Safety Tips for Driving During a Thunderstorm

Stormy weather can be an inconvenience for several reasons, and driving may be one of your primary concerns. Decreased visibility and concurrent weather hazards such as hail, wind, and flash floods make braving the roads risky when thunder or lightning strikes.

Driving in a storm is best avoided altogether, and The American Safety Council suggests waiting out a storm with your vehicle parked and the emergency brake engaged.

 

Safety Tips for Driving in a Thunderstorm

While it is recommended that you wait for the storm to pass through before getting on the road, there are precautions you can take to reduce your risk of an accident.

  • Keep your doors and windows closed. It may seem obvious, but it is vital to make sure you are safely enclosed in your vehicle should lightning strike.
  • Drive slowly, preferably below the speed limit. As traction issues, puddles, and wind can affect your position on the roadway, make sure that you decrease your speed.
  • Don’t tailgate. While this tip is consistent with general driving practices, it is especially important when driving in bad weather. Make sure to leave the appropriate amount of space between your car and the car in front of you.
  • Turn your lights on. With decreased visibility during a storm, it is important to turn on your headlights.
  • Follow local hazard light laws. Familiarize yourself with laws regarding hazard lights, as states like Florida, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, among others, prohibit the use while driving. Hazard lights have the potential to cause more confusion, leading other drivers to think your car is braking, turning, or stopped on the roadway.
  • Wait to cross bridges. During a storm, bridges are more likely to collapse. Avoid bridges if possible until the storm has passed.
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10 Basic Car Maintenance Tips You Must Know

Taking care of your car is, in many ways, like taking care of your health. While it is important to take your car to the shop for regular maintenance, as well as obvious emergencies, it is equally important to develop some basic habits for keeping your car in top shape at home.

1. Keep an Eye on the Fluids

Keeping the motor oil, power steering fluid, and coolant topped off is an easy way to maintain your car’s performance. Refer to your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic to show you how to check your fluid levels and where to pour in more if needed.

2. Owner’s Manual

Periodic references to your owner’s manual are extremely valuable. There is so much going on with our vehicles that no one can be expected to remember all of it.

3. Watch the Warning Lights

Cars have elaborate systems of sensors and warning lights that will tell you everything from whether you forgot to replace the gas cap to the fact that one of your tires is low on air. Learn what each of your warning lights means and how to resolve it.

4. Check the Tire Pressure

Correct tire pressure is absolutely essential for proper vehicle handling, and to minimize the risk for premature wear and even complete tire failure (blowouts). Yet tires lose air every day. Your car might have a tire pressure warning system, but it will engage only when a tire drops down to a dangerously low-pressure level.

5. Feel the Car’s Operation

Pay attention to the way your car feels when it is operating normally. Once you understand this baseline, you can begin to notice when something is wrong. When a new “feel, vibration, shudder, jerk, bump or hesitation sets in these are all signs that something has changed.

6. Listen to Your Car

Machines do communicate audibly – they make all sorts of “Normal” sounds so when abnormal sounds begin to appear this is your car telling you to take it to your trusted car care center.

7. Lighting Check

Inspect exterior and interior lighting once a month. Also, refer to your owner’s manual for a proper understanding of all lighting systems used in your car. This might seem simple and intuitive but some lighting systems only come on under certain conditions.

8. Do a Walk Around

Driving is a serious business therefore it’s a good idea to walk around your vehicle at least once per week. In fact, commercial drivers are required to do pre and post-trip inspections each day.

  • Look for body damage.
  • Check your wiper blades to ensure that they are still in good shape.
  • Inspect tires for abnormal wear, punctures or cuts.
  • Test all the locks, windows, and even the sunroof (if equipped) to make sure they operate easily without sticking.(You may need a window for an exit in a wreck)

9. Keep It Clean

Taking care of cosmetic details such as washing and waxing helps to improve the life of your car’s paint, and can prevent the formation of rust.

  • There is no substitute for mechanically washing your car – hand washing. Hand washing removes the film that makes paint appear dull.
  • Wash wheels and tires.
  • Wash glass – inside and out (including mirrors).
  • Keep the interior free from debris that can obstruct your feet on the control pedals.
  • Vacuum the floors.
  • Remove leaves from vents.

In addition, the better your car looks and smells, the more money it will be worth in an eventual trade-in.

10. Find a Trusted Mechanic

It is absolutely vital to your car’s health as well as your financial health for you to form a relationship with a mechanic you trust. Working with the same mechanic throughout your car’s life lets he or she get to know your car, its full history, and its individual quirks. This can make troubleshooting easier and help your mechanic quickly hone in on just the right solution.

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10 Summer Safety Tips for Babies in Cars

If you’re spending time in the car this summer, arm yourself with water, snacks and some very good advice. Read on for our top 10 tips on keeping babies and toddlers safe in the car on warm summer days.

1. Get your car seat inspected.
More than half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And since people tend to spend more time in the car during the summer, it’s a good time to find the nearest car seat inspection station, usually at a local police or fire department. The experts there will inspect your car seat and show you how to install it properly, usually at no charge.

2. Cool the car down quickly.
A hot car is uncomfortable for everybody, especially kids. If you’re getting into a scorching car, crank up the air conditioning and open the windows first to push out that hot air. After a few minutes, when the car is cooler, get in and roll up the car windows and let the AC keep working its magic. Also, when placing your child in the car seat, watch those metal buckles, which can get blazing hot on warm days. When your car is parked outside, keep the metal parts out of direct sunlight, tucking them into the car seat straps or placing a towel or light blanket on top of the metal when your child is out of the car seat.

3. Inspect your tires.
How are tires like babies? They’re both prone to blowouts, and tires are more likely to have them during the summer months. Blame the combination of hot weather, longer drives and cars packed full of road-trip gear. Regularly check your tire pressure and the condition of your tires to stay safe.

3. Don’t skip major services

When it’s time for a tune-up, you will likely need to swap out older parts for new ones. These include spark plugs, oil filters, fuel filters, PCV valves, belts and hoses. These items’ longevity depends on your vehicle’s make and model. Consider asking the service department for cost estimates before tune-ups are needed so you will be prepared.

4. Get your brakes checked

There is no standard for how frequently you should have your brakes checked. However, experts recommend doing this every time your tires are rotated or every six months.

If you notice a change in your brakes while driving, have them inspected as soon as possible.

5. Check fluid levels often

Select a day each month to check your fluid levels and note it in your calendar. It will only take a few minutes, and you can make a handy checklist to know what to do when the time comes.

Be sure to include engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. You should also check the brake fluid and transmission fluid at least twice a year — preferably every six months.

You could wait until it’s time for an oil change to have your fluid levels checked. However, low fluid levels could indicate significant issues with your vehicle. Plus, you will likely spend more money later on repairs if the issues are left undetected.

6. Pay attention to your tire tread

Low tread on your tires puts you at risk of losing control of your vehicle, particularly when you’re driving in the rain, sleet or snow. But there are two easy, inexpensive ways to monitor your tire tread. You can buy a tread depth gauge or use a penny.

If you choose the latter, insert the penny upside down into the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s face looking outward. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, you probably need new tires. Take the car to a tire dealer to confirm.

7. Keep your tires inflated

Proper tire inflation contributes to vehicle safety and optimal fuel efficiency. If you have a newer vehicle, you will likely get an alert on the dashboard when your tire pressure is low. But if this feature isn’t available in your car, purchase a tire-pressure gauge to monitor your tires’ air levels.

Refer to the sticker directly inside the pillar of the driver door to confirm the proper inflation levels for your car. If the pressure is low, inflate the tires to the correct level.

8. Don’t ignore leaks, sounds or smells

Is there fluid on the ground from your car? Does it make weird noises when you crank it up, accelerate to a certain speed, turn a corner, back up or sit at a traffic light? Are there strange smells coming from your vehicle that you don’t recognize?

These signs shouldn’t be ignored as they indicate that your car could need repairs. But if you ignore them and put investigating them off, you could spend several hundred or thousands in repairs later.

9. Pay attention to alerts

Whether it is the dreaded check engine light that pops up or some other icon you have never seen, don’t ignore it. Instead, take your car in to be checked out since it’s trying to communicate that something isn’t quite right. Even if it’s not that big of a deal, better to be safe than sorry.

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5 Steps to Cleaning Your Car Rims

A gleaming set of wheels can make an ordinary, used car look new. And with just a little time and the right cleaning techniques, you can take your rims to the next level.

Brake dust, a sticky substance caused by friction when you apply the brakes, is highly corrosive and can cause permanent damage if left on metal rims too long. That’s why cleaning your rims regularly is important.

It’s also smart to clean the rims and tires before the rest of your car to keep dirt on the wheels from getting onto and damaging your car’s painted surface.

Now let’s get started. Before cleaning your rims and wheels, make sure you have the right materials.

Must-have materials: wheel cleaner and sponge

Brake dust can be hard to remove without the right cleaner. Select one specifically made for the material your wheels are made of. For instance, rims that are made of roughcast aluminum and chrome can tolerate stronger cleaners than those that are coated, painted or anodized.

The right brush or sponge is important, too. Opt for a natural sea sponge. Their softness and flexibility lets you more easily wipe away debris, as well as get into hard-to-reach areas. Cotton and microfiber cloths are less effective on brake dust and can even scratch your rims with debris that are not completely rinsed out.

The sponge should be used only to clean your wheels and tires. Otherwise, you risk having brake dust stick to the sponge and damage your car’s paint.

Once you have the right materials, it’s time to clean.

Steps to cleaning your rims and wheels

1. Rinse your rims

First, spray your rims and let the water soak in to loosen the grime. After a few minutes, spray with soap and water to further loosen the debris.

2. Apply the appropriate cleaner

Soak one rim at a time so the cleaner doesn’t dry on the wheel. Follow product directions about how long to leave the cleaner on. Opt for a non-acidic wheel cleaner to help prevent any corrosion.

3. Carefully scrub your rims

Thoroughly scrub the rim with a wheel brush and wipe down each of the spokes. You can use the same sponge on the tire, but as mentioned before; don’t use it on the painted surface of your car.

4. Clean the wheel well

Dirt and grime tends to get caught up in the wheel well, so don’t forget to give it a good scrubbing. Try using a tougher brush than you used with the wheels and rims, as there often is more build up in the well.

5. Spray down rims and wheel wells

Scrubbing might dislodge some of the loose dirt in your wheel, so don’t forget to do another round of rinsing. Spray each wheel to remove the excess dirt and repeat if necessary.

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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.

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Seven Tips to Make Your Teen a Better Driver

Putting a teenager behind the wheel can be nerve-racking for parents – and justifiably so. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that teens crash three times as often as drivers aged 20 and older. But there are things you can do to help keep them safe. Follow these seven tips to help your kids hit the road with the skills they need.

Tip #1: Drive as much as possible with them when they have their permit.

A study by the University of North Carolina’s Highway Safety Research Center found a sharp decline in crashes among young people who participated in about 110 hours of supervised driving before getting their license. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the risk of accident is far greater during a rookie driver’s first month. Make sure they’ve had maximum practice before they hit the road solo.

Tip #2: Limit the total teenage passenger count.

A survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety determined that having other teens in the car can put a young driver at added risk. Friends can be distracting and cause the driver to underestimate potentially dangerous situations. So talk to your kids about tuning out their friends while they’re driving and consider limiting the number of passengers they’re allowed to have in the car.

Tip #3: Take steps to stop texting.

While everyone knows that texting while driving is dangerous, teens still do it: The AAA study found that distracted driving accounts for 58% of all crashes involving teens. You may want to consider requiring that your teen’s cell phone be turned off, stowed in the glove compartment when driving, or have them appoint a designated texter – if they have a passenger, hand off the device to him or her so the driver can still respond hands-free. And practice what you preach; if kids see you texting at the wheel, they won’t take you seriously when you insist they don’t.

Tip #4: Talk to teens about ALL kinds of distracted driving.

Texting while driving is dangerous, but it’s important that you talk to your teen about other distractions. The AAA found that searching for objects inside the vehicle, searching for an address, grooming and singing along with the radio can all increase the risk of accident. It’s also helpful to make sure your teen understands the importance of keeping volume at a reasonable level so he or she can hear car horns and emergency vehicles.

Tip #5: Get them in the seat-belt habit.

Few kids will ride a bike without wearing a helmet, but they’re less conscientious about using seatbelts. While seatbelt use reached a record high of 87% in 2013 and 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that teens use seatbelts less than other age groups. Seatbelts reduce risk of death in a crash by 45% and of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%. So get them in the habit: everyone buckle up before starting the car.

Tip #6: Offer late-night pickup service.

To reduce bad decisions, make it easy for your teens to call home for the Mom & Dad Taxi Service – any time. Teens hear “don’t drink and drive” all the time. But even if they’re not drinking, they may find themselves in situations where their driver is. Make sure your kids know they can avoid getting into a vehicle with a drunk driver, and that they can count on you for a safe ride no matter what.

Tip #7: Be a non-aggressive driver – and set an example.

Perhaps the most overlooked, but arguably most important action a parent can take to keep their teens safer behind the wheel is to walk the walk. The Automobile Association of America reported that 56% of car accidents are the result of aggressive driving. If you lash out, tailgate, cut someone off or drive angrily, your kids may mimic your behavior. Instead, teach them how to remain calm and avoid aggressive drivers.

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8 Tips for Safe Travels this Memorial Day Weekend

With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely. Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits, and follow the rules of the road. 

Other tips for safe travels include:

  1. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
  2. Use caution in work zones.
  3. Don’t follow vehicles too closely.
  4. Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see.
  5. Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches. or during inclement weather.
  6. Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the road/highway.
  7. Carry a disaster supplies kit in your trunk (i.e. charged cell phone, tire gauge, jumper cables, duct tape, water, blanket, nonperishable snacks).
  8. Let someone know where you’re going (your route and when you expect to get there).

We wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day weekend, and safe travels!

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Is It Time to Change My Spark Plugs?

Have you ever tried starting your car and it just stutters? Many assume it’s a faulty battery, but the problem could very well be the spark plugs. This is why it’s so important to keep up with spark plug maintenance and to look out for symptoms of bad spark plugs.

What do spark plugs do?

Using a small bolt of electricity, the spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine, which helps your vehicle move. Each spark plug screws into an engine cylinder and connects to the car’s ignition system.

What happens when a spark plug goes bad?

Want to know the signs to look for that can indicate your spark plugs are misfiring? There are a few key symptoms, such as problems with idling, accelerating and fuel economy. We’re going to break down six signs there could be a problem with your spark plugs below.

6 signs of bad spark plugs

1. Irregular upkeep and maintenance

It’s always important to keep up with proper maintenance to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Each car requires a spark plug change at a certain mileage. Check your owner’s manual to see what the mileage is for your vehicle.

2. Rough idling

If you feel excessive shaking or vibrating when your engine is running but not in motion, this is called rough idling. When your spark plugs are misfiring, rough idling may be a symptom.

3. Declining fuel economy

When spark plugs are having trouble producing energy to accelerate your car, more gasoline is used to make up for the bad spark plug. If your vehicle is using more gasoline for starting your car, sitting at a traffic light and driving, your car’s fuel economy is decreasing.

4. Car struggles to start

If your car is just clicking when you try to start it, the cause could be worn-out spark plugs. If the spark plugs can’t produce enough energy to start the combustion process, your car won’t start. Take your car to a professional and have them check out the spark plugs.

5. The engine begins misfiring or pinging

If there is oil on the tip of the spark plug, this can cause the engine to misfire or keep it from starting altogether. It’s important to take your vehicle to a professional if you notice the oil because a repair is necessary. If you don’t repair it, this can damage the catalytic converter, which can be costly to replace.

6. Warning lights come on

If the check engine light comes on in your car, don’t ignore it. This could indicate a problem with the spark plugs or another issue with the engine. Regardless, if the light comes on when you’re driving, you’ll need to find a safe place to pull over and shut off your engine to investigate the issue or take it to a professional to diagnose the issue.

How long do spark plugs last?

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to know how long your spark plugs last, because the mileage varies per car. Some spark plugs may last only 18,000 miles, while others last 100,000 miles. Make sure to take your car in for regular maintenance to ensure that it’s running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Lastly, make sure you and your vehicle are protected with the right insurance.

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How to Keep Your Car from Overheating and What to Do if It Happens

Most drivers have seen it before – a car pulled over on the side of the road with steam or smoke pouring from beneath the hood, the owner looking on nervously. An overheating car isn’t a pretty sight, but what should you do if it happens to you? And what can you do to ensure it doesn’t happen in the first place? We’ll answer both questions and more in this article.

What causes a car to overheat?

Before we get into how overheating can be responded to and prevented, let’s talk about how it actually happens. Your car is designed to resist overheating, so if it has begun to get too hot, that’s often an indication that something is amiss. Here are a few common causes as to why your car may be running hot:

Coolant

Every modern car is made with a coolant system that helps keep internal temperatures from climbing too high. Leaks, blockages or pump malfunctions in this system can all result in your engine overheating.

Car thermostat

The coolant in your engine is regulated by your car’s temperature gauge, which determines how much is necessary to maintain an appropriate temperature. If anything is wrong with this system, it could be misreading the proper amount of coolant to provide.

Low motor oil

Most drivers know oil plays a crucial role in lubricating a car’s moving parts, but it also removes excess heat from the engine. Accordingly, low oil levels can correspond with high engine temperatures.

Radiator cooling fan

As the name suggests, your radiator fan works to cool your car’s internal temperatures. If it stops running, or even runs at improper levels, that can be enough to cause your car to overheat.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your car to overheat, it’s always a good idea to find a reliable mechanic who can diagnose and service your car, and get protection in case your car overheats while you’re on the road.

What happens when a car overheats?

Fortunately, most cars will not overheat without letting you know. There are several noticeable signs:

  • Steam or smoke coming from beneath your car’s hood
  • A burning or sweet odor coming from your car engine
  • The needle on your temperature gauge pointing toward the red, or “H”, depending on the design of your car

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to see if they get worse! Pull over right away and turn your car off to give it a chance to cool down.

What to do when your car overheats

If your car begins to overheat, it’s important to act fast. Running on high heat for too long can cause serious damage and potentially put you and your passengers at risk. Follow these steps at the first sign of overheating:

  • Pull over at the first safe location, put your car in park, and turn off your engine. You’ll want to wait at least 10 minutes to give your car a chance to cool off.
  • Pop your hood and leave it open to allow the hot air to dissipate faster.
  • After you’ve given your car a chance to cool, turn your power back on by rotating your key to its first position in the ignition. This will allow you to check your temperature gauge and see if it has dropped to a safe level without actually turning your engine back on. If your gauge reads a safe temperature and your fluid levels are normal, try starting your engine.

How to keep your car from overheating

Overheating poses a risk to both you and your car, so it’s best to avoid that situation in the first place. From preventative maintenance to tricks you can use in a pinch, there are many ways to help your car stay cool. Here are some of the easiest ways to do it:

  1. Check your temperature gauge – You’ve probably looked at your car’s temperature gauge countless times without taking much notice, but it’s there for a reason! If you ever see the needle point towards the red portion of the dial, that’s a sure sign it’s time to pull over and give your engine a chance to cool off.
  1. Turn on the heat – You read that right, turning on the heat really can help cool off your engine in a pinch. Doing this pulls hot air out of your engine compartment, ultimately cooling your engine. It’s not an ideal solution for you or your passengers, but worth keeping in mind for long drives on hot days.
  1. Add engine coolant – Coolant is the fluid that helps keep your engine from overheating, located in the coolant reservoir under your car’s hood. If temperatures are rising, it’s always a good idea to check your coolant level, indicated by lines on the side of the reservoir. If you’re low, you can add extra coolant yourself, although you should always be careful not to do so if your engine is hot.
  1. Have a mechanic flush your radiator – Just like oil, coolant becomes dirty over time and needs replacing. A mechanic can do this for you in a procedure called a radiator flush, where the old coolant is drained, the radiator is flushed with a cleaning fluid, and new coolant is added. Check your owner’s manual for specifics on how often your vehicle needs this done.
  1. Consider replacing your car’s battery – The less power there is in your battery, the harder your car has to work, putting it at risk of overheating. This may begin to occur if your battery is older than 3 years. Your mechanic can advise you on whether your battery is ready to be replaced. Find out when to change your car battery.
  1. Check the drive belt – Coolant circulates within your car’s engine thanks in part to the drive belt. If your drive belt isn’t functioning properly, there’s a good chance your engine could overheat.
  1. Check the brakes – Ever heard of sticking brakes? Brakes might not be the first place you’d think to look if your engine overheats, but stuck brake calipers can create enough extra drag on your engine to eventually generate a lot of heat. If your mechanic can’t find anything wrong with your engine itself, ask them to take a look at your brakes.
  1. Add engine oil – Coolant doesn’t turn down the temperature all on its own! Engine oil is also responsible for removing excess heat, so if your oil levels dip, your engine temperature may rise enough to cause overheating.
  1. Check the vehicle’s thermostat – Your engine regulates its temperature using an internal thermostat, a valve that controls the flow of coolant. If the thermostat malfunctions, insufficient coolant in your engine can cause overheating.
  1. Get professional maintenance regularly – Many of the issues we’ve just covered can be caught early and prevented by routine maintenance. Have a professional mechanic service your vehicle annually and overheating will be far less likely.
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How to Replace a Brake Light

Have you ever had a brake light go out and were not sure what to do next? It can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can replace that brake light in no time. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on changing your brake light, including step-by-step instructions, the tools you’ll need and replacement tips.

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