Gas Tank Location

Which side is the gas tank on? You have owned your car for years, and have pumped gas hundreds of times, yet you still get panicky every time you approach the fuel pump. We’ve all been there, and automotive engineers and manufacturers know this. That is why they have conveniently placed an arrow on your car’s dashboard, directly next to the fuel gauge. This arrow shows you which side of the car has the fuel tank. If there is no arrow, the icon location will instead indicate which side the fuel tank is on. What a life changer!

Lingering Odors

Does your car seem to constantly smell? Or perhaps it just has a lingering musty odor or staleness that turns you off? A great car care hack for this is essential oil! Simply locate a clothes pin, or even a bobbin pin and cotton ball, then dab a few drops onto it, stick it in the car vent, and turn on the air. The essential oil essence will fill your car with delightful, non-toxic aromas that will even set into the fabrics, leaving a longer lasting scent. Another trick is to tuck dryer sheets underneath seats to keep them smelling fresh.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Worn Tires

If your tires are going bald, but you just can’t get to the auto repair shop for tire replacement service, you can simply lower your tire pressure just a bit, in order to get by for the time being. The lower tire pressure will give your vehicle more traction, which will allow you to drive a bit further without popping a tire. Need to measure your tire tread? Use a penny! In Indiana, this tire tread depth minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. This is measured from the top of the tire tread indicator, down to the top of the tread. You can use a penny to test this because the lettering over Abe Lincoln’s head on a penny measures out to exactly 2/32 of an inch tall! If you can see the letters, your tread is too low!

Looking for Quality Car Maintenance Service in Indianapolis?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional auto repair and car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including comprehensive inspections following a car accident. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing.

Did you know that your nose can actually identify certain warning signs of vehicular trouble? Different smells may imply particular problems with your vehicle, and picking up on these smells early on can spare you time and money on auto repairs. Continue reading to learn which automotive smells to be on the lookout for, and what to do if you detect any of these odors in your vehicle.

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New Car Smell

If you buy a car right off the market, you can expect that tell-tale new car smell. But after some time, that new car smell wears off, and what replaces it depends on your interior automotive hygiene. However, it is possible to smell odors in your vehicle that are different from the food, smoke, perfume, and other odors that may generally occupy your interior. In this case, the presence of unusual odors could be a sign that something is mechanically wrong with your car. Below are the 6 most common automotive odors that may indicate an automotive problem.

Look Out for These Automotive Odors:

Gasoline – If you smell gas, it could mean that your vehicle has a gas leak somewhere in the fuel injection line or fuel tank. Since gasoline is highly flammable, it is vital that you take immediate action. Have a licensed mechanic locate the cause of the smell and make the necessary repairs to get your vehicle back to a safe driving condition.

Burnt Rubber – The smell of burnt rubber could indicate that your engine has slipping drive belts or loose hoses that are rubbing against the rotating accessory drive pulleys. This calls for professional auto repair.

Burnt Carpet – Smelling burnt carpet is a serious sign since it usually indicates a problem with a vehicle’s braking system. This is a serious safety hazard that should be addressed by a professional mechanic immediately upon discovery.

Hot Oil – Hot oil smells could mean that your car has an oil leak that is causing oil to get into the exhaust system. If you also see smoke coming from the hood, or oil on the pavement below, it is most likely an oil leak. This calls for professional service.

Sweet Syrupy Smell – Sweet syrupy smells are an odd odor to experience in your vehicle, but they are also quite serious since they may be an indication that your vehicle has a coolant leak in its cooling system. Get professional auto service right away.

Rotten Eggs – The smell of rotten eggs, or sulfur, is a sign that your car’s catalytic converter is defective. When catalytic converters stop converting hydrogen sulfide into sulfur dioxide properly, it can cause the smell of rotten eggs. This sign requires immediate professional automotive service.

⚠ Never ignore odd odors in your car. Consult a licensed automotive mechanic right away if you smell something unusual, especially while driving under normal conditions.

Licensed Indianapolis Auto Mechanics Near You

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

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Monthly Archives: April 2020

Everyday Car Care Hacks You Really Need to Know