While we hear plenty about the dangers of winter driving, we often ignore the hazards that come with summertime driving. Statistics show summer is actually a riskier time to be on the road. The Insurance Information Institute shows the highest number of fatal car accidents occur in August. While summer offers some of the year’s...
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Regular, basic car maintenance is crucial to avoiding serious auto problems. While there are times when your car needs professional attention, learning some DIY car maintenance skills can help keep your ride running smoothly and may even save you money. You don’t need to be an experienced mechanic to follow the car check-up instructions in...
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Vintage car maintenance differs from contemporary car maintenance in a couple of ways. First, a vintage car has different parts that can’t be hooked up to a computer for diagnostics. Second, you probably aren’t driving it every day, so some of the benchmarks typically used to calculate when maintenance is due may not apply while...
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While most drivers realize the importance of taking care of their tires, there’s one tire that usually gets overlooked – the one in your trunk. But some people assume that because they haven’t used a spare, that it can operate like new. Accidents resulting from faulty or poorly maintained spares happen more than most drivers...
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December, January and February are the leading months for home heating fires. Overall, heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire deaths. There are between 350,000 and 400,000 house fires in the United States every year that result in almost $8 billion in annual damages, according to the National...
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Ladders are a common part of home repair and maintenance. They enable homeowners to complete tasks that would otherwise be difficult to reach. But as is the case for any tool, it’s important to use ladders safely. Ladder-related injuries send more than 90,000 people a year to emergency rooms throughout the United States, according to...
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Most of us have experienced that dreadful moment when the car simply refuses to start. While we often equate dead batteries with those frigid temperatures of winter, did you know that summer months are actually harder on your car’s battery? In fact, batteries in cold climates have a life expectancy of 51 months, while those...
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Few things are more frustrating than a car breakdown when you’re on a road trip. Such incidents may put your safety and your finances in jeopardy. Let’s face it, few of us are cost conscious about repairs when we’re stranded. “While many drivers think about the importance of readying their vehicle for cold weather in...
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Travel abroad is exciting, but there’s a lot to take on before you take off. Not sure where to start? Our upcoming international travel planning series can help you map out every detail. Let’s start with one of the most important considerations: Communication Some tips to help you stay connected while abroad: Phoning home Consider...
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The excitement of buying a new car can make even the most detail-oriented person want to rush through the process. Before you head to the lot, consider these tips from Forbes and Publiccounsel.org to help ensure you have a positive car-shopping experience. 1. Call before you go Scenario: You see a vehicle you like in an advertisement or...
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An affordable nautical adventure awaits! Have you always dreamed of buying your own boat? While it’s a romantic and exciting notion, you need to understand what the required investment of money and time actually is. Buying a used model can help reduce the sticker shock. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 60 percent of first-time...
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Schools, playgrounds and childcare facilities are full of energy and fun — and they’re also full of kids’ germs. You can’t shield your child from every cold that’s going around, but you can do your best to fight sniffles, sore throats and tummy aches by following these 8 germ prevention tips. How to stop the...
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Driving in the rain can be a slippery situation - slick road conditions, poor visibility and possible hydroplaning or skidding. More than 1 million weather-related crashes occur each year – most on wet pavement and nearly half while raining. Smart drivers know techniques for driving in the rain, avoiding hydroplaning and using the vehicle’s safety features. Here are some tips for driving in wet conditions that you can save for a rainy day.
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Cleaning your chimney is essential for the safety of your home, as it can help prevent dangerous chimney fires caused by creosote buildup, a flammable residue from wood smoke. This article explains when and how to clean your chimney, the signs your chimney needs attention, DIY methods and more. [1] Why is chimney cleaning important?...
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Parallel parking can be intimidating for even the most experienced drivers. The good news is that the process of maneuvering a vehicle between parked cars and parallel to the road gets easier with practice. Use our step-by-step guide and tips to feel more confident about parallel parking. [1] 1. Ensure that the parking space is...
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