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6 mistakes to avoid when replacing engine oil

A lot of people enjoy doing their car maintenance, but it’s important to know which tasks are safe to do without professional training. Changing windshield wipers is a simple task that beginners can handle, but other tasks may require more experience or a trained eye. One such activity is changing your engine oil. If you are planning on changing your car’s engine oil yourself, watch out for these five common rookie mistakes:

Using the wrong oil
Using oil with the wrong viscosity is a common mistake people make when changing their engine oil. The oil you choose should be suitable for the season, as well as for your engine. If you are unsure about which oil to choose for your car and how often you need to change it, speak to a professional mechanic.

Not putting the oil filter on properly
Another frequently overlooked part during an oil change is placing the oil filter correctly. The oil filter keeps the oil clean and must be replaced with every oil change. When placing the filter, ensure it is properly screwed on to avoid any leakages. Use an oil wrench to give it a quarter twist so it rests securely. Over-tightening the lid may also damage the threading, which may cause oil leaks.

Leaving the O-ring behind
When changing your oil and oil filter, it is also important to get a new O-ring. The O-ring is sold with the filter and sits right on top to create a stronger seal. However, it tends to wear away or break quickly, so keep an eye out. When changing the O-ring, wet it with some oil before tightening it. This helps provide lubrication so it doesn’t break during the tightening process.

Over/underfilling your oil
Once you have drained the oil and changed the filter, it is time to refill your oil tank with fresh oil. When doing so, it is important to fill the tank with the right amount. Underfilling the oil tank can cause friction and damage to the internal parts of your vehicle due to insufficient lubrication. On the other hand, over-filling the tank can cause the oil to foam up and reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure. It can also put too much pressure on the PCT system, causing leakages in the engine seal and gasket.

Forgetting to tighten the oil drain plug
Before reinstalling the drain plug, be sure to inspect the washer. Although most cars today have reusable plugs, they need to be checked for damages and replaced accordingly. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your car. Leaving it loose may damage the oil pan, whereas over-tightening may cause problems the next time you try to replace the oil in your car.

Not keeping track of your car’s mileage
Create a record of the mileage since your last oil change. This will help you track how often you should change your car’s oil, as changing it too soon or too late can potentially damage the engine.

5 great benefits of buying an extended vehicle warranty

Modern cars come with all the luxuries and advancements one can expect. They also offer longevity, which is a blessing, as you surely want to drive your car for as many years as possible. However, the one thing that you must keep in mind is that the tenure of your car warranty is generally three years. You will need to buy an extended vehicle warranty after that, which can offer many benefits as listed below. They can be personalizedIn general, the car warranty covers the repairing of your car for a certain amount of time and mileage. However, when you are purchasing an extended warranty, it can be tailor-made as per your needs. This way, you can include coverages that your car previously did not have, such as roadside assistance or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. Buying a comprehensive warranty will ensure that you do not have to worry about your car in any scenario. Another great thing about the extended warranty is that you can actually decide its tenure. Hence, you can drive your car stress-free for a long time. Costly repairs are coveredThe extended vehicle warranty will help you save money in the long run, as it covers expensive repairs too. Modern cars are technologically advanced. While they make your life easier on the road, these cars are more prone to malfunctioning. What can be more worrying is the fact that some of the car technologies can be rather expensive to repair. That is where the extended warranty will be your savior. It will cover the expenses whenever your car needs fixing. Greater value for your carWhen you drive your car on the road for many years, it will surely suffer some damages. Apart from natural aging of its machinery, it will also have scratches, bumps, and breakdowns. After the factory warranty for your car is over, it becomes very expensive to maintain the condition of your car. However, if you buy an extended warranty for the car, then it will remain protected for a longer time. As the maintenance of your car will become more affordable with the warranty, you will be able to maintain the condition of your car for a long period of time. This will effectively improve the resale value of your car. Hence, if you ever decide to sell it, you will get a good price. You will save moreWith an extended vehicle warranty, regular maintenance of your car will not cost you anything. This will effectively lower the chances of any major breakdown of the vehicle. Even if the car is seriously damaged due to any accident, you can repair it for no cost. This will allow you to save more in the long run. The cost depends on youThe cost of the extended warranty depends on the coverages you choose. The base price is decided as per the car you have and its overall condition, but you can add only the covers you require to control the cost. Before buying extended vehicle warranty, take some time to research and compare different providers to find the best one you can afford.

5 signs it is time to buy a new car

Cars nowadays do much more than providing transportation, like offering entertainment systems, providing heated chairs, etc. However, no automobile can run forever, and every car's components will degrade eventually. But not all damages are visible immediately, and it might be challenging to identify if you need to buy a new car rather than repair the old one. So here are six signs to help you make a more informed decision about buying a new car. Substantial repair costs An old car is prone to higher repair costs because the parts keep getting damaged regularly. These include brake pads, wires, and other mechanical parts, including nuts and bolts. Spending a little bit on repairs is okay. However, if the expenditure starts to rise higher than what it ought to be, you might want to consider getting a new vehicle. For example, if the current car's worth is about $1,000, and repairs cost about $1,200, you might want to consider buying a new automobile. Lower fuel economy It's normal for cars to become less fuel efficient based on how old they are. This happens because the components of the vehicle start to degrade with time. And instead of replacing these parts, you could invest in a modern-day vehicle. Newer options, including plug-in hybrids, electric, and clean diesel cars, are designed to be more fuel efficient. So whether you recharge or refill them, the automobiles will cost you less in the long haul. Furthermore, buying a hybrid or electric may save you time on commutes because you may get access to carpool lanes. The need for more space Your current car does not have to be old for you to buy a new one. Your living situation can have changed, or you may have more members in your family now, as compared to when you bought your first car. In such cases, you ought to look at an SUV, which may come with a larger cargo space. But if you originally purchased a big car and hardly use the area, you could consider switching to a smaller vehicle. Doing so could help reduce parking charges, insurance, and maintenance. Modern safety requirements Despite the power and classic appeal of older vehicles, most of them usually lack the standard safety features we require today. So one of the reasons you might want to upgrade to a new vehicle is for better on-road protection. A new automobile could give you the latest features, including parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree view of the surroundings for better road sense. Modern vehicles also pack a bunch of airbags that enhance safety in case of an accident. Rusting Rusting is the most common sign that you might be due a vehicle upgrade. You might notice the first signs of rusting on parts, including the chassis, engine, and other components. Rust usually eats into these main parts of the vehicle and could lead to cracks and collapses in portions, such as the cargo space and under the seat. Therefore, if you notice signs of rusting or any unusual damages inside the older vehicle, you can visit the dealership to look for the next set of wheels.