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Utilizing Pinterest

Pinterest has so much to discover! It is the perfect way to connect with people across the globe as they share their tips, tricks and ideas on a variety of topics-one of the most popular being DIY. You can explore everything from repairing couches, refurbishing chairs, modernizing desks and refinishing tables.
Pinterest gives you a variety of out of the box techniques to modify or build items for your home–if you know where to look. Make sure to “pin” your favorite posts so that you can easily refer and find the linked page later.

Ana White

Ana White is a blogger and craftsman who posts content on YouTube. She also has her own furniture website where she creates and designs quality pieces for home interiors. If you are interested in building a certain item, her detailed instructions and step-by-step videos will make your project come together easier.

Craft the Perfect Chair

When it comes to redesigning/crafting your chair, a great advantage is that you get to decide on a fabric, paint, design, details, or style. Be creative, be bold, and don’t be afraid to mix and match designs. Keep these tips in mind when making a DIY chair:

• Make sure it gives you support to hold you up
• Protect your floor
• Comfort is important

Support is important to make sure your chair has the strength to hold you up, especially when it’s something you use every day. Proper leveling and weight distribution is important to make sure you dont fall off or break your chair.

Make sure to protect your floor by adding chair glides or furniture pads to the bottom of each leg. This will prevent the bottom of the chair legs from leaving behind scratchmarks.

In order to properly enjoy a chair that you have crafted, it should be both comfortable and well crafted. To make it comfortable, consider adding cushions or soft fabrics.

The post DIY Yourself a Lively Living Space appeared first on McDowells Specialty Repairs.

After a certain period of time, your home will be in need of some repairs and remodeling. Paint will need touch-ups, furniture will become worn, and the lights will get dull. No matter the size of your home, replacing and repairing items on your property can be a long process.
Luckily, with the help of the experts at McDowells Specialty Repairs, an old home can become as good as new.

Lighten Up Your Basement

The basement of a home can be used for a variety of different purposes. There are numerous opportunities for this room as you go about remodeling your home.
Some common uses include:
Game room
Informal living room
Home theater
Storage room
Workout room

For a game room, we suggest including a flat-screen tv, pool table, foosball table, or pinball machine. A comfy couch and recliners for seating is a must for both game rooms and home theaters.
Workout rooms are also very common, especially in busy cities where transportation to the gym could be a hassle.
Popular home gym equipment includes a treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, a set of weights, and a space to stretch.
Basements are known to be darker rooms due to a lack of windows, but this isn’t something light fixtures can’t fix!
With the right supplies, you can install them yourself or contact a qualified handyman to do the job.

Picking the Perfect Paint

The perfect paint will depend on which room in the home you are fixing up.
Considering that the wall is the main feature of any room, a space with fewer windows usually tends to include bolder shades of color. On the contrary, rooms with natural light tend to have lighter or brighter color tones. There are many colors of paint to choose from to accomplish the look you want!

Living Room Paint and Design

Between family gatherings, hosting local events, or spending quality time with friends- the living room is the perfect space to entertain. This can sometimes be the biggest project during the remodeling process, which is why most people hire the services of a handyman to help get the job done.
The most common colors for a living room are
Green
Grey
Blue
Beige
Black

Grey and beige are subtle colors that will go well with almost any decor. Green, blue, and black are more unique, but can add a nice splash of color to any room!

Exterior Paint and Design

Common paint trends for the home exterior include dusty charcoals, muted pastels, and creamy whites.
Using the door to add a pop of color to your home is also very popular.
Adding character to the exterior of your house through the use of siding and wood has become more frequent over the years. These materials will come at a higher cost, but it will be worth it to get the perfect look that you and your family are searching for.

Siding should last around 20-40 years with low maintenance. The average cost of siding is around $12 per square foot.
However, costs can range up to $50 per square foot depending on the type of material, so it is important to contact several handyman companies to compare prices of installation. Since siding lasts a long time, you will not need to worry about a replacement service very often.

Wood comes at a lower cost and is often used for the walls or roof of a home. This type of roof can last between 15-30 years.In the event that you notice you have a leaky roof, be sure to contact a handyman as soon as possible so they can fix the holes to prevent further water damage. A small leak can turn into a larger issue if not taken care of immediately.

Cooking up the Perfect Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important features in home repairs or home remodeling, as many family dinners are hosted here.
There are many different appliances such as the sink, garbage disposal, drain, countertops, and refrigerator to take care of when redoing the kitchen. Although it seems like a lot to do, it is a fun project nonetheless. Aside from the repairing aspect, remodeling is the exiting part where you get to pick out paints, accent colors, backsplashes, cabinetry, and decor!

To find inspiration on what look you want to achieve, research popular design websites such as Pinterest, HGTV, and Instagram.
For example, if you happen to have a window in your kitchen, you can use the color pop technique for the outline. If your kitchen does not have a lot of natural light, statement lights would be a great addition.
Hiring the right company to conduct these services and fix what’s broken is very important.

Luxury Laundry Room

The laundry room is often forgotten, as it is typically kept in good condition.
In general, as long as the machines are not broken and in need of repair, there is not much to do in this room. To make it feel new, you can add extra cabinets and drawers for more organization, or some new flooring in the remodeling process of your home.

Making your Bathroom Beautiful

In many homes, there are multiple bathrooms that may need to be touched up a bit.
Poor water pressure is a sign that your pipes need repair or the toilet needs repair. Any qualified handyman will have the right tools to fix any drain, toilet, or pipe.
After determining what needs repair, picking out a design or paint color is the best part! Since this room does not always have the most natural light, we recommend adding additional light fixtures or paint that is lighter in color.

Finalizing your dream home

Conducting an entire home remodel comes with its challenges, but it sure is a memorable process! It can take what seems to be forever. However, the end result is always worth it.
Make sure to check out McDowells Specialty Repairs to get a free estimate on furniture upholstery and wood repairs, as well as expert services for your next auto repair!

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The Steps to Paintless Dent Repair

Once you notice a dent in your car, you can either try to fix it yourself with an at-home dent repair kit or you can bring your car into our shop to let the professionals take care of it.

If you choose to let the professionals handle it, your car’s repair should ideally be done within the same day depending on the severity of the damage.

Paintless dent repair involves four steps…

1. Assess Damage

The first step is to identify whether or not the dent is suitable for paintless dent repair.

If your dent falls into the categories of sharp, crease, or bodyline dents and was caused by harsh weather, shopping carts, or small fender benders, there is a good chance it will be repairable.

Our expert technicians will examine the dent to assess its size and degree of damage. If they determine that it is a good candidate for paintless dent repair, then we move forward to the next step in the process.

3. Take a Thorough Look at the Dent

Now that there is a clear view of the underside of the dented panel, another evaluation of the dent is necessary before moving on to the repair.

This intermediary step allows our team to develop a better understanding of how deep and wide the dent really is. Doing so allows us to create a plan on how to go about the repairing process to ensure that the repair goes smoothly.

4. Work the Dent Out

The final step in paintless dent repair requires the most patience.

Our team of experts use high-quality tools and machinery to carefully massage out the dent from the underside of the panel.

Our goal is to prevent the body from undergoing further damage, so this is the slowest part of the entire process. Precision and patience are key to receiving the best results possible.

Once the dent has been repaired, we simply return the surrounding panels and lights then your car is good to go!

The likelihood of a dent being able to be fixed all depends on the severity of its depth, size, and its location on the vehicle.

Some dents that are as small as a dime but very deep will not be able to be fixed using paintless dent repair because the metal is too stretched out. However, dents that are the size of a dinner plate or larger but very shallow can be fixed successfully.

As stated above, access to the dent is crucial. In order to perform paintless dent repair, we need to be able to get behind the dent. If we can get in there, we can massage the dent out.

Places like some quarter panel opening lips, some forward areas of heavily braced hoods, or the very edges of some panels may be considered bad locations.

Common Dent Causes

Auto accidents are not the only cause of damaged car panels. There are numerous ways a car can become dented. Runaway shopping carts, backing up into a garbage can, bad weather, and aimless soccer balls are just some of the culprits behind the toughest and deepest dents.

At McDowells, our dent repair experts are trained to take care of these dents in an economical, convenient, and environmentally friendly way.

We specialize in hail damage, crease dents, sharp/ deep dents, large dents, and bodyline dents. In general, as long as the paint is not too severely damaged, you can have peace of mind that we’ll be able to fix it!

Benefits to Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair allows you to erase dents without the need to perform in-depth bodywork. It takes skill and precision, so it’s extremely important to choose a reputable and experienced repair shop for the job.

McDowells’ dent technicians are the best in the Treasure Valley and will handle even the toughest and deepest dents.

At McDowells, we do paintless dent repair the right way, resulting in you receiving some impressive benefits.

Significant Cost Savings

Paintless dent repair doesn’t require grinding, fillers, primers, repainting, or Bondo because the original factory paint is not disturbed.

Because of this, paintless dent repairs are typically between one-quarter to one-third the cost of conventional dent repair.

Greater Convenience

Paintless dent repair can save you time!

The same repair that may take weeks at a traditional body shop will only take a few hours to a day with paintless dent repair.

Vehicle Value Retention

Dents repaired with paintless dent repair have no need to be sanded or repainted, meaning that your car can keep its original paint job.

This typically helps your car retain its value, meaning it’s worth more should you someday want to sell it.

No Color-Matching Concerns

No matter the color of your car, color-matching is never perfect. Even if you know the exact paint used on your car, the formula may not turn out the exact same way every time it is recreated. It will be close, but there may be slight imperfections in the shade or hue of the color.

With paintless dent repair there’s nothing to paint, so you don’t need to worry about having a discolored car panel.

Environmentally Friendly

Traditional body shop dent repairs involve paint, chemicals, and other toxins being used extensively.

Paintless dent repair keeps the original factory paint on your vehicle, meaning that none of these toxins are released into the atmosphere.

Our experienced and highly trained technicians are experts in paintless dent repairs. Save your time and money and allow us to repair your car correctly. If you are interested in a paintless dent repair, contact https://mcdowellsrepair.com/ for a free quote today!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Paintless Dent Repair appeared first on McDowells Specialty Repairs.

Imagine. You’re driving down a long and winding road in the middle of a white winter forest. The sun is blinking it’s way through the frost-covered pine trees, the windows are down and a cool crisp air fills your car with vigor and satisfaction.
Maybe you’re on your way to Sun Valley, ID to enjoy the famously sunny slopes, or maybe you’re headed for one of Idaho’s 130 luxurious hot springs. Whatever adventure awaits you, it’s undeniable that the beauty of Idaho’s winter landscape is breathtaking.

But don’t be fooled…
Whether you are an Idaho native or just here for a visit, winter road trips can quickly turn from epic adventure to tragic disaster if you aren’t careful. Black ice and whiteout snow storms are only a few of the extreme hazards that mother nature likes to throw our way during the winter.

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled 20 winter road trip essentials to help you avoid these dangers and keep your winter wonderland a place for fun and adventure.

 

Before You Go

Thorough preparation is important before heading out on your epic journey and you want to make sure you are equipped for anything and everything- though, hopefully you won’t need it. Before embarking on your adventure, we suggest the following precautions.

1. Know Where You’re Going– Occasionally, your GPS may lose service or lose battery life, leaving you without navigation. If you are unfamiliar with your drive, we suggest mapping out your destination and writing down a second set of directions before you leave. Always familiarize yourself with your destination directions but bring a hard copy map with you as well. You never know when a detour may be necessary.
2. Check the Weather– Weather conditions can change drastically while on your trip. While it’s best to avoid driving in extreme weather conditions, we understand that emergencies happen or sometimes not driving is not an option. Checking the weather beforehand will at least give you an idea of what you are getting yourself into so that you are not caught unprepared in a possible whiteout storm.
3. Pack an Emergency Kit– This includes an extra jacket, blankets, phone chargers, extra flashlights, and non-perishable snacks (Granola bars, protein bars, water bottles etc). These extra necessities will certainly come in handy if you happen to be stuck on the side of the road waiting for aid.
4. Car Adapter for Phone and GPS– You probably already have a car charger for your phone- but make sure it works and that it is in fact, in your car. A dead phone eliminates your ability to contact anyone for help in an emergency.
5. Spare Tire– Make sure that your car has a spare tire and car jack in case of a flat tire. You do not want to be left stranded in the cold. If you don’t know how to change a tire, there are plenty of tutorials we recommend familiarizing yourself with just in case of emergencies.

Car Care

There are several ways to prepare your car for the winter that are essential before your road trip. You don’t want your car to be the reason your trip is canceled.

1. Fill her up!– This may seem obvious, but filling your tank up before you go and filling up often during your trip is critical. Waiting until the last minute to fill up your tank in the middle of winter can be dangerous if you find yourself on long road trips in unpredictable weather conditions. Start your trip with a full tank and anticipate filling up every time you have half a tank or less.
2. Maintenance Check– Cooler temperatures will affect the way liquids interact with your car. Before heading on a long road trip, it’s a smart idea to have your car checked by a professional who can make sure that everything is working properly and ready for winter weather.
3. Headlights– We’ve mentioned this before in previous blogs, but clear headlights are extremely helpful in the wintertime. When you attend your maintenance check for your car, make sure that they defog your headlights. This will ensure your vision in a snow storm as well as help other cars be able to see you.
4. Ice Scraper– It doesn’t matter if you park in a garage or outside, when on vacation, an ice scraper is a must. It’s important to scrape the ice off of your windshield and mirrors- this is common sense. However, a lot of people try to rush the scraping job by not brushing the snow off the top of the car. This is a mistake for a couple of reasons. If the snow falls onto your windshield from the roof, it can impair your eyesight. It could cause even more damage if the snow dumps off your windshield and onto a car behind you. Avoid causing damage to yourself and others by thoroughly scraping all the ice and snow from your car.
5. Tire-Chains– Black ice and slick roads go hand in hand with winter and snow. Because of the slickness of the roads, it’s easy for your car to hydroplane or slide on the road. Tire chains are super easy to put on your tires yourself and will help add traction to your vehicle.

Driving

Usually, a good rule of thumb is to avoid driving in the snow if at all possible. But we’re talking about your road trip here! We want you to get to your destination safely, and that means understanding that driving in the snow is different than you’re used to.

1. Drive with your lights on day and night– As we mentioned before, having clear headlights is critical for your car visibility. Driving with your headlights on allows for better visibility not only for you, but also for your fellow drivers. Seeing in a whiteout is hard enough as it is, this small step can easily make things easier.
2. Keep your distance– When driving and stopping behind another vehicle, make sure to keep a distance of at least 3 cars ahead of you. When there is snow or ice on the road, the chances of you sliding into another car is highly likely.
3. Slow Down– Speaking of sliding into other cars, don’t rush your driving in the snow. The faster you’re going, the harder it’s going to be to stop and it’s no secret that small dents are less expensive to repair than a totaled car. If you do find yourself in this situation, McDowells does exterior auto repair at affordable costs.
4. Take Your Time– I know I sound like a broken record, but if you have to be somewhere at a certain time, leave early. Allow yourself the extra time to navigate through the snow and be prepared for any sort of traffic or emergency.
5. Avoid Cruise Control at All Costs– When you are trying to maintain a certain speed, cruise control can be tempting. But with the dangers of black ice, the chances of your car hydroplaning are high. If this happens while in cruise control, it will be difficult to gain control of your car because it will be trying to maintain the initial speed. Keep yourself safe and keep your cruise control off.

In Case of Emergency

 

1. Pack a shovel– We hope this doesn’t happen to you on your trip, but occasionally you get stuck deep in the snow. It’s hard to realize how deep some snow is and getting stuck happens often. Make sure to pack a shovel to help you free your car from the snow.
2. Kitty Litter or Sand– On the rare occasion that you do get stuck in the snow, kitty litter or sand can help create traction between the ground and your tires in the wet snow.
3. Flare– No, we aren’t being dramatic. Sometimes the snowy weather gets so thick, it’s hard to see the car in front of you. If you have called for help or need a helping hand, your car may be hard to see. The flare will help others know that you are stranded and in a state of emergency.
4. Jumper Cables– Help yourself to help yourself. There is an abundance of kind people willing to help in times of need. However, if your car battery dies, jumper cables are a MUST and if the kind person stopping to help you doesn’t have them, well… you’re back at square one. Keeping jumper cables in your car is something we recommend rain or shine, winter or summer.
5. First Aid Kit- Once again, we hope you won’t need it, but better to be safe than sorry! Make sure to always keep a first aid kit in your car in case of emergencies. Slick roads and ice storms make preparations for injury hard to predict.

By following these guidelines, your winter adventure should be a fun and carefree experience.However, should you get yourself into some trouble and need repairs from those other unprepared drivers, McDowells Specialty Repairs can help you out! We specialize in paint-less dent repair, paint scratch touch up, headlight restoration, window tinting, headliner replacement, upholstery repair, hard plastic dash and door panel damage.

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Restore Your Headlights

Winter visibility – or lack thereof – can make driving a little bit scary. It’s especially dangerous here in Idaho, where the plethora of rural roads and their lack of streetlights make normal nighttime visibility low.
It’s extremely important to make sure that your headlights are clear and shining brightly to guide your way through the darkness and heavy layers of fog. If your headlights are yellowed or foggy, they won’t be able to do their job properly.
At McDowells, our expert technicians will restore your headlights to their former brightness, often in the span of just a few hours! This new clarity will help you see better and feel safe as you drive home on these cold December nights.

Wash and Wax Your Car

Many people tend to avoid washing their car during the winter because there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to keep that spot-free shine for long.
Contrary to this belief, however, you should absolutely be washing your vehicle during the winter. Salt and sand spread on the road as deicers which both cause damage your undercarriage and wreak havoc on your paint job.
Washing your car can save you from needing an expensive paint job in the future. As a bonus, you’ll also get the satisfaction of having a clean and shiny car!

Take Care of Your Wipers

Winter in the Treasure Valley means snow flurries and rainfall. To drive safely, you’ll need some trustworthy windshield wiper blades and strong wiper fluid.
Over time windshield wipers crack and split. Slow and squeaky blades don’t perform well enough to handle rainy or snowy weather.
We recommend changing your wiper blades to be more durable and winter ready.
Even with the best wipers, the snow and rain can still leave grime on your windows. Make sure to top off your wiper fluid reservoir to ensure a crystal-clear drive.

Check Out Your Tires

One of the best things you can do to prepare for winter weather is to invest in a nice set of snow tires. Not only do they provide you with the necessary grip and traction to prevent slipping, they also are made of rubber that is flexible even in lower temperatures.
No matter what type of tire you use, it’s always a good idea to check up on the tread of your tires. It should be at least 5/32” for the best winter traction.
If your tread is 2/32” or below, they will offer virtually no traction and should be replaced regardless of the time of year.
An easy way to test your tire tread is to use the Penny Test. Simply stick a penny into your tire’s treads with Lincoln’s face pointed toward the tire. If his head disappears, you’re good to go. If you can still see his entire head, it’s probably time to replace your tire.
Make sure to test every tire in multiple places to get the most accurate result from the Penny Test.

Change Your Oil

In order for your engine to run properly, it needs proper lubrication. During winter, the oil in your car used to lubricate the engine thickens, making it harder to circulate through the engine effectively.
Keep your engine running smoothly by making sure that you have fresh oil in your car.
Consult your owner’s manual, mechanic, or dealership to determine if thinner oil during the winter months would be a viable replacement.

Put Together an Emergency Kit

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so we recommend putting together an emergency kit to keep in your car.
Your kit should include the basics: first aid supplies, water, food, flares, a knife, phone chargers, a crank flashlight, blankets, and shelf stable food items.
You may also want to pack an extra jacket, a shovel, a jack, car cables, and kitty litter or sand for traction.
We recommend keeping your emergency kit in an easily accessible place. Only place it in your trunk if you are sure you could get to it in an emergency.

Call a Professional to Repair Chips and Dents

Whether the neighborhood kids accidentally hit your car with a hard snowball, or a chunk of ice flew off the truck in front of you, chips and dents can still happen in the winter!
If this happens to you, don’t sweat it. Call the pros!
At McDowells Specialty Repair, our team of experts will take care of those dents in no time. We’ll make it look as good as new!
Give McDowells a call today!

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The best way to feel prepared and make sure that you don’t forget anything is to make a checklist. Writing all the important things you may need helps you feel organized. It’s easy to miss the little things when you are packing for multiple people or in a rush. You wouldn’t want to forget your contacts, pairs of socks, a charger, or other important items. We recommend starting a checklist at least a week before you leave, you can continue to add things to it throughout the days leading up to you departing. Make sure to double check it before you leave to make sure you got everything. Here is a sample packing list with everything you can think of – and some stuff you didn’t!
Another thing to help you feel prepared for a trip is by bringing extras. Extra food, chargers, underwear, and other items to loan to others if they forget or if emergencies happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and it’s helpful if you were to encounter a delayed flight or other issues along the way.

Get Repairs out of the way!

Are there repairs and things you need fixed but never have time? Everyone is busy and it’s hard to carve out time for important things that will take away your necessary vehicles, so there’s no better time to get them fixed than while you’re away. If your vehicle has a dent, scratch or damaged interior, leave your vehicle with us while you go on vacation. You’ll come back to it looking good as new.
Our service area covers vehicles at the Boise Airport. If you leave your cars parked at the Boise Airport, we can send one of our mobile repair units out to do any exterior repairs. You can also drop your car off at our Boise location, and we will give you a ride to and from the airport. We understand that traveling can be stressful and we want to make sure our repairs help save you some stress. There’s nothing better than coming back to resolved issues after all.
If you have any questions about how repairs work while you’re away, feel free to check out our website or call us today and we can answer any questions.

Home Management Systems

Making sure your home is set to the right security settings and having everything turned off is important when traveling. If you are gone for just a day, it’s not as important, but if you plan to be gone for a week or longer you’ll want to make sure your home is in good shape.
Full integrated smart home systems are expensive, but they can save you money over time. There are smart systems that can lock doors, turn on lights, video your home, alert you of movement, and more. These can help you have peace of mind while you are away. Smart thermostats can also allow you to remotely control your home’s temperature. Lower the temperature while you are away so you can save money, and remotely raise the temperature so your home is nice and warm when you return.
These smart systems are continuing to get smarter. Nowadays you can also control everything on your phone through various apps. Whether you are using Amazon Alexa, Nest, Alert 360, Ring, or another security system, they will help to keep you and your loved ones safe by keeping tabs on your home while you are away.

Inform your Neighbors and Loved ones

Before you head off on your trip, don’t forget to tell a family member or trusted neighbor that you are leaving. This makes sure you have someone looking out for your home, bring your mail in, and care for your plants. It’s also nice to know someone is looking out for you and is aware of your whereabouts. You will also have someone making sure you arrive safely and come home safely.
Now that you are feeling comfortable and prepared for your upcoming trip, it’s time to enjoy your vacation! Take those pictures, send a postcard or two, and relax. When you come back your plants will still be growing, your vehicles will be fixed, and you will feel refreshed from your time away! You’ll be able to pick up your fixed car at the Boise Airport, and driving home with it will be the cherry on top of a good trip.
If you want to get your vehicle fixed before or after your travel or have other issues you need to be fixed, check out our website. Contact us today to hear more about our services and the ways we can help you!

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Why Do You Need A Smoke Alarm?

Smoke alarms will warn you of a fire when you are asleep or if you are busy in another room in your home. They will provide you with extra warning time even when you are awake and they will make a very loud beeping noise that will wake you up if you are asleep. A common misconception is that you will smell the smoke of a fire and it will wake you up from even a deep sleep. Even if you’re awake, people believe they will smell a fire that may have started in a different room of the house. These myths are NOT true. Many fires produce odorless gases that are extremely toxic. You will not be able to smell these gases until it is much too late. If you are sleeping, you will be overcome by these gases before even having the time to wake up first. Smoke alarms are life saving warnings that allow you to wake up and get out of your house before you are trapped by the fire or smoke.
Smoke alarms are inexpensive. Battery-operated smoke alarms are available for under $10. Batteries for the smoke alarms can be purchased for around $1 or $2 each. Some of the more modern smoke alarms are available with lithium lifetime batteries. These smoke alarms can be found for approximately $20 and can last for up to 10 years.

Installing Smoke Alarms

One smoke alarm is not enough. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that each floor of a home should have at least one smoke alarm and there should be one smoke alarm outside of each sleeping area in your home. For example, you live in a home with a basement, a first floor with one bedroom, and a second floor with three bedrooms. You will need one smoke alarm in the basement, at least two on the first floor, and at least three on the second floor – one outside of each bedroom. The best place for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling. Try to avoid installing smoke alarms in areas that regularly become hot or cold such as near windows, doors or fireplaces. It’s best to avoid installing smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms where steam is common. You should also not install smoke alarms in garages or attics. Read the instructions on the manufacturer instructions for your smoke alarms to make sure everything is done properly.

How To Maintain A Smoke Alarm

Maintenance is the key to safety. Many people have smoke alarms that don’t work. Having a smoke alarm that doesn’t work can be a fatal mistake. Like most equipment in your home, smoke alarms require proper maintenance. The first requirement is to change the batteries in your smoke alarms. For most smoke alarms, you will need to change the batteries once a year. If you have a 10-year lithium powered alarm, you may need to change the batteries only when the alarm fails a test. A smart way to remember when to change your batteries and when to test your smoke alarms is to do it every time you change your clocks for Daylight Savings time every fall and spring. Use quality batteries and after installing, test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working. Most smoke alarms have low battery alert alarms that beep when the battery is low. If you hear this, change the batteries immediately.
Testing a smoke alarm is also important. To do so, push the test button on the alarm. If the alarm sounds, it has passed the test. If the alarm does not sound, change the batteries and try again. If the alarm still does not sound, the alarm is defective and it needs to be replaced.
Cleaning your smoke alarm is also important. The alarm vents can sometimes become clogged with dirt or dust. This will cause the smoke alarm to not work properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the vents. In most cases you can use a vacuum cleaner. Just be sure to NEVER paint a smoke alarm; the paint will clog the vents and the smoke alarm will be useless.
Smoke alarms save lives. If your home has smoke alarms, make sure they’re clean, up to date on maintenance, and have new batteries. We understand that this can be overwhelming and that is why we are here to help. Call us today and we will have one of our trusted professionals come out to your home and make sure you and your family’s lives are in good hands.
Also connect with McDowells on Facebook page for updates, before and after photos, promotions, and more!

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Vacations Within Driving Distance

Searching for a relatively close vacation destination? Look no further than some of Idaho’s natural treasures! Every place on this list is under 4 hours away and boasts amazing scenery and experiences. They’re perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Craters of the Moon

While space travel might not be perfectly feasible just yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t set foot on the alien terrain of the moon. Welcome to Craters of the Moon, a vast ocean of lava-coated terrain located on the northern rim of the Snake River Plain. Explore the wonderfully weird landscape or camp out under the stars as you admire the 750,000 acres of 15-million-year-old lava fields, cinder cones, and fissures. Don’t miss hiking to the top of the Inferno Cone for the best view of the entire park.

Bruneau Sand Dunes

Discover the mysteries of the desert at Bruneau Sand Dunes! With a peak 470 feet above the desert floor, Bruneau Sand Dunes boasts the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America. During the day you can explore the dunes on foot or horseback, fish in the lakes at the foot of the dunes, and sand surf to your heart’s content. At night, check out Idaho’s largest Observatory and view the midnight sky through their collection of telescopes.

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Plunging 7,913 feet into the riverbed below, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. Take a hike through the Seven Devils Mountains, raft the Snake River, watch for abundant wildlife, and explore rustic remains of early miners and settlers all in one trip! Be sure to take a jet boat tour through the canyon’s towering walls of green and black basalt. One thing is for sure, no matter who you are, Hells Canyon has something for you.

Yellowstone Bear World

Have a once in a lifetime experience at Idaho’s #1 wildlife attraction, Bear World. Come face to face (from the comfort of your personal vehicle) with free-roaming elk, bison, white-tail deer, Rocky Mountain goats, moose, grey wolves, and the American black bear and grizzly bear. Interact with hundreds of exotic butterflies at the new Butterfly Haven. You can also go behind the scenes with the keepers and bottle feed bear cubs!

Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage

With your destination set, you need to focus on keeping your expenses in budget. That means paying close attention to gas mileage. Make sure your vehicle has properly inflated tires and good alignment, try driving at slower speeds, go easy on gas and brake pedals, and properly use your cruise control to achieve better fuel efficiency. There are also a number of additional vehicle modifications that can help you drive more cost-effectively.

Weight Reduction

For every additional 100 pounds in a vehicle, fuel consumption experiences a 1% to 2% increase. This may not seem like much to begin with, but in the face of rising gas prices it can be the tipping point of an affordable trip. Plus, the smaller your vehicle is, the more it is impacted by the excess weight. When packing for your road trip, consider your luggage and leave behind anything you don’t actually need.
Can’t narrow down what you’re bringing? No problem. You can also remove or replace parts of your vehicle, for example, removing unused roof racks, taking out unused seats, or replacing your spare tire with a can of tire sealant.

Pickup Truck Caps

Pickup trucks are perfect, sturdy road trip vehicles. Sadly, their open bed functions as a wind trap, reducing the truck’s aerodynamics and causing substantial drag, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency. Consider investing in a truck cap or tonneau cover to allow air to flow smoothly over the back of the truck.

Fluid Modifications

Using low viscosity engine, transmission, and differential oils can help improve gas mileage. You can also reduce resistance by purchasing synthetic oils, as they have a more stable viscosity in changing temperatures. The synthetic oils are a bit more expensive, but they don’t break down as quickly as conventional oils. Make sure to consult your car’s manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing any fluids for your vehicle.

What to Keep in Your Car for a Road Trip

The last step to your trip is deciding what to pack. Besides your playlist, luggage, and a thirst for adventure, there are a few road trip essentials you need to bring along on your journey. Use this list as a checklist to make sure you don’t leave anything behind!

First Aid Kit

From minor scrapes and scratches to wound dressings for more serious injury, a first aid kit should absolutely be in every traveler’s repertoire. Having a first aid kit can be a lifesaver during a road trip, as being prepared is the key to surviving an emergency.

Extra Water

Water is necessary for survival, but it can also serve multiple other purposes in your car. If necessary, it can be used as coolant, and it can also be used in the windshield wiper tank. If you become stranded, having extra water can quite literally be the difference between life and death. Keep at least one gallon of extra water in your vehicle during your travels.

Jumper Cables

You don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road due to a dead battery, so make sure to pack some jumper cables. Your cables should be at least 10 feet long and coated with no less than 8 gauge rubber.

Non Perishable Snacks

One of the best things about road trips are the snacks! Be sure to stock up on snacks like dried fruits, nuts, granola, crackers, jerky, and cookies. These cost effective foods will save you money, keep you full, and give you that sweet and salty fix we all crave while driving. As an added benefit, nonperishable foods are extremely handy just in case an emergency makes your vehicle immobile.

No matter where you’re journeying this summer, make sure your car is comfortable and road trip ready with a redone interior or exterior from the experts at McDowells! Leaving additional vehicles at home during your road trip? You can conveniently leave them with us and let us take care of any needed repairs while you’re not using them! For auto and recreational repairs contact us today!

The post The Ultimate Road Trip Guide appeared first on McDowells Specialty Repairs.

Take Them For Walks During Stops

If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, it is important to take your animal for a walk so they don’t get riled up while driving. If you happen to forget to stop or give them a potty break, they could see the whole RV as a playroom and bathroom. Aside from it being hard to clean, stained carpentry or ripped, torn, and snagged furniture can be an eyesore while listing your RV for sale in the future. One way to avoid this is to shop for RVs without much carpet and use McDowells RV repair to fix any damages you or your pet have created.

Treat them with Treats

Pets can get nervous while on the road because they are not used to that kind of atmosphere. When traveling, it is important to pack for your pet – water and food bowls, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, and most importantly, treats. Treats are essential to settle down your pet so they don’t get bored and chew on the furniture instead, and treats are always a solid way to reward good behavior. Keep you and your pet comfortable by giving them their favorite treats and hope they fall asleep while traveling.

Find a Pet Friendly Campground

Pet friendly campgrounds can be great for your pet because they offer recreational areas, power plug-ins for temperature control, and other furry friends for your animal to play with. Beware that you must be careful when planning because some campgrounds have breed restrictions and all shots must be up to date. Leaving your animal at the campground can be especially risky if your RV does not have sufficient air ventilation or air conditioning. Dogs can get anxious when their owner is away for a period of time. When dogs get anxious they tend to chew or tear up anything they can find, so make sure your dog is trained or calm enough to not tear the RV up (or take them with you!). If they do happen to ruin furniture, McDowell’s leather repair specializes in:

• Holes
• Scratches
• Tears
• Shredded armrests
• Chewed up chair legs

Whether you’re going on a three week road trip or a weekend camping trip, extra preparation for your pet is key. Be sure they have enough space and time to play on the road or in a pet-friendly campground and have a sufficient amount of treats, food, and water so they can enjoy their vacation too. If not, they may ruin your RV’s wood, furniture, or leather – but don’t worry, you can always contact McDowells to get it fixed!

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