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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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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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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Buying new tires can be a confusing chore. What do all those numbers mean? Should I go with winter tires or all-season? And, of course, how do I know when I need new ones? Taking care of your tires and maintaining good driving habits can help extend the life of your tires, but eventually you’ll...
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When your child starts college and you have an empty nest, you might have a to-do list, including travel abroad and fixing up the house. But before you book a flight, borrow money to turn your child’s room into a home theater or think about other activities for empty nesters, consider that a growing number...
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According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (known as HUD)[1], the difference between manufactured, modular, and mobile homes all comes down to differences in construction and safety. Manufactured and mobile homes must be built according to HUD’s building codes while modular homes must follow local, state, and/or regional building codes. Mobile, manufactured,...
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There’s nothing quite like a day out on the water. But every time you take that boat out, you’re going to have to bring it back in. Docking can be one of the most intimidating parts of boating, but it’s an essential skill for any boater and one that can be easily picked up with...
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The swimming pool: sometimes the homeowner’s crown jewel, other times a liability that presents little more than an attractive nuisance. A pool’s upkeep can be taxing if not executed properly, and the consequences of poor pool maintenance are ruinous to your bank account and personal health alike. But if you know how to take care...
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If you haven’t bought a new car in a few years, you may be in for a surprise the next time you need to change your tire. For about the past four years, most car manufacturers have been leaving an old standard off of new cars: the spare tire. “It’s been a slow, progressive change,”...
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Looking for adventure in Big Country, USA? Then you very well could end up behind the wheel of a recreational vehicle (RV). In fact, RVs are more popular than ever, as there are 11.2 million U.S. households that own one, according to the RV Industry Association. It’s common for potential RV buyers to rent a...
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What is an emergency fund? Sometimes called a rainy day fund , an emergency fund is money that you set aside to serve as your financial safety net for when you need it. What qualifies as an emergency? To a certain extent, an emergency varies by the individual, but one way to think of it...
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You’ve planned a motorcycle road trip for weeks, but when you open the garage door, you see it. Your motorcycle has a flat. For an experienced rider who knows how to change a motorcycle tire, this might be a simple fix. If you’re not sure, it helps to learn what to do to replace your...
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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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