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...
Read more about 6 Tips for Ladder Safety
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...
Read more about 5 Ways to Help Avoid a Dead Car Battery During the Summer
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...
Read more about Keep Summer Road Trips Fun with These Car Safety Checks
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...
Read more about International Travel Tips: How to Stay Connected While You’re Abroad
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...
Read more about Tips for Buying a Used Boat
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...
Read more about How to Prevent the Spread of Kids’ Germs
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.
Read more about How to Drive in the Rain
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?...
Read more about How to Clean a Chimney
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...
Read more about How to Parallel Park
If winter weather catches you off guard and your home is not prepared for heavy snow and cold, you can experience damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Costs for repairs of this scale add up quickly, so prepare in autumn to protect your house during the colder months. Follow these winterizing tips...
Read more about How to Winterize a House
Looking for a home or apartment to rent can be difficult and stressful. Perhaps you’re competing with a large number of people for a specific unit, or you’re searching in a popular location. Often renters will wait until the last minute to look for another apartment, but it’s key to work ahead and have a...
Read more about How to Find Apartments for Rent
The end of your lease is approaching, and it’s almost time to move. One of the key things you might be concerned about is whether you’ll get your security deposit back. Our moving-out checklist details what typically needs to be cleaned in an apartment to help you get your security deposit returned. Review the move-out...
Read more about Apartment Moving Out Checklist: A Tenant’s Guide to Getting Your Security Deposit Back
Keeping your tires in good condition can be the difference between a safe ride and an accident. If your tires wear or get misaligned over time, this can lead to a more dangerous ride. That’s why it’s important to get your tires serviced so they can be rotated and wear more evenly. [1] What is...
Read more about Tire Rotation Overview: Why and When to Do It
Want an outdoor space to entertain friends and family when the nicer weather comes? Before starting construction, you may want to consider whether a deck or patio is best for your home. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to carefully weigh before making your decision. What is the difference between a deck and...
Read more about Deck vs. Patio: Which Is Right for You?
While wheel alignment and balance both contribute to a smoother ride, the services are quite different. A wheel alignment makes sure your tires contact the road in the correct way by adjusting the angles of your tires, while a tire balance corrects the weight imbalance on the wheel and tire. Here’s a deeper dive into...
Read more about Wheel Alignment vs. Balance: What’s the Difference?