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7 Common RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

7 Common RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

There is no one way to maintain a recreational vehicle (RV). While different owners are bound to give you different tips and advice on how to take care of an RV, there is one fundamental point they will all agree on – maintenance is necessary. Owning and maintaining an RV can be an expensive affair, which is why it is important to avoid certain common mistakes and make the most of your vehicle!

Forgetting to winterize
The country witnesses extreme weather transformations, with some cities reaching sub-zero temperatures during winters. During this time, RV parts can freeze, inviting expensive repairs and replacement costs. To avoid these costs, winterizing your RV is a must. Here are some common methods people use:

  • Pump RV-safe antifreeze into the plumbing system to save your water lines from freezing over.
  • Use compressed air to clean all lines of water gently.
  • Install an integrated drain-down system that passes compressed air through the water lines on demand.

Also, remember to de-winterize your RV when summer approaches to prepare it for travel, especially if your vehicle has remained dormant all winter.

Skipping out on tire protection
The RV wheels are crucial not just for your travels but also for your safety while driving. Keeping them still for too long can cause rot to set in. It is ideal for keeping the RV moving and avoiding direct UV exposure for too long. Look for tires that offer UV protection properties. Alternatively, if you use tire-shine products, opt for ones with UV-blocking features. At the end of every travel season, have your tires assessed by a professional to check whether they are in the proper condition or need replacement.

Letting pests in
Pests can easily get into RVs, especially ones left uninhabited for a season or two. Setting up traps and checking in on your RV regularly is important to keep these rodents at bay. Not only can they leave the place unsanitary for your next trip, but they can also cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your wires, textiles, appliances, and furniture. Setting up mouse traps with soft candy can help lure some of these rodents and stop them from multiplying in your vehicle.

Not checking for water damage routinely
Check your RV for water damage regularly. Any undetected water damage could lead to mold and mildew, making you and your fellow travelers sick. Do a rigorous inspection of your RV before setting off on your journey. The most common places people find mold in their RVs are in unventilated bathrooms and areas where condensation collects. Properly ventilating the RV can help avoid such issues.

Relying on DIY maintenance
Although many people know how to care well for their RVs, if you are new and just beginning on your journey, it may be wise to seek professional help. Take your RV to a maintenance company at intervals to diagnose issues you may have missed or to help you get your vehicle in shape for the following travel season.

Missing going over your safety checklist
Before setting off on a new trip, be sure to go through your checklist and check your oil, fuel, and propane levels, transmission fluids, batteries, seals, generators, and air filters. Also, ensure that your stairs are folded up, windows and vents are closed, the antenna is folded down, and the scissor jacks are retracted each time before you begin to move. Finally, create a checklist based on your RV’s features, and make it a habit to run through it before you begin to drive.

Forgetting to secure the RV
You don’t want your drawers to start falling out in the middle of your journey. Not only can this be inconvenient, but it may also pose a health hazard to your co-travelers. Secure the RV by packing the items close together and lining the drawers with thick shelf grip waffle matting. Add additional latches to doors and drawers if required.

If the cost of maintaining the RV is too high, you can also consider selling your motorhome for instant cash. Many websites are making this process easier and quicker by reducing the paperwork and letting you get the best value for your recreational vehicle or trailer.

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5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment's revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6. There are multiple models with standardized features like a touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warnings. The price starts at around $38,325 for the base model. Honda CR-V The 2022 Honda CR-V is among the leaders in the compact SUV segment. It is a five-seater with upscale interiors, spacious and comfortable seats, and larger cargo space. You get a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a better mileage efficiency of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The CVR-V is equipped with most standard safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2022 Honda CR-V comes in multiple trims with a base price of around $25,750. Volkswagen Taos The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact crossover SUV. It is a five-seater with a huge back seat and copious cargo space. You get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 158 horsepower, and a 184 pound-feet of torque. The car comes in three trims, and all have standard 18-inch wheels. The safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are bundled under the brand's IQ Drive system. Further, the car has a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, and modern and aesthetic interiors. The base price starts at around $23,495. Chevrolet Trailblazer The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a small crossover SUV anticipated to be released in the early fall or late summer of 2022. Although small, it is spacious with a two-tier adaptable cargo storage system and a foldable passenger seat. You can choose between a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. You also get a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on your chosen engine variant. The vehicle offers a fuel economy of up to 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The technology features include a seven-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a four-speaker stereo. Plus, you get rear view cameras, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep and lane assist features for safer driving. The base price of the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is $21,800. Tips for choosing the right SUV SUVs are famous for their versatility, off-road capabilities, performance, and fuel efficiency. But consider the following points while buying one: Size Consider the size of the car, your garage space, and your comfort level in driving a large vehicle. Choose accordingly from small, compact, mid-sized, and large SUVs. The number of seats While large SUVs may offer seven or eight seats, most SUVs have a seating capacity of five. Choose one based on the number of members in your family. Luggage space If you travel a lot, have young kids, or have hobbies requiring bulky equipment, check if the SUV has enough cargo space. Even a smaller car with well-designed cargo space might suffice. Drivetrain Most offer two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive options. Choose a trim ideal for your location, terrain, and climate. Fuel efficiency Most car makers give clear information about the fuel efficiency ratings. If not, try to research this aspect before heading to the showroom. Also, work out how much you would have to set apart for gas before choosing the vehicle. Safety features Newer models are fitted with many safety features. Look for blind-spot warning and anti-lock braking systems that are crucial to prevent and avoid accidents. You can stop quickly if the tires are the right size and width. Further, ensure the SUV has tire-pressure-monitoring sensors, side and curtain airbags, parking sensors, and cameras. Driver assistance systems Effective driver assistance systems can keep you and your family safe. Look for automatic speed and cruise control and parking assistance features. Lane assist has proven helpful to drivers if there are critical lane changes. However, the price can also increase significantly depending on the car's features. So, have a budget in mind.

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5 common car maintenance mistakes to steer clear of

A car is a significant investment, so you must pay attention to its maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly for years. Moreover, the older a car gets, the more upkeep, care, and maintenance it requires. Otherwise, you may have to shell out more for repairs and damages. So, one must ensure they regularly get their car checked by a professional and know these common car maintenance mistakes to steer clear of. Forgetting to check the tire pressure Most car owners think the purpose of checking tire pressure is to avoid flat tires. While this is a reason enough, looking at the fuel economy is also essential. When the tires lack air, the car will consume far more gas than necessary. So avoid this maintenance mistake, and check whether the tires' air pressure is optimal with a fuel gauge. The pressure should be as indicated in the owner's manual. Another common mistake is forgetting to do tire rotation regularly. This will help the tires last longer. Forgetting to do oil changes In the case of a new car, there is minimal need for oil changes. So most new car owners ignore this aspect during regular car maintenance. However, even a new car requires engine oil changes every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Changing the engine oil every 3,000 miles is recommended for older cars. Not doing so will cause damage to the engine, and you may end up paying more. Neglecting to change or inspect the brakes Changing the brake pads of your car can get expensive. So most people end up avoiding this. However, leaving them on longer can cause the brakes to wear down. As a result, the rotators may also get damaged. Repairing the rotators will cost more than you must pay for changing the brake pads. So don't forget to get the brakes checked by a professional mechanic whenever there is a significant squeaking noise coming from the brakes. Neglecting the check engine light The common mistake most car owners commit is ignoring the check engine light. This is because the car works fine even if the light comes on. So, checking why the light is on gets delayed until a significant problem occurs out of the blue. The car will break down at the most inconvenient time. Furthermore, you may have to end up paying more to get your car running than you would have to when the check engine light came on the first time around. Ignoring the car wash Neglecting to do a regular car wash is a common car maintenance mistake that can be easily avoided. Make sure to schedule the clean-up of your car every week or even in a couple of weeks. This is important not only to make your car look its best but also to prevent damage to your car's body, tires, mirrors, and interiors. This way, you will protect it from the damage caused by rain, mud, dirt, salt sprinkled on ice, and pollution.

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6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

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If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
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5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
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The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.
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