The Tools Every Car Owner Should Have

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Krissyar

When you own a car there are times that you may need to do a few things yourself – simple things that can be done by reading a tutorial, or even watching a YouTube video. (Why pay someone a lot of money when you can save and do it yourself right?) Even for the most experienced or inexperienced, there are certain tools that you will need to have in order to complete the task at hand. Below is a list of the most needed tools that everyone car owner should have.


This post is sponsored by Bodwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Jack and Jack Stand  
If you have to get under your vehicle at all – you need a safe way to get there. A quality jack and jack stand are important tools to make sure that you can safely lift and keep your vehicle supported while you are making repairs. Though most vehicles do come with a jack, I would definitely recommend buying a high quality one – they tend to be a lot more sturdy and definitely safer for you to use.

Lug Wrench
Often any type of work that you are going to do yourself will have something to do with your wheels and tires – or at least the need to remove them. Anytime you deal with brakes or suspension your wheels need removed – so making sure you have a quality lug wrench will make life a lot easier for you. A lot of times your car will already have one, and it will be somewhere near your spare tire. If you don’t – definitely get one.

Socket Set 
I never really realized how important it was to have a socket set with a variety of sizes. There are soo many different nuts and bolts on a vehicle that needs removed or tightened and you have to have a variety to make sure you have one to fix whatever you may need. Socket sets usually come with a ratcheting handle which helps a lot when you are in a tight spot and needing to remove something. If you get sets in 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch with extensions you should be able to tackle any issue that comes your way.

Wrench Set
Yes another ‘set’ but definitely a necessity when it comes to working on your vehicle. Ratchets and sockets may not always work – sometimes literally the only thing you can use to get done what you need done is a wrench. It’s good to get a set so you have a variety of sizes and styles for hard to reach places.

Screwdrivers
Yes, I said screwdrivers – with an ‘s’. The more tools you have to do the job, the better, and it’s very frustrating to only need a specific screwdriver and not have it. At the least you need a flat head and a Phillips. Having both of these in a lot of different sizes is a good idea too. Some also recommend a torx screwdriver too.

Head Light 
Not to be mistaken for the head light on your vehicle, but a head light for YOU. A lot of the places you try to reach or get to when fixing a vehicle are dark and hard to see. Having a head light (or head lamp) that you can wear helps make that issue a lot easier to deal with.

Code Reader
All vehicles 1996 and newer use the On Board Diagnostics (OBD) interface to help diagnose any problems your vehicle may be having. For example, if your check engine light comes on – it’s nice to have the code reader to tell you exactly what the problem is. 
Generally speaking they aren’t very expensive, and a lot of them will send the results directly to your phone! Just remember – there can be a variety of reasons why a code may appear – I had mine come on once because someone stole my gas cap! Use the code reader as an indicator for possibilities – a step in the right direction.

 

 

 

 

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Best Beaches in Michigan

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Krissyar

Michigan is well-known for its ample and beautiful beaches. When you’re in the mood to soak up the sun, consider one of the following choices.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This beach has the distinction of being named one of the most beautiful places to visit in the U.S., year after year. Once you take a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, you’ll understand why!

The 60 miles of shoreline, as well as the beautiful forested land and wildlife make it an ideal destination for hikers. As you might guess, the beach features stunning sand dunes to explore, with views of local farmsteads and the island’s lighthouse.

Take advantage of one of the most enjoyable activities in the area. Rent a canoe and explore dozens of crystal clear inland lakes.

Orchard Beach State Park

This is an amazing vacation spot for groups of every size. With fantastic views of Lake Michigan, Orchard Beach State Park is comprised of over 160 campsites, picnic areas, two shower and rest stop buildings and paved campsites for visitors with mobility issues.

The beach features a large area dedicated to group events such as reunions or weddings. Activities include hiking along the beach, swimming, fishing and picnicking. There’s even a trolley tour available, guiding you around the beautiful city of Manistee.

Grand Haven

One of the most popular Michigan vacation spots, Grand Haven is another picturesque summer beach location. While there is an inexpensive (daily) entrance fee, the park provides all of the classic amenities you would expect at such a well-loved beach.

View the iconic red lighthouse as you stroll the romantic boardwalk, traveling to the center of town if you wish. Why not grab a bite at one of the restaurants along the way?  There are several to choose from.

These are just three (of many) wonderful beaches in Michigan. Whether you plan to stay for the day or for an extended visit, it’s a great way to relax and spend time with Mother Nature!

 

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Think You Family Is A Frugal As Possible? Think Again

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Krissyar

Most folks with families do their best to live frugally, saving money for emergencies, rainy days and things that really matter like family vacations. However, even if you think you have this frugal thing down, there may be others methods that you haven’t come across yet. Techniques like the ones mentioned below, just read on to find out more.

Sort your credit score

How can getting your credit score sorted save you money? Well, it’s all about raising your score as high as it can go, something that you can do in a few different ways.

Why, is a high credit score so important? Its because you will not only find getting credit easier with a higher rating, but you will be charged less interest on what you borrow as well, something that can save your family a fortune.

To improve your credit score, it may be necessary first to do some repairs. These are when you need to investigate your credit account and whether there are any bad marks against it. Then you can have these removed or erased, and your account will be much healthier.

This is, of course, something that you can try and do yourself by looking up how to remove late payments from credit reports online. Although, be warned it is often quite a complicated procedure, and as such, some folks prefer to leave it to the credit repair professionals.

Change your family car

You can make some significant savings for your family by changing your car. In fact, apart from rent or your mortgage, the family car is often the most expensive single cost to pay out for, especially if you are leasing that car month by month. Then there is the insurance, maintenance, and services to pay for as well as any repairs and regular fuel top-ups.

Luckily, the automobile market is becoming flooded with vehicles that are much more economical to run. In fact, you may even wish to consider investing in an electric car, which is much cheaper to fuel up than one with a traditional combustion engine, and better for the environment to boot.

Yes, you may pay a little more for the purchase itself, but there is government assistance available too, and you will still save a significant amount of money over time, even with the initial cost.

Needs vs. wants

I heard a friend’s child say that they needed ice cream the other day, and it made me think how smart of her! After all, she was using a well know NLP technique to get her mother to comply, albeit unknowingly. This brings me to my point about needs and wants, and separating the two, because in fact even as adults we often confuse them.


Enough healthy food to feed your family is a need rather than a want.

However, you can start to retrain your brain and save more money by identifying whether a purchase is a need or want before you buy it. Then you can cut back on the wants and hopefully make some decent savings on the monthly budget, making your family even more frugal.

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The Differences Between Fog Lights And Driving Lights

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Krissyar

The primary differences between fog lights and driving lights is that the driving lights on a vehicle are used for providing elucidation forward from the vehicle. They also intend to supplement a high-beam of the standard headlight-system. The fog lights on the other hand serve the purpose of reflecting dust particles, snow or fog and have been designed for use in conditions that are dangerously thick.

Driving Lights

The driving lights is a type of light that features a straight and narrow beam which is installed in the front of a vehicles like a SUV, pickup truck or a car. The always come in white as these are the most powerful when in the dark in comparison to red or yellow colored lights. The driving lights can be used in combination with the high-beam headlights. Most drivers use the high-beam headlights on unlit or deserted-country roads. This type of light sends a powerful beam far ahead, with the purpose of illuminating stretches of road so that the driver can see more clearly where they are going.

The driving lights will produce a beam that is more directed than the fog lights along with an increased intensity. The lamps serve the purpose of filling in gaps between the car and the illuminated area of the bottom of the high-beams. This allows for a clearer vision of road obstacles or potholes.

Fog Lights

The fog lights serve the purpose of use in conditions such as thick fog. This is the type of light which is also useful in conditions where visibility has been limited severely. The fog lights are very different to the standard headlights. They feature a beam shape that is unique. The beam is wide and flat and positioned lower on the vehicle, typically close to the front-bumper. The shape of a fog-light beam typically appears like a narrow-bar. They serve the purpose of cutting through fog and lighting up the road surface so that a driver can see enough so that they stay on a road and inside their lane.

The low and wide beam on the fog lights works on lighting the surface of the road under the layer of fog. Fog will often float above the surface, so lights from underneath this layer will reduce the glare caused from light that hits the fog.

The Key Differences Between Driving Lights And Fog Lights

– Driving lights provide forward elucidation of the car and serve the purpose of supplementing a high-beam on the standard headlight systems. The fog lights are intended to reflect dust particles, snow or fog, and are designed to only be used in thick and dangerous conditions.

– The driving light produces a white light and the fog lights produce a combination of a yellow and white light.

– The driving light is designed to display a clear vision of the road’s surface, and to avoid any obstacles in the road while driving at night. The fog lights are designed to use in specific conditions such as snow, rain, fog or dust.

– The driving lights are always installed by default in every vehicle by a manufacturer, while in certain areas the fog lights are installed associated with weather conditions to a specific region. In most of the areas, the installation of fog lights is optional.

– Driving lights are usually mounted above the fog lights and are always white. The fog lights are installed closer to the bottom of the vehicle and the ground, and come in white and yellow dependent on weather conditions they are used in.

Driving Lights- Conditions For Use

The driving lights are designed for use on an unlit street or road where passing other cars is sparse and the road is in a poor condition. Driving lights which are not head lights must be turned off when approaching a driver on the other side of the road. These lights should also be switched off when in fog.

LED fog light bulbs and driving lights are often a source for complaint, as using them can blind other drivers that come from an opposite direction. The fog lights that are yellow are typically less problematic as they generally feature a lower color or wattage or both.

When To Use Your Fog Lights

The fog lights are very different to the rear tail-lights and main headlight-beam on a car and are usually set lower in the rear or front aprons or bumpers and are angled in a way that they will cut beneath dense fog.

Most cars will feature fog lights in the rear and the front that are independently operated from the headlights. They are only to be used in inclement weather, fog or in any other instances of visibility that is extremely reduced.

How To Know If Your Fog Lights Are Turned On

The headlight switch will show a symbol that shows a headlight beam that is intersected with a S-shaped squiggle. In most vehicles using fog lights will also be indicated with illuminating corresponding symbols on your dashboard. In most cases, green will represent the forward-facing fog light, while orange represents the rearward-facing lights.

When To Use Your Fog Lights

As their name suggests the fog lights are actually designed to only be used in conditions such as thick mist, smoke, snow or fog. Just because the sun has set, does not give drivers a reason that is valid to turn these lights on.

However, it is allowed by the law and also highly recommended to turn your fog lights on regardless of whether it is night or day, when your visibility has become severely impacted by different climatic and adverse conditions.

Some of the more common conditions include low clouds, heavy snowfall, a dust storm, or even smoke. If you are not too sure about when to use these lights, it is a better idea to keep them off and rather rely on the low-beam headlights which you can use legally at any time of the night or day without bothering other drivers.

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Discover The Best Summer Villas In Mexico For A Family Vacation

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Krissyar

Traveling as a family is a great way to explore the world together. The problem for many family vacationers is not all the hotels, resorts, or villas are going to be set up for an entire family. This is when you should know more about some of the best summer villas in Mexico that you can take your entire family to. Then you will be able to have a great vacation that you may have never imagined possible and see the trip is going to be one you are not only going to love, but everyone in the family will like because of what you are able to do and see.

  1. Beloved Playa Mujeres

This is a location that you are simply going to fall in love with. The pool at the location is beautiful and it has plenty of things for you to do. Not to mention the location of this property is in the middle of everything, which will help you out in getting to have a great trip that you may have never imagined possible. The staff is also amazing at this location, so you can have all the help that you would want to have.

  1. Cancun

Cancun is a beautiful area and definitely a place that you will want to check out as it is simply amazing, and the water is crystal clear. This is a place that is going to simple amaze you. The location on the beach and what could almost be described as a connected reef are great. When you are here you will really love the fact that this place is very oriented to the family as it has some of the best attractions you can find and even has a family concierge who will help you out in having a great time. Not to mention the easy access to the water and the pool is definitely going to lead you to loving this place.

  1. The Royal Playa del Carmen

When you look at this place you will find that it is going to be one that you will fall in love with. The location has some great rooms that are comfortable, and it even has some amazing locations that give you and your entire family some commanding views of the surrounding area. What is really great, and I know the kids will all love is the fact the pool is simply amazing, and it is large enough to handle a large group of people all at the same time.

  1. Ocean Coral & Turquesa

Sometimes you will find a place that has a unique architectural design to it and sometimes you will find that the location is going to be able to provide you with an amazing adventure. This place has a pool that is to die for and it will be one that your kids are sure to love as well. What else is great about the hotel is the staff is understanding to your needs and will be able to provide you with the help that you need if any situation comes up.

  1. Moon Palace Cancun

While you may not be in the area to have a romantic dinner while watching the moon come up, that is what you are going to get here. The place is simply amazing and definitely going to provide you with the chance to watch the moon come up at night and the sunrise over the water in the morning. The place has plenty for your kids to do as well and the location is definitely one that will make it easier for you to enjoy the beach as well. All of this combined will make it easier for your trip to be one that you will not quickly forget.

  1. Sun Palace

The Sun Palace is a place that will make you feel like a King or Queen and your kids will be the prince and princesses that you always wanted to have. This place is amazing and the location right on the beach is definitely going to provide you with a trip that you will not forget. The location does have a nice pool as well, but just being able to lay out and check out the beach and the water coming up to your feet is going to definitely be something you will want to consider.

  1. Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa

If you are a golfing family, then this is the location that you are going to love. The place has everything that you would want to have for a golf resort, but it will also have all that you need to have for your kids to be entertained as well. The location is almost right on the beach as well, which allows, you to have some commanding views of the region and what is really nice is the pool that is here is going to help you soothe you aches and pains. Then you will not have any issues in getting the golf game going and know you will have a chance to feel better after you get back to the resort.

Being able to find a great place to stay at when you travel is a good thing. However, what you may find is sometimes you will have some issues in locating the best place to stay at. That is because you are traveling to a place that is new or because you have decided it was time to bring the entire family with you. Since this is the case, you will want to know more about some of the best summer villas in Mexico that are geared towards family travel. Once you have learned about these villas or hotels from https://enjoymexico.net/villa-rentals/, you will notice that they are going to be able to provide you with the chance to have a vacation that you only dreamed would be possible. Now, though, because you have these names you can make that dream into a reality.

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