This Car Smell Isn’t Nice After All

Does your car smell like maple syrup? At first, this might seem pleasant, but it’s actually a sign your coolant might be leaking.

Why it matters: Coolant is equal parts water and antifreeze, and it has a pretty important job regulating the engine's temperature. This means big problems, like engine failure, can occur when you ignore that sweet syrupy scent. 

The good news is checking the levels yourself isn’t all that complicated. Just let the engine cool down, open it up, and find the clear tank called the coolant reservoir. A line on the tank will indicate whether or not you need to add more coolant.

Another important thing: A leak might be a sign there’s a bigger issue with your car, so visiting a mechanic can be worthwhile. They can troubleshoot if there are any other issues. 

Want to know more? Here are six other car smells you shouldn’t ignore, including rotten eggs and burning plastic.

More Tips From This Week

Thursday

An Easy Way to Boost Your Credit Score

It might be more worthwhile than you think to check your credit report for errors. Correcting any mistakes can increase your credit score fast. 

Why it matters: Forty-four percent of Americans who reviewed their reports found at least one error, according to a recent investigation by Consumer Reports and WorkMoney. 

Yikes. 

To take a look at your report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com and request one from each major credit agency — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If you do notice an error, reach out to the business that supplied the info. Then, file a dispute with the credit bureaus. Just make sure you include evidence that the payment was on-time, like a bank statement, for example. 

Another important thing: You can go to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for a step-by-step guide, just to make sure you’ve done everything you need.

Want to know more? Learn more about the importance of reviewing your report and four other ways to improve your credit score. Dealing with credit card debt? You aren’t alone. Here are seven ways to help lower those balances. 

Wednesday

Under The Weather? Think Again Before You Try This

You’ve got a runny nose and scratchy throat, so you reach for the vitamin C. But will that actually help cure the sniffles? We hate to say it, but the jury is still out about the supplement.

Why it matters: Research hasn’t proven that vitamin C prevents viruses, lessens cold and flu symptoms or even shortens how long the illnesses last. And even though you can buy supplements just about anywhere, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Vitamin C can interact with other medications and reduce the effectiveness of some, including statins and blood thinners. 

The best option when you’re under the weather? Good ol’ fashioned rest and hydration —   lots of hydration. 

Another important thing: Zinc has a great rep for treating cold and flu symptoms, but studies also have also shown mixed results. And zinc comes with its own set of side effects, including nausea and headaches. That's why it's so important to talk to your doctor before you experiment with any over-the-counter supplements. 

Want to know more? The episode of Today’s Tips below breaks down which supplements will — and won’t — help you feel better when you’re sick. Then, learn more about common cold and flu myths, as well as which decongestants are most effective. 

Tuesday

Always Hitting Snooze? Give This A Try

Hitting the snooze button a few times might seem harmless, but choosing to snooze for too long can leave you feeling rushed and groggy. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to transform into an ultra-productive early bird. 

Why it matters: Since the snooze button can mess with our sleep quality and energy levels, it might be time to kick the habit. But honestly, it’s just not realistic to go from hitting the snooze button seven times every morning to the person who bolts out of bed to workout. Instead, do something as simple as sitting on the couch after your alarm goes off. This way, you aren’t forcing your body to do more than it can handle, and you won’t be exhausted by 10 a.m.

Another important thing: If you’re really having a hard time waking up, try gradually reducing how many times you hit snooze throughout the week.

Want to know more? We’ve got a few more ways to stop hitting snooze right here, and lots of tips for getting a better night’s rest. And while you're at it, listen to the Today’s Tips episode below for the best snacks to sleep well.

Monday

The Rule That Makes Decluttering Easier

Be honest: How many extra tools, old chargers and other just-in-case items do you have lying around? If all that stuff is cluttering your home, it might be time to reorganize. And when you aren’t sure what to keep and what to toss, follow this rule: If it can be replaced for $20 or less in under 20 minutes, get rid of it. 

Why it matters: Too many things doesn’t just create chaos in our homes. Clutter can also be bad for our mental health, including our eating habits and stress levels, according to research. So while you might think, “This will be useful one day,” chances are this stuff is taking up more space in your closet (and your brain) than necessary.

Another important thing: There is one exception to the $20, 20-minute rule. Hang onto emergency items, like first aid kits or bottled water. 

Want to know more? Check out our list of 25 things to throw away right now. Still struggling with what to keep and what to discard? Listen to the episode of Today’s Tips below for ways to make the process easier. Then, learn a few strategies for preventing clutter in the first place.