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Don't Overheat or Blow a Head Gasket!

By
Real Estate Agent with Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 UT DRE# 6541633-SA00

gxp

When my car broke down last week I felt so very helpless because I depend heavily on my car for my day-to-day business and appreciate the freedom of getting in my car and driving. I'm sure most of you are able to relate to this.

I thought I'd make a list of items to check on a regular basis to keep your vehicle in good running order.

  • Change your oil regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. All fluids should be checked at that time including; brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze.
  • The air filter should also be checked. To ensure it is still allowing proper air flow to the engine.
  • Check tire inflation at least once a month. In the summer, due to warmer temperatures, check them more frequently. Proper amount in tires can save wear and tear and can actually save on gas mileage.
  • When gassing up, check your oil level. Newer cars will tell you electronically when you need to add oil but as a precaution...check it anyway.
  • Pay attention to your gages. If you notice any changes in temperature of the engine or drop in oil pressure, immediately get it checked. Do not drive excessively and pull over and park and call for help!
  • Keep your engine tuned. Bad spark plugs or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce gas mileage  as much as 30 percent.
  • Check your lights including; headlights, turn signals, and brake and tail lights regularly.
  • Get your brakes checked regularly. Especially if they start squeaking or if you feel grinding when you apply the brakes.
  • Check windshield washer blades. If you are in a downpour and your wipers do not function properly, you can put your self in danger due to poor visibility.
  • Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.

I hope these tips help to keep your car in top shape so your business will continue to take off!

<<<0>>>

I am a professional licensed REALTOR® from the sunny St. George, Utah area that assists buyers and sellers with the necessary tools and technologies to make informed decisions regarding real estate.

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin, REALTOR®, CSP®, e-PRO®, CNE®
Windermere Real Estate So., 1173 South 250 West
Building 2, Suite 503, St. George, UT 84770
435.632.9374 Cell - 435.628.0860 Fax
imsellingsouthernutah@q.com

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I, Wanda Kubat-Nerdin at Red Rock Real Estate Utah am responsible for my opinions expressed in this blog. Information herein is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed and may change due to market conditions. Please do not take my pictures or artwork and use them as your own, they are my property and copyrighted.

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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin is a southern Utah REALTOR® assisting buyers and sellers in in the St. George area, Dammeron Valley, Diamond Valley, Veyo, Central, Hurricane, Ivins, La Verkin, Leeds, Santa Clara, and Washington real estate markets.
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Red Rock Real Estate
90 E 100 S, St. George, UT 84770

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Comments (15)

Ricky Khamis
EPiQ Lending - Gilbert, AZ
NMLS 173141 | CADOC 173141 - 602-758-7425

I was driving to meet my wife and kids at the movies, left work early and right when I got to the theater my Thermostat Housing Unit literally blew up and smoke filled the air! Arizona's heat, killed it.  Here is the cool part, I have a mechanic that is a retired Mercedes Technician (mechanic) and he went to the dealer picked up the part and came and replaced it right in the parking lot!  I feel your pain though.

Jul 26, 2009 02:57 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Ricky, You are so lucky to have someone rescue you like that! I hope to have my car back the first of the week. The best to you!

Jul 26, 2009 03:02 PM
Monique Combs
Royal Shell Real Estate - Bonita Springs, FL
Royal Shell Real Estate - Monique Combs

Wanda,

I had my check ups a few weeks ago and I was taking my daughter to the store and wham a guy pulled out and hit me. I didn't have my car for three weeks. I was so glad to get it back.

Jul 26, 2009 03:28 PM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Funny you should say that I was planning on taking my car in tomorrow morning to get the oil changed

Jul 26, 2009 03:35 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

The owner's manual that should have come with the car is an excellent resource... and most people are actually on the harsh duty schedule. 

Jul 26, 2009 03:59 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thanks Wanda, you're so right with this one.  We depend on our cars.

Jul 26, 2009 11:36 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Monique, I'm glad you and your daughter are ok and that you have your car back.

Russ, Make sure they check all your fluids, especially the coolant this time of year!

Lane, You're right. The manual is a good resource to learn more about your vehicle.

Thanks Gabe, It is more difficult to get from point A to point B! Have a great week!

Jul 27, 2009 01:10 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

All great tips Wanda......But what's the story on your car?

Should we prepare a eulogy for it?

Should we celebrate it's speedy recovery?

Let us know!

Jul 27, 2009 09:45 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Ok, so the service guys must like to exaggerate somewhat...BLOWN OUT HEAD GASKETS...HOLE IN THE RADIATOR...THOUSANDS OF $$$$! The water pump had to be replaced and I just picked my car up...I have to admit my trust level as far as my car goes is at an all-time low...

Thank you for asking Craig, I do appreciate that!

Jul 27, 2009 10:05 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Hey, I'm just glad we didn't have to unveil this......!!!

Wanda's Car

Jul 27, 2009 10:11 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Ha-ha-ha! I am so glad that this is a happy ending...I'm not up to a eulogy today! Thanks for the back-up plan Craig!

Jul 27, 2009 11:17 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

I'm here to help!!!!

Have a great rest of the day!

Jul 27, 2009 11:21 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

And I truly appreciate you! Enjoy your evening!

Jul 27, 2009 11:25 AM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

Mechanics and service writers prefer to go with "worst case scenario"...  The honest ones do it so that they won't have to come back later and ask for more... and you'll be thrilled that it was "so cheap"... the dishonest ones do it to pad the bill... 

I'm glad to do most of my own work.

Jul 27, 2009 03:09 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Thank you Lane for your honest opinion regarding car repair. I can imagine the money you save by doing it yourself. The going rate is $85 per hour.

Jul 28, 2009 01:39 AM