Italy Mag

As of recently, there has been much talk about car safety.

Talking into consideration that, in spite of all the measures and awareness campaigns, the number of car accidents is on the rise, these concerns are more than reasonable.

So, the question remains, what can we do to improve these numbers?

Enforcing penalties, working on improving drivers’ skills, and making the signs more distinct are all workable solutions.

But, the fact remains that all these mentions are worth very little if the vehicles we are driving are in poor shape.

Let us then take a look at some of the essential car maintenance tips that will move this basic issue off the table.

Check the Tyres

Being mounted on the wheels, tyres have a tremendous impact on the performance of your vehicle.

Be sure then to do frequent safety checks and cut all the possible problems in the root.

• First, check the tyre depth. If you have a problem determining are they ok, you can use a penny coin as a reference point. The tyre should cover at least the third of the coin.
• Second, do a quick pressure check. Remove the cap, press the gauge, wait for the hissing to stop, and then read the pressure. Compare this reading to the recommended numbers you can find in the manual.
• Finally, give the tires close visual inspection and look for any signs of damage, scrapes, cuts, and punctures.

Inspect the Engine

Since it’s a far more complicated component than a tire, major engine interventions should be left to professionals.

However, there are some small fixes you can do for yourself.

For instance, most of the Check Engine alerts occur due to problems with components like camshafts.

Getting premium brands like Crow Cams from T.I. Performance and similar suppliers is relatively easy, and installing new camshafts is even easier.

So, in cases like this, you can avoid expansive interventions at your mechanic.

Replace the Fluids

Although they sound relatively menial in the grand scheme of an intricate car mechanic, various fluids play a huge role in making this whole system work.

Do your best to give them a check at least once a month.

Let’s take a look at the top three solutions you should keep in focus:

• Engine Oil – In most of the cars, this check is performed by using a dipstick. If you are losing oil faster than expected, visit a mechanic. Otherwise, the oil should replace every 3000 miles of six months.
• Coolants – Coolants can be easily inspected if you simply remove the radiator cap. The current liquid level is measured against the internal indicator. The coolants should be completely replaced every two years.
• Power steering fluid – Just pop the hood and do a quick visual check by looking at the reservoir. In this case, you won’t need to replace the fluid on a regular basis, but make sure to constantly keep it topped.

Other important mentions you should keep in mind are brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer.

Keep the Brake System in Shape

First and foremost, you will need to frequently inspect the brake discs and make sure they are fully functional.

The more often you do it, the better, but let’s say every three months is an acceptable frequency.

Second, make sure the brakes are well-lubricated and resistant to rust.

Finally, use brakes properly to extend their lifespan and efficiency.

If you can, rely on the slowdowns rather than immediate stops and avoid cadence breaking.

Instead apply the pressure gradually, release it and apply again until the vehicle is brought to a halt.

Of course, the issue of road safety and car maintenance is far more complicated than these couple of mentions and even extends to ancillary systems like air-conditioning.

But, all these things are important up to an extent.

The four maintenance tips we gave you are absolutely crucial for any semblance of safe driving.

Be sure to always keep them in mind and do your best to keep your four-wheeler in good shape.

All of your efforts will be well-rewarded.

In order for your home to be functional for years to come, it needs to be well maintained – and every season comes with its own maintenance tasks you should complete.

Doing some maintenance in fall will prepare your home for the harsher weather that is yet to come, so you should set aside a few days just for this.

With that in mind, here are five maintenance tips for your home this season.

1. Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks, because they would prevent water from flowing freely.

Eventually, that water would build up and seep through your walls, roof, and even your basement.

Plus, when the temperatures drop below zero, not cleaning your gutters can result in ice damming, which can damage your gutters.

In short, not cleaning your gutters on time can lead to some costly necessary repairs later.

So, even if you’re not that experienced in this field, you can hire somebody to help you, but don’t skip this step.

2. Test Your Smoke Detectors

This is a task that only takes a few minutes, and it can save lives.

Test your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly, and change the batteries.

After all, whether you have a fireplace or an electric heater, you will be heating your home much more during fall and winter, so the risk of fires is a bit higher than usual.

Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and you don’t want your detectors to malfunction when you need them the most.

3. Check Your Drains

Clogged drains can lead to all kinds of problems, from bad smells to mould and floods.

So, if you notice that water seems to be going down too slowly, check your drains.

Australians, for example, know that preserving water is more important now than ever before, and for that, your drains need to be in good shape.

Not to mention that preventing plumbing issues in Australia is much cheaper than fixing them.

So, don’t hesitate to call and consult the professionals in blocked drains from Sydney who will gladly check your drains, fix any potential issues, and give you tips on how to prevent any problems as well.

4. Have Your Chimney & Heating System Inspected

If you have a fireplace, you should inspect your chimney before you actually need to use it.

If you don’t know whether it should be cleaned, you can always consult professionals.

On the other hand, if you happen to have a central heating system, you should also make sure everything is ready for the cold days of fall and winter.

This is not only to keep your family safe but also to ensure that everything is working efficiently, so you don’t waste more money than necessary on your energy bills.

And don’t forget to change the air filters every month, or as often as the manufacturer instructed.

5. Rake The Leaves & Trim The Branches

This is something you can do near the end of the season – rake your leaves and trim the trees.

Raking your leaves is important, but not just because your lawn would look better; it’s also because it allows your lawn to breathe.

This is especially important if you want to have a nice garden in the spring.

Moreover, raking the leaves also reduces the chances of your yard becoming infested with pests.

As for the trees, considering how windy and stormy this season can get, use the opportunity when the leaves have fallen to trim any dead branches, especially those hanging over your house and pathways.

Taking care of these few tasks can make your life much easier when the winter comes.

So, follow the listed tips, take care of any issues that you notice right away, and you will have much less to worry about.

Once you find out you’re expecting a baby, there are so many things that need to be done, and one of them is preparing the nursery room!

This particular activity takes a lot of time and steps, so it’s a good thing you have nine months to do everything right.

In order not to miss anything important, read about all the things you should do when preparing a room for your new little family member.

Dedicate a Room to Your Baby & Prepare It

Whatever room you choose to turn into the nursery, the very first thing you’ll have to do is the thorough cleaning.

First empty the room completely, even if you plan to keep some furniture and items in it, because this is the most effective way to clean everything perfectly, without missing a spot.

When cleaning all the surfaces, include walls and the floor as well.

You should do this because babies are known to be susceptible to allergens like dust, mold, and pet hair.

If the room is too bright, consider adding a dimmer switch.

Follow these instructions, if you aren’t sure how to do it.

It’s a simple project you can do yourself, without having to rely on the help of a professional.

Another simple activity you can cover is oiling the door hinges, if you don’t want to hear the sound of creaking all the time.

Just use a common household lubricant like WD-40 and apply a little oil to each hinge on the nursery door.

You can get these lubricants from any home improvement store, or check out if you can find them in supermarkets.

Lastly, don’t forget about safety features!

You can start by installing a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and then see what else you can do.

It’s very important, so this is a step you shouldn’t miss in any case. After doing all this, you can paint the room.

Purchase Essential Furniture & Items

This is a more exciting and fun step!

From the essentials like the crib, sheets, drawers and dressers to tiny details like a pacifier, there are many things you will need, so it’s a good idea to make a list and put it on the paper.

The most important items are definitely the ones regarding the baby’s sleep – the crib and everything that is a part of it: the mattress, blankets and sheets.

Check out the amazing Bubba Blue products to find something you’ll like for your little bundle of joy.

They offer things like charming and luxurious cot and bassinet sheets, swaddling wraps, blankets and towels and everything is designed in Australia and crafted from breathable, natural fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo.

If you want to keep your child cozy and comfortable, you’ll be satisfied with their incredible range of gorgeous designs.

Decorate & Organise the Room Well

We can finally mention the most thrilling part of the whole process!

Once you are done with buying things you need and picking the theme, it’s time to decorate the room and organise everything.

The most important items should be the most visible and always at the reach.

Moreover, you should start with the basic colors, because babies are drawn to high-contrast, black-and-white objects, and not brightly coloured items.

If you are going to become a mommy and daddy, it’s time to plan how you will prepare the nursery room and begin with all that has to be done.

From making it clean and safe and setting the perfect lightning to picking beautiful furniture and items and decorating and organizing everything to look well and be practical for you, it’s going to be an exciting little adventure.

Remember, your baby deserves the best, so go wild if you can afford it.

It’s time for a home renovation, yet you don’t know where to start?

Quite often you need to renovate more things at once, especially if nothing has ever been renovated in your home.

However, some things are more essentials than others, and those mostly regard your safety and hygiene.

If you’re planning on renting the place at some point, it would also be thoughtful of you to calculate in advance and predict what your future occupants might need, as well.

Here are some crafty innovations you can add to your home that are certainly going to pay off.

A Functional Kitchen is a Happy One

Kitchens that have never been renovated tend to have layers of dirt hidden in every corner, and don’t lie that this is not the case at your home.

Kitchen elements are heavy and tough to move, which is why we rarely bother giving the kitchen a deep cleaning session.

However, such neglect can cause you more problems than you might think.

Rats and cockroaches are only some of the most common ones, but all kinds of allergens can start growing in your unclean kitchen, as well as potentially harmful bacteria.

What you need to do first is thoroughly clean every bit of the kitchen until it shines spotlessly, and afterwards check all the electrical devices.

If all of them are working efficiently, think about investing in some new kitchen gadgets and decorations.

Taller cabinets, a kitchen island and LED strip cabinet lights are only some of the ways to make your kitchen interior truly pop.

Let the Light Enter & Shine

You can never have enough light in a home, and there are few reasons why that is so.

Lighter homes make all the occupants feel better since sun rays enhance the production of serotonin and vitamin D, as well as help you maintain a healthy biorhythm.

Furthermore, all the best features of your home’s furniture and décor elements can be better seen in a room with more light, making the home as a whole more appealing.

The key rooms which you should light up are the kitchen and the bathroom.

Since these are the rooms that most often don’t have windows, try installing them.

If this is not an option, then go with daylight replacement lights in order to mimic the light that would naturally come from the sun.

Get Your Home an Extra Floor

Adding an extra floor to your home is the absolute best way to get more space and some better window views.

Having more square meters in your home increases its resale value, so if you’re looking for a worthy investment, then dazzling second storey additions are just what you need.

You can even add two storeys at once, which is a cheaper way to go since the average cost per square meters added is reduced when it comes to installing multiple floors.

It’s important that these additions are done safely, which is why you need to hire an experienced team to do the job.

Things that must be considered are structural requirements (since the foundation has to carry more weight), as well as mechanical issues, such as plumbing, chimneys and electrical panels.

Invest in Energy Savers

Overall, the best investments you can make are the ones regarding energy-saving upgrades.

Your home spends a lot, and you will see how much you can save on a monthly basis as soon as you start installing these upgrades.

The difference is very noticeable, especially when it comes to saving money from heat and cooling devices thanks to energy-efficient windows, as well as eco-friendly electrical appliances.

The more energy-efficient you make your home, the more easily it will sell, as well.

Another great thing about making your home into a fully energy functional one is that you are doing what’s best for the environment, which is a goal all of us should strive for.

If we don’t look out for the environment, none of our houses are going to be good places to live in.

So, make sure that your eco-friendly investments go along with all the other ones and you will significantly upgrade the worth of your home.

Use Appropriate Chemicals

It is best to use chemicals that are specifically designed for toilet cleaning.

You will discover that other chemicals may be too harsh and can scratch the ceramic bowl.

It could also react adversely to the germs, dirt, and smell in your toilet and you do want a toilet that smells fresh and clean.

As a first step, you should squirt the toilet bowl cleaning product under the rim (that is if your toilet does have a rim), and let it sit for a while.

This will loosen all the grime underneath.

That will make it easier to scrub out with a toilet brush.

Should this be a separate toilet, it is important to clean the window on the inside as well as on the outside.

Make this a part of your deep toilet cleaning routine.

This will ensure that there is no build-up of dirt and germs.

If the toilet is part of a bathroom, you should clean the bath and the basin first so that the germs are not transferred from the toilet to these items.

In this instance, the window or windows will need cleaning as well as the mirrors.

You should always do the toilet cleaning before you clean the floors.

The reason is that, while cleaning the toilet, the dirt and germs will inevitably land on the floor.

You, therefore, need to clean it at the end of the cleaning regime.

It is vital that you use clean brushes and cloths for this purpose.

You are already battling germs and you do not want to add to the ones already present by using dirty cleaning equipment.

Always Clean the Walls

Another aspect of deep cleaning, especially in a smaller space, is to clean the walls as well.

It is an easy task if the walls are tiled.

You should clean the walls before you do the floors as well.

You should use a tile cleaner for the floor preferably with the same fragrance as the other cleaning products.

This will enhance the fragrance and create a sweet-smelling space.

Any decor in the toilet should be thoroughly cleaned as well, especially during the deep clean process.

It is necessary to clean anything that you perceive that can collect germs.

Don’t Forget the Floors

The last step is to clean the floor.

The floors should be part of the daily cleaning routine.

For the deep cleaning regime, a good scrub is necessary as well because the grout would have picked up dirt and germs along the way.

Final Tips

Germs are a common occurrence in toilets, hence, when toilet cleaning, you need to wear clean rubber gloves at all times.

If possible, you should cover your feet as well. A quick spray of air freshener would complete the task.