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.
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.
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.
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 #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!
- Vehicle to wander
- Excessive tire wear
- Burn excessive fuel
- Tires to run flat
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.
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.
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 #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 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
The 2020 Toyota Prius Prime is able to achieve a combined efficiency rating of 54 miles per gallon, or maximum driving range of 640 miles…
https://www.toyotapaloalto.com/blog/electric-driving-range-and-new-features-of-the-2020-toyota-prius-prime/
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 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 #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!
Be Careful and Stay Safe My Friends!
