by California Casualty | Health |
It’s cold and flu season, and as a nurse, teacher, or parent, you’re likely surrounded by sniffling and coughing on the daily. So, at this point how can you keep yourself from getting sick?
Look no further; we’ve got you covered with the best tips to help keep you safe and sniffle-free this winter. Follow this guide to protect yourself and help boost your immune system.
Get quality sleep.
Our bodies do important work while we sleep. They repair cells and make proteins that fight infection. Getting enough sleep, and specifically, quality sleep is important to this process. We know it may be hard to get enough sleep when working 12-hour shifts as a nurse or as a parent of young children. Take the time to set yourself up for success with these tips.
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- Set your thermostat to about 65 degrees for optimum sleeping temperature.
- Create a bedtime routine that does not include devices or television. Sometimes a warm shower or bath can help just prior to bed.
- Use a white noise machine or wear earplugs to soften distracting noise.
- Use blackout shades or curtains and/or wear an eye mask.
- Be consistent with bedtime routines for your children. If your children fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes of going to bed, they are getting the right amount of sleep.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble eliminating screens before bed, try wearing blue light-blocker glasses. They will help reduce the light that disturbs your circadian rhythm.
Eat immunity-boosting foods.
It’s easy to reach for prepared foods, microwave meals or vending machine finds. Resist the urge. Instead, fill your diet with the foods that help power your immune system.
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- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
- Citrus fruits are great sources of vitamin C but so are red bell peppers.
- Blueberries are delicious as well as nutritious and can help boost your immunity.
- Broccoli and spinach are both superfoods with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Garlic and turmeric have immune-boosting properties. Ginger helps decrease inflammation.
Make sure to hydrate.
Water helps our bodies to function. Staying well hydrated helps our bodies circulate blood more easily, which allows our white blood cells to better fight off viruses. It also keeps the mucous membranes in our noses moist so they can catch viral invaders.
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- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. By that point, you’re already slightly dehydrated.
- Choose a water bottle you love and bring it with you to work, errands, etc. Get into the habit of sipping throughout the day.
- If you’re bored with the taste of water, infuse it with lemon or cucumber to help encourage you to drink.
- Avoid other beverages so that you’ll drink more water. The caffeine in coffee and soda can dehydrate you, which has exactly the opposite effect of what your body needs.
- Green tea has only a small amount of caffeine, and tea has antioxidants. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for an alternative to coffee.
Reduce your stress.
When we’re stressed, our ability to fight off infection decreases. That’s why managing stress is so important.
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- Take steps to avoid burnout. Slow down and give yourself breaks to protect your mental health.
- Try meditating, deep breathing, and other relaxation strategies.
- Incorporate exercise into your routine. Park farther away and walk to your destination. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Plan a workout session that’s easy to fit into your schedule.
- Laugh more. Make time for the activities that you enjoy with the people who are important to you.
Follow healthy habits.
You can reduce your exposure to potential infections by taking the precautions that can make a difference.
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- Continue proper handwashing habits. Wet your hands and then scrub them for at least 20 seconds with soap. That’s equivalent to humming Happy Birthday twice. Rinse with clean, running water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
- Reduce allergens in your home to improve indoor air quality.
- Keep your classroom at a comfortable temperature for learning.
- Don’t use handkerchiefs. Use disposable tissues and discard them when done.
- Don’t smoke. Drink alcohol in moderation. Both tobacco and alcohol can affect your body’s ability to fight infections.
- Keep up to date on your vaccinations
Do you have a way to stay healthy that’s not included in this blog? Share it with us in the comments.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Finances |
It’s gift-giving season, but there’s no need to stress.
You’ve got first-rate ideas that are sure to impress.
Just take a pause before filling your cart,
and consult this short blog for an awesome head start.
Give one and give all, with forethought and reason.
Use these clever ways to save money this season.
1. Make a list and check it twice.
The more people you have on your holiday list, the more money you’ll spend. That’s why narrowing down your list of gift recipients is a good first step.
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- Write down the names of all the people on your gift list.
- Take a second look at the list. Is there anyone you can delete, or move to a card-only list? Adjust the list as necessary.
- Then, for each name, write down the person’s hobbies/interests.
- Write down 1-3 possible gift ideas and their approximate costs.
- Total up the list, and compare it to your holiday gift-giving budget in #3. You may need to adjust gift-giving expectations.
2. Limit the number of people you buy for.
You may want to buy for everyone on your list but there are creative ways to limit the number of people, and still cover everyone.
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- Whether in a group of friends, coworkers, or family, draw names and set a price limit. That way, you only have to buy for one person.
- Do a white elephant gift exchange. Everyone brings one wrapped gift. People take turns choosing a present and opening it. They may keep their gift or “steal” someone else’s gift. The last person to go has the choice of any gift in the room.
- Give a group gift. Connect with your siblings to contribute to your parents’ gift. Or give one gift to a family that everyone will enjoy.
- Skip all the adults and just give to the children. This only works if everyone agrees; otherwise, you will have some folks showing up with gifts, which could be awkward.
3. Set and follow a budget.
Americans will spend an average of $832.84 on gifts and holiday items this season. You may spend less—or more. Keep to what you can afford by putting together a gift-giving budget.
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- Make sure the budget is realistic.
- Decide how to split the budget among your gift recipients.
- Keep the budget with you, on your phone or in your purse or wallet, so you can reference it throughout the holiday season.
- Not sure what to budget? Look at your credit card statement from last year and see what you spent on gifts.
4. Shop around.
You could buy items at full price or you could buy them on sale. Find the best deals by shopping around, finding discounts, and using cards and sites that give rewards.
- Compare prices of an item at various retailers before you buy it. Use apps like Honey, PriceGrabber, ShopSavvy, and CamelCamelCamel.
- Look for online promo codes at sites like CouponCabin, RetailMeNot, and SlickDeals.
- Use online shopping portals, like BeFrugal, Rakuten, and MrRebates, to get money back when you shop. Or use credit cards with cash-back rewards.
- If shopping online, look for free shipping. There’s a free shipping day in mid-December, and many retailers participate.
- Many stores offer discount codes during the holiday season and additional discounts for teachers, students, veterans, military families, seniors, nurses, and first responders. Look for or ask about discounts that apply to you.
5. Buy second-hand items or make your own gift.
Not only are gently-used gifts sustainable, but they are also much less expensive than buying new. So is making your own gift. However, you’ll want to give it to the right person. (Not everyone appreciates a thrift store or homemade present.)
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- Second-hand gifts can be very thoughtful. You can gift family heirlooms or your own special item.
- For the fashionista, hipster, or collector, thrift stores are a treasure trove of potential gifts.
- Facebook Buy-Sell-Trade or Marketplace groups offer free and low-cost gift ideas.
- Baked goods, candy, and cocoa make wonderful holiday gifts. Put it in a decorative tin or basket to make it festive.
- Exercise your creativity with some home crafting.
6. Save on gift wrap.
Skip the expense of gift wrap with your own homemade version. You can be creative with items you probably have around the house.
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- Substitute any of the following for wrapping paper: butcher block paper, newspaper comics, and black paper with drawings done with a white paint marker.
- Use shredded colored paper to cushion gifts in boxes and gift bags.
- For extra-large presents, a plastic tablecloth works well as gift wrap.
- Use old cards cut with pinking shears for your gift tags.
- Remember to save this year’s bows, ribbons, and wrap for next year’s presents. Wind the ribbon around old wrapping paper tubes.
Pro Tip: To freshen wrinkled bows, put them in the dryer with a damp washcloth. Run the machine on the delicate cycle for 2 minutes.
7. Choose a less gift-focused holiday.
Talk to your family and friends sooner rather than later if you’d prefer to focus less on the gifts and more on the spirit of the holiday season.
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- Consider making a joint donation to a favorite charity instead of gift-giving.
- Volunteer together over the holidays.
- Give the gift of your time. Babysitting, a home-cooked meal, and even cleaning out the basement are all wonderful ways to show you care.
- Plan a family trip or experience instead of giving actual gifts
Looking for extra cash for holiday gifts?
Some insurance companies allow you to skip payments around the holidays. At California Casualty, you have the option to skip your auto insurance payment for three whole months. (You also have this option to skip in the summer.) Ask your agent for details.
Happy holidays from all of us at California Casualty!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
If you’ve ever had your windshield hit by a rock, you know the sinking feeling of watching a crack appear—and grow.
Cracks happen and sometimes they’re unavoidable. But did you know that your windshield is at higher risk for cracks in the winter? It’s true. Knowing the causes of cracks will help you protect your windshield this season. If you do get a crack, we’ve included a guide on how to handle it, which can hopefully save you an expensive repair.
All About Your Windshield
Your windshield is a protective barrier between you and the road ahead. It also provides a clear line of sight. When your windshield cracks, it compromises your safety and can limit your visibility.
Windshields are made of laminated glass, which includes two layers of glass with a piece of plastic in the middle. The layers are fused together, making them stronger than ordinary glass. Even though windshield glass is strong, however, cracks still happen.
Tiny cracks can occur from everyday driving. Cracks happen when your windshield is hit by a rock or debris. The metal frame of your windshield expands and contracts in extreme temperatures. This causes stress on your glass which can crack it over time. Finally, our own human error can cause glass to crack, such as when we pour hot water over an icy windshield. A crack between the two layers of glass can trap moisture between the layers. This can weaken the structural integrity of your windshield and cause cracks down the road.
Types of Cracks
In most cases, cracks or chips smaller than the size of a quarter are able to be fixed. But you cannot let even a tiny crack alone. Don’t ignore these small cracks or chips; they can start out small and eventually get larger, past the point of repair, and cause you to need a total windshield replacement.
Not all cracks are the same, and it’s good to know what kind you have. The type of crack determines how you deal with it.
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- Basic crack – The simplest crack is a line that is not near the edge of the windshield. If the line is less than 1 inch long and doesn’t have other lines extending from it, it can be repaired.
- Floater – A crack that occurs away from the windshield edge is known as a floater. These can spread quickly.
- Edge crack – If the crack is near the edge of your windshield, chances are that the entire windshield needs to be replaced.
- Chip – If a small piece of glass is missing, you have a chip. A chip less than 1 inch in diameter, without any cracks coming from it, can be filled or repaired.
- Star – If your crack looks like a small chip with tiny cracks extending from it, you have a star crack. This type of crack could possibly be fixed but the repair may be visible.
- Bulls-eye – If your crack resembles a circular bulls-eye target, you have more extensive damage than it appears. This type of crack usually requires a full windshield replacement.
How to Avoid Cracks
Remove ice responsibly. In most places in the U.S., you’ll be dealing with icy windshields this winter. You need to clear the ice in order to drive. Glass can be brittle in cold temperatures, so you will want to avoid any sudden temperature changes.
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- Do not throw hot water on your windshield. Hot water will refreeze, and surprisingly, it does so faster than cold water. Don’t use room temperature water either. This will still be a temperature extreme from the icy conditions and can crack your windshield.
- Skip the vinegar and water mixture. Vinegar doesn’t work well when there is already ice there. It also is an acid that can eat into glass causing pits.
- Don’t use a propane torch, hair dryer, or cigarette lighter. These are extreme changes in temperature and can crack the glass.
- Do not use a knife or blade that will chip or scratch your glass.
- Don’t hit the ice. It doesn’t take a lot of impact to cause damage to the glass.
- Do not use keys, snow shovels, or spatulas. They can all leave scratches and grooves.
- Do warm your car up slowly. Use your car’s heater and defrost settings. Wait until your car is warm to turn your car’s defrosters on high.
- Do use a plastic ice scraper. Ice scrapers are among the must-carry items in your car in winter.
- Do use a liquid deicer if you would like.
Avoid flying debris. While rocks and debris can hit your windshield almost anywhere, you can take steps to keep your car away from this potential hazard.
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- Don’t drive over gravel roads, but if you must, keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Don’t follow construction vehicles too closely.
- Don’t drive in hailstorms if you can help it. The best strategy is to find covered parking while it’s hailing. If you must drive in a hailstorm, slow down to lessen the impact.
Park in protected places. Mother nature can be tough on our windshields. Keeping your vehicle in a place with a constant temperature and away from wind, winter storms, snowstorms, and extreme weather can help to protect the windshield.
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- Avoid exposing your windshield to extreme temperatures. If it’s going to be very cold, park your car inside if you can.
- You also can cover your car, which will help to protect your windshield wipers from freezing and cracking. You don’t want damaged wipers to scratch your windshield.
- If you can, park your car inside a garage during the winter months.
Periodically inspect your windshield. You may not even be aware of tiny cracks in your windshield. The sooner you catch them, the sooner you can address them.
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- It’s hard to notice cracks while you’re driving. Make it part of your winter routine to periodically inspect your windshield when you get in or out of your car.
- Keep the windshield glass clean. This will help you to notice small cracks and chips.
- A winter car wash can help, but don’t run your car through one if there are any windshield cracks.
- Replace your wiper blades before winter hits.
- Don’t drive around with a crack. The sooner you take care of it, the less expensive the repair will likely be.
What to Do if You Get a Crack
Drive carefully. Drive over bumps slowly. Don’t whip around corners or cause any vibrations that could make damage worse.
Guard against dirt and moisture. While you are waiting for the repair, keep the crack clean and dry. Dirt and moisture can make repairs more complicated. (Pro Tip: Even window washer fluid can stain the crack so use a drop or two of dishwashing soap on a damp cloth.)
You only have one chance to get it right. DIY options include inexpensive windshield repair kits.
Most kits aren’t high quality and won’t last long-term. Some folks have tried to seal the crack with household items like superglue or nail polish remover. Don’t even consider that. It will prevent you from getting a professional repair.
Contact an auto glass repair specialist. California Casualty works with Safelite on claims for cracked windshields. Many glass repair providers offer same-day service and can come to you. A technician can fix repairable cracks in a matter of minutes. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover the cost of fixing small chips and cracks in your windshield. Even without insurance, a windshield repair is much less than a replacement.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info |
We love the spooky fun that Halloween brings. Yet sometimes the celebration can be scarier than we like. Mischief night vandalism, pumpkin fires, and even guests who had too much to drink can create frightening scenarios.
Fortunately, your insurance policy can cover many of these Halloween horrors. Read on to learn more, including how you can stay safe and protected this Halloween.
Vandalism or Theft
The night before Halloween brings out some mischief makers who may toilet paper your car or egg your house. Trampled lawns, broken lawn decorations, and shattered windows have also been known to occur before or on Halloween.
Are you covered?
Fortunately, vandalism and malicious mischief are covered perils in most homeowner and renter policies. The policy protects against losses caused by vandals or thieves. If it’s your car that is vandalized or stolen, however, your homeowner’s policy will not cover it. You have to have an auto policy with comprehensive (other than collision) insurance coverage.
What you need to know:
• Your homeowner’s or rental policy covers your home and other structures (such as a detached garage or gazebo) on an open-peril basis. That means it only lists the exclusions, the situations not covered. If it’s not listed, you are covered for it. Vandalism to your home is not excluded; therefore, it is covered.
• Personal property coverage is that part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that protects your possessions such as TV, furniture, and clothing. Personal property is covered on a named peril basis, not an open-peril one. With named perils, the policy lists the ones covered. Your policy will pay for 16 different named “perils.” In this case, vandalism is a covered peril. There are dollar limits for certain items such as money, jewelry, and firearms, so check with your insurer. For personal property coverage on a homeowner’s policy, you typically get 50 or 75% of Coverage A, the total amount of coverage for your home. Renters get to choose the amount of personal property coverage.
• For vehicles, comprehensive insurance covers vandalism and theft. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.
• You will have a choice in how you will be compensated in a home policy (not an auto policy.) You can select replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost since that is higher than ACV. You will get reimbursed minus the amount you have chosen for your deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company pays a claim. That’s why all of these decisions when you set up a policy are so important.
What else you can do:
• Park your car in the garage.
• Post no trespassing signs or beware of dog signs.
• Keep your yard brightly lit to deter vandals
.• Set up a video alarm system.
• Form a neighborhood watch to look out for mischief makers.
Halloween is a common time for fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Crepe paper, cornstalks, and costumes are highly flammable. Bumping into a pumpkin with a lit candle could have devastating results. Fire damage to your home or car can be extensive and expensive.
Are you covered?
If a fire starts accidentally on your property, you are most likely covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If that fire affects your car, you are covered under your auto policy’s comprehensive insurance for damage or total loss.
What you need to know
• Depending upon the extent of the fire, your house may not be habitable. If that’s the case, you would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Your policy’s living expense coverage will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.
• If your car is damaged by fire, your comprehensive coverage pays for it. This is coverage that is required if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Comprehensive covers natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.
What else you could do
• Use battery-powered lights in your pumpkins rather than candles with open flames. There are some very realistic flickering flameless candles available.
• Make sure your electronic decorations meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety standards. This is an independent nonprofit organization that tests electrical components for potential hazards.
• Test smoke alarms before the holiday to make sure they are in good working order.
Dog or Cat Bites
Halloween can be a stressful time for pets. Doorbells, lots of strangers, and costumes could excite or frighten your dog. This might cause an otherwise friendly dog or cat to bite.
Are you covered?
You are covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage. The policy pays for damages to the injured party. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.
What you need to know
• Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. It could be at your place or it could be anywhere in the world.
• If you need more coverage, talk to your insurance advisor about an umbrella policy, which will provide much greater coverage.
What else you could do
• Remove your fur baby from the Halloween chaos. If your dog is crate-trained, he may feel most comfortable there.
• Keep your pet inside the house and give out candy on the porch or at a table at the curb.
Injured Trick-or-Treater
Slips and falls could occur on your property. Other injuries may happen, too. When visitors to your home are hurt, you could be held accountable.
Are you covered?
Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy includes liability coverage. This can be used to cover medical bills when someone is injured on your property. It can also cover legal expenses if they decide to sue you.
What you need to know
• Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. You want to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your assets – a minimum amount is $100,000. Higher limits are strongly recommended and may be increased for a nominal fee.
• Bodily injury or property damage that results from a business in your home is not covered by your policy. You could however purchase an endorsement for your business to get that coverage.
What else you could do
• Make sure your property is well lit.
• Make sure paths to your house are clear.
• Be aware that trick-or-treaters may travel across your lawn. You do not want them tripping over tombstones or other decorations.
Alcoholic Incidents
Just as in the case of a trick-or-treater who slips and falls, an intoxicated guest who injures himself at your party could hold you liable.
Are you covered?
Again, your liability coverage will cover medical bills and legal expenses. Your policy also provides a coverage called “Medical Payments to Others.” The policy includes $1,000 but, for an additional premium, it can be increased to $3,000 or $5,000. This coverage will pay the necessary medical expenses to a person at the insured’s home with the permission of the insured. The insured doesn’t have to be liable for this coverage to pay out.
What you need to know
• Some states follow a “social host liability” law. If you host a party, and one of your drunken guests leaves and causes harm to someone else, you could be liable.
• You may be able to purchase social host liquor liability insurance. This is a short-term policy to cover a party where you are serving alcohol.
What else you could do
• Plan ahead for guests to stay at your place or arrange a safe ride home for them.
• Do not serve underage party guests. You could face fines and even criminal charges.
• Hire a professional bartender. They typically carry their own liability insurance.
• Stop serving alcohol at a designated time.
Finally, an annual review of your homeowner’s policy and your auto policy will ensure you are fully covered in any situation.
Happy Halloween!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
It’s never a good sign when our cars start to screech, thump, or grind…However, while we may not be excited to hear these sounds, paying attention to them can help us take care of the problem before it gets worse- keeping us safer and maybe even saving us some money.
We compiled a list of common car noises and what they could mean. Read on to find out what your car is trying to tell you.
Banging
A loud bang Like a firecracker could mean that your vehicle’s fuel is burning at the wrong time. It could be that the fuel-to-air ratio has more fuel than it should or there’s an issue with the spark plugs. While this is not an emergency, over time it could damage your exhaust system, so get it checked out.
Clicking
If you hear clicking sounds as you turn the steering wheel, it could be from your CV (Constant Velocity) joint. The CV needs grease or it becomes dry. You may just need to replenish the grease, or you might have to replace the shaft boot if it’s torn and leaking grease. If the damage is extensive, you may have to replace the whole CV joint.
Growling or Grating
A low growl or grating sound when you step on the brakes could mean your brake pads have worn away. Brake pads push against metal rotors or drums. When they’re worn away, they can start to damage other parts and become a costly repair. You’ll want to take care of this as soon as possible.
Hissing
A hissing sound could indicate a fluid leak such as radiator coolant leaking onto the engine. If hissing occurs when you speed up, it could be a vacuum leak from a small hose around the engine’s air intake. You’ll need to replace the hoses or other components that are leaking.
Humming
If you hear a low drone or humming sound that increases in volume when accelerating, check your tires. Their tread could be worn-out or wearing unevenly. The wheel bearing in your tires also may be damaged, which is a serious issue. Your tires also may need an alignment and some air. Have tires and bearings checked and, if needed, replaced as soon as possible.
Knocking or Pinging
A knocking or pinging sound under your hood that increases as you accelerate can occur when fuel in your engine detonates at incorrect times. Sometimes this is the result of using fuel with too low an octane level. Other times, it is more serious. There may be a worn crankshaft bearing or a piston that needs replacing. Address this sooner rather than later.
Rattling
Rattling, vibrating, or squeaking sounds when you drive over a speed bump or pothole could indicate a problem with your suspension. There could be bad bushings, the cushions that help absorb road bumps. Try performing a bounce test. Step outside the car and press down firmly on the front corner. If you hear the sound, you will want to get it checked out. If your car is rattling when the car is idling, it could mean a damaged heat shield in your exhaust system. Check that out, too, to make sure everything stays cool when you’re operating your vehicle.
Roaring
Your car’s muffler is designed to muffle the roaring sound made by your engine. However, if there’s a crack in the exhaust system, the gases that cause the roar can escape before they reach the muffler. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can even leak into the cabin. A missing catalytic converter also can cause this sound. Get this sound addressed right away.
Pro Tip: Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem and they are expensive to replace. Consider getting your VIN number stamped on the catalytic converter or installing an anti-theft device.
Rumbling
A low-pitched engine rumble with vibrations can indicate an exhaust leak in a gasket, flex pipe, resonator or muffler. A dirty fuel injector could cause a rumbling sound. (Try adding a fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank). A dirty air filter could be another cause, so try replacing that part. Your oxygen sensor could be creating the wrong mix of fuel and oxygen. Finally, the sound could be caused by worn spark plugs that fire inconsistently.
Scraping
A rock or other debris stuck in your brake rotor could cause a scraping sound and cause damage over time. Get that removed before it becomes a problem.
Squeaking or Squealing
Squeaking or squealing could be caused by a number of things. If the sound happens when you brake, you may have worn brake pads, improperly cut brake rotors, or glazed brake pads that get too hot. You also may have broken anti-rattle clips or incorrectly installed insulation shims. If you hear loud squealing after you start your car, but then the sound gradually fades, it may be a serpentine belt that is failing. If you hear the squeal when you turn on the air conditioning, it may need a serpentine belt adjustment or replacement. Squeaking or whining when turning the steering wheel could be a power steering issue. There may be air in the fluid and adding more fluid could help. However, if you hear a high-pitch whine when you make a turn, the pump could be damaged. Get these sounds checked out for your safety.
Thumping
When you brake and hear a thumping sound, that means potential damage. A thumping in the rear could be rear brake drums and thumping in the front could be rotor damage. Rotor damage can be caused by a car not being used, and just sitting outside and rusting.
Washing Machine Sound
If your car sounds like a washing machine on the high-spin cycle with loose change inside, pull over as soon as safely possible. This likely means a loose lug nut is inside your hubcap. When that happens, the tire could fall off or you could have a blowout. Pull over as soon as you safely can. Jack up the car and use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Fill the tire if the pressure is low or swap it out for the spare tire. Call roadside assistance if needed.
Whirring
If your car whirs like a helicopter and gets louder as you travel faster, it’s most likely a worn-out wheel bearing. You can check this while driving. Turn the wheel to the left and then to the right and see if the noise disappears briefly. Wheel bearings should be replaced as soon as possible.
Figuring It Out
If you are able to do so safely, record the sound your car is making using your phone or other device. Then play it for your mechanic. This will help to pinpoint the exact sound you are hearing.
Finally, if your noise isn’t listed here, or you’re not sure about what sound you hear, it’s always a good idea to consult a trusted mechanic. This will help to find any problems and fix them before they become expensive issues.
Paying attention to your car’s dashboard lights and sounds will help you keep it well-maintained. Protect your vehicle with the right insurance and keep up with auto recalls for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
