1651 S. 11th St Nebraska City, NE 68410 402-873-6925

6 Costly Car Repairs That Are Totally Avoidable

Little Mistakes That Can Lead To Big Car Repair Bills

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be taken as a replacement for following your owners manual or the advice of a certified mechanic. These tips are a culmination from various sources widely available on the internet.

As anyone who’s ever owned a car knows, they are a huge financial responsibility. Aside from the initial purchase price, there’s insurance, gasoline, and of course, repairs and maintenance.

While some car repairs are unavoidable, there are others that are totally avoidable if you take proper care of your vehicle. Here are a few of the most costly car repairs that are avoidable with some simple preventive maintenance.

Never Ignore The Check Engine Light

Ignoring the check engine can lead to major engine damage that could have easily been avoided had the problem been addressed immediately. There are many reasons the light comes on such as a loose gas cap, bad oxygen sensor, or failed catalytic converter.

Failing To Replace The Battery When Needed

Depending on the battery's condition, most last anywhere from three to five years. If you're still driving on the original battery that came with the car, chances are it needs to be replaced. Modern vehicles are full of electronic features that put a strain on the electrical system, and an old battery will struggle to keep up.

If your battery is drained, it will take longer for your starter to turn over. Your vehicle now draws more electricity, and the alternator kicks in to throw additional amps at the battery in order to recharge it. All those things drawing current can be affected by the spikes and lows over time.

It's easy to eliminate a lot of electrical problems by replacing the battery when needed

Not Maintaining Proper Fuel Level.

Electric fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank. Running the pump dry can damage it. The debris from the bottom of the tank will also get into the fuel filter and clog it. This will reduce fuel flow to the engine and cause all sorts of drivability problems.

If you allow the fuel level to constantly run lower than a quarter tank full, you run the risk of having  to replace the fuel pump sooner than necessary. It sounds weird but gasoline has a cooling effect on the fuel pump, and running low all the time could potentially shorten its lifespan

Unnecessary Transmission Flushes

If you know the history of your car, it may be okay to do transmission flushes just as your preventative maintenance suggests. However If you don't know the history and the car is running fine, then you might reconsider getting it done.

When you fill your car with new transmission fluid, it has specially designed detergent in it to keep a transmission clean. The issue is that it can break loose debris already present in the transmission resulting in a clogged filter. If the filter gets clogged, it will restrict fluid flow and cause all sorts of problems.

Not Using The Proper Tire Size

Whether it's a spare tire or just buying tires not rated for your vehicle, putting the wrong size tire on your car will cause problems. The spare tire is rated for a limited amount of miles and speed, so you should only use it in an emergency situation.

When you drive with mismatched tire sizes, it can cause the vehicle's differential to think that the smaller tires are slipping. It then tries to compensate by sending more power to the wheels, which can cause even more tire slippage and eventually lead to differential failure.

Kicking Ice & Sludge To The Curb

You may just do it without thinking but kicking ice and sludge off your car's bumper, fender and doors can cause cracks or damage to plastic moldings. Think about it this way. When the temperature gets below freezing plastic can become very brittle.

So if you're tempted to kick your bumper, Don't. It could easily crack and need to be replaced. The same goes for plastic moldings and door handles. If possible wait for warmer temperatures, spray it off with a high pressure water nozzle at a car wash or just gently use a soft bristle brush.

Diary Of A Car - Don't Bug Me

A Tough Day In The Neighborhood

I'm just a car trying to get from Point A to Point B minding my own business. The next thing you know a swarm of bugs come out of nowhere and start running into me. Now I'm covered in bugs. Aren't bugs supposed to be attracted to light, so why are they attacking me during the day.?

I try to shake them off, but they just keep coming. I honk my horn and swerve from side to side, but nothing seems to deter them. Finally, I pull into a parking lot and come to a stop.

I really hate bugs. They're always getting in my way and ruining my day. I wish they would just leave me alone. But no, they just keep coming and coming. I can't even go for a drive without them attacking me.

It's not fair. There's a big mess to clean up. I don't know why they did it, but it was really annoying.

Good thing my owner knows how to get rid of them.

How To Remove Bugs From Your Car

Keeping a car washed and clean can help some to prevent bugs from sticking to the paint and making a mess. Waxing the car will also make it harder for bugs to stick.

If your car is already covered in bugs, here are a few ways you can remove them:

  • Try to remove them as soon as possible. If they are left to dry, they will be harder to remove.

  • Use a garden hose or a high pressure sprayer to rinse off as many of the bugs as possible.

  • Apply a commercial bug remover that you can find at most auto stores. Typically you apply the solution to the bugs with a sponge and scrub until they come off.

Preventative Measures

It's always best to take preventive measures to avoid bugs in the first place. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Regularly clean your windshield and front of the car so that bugs are less likely to stick.

  • Keep your car waxed so that bugs have a harder time sticking to the paint.

  • Install a bug deflector on the front of your car.

WHAT WE ARE DOING REGARDING COVID-19

The health and safety of our team and our guests has always been our top priority at World Auto Sales, during this unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, we will continue prioritizing your health and well-being at our dealership.
We want to report to you that we have enhanced the way we serve our guests.
Effective Friday, March 20, our store is focused on delivering Car Buying on Your Terms. Here’s what that means:
• At-home Test Drives: We will deliver the vehicle of your choice to your door—fully sanitized and ready for a test drive. You’re able to keep the car for up to 24 hours, and we’ll also appraise your trade-in vehicle on the spot.
• Simplified Process: Our team is standing by to help provide Instant Answers any way you’d prefer—over the phone, via email, text or instant chat.
• Hassle-free Delivery: Our guests can take advantage of the vehicle being delivered to you, along with the final paperwork.
We are actively monitoring the guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and our local leaders for precautionary measures. In response to the most recent information, our stores have:
• Instituted new deep cleaning and safety protocols for all stores and employees and will continue to enhance and evolve these measures as directed by the CDC guidelines and local government policies.
• Implemented a “hands-free” policy for staff & guests, as well as limiting any outside visits from vendors to our stores beyond guests and employees
• Posted relevant signage throughout the stores which provides information about COVID-19, and critical ways to avoid being exposed to it.
• Increased the number of hand sanitizer stations throughout the store, and relentlessly encouraging members of our team to wash their hands throughout the day.
• Instructed all employees who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to self-monitor from home, and if necessary, visit a doctor.
In closing, we recognize this is a trying time for all of us. Our company has the great privilege of serving our community and we plan to continue doing so—through good times and bad. We will remain singularly focused on the health and well-being of our team, guests and community, and will steward our team through this tumultuous time so that we can remain an integral part of the communities we serve.
Thank you, Debby, John, Vonna, David and Navy
World Auto Sales

BUY NOW VACATION FREE

This weekend is APPLEJACK in Nebraska City voted over and over again one of the best Festivals in the Midwest, so come to Nebraska City and enjoy! My company World, Auto Sales, has some amazing prizes to give away stop by our "booth" on Central Avenue between 11th and 10th Streets and take a Spin on our Wheel you may win deluxe accommodations for 2 in a 5 star resort in Cancun 8 days 7 nights, or $300.00- $500.00 off a vehicle purchase, some cool stadium tumblers and many other cool items!

replace interior light bulbs

If the inside of your car has grown dim through the years, then it might be time to replace your interior light bulbs. Vehicles are usually equipped with a dome light and a map light. The dome light is the large light source typically placed in the middle of the car’s ceiling. Map lights are also on the car ceiling but are mounted closer towards the driver and the front passenger. These are strategically placed to have a concentrated light beam towards the driver and the front passenger only. Replacing the light bulbs in both the dome light and the map light is simple and can be done at home.

What you will need:

  • Flathead screwdriver/interior trim removal tool
  • Replacement light bulbs
    – Consult the owner’s manual in order to purchase the correct light bulbs.
    – Replacement interior dome light bulbs are typically 10W Festoon base.
    – Replacement map light bulbs come in two types depending on the vehicle. It is either a peanut light bulb, or a Festoon base light bulb.
  • Steps to Replace the Dome Light

    Make certain that the Dome light is in the “OFF” position and not on the “DOOR” or “ON” position.

    1. Identify the dome light in your car.
    2. Find the small opening slot between the lense and plastic molding of the dome light.
    3. Insert your screwdriver or interior trim removal tool and gently wiggle the lens free. Be very careful not to break the plastic tabs which secure the lens to the dome light. Take this opportunity to clean the lens.
    4. Pop out the old light bulb, and insert the replacement, being careful not to crack or break the bulb.
    5. Test if the newly installed light bulb works by turning the dome light switch ON.
    6. Pop the lens back into place paying close attention to the plastic tabs that hold it to the dome light.

    Steps to Replace the Map Light

    1. Identify where the hinge and the plastic tabs are on your map light.
    2. Gently insert the flathead screwdriver or interior trim removal tool between the lens and the plastic molding of the map light
    3. Very carefully wiggle the map light in the direction away from the plastic tab.
    4. Once dislodged, pull the lens out along with the heat shield.
    5. If your car’s map light uses a Festoon base light bulb, pop it out using your fingers or the interior trim removal tool. But if your map light is equipped with a peanut light bulb, unscrew the bulb as you would a normal household light bulb.
    6. Test the newly installed light bulb, and return the heat shield and lens carefully.As with any repairs consult your owner’s manual for specific handling and equipment needed to avoid further damage.

      Interior lights go beyond just illuminating the inside of your car. They are also a safety feature that lets you know if you’ve left the door, or even the trunk open. It is a convenience which we all have grown accustomed to, and often take for granted. Make sure your interior lights are functioning properly because it is definitely easier replacing the interior light bulbs than feeling around your car at night looking for your keys in the dark.

How to adjust your seat for maximum comfort and sa

  1. Adjust how close you are to the steering wheel.
    • Place one of your feet flat on the car floor. This will make pushing or pulling the seat much easier.
    • Pull the lever which adjusts your seat forward or backward.
    • Adjust the seat and stop at a distance you believe is sufficient for your feet to reach the pedals.
    • Place your feet on the pedals.

Note that your knees need to be slightly bent while your feet are resting on the pedals. Even though you should only be moving your ankles to shift from one pedal to another, having the space to fully extend your leg on the brake pedal during an emergency for maximum breaking force is essential. This is possible by having a slight bend at all times.

  • Repeat process till you get to a comfortable position.
  1. Adjust your backrest.
    • Sit back into the seat.
    • Lift the lever and adjust the backrest pitch up or down.
    • Fully stretch your arms out to rest your wrists on top of the steering wheel.

Note that your elbows need to be bent slightly when your hands rest at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position on the steering wheel. Stretching your arms and resting your wrists on top of the steering wheel will place you in the optimum position.

  • Repeat process till you get a comfortable position

Do not sit up right, or with the backrest at a 90-degree position from the seat. This will make driving uncomfortable, and increase chest injury during an accident.

  1. Adjust your headrest.
    • Press the button located at the plastic base of the headrest.
    • Adjust the headrest higher or lower to support the back of your head.

Note that your head should NOT be resting on the headrest. Headrests are used to catch your head in the event of an accident, preventing your neck from getting whiplash. Make sure to have a fist sized gap between your head and the headrest.

Additional Steps

  1. Adjust your seat height.
    • Adjust the seat higher or lower in order to have a comfortable view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
  2. Adjust your steering wheel.
    • Pull the lever underneath the steering column.
    • Adjust the distance of the steering wheel along with the height to comfortably rest your arms during normal driving.

Vacation Promotion

Vacation On Us

In order to qualify for a vacation on us:

Purchase a vehicle from now through the end of the month

Destinations include:

For a 2011 through 2015 vehicle purchase

8 days & 7 nights

Cancun

Puerto Vallarta

Cabo San Lucas

3 days & 2 nights

Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe

(Includes $500 coupon book)

For a 2016 through 2018 vehicle purchase

7 days & 6 nights

Jamaica

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Costa Rica

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All of the above

Las Vegas

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Jamacia

  

Holidays are here!

I an thankful for all the wonderful people and customers we have seen this year so far... keep checking back there is something really exciting coming soon! 

Lease or Buy

I was thinking the other day about the pit falls of leasing. Many TV ads and newspaper ads tout low payments yet skim by the "small print" so fast you can't even read it. Only to find out too late that your lease only allows for 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year, or you need $3500.00 due at signing, making that monthly payment much more than you anticipated when you add it all up. Oh how those over mile fees can kill you some are even more than 25 cents per mile, so those overages can cost much more than it would have if you had just bought the vehicle instead of leasing. The other thing is that you own nothing when the lease is over you used and paid for that much use of the car now you have to come up with down payment again where  owning the car gives you some equity. More thoughts on this another time. 

tips on improving your credit score

Nearly everyday people ask me how to improve their credit score, I tell them I am no financial adviser however I can tell them what lenders are looking for and doing these things may help you build a better score. Today I will address those who have no credit score: young, just our of school or you have always paid cash. Start by getting a cell phone in your own name, car insurance in your own name. Apply for a store credit card like Target or Gap, Walmart even if you only get a $500.00 limit, that is a start. Use this new credit card responsibly, it isn't free money you have to pay it back, over the course of a month things you have normally paid cash or written a check for like gas, groceries, utility bills, may all be paid for with the card. Use as much of the credit limit as possible but don't go over, then at the end of the month pay it all of except for a small amount like $50.00, I'm not encouraging you to go into debt, merely prove that you can handle a credit card. Do this for 6 months, most of the time the credit card issuer will call or write to you and congratulate you on how you are handling your credit and offer you a larger credit limit, accept whatever they offer. Now with your new limit use it for even more of your daily expenses keeping the money to pay it off in your checking account until the bill comes. After 6 months attempt to get a MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express card, if you are turned down do not dismay, just keep on doing what you are doing and try again in another 4-6 months. If you follow these tips and keep your bills paid on time you will be on your way to establishing a good credit score. Always pay your bills on time even music services now report to credit a bureau  if you don't pay and student loans left unpaid never go away!  There are a number of credit score building companies out there, Credit Karma and Experian are two of them, they have great help and it is free. 

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