Are You Making This Dangerous Car Maintenance Mistake?

Car troubles comes in all shapes and sizes — and some of the most unlikely reasons for mechanical issues will probably shock you. Before you assume you know what’s going on, think again. Here are some of the most shocking car problems all over the world.

There Is A Snake Where?
Chef Jackson Ault pulled over to help a woman who was experiencing seemingly routine car troubles. When Ault and the woman opened the hood of her car, they could scarcely believe what they saw next: a 20-pound python. “Ault and the driver both ended up with a surprise July 10 when Ault popped the hood and found a brown and yellow python slithering across the engine block,” The Des Moines Register writes. Since then, the snake has been transported to an animal shelter. Caretakers healed the python’s few minor injuries.

When Your Engine Comes Knocking
According to The Daily Globe and Mail, many drivers mistakenly switch to synthetic oil if they hear engines knocking, assuming that will be something of a panacea for their car troubles. This simply isn’t true. “Sometimes knocking sounds can be caused by using the wrong type of fuel for a particular vehicle, for instance, using regular unleaded if a vehicle requires higher octane fuel,” a car expert explains.

Avoid The Horrific (Albeit Rare) Exploding Radiator or Fuel Hoses
Finally, without proper maintenance, radiator hoses can collapse, or — in extreme cases — even burst or explode! Always carefully inspect radiator hose clamps or fuel hose clamps (the clamps connecting the hose to your vehicle) to make sure they are secure and intact. Hose clamps are available in many different sizes and styles. In other words, make sure you find clamps that specifically fit the hoses on your car, should you need to replace them. A proper fitting clamp will provide even pressure from all sides.

Are you having car troubles? Don’t just assume it’s nothing or something trivial. Problems can have some surprising origins or consequences, from a snake under the hood to hoses that are so worn that they may literally collapse.