What You Need to Know About Your Vehicle’s Filters

No matter what type of vehicle you drive—from luxury European automobiles to domestic cars and trucks to hybrids and electrics—there will certain types of filters that require routine inspection and maintenance. Not all filters are the same and they come in many different sizes and configurations. When attempting to replace any filter yourself, always make sure you know what you are doing and use the proper type of filter for your car.
 
Here are the four main vehicle filters every car owner should know about:
 
1. Engine Oil Filter
 
When you get a standard oil change, a key part of the process is replacing the old oil filter with a new one (in addition to changing out the motor oil itself). The oil filter helps keeps the oil that is running through the engine clean and free of contaminants. If the oil isn’t pure, the engine won’t run as smoothly and it can lead to significant engine damage. Oil changes should happen every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on the make, model, age and engine type. Some newer vehicles may only need an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles.
 
2. Engine Air Filter
 
Most cars have an air intake system that provides fresh air and oxygen to the engine. The oxygen is vital to the internal combustion process. An air filter helps keep the air going into the engine clean. As you might expect, the filters can get dirty and clogged over time. This keeps the proper amount of air from entering the combustion chamber. They can also crack and develop holes if they get really old (especially in extra dry or extra wet environments), which can lead to contaminants like dirt, debris and grease getting into the engine and causing problems. Most engine air filters will need to be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on a variety of factors. It’s good to get it checked with each service visit and replaced as needed.
 
3. Fuel Filter
 
Electric vehicle owners don’t need to worry about this one, but any vehicle with a fuel system will have a fuel filter that filters contaminants out of the fuel supply as it is fed into the engine for combustion. If the fuel filter is clogged, old or damaged in anyway, it won’t be good for your engine! A standard fuel system service will involve cleaning the fuel lines and replacing the fuel filter.
 
4. Cabin Air Filter
 
This filter won’t necessarily affect the performance of your car in any way. However, it’s good for your health and comfort inside the vehicle. It is connected to the vents and air conditioning system to filter out dirt, dust and other nasty stuff that you don’t really want to breathe while driving. It doesn’t need to be replaced nearly as often as the engine air filter, but it should be checked regularly and replaced as needed. If you notice funky smells or it seems like you are getting a lot of dust coming through the vents, then it’s probably time to change out your cabin air filter.
Maintenance

When to Replace Your Tires

New tires are an inevitable expense, but telling when it’s time to get new tires may not be widespread knowledge to all drivers. Conflicting information from friends and family, from what you read online, etc. may make diagnosing your tire situation a dubious task.

Here are the five telltale signs you should check to determine if you need new tires.

1. Low tire tread depth
To test tire tread depth insert a quarter upside down into the tread. If it doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it means the tread is less than 4/32 of an inch deep, and it’s about time to bite the bullet and get new tires. In many states, just 2/32 of an inch is considered the minimum legal tread depth. However, more tread is safer.

Tests conducted showed a car going 70 miles per hour with tread of 2/32 of an inch took 5.9 seconds to stop and required a distance nearly double that of a vehicle with new tires. Meanwhile, with treads that were 4/32 of an inch, while it still took 100 feet more to stop and 1.2 seconds longer, this was much better than what was achieved with the minimal 2/32 of an inch tread.

2. Tires are old
No matter how rock-solid the tires were when you first purchased them, time leaves its mark. With age, rubber becomes brittle. In addition, the tire’s reinforcing cords can weaken over time. It’s important to know how often to replace your tires. Even if the tread appears intact, most manufacturers advise you to replace your tires after six years.

If you look at the side of the tire, you’ll see the manufacturer’s code. The last four numbers here indicate the production date. If this is 3009, for example, it means that the tire was produced in the 30th week of 2009 and it may be time to get new tires. In more severe climates where you may routinely deal with extreme heat, the ultraviolet rays of the sun may impart structural changes in your tires. This may mean that you will have to make the change sooner.

3. Tire sidewall cracking
Look beyond the tread to the sidewall of the tires. Are there any noticeable cuts or grooves? If so, you may be wise to purchase new tires, since these can be signs that a leak is developing or that the tire is weakening and may soon blowout.

4. Bulge in tire sidewall
If the tire has begun to weaken, sometimes the rubber may begin to bulge. This is a red flag, indicating that the tire has begun to fail and may unexpectedly blow out at any time, putting you and your passengers in jeopardy.

5. Vibrations while driving
Has the ride recently seemed very rough or have you noticed vibrations while driving? If so, this can be a sign that your tires are indeed shot, and it’s time to put aside your skepticism and get new ones.

Maintenance

5 Signs of Hybrid Battery Failure

It feels good to own a hybrid vehicle. You’re saving money on gas and leaving less of a carbon footprint. But like any vehicle, hybrids need proper care—in fact, even more care—to keep running efficiently. Hybrid batteries are built to last the life of the vehicle. However, they are still prone to malfunctions and failures just like any automotive component.

Here are some of the most common signs that your hybrid vehicle battery isn’t working right:

1. A Drop in MPG
Numerous issues can affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, but a weak hybrid battery will certainly affect your miles per gallon (MPG). If you notice a steady drop in your MPG, it could be the battery.

2. State of Charge Fluctuations
If your state of charge (SOC) is fluctuating wildly, it’s either a battery issue or a problem within the charging system.

3. Increased Use of Internal Combustion Engine
If you notice that your Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is running more than usual, there could be a problem with your hybrid battery.

4. Decreased Battery Charge
If your battery charge goes down when the vehicle is not in operation, then there is likely some sort of issue with the battery or charging system that you will want to have looked at by a professional mechanic who understands hybrid vehicles.

5. Strange Engine Noises
The more your internal combustion engine runs, the more likely it is to experience its own issues. You may hear strange noises or the car struggles to accelerate. This is an example of a failing hybrid battery leading to overuse and damage within the ICE.

CARS

17 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle can be expensive. There’s gas, oil changes, scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pads, and even the odd check engine light to take care of now and then. If you’re running to the dealership or the most expensive shop in town for every task, you’re spending too much. But you’re also asking for trouble if you’re completely ignoring car maintenance, too.

Properly maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to be expensive, and done responsibly, you’ll save money on maintenance and ongoing care for your car. You can save on parts, labor, efficiency, and more simply by being smart about how you maintain your vehicle.

We’ve shared 17 ways you can save money on car maintenance. They include changing your own oil, keeping your car clean, inflating your tires properly, and shopping around for a mechanic and good rates on maintenance. Read on to learn how you can be maintenance savvy with these tips and more.

– Take care of car maintenance regularly: Following recommended maintenance schedules, maintaining oil changes and tire rotations, and generally taking care of your car will extend its life and cut down on potential repair bills. Vehicles aren’t designed to be built once and then run forever. They need help, and if you neglect to take care of them, there will be problems. Gunked up oil, low transmission fluid, engine or brake failure, and bald tires are just a few of the expensive messes you can run into if you don’t pay attention to car maintenance. It’s better to spend a little now than a lot later.

– Read your owner’s manual: Yes, really: you have to read the instructions. Your car’s owner’s manual, particularly the section on scheduled maintenance, is a helpful resource for taking care of your car and keeping it in good shape according to manufacturer recommendations. They are the experts in your car: listen to them.

– Do as much as you can yourself: Many maintenance tasks are easy to take care of in your own driveway. Changing out spark plugs, oil, filters, and checking on fluids are all within the skill level of the average driver. By DIYing as much maintenance, as you can, you’ll be able to save on dealership or mechanic labor fees. You may even find parts and supplies for less. Plus, you’ll be able to take the time to check on other upcoming issues for your car, like fluid levels, squeaky noises, and aging hoses or belts.

-Use online tutorials: An essential tool in the car maintenance DIYer’s belt is Google. Get connected with online guides, even YouTube videos that can walk you step by step through common maintenance tasks. You may even be able to find tutorials and videos for your particular make, model, and year, so there will be no guessing how exactly you can access a part or properly measure a fluid. If you prefer to work on cars the old fashioned way, pick up a repair manual for every model of vehicle you own.

Order parts online: Plan your maintenance tasks ahead and get your parts online, where you may be able to find discounts. Often, online parts shopping offers free shipping and better prices than the dealership or auto parts store.

-Never ignore warning lights: Good maintenance means listening to your vehicle, especially when it’s complaining. Any time you see a warning light, pay attention and investigate the cause. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, but you’ll never know until you look. Cars equipped with digital odometers make it easy to get trouble codes. Read your manual to find out how to get codes from your particular model, but most can be activated by simply turning the ignition key to the on (not start) position on and off two to three times and then watching the readout while in the on position. You can then Google these codes to learn more about your vehicle’s issue.

-Use a vehicle maintenance app: Relying on dealerships may have you come in for service too early or too late, as dealerships won’t know your car’s exact mileage and when it’s time to perform certain maintenance tasks. With a gas and maintenance tracking app, you’ll enter in your exact mileage each time, allowing the app to tell you about upcoming maintenance tasks you need to take care of right on time.

-Change the oil only when necessary: In the not too distant past, vehicles needed new oil every 3,000 miles or three months without fail. But that’s not always the case with models today. You could be wasting money if you’re changing your oil more frequently than needed. Look at your manual to find out when it’s time to change your car’s oil. You may also be able to rely on digital oil change reminders built into your vehicle’s system.

-Check fluid levels and perform a safety check every time you change your oil: While you’re changing your oil, it’s a good idea to do a quick diagnostic check. Take a look at fluid levels including your brake fluid, antifreeze, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. This is also a good time to change out your air filter, check hoses and belts for signs of wear, and take a look at the life left on your brakes and tires.

-Be aware of fair maintenance rates: Charges for maintaining your vehicle, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled maintenance can vary widely depending on the shop you visit. Make sure you’re being charged fairly by researching rates before you make it to the mechanic. Websites including RepairPal can tell you what you should expect to pay for a particular maintenance or repair task — and can even connect you with certified shops.

– Shop around for a mechanic: A good mechanic is worth thousands — and that’s not an exaggeration. Finding a mechanic with fair prices and honest practices can really pay off, especially when it’s time to make repairs. Read reviews, ask friends and neighbors, and shop around until you’ve found the right mechanic to take care of your car.

-Keep your battery clean: Your battery is a more important part than you might think. And it becomes especially important if you find yourself stuck with a car that won’t start. It’s easy to keep your car’s battery clean. Use a small brush to apply baking soda and water to terminals to clean off corrosion.

-Shop around for tires: Most of the leading tire brands are available at a variety of shops for a variety of prices. You may be surprised to find that big box stores can have the best deals and service for tires. However, some specialty tire chains may have better policies, such as helpful warranties for damage, rotation, and balancing, so consider these as well.

-Keep your tires inflated: Under-inflated tires wear down more quickly and can negatively impact gas mileage. Pay attention to tire pressure sensors, or check manually with a tire pressure gauge. Most gas stations will turn on air pumps for free when you fill up.

-Don’t neglect your air filter: Your car’s air filter can help you save on fuel consumption, as a dirty filter clogged with dirt and debris can cut your fuel mileage significantly. This is an easy fix, as it is inexpensive and usually doesn’t require tools. You should change your air filter about once every three months.

-Keep your vehicle clean: A good wash and wax does more than make your car look great. It protects your paint and prevents residue that can damage your finish and even lead to rust. Regularly wash and wax your car, especially if you park it outside or take it on extended road trips.

-Touch up paint: Like washing and waxing, using touch up paint is a protective maintenance measure that makes your car look great. Using touch up paint, you can seal chips and cracks early on before they have a chance to really become a problem like rust or paint decay.

CARS

Tips of Starting a Cold Diesel Engine

As the temperatures drop, we must start thinking about how to take care of our diesel trucks in cold weather. Here are some tips on how you can make sure your diesel engine will start and run efficiently when the weather gets cold.

1. Allow Time to Warm Up the Engine

In order to start a diesel engine and keep it running in cold weather, you must make sure you allow plenty of time for your engine to warm up. If you do not let your engine warm up before driving, you will make it work harder than necessary, which will lead to problems later on. The length of time your diesel engine will need to warm up depends on how low the temperatures are outside. As a general rule of thumb, if it is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, you should allow your engine up to seven minutes to warm up. If the temperature is between zero and fifty degrees, the warm-up period should be three to five minutes. Over fifty degrees will only require one or two minutes to warm up. This warm up time is necessary to increase the temperature of the combustion chamber. A diesel truck will not fully reach operating temperature until after you have started driving.

2. Consider Diesel Engine Heating Options

When temperatures drop, your engine may need additional help to warm up in order to start and run at the necessary operating temperature. Most diesel trucks come with built-in block heaters to keep the engine warm overnight. Because this puts the engine at a higher temperature, it will be easier to start and will require less time to warm up before driving. Block heaters are simple to use, too. All you need to do is plug the heater cord into an appropriately sized extension cord, then plug the extension cord into a three-pronged electrical socket that can handle the voltage of the heater. Another heating option is a diesel fired coolant heater, which adds supplementary heating to the engine, fluids, and other key parts. These heaters do not use electricity, so they can be used just about anywhere. Glow plugs are heating devices that can be useful when trying to start cold diesel engines by helping to ignite cold fuel.

If your engine is still having trouble starting in cold temperatures even with the use of the above heating options, your battery may be the issue. Batteries tend to lose about 35% of their power at freezing temperatures and can lose up to 60% when temperatures reach zero degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your battery warm can be an easy remedy, and you can do this using either a hot plate-style warmer or a blanket warmer. The hot plate-style warmer sits underneath the battery and warms it from below. The blanket warmer wraps around the battery to keep it warm from all sides.

3. Deal with Frozen Fuel

In cold temperatures, diesel fuel can freeze or congeal together. In the event this happens, you must warm the fuel and change out the fuel filter before attempting to start the engine. You can use a winter fuel additive to reduce the risk of your fuel freezing when temperatures drop. If these steps are not taken, frozen fuel can block the flow to the injector pump and can result in engine damage.

4. Store Your Diesel Engine in a Warm Area

Whenever possible, it is best to keep your diesel engine in a warm area when it is not running. Try to store it in a place where it will also not be exposed to snow or ice in order to avoid possible damage. If you can keep your diesel engine out of the elements and at a warmer temperature, it will start much easier and will need less time to warm up.

5. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

When a fuel tank is not full, condensation can form on the inside of the tank when temperatures drop. As the air becomes even colder at night, this condensation will then freeze. Frozen condensation in a fuel tank can cause the same problems as frozen or gelled-up fuel in your tank. By keeping your fuel tank full, you minimize the amount of space in which condensation can form. Winter fuel additives can also help control this problem.

TRUCKS

Top Tips to Take Care of Your Car If You Don’t Drive Often

From cutting out a commute to putting a car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road:

Keep your car covered
If your home has a garage or a carport, consider parking your car inside to protect it from the elements and inclement weather. If your home doesn’t have a garage or carport and you have to park outside, consider buying a weatherproof and UV resistant car cover to protect your vehicle’s paint from accidental scrapes and protect its interior from UV damage.

Take your car for a spin twice a month.
On average, a car can sit unused for up to a month without the battery draining. To avoid finding a dead battery when it’s finally time to hit the road, take it for a 20- to 30-minute drive at least twice a month. This will also allow fluids and oil to circulate and keep your car’s critical systems lubricated.

Keep the gas tank full
While it may seem like a waste to buy gas for a car you aren’t driving regularly, you’ll be glad you filled your tank, as moisture can build up in an empty gas tank as the weather changes, which can lead to damage.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule
If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle off the road for more than three months at a time, change the oil before putting it in long-term storage. If you’re still driving your vehicle occasionally but you aren’t driving it enough to hit the mileage interval for an oil change, check your owner’s manual to see how long you can wait before getting an oil change.

Check your tire pressure before driving
Your car’s tires can slowly lose pressure, especially if it sits for an extended period. Before driving your car again, check each tire’s air pressure and — if it’s lower than the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure level, which is measured in pounds per square inch — inflate each tire to the correct level.

Regularly check for pests
A sitting vehicle is the perfect home for pests like rodents and insects. To prevent these unwanted tenants from moving into your vehicle, regularly inspect inside your car’s trunk and cabin for unwanted visitors. While inspecting your vehicle, also be sure to check under the hood, as wasps and bees can squeeze in and start building a hive.

Keep your car insured
Cancelling your car insurance policy may seem like an easy way to save money if you’re not driving your vehicle often, but it’s illegal to drive your car at all without coverage — and if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. Luckily, you can update your car insurance coverage to reflect the fact that you’re not driving as much as you used to, which could result in a lower premium.

CARS

Tips for Driving on the Highway for the First Time

Driving on the highway for the first time can be nerve racking, which is why it’s common for new drivers to only navigate local roads until they gain enough real-world experience to venture onto the interstate. Once a new driver is ready to take on a highway, being fully prepared can help a beginner make a smooth and safe transition from local roads to the interstate.

Here are some highway driving tips that new drivers should consider before driving on the highway for the first time.

1. Pick the right time to start driving on the highway
If you’re planning your first highway drive, you want to pick the right time and place. Consider starting off on a highway that isn’t too busy, or during a time of day when less drivers are on the road. You also want to drive on a bright, clear day without any rain, snow or fog that could decrease visibility.

2. Start off driving in the right lane
When you’re driving on the highway for the first time, you should only drive in the right lane. Young drivers really have no business heading into the left lane, which is intended for passing. “Staying in the right lane will help them interact with traffic coming onto the freeway, and they’ll maintain their speed easier there,” says Maria A. Wojtczak, who owns and operates DrivingMBA, a driver’s-ed business in Arizona.

3. Leave enough space to change lanes
Establishing proper speed and distance remains key to managing a lane change on an interstate. Drivers should leave four to six seconds-worth of space between their car and the vehicle in front of them as they maneuver. You should also routinely check the rear-view, side-view mirror and blind spot before switching over. More space means you have more time to avoid a collision or react to debris on the highway.

4. Use turn signals when merging and changing lanes
Young drivers must get in the habit of using their blinkers constantly, even if they believe their intentions are obvious. “Blinkers are the only way we have to communicate with other drivers,” says Chris Duquin, owner of Stevens Driving School, which has several locations in the state of New York. “It’s amazing how often drivers cause problems by not using them on highways.”

5. Keep a wide viewpoint
Newer drivers tend to stare at what’s right in front of them. But highway speeds and unpredictability demand a wider viewpoint. “They need to look closely in front of their vehicle, but also farther down the road and into the rear-view,” Duquin says. “Good drivers continuously adjust their observation points.”

6. Keep your cool while driving
Learning to drive on the highway is about more than proper driving—it’s also about making sure a young driver’s maturity level is up to the task. “They must understand never to take anything personally, especially on a highway,” says Michael Soubirous, a retired California Highway Patrol lieutenant who now writes a local newspaper column in Riverside, Calif., called “On the Road.” “If someone cuts you off, let it go. You never know the mental state of the other party and maybe they simply made a mistake. Drivers are not perfect, after all.”

7. Stay focused on the road
According to the CDC, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. That’s why it’s crucial to stay focused on the highway. Don’t text on your phone, try to change music or be distracted by talking to friends while driving on the highway. Find out ways to prevent teen distracted driving.

CARS

Avoid These Bad Driving Habits to Stay Safe on the Road

When drivers are negligent, they can cause accidents and claim lives. But even everyday habits can have the same effect. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates over 38,680 auto accident deaths occurred in the United States in 2020. Let’s look at some all-too-common habits that can cause auto accidents and tips for avoiding them from CrashTest.org.

1. Driving Under the Influence
Every day in the United States, roughly 30 people die from alcohol-related driving accidents according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Alcohol and drugs impair reasoning and reflexes, which is why many drunk drivers (or “buzzed drivers”) overestimate their ability to drive safely or believe they won’t get caught. Planning ahead can save lives – take a cab or designate a sober driver, and make sure your friends do the same.

2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that involves drivers looking away from the road, including talking, eating and adjusting the radio – but smartphones have taken distracted driving to a new level. In 2019, 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents. Cell phone use poses a special threat because it involves high-attention activities like texting, surfing the internet, and even taking selfies while driving. Using cell phones while driving is so pervasive (and deadly) that drivers of all ages are pledging to not text and drive.

3. Speeding
Speeding has been a consistent factor in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities for decades. Car accidents that involved speeding accounted for 26% of traffic fatalities in 2019. Driving faster than the posted speed limit increases the chances of collision on its own, but often occurs with other risky behavior, such as distracted driving, aggressive driving (or “road rage”) and even drunk driving.

4. Driving Without a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt can dramatically reduce or prevent injuries, yet many drivers don’t consistently wear one. According to the CDC, seatbelts can reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half. Not wearing a seatbelt is particularly common in young people (ages 18-34), who are less likely to wear one than other age groups. Furthermore, men are 10% less likely than women to wear seatbelts. Whether you’re going on a road trip or going around the corner, wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest ways to keep safe on the road.

5. Driving While Tired
According to the NHTSA, 697 fatalities in 2019 were the result of drowsy driving. Driving while tired has similar effects as drunk driving: slower reaction times, decreased awareness and impaired decision-making. Drowsy driving also includes falling asleep behind the wheel, which can be fatal even if it only lasts a few seconds. Commercial drivers and young drivers (ages 16-25) are more likely to drive tired. Drinking coffee, listening to music or opening a window can help energize drivers; so can pulling over to a safe area and taking a short nap.

6. Driving in Bad Weather
Snow, rain, sleet – bad weather conditions can affect even the most careful drivers. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that 21% of crashes are related to weather and result in over 5,000 deaths a year. Wet pavement is the leading cause (70%), followed by rain (46%) and snow/sleet (18%). When driving in inclement weather, make sure your tires have adequate traction, your headlights are working and you use chains or snow tires in the winter. One of the easiest ways to stay safe in bad weather is to simply slow down.

7. Road Rage
A quick temper can put you and others in danger. When you’re on the road, keep your emotions in check -remember that the other motorists’ actions are not personal, and any anger you feel as a result doesn’t merit a response that could cause an accident. The more you stick with fundamentally sound, safe habits, the better your chances of avoiding a confrontation.

CARS

How to remove bad smells from your car

Everyone wants to maintain the new-car smell as long as possible. But what do you do when the air turns musty? Here’s a look at 6 common causes of car odors and how you can remove them.

How to check for hidden odor sources
Play detective and check around the car for anything that could be causing the odor. Look in pockets, under seats, on floor mats and even in the glove compartment for baby bottles, moldy fruit or unidentified blobs that may have been dragged in on the bottom of someone’s shoe. Immediately remove and throw any of these away and open the doors for a while to let any lingering odor dissipate. Don’t forget that sometimes a bad smell can also be a sign of an overheated car – or you may be in need of an oil change.

How to clean car carpet and upholstery
If you can’t find the source, pull out the car vacuum. Many times, the upholstery, carpet or fabric interior can trap odors. Work the vacuum all around and down into crevices using the upholstery attachment. If this doesn’t do the trick but you believe this is the source of your odor issue, try steam cleaning where possible. Use car cleaning tools to make cleaning the interior easier. If your car has leather seats, there are simple ways to clean leather seats.

How to get cigarette smoke smell out of car
Keep in mind that cigarette smoke has a way of getting everywhere, including into the vents. Spray a car odor eliminator into the vents as well as through the intake valve under the hood. In addition, open all the windows and doors to air things out.

Keep in mind that smoking leaves behind tar, which is a sticky substance. Wipe down the interior panels with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. If the odor still lingers, mix in some dish soap as well. Once finished, wipe the interior surfaces dry.

How to get vomit smell out of car
Don’t forget about small children or pets who may have had an accident on the upholstery or who, may have had a moment of carsickness. Even if these accidents were wiped up right away, a deeper clean may be necessary to fully get rid of the odor. If it has already dried, use your 50/50 water and vinegar solution to rehydrate the spot and then remove it with a wet/dry vacuum. Spreading cat litter on the area or sprinkling it with baking soda can also help absorb odors. Worried about other messes with kids in the car? Here are tips for keeping your car clean with kids.

How to get mildew smell out of a car
Mildew is another source of unwelcome odors. All you need is one rainstorm and an overlooked partially open window (or even just a small leak with a buildup of condensation), to experience this. Luckily, removing mildew smells in cars is fairly straightforward. A wet/dry vacuum can help remove remaining water from carpets and upholstery but, in a pinch, even a hair dryer might work. You can also remove odors with baking soda by sprinkling it on the affected area and letting it absorb for two hours before vacuuming it away.

How to get musty AC smell out of a car’s air conditioner
Another possible source of that musty smell is the air conditioning system. One telltale sign is damp floor mats near the air conditioner. If you find an odor coming from this area, open the front cover and remove the filter. Use a nylon scrub pad to remove any mold growth, then use a cotton swab to dry it. (To finish drying things out, turn on the car’s heater.) When you’re sure the area is completely dry, apply an anti-mildew solution, enzymatic cleaner or odor absorber. You could also sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery and leave it in place for a day or so before vacuuming away. By then, the smell should have dissipated. You also may, of course, remove any car mats and let them air out for a while. Dust can also pile up inside the vents and lead to a musty smell in a car. In this case, vacuum the vents and use the water-vinegar solution on the interior.

Everyday cleaning products for your car
Before resorting to having your car professionally detailed, there are a number of tools and products that can help eliminate odors. You may even already have some of these in your home:

Baking soda
Vinegar
Dish soap
Vacuum cleaner
Carpet cleaner
Charcoal
Odor-absorbing crystals/gels
Disinfectant wipes
If you find the odor in your car persists after repeated cleanings with different products, it could be time to bring it to a trusted professional car detailer. However, it might also be possible that the lingering odor is a symptom of a more serious car problem. Some common smells can indicate a more significant issue; for example, if you smell rotten eggs when your engine is running, there may be a problem with your car’s catalytic converter. [6] If you feel unsure about a smell coming from your car, have the vehicle looked at by a trusted mechanic as soon as possible to avoid more dangerous or costly problems.

By finding the source of car odors and treating them, your car should smell great. With the help of air fresheners, your car could almost smell as good as new.

CARS

7 Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life

Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on-the-go, batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.

On average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.

Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.

Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running. Check out the seven tips below on extending the life of your car battery:

1. Limit Short Rides
Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded.

2. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened
A battery that’s not securely fastened could vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly – especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads – to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.

3. Turn Off All the Lights When You Exit
Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. To keep yourself from forgetting, post a note on your dashboard, attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk past your headlights to get to your destination.

4. Control the Corrosion
Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

5. Test Your Battery Often
Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.


6. Don’t Use Electronics While Idling
Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.

7. Care for Your Whole Car
Your car is comprised of many parts working together. Making sure you are taking your car in for routine tune ups, as well as properly storing your vehicle are also simple ways to ensure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.

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