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Friday, December 7th, 2012

As anyone who has ever bought a used car probably knows, it can be a bit of a stressful experience. From trying to figure out what make and model you want and determining if the pre-owned car is in good shape to negotiating the price with a salesman, purchasing a used car can leave even the most level-headed guy or gal feeling overwhelmed. As someone who has worked for years at used car dealerships, I want to share with you some tried and true tips that will help make buying a pre-owned vehicle as easy as possible.

It wasn’t that long ago that people who wanted to buy a used car had two main options: a traditional used car dealership or buy here pay here lots. These days, folks who are in the market for a used vehicle have a lot more buying options to consider. Most traditional car dealerships have plenty of pre-owned vehicles for sale, so it should be pretty easy to find a plethora of places to purchase a car.

Thoroughly Inspect the Car

To be sure that you are getting a used car that runs well, be sure to take the time to examine the car before you sign any contracts, as Beatthecarsalesman.com suggests. As someone who has seen hundreds of pre-owned vehicles, I can personally vouch for this piece of advice. For example, be sure that the car’s body is straight. Stand at the rear of the car and look to see if the rear wheels are lined up squarely behind the front wheels. Look for mismatched paint on the body, which can be a sign that the car was in an accident.

Even if you don’t know anything about engines, look under the hood. Do you see cracked hoses or torn belts? Is anything dripping from the car? Peek under the vehicle and check for pools or fluid. All of these situations are red flags that something might be wrong with the car.

Obtain a History Report

One thing I cannot emphasize strongly enough is to get a full vehicle report before buying a used car. Once you find a pre-owned car that you like, write down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and arrange to get a car-history report before buying. A history report will give information about what the car has been through, including any accidents and possible problems with the odometer. Believe me, I have seen customers who have fallen in love with a used car only to change their minds after seeing the car report.

Because even pre-owned vehicles can cost a pretty penny, I strongly urge you to do your homework first before even thinking about buying used; this will help make the entire process go as smoothly as possible.

Posted in Auto Repair | 2 Comments »

How to Invert Colors in Windows 7

Friday, December 7th, 2012

An optimized color scheme in Windows can put less strain on your eye, which is very efficient for the speed of comprehending what’s on your screen as well as your optical vision. To improve your experience, read below to learn how to invert colors in Windows 7.

What to Do

Click on the Start button on the bottom left of your screen. A search bar should come up directly above the button once your click it. Click on the search bar and type, “magnifier”. Click on the magnifier and it should come up.

When the magnifier comes up, your computer’s screen will zoom itself in. Repeatedly click on the (-) icon until the zoom is normal. Then click on the gray gear on the magnifier application to open up the preferences screen.

On top, there is a scale for adjusting the zoom. Below that is an option for the color inversion. Click on it.

Click on the option and press “OK”. Your colors should be now inverted. If you want to change your settings back, simply access the magnifier again and uncheck the option/move the zoom bar around to your satisfaction.

You can also right click the magnifier application to pin it to the task bar (the bar on the bottom of your screen that shows up what applications you are using) to access it easily on the future. Right clicking the application should bring out the option “Pin to taskbar” that will allow for this.

Benefits

Using inverted color may not only be softer for your eyes but may be saving computer battery. Although it’s minimal, the computer uses less power to represent a black pixel than a white pixel. For a more direct way to save battery, adjust the brightness of your screen.

Additional Help

If you feel like you need professional help on how to invert colors in Windows 7, TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local experts in this case, saving you time and energy in what may be a stressful situation.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Should I Wear a Mask when Painting

Friday, December 7th, 2012

Home renovations/redecorating can be fun but also dangerous if you’re not safe enough. If you’re planning on doing significant painting work or renovations, you may be asking yourself or others, “Should I wear a mask when painting?” Wearing a mask can be one of the most important precautions that you take. You often times will need to sand off old paint or do other prep work that will release harmful particles into the air that are extremely harmful if inhaled. So the bottom line is this: Yes, you should wear a mask if you plan on painting. You still need to make sure that you’re using the mask effectively to provide the best protection you can get!

The Right Mask

Check that the type of mask you’re currently using fits the type of job you’re doing. Often times, a simple disposable dust mask will be effective to protect you against the majority of your renovations and painting. The packaging for the masks will always tell you the recommended uses and applications, so be sure to choose accordingly. Make sure to also choose a mask with a moldable metal insert so you can fit it to your face.

Facial Hair

Facial hair may create a looser seal, potentially allowing you to inhale harmful dust particles (but not so much for paint fumes). Shaving your facial hair will allow the mask form to your face and create a tighter seal.

Use the Double Straps

Masks with double straps will help hold the mask to the top and the bottom of your face, forming a more fitting seal. Likewise, you’ll want to put the mask on before you put on goggles or any other types of eye wear so they can help create a tighter seal.

Take Breaks

Using a mask keeps all the moisture and heat contained near your face, making extended use extremely uncomfortable, so take frequent breaks to avoid becoming overheated. Put an alarm on your phone or watch to remind you to take at least a five minute break every hour.

Wearing a mask during paint renovations is a must for your health and safety. If you don’t want to deal with wearing masks at all, you can always use TalkLocal to find a local high quality painter to do your paint job for you!

Posted in Painters | 1 Comment »

How Often Should you Change your Car Air Filter?

Friday, December 7th, 2012

The car filter makes a car’s engine run more efficiently. For the engine to run efficient, it needs a clean air supply. The air filter cleans the air that it takes in for internal combustion, making the engine run. The air that it intakes is not exactly clean, and as miles or years pass, it begins to deteriorate. With a dirty air filter, the car’s gas mileage and engine life will decrease. A dirty air filter will also increase the emissions your car put into the air. For a car to run efficiently and clean, then the car’s air filter needs to be replaced regularly. How often should you change your car air filter? Read on for more information.

When?

There are two ways to determine whether a filter needs replaced: mileage and inspection. In mileage, if the car is driven more than 10,000-12,000 per year, then the car filter probably needs to be replaced every year. If the car is driven under 6,000 miles a year, then the car filter probably needs to be replaced every two years. If you are living in a dusty or high air polluted area, make sure to inspect your air filter because these areas could make the filter become dirtier, faster. To inspect the air filter:

1. Open hood and locate the black air filter box, (its usually on top or on the side of the engine.)

2. Unclasp the metal clips and open the box.

3. Remove the filter and inspect.

If there are is a lot of dirt, then the car’s air filter needs to be replaced.

How?

Replacing an air filter is a very simple process. Having your air filter replaced by a professional can cost around 20 dollars. To save money, replace your filter at home with these simple steps:

1. Repeat instructions for inspecting a car filter.

2. Throw out the old filter.

3. Insert new air filter.

4. Close the box and snap metal clips.

If you are unsure whether or not your filter needs to be replaced, or you would like someone to do it for you, hire a professional. Use TalkLocal to connect you to the best auto repair technicians in your area today.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

What do I do if my Cat is in Heat?

Friday, December 7th, 2012

A few times during the year, female cats that haven’t been spayed by a veterinarian will go into estrus or “heat” for two weeks, meaning that they’re looking for potential partners to mate with. What do I do if my cat is in heat? You’ll first want to make sure that your cat is actually in heat at this time by looking for the common symptoms. During this time, cats will often hold their tail to the side of their body and constantly raise their hind end. Cats will also be agitated, constantly looking for more attention and calling out with constant meowing, often times so much so that it becomes extremely irritating for their owners. Fortunately there are a couple of ways to end or actually fully prevent your cat from going to heat.

Pay more attention to your cat

One of the simplest ways to calm your cat during heat is to give your cat extra physical attention, whether it be through petting, playing, or brushing. The increased physical attention will quell your cat’s desire for sensory stimulation.

Consider mating your cat

If you mate your cat, you’ll stop the current symptoms of heat, but your cat will also most likely become pregnant. While she will no longer be in heat during the gestation period, you need to be sure that you’re willing to prepared for your cat’s pregnancy and litter.

Hormonal Injection

Talk to your local veterinarian about the possibility of hormonal therapy or other medications to temporarily stop the current cycle. For most owners, this is a rather complicated route and involves expensive upkeep. This method is used mainly with pedigree breeders who only want to stop the cycle temporarily. Ultimately, these are all temporary solutions to help deal with your cat’s estrus cycle. If you want to completely prevent your cat from going into heat, you should consider spaying your cat (only if she’s not currently in heat). TalkLocal can help you find a high-quality local veterinarian who will take extremely good care of your cat. You’ll be able to talk with a veterinarian about all your options in just minutes!

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

Can Maids Get Rid of Mildew?

Friday, December 7th, 2012

You want to clean your home but you notice some mildew in the house. This could lead you to ask “Can maids get rid of mildew?” If you have a mildew problem in your home and are looking to hire a maid to get rid of it, you should first make sure that they can. It is important to understand the mildew and its growth cycle to avoid spending money when you don’t need to. Mildew is the result of a parasitic fungus. Read this article on getting rid of mildew for more information.

What makes mildew grow in my home?

Moisture, temperature and food enable mildew to thrive. For this reason, mildew grows predominantly in bathrooms and kitchens where there is a source of moisture and high temperatures.

How do I keep mildew from growing?

Ventilating the room is a proactive way to decrease mildew growth. In addition, using chemicals in an option to preventing mildew growth. After taking a shower, leave the door open and dry the shower walls.

How do I get rid of mildew once it’s started growing?

A 50% percent mixture of water and bleach is one of the better options for getting rid of already formed mildew. Allow the mixture to sit on the surface that is infected for at least an hour. After waiting, rinse the area clean with water. Repeat this step every four or five days for a couple weeks until the mildew is no longer growing.

Can maids get rid of mildew?

Maids can get rid of mildew but only with the assistance of the homeowner. As described above, treating mildew must happen every 4-5 days alongside ventilating the room and keeping it dry. Yes, maids can use their tools to get rid of the fungus but only with your help.

To get started on your mildew treatment and eliminate it from your house, use TalkLocal to hire the right maid service for you. Within minutes you will be connected for free to a high quality professional in your area.

Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

How do you know if your AC is Low on Freon

Friday, December 7th, 2012

Air conditioning is a gift sent straight from heaven during the summer. The sweet relief of waking into a pleasantly cool house after being outside during the hot sticky day is like no other. But what happens when your air conditioner starts to break down? When your A/C stops workin,g your entire machine could be failing.

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), more commonly know as Freon is a derivative of methane/ethane. It is used as a refrigerant, propellant, and solvent. Freon is commonly found in air conditioners as it has cooling properties. Most common residential properties use the R-22 version of chlorofluorocarbon in their air conditioners. Sometimes Freon levels can become low, so how do you know if your AC is low on Freon?

Signs that Freon is low

1) Low airflow in vents

2) Air coming from vents feel warm

3) Water on the floor near your unit

4) Ice buildup on copper lines from A/C to indoor coil

5) High electricity use

6) Longer wait for house to cool

Methods to detect leaks/low Freon

One option is to use an electronic refrigerant detector called a sniffer. This device will give off a sound and visual indication when the sending probe senses a leak. You can also inject fluorescent dye into the system. It will circulate the same path as the Freon and come out wherever there is a leak. Once you use an ultraviolet light to illuminate the system, the dye will glow and indicated where it has pooled.

You should also check your filters and change them every 30 days to make sure that they are kept clean. If you stand in front of your air handler and someone turns the thermostat to engage the air the fan should start up and you should be able to hear the refrigerant running. Touch the copper lines to see if they are getting any colder. If not then there is a problem with your Freon.

Continuing Issues

If you cannot seem to figure out what you want to do about your air conditioner you should seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local businesses almost immediately. You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and TalkLocal will do the rest. Within minutes your should be connected with a qualified HVAC company.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Is JailBreaking your iPhone Legal?

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Jailbreaking is when you hack the operating system of an iPhone to allow any and all applications to run. This includes applications that may not necessarily be authorized by Apple. Jailbreaking your phone is technically legal, but it will expose you to a wider range of threats and void your warranties.

Is jailbreaking your iPhone legal? Federal regulators have recently declared that jailbreaking your iphone is legal. But while it won’t get you thrown in jail, it will make your life a lot more difficult. Both your phone service provider and phone manufacturer offer warranties with your iPhone, but both Verizon/AT&T and Apple’s warranties are declared void if you jailbreak your phone. When your iPhone is open to all those viral threats, no one is willing to touch it.

Apple maintains that the iPhone has succeeded so well in the marketplace because it a safe product to use. The stringent vetting process that each application goes through ensures that only legitimate clean apps make it through. By jailbreaking your iPhone you leave your device open to suffer from potentially catastrophic cyber attacks.

Most phone manufacturers, including Apple, claim that jailbreaking violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). On the other hand, the Electronic Frontier Foundation adamantly opposes making jailbreaking a crime because it limits the potential of the phone. If you are stuck trying to decide whether or not you want to jailbreak your iPhone you have two options: You can either jailbreak the iPhone and void your warranties or you can opt to use a non-Apple product like a Droid, LG, or Samsung phone. If you are not accident-prone and like the user interface of Apple, you should go with the first option. If you would prefer to keep your warranties, you can use other — less safe, but still reliable — options your service provider offers.

Continuing Problems

If you continue to have problems deciding what to do you should seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable phone businesses. You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and within minutes you should be connected to someone who can help you out.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Getting Rid of Crabgrass

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Crabgrass is an annual weed that typically appears out during the warmer months. Getting rid of crabgrass is possible if you utilize the proper tactics. In fact, it is possible to prevent crabgrass from growing in the first place. The best way of getting rid of crabgrass is prevention, so if you’re reading this article in mid-July, then manually de-weeding your lawn is pretty much the only way of getting rid of crabgrass.

The best prevention for crabgrass is to apply herbicides before the crabgrass sprouts. These herbicides come in either grainy or liquid form and work to kill the crabgrass seeds before they get a chance to fully germinate and allow seedlings to emerge. To successfully get rid of crabgrass before it emerges, timing is of the utmost importance. The best time to apply the herbicide is around your second regular mowing during the spring season.

Two of the top pre-emergent herbicides for killing crabgrass are Dimension and Tupersan. Dimension is safe to use on most lawns and provides a solution that lasts. Not all crabgrass emerges at the same time, so this extra time can be helpful at times. Tupersan is a unique herbicide because it does not damage germinating lawn grass seeds. Instead, it has fertilizers that help grass cover areas where crabgrass may sprout, and it has the herbicides to get specially rid of crabgrass.

The use of herbicide can be risky if you don’t use it properly, so make sure to follow these tips.

1) Irrigate your lawn in the areas where herbicide was applied, as water activates these pre-emergent herbicides.

2) If you use the herbicide and the effects aren’t working as they should, consider reapplying the herbicide. This is an important step, as not all crabgrass seedlings germinate at the same time, so reapplication may be necessary to kill some of the slower seeds.

3) Measure your lawn’s area and follow the directions on the herbicide label to make sure you don’t use too much or too little.

4) NEVER apply pre-emergent herbicides on new sod. Sod is especially prone to chemicals, so be careful what you use on it.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to get rid of your crabgrass infestations in no time. If you would prefer professional help, consider using TalkLocal to find a specialist for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in Landscapers | 1 Comment »

Are Pest Control Services Worth the Money?

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

A common question asked when dealing with termites and infestations is “Are pest control services worth the money?” Although pest control service costs can be high, sometimes they are necessary. If you’re experiencing significant pest problems, we recommend you hire a professional and get the job taken care of as quickly and easily as possible.

Considerations

– Infestation

If you notice a small infestation occurring in a specific region of the house, you can probably take care of the problem at home on your own. A small infestation can be treated by pest control products sold to homeowners. These are usually sold at stores such as Home Depot or Wal-Mart. With a huge infestation, or if the pests are in multiple areas, a pest control professional is your best bet. To completely eradicate a huge infestation, time and expertise is needed.

– Risk

A lack of expertise when it comes to pest control can put your children and pets at risk. Pest control products are usually not suitable for children or pets. Without knowing where or how to apply the product safely, this could end up being a danger to your household. Pest control services know how to apply pest control products safely. Another risk can be allergies. With children who suffer from allergies, hiring a professional is the best way to go. These professionals know how to accommodate your family in these specific situations.

– Product Access

Pest control services have access to stronger pest control products which can be dangerous when applied by a non-professional. Like we said before, home products are OK for small infestations, but usually do not have the strength to tackle large ones. Pest control services also have access to better equipment to apply pest control products such as high powered sprayers.

Pest control may be costly, but may actually save you money in the long run by efficiently and quickly exterminating your home. If you decide to hire a pest control professional, use TalkLocal. TalkLocal can connect you the best professionals in your area within minutes.

Posted in Pest Control | 2 Comments »

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