the fuel pump, and running low all the time could potentially shorten its lifespan

Unnecessary Transmission Flushes

If you know the history of your car, it may be okay to do transmission flushes just as your preventative maintenance suggests. However If you don't know the history and the car is running fine, then you might reconsider getting it done.

When you fill your car with new transmission fluid, it has specially designed detergent in it to keep a transmission clean. The issue is that it can break loose debris already present in the transmission resulting in a clogged filter. If the filter gets clogged, it will restrict fluid flow and cause all sorts of problems.

Not Using The Proper Tire Size

Whether it's a spare tire or just buying tires not rated for your vehicle, putting the wrong size tire on your car will cause problems. The spare tire is rated for a limited amount of miles and speed, so you should only use it in an emergency situation.

When you drive with mismatched tire sizes, it can cause the vehicle's differential to think that the smaller tires are slipping. It then tries to compensate by sending more power to the wheels, which can cause even more tire slippage and eventually lead to differential failure.

Kicking Ice & Sludge To The Curb

You may just do it without thinking but kicking ice and sludge off your car's bumper, fender and doors can cause cracks or damage to plastic moldings. Think about it this way. When the temperature gets below freezing plastic can become very brittle.

So if you're tempted to kick your bumper, Don't. It could easily crack and need to be replaced. The same goes for plastic moldings and door handles. If possible wait for warmer temperatures, spray it off with a high pressure water nozzle at a car wash or just gently use a soft bristle brush.

A Tough Day In The Neighborhood

I'm just a car trying to get from Point A to Point B minding my own business. The next thing you know a swarm of bugs come out of nowhere and start running into me. Now I'm covered in bugs. Aren't bugs supposed to be attracted to light, so why are they attacking me during the day.?

I try to shake them off, but they just keep coming. I honk my horn and swerve from side to side, but nothing seems to deter them. Finally, I pull into a parking lot and come to a stop.

I really hate bugs. They're always getting in my way and ruining my day. I wish they would just leave me alone. But no, they just keep coming and coming. I can't even go for a drive without them attacking me.

It's not fair. There's a big mess to clean up. I don't know why they did it, but it was really annoying.

Good thing my owner knows how to get rid of them.

How To Remove Bugs From Your Car

Keeping a car washed and clean can help some to prevent bugs from sticking to the paint and making a mess. Waxing the car will also make it harder for bugs to stick.

If your car is already covered in bugs, here are a few ways you can remove them:

• Try to remove them as soon as possible. If they are left to dry, they will be harder to remove.

• Use a garden hose or a high pressure sprayer to rinse off as many of the bugs as possible.

• Apply a commercial bug remover that you can find at most auto stores. Typically you apply the solution to the bugs with a sponge and scrub until they come off.

Preventative Measures

It's always best to take preventive measures to avoid bugs in the first place. Here are a few things you can do:

• Regularly clean your windshield and front of the car so that bugs are less likely to stick.

• Keep your car waxed so that bugs have a harder time sticking to the paint.

• Install a bug deflector on the front of your car.

Who's in Better Health, Your Car Or You?

When was the last time you went in for a checkup? You might not think about it often, but just like our own health, our cars need regular healthcare too!

They need regular tune-ups to keep them running properly. And just like us, if we neglect their needs, they'll eventually break down.

While it may start as a small problem, it can quickly turn into something major if left unchecked. This is why regular car maintenance is so important.

Cars need oil changes, tune-ups, new tires, and other services to keep them running properly. Depending on the make and model of your car, you might need different types of maintenance.

Always reference your manufacturer's owners manual to see what they recommend as well as an expert mechanic to  get the best service for your car.

Get Yourself And Your Car Out Of The House

One of the best ways to keep your car running properly is to take it out of the garage and drive it on a regular basis. This helps to keep all the parts working correctly and prevents them from rusting or seizing up. It’s also a good idea to take your car on a long drive every now and then to keep

Heed The Warning Signs

Your car will usually give you some warning signs that it's time for maintenance before it completely breaks down. For example, the check engine light might come on, or you might hear a strange noise coming from the engine. These are both signs that something is wrong and that you should take your car in to be serviced.

Follow Your Recommend Scheduled Maintenance

Every car is different, and each one has its own specific maintenance schedule. This schedule is put in place by the manufacturer and is based on the car's design and how often it needs various services.

For example, some cars need their oil changed every 3,000 miles while others can go much longer between oil changes when using synthetic oil. This is just one example, but there are many different types of maintenance that need to be performed on a car, and the schedule varies from one make and model to the next.

Get Regular Inspections

In addition to following your car's scheduled maintenance, you should also get regular inspections. These are typically done once a year, but they can be done more often if you drive often or put a lot of miles on your car.

During an inspection, a mechanic will take a close look at all the major components of your car to make sure they're in good shape and working properly. This can help prevent small problems from turning into big ones.

Did The Light Flash Before Your Eyes?

Don't ignore that pesky “Check Engine.” light. It has been known to come on for lots of different reasons, but the best thing to do is not take a chance. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like a problem with the engine. Either way, you won't know until you have it looked at

The Road Less Traveled.

Do you ever feel that your car is vibrating more than usual or that the steering isn’t as responsive as it used to be? These could be signs of a problem with the suspension, which is something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

A car's suspension system is what helps keep the ride smooth, so if it's not working properly, it can make for a very bumpy ride. As a matter of fact, driving on a bad suspension can actually do damage to the tires and other parts of the car, so it's best to get it fixed as soon as possible.

The bottom line is you shouldn't feel like you're going on an off-road trail every time you get into the car.

No Smoking Zone

When it comes to cars , “smoke” is never a good sign. If you see exhaust smoke, it means there's a problem with the engine. The color of the smoke can give you a clue as to what the problem might be.

For example, blue smoke usually indicates an oil leak, while white smoke is usually an indication of a coolant leak. Black smoke is usually due to a problem with the fuel system, such as too much fuel being burned.

If you see any type of smoke coming from your car, it's best to take it in to be checked out as soon as possible.

Be Sensitive And Listen To Your Car's Computer

Cars nowadays have sensors that tell you when to change your oil, as well as other fluids. These are there for a reason, so don't ignore them.

When In Doubt Get Checked Out.

It's funny how your own health  is always the last thing you think about. The same can be said for your car. Just like your body, cars need check-ups to make sure everything is functioning properly.

If you're ever unsure about something, or if something just doesn't feel right, it's best to take your car in to be serviced.

Bad Habits Are Hard To Break

Does your car feel like it's on its last leg? Is the engine making weird noises, or are the brakes squeaking, In your mind you know that you need to replace your car soon, but you don't want to spend the money. 

We'll take your old car off your hands and give you a fair price for it, whether you're buying a new or used car from us. Plus, we'll help you through every step of the process so that trading in your old car is easy and stress-free.

Are You At Risk? - It Could Be Dangerous If You Don't Recall

Have you ever gotten a letter in the mail about your vehicle having a recall? You think to yourself oh it's just junk mail and trash it. But what if that letter was legitimate and your vehicle needed a recall because of an issue with the seatbelts or airbags?

If you ignored that letter, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk in the event of an accident. So what is a recall and why do automakers issue them?

If an automaker discovers a safety issue, it will report the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA investigates the issue and if it finds the problem poses a safety risk, it can order the automaker to issue a recall.

Do You Have To Pay For Recall Repairs Yourself?

Another reason people ignore recall letters is because they think they will have to pay for the repairs themselves. But that is not the case, automakers have to foot the bill for all recall-related repairs.

If you get a recall letter in the mail, don't ignore it. Bring your vehicle to a dealer and get it fixed as soon as possible. It could end up saving your life.

Do Recalls On Cars Affect Trade In Value?

According to Motor Biscuit

"A dealer may choose to offer you less for a trade-in with an open recall. But a savvy shopper can have most recalls rectified before trading. This way, recalls won’t hurt the used car’s value. Sometimes, a resolved recall can improve the value of a vehicle on the used car market. However, owning a car with a recent recall that the manufacturer has not yet solved may trap you with a low trade-in value for several months"

Regardless of how a recall notice affects your trade in value, you should still get the recall repaired as it could be a serious safety issue.

How to Check If Your Car Has a Recall

The best way to find out if your car has a recall is to enter your VIN (vehicle identification number) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.

Top Hacks To Clean Your Car Inside & Out

Does your car feel old and tired? The upholstery appears a little tattered, and the formerly gleaming windows are now…well, not so shiny. Sure, you could pay someone to clean your car—or save money by cleaning it yourself.

You can use these tried and true cleaning hacks to get your car clean, both inside and out. After researching we found some great websites that go into great detail. Be sure to visit them for more great tips

How to Clean and Restore Car Headlights

After a few years of usage, the plastic in car headlights oxidizes, causing them to become hazy and yellowish. That film can cause you not to see as well when driving at night. You can use this headlight restoration technique to clean and restore your headlights.

According to Family Handyman there is an easy 4 step process that will restore your headlights

Step 1 - Wash and Sand Horizontally

• Wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water.

• Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry.

• Then mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint.

• Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation.

Sand in one direction.

With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. If the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with the 1,500 grit and work up to the 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with the 1,000-grit paper.

Step 2 - Rinse and Sand Vertically

Rinse and change direction with the next grit. Keep doing this until you're finished with the 2,500-grit paper.

Step 3 - Buff the Lens with Polish

• Wash the headlight with plenty of clear, cool water and dry.

• Wet one corner of the flannel cloth with the polishing compound.

• Using firm pressure, polish the headlight in a circular pattern until it becomes smooth and clear.

Step 4 - Polish the Lens

• Allow the polish to dry, then use the clean end of the cloth to buff off any polish residue.

• Repeat the polishing process.

• Depending on the damage to the headlamp, small areas may still appear foggy. Try re-polishing only those spots with a polishing compound. Buff the area again and inspect. The lens should look perfectly clear!

• To keep foggy headlights clear, wash often with a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush or sponge, flush with plenty of water and dry.

Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or any chemical that's not formulated for the task. And that is how to clean headlights yourself!

Credit: Family Handyman

How To Clean Your Car Windows Streak Free

The key to getting your car windows clean and streak free is all about the tools and techniques you use. The great news is that it's not difficult to do, and once you learn how, you'll be able to get your car windows looking amazing in no time.

1. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or towel to avoid scratches.

2. When using a cleaning solution, make sure work in small sections

3. Start at the top and work your way down

4. Use a quality glass cleaner

5. Wipe in a circular motion

6. Use a second clean microfiber cloth to dry

7. Polish with a third clean microfiber cloth

How To Clean The Dashboard

The best things to clean your car dashboard according to DetailCentralAve are.

• Vacuum with Attachment

• Soft Microfiber Cloth

• Water and Mild Soap

• Toothbrush or Soft Paint Brush

• Polish

To begin, use your vacuum with brush attachments to vacuum the dash. Attempt to pick up any dust or debris on the dash.

Next, take a soft microfiber cloth, dipped in water, to wipe down your dash. If the interior of your car is particularly grimy, fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap. Use this to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, hand brake, and interior plastic of your vehicle.

Likely, it will be difficult to clean in the small crevices and vents. Use a toothbrush, soft paintbrush, or designated dash brush to gently remove dirt. Be careful so you don’t scratch the delicate parts of your car.

Once your dash is clean and dry – you can use another dry microfiber cloth to rub down the dash if needed – you can add shine by polishing it. You can pick up a wide variety of polishes at automotive parts stores. Pick the polish of your choice and put a small amount onto a clean and dry cloth, then rub the cloth over the dash. Repeat until the entire dashboard is polished. You can polish the center console as well. If there is excess polish when you’ve finished, remove with a dry cloth.

Credit: DetailCentralAve

How To Remove Dead Bugs From Your Car's Exterior

The paint on your car's exterior is delicate. When you drive, bugs hit your car and can leave behind stains or etchings in the paint. You may not notice them right away, but over time these can become more visible and difficult to remove.

To remove dead bugs from your car's exterior, start by washing the area with soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your car's exterior first to avoid damaging the paint.

Once you've removed the dead bug stains, be sure to wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.

Emergency Roadside Kits - A Friend When You Need One

We've all been there before. You're driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly you get a flat tire. Or your engine starts making strange noises. Whatever the problem is, it's a pain - and it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time.

That's where emergency roadside kits come in. A good roadside kit can help you get out of a bind, no matter what kind of trouble you find yourself in. Whether you're on a road trip or just driving to work, it's important to have all of the supplies you need in case of an emergency.

It's not just you who will benefit from an emergency roadside kit. if you ever have to help another driver who is stranded, you'll be glad you have a kit to lend them. They will appreciate the fact that you were prepared and able to help them in their time of need.

What should you include in your emergency roadside kit?

• Flashlight, flares, and reflective triangles will help other motorists see your car

• A first aid kit is an essential part of any emergency roadside kit. Be sure to include items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Check for expiration dates on your supplies periodically.

• Jumper cables. One of the best options is a self contained jump box that doesn't require another car. They typically contain charging cables for phones and other small electronics, too.

• A tire inflator can help if you have a flat tire. You may also want to include a small can of fix-a-flat.

• A quart of oil and a gallon of coolant will help if your car starts to overheat

• Tools like a screwdriver, pliers, and a wrench will come in handy if you need to make minor repairs

• A blanket. Although you would think this would only be necessary in the winter, a blanket can actually be helpful all year round. If you have a breakdown at night, the blanket will keep you warm until help arrives. Also hypothermia can set in quickly, even on a warm day.

• Small umbrella. In case you get stranded in the rain, an umbrella will help keep you dry

Emergency roadside kits can be a lifesaver when you find yourself in an emergency on the road. They are perfect for any vehicle, whether it's your own car or someone else who needs help and is stranded by the side of the highway.

Every situation is different, so you'll need to use your best judgment when deciding what to include in your roadside kit. But these items are a good place to start. With a little bit of preparation, you'll be ready for whatever the road throws your way.

Got stuck on the side of the road one too many times? Well, you're certainly not alone. In fact, research shows that 1 in every 4 drivers will experience a car breakdown at some point this year.

Thinking About Trading Your Car?

We have a wide selection of cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from. If you're not sure what you're looking for, our team of experts can help. We'll work with you to find the perfect car for your needs and budget.