Owning a car has several perks. For instance, it can get you and your friends from one place to another while providing entertainment during the journey through music or podcasts. However, like any other machine, your vehicle requires periodic upkeep to work best. While it might seem easy, many make errors while performing maintenance, which worsens the automobile’s performance. Here are nine such common car maintenance mistakes to avoid at any cost.
Ignoring the check engine light
Many often overlook the check engine light because their car appears to be operating normally. However, it is a big mistake that could affect your vehicle’s health in the long term. The light is a clear indicator that something is wrong with the engine, and not addressing the issue may result in the vehicle breaking down in the middle of a trip. Furthermore, the more you wait, the worse the internal damage could get, costing you a significant amount to repair in the future.
Neglecting tire pressure
This is one of the most common car maintenance mistakes to avoid. Many drivers glance at their tires before entering the vehicle and assume they are inflated. However, a mere look cannot help you determine whether the tires have sufficient air. It is essential to check the pressure with a dedicated tool or use the car’s inbuilt sensor if available. This practice must be followed regularly, as tires can quickly lose pressure when running over potholes. Even the temperature outside could affect the pressure, causing a 1 to 2-lb loss for every ten-degree drop outside. Driving with low tire pressure could result in poor fuel efficiency and other problems.
Delaying oil changes
The engine oil keeps all engine components lubricated to minimize friction and damage. However, it breaks down with time, forming a sludge. Instead of cooling and lubricating the parts, the liquid could now damage them. So, ensure you change the oil on time to prevent the components from deteriorating. It usually requires replacement between 3,000 to 7,000 miles, but the exact figure can change based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Not accounting for other fluid inspections
Like engine oil, the other liquids in the vehicle also require inspection. These include brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Vehicle manufacturers recommend all these liquids be inspected, replaced, or topped off based on their condition. Doing so helps avoid leaks and keeps the car functioning efficiently.
Forgetting to inspect the brakes
A squeaking noise coming from one of the brakes may require immediate inspection. It could be a sign that a part has worn out. Not addressing the issue could result in the brakes not working correctly, risking your safety when cruising down roads and highways. So, if you hear a squeak while stepping on the brakes or get other unusual feedback, get the vehicle inspected, repaired, or replaced immediately. Ignoring the problem is one of the riskiest car maintenance mistakes to avoid.
Maintaining a vehicle without professional inputs
Everyone wants to save money on vehicle maintenance. And it is true that many car owners can easily and safely change specific parts, such as the tires, without heading to the garage. However, other elements, like the sensors that regulate idle speed, fuel injectors, and spark plugs, may require an expert’s intervention. You may permanently damage these components trying to repair or fix them without proper knowledge. Any mistake may also void the warranty given by the manufacturer. So, it is best to hand your ride over to a professional, especially when dealing with more complex parts.
Using home glass cleaner on the rear windshield
If you own a car, you must perform even the tiniest of maintenance tasks, like cleaning the rear windshield, with great care. People often use home cleaners on this glass to save a few bucks. But doing so causes the gradual breakdown of the thin red lines in the rear windshield. These red lines are actually tiny wires designed to bring heat to the windshield to help with defrosting during winter. If damaged, you will eventually have to pay more to replace them, so stick to a window cleaner designed for automotive glass.
Not rotating the tires
Tire rotation is one of the most simple maintenance requirements that most people overlook. Today, tires can go without replacements for up to 50,000 miles. However, they may not last long if you do not rotate them every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Tires usually have varied patterns depending on their position in the car. Therefore, the frequent rotation could ensure they wear more evenly and last longer.
Using alternative spare parts
Many use alternative spare parts for maintenance as they are much cheaper than the original. Third-party spares people usually purchase spark plugs, filters, and other off-brand components advertised to fit a car’s make and model. While they may work, they might not perform as well and could also reduce the vehicle’s life. So, it is essential to use the right parts as indicated by your manufacturer. Using branded components during repairs will cost more but ensure you get the most out of your vehicle.
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Cancer symptoms that you should be aware of
Read moreThe word ‘cancer’ can put you in a state of shock, as it has become one of the most frightening health conditions in the recent decades. The number of cancer patients is on a rise in many countries of the world, including the United States.
Cancer is a name given to a wide range of health conditions in which some of the body cells grow abnormally. It can occur in any part of the body, although some of the cancers are more common. It may not show up early symptoms. However, if you are vigilant about the changes that the body goes through, the chances of detecting cancer in its early stages are higher.
Knowing the early signs and symptoms of cancer can keep you stay hale and hearty. Cancer treatment options are much advanced these days and early detection can save your life. Read the major cancer symptoms here.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of the condition depend on the part of the body where it occurs. The common signs of cancer that you should be aware are listed below.
However, you should visit the doctor only when one or more symptoms continue for a longer period without any reason.- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent fever, which is often a sign of blood cancer. It can occur frequently at night accompanied with night sweats.
- Weight loss due to no cause-This can occur in cases of cancer relating to digestive system.
- Unexpected weight gain
- Pain without any reason- Head ache, body pain, joint pains, pain in the bones, back pain etc has to be monitored.
- Changes in the skin- Rashes on the skin, yellowish tint on the skin, hyper pigmentation, redness etc. can sometimes hinting about cancer
- Change in the bowel habits that continues for a longer period
- A sense of thickening feeling under the skin in any part of the body
- Discomfort or irritable bowel after eating
- Presence of blood in the stool or urine
- Difficulty in swallowing food
- Coughing blood
- Soreness or wound that do not heal for a longer time
- White patches or spots in tongue or mouth
Signs that women should not ignore
Although the female body goes through different changes in the life cycle, there are certain signs that should never be ignored. Cancer in the female reproductive organs can be cured if diagnosed in the early stages. Keep in mind these symptoms:
- Discharge from the nipples
- Swelling or soreness in the breast
- A change in the shape of nipple
- Redness or difference in skin in the breast area
- Changes in the skin
- Unusual bleeding between menstrual periods
- Heavy bleeding or abnormally painful periods
- Swelling, fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
- Bleeding after menopause
- Chronic chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
- Bloating or pain in the abdominal region
- Bleeding in the urine or stool
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Choosing the best cell phone plans
Read morePreviously, choosing the best cell phone service plans used to be an easy task – just call up the operator, and you’re good to go. However, with the passage of time, the best mobile plans became complicated due to increased customer engagement and specifications. In the days of unlimited data mobile plans, it is difficult to shop cell phone plans that do not offer comprehensive services.
What can the user do to pick the best cell phone plan deals?
The first step is to choose the right wireless phone plan and select from the wide variety of shared data plans, leases, installment plans, etc.The phone carriers nowadays offer many cell phone unlimited plans that can seem overwhelming at first. But with a little research, you can find a plan that works best for your requirements and budget. It is important to spend time researching and analyzing the plans offered by various competitors since this research can go a long way in helping you choose a plan that works out best for you. Equip yourself with a calculator, pen, and paper and gain a better idea of which telephone service and cell phone carrier provides the best mobile plans.
Any one with a little experience will tell you that most phone companies and their carriers do not have straight forward cell phone plans for their customers. There are always clauses and add ons that make it impossible to spot a simple plan. Not to mention the many top ups that come along with it. Some of the many aspects of not keeping plan simple include contract based subsidies, endless data bucket options, device access charges, and more options that come with advertised plans. It is also true that the fancy landing page with the attractive offers and great discounted deals is seldom the real deal. Click on a good deal, and there will be additional costs and charges applied by the time you reach the final payment page.
Choosing the best cell phone plans thus involves scrutiny of all plans and the top ups across all carriers.