car maintenance

• OEM parts are exactly the same as the components already on your car,
  while aftermarket parts may be different and come from various
  manufacturers.
• The reason OEM parts cost more is because they are the same high-quality
  as your original car parts and often come with a warranty.
• Aftermarket parts are less expensive and easier to find but may not always be
  high-quality.
• The place where you get parts installed will determine whether aftermarket or
  OEM parts are available.
• OEM parts are often the best choice but there are some exceptions.

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• There are several sources of air conditioning hissing including leaking refrigerant lines, leaking internal valves, and compressor issues.
• In most cases, the best solution is to speak with an HVAC professional about the problem.
• Quiet hissing that lasts for short periods of time may not be an emergency situation.
• There are other noises made by air conditioners that necessitate bringing in a professional.

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• Aside from the obvious things like filling up the gas tank and checking the air in the tyres, there are some routine things that should be done before any long trip.

• Remember to check your oil and antifreeze levels and ensure other fluids such as brake and transmission fluids are filled to the appropriate level. Check your battery to make sure it's not running low.

• Check if roadside assistance or towing plan is built into your auto insurance policy and always bring an emergency kit in case anything goes wrong.

 

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• Typically, it is recommended to change air filters once a year, or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. People who live in dusty areas or those with heavy pollution may want to consider more frequent change.

• Most air filter problems can be seen, smelled, heard or felt. Listen for unusual noises in the engine and look out for engine light problems, dirt, gasoline smells or reduced horsepower.

• A lot of car owners will want to do their own filter replacements to save a little money. Whatever you do, It’s important to choose genuine OEM replacement parts whenever you are upgrading your vehicle.

 

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• Brakes are a critical safety element on your car, and you should never drive if you are experiencing any symptoms of brake issues or failure.

• Squealing, vibrating, rubbing, and other issues could result from a host of brake issues. Prompt attention is a must to prevent worsening conditions and potential safety risks.

• If left unattended, common brake issues can lead to serious problems, including tyres catching on fire from seized brakes and total brake failure, which can be very dangerous.

 

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• There are numerous issues related to your axles, suspension, brakes, and other car parts that could be causing a rough ride. 

• You should always find and fix the issue as soon as possible so that it doesn’t lead to further (or more serious) damage to your vehicle. 

• Your driving habits and where you drive could impact the condition of your vehicle; for example, city drivers may need brake work more often whereas those who drive on rough roads may have to replace suspension parts more frequently.

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• There are a number of issues that can cause a burning rubber smell. Some are minor, while others are more serious.

• Loose hoses, leaky gaskets, overheating AC compressors, and other systems can all cause this issue, but are fairly simple fixes. 

• Start with the obvious, and know when to call in a mechanic if the problem goes over your head at any point. 

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• As a general rule of maintenance, cars that have reached the 70,000 - 100,000-mile range should be considered for a timing belt replacement.
• There are some surefire warning signs you should look out for that could indicate that your timing belt is about to fail: this includes ticking noises, car not starting, piston misfires, exhaust smoke, excess vibrations and oil leaks.
• Most cars will have a labour cost of £250 to £500 to replace a timing belt at a professional shop. If you’re mechanically inclined and willing to invest the time to do the work yourself, you can save a lot of money on a timing belt replacement by only paying for the belt itself.

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Car service intervals represent a minimum maintenance routine a car can benefit from. These intervals depend on the type of vehicle as well as on its age. Taking your car in for maintenance keeps it running in good condition and it also avoids considerable repair bills. New car versus second-hand... Continue reading →

For most people, buying a car is one of the most significant investments you will make. Not just that, but the chances are you will be using it daily to get from one place to another so you want to make sure you can do so safely. That is exactly... Continue reading →