HOW TO GET RID OF A MUSTY SMELL IN YOUR AC

Your car can work perfect mechanically, but it can be virtually undrivable if the cabin smells bad. That may be due to things like spilled milk or takeout containers with bad food in them, but often it’s because the heating, ventilation, and AC system has become contaminated. The musty smell is extremely off-putting and can even make you sick if it’s left untreated.

Correcting a musty AC smell often costs under $200 as a DIY job, or it could be two to three times that much if you take it to a mechanic. Here’s what causes the smell, ways to eliminate the odor, and how to prevent it in the future.

UNDERSTANDING THE MUSTY SMELL

DIY CLEANING TECHNIQUES

Follow these steps to rid your car’s AC system of musty odors:

  • Replace the Cabin Air Filter – If the filter is dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. And if you have a musty smell, don’t count on only visual confirmation that it’s dirty. Swap it out.
  • Use an AC System Cleaner – Treat your HVAC system with a high-quality, highly rated AC system cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product.
  • Let Your Car Sit – Wait the specified time on the product before you use your car. The treatment time varies, and often, the longer it sits, the better the treatment result.
  • Perform a Follow-Up Treatment – For stubborn odors or extreme buildup, you might have to perform a subsequent treatment.

In addition to specialized products, you can use common household items for a DIY approach:

  • Vinegar – Mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray it into the air intake vents.
  • Baking Soda – Place an open box of baking soda in your car overnight to absorb odors.
  • Sunlight – Leave your car in direct sunlight with windows slightly open to help dry out moisture and prevent mold growth.

One of the first steps in tackling a musty smell in your car’s air conditioning (AC) system is understanding its root causes. Musty odors often stem from the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria in the AC system. The dark and damp environment within the AC unit provides an ideal breeding ground for these unpleasant elements.

Common causes include:

  • Accumulated moisture in the evaporator core.
  • Clogged or dirty cabin air filters.
  • Bacteria or mold growth in the cabin air intake and other AC components.

Aside from the obvious discomfort of driving in a car with a musty smell, there are more serious reasons to address the issue promptly. Mold and bacteria can not only compromise the air quality inside your vehicle but may also have negative effects on your health, especially if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues like asthma. A musty smell that isn’t dealt with can lead to potential damage to your AC system, contributing to more extensive and costly repairs down the road.

 

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TIPS

To maintain a fresh-smelling car and keep it fresh, incorporate these measures into your routine:

  • Run the AC Regularly – Turn on your AC periodically, even in cooler weather, to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Keep the Cabin Clean – Regularly clean the interior of your car, removing any potential sources of odors.
  • Avoid Eating in the Car – Food crumbs and spills can contribute to unpleasant odors.
  • Use Air Fresheners – Place a long-lasting air freshener in your car to maintain a pleasant scent.

 

TIPS

Top 6 Tips for Cracked Windshield Prevention and Repair

All it takes is one small chip in the windshield before it becomes a full-fledged crack. Even though a chip may appear small, it can quickly become a more serious issue. Here’s how to prevent a windshield crack from escalating into a more serious safety concern.

1. Decide whether it needs immediate attention

First, where’s the crack located? Is it off to the side, or is it obscuring your view? If it interferes with your ability to see the road, you should deal with even a tiny crack immediately.  However, if it’s not impairing your ability to see the road, grab a ruler and measure the length of the chip or crack. This can help determine whether you can repair the windshield or need professional repair or replacement.

2. Determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced

If the chip is smaller than the size of a quarter or up to 2 inches in length, it can often be repaired. However, the shape of the chip or crack, such as bullseye, star, or half-moon, can limit the type of repair. Every crack or chip is unique, and consulting an expert is important. The goal is to prevent a crack from getting bigger or in any way compromising safety.

3. Avoid dirt and debris

One of the most important things to guard against is dirt. If dirt gets into the crack, it can complicate a simple repair. But that doesn’t mean you should head for the car wash or reach for a bucket. If water seeps into the crack, what began as a small repair can easily become a complete replacement. Instead, you can temporarily keep dirt and moisture away from the crack by cleaning the damaged area and applying a piece of clear packing tape, which is strong but won’t obscure your view. Another short-term solution for protecting the chip from dirt is to apply super glue evenly throughout the crack and wipe off any excess.

4. Park indoors to avoid the elements

Sun, snow, and rain all have the potential to cause the chip or crack on your windshield to grow. If possible, park your car inside, where it will be protected against the elements, especially the sun, which can cause the windshield to heat up and allow the crack to expand. If you don’t have a garage, try parking in a shaded spot.

5. Avoid temperature cold extremes

Likewise, extremely cold weather is not good for a cracked windshield because glass contracts when it gets cold. Refrain from putting your air conditioner or defroster on high. If necessary, use the heater moderately to defrost the windows gradually.

6. Drive carefully

Another way to keep the crack from getting larger is to drive with extra caution. That means safely avoiding potholes and staying away from rough roads. Jostling the car is the last thing you should do when driving with a cracked windshield, and you also want to avoid slamming the doors or the trunk.

Above all, keep safety in mind at all times. The sooner you get the windshield in for replacement or repair, the better.

TIPS

How to store a car battery

f you expect your car battery to sit unused for more than a month, you should consider removing the battery and storing it away. This will help reduce wear on your battery and allow it to better hold its charge in the long run.

Now, there’s a lot more to storing your battery than just placing it on a shelf in your garage. Follow these steps for battery storage:

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged

Always store your battery at full charge. This will help prevent most damage and deterioration that can happen while in storage.

2. Look for possible damage

Batteries can sometimes crack or corrode with age, so inspect your battery for any sort of damage. It may need to be replaced if the damage is serious.

3. Clean up the battery

Corrosion and electrolyte buildups should be cleaned before the battery is put away. Grime such as this can interfere with the terminals, causing the battery to discharge faster.

The easiest way to clean a battery at home is by applying a mixture of baking soda and water and scrubbing with a wire brush. Once you’ve taken care of the deposits, wipe down the battery’s casing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Find the right storage location

While you should count on your battery discharging in some capacity while it’s in storage, you can take measures to limit the amount of power that is depleted. Outside of the length of time your battery is stored, the main factor that will impact your battery’s discharge rate is temperature.

Ideally, you want to keep a battery in a dry, well-ventilated area that remains between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid spots that could get too hot or cold, as it could make the battery discharge faster. In addition, keep away from places with excess humidity; this can cause the battery to corrode.

5. Recharge the battery regularly

Monitoring your battery while it’s in storage is crucial to maximizing its life. Make it a point to check in on your battery at least every 12 weeks (though the more frequent, the better). If possible, test the voltage with a voltmeter to gauge how much power your battery has left. When it’s at 70% charge or less, recharge it.

TIPS

Why Is My Car Shaking?

It’s never a fun feeling when your car starts to shake. It can happen when you speed up or even when you break. Often, this can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keep reading for the top reasons why your car is shaking and the ways to deal with it.

Top 5 reasons why your car is shaking

1. Wheel problems

A common cause of a shaking car is a problem with one or more wheels. The problem(s) could be any of the following:

  • Damaged tires or rims
  • Improper wheel alignment
  • Worn wheel bearing

2. Issues with your engine or transmission

If the shaking continues when your car is stopped or if there is noise when the car shakes, the issue could be with the engine and/or transmission. Specifically, the problems could be with a broken or loose engine, transition mount or radiator fan.

3. Tire problems

If the shaking is felt at certain speeds, your tires could be the problem.  The tires might need to be balanced. Another solution could be a tire rotation, if the tires are wearing unevenly. You also may need to inflate your tires to the proper pressure. If your tires are older or irregularly worn, you may need to get a new set.

4. Your brakes need to be repaired

If the shaking happens when you brake, the cause is possibly related to your car’s front braking mechanism. Over time, the parts on the front disc brakes can become warped from heavy wear and tear. They should be replaced around every 50,000 miles. A good tip is to have your mechanic check your pads and rotors when you get an oil change to find out whether they need to be replaced.

5. Your transmission fluid is low

If the transmission fluid level gets too low, this can cause your car to start shaking. Make sure to check it often and fill it up as required. Continuing to drive with low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage.

The timing of your car vibrations can help determine the problem

Why is my car shaking when idle?

If your car shimmies when idling, it can mean that you have loose engine mounts, which are the connections between your engine and your car’s frame. The engine mounts keep your motor attached and dampen the engine vibrations, so when the connections wear down, you can feel the vibrations.

Why is my car shaking while braking?

If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could mean that you have warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads or improperly lubricated guide pins. This means it’s time to take your vehicle in for maintenance.

Why is my car shaking when accelerating?

If the shaking starts when you are accelerating, there could be a few things wrong with your car:

  1. Your tires could be unbalanced.
  2. Your spark plugs could be worn out.
  3. Your lug nuts could be loose.
  4. Your inner constant velocity joint could be damaged.
  5. Your motor mount could be broken.
  6. Your axle or drive shaft could be bent.

Is it safe to drive when your car is shaking?

If you feel your car shaking when driving, it’s best for your safety and the longevity of your car to take it to a mechanic so you can sort out the problem as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you protect your car and yourself while on the road with the right auto insurance.

TIPS

Tailgating: What It Is and How to Deal with Tailgaters

If you’re on the road and you notice a driver right behind your car and way too close for comfort, this is called a tailgater. Tailgating is a factor in over 1/3 of all crashes on the road. According to a 2020 survey, 21% of responders admitted to tailgating or switching lanes quickly.

While tailgating can be annoying and dangerous behavior, there are safe ways to deal with it. Here are some tips on what to do to help prevent an accident.

What is tailgating?

Tailgating is when one car follows another too closely. It can easily lead to accidents, so it’s important to drive carefully when on the road with tailgaters. To warn the tailgater behind you that you’re slowing, tap your brake lightly a few times. If you notice a tailgater behind you, it’s best to change lanes and let them pass. 

How to deal with tailgaters

Tailgate drivers can be a very frustrating thing to experience. If you notice someone tailgating you, follow these tips on how to proceed safely:

  1. Stay calm: Keep composed to prevent emotions from getting the best of you and causing a serious accident.
  2. Keep a comfortable distance: Pay attention to the cars around you, and if one is tailgating close to you, stay far away.
  3. Let the tailgater pass: If the tailgater is behind you, switch lanes or even pull over to let them pass.
  4. Maintain your speed: Stay consistent with your speed so that other drivers can safely pass if they must. Using cruise control when conditions allow, is a way to keep your speed predictable for you and other drivers.

What is a safe distance between cars while driving?

Make sure to follow the 3-second rule when determining whether you or another car on the road are driving at a safe distance. The rule says that when a car in front of you passes any point, you should be able to count to 3 before you cross that same point. The more distance between cars, the more time to react.

TIPS

Signs of Bad Rotors

f you feel your car shaking or vibrating when you brake while driving, it could be a sign that you have a bad rotor. The rotor is part of a car’s brake system. It spins while your car moves; when you want to slow down, brake pads press against the rotors to slow your car. If your rotors aren’t in the best condition, they can cause problems.

What are brake rotors?

One of the most essential parts of your car’s braking system, the rotors’ primary purpose is to slow down your wheels using friction. Your car has four rotors, each one connected to a wheel. Without rotors, your car couldn’t stop or slow down. Rotors are made from iron, so they are durable but still require maintenance and the occasional replacement.

What causes worn brake rotors?

There are many things that can cause warped or worn brake rotors, including:

  1. Extreme heat: The friction that comes from the brake pads clamping down on the rotors can create extreme heat, which can cause the rotors to warp.
  2. Braking excessively hard: Stop-and-go traffic or extreme braking can cause the rotors to warp from excessive friction.
  3. Not maintaining your vehicle: If your brake system isn’t regularly cleaned and checked, this can lead to a buildup of debris.
  4. Rough roads: Obstacles in the road, such as potholes and speed bumps, can cause stress on your rotors.
  5. Rotor defects: If rotors aren’t manufactured properly, they may be more likely to warp under heat and stress.

What can indicate that you have bad rotors?

The main signs that might indicate your rotors have gone bad are feeling your car shaking or vibrating. Strange noises coming from your car, such as squeaking or grinding, might also be indicators that the rotors are the problem. If you experience these symptoms, it might be time to take your car in to get checked by a professional. Here are other signs that your car’s rotors might not be working correctly:

Loud brakes

When you brake, if you hear loud banging, this could be because your rotor is cracked. If you check the rotor and this is the case, make sure that you bring your car to a professional to replace it immediately because this could cause accidents if left cracked.

Car vibration

If your rotors are rusting or imbalanced from overheating, this can cause your car to vibrate while trying to brake. Immediately take your car to a mechanic to evaluate whether the rotors need to be repaired or replaced.

Blue tint brakes

If your brake rotors are turning blue, this can be a sign that there is something wrong with your brakes. The blue tint is a sign that the discs are hot and their structure could have changed. It’s important to take your vehicle to a professional immediately to have it repaired or replaced.

Car taking a long time to stop

One of the signs that your brake rotors are warn is if your car is taking a longer time to stop than usual. This is caused by uneven surfaces on the worn brake rotors, giving brake pads less surface to brake.

Brake pedal pulsating

When braking, if you feel the pedal pulsing, this could be due to rust on the rotors or uneven surfaces. The pulsing will most likely come from problems in the front and rear brake rotors. However, if you feel shaking in the steering wheel, there could be an issue with the front brake discs.

If you feel any shaking, loud noises, vibrating, pulsing or even if the car isn’t starting, take it to a professional. The problem is could be the car’s rotors warping, and if so, they may need to be replaced or repaired.

 

 

TIPS

WHY IS TEXTING AND DRIVING DANGEROUS?

he rise of cell phones has had some unintentional and sometimes fatal consequences on America’s highways. An unsettling number of traffic casualties are related to driving while distracted, including the use of cell phones while driving, resulting in damage and loss of life.

Nine people die, and over 1,000 are wounded daily in incidents registered as distraction-related accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

Handheld cell phone use while driving tends to be highest among 16- to 24-year-old drivers.

Texting and driving are one of the most treacherous forms of distracted driving. The average text sent or read in a car takes a motorist’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. This is more than enough time to get in a life-changing crash. With so many less experienced motorists on the road using highly distracting devices, the potential for crashes-and therefore injuries and deaths-is extremely high.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING ACCIDENTS?

 

Be straightforward: Make sure new motorists comprehend that they should not use cell phones while driving.

Before new motorists get their licenses, confer how taking their eyes off the highway-even for a few glances- can cause someone harm or even death.

  • Lead by example: Set restrictions on distracted driving for new motorists and yourself. Don’t text while driving-if you are driving and you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a secure place before doing it.
  • Be engaged: Inform family and friends about the significance of driving without distractions. Take the info to your children’s schools and ask that they communicate it with pupils and parents.

Texting is one of the most perilous types of inattentive driving because it incorporates optical, manual, and mental distractions.

When drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle, many decide to pull out their cell phones and text, which is an action that threatens and hurts thousands daily.

 

WHAT ARE THE THREE TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING?

What are the hazards of texting and driving? Distractions. Anything that takes your concentration away from being an active driver counts as a distraction. Distractions are why texting and driving are so treacherous. Distractions threaten everyone around you on the highway and in your vehicle, including yourself. Texting is not the only type of inattentive driving.

The CDC says that inattentive driving falls into three classifications:

  1. Cognitive distraction: This type of distraction happens when a driver stops thinking about driving. For instance, drivers who concentrate on a discussion with a passenger have cognitive preoccupation. Your mind is on something other than driving. The effects of this influence response time to changing surroundings. Daydreaming is another kind of cognitive distraction, for instance.
  2. Manual distraction: Any time you take your hands off the wheel. Motorists who withdraw their hands from the steering wheel are manually preoccupied. For example, drivers who reach for something in the back seat of their vehicle have manual preoccupation.
  3. Visual distraction: This kind of distraction happens when drivers withdraw their eyes from the road. Drivers, for instance, who look at a cell phone to get directions are visually preoccupied.

Texting while driving involves all three distractions. Staring at a phone means at least one hand is not on the wheel. Looking at a phone means not being vigilant and attentive to surroundings. When thoughts are distracted by the content on a device, thoughts are elsewhere, while the primary attention should be on the job of driving. The risks of texting and driving result from the distractions cell phones bring to a car.

Texting and driving is one of the most treacherous types of distracted driving because it incorporates cognitive, manual, and visual distractions.

WHY DO INDIVIDUALS STILL TEXT AND DRIVE DESPITE THE DANGERS?

Even though many individuals recognize that texting and driving endanger others, many continue to do it anyway. In a study funded by AT&T, over 90 percent of the participating drivers reported they understood texting and driving was unsafe, but they did it anyway. One of the primary reasons for this conduct was thinking that they can successfully multitask.

WHY CELL PHONES BEHIND THE WHEEL ARE SO UNSAFE?

Today’s phones do much more than just make calls. They are used for texting, taking photos, amusement, navigation, and anything else. Texting on your phone is one of the most treacherous types of inattentive driving merely because it requires so much concentration. You look at your phone, considering what to type, and take your hands off the steering wheel to do it.

Some drivers believe that because cell phones are a significant part of their lives, they can text and drive. The fact is that humans cannot multitask to that extent. No one is an expert at texting and driving simultaneously, and individuals pay for these conclusions with their lives.

Looking at your phone to read or reply to a text message takes five seconds. When you’re going at 55 miles per hour, you can cross the length of a football field-all without glancing at the road. It doesn’t matter if you look up often during that time or if you’ve stopped at a red light; it takes about three seconds for your senses to concentrate again after checking your phone. There isn’t enough time to text and drive.

RISKS OF TEXTING AND DRIVING

How dangerous is texting while driving?

Other staggering statistics of the risks of texting while driving include:

  • One in five people involved in inattentive driving fatalities was not in a vehicle. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, or other circumstances outside of a car.
  • Roughly 9.7 percent of drivers use devices at any daylight moment.
  • 15 percent of injury crashes resulted from inattentive driving
  • There is a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road while texting.
  • The chance of a wreck or near-crash jumps by 95 percent when reaching for or dialing a phone.
  • AAA discovered that 12 percent of crashes involved phones

  • OTHER DANGERS TO TEXTING ON THE HIGHWAY

    Deadly results or possibly hurting someone are the most significant risks of texting and driving, but not the only ones.

    Here are some other risk factors to consider before picking up your phone behind the wheel.

    1. You are likely breaking the law: Texting and driving is illegal in most states. You can get a ticket.
    1. Your insurance can go up: If you get a ticket for distracted driving, count on skyrocketing insurance rates.
    2. You can damage your vehicle: Even if you don’t harm someone if you cause an accident while texting, you can harshly damage your car. A totaled vehicle won’t be inexpensive to fix or replace.

    It is lawful to text and drive in very few states. All other states have some form of law against it.

    In 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is not legal for any driver to text and drive. All but five of these states and territories have primary enforcement laws restricting texting while driving. That means police do not need an extra reason to pull you over and give you a ticket.

TIPS

How to Clean Your Car’s Engine

A clean engine is a happy engine. Just like any other part of your car, your engine needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly. Though professional engine cleaning is an option, it’s not always necessary. You can save money by learning how to wash a car engine yourself. You should be glad you found us! Here you will find out how to clean your car’s engine the right way.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a clean engine in no time.

Park your car in a well-ventilated area and let the engine cool. You don’t want to be working with a hot engine, as you could risk getting burned.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you start cleaning, you will need to gather some simple materials. You will need a water hose, a pressure washer is better but not required, a bucket, soap or degreaser, a scrub brush, and rags. If the engine was recently used, make sure it has cooled down before starting to wash it.

Step 2: Wet the Engine

Attach the hose to the faucet and wet the entire engine with cool water. If you are using a pressure washer, be careful not to get too close to sensitive areas such as electrical wiring.

Step 3: Apply Soap or Degreaser

Apply a generous amount of soap or degreaser to the wet engine and let it sit for a few minutes so that it can break down the dirt and grime. You can either use a commercial degreaser or make your own by mixing dish soap and water.

Step 4: Scrub the Engine

Let the degreaser sit for at least five minutes to break down the grime and build-up on the engine. Use the scrub brush to scrub the entire engine. Pay special attention to areas that are particularly dirty.

Step 5: Rinse the Engine

Rinse the soap or degreaser off of the engine with cool water. Make sure that all of the soap is removed before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Dry the Engine

Use a microfiber cloth or old rag to dry the engine, and wipe down the engine until it is completely dry. Once the engine is dry, you can apply a protectant if desired.

TIPS

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.

TIPS

5 EASY WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR SPRING

Preparing your car for spring can save you a lot of headaches later in the year. It can even save you money! Spring auto maintenance will get you ready for a summer filled with long drives and vacations. Whether you’re heading to the beach or your child’s ball game, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare your car for spring.

Visit a Car Wash

Spring cleaning isn’t only for your house. The winter especially can be tough on cars. Freezing temperatures and salt from the road can do real damage to your paint job, so make sure to start the season with a car wash. If you go to a carwash, spring for premium, because you won’t want to miss any nooks or crannies. If you do it yourself, make sure to add baking soda to the wash water if your car has a strong salt buildup. This will help neutralize the salt and save your paint job.

Check Your Tires

Did you know you can save money on gas by making sure your tires are filled up to the manufacturer recommended air pressure? Just by keeping the pressure regulated, your car is better able to distribute and conserve gasoline. The cold air and ice can be rough on the air pressure in your tires, so the Spring is a great time to check those tires. Make sure your tires are rotated regularly and don’t wait until you have a visible flat to fill them up. Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires when the treading becomes too worn.

Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids

Snow can damage and wear on your windshield wipers. If your wipers are streaking, replace them. New wiper blades are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you. You should also make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid and reapply any needed windshield treatments to repel water and rain.

Check Your Battery

At the end of a long winter, you’ll want to be sure to evaluate your car’s electrical system. Many parts shops have free battery checks where you can find out just how strong your battery is.  If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. That way, you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery.

Change Your Oil

Regular oil changes can make all the difference in making sure your car has a long, healthy life. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and make sure to change the oil filter as well. Some car shops offer fluid top offs, tire checks, battery checks, and even tire rotation included their oil change prices, so you can take care of almost all of your spring maintenance in just one stop.

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