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Buying a new car is among the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Although many people look forward to this day, the process can sometimes be quite daunting and challenging for some individuals. The many different brands and models available get many people confused as to which specific vehicle one should take home. Also considering some important factors such as a vehicle’s performance, fuel economy, technology, and price, choosing a car can be a lengthy process than you think. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you choose the right vehicle that’s within your budget and that suits your lifestyle every time.

New or Used?

Choosing between new or old is an important step towards purchasing your next vehicle. The budget you’ve set aside is likely to play a big part in your decision also, and each option has its fair share of merits you may want to carefully articulate. Ideally, buying a new car will bring you peace of mind and the vehicle you get will always match your specific description every time.

However, many people who take this route find that they end up losing more money in the end than purchasing an old vehicle due to depreciation. It would be great if you researched on the slowest depreciating cars first before you decide on getting a new vehicle. On the other hand, old or used cars have their own benefits as well.

First of all, these vehicles are more cost-effective than new vehicles and it’s very likely its first owner suffered the initial loss arising from depreciation upon change of ownership. Also, many second-hand cars come with a warranty and some valuable aftermarket policies that give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is fully protected. Additionally second-hand vehicles between 1-3 years old can provide massive savings, especially when combined with some added manufacturer’s warranty. Many vehicles sold at an “approved” used forecourt have added backup from manufactures, which means this could be a good start for someone hunting for a used car.

Diesel, Petrol, or Alternative Fuels?

The specific fuel you’d like your new car to run on is another important area you should give some careful consideration before purchasing a vehicle. Some vehicles take petrol, while others take diesel and others may require just electricity in order to function. For people who cover fewer than 12,000 miles annually, a petrol engine is an excellent option. Diesel vehicles cost more than petrol vehicles, and a person has to cover a longer distance than usual in order to notice a striking difference in fuel savings.

However, it’s important to note that most used-car markets give much preference to petrol-engine vehicles than diesel vehicles, as consumers are often frustrated by the exorbitant prices of larger petrol engines. And most plug-in hybrid and petrol-hybrid brands provide lower running costs than petrol-only vehicles, but these types of vehicles are far more expensive than a conventional diesel or petrol model nevertheless.

Also the kind of journeys a person will be taking with their vehicle is another important aspect worth some consideration. If you normally do short trips, a diesel-engine vehicle may not be a wise option as these vehicles need to run at speed in order to effectively cut through the soot that collects in the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). Otherwise, failure to perform this activity every so often could severely block the DPF over time.

 If you’re searching for a machine that provides lower emissions and better economy, a diesel vehicle with mild-hybrid feature could be a good bet. Make sure to have a charging point around to make the most out of the short journeys you take with your plug-in hybrid vehicle. A wide variety of PHEV models, like the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 and BMW 330e, can be run on electric power for around 20-30 miles depending on how they’re driven. Other group of plug-in hybrid vehicles perfect for short commutes include, among others, the Honda-e, Mazda MX-30, MINI Electric, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Peugeot-2008, and Tesla Model 3.

Decide on a Body Style

Some few years ago, this seemed like a simple choice for car buyers. Motorists who didn’t cover that many miles a great deal of them usually purchased a hatchback. An estate was meant for drivers who needed to carry heavy loads on a regular basis, while everybody else drove a saloon.

Nowadays, many manufacturers seem to offer vehicles designed to fit different lifestyles depending on a person’s specific preference. Initially, 4-wheel-drive cars were specifically tailored for farmers and those based in the Scottish Highlands. But now crossovers like the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke, and Renault Kadjar have greatly redefined both hatchbacks and SUVs, which has made life easier for many people as a consequence. In addition, vehicles like the Mercedes CLS have mimicked coupe looks and saloon practicality in a very dramatic way. Today people can also purchase a soft-top SUV resembling the shape of the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet.

In other words, every time you’re about to buy a new vehicle, it’s important to consider the shape and size of the car you want. More importantly, it’s also a good idea to examine the body style besides the vehicle’s size and shape. You’ll want to buy a vehicle with a size and body style that serve your purpose, not a car whose big space would eventually go to waste from a lack of use.

Determine What’s Essential

If you find it difficult to pick a particular size and shape of a vehicle, carefully articulate the benefits that one would gain. If you have small kids, a crossover SUV could be a great choice. At least the car’s raised ride height ensures both the children and their seats fit seamlessly into the vehicle. The carrying capacity is also another important factor you should carefully determine, especially if you’re keen on DIY. Such motorists should find a vehicle with easy-to-fold rear seats that stretch flat when dropped.

Because car features usually vary for different vehicles, it would be great to find a vehicle with all the features you need. If you prefer a car with features such as leather seats, parking sensors, and sat-nav, make sure you purchase a vehicle with all these features because it would have much better value than opting to add the items individually as options.

Payment Options

More than 75% of new vehicles are usually purchased using some form of finance. In fact many dealers are encouraged to sell vehicles this way, which means paying cash is no longer a top priority. There are also many benefits that a buyer enjoys for purchasing a vehicle on finance. If you’re buying a car via finance, make sure to factor-in the total price and the subsequent monthly charges.

The monthly charges may not sound like a big deal to some people, but after losing sight of the true cost of options, the ramifications are usually very severe for one to bear. Many people find it particularly difficult to return their money after selling or trading-in their vehicles because of making this small error.

Also carefully examine the final settlement figure presented to you in your finance deals. This is referred to as the “balloon payment” because these figures are usually much bigger than the monthly charges. Motorists whose package bears a balloon payment don’t usually own the vehicle outright, at least not until it’s fully made. Make sure you can comfortably pay for this particular “balloon payment” package in order to take full ownership of the vehicle.

Seeking a GAP insurance policy can also come in handy when purchasing a vehicle through finance. Because if your car is severely damaged, you could easily find yourself in a financial turmoil and end up a very stressed person because of the hard financial impact. But with a GAP insurance cover in place, all your financial problems would be addressed and thus would also give you peace of mind as a consequence. If you’re exchanging a used vehicle as part of the purchasing process, first figure out how much it’s worth before you go hunting for a new car to ensure the dealer gives you a competitive quote.

Determine the Running Costs

Many people often push themselves beyond their limits when setting a budget for a new vehicle. Although sometimes monthly charges may seem quite low, factors like running costs, insurance premiums, and excessive fuel consumption could leave you resenting your vehicle. Other important aspects worth checking include the list price, CO2 emissions, and fuel type so that you may verify whether you’ve met all the first year’s road tax requirements. Any recent modifications means that unless your vehicle is a zero-emission model (a purely-electric or hydrogen-operated car), you should pay £150 annually from the second year onwards. Plug-in hybrid car owners get a £10 discount upon clearing payments, while both electric and zero-emission hydrogen vehicle cost nothing to tax.

It’s important to note that if you’re searching for a fairly old vehicle registered before 1 April 2017, it would be subject to a new tax system that’s different from the previous one. These changes may cost you much more or less based on the car’s CO2 emissions figure and engine size. From 1 April 2017, the government added another subcharge to every vehicle worth more than £40,000.

Conventional diesel and petrol vehicles valued above £40,000 also bear an additional supplement of £325 per annum for the first 5 times they’re taxed. This means the total annual cost usually staggers around £475 and £465 for an alternative fuel-engine car such as a plug-in hybrid. Bear in mind the annual road tax returns to the initial flat rate of £140 or £150 per annum after the five year period lapses.

In April 2020, all electric vehicles worth more than £40,000 were exempted from this particular supplement. This exemption was also backdated and subjected to every zero-emission model registered from 1 April 2017 onwards. Company-car drivers are also liable for a Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax, depending on their vehicle’s CO2 emissions figure. Such drivers should think carefully about this before purchasing a new vehicle.

Fuel economy is another pivotal area worth some deep thinking also. Before it was difficult to effectively articulate the official figures from manufacturers’, but now things are different. The new World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) ensures all fuel and emissions testing reports are accurate to the letter and has been this way since 2017. Before WLTP was created, the old NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) testing regime was the one that the government used to determine fuel economy and emissions testing in vehicles around the country.

Although any official fuel economy figures are deemed accurate under the new WLTP test, these figures should be used on the basis of a yardstick when comparing vehicles. This is because fuel economy is usually much dependent on the way a vehicle is driven and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to look out for the trip computer when taking your vehicle for a test drive to ensure you get a more realistic economy figure.

Your dealer can also assist you in obtaining this information, so make sure you ask should you experience any problems. Also comparing insurance quotes for any vehicle you’re thinking of buying could make a striking difference than you think. Some models are more expensive to insure than others, so be sure to check around with different companies to get a sweet deal.

Create a Shortlist of Cars and Test-Drive Each Vehicle

After you’ve narrowed down your search to 2 or 3 models, grab a phone and book some test-drives. If a certain engine and other specifications strongly appeals to you in any vehicle, test a different model with similar attributes. Also bear in mind a different engine and gearbox combinations can heavily change the way a vehicle drives, as can variations like large allow wheels and sports suspension.

If you want a vehicle with bespoke features such as sat-nav, Bluetooth phone connectivity, or any other cutting-edge in-car accessories, check how these options work as some systems are far more powerful than others.

If you’re after a vehicle that’s a good fit for the family, bring your spouse and children along with you to see if they’ll find the car a great value for money. They may also easily identify problems that you didn’t bother to check before, such as uncomfortable rear seats or a poor interior storage space. It would also be great to bring along a few bulky items that you frequently carry to see how they would fit in the boot.

During a test drive, try driving a long a series of roads, from twisty back roads to dual carriageways to check how the vehicle will perform on each road. Some dealers allow buyers to borrow vehicles over the weekend, ask your dealer if they allow it so you may have ample time to test-drive every vehicle on your checklist.

Negotiate Prices

Once you’ve finally made up your mind on which vehicle to buy, it’s the high time you negotiated the price to see if you’d get a much better offer. Although some dealers have no problems haggling, it’s a good idea to phone their competitors to see the kind of deals they provide. More often than not, dealers may not give you a discount for cars that are quite new and in-demand. But you may be issued a tank of fuel and some fresh set of car mats if you’re lucky.

 As a rule of thumb, make sure to do some research first on the vehicle you’d like to buy to ensure you make a smart decision every time. This would also help prevent some of the major headaches and frustration that other customers have reported before.

Final Thoughts

Deciding which vehicle to buy is usually sometimes a daunting and difficult affair. Before you make a purchase, you’ll first want to check the vehicle’s fuel economy, performance, inside technology, and quote among other factors to ensure you buy a vehicle that meet your needs. Also by simply searching the phrase “reddit what car should I buy” online, you would be directed to a forum page where you can view some great examples of vehicles within your budget that others are sharing. Some car specialists also share on the forum some valuable tips and intelligent insights that you could find useful when shopping for a decent car. Hopefully, this handy guide will help you find the right vehicle that’s a great value for money and that suits your lifestyle the next time you go shopping.

Often, junk cars or used vehicles tend to take up most of our parking space. Even after having reached the end of their useful life, junk cars are still worth something and one can at least convert them into cash anytime. You can sell your junk car privately, trade it in at a dealership, or sell it for scrap metal. How much money do you get for a junk car is very much dependent on the vehicle’s overall condition. Methods for evaluating a junk car also vary, but you can rest assured that you’ll be paid top dollar when you choose to get rid of your old vehicle.

How to Sell an Old Car for Scrap

Although you won’t become wealthy this way, with some little research you can still make some decent money from junk cars. Here are a few options you can try.

Sell Privately

If your old vehicle looks great and everything is perfectly in place, there could likely be a potential buyer nearby who would be interested in your junk car. Many times private buyers usually pay top dollar for junk cars that are in great shape. But if your vehicle is bombarded with issues like a blown motor, heavy rust, or shows signs of severe car damage, selling privately may not be a suitable option for you.

Sell to a Local Junkyard

Many junk car sellers mostly prefer this method due to its ease of convenience. Plus junkyard dealers aren’t picky and will pay you depending on how much your old vehicle will weigh. That means the more your vehicle weighs, the more money you make and vice versa. There’s no room for negotiation, prices are strictly based on a vehicle’s actual weight and no other traits.

Trade It In or Sell at a Dealership

More often than not, car dealerships consider any kind of vehicle on trade, even a used car if you’re purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle from their shop. Some might also agree to pay cash for old vehicles without purchasing another car, although this can sometimes be difficult.

Although an old vehicle’s value may seem much lower than selling it privately, a pull or push or drag sale at a dealership can pay you even more than what your junk car is worth. Motorists also enjoy some tax benefits when they choose to go this route.

What Is Cash for Cars?

In simpler terms, “cash for cars” is another frequent phrase used to refer to junk car removal services. These service providers purchase your old vehicle in cash and resell it for scrap metal or parts in order to make a profit. Some people also usually confuse the term “cash for cars” with the federally-administered “cash for clunkers”, a program that’s no longer available.

How Does Junk Car Removal Work?

These services work by turning an otherwise abandoned vehicle into a source of fast cash for both sellers and buyers in less time. It’s a much faster and convenient way to get cash from junk cars without having to bring it to the junkyard in person. All the seller has to do is call the junk car removal service to inquire for an estimate on what their car is worth. If you agree with the quote, the service providers will come tow away your vehicle, clear all paperwork, and settle all payments.

Scrap yards frequently consider the vehicle’s raw materials and nothing else, like whether it’s made of aluminum, steel, catalytic converters, or other valuable metals. Also the value of a car is very much dependent on its overall weight, which means the more a car weighs the more cash you earn. The demand for scrap vehicles in your city and province may affect the cost of junk cars as well.

How to Scrap a Vehicle for the Most Cash

Car owners can get the most money for their used car by first finding a potential buyer and being honest about the vehicle’s real condition. A person can also make more money by removing a few valuable parts for sale before contacting a scrap yard service. So, you may want to remove some expensive parts like the navigation systems and stereos, siphon the gas for use in other vehicles, and exchange the tires with cheaper ones with less valuable rims before selling your junk car.

You shouldn’t worry about removing other components, as this would require at least someone with some mechanical background and has the right tools to get everything in order. After all, vehicles that have most of their valuable parts removed don’t usually fetch as high of a price from the scrap yard.

In order to sell your junk car at a competitive price, check around to see if you’ll find a scrap yard from around your area that sells used parts. Otherwise, make sure to give an accurate description of the real status of your old vehicle when requesting a quote.

How Does the Process Work and How Long Does it Take?

Before you get started, it’s important to first find an established auto salvage shop from around your area. Check that the shop you’re dealing with is fully licensed, insured, and has a strong reputation for satisfying its customers every time. Once you’ve chosen a shop, all you have to do is share a few details with the shop dealer and everything would be okay. The process is easy and very straightforward so you shouldn’t worry about anything.

Here is how the process works in most cases:

Gather All Relevant Data

Before anything else, first gather all the important information about your junk car. Some of the data you’ll be asked for include the vehicle’s title as well as specific details about its mileage, make, model, and condition. Some buyers may choose to purchase a junk car with no title, but it would be great if you first shared this information with the buyer in case such files are missing.

Get a Quote

One of the top reasons a person would want to sell their scrap vehicle to a junk car removal service is that these specialists often pay top dollar for used cars than the usual scrap yards. Some of the factors that may affect the price range for a vehicle include its overall condition, age, and the number of valuable components found in a vehicle. It’s important to provide accurate information about the car’s condition every time in order to receive an attractive quote.

Arrange a Pickup Time

Another great benefit of dealing with junk car removal for cash is that a towing company doesn’t charge you anything, even after it tows the clunker to a scrap yard. Instead, the vehicle is picked by the towing company at a mutually agreed upon time usually within a few days of receiving the request.

Complete All Paperwork

Most of the paperwork job can be handled by a clerk at the junk car removal. On the other hand, motorists based in Dallas, TX should know that they’re required by law to complete a bill of sale and change vehicle ownership in person, even if the vehicle in question isn’t roadworthy. Motorists who lack titles to their old vehicles may find it particularly difficult to part out their vehicles themselves, but they can still manage to sell their cars for less cash nevertheless.

Get Paid

Another great advantage of dealing with a distinguished junk car removal for cash is that vehicle owners always get paid the agreed upon price. Motorists who have provided accurate details about the general status of their vehicles should be skeptical of buyers who try to renegotiate a lower price. Though those who have conducted due diligence and found a reputable junk car buying services shouldn’t worry about anything. Make sure to have the title with you when the tow truck comes to pick your vehicle. You should also remove your junk car’s plates before it’s taken away.

Notify the DMV

Finally, all motorists should notify the DMV every time they trade, sell, or donate old cars. If a person has not canceled the insurance on the vehicle yet, they should report this to the insurance company to discontinue the coverage. The entire process above may take a few days to complete, so all sellers need to exercise some patience while the job gets done.

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, the selling of junk cars is usually fast and easy everywhere around the world. You can choose to sell your used vehicle privately, sell it to a local junkyard, or exchange or sell it at a dealership. How much money do you get for a junk car many times will depend on the vehicle’s overall condition. Hopefully, this handy guide has helped every motorist learn how they can easily sell their junk car for quick cash.

Nowadays, many motorists are searching for new creative ways on how they could make their diesel exhaust tips sound a little bit louder. Many want to add to their vehicles some little flair by giving it a bit of extra rumble every time the car starts or speeds away. Because a deeper and louder exhaust also means that a certain vehicle has a powerful engine, some do it for this specific purpose. On the other hand, others do it just to brag around and ensure the crowd notices them every time as they go about their business.

How Do Car Exhaust Tips Work?

Your vehicle’s exhaust system contains many piping parts that guide exhaust gas emissions from the engine chamber and out into the environment, which allows the engine to function at peak performance every time. A diesel exhaust tip is a component of the exhaust system and is usually conspicuous from your vehicle’s exterior. An exhaust tip doesn’t alter your vehicle’s exhaust system performance in any way. It’s simply a cosmetic upgrade but has a huge demand from many people around the world nevertheless.

Exhaust tips come in different finishes, sizes and shapes, from square and round to rolled edge and intercooled varieties. Many are also very easy to install. Most aftermarket exhaust tips can easily be fixed to your vehicle’s main exhaust system with some basic screws. Others can simply be slid into the parts of the exhaust structure itself with no hassle at all.

Benefits of Vehicle Exhaust Tips

Although aftermarket exhaust tips don’t usually do anything to alter a car’s engine overall performance, they play an important role in amplifying the sound, among other things. Adding some new exhaust tips to your vehicle will make it produce a louder and deeper sound than usual. That deep, throaty roar from an engine is where these exhaust tips get their appeal from and what gives your vehicle an edge. Many aftermarket exhaust tips are also very cost-effective, which means everyone can get them because they’re a great value for money.

Some new exhaust tips could also enhance your vehicle’s aesthetic to a whole new level. More often than not, the original exhaust tip shine of your vehicle will be significantly marred by the unclean air from the engine which it releases into the air. On the other hand, an aftermarket exhaust tip could also serve the same purpose but at the same time also ensure that it keeps its impressive shine in the end. From matte and chrome finishes to turndown and dual-forked tips, you can add some extra style to the rear end of your vehicle in many different ways which grab everybody’s attention in an instant.

How to Make Exhaust Tips Sound Louder and Deeper

The rule of thumb is that the exhaust must first allow for a “free-to-flow” system to ensure sound increment and proper function of the engine every time. Ideally, the exhaust sound largely depends on the actual size of the tip and the engine size. More often than not, a bigger engine usually produces a louder and deeper sound than a small engine.

Below are a few ways car owners can improve the exhaust sound of their vehicles:

Replace the Muffler

The sound muffler is among the chief components you’d want to change in order to enhance the exhaust sound. Many manufacturers create the muffler of a vehicle in such a way that it would absorb the most sound. This means in order to see real results, before anything you’ll want to replace your vehicle’s muffler for louder sound outputs. Therefore, install a new straight muffler to enhance the exhaust sound to a whole new level. The overall engine performance also significantly improves after installing a straight exhaust tip in a vehicle. Make sure to check first with a professional mechanic to help find an option that’s most suitable for your vehicle.

Add or Change the Old Exhaust Tip

Adding or replacing the old exhaust tip is a cost-effective way to improve the exhaust sound of a car. Installing the exhaust tip anew could also maximize your vehicle’s aesthetic value besides enhancing the exhaust sound. The market is jam-packed with a wide variety of sound-enhancing exhaust tips and many have different striking designs for people to choose from. Often, tips with dual walls or larger diameters flared ends make the best sound amplifiers for any diesel exhaust tip. Make sure to pick an exhaust tip that matches the look of your vehicle for extraordinary results.

Broaden the Exhaust Pipe’s Bore

It’s a fact that your vehicle can’t generate a higher and deeper sound with a narrow pipe. On the other hand, a wider pipe could allow for a louder and stronger sound because the sound would move freely with minimal obstacles in between. This means making a vehicle’s pipe wider is thus crucial in sound performance every time.

 So, add a few inches to your exhaust pipe diameter to further enhance the exhaust sound. You can even increase the bore of your vehicle’s exhaust pipe when changing the muffler. Don’t widen the exhaust pipe’s diameter that much, about half an inch or a full inch would be fine. Also make sure the pipe fits seamlessly to avoid experiencing any problems in the future due to an improperly fit pipe.

Join All Welded Hangers in the Exhaust System Together

Exhaust systems that hang from vehicles limit the level of sound produced by the tips. This is because all sound vibrations from the exhaust system get lost or dampened from this hanging. An easy solution to this particular issue would be trying to connect the welded hangers to the actual exhaust system. If you’d like the sound not to reach the passenger chamber, you can use a rubber connected free-hanging suspension system in place of the welds. This would dampen the vibration every time upon connection. You may also use a sound stifling insulator like a sound matt to dampen the sound.

Try Turbo Chargers

A turbocharger is an excellent way to enhance the exhaust sound as well as improve your vehicle’s overall engine performance. Make sure to check your car is compatible with a specific turbocharger every time, not all vehicles share the same turbocharger. Some vehicles support different turbocharger versions, so it’s important to first ensure the particular turbocharger you’ll be using is specifically tailored for your vehicle every time.

Final Thoughts

The increasing need to enhance the exhaust sound of heavier vehicles is becoming more of a trend nowadays, especially among the youths. Many do it for a whole lot of different reasons—to achieve a much louder and deeper exhaust sound, enhance a vehicle’s overall aesthetics, and because of some bragging issues. Nevertheless, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle’s diesel exhaust tip is properly installed and the product is purchased from a reputable dealer for satisfactory results. Hopefully, this handy guide will help everybody make the most out of their diesel exhaust tips every time.

An oxygen sensor’s primary purpose in a vehicle is to help control emissions and ensure the exhaust system is working normally. Most new car models with four cylinder engines have two oxygen sensors, one in front of the catalytic converter and another one behind. Some vehicles such as V6 and V8 have even more oxygen sensors to help fast-track their many sophisticated systems. The oxygen sensor also plays an important role in ensuring that the environment stays clean every time. Otherwise, this handy guide covers everything about how many oxygen sensors does a car have, how can you tell if an oxygen sensor is bad, how to clean oxygen sensor and more. Let’s get started!

How Do Oxygen Sensors Work?

Oxygen sensors usually generate electricity on the basis of their exhaust system’s specific output. The computer then subsequently detects this variance in voltage before making any changes to the fuel mixture. The voltage levels range from -0.9 to 0.1 volts, which alerts the computer whether the mixture is either too rich or is too lean. Ideally, a high voltage means the exhaust from the engine is rich and, thus, it would be vital to lean the mixture out.

Sometimes the sensor’s voltage output can fail or the variance in voltage can become sluggish, thus causing the computer to work slower than usual. Because of this, the vehicle’s check engine light goes on as a consequence. Tracking which sensor has malfunctioned can sometimes be a difficult and very challenging affair. Many times people have no other option but to use some cutting-edge scanning tools in order to access the car’s computer system.

It’s important to note that other sensors within would also be checking the performance of the catalytic converter. The O2 sensor found in front of the catalytic converter function is to adjust the mixture of the fuel, while the sensor located behind job is to fast-track the catalytic converter’s overall performance and efficiency.

How Can You Tell If an Oxygen Sensor Is Bad?

Oxygen sensors are quite cheap and changing them on a regular basis can help prevent more serious issues from occurring. Their purpose is to check the ratio of gasoline and air in the vehicle’s engine so its computer can make necessary adjustments. The level of oxygen found in engines depend on the surrounding air temperature, altitude, load on the engine, barometric pressure, and the engine’s actual temperature among other factors.

The excess fuel that’s left behind after combustion is known as a rich mixture. A lean mixture doesn’t usually have sufficient fuel and this mixture often hides pollutants with nitrogen oxide inside. Below are some common signs that would otherwise indicate that an oxygen sensor is faulty.

• A sharp decrease in fuel mileage
• Failure to pass an emissions test
• Poor performance, engine stalling, and rough idling
• A glowing check engine light
• Code checker identifying O2 sensor failure
• Issues with an older vehicle

Can I Replace My Oxygen Sensor?

O2 sensors should be changed regularly because of the speed with which they wear and tear. More often than not, this job will be handled by an experienced mechanic. Newer sensors can last many miles and, therefore, frequent changes is not always necessary. However, sometimes the exhaust system may develop signs of rust or become vulnerable to premature failure.

 On such occasions, it would be great to check first with an experienced technician to see if there’s anything that can be done to fix the problem. Scanners to determine whether or not a sensor is bad are usually cheap and readily available everywhere. These gadgets are also easy to fit into your vehicle’s data link connector. It’s also important to have a car manual within reach every time in case something happens, and you need further information on how you should address the underlying issue.

Once you’ve determined the real cause behind the problem, a repair manual would also guide you on the essential items you should purchase in order to replace the malfunctioned oxygen sensor. After purchasing all the essential items, the decision on whether you should bring your vehicle to a mechanic or whether you should fix the sensor yourself is all up to you.

Guidelines for Replacing the Oxygen Sensor

How often a person should replace their oxygen sensor is usually determined by the age of their vehicle and the type of sensor they have. Newer vehicles (at least those less than 20 years old) will more likely need to have the sensor changed about every 100,000 miles. On the other hand, cars or trucks from the mid-1990s and even much older vehicles may require replacement anywhere from 50,000-70,000 miles. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines to know after what specific mileages should you replace your vehicle’s sensor.

O2 sensors are also very easy to diagnose and change. Because of the materials and technology in the sensor’s housing, motorists are advised not to attempt to repair a malfunctioned oxygen sensor. It should be replaced anew every time if the device is at all faulty. Some people will tell you that cleaning the sensor might fix the problem and your vehicle might cover a few more miles, but you’re only trying to run away from the inevitable. More often than not, cleaning the sensor doesn’t usually solve anything. It just causes a small delay and sometimes people end up damaging the inside technology making the situation even worse.

 Replacing a defective sensor is much like changing a spark plug. Some motorists manage to change the sensor themselves, but you do need some specialized equipment to successfully tackle this particular issue. It’s important not to get any grease or oil on the sensor. Hiring an experienced mechanic could make a big difference, at least these people are experts in the field and would ensure the sensor is placed correctly every time.

How Much Is an Oxygen Sensor?

There’s no doubt that a person can save a lot of cash if they choose to change the sensor themselves. However, things can get messy and cost the vehicle owner more if further damage is done when fixing the sensor. Thus a mechanic could help turn things around. Most mechanics will first ask you to pay a specific marked price, plus another additional fee of labor before any sensor repair can take place. These charges are all part of a mechanic’s daily income.

Oxygen sensors cost around $100, but at a dealership, prices are usually higher and can range from $125-$150 due to the added markup fee. Also labor charges can range from $85-$135 per hour which means you need to plan ahead. This shouldn’t scare you in any way, as most vehicles take only an hour or less at the dealership before they’re collected by their owners.

The market is flooded with a wide variety of aftermarket oxygen sensors, which means one must be very careful when purchasing these types of sensors. A universal O2 sensor is the cheapest among all sensors around. Unlike most sensors, this specific sensor usually has a factory connector for easy plug in. If you choose to buy a universal sensor, you’ll want to cut off and reuse the original connector from the defective sensor nonetheless. Connectors from the original O2 sensors are preferred because of their direct fit and fast installation, thus making them a great option when replacing sensors every time.

How to Clean Oxygen Sensor

A dirty O2 sensor can cause a vehicle’s check engine light to turn on and can also result in your car consuming more gasoline than usual. Fortunately, anybody can clean their vehicle’s oxygen sensor when it gets dirty by following some simple instructions. Below is a step-to-step guide on how to clean an oxygen sensor.

#1 Elevate the Vehicle With a Car Jack

In order to clean the O2 sensor, you’ll first need to find a way to get underneath your vehicle. Make sure that the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the emergency brake is ready before any car lifting can take place. Also, make sure to protect your hands with a strong pair of work gloves before lifting the vehicle. After you’re all set and ready, put the jack under part of your vehicle’s chassis and car frame, and then start lifting the vehicle gradually.

#2 Identify the O2 Sensors

Some vehicles may have more than one oxygen sensor, depending on the make and model of a car. Check your vehicle’s manual to know where specific these sensors could be located. Most cars have at least two oxygen sensors—one in front of the vehicle’s converter, and another one in the car’s manifold. Vehicles with more than one exhaust manifold usually have an O2 sensor inside each one. If your car is of this type, check to see if you’ll find an oxygen sensor inside each exhaust manifold.

#3 Apply Engine Oil on the Sensors

Because most vehicles’ oxygen sensors are rarely changed, it’s very likely that they’d be firmly stuck in place. To loosen this bond, apply some engine oil on the sensors and allow them to sit for about 10-15 minutes. A lubricant like WD-40 is also another great way to loosen sensors. This lubricant works the heavy bond between the sensors until it becomes loose. As a consequence, the job of removing the sensors becomes easier at last. Make sure to use some protective gear, like a pair of goggles or protective eyeglasses, to ensure the engine oil or WD-40 doesn’t get anywhere near your eyes.

 #4 Fill a Bucket With Gasoline

Find a large bucket or industrial container and fill it with gasoline as you wait for the sensors to become loose. Once you’ve removed all the oxygen sensors, clean them by soaking the sensors in gasoline. Allow the sensors to soak overnight to ensure effective cleaning.

#5 Remove the Oxygen Sensors from the Housing

After all the oxygen sensors become loose and fully lubricated, grab a wrench and start unscrewing the sensors. As you detach the sensors, make sure not to drop the sensors on the ground or allow them to get dirty. Find a clean plastic bowl and place the sensors there. You can even place them on a flat area so long as it’s clean.

#6 Submerge the Sensors in a Container of Gasoline

Next, immerse the sensors in a bucket or industrial container you’ve just filled with gasoline. Make sure all the sensors are fully submerged in gasoline. Also, ensure that no gasoline splashes out of the container or gets anywhere near your hands. Because this liquid is also highly flammable, never lit a cigarette or candle when working near gasoline to protect yourself from potential harm.

#7 Cover the Bucket With a Lid

Gasoline is a highly flammable substance, so it’s critical to ensure the bucket or industrial container of gasoline is tightly covered at all times. This will ensure the gas doesn’t catch any fire and also prevent any wandering animals from playing about with the gas.

#8 Leave the Sensors to Soak Overnight

O2 sensors take some time before they’re finally clean. It would be great to allow them to soak in the container of gas for at least 8 hours. For even more effective cleaning, raise the container and spin it around for a few seconds.

#9 Pull Out and Dry the Sensors

After you’re through with all the spinning, stretch your hands into the bucket or container of gasoline and pull out all the sensors. The sensors’ appearance should be much cleaner than when you last submerged them into the gasoline. As usual, find a clean cotton cloth and wipe the oxygen sensors until they are fully dry.

#10 Place Back the Oxygen Sensors

Once you’ve wiped the sensors dry, find a wrench and place them back in the exhaust manifolds. Make sure that all sensors are placed back in their former positions from which you last detached them. After you’ve identified all the sensors’ initial locations, fully tighten them back in place.

Final Thoughts

The oxygen sensor is an important part of a car engine. Its sole purpose is to lower automobile emissions as well as keep the environment clean at all times. Its size is much like that of a spark plug and usually monitors the oxygen levels in a vehicle’s exhaust stream. Hopefully, this handy guide has acquainted every motorist with everything about oxygen sensors, particularly on matters surrounding how many oxygen sensors does a car have, how to clean oxygen sensor, and how you can tell if an oxygen sensor is bad.

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Sometimes you might experience brakes squeak when stopping slow. On other occasions, the squeaking noise may come from the new brakes you just bought. The whole experience can be very disturbing and annoying, especially if you allow the squeals and squeaks to go for a long time without fixing the brakes. Most brakes’ noise is usually as a result of worn or loose parts. Therefore, the brakes must be checked to see if they may require some cleaning, new parts, and adjustment or lubrication. This guide covers everything about car making squeaking noise when driving slow, what causes these brake squeaks, how this brake noise can be fixed, and how long do brakes squeak after being replaced.

What Causes Brakes Squealing and Squeaking?

Nowadays, many new car models have a cast-iron disc pressed in between 2 brake pads lined with friction material. The pads, disc, and caliper usually vibrate in their course of work and sometimes you might experience some brake noise from the vehicle as a consequence. Since the noise depends on how weighty and stiff the disc and brake pad is, many times the noise level is very much dependent on the car’s speed. Also how hard the left pedal is stepped on usually contributes to the volume of noise the brake pads produce.

On some occasions, the brake noise could be due to a lack of sufficient development at the manufacturer that makes the brake kits vulnerable to squealing noises. To address this issue, the volume frequency should be adjusted or the brake’s noise dampened altogether.

A brake pad can also make noise even at normal speeds due to its alignment, which may cause the brake pad to produce some whooshing or grating noise in the first few stops. However, this brake noise usually fades after all the pads get warm sucking all the moisture away. It’s normal to experience a grinding or hissing noise from the pads when they are covered with dew or when it’s raining.

Effective Ways to Stop Brake Noise When Driving at Normal Level

When searching for options to try, swapping the old pads for a new brake set with a different type of friction material could be the answer. Although it can be hard to find a brake pad material that’s more superior than the original piece, sometimes the odds may work in your favor and thus stop the squeaky noise.

Many auto-parts stores claim to have quality brake pads that can cure squeals and squeaks instantly, but many times, the majority of these reported pads fail to perform early on. Some may even hamper the friction features of the braking system and lower its effectiveness to bring your car to a halt. Make sure to first check the place from which you’re about to purchase a new brake set has a great reputation to ensure you buy the right product every time.

Otherwise, in order to stop brake noise driving at normal speed, find shims made of Teflon to separate the piston from the brake pad. The primary purpose of the Teflon is to fit between the pad and the insides of the caliper. You may use an anaerobic product, like an anti-squeal adhesive, and subsequently return the brake kits and button-up. This area stays gummy until you push the brakes to release all the air.

Every time you’re placing any new brake parts, make sure to get rid of all the dirt and dust from the mating parts. If you notice the brake pads are sliding, clean the area with a file or brush until the pads stop sliding and become easy to push in and out. Apply some small amount of brake grease to any part that’s still sliding. Finally, wipe off the brake grease carefully to ensure no grease is left on the pad or disc before you can place back the wheel.

Six Causes of Brake Squeals and Squeaks When Stopping Slow

High Metal Content in the Brake Pads

It’s not unusual to find brake pads with traces of metal. However, the contents of these metals shouldn’t be too much nevertheless. This high level of metal on the rotor is what usually causes squealing and squeaking noises in the first place. Because brake pads may last anywhere from 30,000-40,000 miles, you should always purchase pads that are of high quality from a reputable dealer. Otherwise, you’d risk putting up with all the brake noise for several months if you choose to buy cheap and low-quality brake pads.

High-quality brake pads would also bring the vehicle to a stop with much ease, preventing you from getting into awkward accidents which otherwise could be a different case with cheap brake pads. Also make sure to purchase brake pads with organic material, such as resin, fiber, rubber, and Kevlar in order to minimize metal shaving and brake noise in the pads.

Brakes Squeak After the Car Sits Overnight

It’s very common for car brakes to squeal after the vehicle sits overnight. This is because during this time the vehicle is usually exposed to humid from dew, rain, or the condensation that takes place on the rotors. Eventually a thin film of rust starts to occur in the rotor area. As the rotors spin, the pads scrape off the rust which ends up getting stuck in the edges of the brake pad. The trapped rust is what causes the loud and disturbing brake squeaks in the end. An easy solution to this particular issue would be to ensure that you always park your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage.

Drum Brakes That Require Lubrication

A squeaky sound emanating from the back brakes every time you work the brake pedal could be a good sign that the brake pads aren’t lubricated. If lubrication at the contact points is delayed, the metal may start to rust and the pads to produce a loud squeaking noise. Make sure the contact brakes are lubricated regularly to avoid this issue.

Glazing

Brake glazing is another factor that causes squeaky and squealing noises in brake pads. When the brake calipers get glazed, the brakes lose their stopping action which means a person would only apply them partially. This also brings about a lot of heat and friction, which makes the brake pads glaze and harden altogether. As a consequence, a loud brake squeak occurs due to a reduction in stopping power of the brakes.

Thin Brake Pads

Squeaking noises in vehicles may occur due to issues with thinning brake pads. Particularly if your pads have become very thin and worn out, you’ll more likely experience brake noises from your vehicle. On this occasion, it would be best if you just replaced the skinny and worn out brake pads to ensure safety. Many car manufacturers usually stick wear indicators to the brakes to caution motorists when their thin pads may need a change.

Braking Hard

Finally, braking quite hard may cause the brake pads to wear down much faster than usual. The heat that takes place in the pads usually ends up distorting both the brake rotors and discs. As a result, the brakes start producing a loud and disturbing squealing noise.

How to Stop Brakes Squeak When Stopping Slow

The brake noise experienced when stopping slow occurs due to the way the pads are strongly vibrating against the turning disc. Every time the caliper press flat against the turning disc, friction occurs which makes the brake pads vibrate. The brake noise gets even much louder if the brake pads are pressed very tightly against the caliper.

The grease and shims between the pads and brake caliper work hard to minimize the frequency of the vibration taking place. Other factors that may cause vibration in brake pads include dirt, dust, humidity, mud, road salt, brake pad material, and a change in temperature.

Otherwise, when you match the brake pedal and the car begins to slow down, the brake noise diminishes and subsequently stops when the vehicle comes to a stop. If the brake noise is very loud when stopping slow, check whether there’s any brake pad dust on the wheels. If you find any brake pad dust, it means the pads have worn out so you may have no other option but to change the brake pads and pad shims altogether.

Different Types of Car Brakes

All vehicles come with two kinds of brakes—drum brakes and disk brakes. Many new modern vehicles usually have disk brakes. These specific brakes function by pressing flat against a disc or rotor in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.

On the other hand, drum brakes are found in the rear area in which a curved path presses on a hollow drum in order to bring the car to a stop. Often, these specific brakes tend to produce some squealing noise because the contact points of brakes pads aren’t properly lubricated.

Why Do I Experience Squealing Noises With My New Brakes?

Even after changing the old squeaky brakes, many vehicle owners complain that they still experience brake squeaks from their vehicles. It’s quite normal for new brakes to produce some squealing sounds even after replacing both the disc pads and rotors. More often than not, your new brakes may squeal and squeak due to frequent panic stops, brake pads getting stuck, low-quality brake pads, and because of pieces of metal fibers being close to each other.

How to Stop Squeaking and Squealing in New Brake Pads

The brake noises from your vehicle can be very annoying, especially when those particular brake pads are quite new. Fortunately, there are several ways a person can get around this issue. Below are some tips which many might find useful.

Check for Loose Parts

Tight brake parts allow for a smooth and easy movement of hands. But when the brake parts are loose, many times they tend to vibrate or pulsate and thus cause brake noises. Make sure to turn the calipers, pads, and other gears to ensure they are tight

Change All Loose Parts

Replace any loose parts like the clips and shims if any item appears loose. Change any loose components right away to prevent the brake pads from shifting within the caliper assembly.

Use Some Dampening Paste

The dampening paste works as a buffer that helps dampen the vibration and isolate most of the brake noise. Find a quality dampening paste and apply a small amount at the back of the brake pads. Wait for the paste to dry for about 2-3 hours. The color of the paste should get darker after it finally dries. It’s also a good idea to allow it to dry at room temperature before fixing the brake pads.

Check for Any Signs of Wear

Most brake pads usually produce a loud squeaking sound after they become worn out to some extent. Make sure to check for any wear signs in the brake pads and replace any disc that may have some issues.

Final Thoughts

Squeaky brakes are a potential safety issue that shouldn’t be taken for granted at any one time. Your mechanic can inspect your brakes during a routine service check and have the issue fixed. Even though your brakes are not producing any noises, it’s important that you have your brakes checked at least once or twice in a year to ensure they are in good shape.

Otherwise, if you experience brakes squeak when stopping slow or car making squeaking noise when driving slow, have your brakes checked by an experienced mechanic immediately. More often than not, brake noise from a vehicle will occur from either worn or loose parts and thus crucial to have this particular issue addressed fast. Hopefully, this handy guide has helped shed some light on what causes brake squeaks and what you can do to fix this brake noise when it occurs.

Getting a dent in a vehicle or truck can occur anywhere and anytime. Even if you’re very careful on the road, scenarios like wrongly thrown footballs, runaway shopping, and out-of-nowhere light posts do happen and there’s nothing you can do about it. The only option you would have is to fix the dent by either taking your vehicle to a body shop or some mechanic from around your area. Or you can simply fix the dents yourself and save on garage fee, among other expenses as a consequence. There are a few ways you can go about getting a large dent out of your vehicle at home. Without further ado, here are a few proven methods on how to fix a large dent in a car door you may want to try.

Use a Toilet Plunger

A plunger is an effective way to fix dents that are large in size. At least this particular item doesn’t leave any creases in the middle of a dent. First find a clean toilet plunger that has a strong grip. Next, place the plunger on the area with the dent and pump it. This should create sufficient suction on the dent before you jump to the next step. Finally, pull the plunger out with some considerable force to ensure the dented area snaps back to its initial position like before.

Use a Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet is a great tool for removing large dents from a car that can easily be accessed from behind. Just like the toilet plunger, this particular tool also doesn’t leave any marks behind after fixing the dents. However, it’s also very firm and strong which means one can easily reshape the dents if not careful. You should get real results if you use a rubber mallet that matches the actual size of the dings in your vehicle’s door.

 This means finding a larger mallet could do the trick since you’re fixing a large dent. Any rubber mallet that doesn’t match the actual size of the dings would only create further marks on the door. Also, make sure to work the dents from the back and hit hard on the middle with sufficient force until all the dents pop out.

Use Screws, Hot Glue, and Wooden Dowels

Every time you’re about to fix a large dent on your vehicle’s door by yourself, there is the potential risk that you’d do your door more damage than you think. One of the safest and best ways to get out a large dent on a vehicle is by using a combination of screws, hot gun glue, and wooden dowels.

Simply place two nails into every side of the dowel and subsequently stick the glue underneath. Next, place the dowels glue-side down in sections around the ding. Make sure to repeat the process above several times until the whole area becomes covered in glue. Allow the parts to dry. Finally, pull all the wooden dowels out after the ding is gone.

Rinse and repeat this method in as many different places as you want till most of the dents fade away. On the other hand, it’s important to note that this method requires a lot of patience and sufficient glue for a person to see real results. And you should use either some rubbing alcohol or heat to detach the glue from the vehicle’s door nevertheless.

Use a Long Metal Rod and Knockdown

Every time you notice a ding on your vehicle, some tools like a metal rod and knockdown can save you big time. The purpose of these two is to work the dents inward while also ensuring that the surrounding edges of the ding rise upward. That means you’d be placing a long metal rod on the bottom and a knockdown on the top part of the dent every time. Eventually all the dents conspicuous on your car’s door would vanish into oblivion as a consequence.

Take advantage of a Specialty Tool

If any of the methods above is giving you a hard time, simply grab a dent removal kit with a variety of tools such as a suction cup dent remover or a Pops-a-Dent. A suction cup dent removal tool, in particular, works the same way as a plunger. All you have to do is fix it to the dent and then pull it upward to pop out the ding on your car’s door.

Final Thoughts

Whether old or new, nobody wants to drive a vehicle with a dent anywhere on its body parts. Dents sometimes vary from big dings to small dings based on the level of damage the vehicle had upon impact. Fortunately, you don’t need to bring your vehicle to a mechanic every time in order to fix the dents. This is a simple DIY task that anyone can do by themselves at home. Hopefully, this handy guide on how to fix a large dent in a car door has all the answers to your problems. Following the methods shared above will help you easily pop out dents in a few minutes without the risk of doing further damage to your vehicle’s door.