While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage Strong winds from tornadoes can seriously damage the structural...
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There’s nothing like the great outdoors, and camping is a great way to enjoy the fresh air. If you don’t want to pay campsite fees and travel costs, you can set up camp in your own backyard. Check out these tips on how to go camping in your own backyard. 1. Set up camp Just...
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When you and your teen are shopping for a new car, safety should be top priority. The increase in smart technologies in vehicles means there are more ways today to help keep young drivers safe. The 10 small and midsize cars listed below are top safety picks by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, which...
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Figuring out what would happen to your loved ones if something happened to you may seem stressful and time-consuming. But if you want a say in who gets what — and most importantly who cares for your kids (or your pets) — then you need an estate plan. You may think you don’t need one...
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When your car doesn’t fare well in the snow and ice, winter can be a challenging time to get around. If you live in an area that gets hit hard, it may be time to consider a vehicle better suited for snowy weather. Here’s a look at 10 models from US News and Auto Guide...
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Despite their relatively easy operation, cars are actually very complex machines. Cars need fuel to operate, but what does the engine actually do with it? In general, a standard internal combustion engine — what the majority of fuel-powered vehicles have today — uses air combined with gasoline to produce power.[1] Of course, it gets more...
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Nowadays, your car is probably staying parked in your garage for longer periods of time. While this can be nice for saving money on gas and other maintenance, it’s not an ideal situation for your car’s battery. This leads to an important question: Can a car battery go dead from sitting? Yes, it can. Even...
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At one point or another, you’ve probably had to drive through some kind of bad weather. While driving in fog isn’t the same as driving in a thunderstorm or blizzard, it can still create problems for your commute if you’re not careful. Foggy conditions in particular can greatly reduce your visibility, potentially causing dangerous driving...
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When it comes to getting car help, there’s no shortage of things that owners want to know. And there’s no shortage of important vehicle-related information to learn. Start with the essentials. Take a look at five of the most common car questions drivers ask car mechanics — and their answers. 1. Why does my “check...
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Staying on top of your car’s maintenance can prolong the life of your vehicle. It can also save you money by avoiding costly repairs and keep you and your family safe on the road. You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to keep your car well-maintained; all you need is a checklist and the...
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A working alternator is crucial to your car’s operation. As the producer of your car’s electricity — and as the mechanism that helps the battery hold its charge — it has a hand in everything from radio use to the car’s ability to start. When an alternator falters, your power comes directly from the battery...
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Working headlights are essential for driving any car safely, but they occasionally go out. Knowing how to change a headlight and what to look for when the front of your car goes dark can help you quickly remedy the problem. Check if the headlight bulb is out Determining the cause of a headlight issue begins...
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Buying a new vehicle is an exciting prospect for car owners. Who doesn’t like the thought of driving away in a shiny new model with the latest bells and whistles? But for some, stepping into a dealership can be daunting. Options seem endless and confusing, and negotiating can be stressful. On top of that, there’s...
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Moving is almost always a process that requires ample planning, but moving to a different state has its own unique challenges. Moving to another state means everything is different — from a new home and school to new doctors and pet groomers. And that’s not to mention the task of boxing up your entire life...
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You’re involved in a collision, and your car is towed away. You’re lucky to only have minor scratches and bruises, but the loss of your car is weighing heavily on your mind. Find out what happens when your car is totaled and what you should do. Prepare the following documentation Once you’ve begun filing your...
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