Car maintenance checklist

Car maintenance is something everyone should do periodically. So, it is necessary to prepare a checklist to work on a routine of every month. It sounds displeasing but having a regular check up will save you a great deal of money. Maintaining your car right will extend its life and prevents expensive repairs. Regular DIY repairs will pervert from causing major issues with your car namely sudden break downs, tire wear, battery connections and more. Here is a car maintenance checklist that you would all like to know.
Check on oil: This is the first and best check up that you can do to keep your car in good running condition. It’s always good to refer to the user’s manual to check when to change the oil if your car is new otherwise it is advisable to change the oil for every 3000 miles.
Check tire pressure: Check the air pressure in your car tires regularly. Set the exact pressure in your tires not more not less. If the pressure is more, there are chances for the tire to stretch or crack if the pressure is less speed will reduce and tire will become wobbly and cause more chances for tire wear and tear.
Replace engine air filters: Replacing your engine air filter is very important if you frequently drive open roads. You can refer to the user’s manual for fitting a new air filter or check out some tutorial online. You need to change the air filter estimating the mileage of your car. If it has run more than 4000 miles, then there is no doubt that the air filter is dirty and it’s time to replace.
Check on battery condition: Have a regular check on your battery condition. If you find any leaks or cracks, then it’s time to replace your battery. Corrosion at the battery terminal leads to poor connection which stops the car from getting started, so it is important to make sure the battery terminals are tightly connected.
Check on windshield wipers: Check on your wipers as they get dirty soon being exposed to dust regularly. At some point the rubber will become hard and cracks letting the dirt to stay in and the hard rubber will create scratches spoiling the front glass. You need not spend money on changing the whole set but replace with rubber refills that cost only few bucks.
Use lubes: As your car runs in hot sun or during cold it not only attracts dirt but also the temperature variation makes the lube evaporate or harden that will cause screeching noise when you open or close the door, when applying brakes and from wheels. If you just let it go then the parts will become dry and start to rust. The purpose of the lube is to reduce surface fiction and prevent engine from heating.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Stop Hair Fall by Using the Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair
    Hair is our crowning glory. A head full of thick, lustrous hair is often considered the most physically attractive quality of a person. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with luxuriant, beautiful hair. Natural hair fall and hair loss due to various factors such as dust, pollution, poor water quality, scalp conditions such as dandruff, and hormonal issues such as androgenic alopecia can cause people to stress greatly over their mane. There are numerous solutions for hair loss available in the market. However, a great starting point to control hair fall and stop your hair from thinning would be to pick a good shampoo. Part of everyone’s cleansing routine, shampoos are not only a way to keep hair clean and fresh-smelling, they are also very helpful in improving hair growth and controlling conditions that cause hair fall.

    Factors to consider when choosing a shampoo

    Choosing the best shampoo for thinning hair can be tricky. You should choose a shampoo based on factors such as:
    Hair type
    Check whether your hair is straight, curly or colored; thick, thin or dull
    Scalp type
    Know whether your scalp is dry, oily or normal
    Condition
    Check if you have a dandruff problem, brittle or damaged hair, thinning hair etc. Thinning hair should be treated with the best shampoo for thinning hair that not only stops hair fall and boosts hair volume, but one that encourages hair growth, nourishes, and moisturizes your hair and is pH balanced. A good shampoo is the first step to curtail hair loss and treat thinning hair.

    Best shampoos for thinning hair

    Here is a list of the best shampoos for thinning hair that will have your tresses looking voluminous and revitalized once again!
    Art Naturals Argan Oil Shampoo Hair Growth Therapy
    This shampoo controls hair loss caused by dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Excessive DHT production causes restriction of blood supply to hair follicles, which results in hair fall and thinning hair. Art Naturals shampoo blocks DHT and contains Argan oil, vitamin E and botanical extracts that nourish and strengthen hair, thus promoting regrowth. This is an organic shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens. This is one of the best shampoo for thinning hair.
    Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo
    This is a color-safe, unisex shampoo that contains natural extracts from clover, pea, turmeric, ginseng, and Kakadu plum that eliminate scalp impurities and nourishes it to promote the growth of fuller, voluminous hair.
    Jason Thin to Thick Extra Volume Shampoo
    This is a unisex shampoo that contains Vitamin B5 and B7 (also called panthenol and biotin respectively), that boost hair growth, increases elasticity and volumizes thin hair. Regular use of this shampoo gives hair more bounce and shine. This is one of the best shampoo for thinning hair.
    Nioxin Cleanser for Noticeably Thinning Hair
    This shampoo is a unisex, volumizing shampoo that removes sebum that clogs hair follicles. It also contains white tea extracts, peppermint oil, amino-acids and antioxidants that strengthen and nourish each hair strand, resulting in fuller, thicker and lustrous hair that is less prone to breakage.
    Living Proof Full Shampoo
    This shampoo is unisex and ideal for thin, limp and lifeless hair. It contains Vitamin B5 and extracts of Camellia, Alfalfa, and Butterfly ginger lily that strengthen and volumize hair and eliminate oil and dirt that weigh hair down.
    Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo
    This unisex shampoo thickens, volumizes, and softens hair, resulting in amazingly fuller hair. It contains aloe vera juice, wheat proteins and silk powder that moisturize and softens hair, add luster and reduce damage. This is one of the best shampoo for thinning hair.
    Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
    This is a men’s shampoo that cleanses and conditions, resulting in healthy, fuller hair. It contains coconut oil and shea butter that moisturize hair, giving it a smoother, thicker appearance. This shampoo removes excess oil and residue from the scalp, thus unclogging the hair follicle pores and reducing hair fall.
    Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
    This is one of the best shampoo for thinning hair. It is unisex, sulfate and gluten-free, cruelty-free, and naturally derived. It contains Argan stem cells and Argan oil that help in fighting age-related hair loss and thinning. It reduces breakage, and conditions and nourishes the hair and scalp.
  • FHA home loans – Requirements, process, and benefits
    Property prices are eternally on the rise. Therefore, the demand for home loans is almost always high. To get a home loan, seekers must maintain a good credit score and overall loan repayment behavior. These criteria may seem simple, but fulfilling them becomes challenging for several loan receivers. Due to that reason, many people find it challenging to get conventional loans approved. Pre-approved FHA home loans are the solution for such situations. What is an FHA home loan? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approves and backs these loans under the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Although the FHA pre-approves these home loans, private lenders provide the money directly to loan seekers. These lenders can be credit unions, banks, or even some nonbanks, such as online lenders, who are FHA-backed and licensed to be part of the partnership. FHA home loans are known for their low down payment and interest rates. Usually, first-time home buyers and people with credit payment challenges opt for these loans due to their accommodating and lenient nature. While the federal government does not directly issue FHA loans, it pre-approves and insures them to safeguard the private lenders who offer them to home loan seekers. The insurance bit comes in handy for the lenders when people who take these loans default on the repayments. FHA home loans help buy or refinance several types of homes, such as two-to-four-unit multifamily homes, condominium units, single-family houses, and precisely manufactured homes attached to permanent foundations. While people who receive this loan can use it to build new constructions or renovate existing homes, all properties built using them must undergo FHA appraisal. Requirements to get an FHA home loan Individuals looking to receive an FHA home loan need to tick certain boxes, such as: The loan will only be provided if the home being built or bought is a primary residence and not a second home or an investment property. As specified earlier, the home built or bought with FHA home loans must be appraised by an FHA-approved appraiser beforehand. Loan seekers will have to let FHA officials inspect the property. After the evaluation, a report can be created regarding the same. This report will contain detailed information about whether the home meets minimum property standards. Apart from these, aspects of the loan, such as the down payment amount, credit score, mortgage insurance, loan limits, and income requirements, will also be carefully considered before the loan is handed out to seekers. The FHA holds the authority over the approval or rejection of these loans. Also, this body can add or remove criteria for specific scenarios. Process of getting an FHA home loan The loan criteria is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to FHA home loans. Here's the complete process of how these loans work: Show valid documents to confirm that loan seekers meet the minimum requirements, which include a credit score of at least 580 (which is comfortably lower than the 620 that most banks demand in return for conventional home loans), proof of income, records showing no recent bankruptcies, residential address, social security details, and other personal information for verification purposes. The second step involves choosing an FHA-approved lender to receive the money. Lenders need to have experience in loan origination, possess licensing in each state the lender serves, have a positive net worth, have a bond, a completed application and incorporation papers, and maintain detailed credit reports for loan officers as well as the lender themselves. While looking for lenders, loan seekers can compare terms, rates, and fees each lender offers before zeroing in on one. Individuals looking for FHA home loans can also consider factors such as the lender's customer service, physical location, and typical customer. The next step involves applying for and getting pre-approval from the FHA for a loan. A Pre-approval is the process of a lender reviewing loan-seekers financial documents and credit history before letting them know about their eligibility for an FHA loan. While pre-approval does not guarantee the reception of a loan (there needs to be a further evaluation before that), it speeds up the process. The subsequent step is to provide documents and officially apply for a loan. That includes submitting the following information: income sources, income amounts, housing expenses, details about previous and current employment, and recurring debts. The next step involves property inspection and appraisal by a certified FHA appraiser. After this, the FHA will perform the underwriting and approval of the loan. The final step involves signing the loan documents and paying the closing fees and costs of the lender and FHA's services. Benefits of FHA home loans Low creditworthiness requirement As alluded to earlier, the credit score requirements to receive these loans are much lower than that of conventional loans. This alone makes it easier for people with less-than-perfect credit history (a large majority) to get the loans to build or buy the house of their dreams. Low down payment While receiving FHA loans, one can access financing for their home with only 3.5% needed as a down payment. This figure is considerably more affordable than the 20% figure that most other loan providers demand from seekers. Low DTI requirements A person's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares their monthly debt to their income. There are many people who earn low incomes and have inherited huge debts from their families. For such individuals, the low DTI requirements of FHA home loans are a welcome relief while looking for financing or refinancing avenues for their houses.
  • 5 best dental insurance plans to consider buying
    Dental health is an essential part of your well-being. Scheduled visits to the dentist ensure healthy teeth and prevent the onset of serious gum conditions. However, dental office visits can get expensive, with bills going up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. This is where the importance of dental insurance comes in. So, if you are thinking about getting dental insurance but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you.  What is dental insurance? Before we talk about the top dental insurance plans, let’s understand what dental insurance is. Like any other insurance, dental insurance covers the cost of most dental treatments. It usually includes preventive dental care and helps you access procedures such as fillings, bridges, crowns, and oral surgeries.  Top five dental insurance plans If you are in the market looking for dental insurance plans, this article will help you select one, depending on your needs. Here’s a round of the top dental insurance plans: Guardian Direct’s Diamond plan Guardian Direct’s Diamond plan is one of our top picks when it comes to the top dental insurance plans. It offers almost 50 percent of the major work coverage on preventive, basic, and major dental works and covers the cost of implants and orthodontic treatments. The Diamond Insurance plan gives full coverage for all issues related to dental health. This includes cleanings to more extensive procedures. You can even add coverage for teeth whitening at just $500 annually. This plan starts at a maximum payout limit of $1,500 for the first year. Its monthly premium depends on the city you live in.  Delta Dental PPO plan Delta Dental, one of the largest providers of dental benefits, covers more than 150,000 dentists across the country. The PPO (preferred provider) plan allows you to get access to dental care without making a dent in your wallet. Once you opt for this plan, you can access your preferred dental office and pay a percentage of the fee. Delta Dental will take care of the remaining amount. Humana Dental Loyalty Plus This is an excellent plan to save on out-of-pocket dental expenses. You can choose any dental office, whether network or non-network, and get coverage on preventive services. There is no waiting period, and the coverage is a one-time deductible.  Cigna Dental 1500 Cigna is a global health company that offers one of the top five dental insurance plans. The Cigna Dental 1500 plan covers preventive and diagnostic care. It offers $0 for in-network preventive services and routine dental check-ups every six months. It has a low average monthly premium and offers great lifetime benefits for all kinds of major and minor dental work. To access the benefits of this plan, you don’t need referrals and can access more than ninety thousand dentists in the country.  Ameritas Hollywood Smile Premier Ameritas dates back to the 19th century. It has offered dental insurance since the 1950s, and Hollywood Smile Premier is one of its most beneficial plans. The acceptance is automatic if you meet the general eligibility requirements. This PPO plan covers most dental care services, including examinations, cleaning, crowns, and dentures.  With this, you can choose the plan most suitable for enjoying great dental and overall health. Just take into account the waiting period, coverage, and monthly premiums. 
  • The lure of curved Samsung televisions
    A smile is the most beautiful curve on the human body, and Samsung's curved LED TV range will bring just that to your face. Images look real and vivid on the Samsung curved TV because of the curved structure and the viewer is literally surrounded with a peripheral vision of the images. The bending edges give a wider look and these cannot be felt while viewing on a flat screen. The sense of depth when viewing in a curved TV for the first time is like a 3D effect and Samsung televisions are renowned for their depth and contrast in every facet as picture boosts the sense of depth. We spend a lot of our free time in front of the television set, and comfortable viewing makes for more enjoyable viewing. If the eyes are fatigued because of bad clarity or picture, the best movies or TV series will not be enjoyed. The curve in these TVs helps the projected image to retain sharpness. While the color comparison with LCD TVs at the edges, there's always a reduction of color saturation and contrast, the curved edges of the Samsung curved TV retain it to the maximum and gives us the image to the fullest resolution. Watch it live with the ultra-high definition scale up for all your favorite TV shows and Blu-ray discs. The Samsung UHD smart evolution kit completely re-engineers your television and you needn't replace it. The HU8500 is compatible with all current UHD connected sources and can be upgraded to be compatible with the future UHD standards as well. Gear up with Samsung UA65HU9000R which has a digital clean view with auto channel search. The clock on/off timer and the sleep timer with more features such as connect share USB2.0, embedded POP, game mode, OSD Language (local languages), USB HID support, smart evolution support, Teletext, triple protector, picture in picture and GUI golden bridge. It's one of the nicest looking TV's in the market because of its look. Samsung curved TVs have great picture quality but are quite expensive. It offers curved LED and LCD televisions, also sells curved OLED TV's but their pricing keeps them niched. The curved TV reduces more reflections from the window or any object in the house.
  • What are the causes and symptoms of AIDS?
    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus attacks and damages the body’s immune system; making the patient susceptible to other infections and diseases. Causes HIV is transmitted through infected blood or other body fluids such as semen.
    • HIV can be transmitted through any kind of sexual contact. By having oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected person, the virus can enter the body of another. The virus can also enter the body of another through the infected person’s mouth sores.
    • HIV transmission can also occur through infected needles, for example, if someone shares a needle contaminated with an infected person’s blood. This mostly happens when people share needles while taking illegal intravenous drugs.
    • HIV transmission is possible through blood transfusions as well. This is why most hospitals around the world screen new blood bank supply for HIV.
    • HIV transmission is also possible through mother to child during pregnancy, at the time of delivery or even breastfeeding.
    HIV to AIDS One can have HIV infection for many years without it reaching the stage of AIDS. White blood cells in the body fight infections. HIV targets CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cells. With time, HIV can reduce the number of CD4 cells in your body quite significantly. AIDS is confirmed if the CD4 count reaches a number below 200. Symptoms The symptoms of both HIV and AIDS manifest depending on the stage of the infection. Primary (acute HIV) infection:
    • Flu-like symptoms occur within 4 to 6 weeks after the infection.
    • Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and swelling in the lymph nodes.
    Clinical latent (chronic HIV) infection :
    • The only symptom at this stage is the swelling in the lymph nodes.
    • With drug therapy, this stage can last for decades.
    Symptoms of AIDS
    • Recurring fever
    • Weight loss
    • Chronic diarrhea
    • Fatigue
    • Night sweats
    • Rashes
    • Mouth lesions
    Even without therapy, people with HIV can experience the chronic stage for a decade without having any AIDS symptoms. However, there is no cure yet.
  • Diarrhea and your diet
    Diarrhea means bowel movements with loose stools several times during a single day. It can last from a few days to a month depending on the cause. Diarrhea can occur due to infections, medication use, other diseases and food allergies and intolerances. In fact, a person’s diet and diarrhea are closely linked together. Correlation between diet and diarrhea A person’s diet can cause diarrhea. The ideal diarrhea diet can provide relief from the symptoms. Unsuitable food for diarrhea can also worsen the condition.
    • Many individuals are intolerant to certain food groups. Consuming those foods can cause loose stools as well other intestinal discomforts. Common triggers include dairy and gluten. Dairy contains lactose, and some people are not able to digest it. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley and other food products. If the body can’t tolerate these substances, it can cause problems in the intestines. And diarrhea is a common symptom of most digestive issues.
    • You can eat certain foods to stop diarrhea or find some relief from the symptoms. White rice, bananas, white bread, potatoes, plain yogurt (the only dairy product to eat during diarrhea) and applesauce can help alleviate diarrheal symptoms. You can also include tomato soup, steamed carrots, baked chicken and celery in your diarrhea diet to improve your condition.
    • Certain foods in your diarrhea diet can worsen the condition. These include fatty foods, spicy foods, nuts, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, milk, cheese, sour cream, beans, broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables that can cause bloating.
    • Some people can also develop diarrhea due to high sugar intake. Even artificial sweeteners are not gut-friendly foods and can trigger diarrhea bouts.
    • Some people cannot digest fatty and spicy foods well. These individuals can develop diarrhea every time they eat foods high in fats and spices.
    The solution 
    • For people with food intolerances and allergies, the only way to keep diarrhea away is to avoid the trigger foods.
    • Consult your doctor to find relief from chronic diarrhea.
    A good diarrhea diet can ease the symptoms in a short amount of time.