Monthly Archives: March 2021

How To Tell When Your Car Needs An Oil Change

These Are The Signs That Your Car Is Due For An Oil Change

An oil change is one of the easiest forms of maintenance for any vehicle. Actually, it’s so easy that a lot of people take care of their oil change and then carry on with their day not really thinking about when they will need to do it again next. Oil changes only need to be done once every few months, depending on the vehicle. This leaves many people unsure of when their vehicle needs an oil change again.

Every vehicle is different and it seems as though older cars may need more frequent oil changes. This can also be said about vehicles that drive in extreme weather conditions or spend more time on the road than the average car. Oil changes are necessary to keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you’re unsure of when your vehicle needs an oil change next, look for any of the following signs.

Signs That Your Vehicle Needs An Oil Change 

Performing an oil change is pretty straightforward, but a lot of people aren’t sure of when their vehicle will need one next. If you’re not sure when your vehicle needs it’s next oil change, any of these signs will be your clues.

Vehicle Exhaust

If you drive a modern vehicle then you may have noticed that the exhaust that comes from the tailpipe isn’t visible. If excess exhaust starts to come out of your tailpipe that has a smokey appearance then it could be a sign that you’re due for an oil change. This is because the motor oil has become too old and can’t function properly. 

Oil Level Falls Frequently

In some cases you may need a repair to your oil system along with a change. Many vehicle owners will top off their oil as a way to prolong the time between oil changes. This is a great idea, but if you notice that your oil levels are falling low more frequently than normal then there may be a problem. While this is definitely a sign that your vehicle needs an oil change, it could be a sign that it needs additional repairs as well.

Odd Texture

When the oil runs through your car, it’s completely normal for it to turn a darker color. A color change doesn’t necessarily mean the oil needs to be changed, but a texture change always does. As oil runs through it can also pick up particles of grime which gives the oil a gritty texture.

Engine Noises That Weren’t There Before

When your car has enough oil, it lubricates the engine so that everything runs smoothly. If you’re not sure of when you need your next oil change, the sounds your engine makes could tell you. If the oil needs to be changed, you may hear a knocking or ticking sound in your engine. 

Road Trips

Has your vehicle been on the road more than usual recently? If it has gone on a long distance journey, racking up more mileage than usual, then it might need an oil change sooner than later. This is because your car’s engine has done more work than usual and needs some new oil. 

Other Signs Your Vehicle Needs An Engine Change

  • Low oil levels
  • Check engine light stays on
  • Vibrations while the vehicle is in idle
  • Engine ticks when the vehicle starts

Are you unsure of when your car is due for an oil change next? Or looking for an auto body raleigh nc shop? Raleigh collision repair? Any of the signs above, or even a combination of a few, could be telling you that it’s time to schedule an oil change. Staying on top of your oil changes can help keep your engine running smoothly for longer.

Pro Car Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Smelling Ride

Riding in a clean and fresh-smelling car is enjoyable and peaceful. No one loves dealing with musky car smells in the traffic or on a hot day. Although you may want to have your ride looking as good as new, cleaning it isn’t that simple. It takes time and effort, and you need proper cleaning and odor elimination products.

What are the common causes of car smells?

There are various causes of funky car smells. In most cases, food spills sick on the seat covers, and carpets cause a musky odor in your ride. Smoking is also another leading cause. If you smoke or carry a passenger who smokes in your car, you’ll definitely deal with a smoky odor in the car interiors. Also, mildew in the car can cause smells, and it mainly results from condensation. To eliminate such odors; identify the source, use chlorine bomb for car and other cleaning products in your home.

Cleaning tips for car owners:

Regular cleaning gets rid of foul smells and ensures that your ride smells fresh throughout the day. To clean your car, first remove all the trash, mats and check for any odor-causing elements. Clean with soapy water or a water-vinegar solution to kill bacteria and maintain an odor-free interior. Here are tips to guide you;

1. Remove accumulated dirt

First of all, shower your car with a hose to get rid f all the accumulated dirt and dust. Start from the roof all through to the tires. Once done, rinse the car thoroughly and dry immediately to avoid watermarks. You can use a soft lint-free towel to dry and prevent any water spots.

2. Clean the car interiors

Review the owner’s manual before cleaning the interiors. This reminds you of how to go about the process and avoids any serious concerns. Use a vacuum and a hose to clean the hard- to reach parts. Also, a paintbrush or toothbrush will be of help. 

Wipe the dashboard, clean the buttons and knobs, clean the air filter and spray the mats. The mats collect a lot of mud, debris, and moisture in between cleanings; shake them to keep away dirt from your car. What of the trunk? For most car owners, this is a collection spot for books, magazines, and jackets. Declutter and keep a small box where you can organize your things.

3. Wheel cleaning

Use safe wheel cleaners and brush down dirt and mud using a high-quality wheel brush. Use soapy water and rinse thoroughly before moving to the next wheel. While cleaning, examine the valve stem for all the wheels, and ensure that the cap is on. The reason? Lost stem caps encourage dirt and dust accumulation which can cause air loss and flat tires.

Final thoughts

While cleaning your car, pay attention to the parts that you use often. Use soapy water or vinegar to dilute musty odors, and inspect your vehicle regularly for leftover foods under the seats. Also, hire car detailing services once in a while; this leaves your ride looking brand new.

WHAT STEPS TO TAKE WHEN INVOLVED IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT

Truck accidents are unfortunate and can be very disastrous when they occur. They could lead to severe injuries or even death of the people involved. At that point, the only thing a person needs to be worried about is getting all the medical attention they need. But if you are involved in a truck accident and come out with only minor injuries, there are things you can do to ensure you deal with the aftermath of the accident appropriately. Here is what to do.

Call the police

Call the law enforcement agency on that route to come and take care of the situation. Let the officer know how many cars and people have been involved in the truck accident to send the right number of emergency medical personnel and ambulances. Even if the accident is not severe, a police report is essential. Let the police come and assess the scene of the truck accident and make an official police report.

Get medical attention

The medical professionals will take care of the injured and rush them to the hospital before the injuries claim their lives. Even if you feel okay, do not assume that you have not been injured. You may have suffered internal injuries such as internal bleeding or head concussions that may take a few days to manifest. After examination by an emergency medical professional at the scene, you should always request a full examination at the hospital.

Give your statement

Give your statement of the accident to the police officer in charge and ensure you document everything truthfully. If you are unsure of anything, let the officer know instead of giving a false statement. It is never advisable to say you have not been injured before you have a full medical examination, so it’s best to say you are unsure if you do not have any visible injuries.

Collect evidence

Document your version of the truck accident by collecting all the evidence there is. You can take pictures, record conversations and videos as well. But ensure you have a way to prove you took the videos and pictures during that specific truck accident. Collect the details of the other driver, their contact, insurance, and truck registration details. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contacts as they may be useful if the case will go to court.

Get your vehicle appraised.

Just like the human body, your vehicle may seem to have sustained minor damages, but internal damages may not be visible to a lay man’s eye. The vehicle repair needs to be a part of the insurance claim, and each insurance company has different needs of what you need to submit to get paid for damages. Notify your insurance company of the accident, and do not do anything until they have cleared you. Taking your car to a mechanic’s shop for an assessment is advisable.

Consult with a truck accident attorney

The next step to take after a truck accident is to consult with a Houston truck accident attorney. Even if you are a fault, do not admit it but save that conversation for your lawyer. A truck accident lawyer will offer you all the legal advice you need and act as your legal protection after the accident.

conclusion

It is never advisable to handle the aftermath of a truck accident by yourself. A truck accident attorney gives you all the legal help you need.