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Routine car and engine maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in prime condition, but there may be times that your car needs attention urgently. Strange noises from your engine should never be ignored, but there are some sounds that are particularly concerning. Below is a list of the top five noises that you should always get checked out right away. Essential Engine Maintenance Tips: 5 Noises That You Should Never Ignore 1: Grinding A grinding noise will make any driver's heart sink, as it's a clear sign of a problem. However, there are a variety of issues that can cause this type of noise, and some are easier to rectify than others. If you're able to determine where the sound is coming from, it might give you a hint what the cause may be. For example, a grinding noise while braking could indicate critically worn brake pads. Other possible causes of grinding noises include: Clogged air filters Worn gearbox Insufficient lubrication Damaged timing belt Faulty alternator Worn bearings 2: Whistling Your vehicle may make a whistling noise when it's idling, running, or sometimes even when it's parked. You may also notice that the noise is either constant or intermittent. Being able to describe when the noise occurs and how long it lasts will help your garage pinpoint the underlying cause. Whistling can often be due to problems with the airflow somewhere but can also be due to mechanical faults. Intermittent whistling can indicate a problem with the spark plugs or valves, while a more constant whistle may mean a clogged exhaust or worn-out bearings. 3: Squealing A squealing noise can set your teeth on edge, but there are lots of potential causes. A loose serpentine belt is one of the most common reasons, but it could also be due to worn bearings, faulty spark plugs, or a clogged catalytic converter. Dirty or worn brakes can also sometimes cause a squealing noise, but you'll notice this only occurs when you are braking. 4: Knocking A knocking sound coming from your engine isn't always loud, so it's easy to miss, especially if you play music while you're driving around. You might notice a knocking sound more clearly when you are accelerating rather than just cruising or idling. Knocking can be caused by faults with the ignition timing, the fuel delivery system, spark plugs, or excessive carbon deposits. It can also be used by using a fuel that doesn't have enough octane, which is why it's vital to always follow manufacturer instructions when choosing your gas. 5: Clicking Sometimes also described as a ticking sound, clicks coming from your engine aren't normal. They can suggest there is an issue with lubrication, so you could try topping up your oil to the suggested level. If this doesn't resolve the clicking immediately, there may be damage to the valves, rods, spark plugs, or oil filter. If your car or truck is making any strange sounds, don't delay in getting it checked out. Give us a call here at Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare or Visalia, CA to make an appointment.

There are a few things you can count on in life, and your Honda is one of them. Consumer Reports ranks the automaker among the five most reliable car brands based on its superior build quality and extremely long warranty. Whether you drive a Civic, CR-V, or Accord Hybrid, you are unlikely to face costly repairs any time soon. Learn More About the Reliability of Honda Mechanical Durability The marque's legacy of reliability lies in its engineering. In the 1980s, the automaker became the first to use a lightweight all-aluminum monocoque in a production car while maintaining structural integrity. Newer SUVs like the CR-V feature Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structures with frames made of durable aluminum alloys and new-generation hot-stamp ultra-high-strength steel. The combination of the two metals is molded into a network of frames that absorbs impact force. Powertrain issues are unheard of, thanks to the efficient VTEC technology that reduces component wear and tear. VTEC reduces mechanical stress by changing how wide the engine's valves open each time. For everyday driving where high performance isn't necessary, the valves are adjusted to lift open minimally to ease engine load and conserve fuel. Warranty On top of its excellent build quality, most cars come with a lifetime warranty. While the marque itself offers up to 5 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage, most dealerships will provide free powertrain repairs for as long as you own the vehicle. This translates to your new car being on the road for much longer. Statistics from the last decade show that 75% of all vehicles sold by the marque in the last 25 years are still on the road. Safety Features You can take your new car anywhere knowing that it is among the industry's safest. The automaker aims for zero traffic fatalities by 2050 and is making headway with several innovations. For instance, their safety engineer, Eric Heitkamp, received the Highest Safety Engineering Excellence award from the U.S. government for his advanced airbag that minimizes the risk of brain injury. The airbag, along with countless other safety features, is standard in new models. An additional layer of digitalized security protects your vehicle. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), blind spot monitoring, cross traffic monitoring, and countless other features work tirelessly to take you to your destination safely. Fuel Efficiency With a Civic or an Accord, the only limiting factor is how far you wish to go. The 2025 Civic Hybrid Sedan has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 51 mpg city and 44 mpg highway, while gas models such as the 2025 Civic achieve 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. According to Cars.com, the Japanese automaker manufactures the most fuel-efficient non-electric cars. Looking for a new sedan or SUV that you can rely on? Find your daily driver at Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare, CA. Browse our inventory and talk to our staff to learn more about your favorite models.

If you've been shopping for a pre-owned Chevrolet, Dann's Discount Auto Sales has the most popular models in stock. Plus, we offer service options, so when you need to schedule routine maintenance, you'll know exactly where to go. Our team can help you find the right Chevy truck, sedan, or SUV to enhance your driving experience and fit within your budget. Why Buy a Chevrolet at Dann's Discount Auto Sales? When you buy a pre-owned Chevy at our dealership, you'll get a vehicle that holds its value well and may even have extra upgrades and amenities that you wouldn't find in a brand-new vehicle that's within your price range. Whether you're looking for a truck, sedan, or SUV, you can count on the fact that your pre-owned Chevy will hold its value much better than it would be if you purchased a new one from the dealership. Excellent Customer Service At Dann's Discount Auto Sales, we offer our customers the highest-quality vehicles at the best prices. Our family-owned dealership has been serving the area since 2008 and is committed to excellent customer service. We value each customer's needs and preferences and provide the best trade-in offers for those looking to get rid of their current vehicle and upgrade to something new. At our dealership, you can expect the most efficient and enjoyable car shopping experience. Pre-Owned Chevys at the Best Prices At Dann's Discount Auto Sales, we have the best Chevy vehicles known for their reliability, comfort, and power at exceptional prices. Whether you're looking for a pre-owned Tahoe, Silverado, Traverse, Cruze, Trailblazer, or another specific Chevy model, you can find exactly what you're looking for with extra features and vehicle amenities at the best driveway price. Free Vehicle Delivery Once you buy your favorite vehicle, we'll ship it for free. We offer free delivery within 200 miles of our dealership without added shipping or transportation fees. Once you make your purchase, your vehicle will be safely delivered right to your driveway. Customized Financing Plans At Dann's Discount Auto Sales, we provide our customers with convenient financing options perfectly suited to their budgets. No matter what the state of your credit, our financing team will create a plan that gives you the most affordable monthly payment. Free 90-Day Extended Warranties We also offer a 90-day warranty on all pre-owned vehicles covering major and minor components, including motors, transmissions, drive axles, and more. This warranty also applies to plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell models and includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. Ready to purchase a pre-owned Chevy? Our team can help you find the right option. Contact Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare, CA, to learn more about our current Chevy inventory.