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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a veteran automotive writer and content strategist with over 20 years of hands-on experience as a Porsche technician, delivering expert insights into vehicle maintenance, dealership practices, market trends, and the intersection of cars with personal finance.
His bylines appear in CleverDude.com and SavingAdvice.com, as well as other leading outlets such as HotCars, Youcanic, and Vehicle History.

Coming from a former mechanic, you should never neglect your car. Period. Regular maintenance should be something you always budget for. That said, there are certain car parts that I've seen a lot of drivers consistently neglect over the years. Some of this can lead to serious engine problems and expensive repairs (to the tune of thousands of dollars). If you want to avoid that, you need to keep a close eye on these overlooked car parts that might be clogging your engine and causing issues. 1. Air Filter Your car’s air filter plays a crucial role in ensuring clean air reaches the engine. Over time, it can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, reducing airflow and affecting engine performance. A dirty air filter can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions. Regularly checking and replacing your air filter can prevent these issues and keep your engine running smoothly. Most air filters should be replaced every 30,000 to 45,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.  2. Fuel Filter Another component that plays a huge role in engine performance is your vehicle's fuel filter. It keeps contaminants out of your fuel system, which, as you can imagine, is important. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, causing your engine to run poorly or even stall. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the filter, reducing its effectiveness. It's essential to replace the fuel filter according to your vehicle's maintenance schedule, typically every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Ignoring this component can lead to decreased engine performance and potential damage to the fuel injectors.  3. PCV Valve Your vehicle's Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve helps regulate and remove harmful gases from the engine’s crankcase. Over time, the PCV valve can become clogged with sludge and carbon deposits, causing engine issues. A faulty PCV valve can lead to increased oil consumption, rough idling, and poor fuel economy. Regular inspection and replacement of the PCV valve can prevent these problems and improve engine efficiency. Most PCV valves should be checked every 30,000 miles.  4. Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions from your vehicle. A clogged or damaged catalytic converter can lead to decreased engine performance and increased emissions. Over time, contaminants and unburned fuel can accumulate in the converter, causing it to become less effective. Regular maintenance and addressing engine issues promptly can help extend the life of your catalytic converter. If you notice a decrease in engine power or unusual exhaust smells, it may be time to check the catalytic converter. However, be wary of any mechanic that suggests this is the issue immediately. Many shops try to get extra money by saying the catalytic converter is the problem when it really isn't.  5. EGR Valve Every car has an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. It helps reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gases back into the engine. A clogged or malfunctioning EGR valve can lead to rough idling, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. Regular cleaning and inspection of the EGR valve can prevent these issues and maintain optimal engine performance. Most EGR valves should be checked every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Neglecting this component can result in decreased engine efficiency and costly repairs.   A Little Maintenace Goes a Long Way Regular maintenance is key to avoiding major engine issues. Trust me, I've seen vehicles that are neglected and the owner winds up paying way more than they needed to for a fix. Make sure that you are paying attention to these often-overlooked car parts. Addressing any problems will help you prevent clogs and, therefore, ensure your engine continues running at its best. Don't wait until there are signs of trouble! Be proactive in your car care and you'll enjoy a smoother ride. Read More 6 Must-Know Dashboard Gauges and What They Tell You About Your Truck 10 Genius Features in SUVs That Make Long Drives a Breeze

Cars

What’s Really Clogging Your Engine? 5 Car Parts You’re Neglecting

January 23, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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Coming from a former mechanic, you should never neglect your car. Period. Regular maintenance should be something you always budget for. That said, there are certain car parts that I've seen a lot of drivers consistently neglect over the years. Some … [Read more...] about What’s Really Clogging Your Engine? 5 Car Parts You’re Neglecting

affordable cars - honda civic

Cars

10 Affordable Cars With Features You’d Expect in Luxury Models

January 23, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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Luxury features aren't just for Mercedes and other high-end car brands anymore. Today, carmakers are doing what they can to equip more affordable cars with premium touches. Things that you used to only see in expensive vehicles are becoming more … [Read more...] about 10 Affordable Cars With Features You’d Expect in Luxury Models

security system

Home

Your Home Security Is Working Too Well: 5 Things You Had No Idea Your Security System Is Doing

January 22, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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With the rise of Ring doorbell cameras and increased use of home security systems, it seems every house on the block has some kind of surveillance. Many of the systems you'll see today are advanced with features that are silently working in the … [Read more...] about Your Home Security Is Working Too Well: 5 Things You Had No Idea Your Security System Is Doing

SUVs

Cars

10 Genius Features in SUVs That Make Long Drives a Breeze

January 22, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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Over the holidays, we went on our first road trip as a family of four to visit my family in Tennessee. During our drive, my wife and I thought back to some of our older vehicles and how our SUV has some pretty amazing features that make these longer … [Read more...] about 10 Genius Features in SUVs That Make Long Drives a Breeze

fence your backyard

Home

12 Easy Ways to Fence Your Backyard For Less Than $1000

January 22, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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There are a lot of perks to having a fence for your backyard. It adds some privacy to your yard. Additionally, it can add a layer of security. However, it can be incredibly expensive to build a fence, with the average cost hovering around $3,200 in … [Read more...] about 12 Easy Ways to Fence Your Backyard For Less Than $1000

Car Dealerships in Nevada

Cars

6 Car Dealerships in Nevada Offering Discounts on Winter-Ready Vehicles

January 22, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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We are in the midst of winter and, in many places, there have been record-low temperatures and snowfall. For folks living in Nevada, the average low temp from December through February is about 20.7°F. Preparing your vehicle for colder temps is … [Read more...] about 6 Car Dealerships in Nevada Offering Discounts on Winter-Ready Vehicles

what is tax planning

Taxes

8 Tax Deductions You Are Probably Missing Out On This Year!

January 22, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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If you are anything like me, you dread tax season. It is beyond stressful, especially when you typically wind up owing taxes each year. That said, many taxpayers miss out on valuable deductions simply because they aren't aware that they exist. This … [Read more...] about 8 Tax Deductions You Are Probably Missing Out On This Year!

Young lady at dealership getting a car

Automotive

First Car, Big Decision: 8 Vehicles Perfect for New Drivers

January 22, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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Buying a first car is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a decision that requires careful thought. New drivers need a vehicle that prioritizes safety, reliability, and ease of use. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find … [Read more...] about First Car, Big Decision: 8 Vehicles Perfect for New Drivers

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