Manual or automatic? The debate has raged for many years, ever since automatic transmission technology became good enough to popularize these easy-driving vehicles. Once upon a time, almost every car on the road used a manual transmission, and learning to expertly release the clutch and shift gears was an immutable fact of growing up. Now,...
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The phrase “exotic pets” brings up a plethora of associations, many of them negative. Illegally sourced monkeys, baby tigers, Burmese pythons let loose in the Everglades, these are just a few of the headlines that come to mind. But the truth is that these are just the most publicized examples of exotic pets. There are...
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If your car has disc brakes, then you’ve got a small piece of material called a brake pad to thank every time you slow down or stop. When you press down on the brake pedal, brake pads are pushed against a disc in your tire, creating the friction that slows your car.1 This process will...
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The number of homeowners installing solar panels continues to increase, with adoption rates reaching a record high in 2021. In fact, the installation of solar panels increased 43% year over year, reaching 19.2 gigawatts of capacity. According to a report by Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie solar adoption is projected to increase 17%...
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It’s no secret that gas prices have soared over the last year. In fact, we’ve seen gasoline prices skyrocket by almost 50% since September of 2020 across the country. The reasons behind this increase in gas prices vary, ranging from disparities in refining and retail costs to disruption in oil distribution and fluctuations in taxes...
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Where once it felt like a far off promise of modern technology, nowadays owning an electric vehicle is a very real option. From environmental benefits to comparative costs of fuel, there are many factors to consider when deciding if your next car will be an EV or not. “There’s a lot to consider,” says Lauren...
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No one ever takes their boat out thinking they’ll get into an accident. Even still, there were 4,168 boating accidents recorded in 2019. Alcohol, hazardous water, lack of operator experience, and general inattentiveness were statistically the top four causes; but when you consider that 70 percent of these accidents happened to boaters who had received...
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Washing machines provide homeowners with endless utility. The ability to wash everything from clothes to bedding at home with minimal effort is life-changing. But most don’t realize there is a laundry list of washing machine maintenance boxes to check. Failing to properly maintain your washing machine can result in expensive repairs and a shorter life...
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In a world that only grows more digital, personal information like your credit is at greater risk than ever. If someone manages to get their hands on any of your sensitive information, they may be able to open a credit account in your name and rack up a bewildering amount of fraudulent charges. With threats...
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A boat needs a lot of tender loving care, even when it’s going to be out of the water for the winter. Properly caring for your boat can be very cost effective in the long term, because you’ll avoid needing to pay for expensive repairs like broken exhaust manifolds, or worse, replacing an engine. Even...
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When you experience car trouble, it’s nice to know that help is most often just a phone call away. But a little education about some basic car maintenance and repair will go a long way if you’re ever caught in a tricky situation. Flat tires are a common roadside problem. Unfortunately, since you can’t do...
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When drivers are negligent, they can cause accidents and claim lives. But even everyday habits can have the same effect. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates over 38,680 auto accident deaths occurred in the United States in 2020. Let’s look at some all-too-common habits that can cause auto accidents and tips for avoiding them...
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Driving can be expensive. Between buying or leasing the car itself, maintenance, and insurance, it can be enough to make some consider the bus. Choosing your insurance wisely can help that a lot, and you can always practice safe driving and precautionary measures that minimize maintenance costs, but some expenses, such as gas, are harder...
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More than half of U.S. adults bank online, according to Pew Research Center, and about a third of them bank via cell phone. Given the popularity, it’s important to ask; Is online banking safe? Despite concerns about identity theft, online banking is as safe as any other banking transaction, says Murray W. Kenyon, senior vice...
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The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and you’re sitting in a lush, green Eden of your own making. For many, there are few better ways to enjoy warm weather than gardening. Keeping a garden can be a wonderful way to spend your free time outdoors, a great way to gain access to fresh produce...
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