DUMB STUFF IS A FREE AUTO MAINTENANCE GUIDE PRESENTED IN A FUNNY WAY TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS AND DRIVING PROCEDURES...
Dumb Stuff #1 - Driving with your brake warning light "ON" for extended periods. The “brake warning light" is a RED light found on the dash that illuminates when the ignition is turned ON to start the engine. It turns "OFF" as soon as the engine starts and remains off while the engine is running unless there is...
Loss of hydraulic pressure
Low brake fluid level.
It's pure lunacy to think that you'll live a full life ignoring this critical warning system. Dumb Stuff #2 - On older vehicles, engaging the starter motor while the engine is running. For instance, if you change drivers during a trip - it's a good idea to pull-over and place the vehicle in PARK and turn OFF the engine. If the vehicle is left running, the natural tendency is to start the engine. This can lead to a loud grinding noise and damage your starter and flywheel. If you make this mistake too often, you’re set for a major repair job.
Thankfully, newer vehicles have push-button starters with “built-in” protection to prevent damage of the starter motor when the engine is running.
Dumb Stuff #3 - Shifting into DRIVE while the vehicle is still moving in REVERSE on automatic transmissions. This maneuver causes "overlapping of gears" and can lead to clutch slippage and premature failure of the transmission.
Use a Transmission Cooler when Towing.
Repair Transmission Leaks Immediately.
Do not Ride the Clutch on Cars with Standard Transmissions.
Dumb Stuff #4- Hitting the curb or tire stop when parking. This is the #1 cause of front-end damage and steering system problems. Many customers feel the need to hit the curb with their tires to ensure their vehicle is properly parked. This can also lead to damage of the undercarriage, bumper and front-end covers.
Dumb Stuff #5 - Attempting to make the next highway exit when the engine is running hot. If your car runs hot – pull over immediately, turn OFF the engine and let the engine cool down. Continued driving may cause a blown head gasket. It's better to use your phone and call for help than destroy your engine. If no one is available to help you, keep pulling over and turning OFF the engine until you reach help. Accepting help from strangers may not be a good idea.
Dumb Stuff #6 - Cranking the engine continuously - even though the engine fail to start. If your engine does not start, crank the engine in 3 seconds intervals followed by a 6 second cool down. Prolonged grinding on the starter can cause the starter to overheat, battery to explode, and battery cables to melt - leading to an under hood fire. Newer vehicles with push-button ignition offer some protection to prevent overheating the starter motor.
Dumb Stuff #7 - Failure to keep a close check of your oil level. Taping or knocking sounds from the engine while driving should be checked immediately – pull over and call for help to prevent engine damage.
Dumb Stuff #8 - Continuously driving with warped rotors. If you car shakes violently when the brakes are applied, you have warped rotors. Defective rotors should be “turned” or replaced to prevent damage to suspension system components.
Dumb Stuff #9 - Failure to follow routine oil changes and filter replacement.
Dumb Stuff #10 - Ignoring coolant and oil leaks from your engine. This could be fatal to your engine and wallet. Like a crying baby, all leaks require immediate attention!
Dumb Stuff #11 - Failure to keep tires properly inflated.
Too little air can cause...
Vehicle to wander
Excessive tire wear
Burn excessive fuel
Tires to run flat
Too much air can lead to "blow out."
Balance tires if you feel steering wheel shimmy or shaking.
Replace worn or leaky shock absorbers and struts. Excessive bouncing of the vehicle and popping sounds over bumps is a sure sign of shock absorber or strut failure.
Dumb Stuff #12 - Neglecting to change your filters - air filter, fuel filter, breather element and PCV valve at regular intervals. Keep the fuel tank full during winter months to prevent condensation and fuel tank rusting.
Dumb Stuff #13 - Ignoring sounds coming from your brakes. If you hear a scrapping sound coming from your brakes when they are applied, this may be the wear indicator alerting you of the need for new brakes. Get your brakes checked immediately before rotor damage occurs. Grinding noise indicates metal-to-metal contact and is a sure sign of brake damage. You’ll need new rotors along with new brake pads and/or brake shoes if you hear metal-to-metal sounds coming from your brakes.
Cheap and excessively worn brake pads may produce a squealing sound when brakes are applied. Avoid low budget brake pads and keep oily hands and grease off the brake liners and rotors.
Dumb Stuff #14 - Never flushing your cooling system or replacing the coolant. Adding only water to the cooling system is not recommended. Your coolant contains rust inhibitors, water pump lubricants, antifreeze chemicals, and other ingredients to protect your radiator, block, seals, and hoses.
Always check the condition of the belts and hoses when servicing the cooling system.
Dumb Stuff #15 - Failure to check your coolant level. Check engine coolant only when the engine is cold. Do not remove the pressure cap on a hot engine – the hot water and steam can scald you.
Dumb Stuff #16 - Leaning over a running engine with a necktie, long hair, or dangling chains. These items can get caught in the fan or rotating belts. Remember to remove all jewelry, rings and watches when working on a vehicle. These can cause electrical shorts, sparks and severe burns if they contact the battery or electrical terminals.
Dumb Stuff #17 - Driving with your “Check Engine” light ON. This indicates a problem with the computerized engine control system and can damage your catalytic converter.
Dumb Stuff #18 - Not knowing the location of your jack, spare tire, and tire tools. Before you have a flat, every vehicle owner should practice changing their tire using the procedures found in the owner’s manual. Get someone to help you if you do not feel comfortable or safe changing a tire.
Dumb Stuff #19- Attempting to service an A/C system without proper training. If raw refrigerant contacts your skin, it will burn and cause “frost bite.” Always wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Do not weld around A/C lines. Do not carry refrigerant inside your vehicle – ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause the pressurized can to explode.
Use prescribed A/C service tools and equipment to prevent injury, component damage, or contaminating the atmosphere.
Dumb Stuff #20 - Driving a vehicle that is “pulling to one side.” A strong pull on the steering wheel while driving could indicate bent or worn steering components, low tire pressure, worn wheel bearings, or alignment problems. Get this checked immediately.
Dumb Stuff #21 - Shifting into park to stop your car. Most cars traveling at high speed will not allow the transmission to lock gears. The parking paw is a steel metal lever designed to physically lock the parking gear inside the transmission. If it is engaged while driving, it's like trying to stop a ceiling fan with your hand. All you'll hear is a grinding noise that will eventually destroy your transmission and drivetrain components. This is very damaging to your transmission and should never be attempted. Besides, it doesn't work.
Dumb Stuff #22 - Holding the clutch partially engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill. This could lead to premature wear on the clutch disk on a standard transmission vehicle. Learning to take-off on a hill in a standard transmission requires practice. This driving skill should be mastered well before attempting a hill.
Dumb Stuff #23 - Driving on empty for prolonged periods of time can destroy your electric fuel pump. Most car manufacturers build fuel tanks with a two-gallon reserve capacity. The low fuel light illuminates to warn drivers to add fuel to the vehicle before fuel in reserve is depleted. This distance could range from 25 to 50 miles before your car dies or runs out of gas. The fuel in your gas tank keeps the electric pump lubricated and cool. Continuous driving with low fuel level and/or "fuel warning light" ON can lead to premature failure of the fuel pump.
Dumb Stuff #24 - Texting while driving is among the top cause of car crashes and death for teen drivers. Hands-free devices are required when operating a motor vehicle in most states. Legislation in most states require drivers to us hands-free devices. These devices are now standard equipment on today's vehicles.
Dumb Stuff #25 - Allowing kids to climb on your car, friends to sit on your car, or using your car as an outdoor car bench. Avoid eating in your car. Avoid smoking in your car. Avoid using your car as a truck or overloading your suspension system.
Dumb Stuff #26- Driving too fast in curves causing excessive tire wear. Slow down during hard cornering, this will prolong the life of your tires. Avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel at high speeds on vehicles that are top heavy (such as SUVs and Crossovers) - this can easily cause the vehicle to flip-over.
Dumb Stuff #27 - Hitting your brakes after crossing a police speed trap. If you are traveling 85 mph on interstate highway with a speed limit of 70 mph and you enter a speed trap - your first instinct is to hit the brakes to rapidly reduce your speed. If the police see your brake lights ON after crossing their speed trap, this is an admission of guilt. They always get the vehicle with the brake lights ON.
Dumb Stuff #28 - Don't leave kids or pets inside a running vehicle while you take a quick dash inside the store for snacks. Matter-of-fact, don't leave anyone inside the vehicle if you leave the car. Slow down, "hot car syndrome" can kill your kids, pets, or any living thing left inside the car on a hot summer day.
Don't put things on the roof of your vehicle while you open the door to get in. Chances are, you'll forget it!
Certainly, no one would forget and leave their baby inside a crib on top of their vehicle!
Dumb Stuff #29 - Stopping in the merge lane and waiting for the traffic to clear before pulling on the highway.
Blinding oncoming drivers with bright lights.
Tailgating.
Driving slowly in the passing lane.
Constantly hitting your brakes or following vehicles too close.
Failure to merge or merging at the last second before safety cones block your lane.
Signaling too soon or too late.
Driving with no brake lights or tail lights.
Driving at night with no headlights.
Driving in water that is too deep.
Driving in weather that is too rough, windy or rainy.
Stopping on the left shoulder to fix a flat.
If you're sleepy, pull over and rest. Get something to eat or drink. Turn on some music. Let-in some fresh air.
Dumb Stuff #30 - Accepting help from strangers. If your vehicle stalls late at night, your best bet is to call a family member to help you or "cash-in" the roadside emergency services through your insurance company. Accepting help from strangers is risky. If a police approaches - keep your hands on the steering wheel. If a passerby approaches, tell them help has been called. If your tire is flat and you do not have a spare tire, pull to the right-side of the road and flop slowly until you reach a safe stopping point.
If your engine is running HOT, pull-over and shut-off the engine until it cools down - now inch your way home. You may have to repeat this step numerous times before reaching a safe stopping point. If the engine stalls, turn on your emergenscy flashers immediately to alert oncoming drivers that you are having problems.
If your transmission forward gears fail - put your car in reverse and back-up to a safe stopping point for help. Be careful and reduce your speed. Your car is harder to control when driving backward because wheel alignment angles are set for forward motion. The steering wheel is harder to hold in a straight ahead position while backing - creating a whipping effect.
Dumb Stuff #31 - Know the difference between a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), mild hybrid, and electric vehicle (EV).
The HEV uses a gasoline engine + electric engine - all power is generated on board, and no plugging-in required
The HEV has a fuel tank, requires spark plug replacement and requires oil changes
The HEV helps boost engine performance by switching between electrical power, gas, and combination of both as needed for fuel savings and emission control
The electric vehicle (EV) has NO GASOLINE ENGINE and NO GASOLINE TANK or exhaust pipe..
The EV requires recharging by plugging-in to an electrical outlet or charging station
The EV does not require an oil change or spark plug replacement.
The EV saves gasoline, maintenance costs, and keep the environment clean.
A mild hybrid vehicle is a cross between HEV and EV.
Mild hybrid vehicles use a motor-generator and small low voltage battery (around 40 volts) to assist in powering the engine at cruising speed and during START-STOP operation.
Mild hybrids do not offer all-electric propulsion.
Types of Electric Vehicles, Explained CAR TECH April 10, 2018 By Justin Pritchard
Dumb Stuff #32 - Do not park your vehicle behind another vehicle without letting them you are behind them. When backing from a garage or parking lot that you use daily, your mind tends to react from habit knowing that nothing is behind you - so you stop looking back and assume “ALL IS CLEAR!” Even though the big yellow school bus is behind you (so to speak), you cannot see it because habit is blinding you.
Dumb Stuff #33- One of the quickest ways to destroy a perfectly good vehicle is the jack it up in the wrong spot. All vehicles have lift points. The location varies between models and manufacturers - so find the exact lifting points for your vehicle.
When using a floor jack, do not make the mistake of lifting the vehicle by the oil pan, or radiator support. Also, do not jack up a vehicle by the floor board or gas tank. For your own safety, when using a jack – always support the weight of the vehicle on safety stands. Remember to apply the park brake or chalk the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling off the jack.
Safety stand should be placed according to manufacturer's specifications – this is usually on the frame, cross-member, body seam, cradle, axle housing, or secure body/frame mount.
Dumb Stuff #34- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in your vehicle. I do not smoke, therefore I do not allow anyone to smoke in my vehicle. I do not drink alcoholic beverages, nor do I allow anyone to drink in my vehicle.
Wait until you get home or back to work before taking a bite of that taco or chicken sandwich. Spilled soda and baked-on catsup, mayo, and taco sauce can stain plastic panels, carpeting, vinyl, and leather seats. Maybe one or two fries before you pull away from the drive-thru may be allowed, but no catsup.
Watch over your rear-right shoulder to allow traffic to pass when pulling away from the drive-thru. You do not want to wreck your vehicle at the drive-thru.
Dumb Stuff #35 - Your vehicle will last a long time if you keep it maintained. However, letting it sat idle for long periods of time can cause your vehicle to self-destruct..
Tires will go flat and develop flat spots
Battery will become weak and go dead
Corrosion builds on battery terminals
Seals may leak (transmission, water pump, or power steering)
Condensation forms inside of gas tanks and engines and causes rusting and corrosion
Rotors become rusty and contaminate brake pads
Dirt and pollen builds on painted surfaces and can scratch your vehicle's paint
Contamination builds inside the cooling system if the mixture is weak or dirty.
Dumb Stuff #36 - Develop a habit of driving your vehicle weekly to maintain peak performance. If you choose not to drive the vehicle, at least start the engine weekly and let it reach operating temperature (this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes).
Avoid driving through water after a flash flood. According to weather.gov Flood Safety Rules, “as little as one foot of water can move most cars off the road.” To prevent personal harm and property damage to your vehicle, do not drive through flowing water. Most flood-related deaths occur at night when drivers cannot gauge the depth of water. Follow this simple rule, “WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T!
Dumb Stuff #37- Make sure your vehicle is in PARK before exiting the vehicle. Take 2 or 3 second to look twice to ensure you are in PARK. Many vehicles are ruined and lives lost because of damage from not placing the vehicle in park. Develop a practice of setting the park brake as a back-up especially if you are in a hurry.
If for some freaky reason your vehicle accelerates out of control, make sure your foot is NOT on the ACCELERATOR pedal. Then press firmly on the BRAKE pedal. If your brakes will not stop the vehicle - press the PARK brake button on newer vehicle or use hand/foot brake on older vehicles to slow your vehicle to a stop. You can also use the engine brake by shifting to a lower gear (L3, L2, or L1) or down shift with the paddle shift on the steering wheel (–) LEVER once and then twice for more braking. If you have a key ignition, you can turn the key to OFF position, but do not lock the steering wheel. On push button start vehicles, hold the START-STOP button for 3 seconds and the ignition system will switch OFF.
Dumb Stuff #38 - Be careful when pulling into oncoming traffic - “Look Left and Look Right” should be replaced with the phrase “Look Left and Scan Right.” If you do not scan for traffic, you will miss traffic in your “MIDDLE” vision and this could be dangerous. The faster the speed of traffic at an intersection, the more time you should allow for traffic scan. Untold number of deaths occur each year at intersections because drive did not see the BIG TRUCK stuck in their MIDDLE frame of vision.
Dumb Stuff #39- Pushing the START-STOP button while driving. You'd be surprised at the number of people that push the ignition START-STOP button thinking they are turning their radio ON. This is dangerous because it will shut the engine off and lead to a loss of power steering, power brakes, and no power from the engine. If this happens, do not panic! Coast to the side of the road and bring your vehicle to a stop. Put your foot on the brake and move the gearshift to PARK. Now, restart the engine and get on your merry way!
Dumb Stuff #40- Before pulling into a gasoline station, know the location of your gasoline filler door. Is it on the right side of the vehicle? Left side? Rear? Find out before pulling into the gasoline station. Watch this Video - Hidden Car Features...
Nothing is more unsafe or embarrassing than trying to figure out which side of your vehicle matches the fuel pump you are using. Do not pull the gasoline hoses across top of your vehicle to reach the fuel filler neck.
Turn the vehicle off and extinguish all flammable products like cigars, cigarettes, or vape devices. Check height restrictions when driving or towing trailers, mobile homes, or heavy-duty trucks. Swing out on turns and do not cut corners, especially on vehicles with long wheel bases. Do not become distracted and drive off with the fuel pump hose and handle still in your fuel tank.
Ford Raptor Jumps 90 Feet...
Hit he jump at 60 mph and over shoots the landing. This truck is destroyed and the occupants needs medical attention - CRAZY!
Do you own a 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra trucks with 6.6L Duramax diesel engine? If so, a class action settlement has been reached over alleged issues with the CP4 fuel pump, and you may be eligible for a cash payment.
Are You Eligible? You may be a Class Member" and covered by this settlement if you purchased your truck from a GM-authorized dealer in one of these states: California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, or Texas Between March 1, 2010 through September 13, 2024.
The deadline to file a claim is November 6, 2025.
What Can You Get? The settlement provides: Cash for past repairs if you paid out-of-pocket to repair or replace the CP4 fuel pump - you can file a claim for reimbursement.
Cash for former owners if you sold your truck before May 6, 2025, and never paid for a fuel pump repair - you can still receive a cash payment.
Get 50% back on future repairs if your fuel pump needs repair on or after May 6, 2025 - you can get reimbursed for 50% of the cost if done at a GM dealership and receipt submitted within 60 days.
How to File a Claim & Check Eligibility You must show proof and supply needed documentation. However, the first step is to see if your vehicle is included in the settlement by checking VIN Lookup and file a claim at the official settlement website:
If you have started a car on a cold morning - it turns over slowly, struggles to start, and sometimes stops. Your body is like a car's battery. It contains water and electrolytes.
Electrolytes are the mineral salts that carry electrical signals through your muscles, heart, and nerves such as:
Sodium – regulates fluid balance and nerves
Potassium – keeps muscles contracting smoothly
Magnesium – supports heart rhythm and prevents cramps
Calcium – essential for strong muscle contractions
Chloride – works with sodium to maintain fluid balance
Fast Charge and Hydration - After heavy sweating from a brisk walk, playing a game of basketball, or working outside in the summer sun -you lose both water and electrolytes and may become dehydrated.
You may feel sluggish, dizzy, or develop cramps. Adding a balanced electrolyte drink can restore hydration and get your performance up quickly.
Gopher Hydration Chart - Shows how much water to drink -
Without electrolytes your body’s “electrical system” suffers and your performance and endurance drops. Water - with the right amount of electrolytes can restore your body and boost performance. This is known as hydration.
Water + electrolytes = energy.
Comments: Water keeps body systems working properly by moving nutrients, eliminating waste, regulating body temperature, and transporting cooling fluids.
Electrolytes keeps your muscles contracting, nerves firing, and cells balanced.
How to Hydrate Your Body - Drink water with electrolytes before a strenuous activity or working outdoor in hot sun...
LEARN HOW TO SERVICE YOUR OWN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - Save Money and Avoid Contaminating Your System
The latest EPA rule states that auto makers must discontinue using R-134a in new vehicles built in the US for model year 2021, and 2025 for exports. Today, most US auto makers have decided to use R-1234yf in their vehicles to meet strict EPA emission standards.
Existing vehicles using R-134a will not be impacted and R-134a will continue to be produced for servicing older systems, however be prepared for price increases and a gradual phase-down in production.
Keep your eyes peeled for new R-134a replacement blends in many US automotive stores and warehouses. They are causing lots of confusion among DIYers who are concerned about contaminating their systems and expensive repair bills.
Buyers beware!
R-134a replacement blend is not the same as R-134a. R-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant gas and is not flammable. However, R-134a replacement blend (isobutane/propane - also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) is a hydrocarbon (HC) gas that is extremely flammable. R-134a replacement is legal for use only in R-134a systems under EPA regulations.
Watch this video by Repair Geek to help understand DIYers frustration with this new replacement refrigerant...
It is important to avoid mixing R-134a replacement with the genuine R-134a.
For example -
ZeroR is an EPA approved replacement sold on Amazon that contains natural gas and is environmentally friendly. Regardless of claims, the Clean Air Act prohibits releasing refrigerants into the atmosphere. Doing so may have legal repercussions and is therefore not advised. See documentation -
What would happen if you accidentally mixed R-134a replacement with original R-134a?
Nothing at first!
1. The A/C system would cool as usual, and then performance will drop and cool intermittently.
2. R-134a PAG oil will foam and lose lubrication.
3. Moisture will cause contamination and create acids and sludge deposits.
4. Oil will break-down and lose viscosity and damage rubber seals, leading to refrigerant leaks.
5. Hydrocarbon refrigerant causes PAG oil to become increasingly flammable and creates fire hazards.
Note: Shop may refuse to service your A/C system in order to prevent contaminated oil and refrigerant from mixing with their recovery machines.
Note: Recovery of mixed gas can become expensive and cost several thousand dollars to flush contaminated refrigerant from your system (compressor, orifice tube, drier and others) and properly dispose the mixture.
If your system already contains R-134a and PAG oil:
Do NOT add ZeroR or any other hydrocarbon-based refrigerant.
"Top off" with pure R-134a and compatible PAG oil (PAG 46, 100, or 150 - see vehicle specs).
If you want to switch to ZeroR, you must: 1) Fully evacuate the system 2) Flush all old oil, and 3) Replace PAG oil with compatible synthetic ester oil (POE)
BECOME AN A/C PROFESSIONAL AND GET STARTED WITH YOUR EPA 609 CERTIFICATION - USE THESE FREE STUDY MATERIALS, WORKSHEETS AND PRACTICE TESTS Watch this 30-minute YouTube video to familiarize yourself with EPA 609 Certification... 609 Cert Crash Course by McCuistian
Do You Know the Correct Way to Display the American Flag?
Choose A, B, C or D -
Answer: C.
"When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street" - https://www.legion.org/advocacy/flag-advocacy/flag-code
If you filed a claim and submitted it before the August 25, 2023 deadline - you should have received a Litigation Approval email from the settlement administrator dated 9/12/2025 - this is when I received my approval email.
The litigation approval email is only for those who filed a claim and had their claim approved as part of the settlement. Keep in mind that the distribution process is still active over the next 10 weeks.
Search your email under "Facebook User" Privacy Settlement and check your spam folder.
It's not a lot of money, but it's still your money!
Get additional details in the article by Android Authority - "Millions of Facebook users are finally getting their payouts from the $725M privacy settlement"
Facebook Meta users in the U.S. between May 24, 2007 and Dec. 22, 2022 who completed the claim form and were declared eligible during the final approval hearing will receive their part of the $725 million Class Action Settlement.
According to Forbes, 17.7 million Facebook users filed a
valid claim and will receive a payout through PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, prepaid
Mastercard or a physical check.
Estimates are that each claimant will receive $30 on average...
Payout amounts will vary depending on Facebook users who had accounts the longest...
Special Note: If your payment details have changed since you filed a claim (after August 25, 2023 deadline), you may still be able to update it during the 2nd email notice. See Android Authority and Facebook Settlement Administrator
Visit the Official Facebook (Meta) Settlement website...
