Thermos Recalls 8 Million Jars Linked to Vision Loss — Here’s What to Know

If you’re trying to save money or eat healthier, packing your own lunch is a solid plan. And when you’re on a long trip, it’s almost a necessity. So it’s unfortunate when food storage containers turn out to be faulty or dangerous. No one wants a recall, but that’s exactly what’s happening right now as the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has announced a Thermos recall for millions of their containers.

Which Thermos Jars Are Included in this Recall?

Thermos is recalling over 8 million jars and bottles. Nearly 6 million of these are Thermos Stainless King 3000 and 3020 Food Jars. Another 2 million are Thermos Sportsman 3010 Food & Beverage Bottles. The dangerous Stainless King bottles in question were manufactured before July 2023. So, if you have a newer one, you may be safe. But all of the Sportsman jars are dangerous. Regardless, it’s best to refrain from using your Thermos jars until you know for sure.

Why Are These Thermos Jars Dangerous?

Per the brief, “the stopper of the recalled Food Jars and Food & Beverage Bottles does not have a pressure relief in the center.” Most food storage containers of this type have some kind of pressure release. This is to prevent a violent build-up and release. But in these containers, “if perishable food or beverages are stored in the container for an extended period of time, the stopper can forcefully eject when opened, which can result in serious impact injury and laceration hazards to the consumer.”

So far, the USCPSC reports that there are “27 reports of consumers who were struck by a stopper that forcefully ejected from these containers upon opening.” These reports included “complaints of impact and laceration injuries requiring medical attention.” And in three instances, “consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.”

Is There a Fix?

According to the brief, if you own one of the jars in question, you should stop using it immediately and “contact Thermos to receive a free replacement pressure relief stopper or replacement Bottle, depending on the model.”

If yours is one of the 3000 or 3020 jars, you “will be asked to throw away the stopper and send a photo of the disposed stopper to Thermos.” On the other hand, if you have one of the 3010 jars, you “will be asked to return their recalled Bottle to Thermos using a prepaid shipping label.”

If you have further questions, you can check the USCPSC site; their number for this recall is 26-444.

Source

Thermos Recalls 8.2 Million Stainless King Food Jars and Bottles Due to Serious Impact Injury and Laceration Hazards, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2026.

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Smart Meters Explained: Will They Raise or Lower Your Energy Costs?

Last year, our electric company began installing smart meters in our neighborhood. They’re handy for tracking home energy use, but they come with potential pitfalls, which is why our neighbor opted to stick with his old-school meter.

“The hesitancy and skepticism surrounding smart meters is likely rooted in fears about privacy and exploitation,” says electrician Tim Hodnicki. “People see them as yet more devices scooping up all kinds of data, and they fear that data will be used to nickel-and-dime them in ways that weren’t possible with analog meters.”

Here’s how to sort out the pros and cons of smart meters, why utility companies are switching to them and what that means for your electric bill.

What Are Smart Meters?

Smart meters are digital devices that record the real-time usage of electricity in a home, and then electronically send that data to the utility company. They’re installed on the meter box on the outside of a house, replacing the original meter.

How Do They Differ From Traditional Meters?

Old-school meters are analog devices, which means utility workers must visit homes to read them. Conversely, smart meters electronically send usage data to the utility company, plus allow the company to remotely turn on and off the power to a home.

“Smart meters provide a constant stream of data, which not only shows how much energy is used, but also provides insights into when usage peaks and dips throughout the day,” says Hodnicki.

What Data Does a Smart Meter Collect?

Smart meters record how much energy is being used, plus when it is being used. Depending on the system, that happens every 15 minutes to an hour, says home energy efficiency expert Martyn Fowler. “There’s also communication from the energy provider to the meter for things like system updates and detecting an outage,” he says.

Which Utility Companies Are Rolling Out Smart Meters?

Many of the larger utility companies are implementing smart meters, including Pacific Gas & Electric, Duke Energy, Southern Company and Xcel Energy.

Why Are Electric Companies Investing in Smart Meters?

It saves them money, since they no longer need to send technicians into the field to read meters. It also helps them improve grid management. “The more data they have on energy demand throughout the day, the better they can respond to meet that demand,” says Fowler.

What the Customer Gains

For customers, the biggest benefit of smart meters is the ability to understand how and when they use electricity. That often encourages less power use, plus helps reduce use at peak hours, when electricity often costs more. Also, for those with solar, smart meters give insight about when to pull from the grid versus battery storage.

“Used correctly, smart meter data is one of the most powerful tools homeowners have to take control of their energy costs,” says solar expert Andrew Hoesly. “With utility rates rising across the country, smart meters give homeowners their first real tool to fight back with data.”

Smart meters also guarantee customers are billed on their actual energy usage, instead of estimated usage. “This could go both ways, though, depending on whether a customer was previously billed according to inaccurate estimates,” says Hodnicki. “It may mean more savings in the future, or it could mean adjusting to a higher energy bill.”

What the Company Gains

Smart meters save on labor costs, make grid management easier and help utility companies plan infrastructure and forecast demand. They also enable companies to collect customer data to design new rate structures, including time-of-use and demand charges.

Companies also benefit by harvesting and selling aggregated usage data to third parties for advertising and market research, and targeting customers for additional programs, says energy analyst Arif Gasilov. “Opting into a smart meter often means opting into a data collection regime,” he says.

Will Smart Meters Lead to Higher Electric Bills?

Probably. Smart meters enable companies to enact dynamic pricing, like increasing rates during peak-use hours. That means your bill will likely rise if you don’t adjust your habits. “The flip side is that off-peak rates are often significantly cheaper, and homeowners who shift usage accordingly can come out ahead,” says Hoesly.

But, many people’s lives don’t allow for that, which means their bills do go up once dynamic pricing is in place, says Gasilov. Also since smart meters are a capital expenditure for utility companies, they’re likely to raise rates to cover the expense of switching over to them, he says.

“There is no reason for a for-profit corporation to invest in something that doesn’t have a ROI,” says Gasilov. “A $500 million smart meter deployment earns the utility roughly $50 million per year in guaranteed return, funded through your bill. It is electric companies increasing rates on customers in order to buy smart meters to charge the customers even more.”

FAQ

Can you opt out of getting a smart meter?

Usually, but it depends on your utility provider. If you do, you’ll also likely be charged a monthly opt-out fee.

Can the electric company limit your power remotely with a smart meter?

Yes. With smart meters, utility companies can remotely disconnect and reconnect meters. “This is for safety reasons, or if there is an issue with billing,” says Fowler.

How can you use smart meter data to lower your bill?

If your utility company has higher rates for peak-use times, a smart meter can help you realize how much electricity you’re using during those times, so you can then reduce it. “You might also be surprised to find how a few small adjustments, such as turning off unnecessary lights in your home or changing when you run large appliances, can make a difference,” says Hodnicki.

About the Experts

• Tim Hodnicki is an experienced electrician and president/owner of Electrical Experts in Massachusetts.
• Arif Gasilov is partner for climate and environmental reporting at Gasilov Group, where he advises on energy regulatory analysis, sustainability strategy and utility cost allocation.
• Martyn Fowler is founder of Elite Renewables, where he helps homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
• Andrew Hoesly is general manager of SolarTech, a residential solar installation company serving California and Arizona.

Sources

• Dean Mahmoud is CEO of EcoGen America, which helps homeowners understand the costs associated with energy and financial decisions regarding their utility setup.

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• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling

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Buy It For Life: 10 Products That Will Last a Lifetime

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron skillets are classic products that last for life, since they’re nearly impossible to ruin. Even if you come across one that’s a century old and all rusted-up, chances are it’ll clean up just fine. But, cast iron does require a little care to stay rust-free and stovetop ready. Simply hand wash it, dry it over low heat on the stove, and then wipe it with a thin layer of cooking oil.

Step Ladders

A good step ladder should survive a lifetime of home projects. Whether you choose fiberglass, or aluminum, most pros agree that you can’t go wrong with Werner or Louisville brands. For maximum longevity and safety, choose one with a rating of at least 300 pounds. Also, store fiberglass models horizontally to prevent warping at the bottom, says Branden Wells of Truecraft Construction Wells. “Storage damage causes more ladders to be thrown away than what occurs in a job,” he says.

Estwing Hammers

For more than a century, Estwing has been making hammers that are so dependable they often stay in the same family for generations. “The entire head and handle are made from a single block of metal, with no junction to break, no wood handles to splinter and no core of fiberglass to wear,” says Wells. To maintain them, simply dry them at the end of the day, plus periodically wipe off surface rust with lightweight sandpaper, then lightly oil.

Shop Vacuums

Once you realize the glories of shop vacs, which are great for cleaning up everything from furnace filters to water leaks, you’ll want yours to last forever. And it probably will. “They tend to last a long time,” says Kelly Russum of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning. “If they break, it’s usually just from neglect, like running it with a clogged filter or sucking up stuff it wasn’t meant to handle.” RIDGID and DeWalt brands are particularly hailed for their reliability, but Russum is also a fan of Vacmaster.

Lifetime-Warranty Hand Tools

Quality hand tools, like wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers, don’t often break. But many manufacturers, including DeWalt and Stanley, offer lifetime warranties which guarantees you’ll never have to buy a tool twice. “Lifetime-warranty hand tools last longer due to precision forging, and their heat treatment prevents stripping and breakage,” says Orlando Penner of South Country Sheds. To keep them in good shape, clean them once in a while and lightly oil any moving parts.

Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrows

Cheap wheelbarrows die young, but heavy-duty models can haul for decades. “Ones with a steel tray and solid rubber tire can last for years without cracking or going flat,” says Rich Lauer of Premiere Building Solutions. “They hold their shape and resist corrosion far better than plastic wheelbarrows.”

For easy pulling, Gorilla Carts also makes a wagon-style wheelbarrow with a steel frame, poly tub and quick-dump feature. To keep any wheelbarrow in good shape, regularly rinse off debris and store it out of harsh weather.

Multitools

Swiss Army knives are definitely products that last for life, unless you tend to lose them (like I do). Likewise, many of my friends swear by their Leatherman multitools. One of that brand’s best-sellers, the Wave+, was recently redesigned based on long-term customer feedback. Which brand to choose depends entirely on your specific tool needs. Just remember, with either, it’s important to keep it clean and oil it once in a while.

Kitchen Knives

The key to choosing a chef’s knife that will last a lifetime is finding a balance between price and quality. Knives with a full tang (where the blade’s metal extends all the way through the grip) are the most durable. Stainless blades aren’t quite as sharp as carbon steel, but they are easier to care for. Whichever option you choose, only hand-wash and sharpen regularly to keep the edge in good shape. A few reputable brands include Wusthof, Victorinox, Global and Henckle’s moderate to higher-end lines.

Wooden Cutting Boards

With proper care, a quality wood cutting board can last generations. Among the strongest are those made of end-grain maple or walnut, and there are a lot of great brands, including John Boos and Boardsmith. Many chefs also recommend Epicurean’s surface for meat. Just never soak any of them in water or put them in the dishwasher. Instead, wash with soap, dry thoroughly and store vertically to avoid warping and splitting. Apply food-safe mineral oil and board cream as needed.

Wool Rugs

Quality rugs, like hand-crafted Persians and those made from Tibetan wool, can last hundreds of years under the right care — though in the family living room, most won’t make it quite that far. Unfortunately, they are also too spendy for a lot of us. “At an accessible price point, jute rugs are also resilient, sustainable and age more gracefully than many synthetic rugs,” says Andrew Haltom of Rugs.com. With any rug, the keys to a long lifespan are regular vacuuming, the occasional professional cleaning and taking off your shoes before walking on it.

FAQ

Are products less durable today than they were 50 years ago?

It depends on the product, but the general trend has been toward cheaper materials and more disposability. For example, “A lot of mass-market tools are less durable because they’re built to hit lower prices and attract customers,” says Russum. But, “If you buy from solid brands that use durable materials like metal, rather than cheap plastic, they can even be better now thanks to improved materials.”

How do you know whether a pricier long-lasting product is worth it over a cheaper disposable one?

It depends on how much you’re going to use it and whether the cost per use of a high-quality product is lower than replacing it a few times. Of course, replacing products less frequently also has many environmental benefits.

“Key attributes that I look for are replaceable parts instead of sealed or disposable ones, warranty credibility and solid metals, hardwoods or reinforced composites,” says Penner.

About the Experts

• Branden Wells is CEO and founder of Truecraft Construction in Garden Grove, California.
• Kelly Russum is owner at KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Palm Springs, California.
• Orlando Penner is a building manufacturing expert and owner of South Country Sheds in Arcadia, Florida.
• Lisa Bosio is head of consumer products at John Boos & Co., which sells cutting boards, butcher blocks and kitchen tools.
• Kevin Vander Hyde is vice president of Vander Hyde Services, a home services and renovation business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.vanderhyde.com/
• Rich Lauer is owner of Premiere Building Solutions, based in Virginia, which specializes in designing and constructing outdoor structures, including pergolas, pavilions and sheds.
• Andrew Haltom is director of customer success at the online retail outlet Rugs.com.

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From Pennies to Paychecks: Comparing Home Expenses Across 75 Years

Cast-iron skillet

In 1951, a cast-iron skillet cost $2.50. When adjusted for inflation, this comes to $31.25 today, which is about what you’ll pay for a skillet in 2026. Because the manufacturing process has stayed the same and the material is simple and readily available, there are no economic forces to drive costs up or down. “It is one of the rare household goods that moves in near-perfect lockstep with inflation.”

Washing machine

Washing machines were not a standard household item in the ’50s, and their luxury status was reflected in the cost. In 1951, a washing machine cost $150 to $300, or roughly $2,000 to $4,000 today. “With current costs between $500 and $1,500, the price has stayed fairly stable, but the product has gotten considerably better,” Ketter says. Widespread adoption led to mass production, which drove prices down, Massimino says, as did improvements in supply chain distribution.

Refrigerator

“A refrigerator in the ’50s cost around $300, which translates to over $4,000 in 2026,” Ketter says. “This would shock some people today, especially as modern fridges typically cost between $500 – $2,000.” The lower inflation-adjusted price is largely due to cheaper manufacturing materials, as modern models are largely made of plastic instead of steel. And like washing machines, refrigerators are now efficiently mass produced, also leading to lower costs.

Television

Televisions cost much less today than 75 years ago. “Televisions in the ’50s cost $200 to $300, which is the equivalent of over $4,000 today,” Ketter says. “An average flat-screen TV now starts at around $90 on sale.” Competitive markets, lower manufacturing costs and technological advancements led to more affordable televisions for today’s consumer. “In addition, TV manufacturers leverage data-collection and sale or on-screen advertising to recoup their manufacturing costs. These options for alternative revenue streams to offset low prices simply didn’t exist in 1951,” Massimino says.

Vacuum cleaner

Once vacuum cleaners became more popular in American homes after World War II, they have not fallen out of favor. Lucky for us, vacuum prices have gone down since the ’50s. “Old Sears catalogs list vacuum cleaners at $49.95 to $64.95,” Ketter says. “Adjusted for inflation, that’s $700 to $900. Today, you can pick one up for $100 to $600, depending on what you need.” Mass production and plastic parts have helped lower costs over time.

Lawn mower

While most homeowners used non-motorized push mowers in the ’50s, motorized options did exist, and cost between $70 to $100, or $875 to $1,250 in 2026 currency. Today, walk-behind lawnmowers range in cost from $300 to $800. “Technologies, lighter materials, more efficient and automated production methods, increased competition and commoditization and optimized supply chain practices have all come together to drive prices of these items down over time,” Massimino says.

Light bulbs

While the price of a light bulb has stayed relatively stable since 1951, the technology has changed dramatically, leading to a much better value for the cost. In the ’50s, a lightbulb cost $0.50, or $6.25 adjusted to today, which is the approximate cost of a light bulb in 2026. So the price hasn’t changed much, but the product has. “While real purchasing prices are roughly the same, today’s bulbs are much cheaper to operate and last far longer, providing much more value on a per-dollar basis than 1951,” Massimino says.

Hammer

In 1951, a hammer cost $0.05 to $3.99, depending on the quality and manufacturer. Simple, everyday cast-head hammers had a lower price point, where professional-grade, name brand products cost around four dollars. In 2026, these prices would translate to between $0.65 to $50, so prices have gone up. A standard homeowner-grade hammer costs $10 to $40 today, while high-quality, professional grade models can cost over $100. The price increase is largely due to more expensive materials used in manufacturing, like titanium and alloy metals and specialized handles.

Stand mixer

A standard, 5-quart stand mixer was a luxury kitchen item in the ’50s, costing around $140, with the bowl and beaters, or $1,750 when adjusted for inflation. Today’s average cost is between $300 to $500, which sounds like a lot, but is actually a bargain compared to what this household product cost 75 years ago. The price difference is due to cheaper materials and efficient mass production. Stand mixers in the ’50s were almost entirely made from steel and metal parts, while many of today’s less expensive options are made with plastic parts.

Single-family home

Housing is a glaring example of one major purchase that has vastly outpaced typical inflation rates. “In the ’50s, the average home in the U.S sold for around $7,300. If you adjust that for inflation, that’s roughly $100,000 today,” Ketter says. “The price for the average American home today is over $400,000, and climbing, depending on the city you live in. So, even accounting for inflation, homes cost roughly four times what they would if prices had tracked with inflation.” Higher costs of building materials, more complex building codes, larger homes, land scarcity and the accessibility of real estate investing have all factored into runaway prices Massimino says.

FAQ

What is inflation and how is it calculated?

“At its core, inflation is the steady erosion of purchasing power,” Massimino says. “It’s measured primarily through the Consumer Price Index, which tracks the price of a hypothetical ‘basket’ of goods filled with the things that the average American pays at that point in time – ranging from milk and rent to medical care and gasoline.” The items in the “basket” change with consumer lifestyles, but the goal is to track the cost of maintaining a contemporary standard of living.

What was the average household income in the U.S. 75 years ago?

In 1951, the average household income was $3,700, or $46,000 when adjusted for inflation. Today’s average income is $65,000, with most homes being dual-income for a much higher purchasing power than households of the ’50s, Massimino says.

About the Experts

• Alexander Ketter is a consumer and savings expert, as well as the managing director at Coupons.com.
• Brett Massimino, Ph.D is department chair and associate professor of Supply Chain and Analytics at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business.

Sources

• United States Census Bureau Family Income in the United States: 1951 (1953)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers First Quarter 2026 (2026)

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Lifted Pickup Flattens Lamborghini— Are Oversized Trucks Getting Out of Hand?

If you’ve spent much time on social media lately, you’ve likely seen the video of the woman who ran over another car. Miraculously, no one was killed, but the footage has reignited conversation around how tall is too tall when it comes to vehicles. After all, the new mail trucks were specifically redesigned with visibility in mind. Their low hoods might look comical, but they ensure that drivers of any height can see small children and potential road hazards.

But when it comes to personal vehicles, customization can sometimes feel like an arms race. Many people online over the years have likened tall SUVs and trucks to “tanks” that will protect their own passengers at the expense of other drivers. So let’s talk: do SUVs and truck pose a danger with their lack of visibility?

How Has Visibility Changed Over the Years?

In some SUVs, visibility is bad enough that it can be hard to see small children or animals even without adding on lifts or other aftermarket modifications. Consumer Reports reported that when comparing popular vehicles from 1997 to 2023, “drivers had 58 percent less forward visibility in some modern SUVs compared with their older counterparts.”

Moneywise made a similar observation in its report, noting that lifted pickups, like the one in the clip, “have a forward blind zone that grows with every inch of ride height, and the trucks themselves keep getting taller from the factory before anyone touches the suspension.” Add to this the fact that “a driver in a Dodge Ram TRX cannot see a 4-foot-5-inch 9-year-old standing directly in front of the bumper,” and you’re looking at a recipe for disaster. In fact, the Moneywise article goes on to say that “SUVs and vans with hoods more than 40 inches off the ground are about 45% more likely to kill pedestrians than vehicles with hoods 30 inches or lower.”

What Does This Mean for Drivers?

While we unfortunately do not live in a world where everyone will make a choice for the greater good, that shouldn’t stop us from doing our best. There will always be drivers on the road in tall SUVs and vans, or in trucks with lift kits, but when you’re in the market for a car it’s worth stopping to ask yourself if you really need something that tall. If you can make do with a smaller car, it’s worth it to ensure that you’re less likely to be the driver fatally hitting someone else due to a lack of visibility. Sure, it’s fun to be the driver in the big truck looking down on everybody… but at what cost?

Sources

Florida woman’s lifted Silverado rolled over a $250K Lamborghini in Crunch Fitness parking lot — a known safety risk means it could have ended worse, Moneywise, 2026.

New SUVs Really Do Have Worse Visibility, Study Shows, Consumer Reports, 2025.

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Don’t Panic — Here’s Why Your Car Ticks When It’s Cooling Down

I have a thermostat-equipped propane heater in my cabin, and I can always tell when it cycles off because the burner makes a ticking sound. The heater has no moving parts, so my conclusion is that the only source of the sound could be the metal of the burner as it cools down. I’ve also noticed — as you might have — that a sheet-metal roof makes clicking and snapping sounds as it cools after a hot day.

You might hear the same ticking sound when you stop your car and turn it off, and because it’s the same phenomenon, it’s usually no cause for concern. However, that isn’t the only type of ticking sound a car can make, and the ones it makes while you’re driving aren’t so benign. With the help of repair shop manager and automotive software developer Jon Vorisek, we’ll explain what these sounds might mean.

What Causes the Ticking?

The most common cause of ticking sounds is simple, says Vorisek: “Everything heats up while you’re driving, and when you stop, everything cools down. The exhaust parts, in particular, are prone to expanding and contracting due to heat. The contracting sometimes results in a ticking sound.”

Heat Expansion and Contraction

A car engine contains various metals that expand and contract at different rates. The various metals interact with each other as the engine cools and they contract, and although the movements are microscopic, they produce a phenomenon known as “slip-stick friction,” which works like this:

The metals, which are tightly bound together with fasteners, are held together by friction. Contraction creates tension that opposes this frictional force until the metals slip, releasing the tension and producing an audible ticking sound. Many familiar sounds rely on slip-stick friction, including violin musing, according to Penn State University. On a much larger scale — this is the phenomenon that produces tremors and earthquakes as the tectonic plates in the earth’s crust slip past each other.

Exhaust System Cooling

A car’s exhaust manifold and catalytic converter are subjected to extremely high temperatures when the car is running, and because they aren’t contained within the engine compartment, they cool down more rapidly than the engine. If you hear ticking and snapping sounds coming from underneath the car or from the rear when you stop the car, this is why.

Is the Ticking Normal?

“It’s very common,” says Vorisek. Most drivers have likely noticed light tapping sounds when stopping the car after a long trip on a cold, wintry day. Nothing to worry about. However, Vorisek continues: “If the sound is loud, or it’s happening when the vehicle isn’t cooling off, that’s more likely to indicate an issue.”

When Is Ticking a Concern?

When the car is in operation, the engine and exhaust system are hot, so there’s no thermal contraction to cause the normal ticking sounds. Pretty much any ticking sound you hear while driving could indicate a potential problem. They could, for example, be caused by a loose metal part rattling around or coming into contact with the cooling fan. If you don’t tighten that part, the metal could break free and damage the fan or other parts of the engine.

Less Common Causes of Ticking Sounds

Here’s a rare source of ticking sounds that turned out to be a serious problem. As I was driving downhill, I heard a light ticking from the engine, and at the same time, the dreaded Check Engine light started to flash. I went straight to the shop, and after inspection, it turned out that one of the spark plugs had shattered, and bits of it were rattling around inside the combustion chamber. That was the end of the engine, and I had to buy a new car. Beyond that, several other conditions can cause tapping when you’re driving.

• Valve ticking: This comes from the engine block, and according to the experts at 5 Star Auto Service, it’s usually caused by degraded or low-viscosity oil or a timing issue. You can usually ignore this unless it gets very loud, you smell gas or the vehicle’s performance is affected.
• Exhaust system: “You can have a heat shield come loose or an overheating catalytic converter,” advises Vorisek. “These can produce similar sounds.”
• Fuel injectors or the evaporation system: These can also make ticking sounds, and the sounds may continue for a short time when you turn off the engine. You can usually ignore this unless it gets very loud, you smell gas, or the vehicle’s performance is affected.

When To Visit a Mechanic

Ticking sounds when you stop the car are usually normal, but if they’re unusually loud, it’s best to have them checked out. If you hear the ticking sounds when you’re driving, they could be happening for a number of reasons, and most of the time, you can just keep on driving. However, you should visit a mechanic if any of these four things are true:

• You smell a foul odor, like gas or something burning.
• The ticking is getting progressively louder.
• The car is running roughly or using more gas than usual.
• You discover an oil leak.
• The Check Engine light comes on.

FAQ

What does it mean if the ticking happens while driving?

Vorisek answers this one: “It depends on the context of what the vehicle’s doing at the time. If it happens when you’re accelerating, then look at the engine or exhaust. If it’s when you’re braking, then look at the brakes or possibly suspension components. Vehicles have a lot of moving parts, and the same sound can have a lot of different potential causes.”

Does outside temperature affect the ticking noise?

As far as ticking sounds that occur after you stop the car, the answer is yes. In colder temperatures, the engine and exhaust cool down faster, and that increases the loudness and frequency of the ticks.

About the Expert

Jon Vorisek is the founder of Repair Surge, an automotive service information provider covering more than 10,000 vehicle models. He has over twenty years of experience in the automotive industry, beginning as a repair shop manager and later becoming an automotive software developer and SaaS startup founder.

Sources

• 5 Star Auto Service, Inc.: Why Does My Engine Make a Ticking Noise After I Turn It Off?; (2025)
• Pennsylvania State University: When two substances rub against each other, they frequently stick and then slip. The phenomenon accounts for the squeak of bearings, the music of violins and many other sounds of our daily experience; (1956)

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A Simple Guide to Finding Your Home’s Most Essential Systems

Main Water Shutoff Valve

The main water shutoff is a critical valve; in an emergency, you may need to turn it off quickly to prevent flooding. You usually find it where the main water line enters the house, says HVAC and plumbing expert Jordan Benjamin.

“Look along exterior walls, in the garage, or underground near the street in a covered meter box,” says Benjamin. In warm areas, this valve is often outside, but in colder climates, it’s usually in a protected place, such as a basement or utility closet.

The valve itself may have a round handle that you have to turn several times to stop the water, but in newer buildings, it often has a flat handle that you only need to turn 90 degrees.

Main Gas Valve

The main gas valve is even more critical than the water valve, and quick access to it whenever you smell gas can make the difference between a catastrophic explosion and a disaster averted. It’s typically located near the gas meter, says Benjamin. That’s usually outside, nestled up against the foundation, or in the basement. If your home doesn’t have a basement, and you can’t find the meter outside, look in a utility closet, in the crawlspace or under a stairwell.

Electrical Panel

The electrical panel is another one of those parts of a home that lasts for life, and in a modern home, it should be easy to find. Code requires it to be clearly visible, free of obstructions and easy to access. It may be on an exterior wall, in the basement or in a utility closet. If you’re having trouble finding it, note where the utility wires meet the roof and follow them along the wall until they reach the meter. Skip this step if you can already see the meter. The panel is either adjacent to the meter or on the opposite side of the wall. Wire is expensive, and electricians like to use as little as possible when connecting the meter to the panel, so they’re almost always close to each other.

HVAC System

The location of HVAC components depends on the type of heating and cooling systems in the house.

Gas and electric furnaces are usually in the basement or in a dedicated closet, but they could be in the crawl space or attic. If you’re having trouble finding yours, try cranking the thermostat up all the way to turn it on, then quietly walk around the house listening for the hum of the blower motor.

Central A/C units and heat pumps have two components: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser. The condenser is big and somewhat noisy, so it’s easy to spot sitting on a concrete pad next to the foundation (or sometimes on the roof). The air handler is often in the basement or a closet, but like a furnace, it could be in a crawlspace or in the attic.

If you have a mini-split system, there’s a condenser unit outside, and the wall units blowing cool or warm air into the house are the air handlers.

Water Heater

Water heaters can potentially be products that last for life, but 10 to 15 years is more typical. If you have a gas water heater, you definitely need to know where it is, so you can relight it if the pilot goes out. A tank-style water heater usually finds a home in the basement, the garage or a utility closet. A tank full of water is heavy, so it’s rare to find one on an upper story. On-demand water heaters are much smaller and, because they hang on the wall, they can be harder to spot. They’re often in basements, garages and utility closets.

• Pro tip: Once you know the location of your water heater, you can find your main water shutoff by tracing back the cold water inlet pipe.

Cooking Stuff

Aranda has this advice for organizing your cooking utensils. “In every kitchen, I organize using zone-based storage, meaning items reside based on usage patterns rather than availability.” The most used bowls, utensils, pots and pans, she says, should be most accessible. If you organize your kitchen this way, you’ll find it easier to locate, for example, the party-sized salad bowl you need for the big party tomorrow. It should be in the back of the cabinet, behind the bowls you use more frequently, or on an upper or lower shelf.

Bedding

Bedding storage should adhere to the same rules as kitchen storage, says Aranda, with the bedding sets currently being used being the most accessible. “Each bed’s set resides on its own shelf or designated area within the linen closet, identified so that any adult in the household can independently make their own bed without having to ask where any pieces are.”

What about seasonal duvets and extra bedding? Put them on upper shelves or under the beds if extra space isn’t available. “The rule is that currently used items must be immediately accessible — infrequently needed items require additional effort.”

Tools

Aranda identifies tools and home maintenance supplies as the category households manage worst. “All tools should live in one single dedicated location that every person living in your residence knows about,” she says. She calls this “tool central,” and it’s where you go to access your basic toolkit as well as maintenance supplies like light bulbs, batteries and small hardware. It’s also where your stepladder should be, so you don’t have to search for it in the middle of the night when a smoke alarm starts beeping.

Where is the best place for “tool central?” It can be in a closet, the basement or the garage. The most important thing, according to Aranda, is to tell everyone living in the household where it is. It’s also important to be consistent about putting everything you take from there back again.

About the Experts

• Jordan Benjamin is an HVAC and plumbing expert and the President of Done Rite Services, an HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical company in Tucson, Arizona. He has over two decades in the HVAC trade
• Isabella Flores is a cleaning expert and professional organizer associated with Sparkly Maid San Diego.

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