Car Blog

The Department of Transportation enforces regulations on public roads to keep drivers and passengers safe. However, accidents can still occur with a commercial motor vehicle that fails to meet proper safety standards. Since they’re larger and heavier than most vehicles, accidents involving commercial trucks are more likely to cause serious injury or death. It’s important to know the three types of commercial vehicles companies typically use to transport essential goods.

Delivery Trucks

Delivery trucks are smaller than most commercial vehicles, that fact alone doesn’t protect drivers from serious accidents. Since delivery-based businesses are on the rise, more of them hire as many drivers as possible to stay competitive by securing deliveries. However, companies that emphasize speed over safety puts motorists and pedestrians at risk. However, by training drivers how to safely operate delivery trucks, companies end up spending significantly less on property damage expenses and medical treatment.

Flatbed Trucks

Landscaping businesses use flatbed trucks to transport large timber and gardening supplies, typically bringing goods from a consumer store to a residential area. Flatbed vehicles sometimes transport natural waste to recycling services. They also carry farm commodities such as grains with tires that gain traction on muddy roads. However, mobile truck repair Dallas TX for flatbed vehicles tend to be costly.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks carry a variety of liquids and gases. Although most companies exercise precaution by sending tanker trucks that transport dry goods, other organizations take the risk of sending trucks that transport hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, in the case of an accident, there is an increased risk for fires and explosions to occur on the road. The potential widespread extent of damage can impact other drivers and passengers.

In the context of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, identifying what type of vehicle was involved will help strengthen your credibility in the case of a lawsuit. Contacting an attorney who will help you gain adequate compensation is also an important part of the legal process.

Whether you want to spruce up your old car or turn your new one into your dream vehicle, you have a lot of options for upgrades. Consider these four ways you can improve your current ride.

1. Tint the Windows

Tinted window installation Elmont NY has more benefits than just looking cool. Tinted windows can block up to 99% of the UV radiation from sunlight, which can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Window tints also provide additional protection against flying shards of glass by helping hold the windshield together when the glass breaks. Tinting can also help keep your upholstery from fading and block some of the heat from the sun. Finally, window tinting helps reduce glare from the sun, which can make driving safer and provides the occupants of your vehicle with increased privacy.

2. Upgrade the Tires

A new set of premium wheels can be a great way to improve both the look and the performance of your vehicle. High-quality tires can improve handling, increase safety, improve fuel efficiency and provide another option for customizing the look of your ride.

3. Change the Spark Plugs

One of the best things about this upgrade is that it is easy to do yourself and inexpensive to buy the parts. Better spark plugs can translate to increased engine power and more efficient fuel usage.

4. Add a Back-Up Camera

Back-up cameras can make tricky maneuvers a breeze, including parallel parking or backing out of a space in a busy parking lot. These onboard cameras allow you to see what is behind you without turning around and usually come with graphics to help you park or back up safely.

These four upgrades can help you take advantage of new safety technology and improve the look and performance of your vehicle. Consider adding one or more of them during your next vehicle upgrade.

Teen drivers must take in an overwhelming amount of information. Learning how to drive safely and follow all rules are priorities, of course. At some point, teens will likely assume responsibility for car care, either that of the family car or of one they own. As a parent, don’t let your teenage driver off the hook; make certain they learn how to maintain a car, a valuable lifelong skill, by performing the following tasks.

Drive Appropriately

Novice drivers should avoid driving aggressively, not just because doing is safe but also is mechanically advantageous. Slamming on the brakes wears them and the tires out prematurely. Accelerating hard stresses the engine and transmission, and it can lead to unnecessary flexplate or flywheel replacement Bristol RI.

Replace Essentials Routinely

If driven responsibly, your teenager’s car should need big-ticket items replaced only occasionally. Other accessories should be changed more often according to the service manual. These items include oil and oil filters, air filters and wiper blades. Additionally, they should rotate the tires as specified.

Monitor for Problems

Go over how to spot potential problems by having them do the following: First, keep an eye on tires, the most important car part because it keeps the driver safely on the road. Gauge the tread depth monthly and air pressure weekly. Second, pop the hood and examine the different components. Check fluid levels, belt play and hose pliability. Third, pay attention to dashboard warning lights. Read the owners manual section that explains what each represents.

Perform Regular Service

Have your young driver follow through on additional routine services. He or she should meet with a trusted mechanic and discuss the owners manual recommendations.

Teenage drivers will benefit from learning the basics of car maintenance early on. Doing so will ensure not only that their car will last a long time, but also not leave them stranded far from home.

Fair Trade coffee is one major way to produce coffee ethically and sustainably. The phrase gets thrown around as a blanket term for ethical consumption, but Fair Trade USA is actually a nonprofit organization dedicated to monitoring the production of certain crops and crafts to ensure fair treatment of workers, artisans and the environment.

1. Fair Trade Certification

Producers like coffee farms have to meet certain standards and regulations in order to receive Fair Trade certification. These include a commitment to sustainability, paying employees a fair wage and ethical business practices. The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are responsibly sourced and that companies are reliably committed to workers’ wellbeing.

2. Ethical Consumption and Sustainability

Fair Trade is all about educating consumers about producing goods sustainably and practicing ethical consumption. Fair Trade products always carry the Fair Trade seal to bring awareness to the effort. Finding fair trade products like coffee is pretty easy now. You can do things like purchase a Fair Trade coffee subscription so you can order online instead of going out to the store to find what you’re looking for.

Ethical consumption and sustainability incorporate a lot of different goals. Fair Trade products should be environmentally friendly and sourced from companies that actively work to improve the communities where production takes place.

3. Funding Community Needs

When a company seeks certification, Fair Trade USA sends in a team of auditors to assess the company and its factories. Once certification is granted, an audit is conducted annually to ensure continued compliance and Fair Trade USA grants something called a Premium Fund. The fund is meant to further improve the community where production takes place and includes managers and employees to figure out how best to utilize the money.

Ultimately, Fair Trade coffee allows for positive impacts on the environment, better benefits for workers and more transparent business practices.

Since the move to a digital world, the U.S. Postal Service has struggled to remain relevant to the world of communication. Emails and text messaging have taken the place of greeting cards and love letters. Though the Postal Service is still needed to help make postcard ideas for real estate agents a successful marketing strategy, many businesses rely on sending faxes, using cloud-storage, and e-documents for their business communication needs. The general services that once kept the citizens of the nation talking to each other have been deemed snail mail, and in keeping with the perceptions of cumbersome and inefficient operations, these services are under scrutiny for their potential impact on this year’s election.

A Nation in Need

In the wake of the coronavirus, many want to pursue voting by absentee ballot in order to avoid potential exposure to the virus. According to the USPS, a massive move toward voting by mail will overwhelm the system, the severity of which could prohibit millions of ballots from being counted by voting deadlines. Just as the American public has exhibited a reduced need for the agency’s services and infrastructure, it now seems to be mission-critical.

A System Without Resources

The USPS has been losing money for years, and in June, a new postmaster general was appointed to help stop the bleeding. In order to make the agency more profitable, immediate actions include cutting back on overtime and limiting late delivery trips. For the present, efficiency is the secondary goal. Profitability is the first. In an election year, this shift in operations could undermine the importance of letting every vote count. Timely mail service is what ensures that absentee ballots count, as deadlines loom and an agency is ill-fitted to address the influx of ballots.

Though the election is still several weeks away, the USPS crisis doesn’t seem to have a strategy in place to prepare for it. The only advice is to send in your ballot early, as snail mail may not get it there in time.

Metal fabrication is something that many industries need. Let’s go over the type of custom metal fabrication Manitoba that exists and go over the advantages associated with metal fabrication over plastic fabrication.

Fabrication Types

Metal and plastic fabrication covers a wide range of different manufacturing processes. Here are a few of the most common fabrication processes that apply to both types of materials:

• Welding – When you join to pieces of material using high heat, this is called welding. This can be very helpful when you need to connect to pieces together to provide strength, support, and a seamed surface area.
• Machining – Sometimes you need to create a part from scratch, and this is where machining comes in. This process involved milling, drilling, honing, and lathing to get a piece of material that will work on the machine or equipment you are using.
• Forming – This process involves using hydraulic presses to bend, mold and form material to a specific angle or shape.
• Cutting – Using band saws and other cutting torches, material can be cut to free it from existing structures, or to help it to fit around new fittings.

Advantages of Metal Fabrication

The type of metal that you use to fabricate with can make a big difference based on the application it is being used for. Some of the most common metals used in fabrication include magnesium, iron, aluminum, copper, nickel, and steel. Each of these material types have different grades which denote strength and pliability.

• Heat Resistance – Unlike plastic, metal has a much higher tolerance for heat, which can make it the ideal material to provide more strength with odd angles.
• Strength – Metal is stronger than plastic, so if you need a material that can take a beating for longer between replacements, metal is probably right for you.
• Cost-Effective – Metal is usually cheaper to work with than plastic, so it can help out your wallet. 

This world is full of wonders. Every once in awhile, people get to experience a powerful storm. While these are fascinating to watch, they can also be dangerous. Here are four types of severe storms to be aware of and how to prepare for them.

1. Rain Storm

A rain storm typically includes heavy rains, wind and sometimes lightning. These storms are great for the environment, as they bring moisture and nourish the plant life. However, they can be heavy. Make sure your rain gutters are clear and prepared to carry lots of water. Try to stay inside during the storm to avoid getting hurt but do enjoy the sound of rain and wind and the occasional roll of thunder.

2. Hail Storm

Hail is unique because it is water that has been thrown up into the storm before freezing and falling again as small balls of ice. While this can be exciting, it can lead to some damage to roofs and cars. Luckily, there are many services that do hail storm repair Lakewood CO when the need arises.

3. Snow Storm

Snow storms happen in the winter. Some locations have heavier snowfalls than others. When a snow storm happens, be very careful while driving. The roads can easily freeze over and cause the car to spin. Make sure your windshield wipers work well and keep a snow shovel in the garage to help dig out your car after the snow has fallen.

4. Wind Storm

Sometimes, a wind storm passes through town. Some winds can have very powerful gusts, which can knock over trees and rip through shingles. When a storm like this happens, put your garbage cans in the garage and hold out until the storm passes. Then check for additional damage.

When a storm warning happens, be prepared as best as you can. Stay inside, wear warm clothing and keep preventative equipment such as gutters in top shape.

Sometimes a car in front of you may kick up a large rock or piece of gravel. When that happens, it could fly into your windshield, creating an unsightly and nerving crack. Is it something that really should worry you, or could you wait to have it replaced? Many owners speculate whether it is worth the effort to stop what they’re doing to work it out. Car safety, though, is vital. You may be surprised though to know that it’s not only important but sometimes simple to have it completed. Here are a few things you should know.

1. It Could Obscure Your Vision

A small chip may not seem like much, but in the heat and humidity it could expand; therefore, leaving it alone may not be your best option. The bigger it gets, the harder it could be to see, posing a hazard on the roadway. Yes, the car may still run, but certainly your ability to know what is in front of you is a safety feature that shouldn’t be neglected.

2. Your Insurance May Cover It

If the cost is bothering you, do some research about your state laws and insurance guidelines. Usually, if reported early on, your insurer could cover the fix without penalizing your plan. In fact, if you call various same day auto glass repair St. Louis locations, they can assist you in understanding whether your carrier pays off the incident.

3. It Could Be a Simple Restoration

While sometimes the entire windshield gets changed out, often an experienced company can work with the issue, completing the change in a short amount of time. In fact, it’s often completed within a one window at your convenience. It won’t drag down your schedule, and you can rely on the corporations to do it in an efficient manner. Ask them about their different techniques, and how soon they can see your vehicle.

More than likely, you should have any windshield complications mended as soon as possible. Anything that safeguards your driving could benefit you in the long run.