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For those who don’t know, the Ford Ranger has long been the most popular car both in sales figures and driver satisfaction. But like most things in life, how long you get to enjoy your beloved truck is all about what you put into it. Don’t worry, we’re not insinuating that you have to spend thousands of bucks every few years, just a little bit of tender, love, care, and maintenance will do the trick.

That is why we have spoken to some members of a Ford Ranger Driver’s Club, as well as the Chief Engineer, to help you understand what the most effective ways of keeping your truck running smoothly are.

Always Get That Oil Change

You may be rolling your eyes and thinking, “yeah, yeah, we know this one,” and you’d be right too; it is one of the most documented ways of ensuring your Ranger has a long and smooth life. What you may not know is there are different oils that are tailored to different stages of a car’s life, as http://www.autoserviceprices.com/valvoline-oil-change-prices/ will attest. Chances are, you have been using conventional oil. However, if your car qualifies as high mileage then you should really be using what they call blend. As for how often, our Ford engineer recommends every 7000 miles or six months, depending on which comes first.

Swap Your Tires Around

For a whole range of variable, your tires won’t wear evenly. Drivetrain, terrain, alignment, driving style; there are so many reasons that will see tires wear and different rates. As such, http://www.blackcircles.com/general/tyre-rotation recommend that you swap the front and back tires over every time you get your oil changed. This is especially important on Ford Ranger’s where the front tires are known to wear much faster. The great thing about this little hack is that rotation won’t just extend the life of your tires, it will also improve your ride quality.

Let Your Truck Breathe

Engines are a lot like humans in the sense that the cleaner the air they breathe the better they operate. Don’t despair, this is a relatively easy task. All you have to do is swap out the air filters every 20,000 or so miles. This is because air filters become clogged up with all sorts – dust, debris, chemicals, bits and bobs – and by swapping them out regularly you are giving your Ranger a chance at a much more optimized life and for longer; hello new-found love for your pre-owned car. We’re talking better fuel economy, top speed, and acceleration. Of course, if you are often driving on dirt tracks and off-road, then you will want to change your filter more frequently than every 20,000 miles.

Maintain Your Fluids

The obvious one on this front is your engine oil; an essential fluid going. What you are looking for is any signs of it being dirty and to see if it smells like gas. If it does, well, it’s time for that change. However, that isn’t the only fluid you need to check on the regular because both engine coolant and windshield washer fluid are going to be especially important to your car’s healthy and your comfort. This is especially true for the coolant because that is what keeps your engine from overheating.

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Over the Hill? You Can Still Go Exploring

June 9, 2017 by alanhs961

To set forth and explore the great outdoors is usually thought of as an activity reserved only for the energetic, sprightly youth, but this isn’t the case. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be climbing Everest once you’re past middle age (though it does happen!), there are still plenty of opportunities for you to challenge yourself by throwing yourself into a new surrounding. If you’re looking for a new adventure to inspire you to live again, look to the outdoors: there is much more to do than you might think.

Source: Pexels.com

Packing up the RV

One of the good things about traveling when you’re older – rather than when you’re younger – is that you usually have more money to hand. If you do have money you can spend on traveling, look at buying an RV. This will enable you to travel to remote areas, while still being able to stay in comfort. Recreational vehicles can range quite significantly regarding comfort and so on, so there’ll be a vehicle to match all budgets. Once you have it, you can point the vehicle in whichever direction looks appealing and hit the road.

Travel Adventures

There are plenty of options too for those who want to travel further afield. It’s all about finding an exciting travel adventure and throwing yourself into it. So long as it’s an activity that is not age-specific, such as walking or kayaking, then you’ll be able to do it without a problem. There are plenty of amazing destinations that are off the beaten path that is suitable for all ages; take a look at the account of Mosquito Bay Puerto Rico from thriveafter50.com, for instance, and you’ll see that having once in a lifetime experiences don’t stop once you pass thirty. If you want to challenge yourself even further, you can find guided tours that can take you to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest and other spectacular sites, full in the knowledge that you’re traveling with an expert.

Into the Water

Another way to explore the world is to find an activity that you know you can do anywhere, and then use it as a framework when you go to other places. Fishing is one way to do this: you can do it no matter how old you are, it can be as challenging or relaxing as you like, and you’ll get to discover some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. Every day will be a little bit different, and you’ll be able to eat your catch at the end of the day. This activity can be done from the Arctic all the way down to Australia: plenty of scope for seeing new places!

A More Luxurious Camping Site

There comes a time when it becomes uncomfortable to camp. At that stage, you don’t need to put your camping days to bed: you just need to find a new way to camp! Glamping stands for glamorous camping and offers all the joys of camping combined with accommodation that is much better than just a tent and a bed. Perfect!

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Modern Changes to the Auto Industry You Can’t Miss

June 8, 2017 by alanhs961

All industries change and grow to meet the demands of customers, as well as give people things they didn’t even know they needed. The automotive industry is no different and, like many others, continues to embrace new technology and find ways to use innovations in different areas. If you’re interested in cars or other vehicles, it’s worth keeping up with how the automotive industry is changing. It could help you make a decision about your next car, or maybe it will help your career if you’re involved with the industry. Have a look at some of the ways the industry has become more modern in recent years.

Pixabay

The Move Online

The internet has played an increasingly important role in the automotive industry, just like it has in many others. It provides a source of information for people looking to buy a car, as well as sell one, service one, and much more. People can use the internet to compare prices and can even buy a new car completely online. Buying online saves time and money because there’s no need to visit a dealership. If you look at the Cars & Co new Lexus deals, you’ll see how much you could potentially save by buying online. There are many other things you can do online too. If you’ve lost your car’s manual, find a new one online. If you need car insurance quotes, look online.

Autonomous Functionality

The idea of vehicles that do things on their own is a huge one in the auto industry. The big concept that many people are obsessed with is self-driving cars. While having them on the road could still be a while away, there are other autonomous technologies you can get in modern cars. For example, there are the models that have built-in automatic parking. All you need to do is press a button, and the car can neatly park itself without you having to navigate a tight space. Driverless cars might not be that far off, either. Ford wants to mass produce them from 2021.

Tapping into the Sharing Economy

The sharing economy is something that has grown a lot over the last few years. Several business models within it are based around vehicles, such as the Uber type business. The automotive industry is making moves toward providing for these types of businesses. For example, they are starting to explore how to connect with ride-sharing and car-sharing companies. This could include things like the creation of new dealership networks and leasing organizations.

The Environment

There has been a big focus on the environment in recent years. An increase in hybrid and electric cars, as well as places to charge electric cars, means it’s easier to find a more eco-friendly vehicle. Even cars that aren’t hybrids or electric are more energy efficient to help them use less fuel. Not only does this make cars greener, but it also helps owners to save money.

The auto industry continues to innovate and offer new things to consumers. You could benefit from some of these innovations when you buy your next car.

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The Most Essential Online Business Skills

June 8, 2017 by alanhs961

If you are considering setting up your own online business, something which is becoming a more and more popular way to earn a living, then it makes sense to ensure that you have all of the relevant skills you need to make your new venture a success before you go ahead and take the plunge.

Being a small online business owner is a real challenge, so the more you are able to do for yourself, the easier it will be for you to succeed no matter what your budget or how many other companies you’re competing with.

Here are some of the most essential online business skills that will help you to build a successful online company:

Strategic Planning Skills

Starting a new business requires a lot of planning. You can’t just buy a website domain and start trading – you have to draw up a business plan, set goals for the future, plan the actions that will help your business grow and measure your company’s performance so that you can keep improving. With so much on your plate, it’s vital that you’re able to strategically plan for every aspect of your business, lest you end up in a real mess, not knowing what you should be doing from one way to the next.

Writing Skills

SONY DSC

When your business is online, you really do need to know how to use the written word to your advantage. During the working week, you will have to compose emails, write blog posts, create product descriptions and write web content and this will have to be as legible, error free and interesting as possible if it’s to have any effect at all. So, if you’re writing skills aren’t exactly as good as they could be unless you can afford to hire a writer, it could be worth taking a few writing classes before you launch your business.

Marketing and Communication Skills

There’s been a real boost in the number of people taking courses in imc online, and this isn’t all that surprising because Integrated Marketing Communication skills are becoming even more vital as we switch increasingly to online advertising.

As an online entrepreneur, you’ll need to market your website, good, and services, if you are to have a hope of still being in business a year from your company’s launch, and it really isn’t as easy as you might think. When you’re using the written word to advertise, you really do need to think about each and every word you use and the connotations it brings up. If you can communicate using engaging words that draw the reader in and then create a call to action that really works, you’ll be well ahead of at least half the competition, and if you can talk to your customers in a friendly, informal and persuasive way, you’ll really be able to convince them that yours is the best company for them.

Financial Skills

When you’re starting out, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to afford your own accountant, which is why you might want to start brushing up on your accounting skills, taking a basic accounting course if necessary. Without a sound understanding of the financial side of things, you won’t be able to gauge how well your business is doing, plan for the future or file accurate taxes and you all three of these things are so important that you simply can’t neglect your financial skills.

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Hotting Up! Prepare Your Home For The Warmer Weather

June 7, 2017 by alanhs961

If things are hotting up where you live, you might be ready to make some changes at home to feel more comfortable with a warmer temperature. The summer brings about plenty of opportunities as well as some occasionally unbearable heat. With the warmth and open windows, you can expect that fresh paint to dry quicker without too many unbearable scents. And you can make the most of that freshly mown lawn to enjoy a few barbecues too.

Bedroom Blues

No matter how big or small your property is, we all need to adjust to the change in temperature. You might start by changing your bedroom so your nights are more comfortable. Losing sleep in the heat is awful as you toss and turn all night. Stay cool by investing in a service for your air conditioning. If you have solar panels, you might find it cost effective to cool your room during the hottest part of the day when the sun shines. That way you shouldn’t need it on quite as much after the sun has gone down.

Make sure you still air your home. It’s tempting to keep windows closed when the air outside is hotter than the temperature inside. Try getting up a few minutes earlier. When it’s close to dawn, the air is cool and fresh and it’s quiet outside. Open all the windows to create a good through-breeze, if only for a few minutes. Stale air isn’t healthy. Both you and the whole house needs to breathe!

Bedding changes can also help you feel more comfortable. Most of us love having a duvet wrapped right around us. You can still enjoy an ultra light down comforter for summer that will help you to avoid becoming too warm. Choose cotton sheets that breathe well, and experiment with pillow coverings that feel cooler to the touch. You might even choose to move your bed under the window so you can enjoy that light breeze in the night.

Changing the decor can also help psychologically. Go for cooling blues and fresh greens to help you feel a little cooler in the bedroom. Remove all the fluffy pillows and change out the winter rug for something a little more summery. Finally, install some Venetian blinds or shutters to keep the sun and the heat out of your room during the day.

Backyards and Balconies

If you’re lucky enough to have some outside space, now is the best time to prepare it for the summer. You want to make the most of it so you can be outside in the fresh air as much as possible. Of course, you should always stay safe in the sun. Make sure you have prepared a shady area that stays shady throughout the day. This will be much cooler than other areas of your garden or balcony, so it will be more comfortable for you and your kids or pets.

Cooking and eating outdoors are one of the best things about summer. You might have an outdoor kitchen or just a barbecue. Make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned and safety checked before you begin. You might need to buy a new grill if the old one has rusted or weathered. Alternatively, grab that scrubber and get scrubbing!

If you are ready to install a new kitchen area, look for a spot in your yard that can be protected from the wind. You need it to be well ventilated so keep at least one side fully open. There are roof specialists that can provide you with a permanent covering that could still allow plenty of light into the area. It can be handy to pick a space that is big enough for your grill as well as the full dining set.

You may also want a separate patio or dining area in another part of the garden. This might become a bistro style patio or your entertaining area when you have family and friends come over. Make sure you can cover it with a gazebo, awning or parasol. Many gazebos come with lightweight netting to keep the direct sun and insects away from your food. It’s important to protect any food that is out in the open to avoid food poisoning.

Relaxing in the garden is a wonderful way to spend your evenings and weekends. If you haven’t done so already, consider landscaping your garden. You can enjoy hedges, shrubs, and bushes in the border areas of your plot. These can attract local wildlife if you’re fond of bird watching too. Sculpting a small lawn into a pleasing shape can take quite a lot of work. When it’s done, though, a quick outing of the lawnmower once a week can keep it looking great.

Water features are very popular for gardens that are big enough. You might choose a cascading waterfall or fountain. If you have the space, you could even have a pond, complete with fish and lily pads. There should be railing in place if you have small children at home. Why not install a small zen garden and some decking nearby? You can enjoy Tai Chi or Yoga while relaxing in your beautiful garden.

Swimming pools can be expensive to install and maintain. But they can also be incredibly refreshing on a very hot day! As always, safety is paramount. You will need to install safety railing and gates so children and pets are unable to access the water unaccompanied.

Lovely In The Living Room

Back in the house, life can be sticky and uncomfortable without air conditioning. You don’t have to install it if you’re not keen. Instead, make the use of through-breezes. Two open windows at opposite ends of the house can facilitate this. Ceiling fans are not always energy efficient so check yours before relying too heavily on it. If you have leather furniture, a thin cotton throw can relieve the discomfort of leather contact on bare skin.

Ice chips, popsicles, and cold drinks are very helpful when it comes to cooling down. If you’re planning a night in front of the TV, you might choose to turn the lights off to help you feel cooler. For the most part LED bulbs don’t emit any heat, but darker spaces do tend to make us feel less claustrophobic and hot. It can be a good idea to clear the clutter from rooms before the weather becomes too hot. This too reduces that awful claustrophobic feeling the heat can give us.

Before it gets too warm, why not have a big clear out? You can reclaim some of that valuable storage space, and declutter the cabinets and surfaces in the living room for a more minimalist style. You might even change the decor to lighter colors and less textured fabrics. All these little things may not make it cooler, but they can help you feel less hot. Move your favorite arm chair closer to the window, and install blinds to reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the room.

Dangers

Do you have a shed or garage that contains dangerous liquids or chemicals? Now is the time to make sure they are tucked away in a cooler space with no direct sunlight. Wooden structures like sheds can become incredibly hot in summer. Gas cans and pressurized canisters can explode and even catch fire in extreme conditions. Make sure your barbecue gas is also secured away somewhere safe and never used in the direct sunlight.

Sunscreen and sun hats are an important part of enjoying the weather responsibly outdoors. Even when you’re indoors, it’s important to stay hydrated and slow down a little bit. Stay safe this summer.

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6 Things No-One Tells You When Getting Your First Car

June 7, 2017 by alanhs961

So you’ve just passed your driving tests and are now a fully licensed driver. Hooray! The next step is to buy your first car so that you too will have the freedom to drive around whenever you want, and not need to rely on others for your transport needs.

There is no denying that the Web is full of articles that tell you how to buy your first car. The thing is, have you ever noticed how they seldom tell you about the stuff you actually need to know about?

In today’s article, I’m going to share with you six of the biggest points and facts of first car buying that you’re unlikely to read about elsewhere on the Internet:

It’s okay to be honest with a car salesperson

You often hear about the tactics that should be employed when negotiating with car salespeople. But, have you ever considered that simply being honest about your position and needs is a better strategy?

If you’re upfront with information on what you can afford, and the types of autos that interest you, it will save both you and the dealerships time when negotiating deals.

There’s more than one way to fund your first car

Just because a dealership offers auto finance doesn’t mean you have to use it. You may not realize it, but there are many cheap car loans out there to suit everyone’s budgets! So, whether you want to buy a Ford Focus or a Ferrari 488 Spider, there’s plenty of finance options available to you.

The cheapest car isn’t always the best option

You might think that it makes sense to spend as little as possible on your first car. But, you need to consider that the auto you buy must be reliable and fuel-efficient. The last thing you want to do is purchase a vehicle that soon becomes a depressing money pit!

Your lifestyle needs will change

Okay, so you might have your heart set on a coupe or convertible car. But, if you’re planning to start a family with your significant other soon, how practical is such a vehicle going to be? Before you decide on a particular model, it’s best to think about how likely your lifestyle needs will change in the next five years or so.

Don’t buy a car you can’t afford to maintain

These days, there are plenty of high-performance sports cars on the market that are now affordable enough for most people to purchase. The thing is, many would-be owners don’t realize that maintenance costs could be quite high and even exceed the purchase price of the vehicles in question!

With that in mind, make sure you only buy a car that you know is cheap enough to service and repair.

Sort out your finances before you borrow money to buy a car

One final thing to bear in mind is the financial aspect of buying your first car. If you’ve got some cash saved up, you can probably avoid this tip. But, if you need to borrow some money to pay for your vehicle, ensure your personal finances are in order first.

By having a healthy credit score, you’re more likely to gain access to the best finance deals on the market.

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Does Your Employer Have Your Best Interests At Heart?

June 6, 2017 by alanhs961

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No one should have to work a job where they aren’t cared for or appreciated. You should feel valued at your job every single day by both your colleagues and your employer. However, a huge amount of people end up feeling like they are just another faceless drone in the machine. Another nobody that a company can chew up and spit out. This feeling often happens what people start to feel as though their boss simply doesn’t have their best interests at heart. If you’re wondering whether or not your boss really cares about your well-being, here are a few simple questions to ask yourself?

Are you made to feel motivated or engaged with your work?

It has been shown time and time again that trying to work when you’re bored, frustrated or uninterested in what you’re doing makes life a lot harder. It’s important to think carefully about what makes you feel this way to try to communicate that to your boss. If they take what you’ve said on board, then they should be able to create interesting challenges for you and other ways to engage you more effectively in the job that you’re doing. A bad boss who doesn’t care will simply expect you to give a hundred percent constantly, simply because they offer you a paycheck at the end of each month.

Do you feel safe in the workplace?

Your safety while at work is one of the most important things of all, and you should be constantly conscious of it. After all, there is certainly a lot of your safety which is your responsibility. That being said, your employer definitely has a responsibility to you and your colleagues to provide a safe, secure working environment for everyone. If something does happen because of your boss’s negligence, then you will want to contact a workers comp attorney in order to get any compensation that you are owed for the time spent in the hospital or away from work. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but it is your employer’s responsibility to provide you with the safety techniques that you then need to put into practice.

Are you being overworked?

You might think that being incredibly tired at the end of each work day is completely normal. It’s not. If you’re so tired at the end of each day that you’d rather slump down on the couch and do nothing then that could well be a sign that you are being overworked. Plenty of bosses are more than happy to treat their employees like an infinite resource without every really thinking about how much the long working hours as rough conditions can impact a person. If that’s the case, then you need to speak to your employer and let them know that you’re struggling. It’s also important to stand your ground and to refuse to let your boss take advantage of you. There’s nothing wrong with overtime if it’s being forced upon you, then you have to leave the soul of the game to the side.

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Freelancing Your Way To Freedom – Is It Worth It?

June 6, 2017 by alanhs961