Most new vehicles start with a "new car smell," and while that is satisfying, there are other specific odors that motorists should never ignore. Identifying these suspect smells early on can help car owners be aware and avoid the hassle and expense of an unexpected breakdown.

Unusual smells can be a sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle. By acting quickly and making necessary repairs, you will be able to breathe easy knowing there is no harmful damage to your car.

We recommend keeping your nose out for the following six warning signs:

1. The smell of burnt rubber could be slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys. Do not reach in if the engine compartment is hot.
2. The smell of hot oil could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system. To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area.
3. The smell of gasoline is likely the sign of a gas leak in some area of the vehicle such as a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Any smell of fuel can result in a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given.
4. The sweet smell of syrup may be a sign that your car is leaking engine coolant from a leaky component related to the car's cooling system. Careful not to open the radiator cap when it is hot.
5. The smell of burning carpet could be a sign of brake trouble and a safety hazard. Have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions.
6. The smell of rotten eggs is never a good one and, if you smell it coming from your vehicle, it could mean a problem with your catalytic converter not converting the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly. This smell can also be attributed to a poor running engine, causing the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail due to meltdown.

For more information please call Papillion Foreign Motors.

It’s always the right time to learn the ABCs of car care:

• A – Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.
• B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.
• C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home.

Many teens cannot wait to drive, but their car care education should begin well before their parents’ hand over the keys. Understanding the basics of car care before taking the wheel will help keep new drivers safer on the road, behind the wheel, or in the passenger seat.

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake, and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or showing signs of excessive wear.
3. Check the battery and replace it if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free.
4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors, and drums inspected at each oil change.
5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage, and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
7. Check the heating, ventilating & air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.
8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts, and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and other related components.
9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

For more information please call Papillion Foreign Motors .

Gas prices fluctuate over time, and throughout the counties in the area we are seeing various ranging prices. For the better of everyone, here are five tips to improve your fuel economy and save money at the pump!

1. Check Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
2. Use the Right Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Replace Clogged Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.
4. Check Engine Performance: Keep your engine running efficiently and improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
5. Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Save Gas Beyond the Pump

Proactive vehicle maintenance is a motorist’s best money-saving tip. Routine auto care not only helps save on fuel costs, but it helps identify small issues so they can be serviced before they become bigger and more costly to repair.