Steps to Cleaning Headlights

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Krissyar

Headlights are a super important safety feature on your car – whether it’s just driving at night, or in bad weather. Unfortunately just like anything else headlights can become dirty, dull and foggy which dulls the brightness and makes it less effective. These damages can occur from age, UV ray exposure or just damage from the elements.

                                          This post is sponsored by Akins Jeep Ram

If your lights aren’t as bright as they should be try these steps to clean your headlights:

LIQUID SOAP, BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR

With these three simple things, you can restore your headlights in just a few steps. Now if your headlights are gone-gone (yellowed, and really foggy) you might have to repeat these steps several times.
First clean the dust and dirt from the headlights with a microfiber cloth. Add 2 tablespoons of liquid soap to a bucket. Add enough water to thin the soap to more of a watery solution. Use a secondary microfiber cloth clean the headlight with the soap solution. What you’ll want to do is get the light as clean as possible before using the baking soda and vinegar mix. Rinse the soap off the headlights using a spray bottle of water and then towel dry the headlights.

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough white vinegar to make a thick paste; using a dry cloth gently polish the headlamp with the paste. Rinse the paste off with a spray bottle of water and repeat until the lens is clean and clear.

HOW TO CLEAN HEADLIGHTS WITH TOOTHPASTE

Just like with the vinegar and baking soda, be sure to remove the dust and dirt with a clean cloth. Then spray the headlight with water using your spray bottle. Using an old toothbrush apply the toothpaste to the lens and gently scrub – be sure to use regular white toothpaste, not the gel. Rinse with water until toothpaste is gone and the headlight is clear!

HOW TO CLEAN HEADLIGHTS USING A HEADLIGHT RESTORATION KIT

These headlight restoration kits are a bit pricier than some vinegar, baking soda or toothpaste. But they can be very effective and safe for restoring headlights. Use them as directed, just apply the cleanser and rinse. It may also come with a waxing compound which helps protect from them from the light.  

 

 

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Helpful Hints: How to Jump Start a Vehicle

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Krissyar

Eventually it happens to all of us  – getting in your car, turning the key, and the car won’t start. Whether it’s something as simple as leaving your lights on all night or maybe you have an old battery that needs replaced,  you will need to be prepared and know how to jump start a vehicle.  From having jumper cables in your car, to know who to call for assistance, here are some tips on how to jump start a vehicle.

                                This post is sponsored by Martin Chrysler.

Before you head out, make sure that you have jumper cables in your emergency road kit. That way you will have them if you need them! So if someone stops to offer a hand, you already have the cables ready to be used! Now here’s the steps you need to take:

  • Park the two vehicles close together – but make sure they are NOT touching – and then turn them both off
  • Connect the positive jumper cable (usually the red one) to the positive terminal on the cars battery that won’t start. The positive battery terminal is marked with a plus sign, and the negative is marked with the minus sign. Be very careful not to touch either of them to any other metal or it could be deadly (electric shock)
  • Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive battery terminal on the car that is providing the jump
  • Connect the negative cable (the black one) to the negative cable on the car providing the jump
  • Connect the other end of the negative cable to an exposed metal part on the car with the dead battery
  • Check that the cables are not anywhere near any moving engine parts
  • Start the vehicle that is giving the jump – and let it idle. If the battery is a few years old, or has been dead for awhile, you may need to rev the engine to booster the car to speed up the charging process
  • Start the ‘dead’ vehicle
  • If the ‘dead’ car starts, let it run for at least twenty minutes; if it doesn’t start, check the cable connections to make sure that they are on correctly (and tightly)
  • Keeping the jumper cables away again, from ANY metal, remove the black (negative) cable from the disabled vehicle (still keep the vehicle running)
  • Remove the other end of the negative cable from the battery of the vehicle giving the jump
  • Remove the positive cable from the battery of the jumper vehicle
  • Remove the positive cable from the previously disabled vehicle
  • Drive the jump started car at least for 30 minutes to keep the battery charging. Remember if the battery or alternator are not in good shape you may end up needing another jump start – be sure if this happens, you pull over somewhere safe and call for assistance!

If you don’t feel comfortable, be sure to call a professional service department.

 

 

 

 

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Buying a New Car? Follow These Test Driving Tips

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Krissyar

If you are buying a new car, following these test driving tips can help save you some major headaches later on – even if you are only test driving brand new cars. Did you know less than 50% of people say they spent less than a half an hour test driving new cars??! Spending thirty thousand dollars or more, and committing four to six years of your life to paying a car payment – it seems insane to spend less than thirty minutes checking it out. So be sure to make the right decision using these test drive tips on what to look for:

tips for test driving                                        This post is sponsored by Browning Dodge.

BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE DEALERSHIP:|

Research and have an idea of what vehicles you are interested in, and that fit your budget
Research reputable dealerships in your area, and call and make an appointment
Be sure to bring your drivers license, and insurance ID cards
Research your financing options: either bring a pre-approval info, or bring your pay stubs for financing at the dealership

The Test Drive Begins as Soon as You Start Looking at the Vehicle

  • Check out the vehicle for any external issues: dents, scratches, cracks, or rust. Be sure to explain the windshield closely as well.
  • Check the tires  – see how much life is left in them, and also check for signs of uneven wear; if the wear is uneven, there can be an alignment issue.
  • Check the turn signals, brake lights, windshield wipers, any hatch or trunk (open and close several times) seat belts, spare tire, knobs to radio, etc, check to make sure all windows open and close correctly, and doors lock properly as well

Start the Car, and Let it Idle for Several Minutes

  • Listen for the engine to start smoothly, and check for any troubling noises like a click, whine or rattle
  • Check the radio, the heat and the AC unit and run them for several minutes to make sure that they are working correctly as well
  • Check the dashboard for any warning lights and be sure all the gauges are working. . Once the car warms up, the temperature gauge should be at the midpoint. Closer to “hot” can be a sign of overheating.
  • Sit back and imagine taking a road trip in this vehicle; are the seats comfortable? Enough leg room? Will the kids have enough room in the back? Are the ceilings high enough? Is there enough ‘elbow’ room? Places to plug in phones? Put the cooler and the suitcases?

Head Out on the Road, Like You’re Going to Work

  • Pay attention to how the brakes feel – are they jumpy, or sticky or too loose? Listen for grinding or squeaks, there could be worn brake pads or rotors
  • How well does the car handle potholes and rough roads? Drive slowly and listen for any noises, like rattles or knocks which could possibly be a steering issue.
  • What about a tight turn? Shouldn’t be a problem with a car that is power steering and suspension is working properly.

Take a Drive on the Highway

  • Does the car drive smoothly, accelerating quickly and moving smoothly? If not, there could be a problem.
  • Pay extra attention to blind spots; you’d be surprised how some vehicles have blind spots in areas you wouldn’t of even though of.
  • While heading down the highway, carefully go back and forth in between lanes to see how well the vehicle handles, and reacts during higher speeds.
  • Pay attention to how the car does when you lightly hold the steering wheel making sure it doesn’t pull. If it does, that can be a suspension or alignment problem.
  • While you are driving on the highway, listen for any squeaks, rattles or whines of the engine.
  • If at all possible, drive up and down a hill to verify that the car up shifts and downshifts correctly

Practice Parallel Parking

  • As you park, make sure that the steering doesn’t feel super stiff and you can easily maneuver the vehicle
  • As you reverse, be sure that it shifts smoothly from drive to reverse, if it jolt or makes any grinding noises when shifting it could be a transmission issue.n.
  • How responsive is the vehicle? Does the vehicle feel differently when you press on the gas or brakes when you are in reverse?
  • Make sure you are comfortable parking in a regular size parking space, especially if you are getting a larger truck or SUV. You need to know that you can safely park no matter where you are at.

Make sure that you remember to not settle until you are completely happy. Make time to test drive multiple vehicles during the time you are shopping so that you get the perfect vehicle that is right for you.

Remember, as you are buying your new vehicle, you can sell your NON RUNNING CARS to make a few bucks to put towards your down payment!

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The Bomb Macaroni and Cheese

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Krissyar

Macaroni and cheese is probably my most favorite comfort food in the world; I mean, who doesn’t love cheese and noodles and all the creamy goodness? I have tried a lot of combinations to make the perfect mac n cheese, and I think I finally found one! Now with that being said, I will say that if I want a little extra kick, I will sub some of my ingredients for the amazing cheese sauce from Trisha over at the Salty Side Dish. It just gives it a little extra kick that is absolutely delicious!

The prep time for my Bomb Macaroni and Cheese is about 15 minutes or so (give or take depending on how long it takes for you to get your noodles boiling, and then the cook time is about 40 minutes. But worth EVERY SECOND.

the bomb macaroni and cheese

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 boxes of macaroni (I like using the large elbow, but you can use either)
3 cans of cheddar cheese soup
2 cans of evaporated milk
2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
2 bags of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dried parsley (to sprinkle on top)
*If you use the cheese sauce from Salty Side Dish, use half of the above)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat over to 350

Cook pasta according to directions, until *almost* done (you don’t want them sticky)

Combine soup, milk, butter, salt and pepper in a microwavable bowl, and cook until butter is melted . (I usually cook about 2 minutes at a time, take it out and stir it and put it back in. Usually takes 3 times, so approx 6 minutes depending on your microwave)

In a large baking dish spread half of the cooked noodles, and top with half of the cheese sauce, and 1 bag of cheese. Then spread the remaining noodles on top, remaining cheese sauce, and then the last bag of cheese on top.

Bake for 40 minutes

Sprinkle with dried parsley.

Enjoy!

I really love this with Mississippi Roast (recipe coming soon) it makes for a great meal!

the bomb mac n cheese                                               Be sure to check out our other recipes!

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What is Veterinary Acupuncture and is it Beneficial?

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Krissyar

Acupuncture is an increasingly popular form of pain relief and pain management used in human populations around the world. Among the many applications of this treatment program in humans is to help relieve or manage pain associated with cancer treatments. Did you know that acupuncture is also available for your pets? Veterinary acupuncture is provided by many licensed veterinarians as a form of pain relief and pain management for pets in much the same way it is available to humans. Let’s explore this practice further and offer up some of the benefits your pet can reap from veterinary acupuncture.

What is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Acupuncture as a whole is a medicinal practice that has been around for more than 4,000 years. It was originally developed in Ancient Chinese cultures for the treatment of various human conditions, but societies around the globe of adopted and adjusted the practices to aid dogs and cats as well as horses and cattle. Acupuncture is a form of medicine that encourages the body to heal itself.

How does Acupuncture Work?

A veterinarian uses fine, sterile needles that are inserted into the skin and underlying tissues at very specific locations known simply as points. These points are key locations within the body that enable the nervous system to send a signal to the body telling it to heal and return to normal function. The needles are inserted at these different points with the goal of stimulating the nerves in certain areas, increasing blood circulation to that region, relieving any muscle spasms, and serving to promote the release of hormones. For example, acupuncture can help promote the release of endorphins within the body which are a natural pain control chemical. Likewise, veterinary acupuncture can promote the release of cortisol which is a natural steroid.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

As mentioned above, acupuncture is a great means of stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and pain-relief hormones. Veterinary acupuncture is typically offered as a means of easing a particular condition or as part of a wider treatment program. For example, acupuncture was long used in Chinese medicine as a first option ahead of other conventional medicines and (later on) surgery. Today, many people receive acupuncture treatments as a bridge between conventional medicine and surgery.

Beyond relieving pain and muscle spasms, acupuncture can help pets suffering from common issues such as arthritis, skin conditions, nervous system disorders, reproductive issues, and respiratory problems. Acupuncture has a proven impact on all of the major physiological systems within the body: musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular.

Answering Commonly Asked Questions

As veterinary acupuncture doesn’t have several millennia of application at its back as it does in humans, there are often questions that pet owners have about veterinary acupuncture. Below, we’ll try to address some of the common concerns and questions pet owners raise regarding the practice:

  • How quickly does it work? Acupuncture is not a one-time fix for any condition or issue, whether physical or neurological. As alluded to above, acupuncture is a gap treatment that can help relieve conditions after medications are prescribed but before surgery is deemed necessary.
  • How effective is veterinary acupuncture? The effectiveness of any acupuncture treatment is based on the training and experience of the veterinarian. Acupuncture is much more complex than simply sticking your pet with needles. The exact placement of the needles and even the depth of application all serve a particular purpose in generating a desired reaction from the body. The more experience and training the veterinarian possesses, the greater the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Is acupuncture safe? When performed by a licensed veterinarian with training in veterinary acupuncture, the practice is very safe. Both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association stipulate that only licensed veterinarians perform acupuncture as it is considered a practice within veterinary medicine.
  • Are there different types of acupuncture? While the insertion of needles is the best-known form of acupuncture, there are similar treatments that achieve mirrored results. These include acupressure, which involves the application of gentle pressure rather than the insertion of needles, and aqua-acupuncture that involves the injection of water-based vitamin formulations into the points where needles would otherwise have been injected.

Big Takeaway

If you believe that your pet could benefit from veterinary acupuncture services, it is highly recommended that you seek out the assistance of a licensed veterinarian. The human body, and now those of pets such as dogs and cats, have been well-mapped for the purposes of acupuncture. Remember that hitting the right points with the right needle depth is key to the success of acupuncture. Licensed veterinarians have the experience and knowledge to successfully, safely apply veterinary acupuncture for the betterment of your pet’s health. If the vet you visit does not practice veterinary medicine, ask them for a referral to a qualified and licensed practitioner to ensure that your dog or cat receives the best possible care.

 

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