Is It Time to Replace Your Air Filter?
Symptoms of a Bad Air Filter In Your Car
Just like with your own body, your car can develop symptoms that may suggest something is wrong with it. Depending on what those symptoms are and where they are located can help you determine what exactly is wrong with your vehicle. So, when it comes to the cabin air filter in your vehicle, what sorts of symptoms should you be watching out for? Well, keep reading, as we’ll dive into some of the most common symptoms you can expect.
Of course, nothing replaces getting your vehicle looked at by professionals. So if you have any concerns, be sure to have your car looked at by an automotive technician.
[Read more: Car maintenance you can do yourself]
Signs of a Bad Cabin Air Filter
Sometimes you can tell if your air filter is dirty just by looking at it. If you know how to remove the filter from your vehicle to take a look, and you know it’s been a while since you’ve done so, maybe consider checking it out.
If not, you can still determine dirty air filter problems from a few different signs. For example, if you notice that your gas mileage or engine power has been decreasing, it could be for a number of reasons, including a dirty air filter. In addition, if you have trouble starting up your car, it could also be from the air filter, believe it or not.
Some more severe signs could also present themselves, such as particularly dark exhaust smoke. In other cases, something as general as a check engine light could also mean you’re having some issues with your cabin air filter.
If you suspect there are any issues with your vehicle’s air filter, be sure to get it looked at as soon as you are able. For more automotive tip, check back to the OKCARZ blog.
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How to Watch for and Drive Near Motorcycles
Summer may be over, but in sunny places like Florida, you may notice that motorcycles are still present on the road. To help avoid a collision with a motorcycle, it’s important to know how to spot a nearby motorcycle and what to do when driving near one.
Pay Attention to Blind Spots
The danger with driving a motorcycle is that they are much smaller and harder to see than a car. When you change lanes or turn onto a street, it’s crucial to pay attention to your blind spots to ensure that a motorcyclist isn’t approaching. Additionally, it’s important to never cut off a motorcycle, even if it’s unintentional. Forcing a motorcyclist to brake hard can cause them to slip and fall, potentially resulting in injury to that person.
Give Motorcycles Extra Space
There are two important things to remember when driving near a motorcycle. First, they can stop far quicker than a car can. If you follow a motorcycle too closely, you risk hitting them if they are forced to stop. Second, many motorcyclists slow down by either rolling off the throttle or by downshifting, thus not activating their brake lights. You can make sure you are giving them plenty of space by staying behind them by approximately 3 to 4 seconds.
Don’t Try to Share a Lane with a Motorcycle
You should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle just because they are small. Just like you, motorcycles deserve to have the entire lane. When you see a motorcyclist moving throughout the lane, it is usually to avoid debris and compensate for wind and passing vehicles near them.
Mind Their Turn Signals
Unlike most cars, the turn signals on a motorcycle typically don’t automatically turn off after making the turn. Especially with drivers new to driving a motorcycle, they may forget to turn it off manually. Be patient and make sure that they are actually turning.
[ READ MORE: Is Driving Below the Speed Limit Dangerous? ]
Wherever you travel, we hope that you stay safe on the road! For more tips and tricks like this, browse the OKCarz blog. Searching for a vehicle that you can depend on and afford? Explore our large online inventory here.
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Labor Day Activity Ideas for Adults and Kids
With summer officially over, Labor Day is nearly upon us. Looking for fun ways to celebrate this holiday? Here are a few suggestions you should consider doing for Labor Day 2020 with the family.
- Grill a delicious meal
- Play yard games with the kids
- Enjoy family game night
- Watch a fun family-friendly movie
- Go fishing or swimming
- Mix fun cocktails for the adults and colorful non-alcoholic drinks for the kids
[ OKCarz Blog ]
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How Often Should I Get a Coolant Flush?
How to Tell That You Need to Flush Your Radiator
Like other fluids in your car, maintaining a good level of clean coolant is vital to the health of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s important for drivers to stay on schedule with their coolant flushes. So, just how often should you get a coolant flush? It’s recommended that drivers flush their coolant every 30,000 miles or five years, whichever one comes first. Of course, if you aren’t sure when you had your last coolant flush, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various signs that indicate that your car needs a flush. Here’s how you can tell that you need to flush your radiator.
Debris in the Coolant
Over time, debris will collect in your coolant. You can check if there is debris floating in this fluid by inspecting for particles that are black or brown in color.
Coolant Levels are Low
In order to cool your engine, your vehicle needs to have enough coolant in its system. You should regularly check your coolant levels and top off as needed. However, if you notice that your coolant levels drop quickly, you may have a leak on your hands. While topping off frequently will help keep your engine safe, not taking care of the issue can lead to lots of wasted coolant and frustrations down the road. It’s highly recommended you get a leak taken care of right away.
Overheating Engine
The most obvious and dangerous sign of a coolant issue is an overheating engine. Your temperature gauge will spike, and you may even see steam coming from under the hood. Very quickly, the engine can damage itself due to the intense heat it creates. If the coolant is contaminated or low, you will likely find your engine getting too hot the next time you drive. Pull over to a safe location, turn off your engine, and allow it to cool before you pop the hood.
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Searching for more ways to take care of your car? Explore the OKCarz blog for various vehicle maintenance hacks, financing tips, and local fun! Looking for an affordable car you can depend on? Browse hundreds of options with our online inventory.
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Is Waxing Your Vehicle Really Necessary?
Pros and Cons of Waxing a Car
One question car owners wonder is whether or not you should wax your car. While car waxes were more common in the past, the practice has diminished with only a fraction of drivers waxing their car today. To help understand if waxing your vehicle is really necessary, we will explore the pros and cons of waxing a car as well as what could happen if you don’t.
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Advantages of Waxing a Car
- Helps protect the paint from exterior elements, such as rain, snow, road salt, tree sap, insects, bird droppings, and UV rays
- Makes the exterior appear shinier and newer
- Can help improve resale value
- Is fairly easy to use and doesn’t require a professional – simply follow the instructions on the wax container
Disadvantages of Waxing a Car
- Wax doesn’t last long
- While wax helps protect the exterior, it is only a thin layer of protection
- To avoid clouding, wax should be applied to wax-free surfaces – cars will need to be stripped of any previous wax before getting a new coat
What Happens if I Don’t Wax My Car?
Now that you know the pros and cons of waxing your vehicle, what would happen if you don’t wax your car at all? Basically, you just leave your car a bit more vulnerable to the elements, which could result in your exterior not looking quite as nice as a vehicle that gets waxing done. While it’s not necessary for your vehicle to properly function, waxing your car is something you should consider. While it’s a good idea to wash your car regularly and store it under shelter if possible, these are even more important if you choose to not get your car waxed.
For more helpful posts like this, be sure to browse and follow the OKCarz blog! If you or someone you know is in need of an affordable and dependable vehicle, check out our current inventory here.
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Advantages of Driving a Vehicle with RWD
Shopping for a vehicle? As you consider various brands and body styles, you should also consider the drivetrain. While you may already know about front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), do you know the advantages of driving a vehicle with rear-wheel drive (RWD)? Here, we will explain why many drivers like to buy cars with RWD.
What is RWD?
Put simply, rear-wheel drive is the opposite of front-wheel drive. While the front two wheels receive engine power in FWD, it is the two rear wheels that push the car forward with RWD.
Pros and Cons of Driving RWD
The big reason why RWD is so popular among drivers is due to the drivetrain offering enhanced performance and handling. Due to weight shifting to the rear, the back wheels gain more traction, thus helping push the car forward quicker. This also helps handling in that while the rear wheels are powered, the front wheels steer. As a result, RWD is commonly found in coupes and performance cars. Sometimes, you may even find this drivetrain in trucks.
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Now, what are the drawbacks to RWD? The major disadvantage with RWD is weather. Under normal road conditions, RWD is a great option. However, if the roads are wet, it’s far more difficult for the driver to maintain traction, making RWD vehicles not ideal for anything but dry roads. Luckily, Florida is known for offering many sunny days without rain, which means you can enjoy your RWD vehicle for most of the year if you choose to get one.
Test Drive a Pre-Owned Vehicle with RWD in Florida
At OKCarz, we offer plenty of fun, affordable, and reliable cars with RWD. Start your search by exploring dozens of options with our online inventory. Found one you would like to try? Test drive a pre-owned vehicle RWD at any of our Florida locations! You can find the location most convenient to you here.
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Popular Pumpkin Patches in Central Florida
Fall has arrived, which means that the fun of finding the perfect pumpkin is right around the corner! If you are ready to start decorating for autumn with the family, check out one of these popular pumpkin patches in central Florida.
Be sure to follow current CDC guidelines to help keep everyone in your community safe. Also, check to make sure your selected pumpkin patch is open before arriving as some have not opened yet and/or are open during select days.
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Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents, injuries, and death. To better protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers, you need to resist the temptation of driving while distracted, even if your distraction will only last for a second. Here are a few tips you should follow.
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Put Away the Phone
The biggest distraction drivers face is the phone. From calling to texting, you should never be on the phone if you are the one driving. Instead, pull over or have a passenger handle the communications for you. Instead, only use your phone for emergency reasons.
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Mute Notifications on Your Phone
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While you may keep your phone in your pocket or purse, knowing that someone has messaged you is a temptation you don’t want. When you drive, you should mute all notifications on your phone. Some apps will mute for you while the car is in motion.
Do Not Multi-Task
It doesn’t matter how good at multi-tasking you believe you are – trying to do anything other than focusing on the road is incredibly dangerous. Avoid eating, searching for a playlist, looking at your calendar, putting on make-up, or any other activity that will take your attention away from the road.
Limit the Conversations and Activity Occurring in the Vehicle
Not only does driving require your visual attention, it requires your audible attention as well. While it may seem like a good idea to chat with your friends in the car, it’s easy to give them a little too much attention. Instead, keep the conversations at a minimum and have your passengers be respectful of your driving by limiting their activities as well.
Pull Over if You Are Drowsy
Drowsy driving is just as bad as distracted driving. Your attention isn’t up to par and your reactions will likely be delayed. If you feel tired, pull over and get some rest. If you have another passenger in the vehicle that can drive, consider swapping so you can sleep and they can continue driving for you.
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Ready to be a safer driver? Explore the OKCarz blog for more tips on how you can protect yourself and others while behind the wheel.
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List of Fluids You Should Monitor and Top Off If Needed
Vehicles are wonderful creations that help us get from one place to the next in a short time span. For a car to function properly, it requires certain fluids to help certain parts stay lubricated, cool, and more. Without these fluids, your vehicle would present a safety hazard. To help you keep your car in check, here’s a list of fluids you should be checking in your car.
- Oil
- Coolant
- Power Steering Fluid
- Transmission Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Windshield Washer
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Tips for Improving Your Current Budget
How to Adjust Your Current Personal Budget
There are many reasons why you may look at making changes to your budget. Perhaps you wish to save more money and would like to find out where to cut costs. Maybe you had an income change or are taking on new debt. Regardless of the reason, making adjustments to your personal budget is a good thing to do, as long as those changes don’t put you in financial jeopardy. Not only that, but practice makes perfect and you may notice your budgeting skills improving as well. Here are a few tips to consider when looking at improving your current budget.
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Consider Applying the 50/30/20 Budget Rule
It’s possible that you are already using the 50/30/20 budget rule. If so, you’re at a great start! If not, consider formatting your budget to fit this rule. Basically, 50{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} of your income should be put towards necessities, 30{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} towards wants, and the remaining 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} towards yourself by putting it into savings or paying off debt.
Track Your Expenses and Be Open to Change
As we mentioned before, your budget can change due to a variety of factors. Perhaps you are expecting an expensive month soon due to birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Maybe you suddenly have more cash in hand due to paying off your loan. If you know you will spend more money soon, take a look at your expenses and see which purchases you can cut, temporarily or permanently. If you find yourself with more money available than before, determine how much you can allocate to different categories. Of course, this process is much easier if you track your income and expenses. Doing so will help you see exactly how much money you are spending each month and where that money is going.
Keep Your Head High
While it’s important to follow a budget, you shouldn’t feel too restricted. Afterall, worrying about money too much can create some negative psychological effects. Instead, keep your head high and stay positive. If you feel you are struggling, know that you aren’t alone, and budgeting takes learning and practice. With enough discipline and dedication, you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals.
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