Car Blog

July30

As the days get warmer during the summer, your vehicle will do as it sits in the sun. The vinyl on the seats and steering wheel become too hot to touch and the air is stifling to breathe. There are several ways to keep your car cool during these months. Here are a few to consider.

Shade Your Windows

For a more permanent solution, take your automobile into the shop for window tinting waldorf md. This procedure darkens your windows providing long term shade inside your car. You can also purchase a sunshade to cover the front window. This is held in place by your dashboard and the sun visors. You can buy a plain one or you can show your creative side by choosing one that has a photo of your favorite show or another item you enjoy. 

Choose a Place To Park

When looking for a place to park, search for one that is in the shade. These areas could be around tall buildings or trees. This might require parking further than you planned to keep your car cool. Opt to leave your car in a parking garage also instead of the street. The fee to park will be higher than at a meter, but the structure it is in will protect it from the heat of the sun. 

Protect the Interior

Lay a large blanket over the seats or a bath towel over each of the bucket front seats. This will block the sun from overheating the leather and give you a comfortable place to sit. Drape a towel over the steering wheel while you are gone and the car is in the sun. The vinyl will be cool enough to touch when you return. You can also spread a bed sheet over the dash and any other part of the interior it can reach. Then you can pull it free and tuck it away before you drive. 

July30

Being stranded on the side of the road is one of the biggest fears many drivers face. Knowing how to locate and contact a towing service when you need assistance can take some of the fear out of this stressful situation.

Contact a Repair Service

Many auto repair services have tow trucks that they use to tow disabled vehicles to their shops for repairs. If you plan to have your vehicle repaired at a shop, it can save you time and money to have it towed directly to the shop, rather than a tow lot or your home. If you have a smartphone you can use Google to look up car services Marysville WA to find a nearby repair shop.

Even if they do not have towing services, they can probably recommend a towing service to you and give you their contact information or possibly transfer you to their number. If you do not have a smartphone or your internet connection is poor, you can try locating a service by dialing 4-1-1 on your cellphone, or as a last resort walking to the closest place you can borrow a phone.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you paid for roadside assistance, you may be able to call your insurance company or use their mobile app to arrange to have your vehicle towed. Depending on your company’s policy, your insurance may pay for the towing service upfront or you may be able to be reimbursed after you submit a claim. If you do not have roadside assistance coverage, you may still be able to receive assistance locating a towing service by speaking to someone in customer service.

Google It

If you have a smartphone, or can borrow one from a good samaritan, you can search for “towing service near me” to get a list of towing services near where your vehicle broke down. However, if your cell phone’s location services are not accurate, you may not always get accurate results for your location, so it is best to try to verify where you are by checking landmarks.

Use Your GPS

If you have an up to date GPS in your vehicle, you may be able to look up nearby towing services and get a phone number you can contact them at. However, if you have not been updating your maps, the results may be out of date.

A vehicle breakdown can be a stressful situation. However, being prepared can help you handle it in the most stressfree way possible.

July29

Kratom is a tree. Its leaves are often used as medicine. People take it for a variety of conditions, including opioid withdrawal. However, many people who take this plant do not know enough about it. Whether you purchase your powder at an online store, such as KratoMystic, or a local dealer, you should know some basic details about this plant before you take it. 

How Does It Work?

Kratom works because it contains a chemical called mitragynine. This chemical works similarly to codeine or morphine to relieve pain. It also contains the narcotic 7-hydroxymitraginine. While kratom testing is still young, there are noticeable benefits of using this plant. 

What Are Its Uses?

Because of its chemical properties, kratom has become very popular for pain management. Additionally, many individuals have turned to it to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms. It works for these symptoms because it can relieve pain, boost mood, and lower anxiety. It may also curb the body’s cravings for opioids. This plant can be used for a variety of other conditions as well. For instance, many people use it for anxiety, cough, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and opioid withdrawals. 

How to Decide on a Dosage?

The necessary dose depends on the user’s age, health, and other factors. At this time, there is no FDA recommended dose range for different groups, so many people play around with the plant until they find what works with them. However, it is important to keep in mind that any natural remedy can be harmful in large doses. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor before taking kratom. 

Kratom can offer natural relief if you have a chronic medical condition. Although you will have to play around with dosage, once you find something that works for you, you are sure to enjoy the benefits of this medicinal plant. 

July29

Each time you take your truck out for a drive, wear and tear is occurring. Unexpected big repairs could be prevented with a few simple preventative maintenance tasks. Doing these at home can extend the life of your vehicle while saving you money. Get started with preventative maintenance at home with these simple tasks you should do each month.

Battery

Extend your batteries life by giving it a quick inspection every month. Over time, corrosion can appear on your car’s battery, reducing its lifespan. Use a clean wire brush to scrape off any noticeable corrosion. If there is a significant amount of rust, use a water and baking soda solution to easily clean the terminals. While you are focused on the battery, tighten up the nuts on the battery to ensure it stays snugly in place. If during your inspection you notice you need some replacement parts, you can order used GMC truck parts online.

Fluids

Most truck owners are familiar with checking motor oil and the required oil change schedule. However, your truck has several other fluids than need to be checked on. Most vehicles have transmission, coolant, brake, and washer fluids besides motor oil. Remove the caps for each fluid and inspect the level in each. Top off any fluids that appear low. Always check coolant levels through the transparent refill container to avoid getting scalded.

Air Pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure protects you from flats and blowouts. It can also increase your miles per gallon. Temperature changes from month to month can affect the air pressure in your tires. It’s best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold, but if you have recently driven your vehicle, simply add 4 PSI to the reading. Check the optimal air pressure range on the placard located inside the doorjamb on the driver’s side. If it’s missing, your truck’s owner’s manual will have the information.

Air Filter

While air filters usually only need to be replaced a couple of times a year, it’s helpful to check them monthly. A working air filter will allow light to come through. Check your truck’s filter by holding it up to a powerful light source. If the light doesn’t come through even after dusting it off, it’s time for a replacement.

Taking charge of these simple maintenance tasks each month can keep your truck running smoothly. Consider setting a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar to make sure you never miss a month.

July7

All across the planet, people are trying to figure out more environmentally-friendly ways to power their cars, businesses and homes. No perfect fuel source has been found, and perhaps none will ever be. However, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, incorporate a combination of the following fuel sources into your lifestyle.

Gasoline Alternatives

The idea of going to a gas station and pumping ten or fifteen gallons of gasoline into your car’s tank is ingrained in American culture. However, gasoline is made from petroleum, a highly flammable substance that is expensive and dangerous to extract. A variety of alternatives use different kinds of natural gas. These include compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas. While it may be harder to find LNG fueling stations California than traditional gas stations, the extra time you put into your search is worth it for the benefit to the environment. 

Solar Energy

At the moment, solar energy’s most practical applications involve powering homes and businesses. If your roof receives enough sunlight, install solar panels, or, if you have extensive property, set them up on your land. Many solar panels generate more electricity than homeowners use, so you can sell the excess to your local power company. This form of alternative energy does require a significant investment, but you earn the money back over time since you have to purchase less electricity from your power company.

Physical Labor

Do not discount your own energy as a means of completing tasks that you usually do with electricity. Buy a push mower instead of one that runs on gas or electricity to save the planet and get a great workout whenever the grass gets too long. Walk or bike to local stores and your job, if possible. When you are in public, take the stairs instead of the elevator and push open doors instead of using automatic openers, if you are able. These measures may seem inconsequential, but if many people take them, they have a large positive impact on the environment.

As you figure out how to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly, it’s easy to become frustrated with the process of finding alternative energy sources. By using these different energy types, you accustom yourself to a lifestyle that’s easier on the planet. Whenever you feel discouraged, remember the beauty of the natural world and focus on preserving that beauty for the generations who will live after you.