But what if I told you a simple product most people have lying around the house could simplify this whole process? If you have dryer sheets in your laundry room, they’re about to change how you clean your toilet forever.

How To Use Dryer Sheets To Clean a Toilet

Dryer sheets are made of polyester or other cellulose fibers, which happen to pick up hair and dust on the surface of a toilet than a wet sponge. Instead of going right in with something wet, put on a pair of gloves and run a dryer sheet over all the toilet surfaces. It will act like a lint roller, picking up all the dry muck on your seat and leaving it prepped for you to go in with your wet cleaning products for a perfect clean.

Check out TikTok user @The MatureCleaner using the method:

@theamateurcleaner Makes it easy to clean#cleantok #fyp #cleaninghacks #viral #housekeeper #houskeeepingtip #hack #home #trending midnight rain x daylight – kait .

If you’re concerned about wasting precious dryer sheets using this method, know you needn’t use a brand-new sheet to take advantage of it. The sheet’s fabric picks up the dust, not the softeners and fragrances it’s coated with.

Save your dryer sheets after drying your clothes. You can then use them again while cleaning your bathroom.

Alternatives To Dryer Sheets

As an alternative to using dryer sheets to dust your toilet, you can use dry pads for dry mops, like the Swiffer Sweeper, to achieve the same effect. However, this method eliminates the benefit of reusing the pads like you can with a dryer sheet (you wouldn’t want to clean your toilet with a dry pad you just used on your dirty floors).

The post A Used Dryer Sheet Can Make Cleaning Your Toilet So Much Easier appeared first on Family Handyman.

Take the tiny, unassuming slot on your gear shift, for instance. Tucked away in most cars, it’s so discreet that many drivers go years without noticing it. And even if you do spot it, chances are you’ll shrug and move onuntil you really need it.

Ahead, we’ll uncover the purpose of that oft-overlooked slot and explain why it’s a lifesaver hiding in plain sight.

What Is the Little Slot On My Gear Shift?

That little box resembling a tiny SD slot either to the left or right side of your gear shift is actually a compartment that houses the shift lock release button. In some cars, the button is not hidden in a compartment.

What Does the Shift Lock Release Button Do?

Cars with automatic transmissions come with shift lock, a safety feature that prevents drivers from shifting into a different gear unless the car is on and your foot is on the brake. While this feature is necessary to avoid unnecessary accidents, there’s a slight chance that it could also prevent someone from moving their car when it brakes down.

For example, if your car’s battery dies and you need to move it to be serviced, you wouldn’t be able to shift it into neutral and push the car without stepping on the brake. The shift lock release button solves this issue, as it allows you to override the shift lock feature to shift your vehicle into the desired gear.

How To Use the Shift Lock Release Button

Depending on your vehicle, the shift lock release may be activated with varying levels of ease.

If your shift lock release button isn’t hidden behind a compartment, you can simply press and hold the button down to activate it and shift your car into neutral. Once you’ve moved the car to the desired location, remember to shift it back into park using the same method.

However, if your shift lock release is hidden behind a compartment with a slot, the process is slightly more complicated:

• First, you’ll need a flat tool (like a key or a screwdriver) to remove the compartment’s lid, exposing the button. Simply press your tool into the slot and leverage it to lift the lid off the compartment.
• Once the compartment is removed, the shift release button will most likely be recessed inside the compartment. Use the same tool you used to remove the lid to compress and hold down the button.
• Once the vehicle is moved, use the same tool to compress the shift lock release and shift the car back into park before replacing the lid on the button’s compartment.

The post What Is the Little Slot Next to the Gear Shift In My Car? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Fortunately, there’s an easy hack that will prevent your windows from fogging up, and hey, we could all use one less thing to worry about in the mornings.

Dangers of a Foggy Window

A condensation-caked windshield can be dangerous. You should never try to drive with a foggy windshield since it impairs your vision. Your car’s defrost setting will take care of the issue, but if you’re running late, you do not want to have to deal with those extra minutes of waiting. For this hack to prevent your windshield from fogging up in the first place, you only need three things: a tube sock, some kitty litter and something to help you pour the litter into the sock.

“The idea is that the litter, designed to absorb cat urine, will absorb the moisture in your car that causes glass to fog up,” explains Roslyn McKenna, car insurance publisher for Finder. McKenna and her team tested out the trick, and found that it does indeed work. “During our test, the car windshield and windows didnt fog up at all,” she said.

Some types of kitty litter will work better than others. Look for non-clumping or crystal litters. They work better than traditional clumping clay or pellet litter, according to Mckenna’s testing. As for the socks, choose something with material that’s as high-wicking as possible. You can use a roll of tape, an empty paper towel roll, etc. to help put the litter into the sock.

How To Prevent Car Windows From Fogging

First, take your kitty litter and fill the sock up to about where your ankle would begin. Use the tape roll or empty paper towel tube stuffed into the sock to help pour in the litter without making a mess. Finally, tie if off at the top of the sock.If you prefer, you can stuff the whole thing into a second sock for extra strength.

Now that you have your sock stuffed with litter and tied off, place it on your car’s dashboard every time you park and leave your car. Your fog problems will be a thing of the past.

If you forget to put the sock in the window when you park and the window fogs up, try running the litter-filled sock along the windshield to get better results than your hand or a hand towel. Keep it in the car so that you remember to use it.

Expert sources

• Roslyn McKenna is the insurance manager at ValuePenguin and former car insurance publisher at Finder.

The post Here’s an Easy Hack To Prevent Your Windshield From Fogging Up appeared first on Family Handyman.

Below, three tree experts Brady Self from Mississippi State University Extension Service, Jaret Rushing and Jacob Hackman from the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture and Jacob Hackman from the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture share their top tips for killing weeds in pine trees.

Can Weeds Growing on a Pine Tree Hurt the Tree?

In certain cases, weeds growing on a pine tree can hurt it. But this will depend on the type of weeds and the age and health of the pine tree.

Young pine trees are vulnerable to low-growing weeds like invasive grasses and broadleaf weeds that compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. But this risk passes once saplings grow tall enough. “As the tree gets older and establishes itself above competing vegetation, the impact of those weeds goes down exponentially to a point where there is very little impact on the growth or survival of the tree,” Self says.

But, older, more established pine trees can still be impacted by weeds. Unwanted trees, technically weeds, compete with pine trees and suppress their growth. “Any plant can be considered a weed if it’s growing in an area that it shouldn’t be,” Hackman says. “Although it sounds strange to think of trees as weeds, some species are invasive or can have devastating effects on overall forest health and should be removed or managed to maintain a healthy pine tree or forest.” Hardwood trees and pine tree saplings sprouting too close to established trees are common types of weed trees that grow under pines.

Climbing weeds are also a concern with older pine trees. Weeds like English Ivy, Virginia Creeper, Oriental Bittersweet and Kudzu can smother trees with their vines and leaves while blocking out sunlight. In extreme cases, the weight of the vines can cause tree limbs to break under their weight. “Vine control is important because climbing vines can choke out pine trees,” Rushing says, “and vines that have reached the canopy compete for resources with the tree.”

Can Weed Killer Kill Pine Trees?

Yes, weed killers can absolutely harm or kill pine trees, so they must be used carefully. “The wrong chemical applied in the wrong way can have devastating effects on a forest ecosystem and should be treated with the utmost respect and caution,” Hackman says.

“Always read the product label and “ask someone in the know if you are unsure of potential damage to pines,” Self says.

How to Kill Weeds in Pine Trees Without Killing the Pine Tree

To kill low-growing weeds in pine trees, like invasive grasses or broadleaf weeds, use a foliate-activated weed killer like glyphosate, the active ingredient in Round-Up. This type of herbicide only works when applied to living foliage, so it poses a low risk to pine trees. To avoid harming the tree, “apply it underneath tree foliage, and take care not to get it on the needles,” Rushing says.

There are other safe, natural weed killers available if you’re uncomfortable with glyphosate.

For larger weeds, like invasive trees, use a chainsaw or hand saw to cut them down. Wear protective gear and follow all safety protocols. Even when cut down, weed trees can return, requiring further action. “Many species of trees can resprout from the root system that remains underground,” Hackman says. He suggests trying a method called “hack and squirt,” where you create a wound in a tree trunk with a chainsaw or axe and then quickly spray herbicide into the wound. “[This] can be effective in completely killing the weed tree, but the time of year for this type of treatment can change its efficacy,” he says.

To remove invasive Norway Maple tree saplings from my yard, I use a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade. After cutting the sapling down, I dig away the soil from the roots and cut the roots with the saw as well. This is effective at preventing regrowth at the stump, which this tree species will often do.

Preventing climbing vines from getting established requires vigilance as they grow quickly. When young, pull them up by the root to remove them. To kill established climbing weeds, cut them down with loppers, remove as much of the root as possible and apply glyphosate to any remaining foliage or growth.

When Should I Call a Pro?

While killing weeds in pine trees is typically a manageable task for homeowners, there are some scenarios where you should call a pro.

If you have allergies to the weeds you’re trying to control, call a pro to avoid exposure. Also, if weed trees are taller than 10 to 15 feet tall, it may be best to hire a professional to safely fell them for you.

Still unsure you can tackle this on your own? Hackman recommends reaching out to local consultants. “Almost all 50 states have local county agriculture or forestry agents that can come perform a site visit to help or point you in the right direction free of charge. Most states will also have local Consulting Foresters and Arborists who are trained in herbicide applications and can perform the application for a fee,” he says.

About the Experts

• Brady Self is an Extension Professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and has over 20 years of professional forest herbicide experience.
• Jaret Rushing is a Forestry Extension Instructor with the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture and has over 17 years of experience.
• Jacob Hackman, PhD. is an Assistant Professor of Forest Management and Extension with the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture. Tips for killing weeds around pine trees without damaging their roots or healtheasy solutions for homeowners!

The post How To Get Rid of Weeds in Pine Trees Without Killing Them appeared first on Family Handyman.

With over 50 years in the auto repair industry, the complaint I have heard thousands of times was, my car doesn’t start, but then I turn the key off, and then it starts right up on the second try. There are numerous reasons why this can happen. My first question would be, does the engine crank over like it’s trying to start, or does it seem as if the battery is dead, where the engine just clicks or makes no sound at all?

With help from a General Motors master technician and my years of firsthand experience, we’ll share the most probable reasons why your car starts (hopefully) on the second try.

Is a Car Starting on the Second Try Bad?

Yes, a car not starting on the first try, but the second, is bad. Ever since the introduction of computer-controlled fuel injection and electronic ignition systems, an internal combustion engine (ICE) even in the coldest weather should start within two or three seconds. In fact, vehicles with auto start-stop technology are designed to restart in less than a half-second. Depending on the reason (mechanical malfunction, fuel system, ignition system, or electrical system), even if the engine does quickly start on the second try, it means something is wrong and needs to be fixed.

Additionally, cranking an engine for long periods of time weakens the battery, causes premature wear to the starter motor, and can stress other systems, including increased wear on engine components.

Reasons a Car May Start on the Second Try

There are several causes why a car may start on the second try rather than the first. To diagnose, there are a whole series of questions that need to be answered to help narrow down the problem and determine the appropriate repair, including, but not limited to:

• Was the engine hot or cold?
• Did the car sit overnight?
• Was the Check Engine Light or other warning lights on?
• Does the car idle and run okay otherwise?

Sometimes, there are DIY fixes to this problem, but here is info you can discuss with your mechanic if you need to visit the pros.

Fuel system

According to General Motors master technician Dave Zemaitaitis, the most likely cause of a car starting on the second try could be issues with the fuel system, like “a weak fuel pump, a leaking fuel line pressure regulator valve or a fuel pump check valve will not hold pressure,” which “allows fuel to drain back into the [fuel] tank.”

Zemaitaitis suggests drivers “turn the key to the run position and listen if you can hear the fuel pump running.” This is referred to as the “two-second prime.” If you hear the pump running and your car starts on the second try, the fuel system is the most likely culprit. If your car has a pushbutton starter instead of a key, without your foot on the brake pedal, pushing the start/stop button will place your car into the “run” position.

Other fuel-related causes include a clogged or dirty fuel filter or excess carbon in the intake valves. Try replacing the fuel filter and decarbonizing the engine yourself. Soft carbon on the valves can absorb fuel, particularly in colder weather, decreasing its ability to ignite. The same can happen if you use low-quality, contaminated or high-octane fuel in an ICE car calling for 87 octane. Add a decarbonizing cleaner to the fuel tank and clean other components of the fuel/air intake system before taking your car in for service.

Battery

A failing battery, a battery with loose or corroded battery terminals, or low voltage can cause your engine to not crank over on the first attempt but start on the second try. Clean the battery terminals, and check the battery and charging system for proper voltage.

Ignition system

Weak ignition coils, worn or dirty spark plugs, or degraded spark plug wires can all prevent your engine from starting on the first try. Replacing spark plugs and spark plug wires are all DIY tasks. However, diagnosing and repairing coil-over plug ignition systems (they have no spark plug wires) is best left to your mechanic.

Starter motor

If your engine clicks on the first try and then starts on the second try, the started motor or solenoid may be bad. Try cleaning the ground cable that attaches from the negative (-) battery terminal to the engine block. Unless you are comfortable working under your car, leave starter repairs to your mechanic.

Dirty or malfunctioning computer sensors

Any number of sensors that send information to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can cause all kinds of starting issues. For example, a failed coolant temperature sensor (CTS) can either flood an engine with too much fuel or starve the engine of fuel. Out of calibration, failing or dirty mass air flow (MAF) sensor, oxygen (O2) sensors, crankshaft or camshaft position sensors can keep an engine from firing up on the first attempt, while allowing it on the second try.

Check for trouble codes if you have a diagnostic code reader. Cleaning the MAF or replacing O2 sensors are DIY fixes. Leave crankshaft or camshaft position sensors to the pros.

Lack of maintenance

Sometimes, a dirty air filter can cause the engine to run with too much fuel, thick oil can keep an ICE from spinning fast enough to start, bad coolant can damage the CTS, or a dirty throttler body or idle air control (IAC) valve can affect the air-fuel mixture and hinder your car from staring on the first try. These are all basic DIY maintenance items to keep up with and ensure your car starts on the first try.

Meet the Expert

Dave Zemaitaitis has been a General Motors Master Technician for 23 years and currently works at O’Neil Buick/GMC in Warminster, PA., interview Dec. 16, 2024

Sources

Edmunds, “Do Stop-Start Systems Really Save Fuel?” (Dec. 16, 2024)

The post 6 Reasons Why Your Car Only Starts On the Second Try appeared first on Family Handyman.

@facesbyadi

This hack has saved so many of my Tupperware friends. Try it!!!! #fyp #cookingvideos #cookinghacks #lifehacks #hacks #stainremover #foryou #foryoupage

original sound – FacesByAdi

What’s The Hack to Get Stains Out of Tupperware?

Generally when my Tupperware gets stained, I soak it in a hot water and dish soap mixture to coax the stains off of the plastic. But FacesbyAdi’s hack claims to be faster. To get stains out of Tupperware, the TikToker recommends putting water, soap, and a paper towel in the stained dish. Then, put the lid on and shake it vigorously for 40-60 seconds. When FacesbyAdi takes off the lid and pours out the soapy mixture, the Tupperware container looks as good as new. The stains have vanished entirely.

Why Does This Hack Matter?

Plastic Tupperware stains quite easily, and these stains are a pain. They’re not technically a safety issue but stained dishes do look a little unsightly. Plus, leftover stains can make the dishes feel as though they aren’t clean enough. Is that reddish color harmless or is it a bit of oil that will go rancid? Getting the stains all the way out gives you some peace of mind, plus it will make your kitchen look a little more put together when you’re packing up leftovers for your guests to take home.

What Makes This Hack Work in Theory?

Heat helps to loosen up stains, and soap is lipid based. That means that it is drawn to other lipids, like the oil in the sauce stain on your containers. The agitation from the shaking builds up soap bubbles quickly and ensures that the mixture hits every square inch of the stained container. So in theory, these pieces combining together should pull stains off easily.

Does This Hack Actually Get Stains Off Tupperware?

The jury is out on whether or not this hack works. There’s also debate over whether it works better than simply soaking your Tupperware containers or leaving them in the sun to bleach. The video never explains why the paper towel is included. Some commenters guess that it’s there to absorb the grease, but that’s never confirmed. And several commenters seem to be convinced that the stained container is sneakily swapped out for a clean one at the end of the video.

The post This Viral Video Shows How to Get Stains Out of Plastic Containers the Easy Way appeared first on Family Handyman.

Only 81.7 percent of people riding in the backseat wear their seat belts, according to a press release from the NHTSA, compared to more than 91 percent of people in the front seat. The new rules are directly aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from passengers not wearing seat belts. The NHTSA estimates that these rules will prevent more than 50 fatalities and 500 injuries. Each year, an estimated 822 backseat passengers lose their lives, and another 11,000 suffer injuries from not wearing safety belts.

What Kind of Seat Belt Alerts Are Required By The New Rule?

The rule requires vehicles to provide a visual alert once the ignition is on and the seat belt isn’t in use for an occupied rear seat. Once the vehicle starts moving, the rule requires an audio alert as well, so something like the beeps, buzzes or dings cars sound now when the driver isn’t wearing their seat belt. Visual warnings must last for at least 60 seconds, while audio warnings must last for at least 30 seconds.

Some form of rear seat alert is already fairly common in newer cars. The agency says that approximately 47 percent of cars made in 2022 have that feature.

For the front seats, the new rule mandates that the audio and visual warnings be extended. The rule requires the audio warning for the front seats to work in two phases. The first must last at least 30 seconds. A second phase will activate only when the vehicle speed is moving at 6.2 miles per hour or faster and the seats are occupied but the seat belt is not in use.

What Kinds of Vehicles Does the New Seat Belt Warning Rule Cover?

Almost everything sold in the United States will be covered by the new rule: cars, trucks, busses (with the exception of school busses) and multi-purpose passenger vehicles with a weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

When Were Seat Belts First Required In Cars?

Knowing what we know now, it’s hard to believe that there was a time when carmakers weren’t required to install seat belts in vehicles. The Federal Government made it a requirement in 1968, but it wasn’t until 1984 that states started passing mandatory seat belt laws. New York was the first state do so in that year, and by 1995, every state but New Hampshire had a similar law on the books. New Hampshire still does not require adults to wear seat belts, but the Granite State does require passengers under 18 to be properly restrained with a seat belt or a car seat for passengers under 7 years or 57 inches tall.

When Did Seat Belt Alarms Become Mandatory?

Seat belt reminders have been around for a while, and the United States made them mandatory for drivers starting in 1972.

How Many Lives Are Saved By Seat Belts?

The NHTSA estimates that 14,955 lives were saved because of seat belt use when people were involved in a crash. In 2022, the agency reports that there were 25,420 fatalities in car crashes among vehicle occupants, and about 50 percent of those people were not wearing a seat belt.

According to the agency’s data, you risk of fatal injury in a passenger car drops by 45 percent for anyone in the front seats wearing a seat belt. Risk of moderate to critical injury drops by 50 percent. In light trucks, the risk of death drops by 60 percent and moderate to critical injury by 65 percent.

In other words, buckle up and make sure anyone riding in your car has their seat belt on, too. Let this be your official warning from your friends at Family Handyman.

The post What You Need To Know About the New Seat Belt Warning Rules appeared first on Family Handyman.

Improve Garden Soil

Ashes contain nutrients like potassium, magnesium and calcium that improve garden soil naturally. “I use a lot of ashes in my garden,” says Wilczek, as it can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. But test the soil’s pH levels before adding. “Wood ash is very alkaline with a pH level around 10 to 12 and can easily neutralize acidic soil,” Corbett says. “If added to soil with a pH level 6.5 or above, this can harm the plants.”

The post 18 Ways To Use Fireplace Ash appeared first on Family Handyman.

I used to own a 1960s-era Volkswagen Beetle, and while it definitely wasn’t a high-profile vehicle, it acted like one at times. It was very light and difficult to control in the wind, and it sometimes jumped lanes all by itself when crossing long bridges. High-profile vehicles can do that, too, but it’s because of their size, not their weight. It’s even possible to own a vehicle that wouldn’t normally be considered high-profile and turn it into one by carrying a load.

If all this has got you wondering what high-profile vehicles are and why you should care, we’ll tell you all about it ahead.

What Is a High-Profile Vehicle?

For some people, a high-profile vehicle may be one that’s flashy or more noticeable than a regular vehicle, but a better term for that would be “high-end.” As far as highway officials, such as the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA), are concerned, a high-profile vehicle is one that’s taller, wider or longer than other vehicles.

Because they have a large cross-sectional area, high-profile vehicles can get blown off course in high winds, causing accidents and road closures. Tall ones are more likely to topple over when making sharp turns at speed. Highway officials use the term “high profile” to provide guidelines for controlling traffic and preventing accidents in severe weather conditions.

Needless to say, high-profile vehicles can be more challenging to drive than regular ones, but design improvements are changing that.

Types Of High-Profile Vehicles

A list of high-profile vehicles would include the following:

• Commercial trucks: These include semi-tractor trailers, trucks that haul automobiles or boats, and cube vehicles, including box trucks. The U.S. Department of Transportation, along with the individual states, establish width and length requirements for these vehicles. There is no federal height requirement; the states establish that.
• Self-propelled and tow-along RVs
• Buses
• Panel trucks and Vans
• SUVs: SUVs tend to have high driving positions, which makes them high-profile, but few contemporary ones are as prone to tipping as earlier models, such as the ’90s-era Geo Tracker or Ford Explorer. In particular, EVs and hybrids have batteries that add extra weight near the wheelbase and lower their center of gravity.
• Pickup trucks carrying loads. A pickup truck with a topper or with anything strapped to the top or inside the bed, such as ladders or tools.
• Any vehicle towing something, such as a camping, boat or utility trailer.

Popular High-Profile Vehicle Models

The high-profile vehicles of most interest to an individual consumer who doesn’t have a commercial driver’s license would be RVs and SUVs.

RVs

There are three classes of self-propelled motor homes: Class A RVs resemble buses, while Class C ones have a profile that more resembles a pickup with a topper. Class B RVs, also known as camper vans, are arguably more popular because they tend to be smaller, easier on gas and more maneuverable.

Vans

MotorTrend magazine lists three top minivans for 2024/2025:

• Honda Odyssey
• Kia Carnival
• Toyota Sienna

Their picks for large vans are:

• Chevrolet Express
• Ford E-Transit
• Ford Transit

SUVs

SUVs differ from passenger cars by being bigger and roomier, but the choice of model is highly dependent on personal preference. According to U.S. News, the five most popular models in 2024 were:

• Kia Sportage
• Subaru Forester
• Ford Explorer
• Hyundai Tuscon
• Nissan Rogue
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Tesla Model Y
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4

Pros and Cons of High-Profile Vehicles

High-profile vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, are great for families, but historically, they have tended to use more gas and cost more to operate than passenger cars. But that was before the introduction of EV technology. Even so, it pays to check the MPGs before buying or leasing a vehicle. Here are some of the pluses and minuses of high-profile vehicles:

Pros

• Roominess: SUVs and vans have more passenger and luggage room than passenger vehicles. RVs are even roomier.
• Robustness: With their high wheelbases, which allow for navigation on rough terrain, SUVs are built for those who travel for adventure. This benefit does not necessarily apply to RVs.
• Towing power: SUVs and RVs generally have bigger, more powerful engines than smaller vehicles and can tow heavier loads.
• Safety: SUVs and RVs are solidly built, making injuries less likely in the event of an accident.

Cons

• Height restrictions: Because they are bigger than passenger cars, high-profile vehicles like SUVs and RVs don’t fit in every garage. If you own an RV, you need to be aware of exactly how tall it is, because it might not fit under some highway overpasses. You may need a special GPS function that warns you when there is a low overpass on your route.
• Susceptibility to wind: One of the main problems with a high-profile vehicle is that its large body can act like a sail on a windy day, creating a potential hazard for you and the cars around you.
• Driveability: When you’re driving a high-profile vehicle, you’re higher off the roadway than you are in a passenger car, and you have a larger vehicle to control. Both create challenges when you have to park.
• Fuel efficiency: Because they are larger and heavier than passenger cars, gas-powered SUVs and RVs (not hybrids or EVs) consume more fuel.

Is a High-Profile Vehicle Right for Me?

That depends on your needs. You may be compelled to purchase a high-profile vehicle to accommodate a large family, to transport tools and supplies for your job or simply to take a vacation. When it comes to an everyday vehicle for getting around town, my preference is a small car that’s economical to drive and easy to park, but some folks just like larger vehicles, and they have the budget to maintain one.

If you’re worried about not being able to handle a large vehicle, don’t be. Most contemporary trucks, vans and SUVs come equipped with driving aids, such as flashing side mirrors to detect cars in your blind spots, backup cameras, and detectors to help prevent collisions. You still need to have an intuitive feel for the size of your vehicle, though, or you could end up sideswiping another car while parking. One more thing: Before purchasing a large vehicle, make sure your garage has enough room to accommodate it.

Sources

• Mackinac Bridge Authority: What Vehicles Are Considered High-Profile?; 2023.
• MotorTrend: See Best Van; 2024.
• U.S. News: The 10 Best-Selling SUVs in 2024; 2024.

The post Everything to Know About High-Profile Vehicles appeared first on Family Handyman.

Ahead, learn all about blue stop signs, with help from Chief Jennifer Gundersen of the South Hadley, Massachusetts Police Department.

What Does a Blue Stop Sign Mean?

In the U.S., a blue stop sign still means to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding. These blue signs retain the octagonal shape of the standard stop sign but are not issued by state or federal authorities and are not official traffic control signs. However, they have the same intent as one.

Since the 1950s, all stop signs in the U.S. have been required to be red, as outlined in the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The red color was chosen for its visibility, and a national standard makes stop signs easy to recognize.

While blue stop signs are not used in the U.S. on official roadways, they do appear in other countries to indicate restricted access or no-entry zones.

What States/Countries Have Blue Stop Signs?

In the U.S., you should only encounter blue stop signs on private property. Large estates, ranches, private golf courses, or country clubs could use blue stop signs on their roads to indicate that drivers should stop. Hawaii, in particular, has many blue stop signs due to state laws prohibiting official road signs on private property. Blue stop signs allow property owners to still signal drivers to stop without violating these laws.

In countries like Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, you might encounter blue stop signs, but they have a different meaning than in the United States. Rather than signaling to stop and then proceed, these blue signs typically indicate restricted areas or no-entry zones. In this case, blue stop signs instruct drivers to turn around and not continue.

Even in countries where blue stop signs are officially used, red octagonal signs continue to be the standard for directing drivers to stop. In 1968, the United Nations developed international road sign standards to increase driver safety across bordering countries. The red octagonal stop sign is included in these international standards and is common throughout most of the world’s roadways.

Can I Put a Blue Stop Sign Near My Home?

If you have a large, privately-owned property with a system of roads within it, you can install a blue stop sign if you want to. However, “blue stop signs are not authorized on public ways,” Gundersen says, in Massachusetts or in any other U.S. state. This means that on municipal or public roads, you cannot legally install a blue stop sign.

There is also some ambiguity as to whether blue stop signs can be enforced. But regardless of its legal status, if you encounter a blue stop sign in the U.S., it’s there for good reason. It’s always best to stop and ensure the area is clear before proceeding.

About the Experts

• Jennifer Gundersen is the Chief of Police for the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. She has been in this role since 2019 and began her law enforcement career in 1994.

Sources

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Convention on Road Signs and Signals. (2006)

The post If You See a Blue Stop Sign, Here’s What It Means appeared first on Family Handyman.

Rearrange and Shop Your House

One of the spending traps I fall into the most is home decor. I love shopping for art and accessories and refreshing my home with a new look, but it’s not necessary. I look back at growing up in a single-parent household; we always had a clean and lovely home, but my mom rarely bought new things. When she needed a change, she rearranged our furniture or moved things from one room to another.

Why We Love It: Rearranging gives your house new energy and makes everything feel new without spending a dime.

The post Underconsumption Core: Why We Love It, and How To Achieve It For Yourself appeared first on Family Handyman.

Apparently, my frustration is a common one. Threads on reddit and other sites have many people lamenting about unaware drivers, while others confess they never realized traffic light sensors existed.

“Topics like traffic light sensors often trend because they directly impact everyday drivers, especially as myths about their functionality circulate,” says Virginia Lingham, senior vice president at the infrastructure engineering firm WSP. “Additionally, advancements in intelligent transportation systems and the integration of connected vehicles are driving public curiosity about how these systems work.”

If you’re curious about how traffic light sensors work, or just want to keep the flow of green lights and good vibes rolling, here’s what to know.

What Do Traffic Light Sensors Do?

Traffic light sensors detect when a vehicle stops at a red light and inform the traffic light control system that a car is waiting for the light to turn green. This optimizes the amount of time lights can stay green for busier lanes and reduces the amount of time we have to wait at red lights.

Some traffic light sensors combine data from multiple sensors, says Xavier Sabastian, an auto expert at Way.com. This helps:

• Improve traffic flow
• Reduce idling cars, saving fuel and emissions
• Reduce accidents
• Adapt to changes in traffic during peak and off-peak hours
• Address immediate bottleneck issues by live updating the timing of signals

“Certain sensors also provide automatic priority to emergency vehicles passing through the intersection,” says Sabastian.

Types of Traffic Light Sensors

The three most common types of sensors are induction loop, camera and radar. Each has its pros and cons, and where you find them will depend on the type of pavement, regional climate and financial resources of the city or state.

Inductive Loop Sensors

Inductive loop sensors are embedded in or under the pavement and use changes in magnetic fields to detect vehicles. Their coiled wire is loaded with an electrical charge, which changes voltage when a large piece of metal gets within range.

While these are highly reliable, they need to be replaced every time the road is repaved, which has led to the rise of other detection types, like cameras and radar, says a Denver metro traffic engineer with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Video Camera Detection

Video camera detectors point toward oncoming traffic, and some have 360-degree views. The latest generation can also recognize bicycles.

“These are very useful for tracking movement patterns of vehicles in multiple lanes,” says Sabastian. “Studies reveal that video detection systems can reduce delays in traffic by up to 20% in congestion.”

However, they do have some shortcomings says CDOT. “The primary concern is that the lens can get dirty or blinded, just like our eyes,” they say. “Sunrise and sunset can also glare out a camera for several minutes, leading to erratic behavior for a short period of time.”

Radar Detection

Radar detection works similarly to cameras but uses radio waves to detect approaching vehicles. That can give it an edge over video cameras since it doesn’t work within the visible spectrum of light, says CDOT.

Radar detection is also effective for detecting faster-moving vehicles, says Sabastian, so these are commonly found at high-speed intersections and freeway ramps.

Infrared Sensors

Infrared traffic sensors detect approaching vehicles by using their heat signatures. “These are good under low-visibility conditions like fog or rain and mostly used in areas with extreme weather conditions,” says Sabastian.

Other Sensors

Microwave sensors are efficient in detecting both stationary and moving vehicles and are mostly found in suburbs with fair to moderate traffic, says Sabastian. Other emerging tools include video analytics and LiDar, says Lingham.

Do All Traffic Lights Have Sensors?

No, not all traffic lights have sensors. Areas with complex road networks, like cities, often optimize traffic flow using fixed timers. Also, older lights in rural and other areas also still use timers.

“The majority of traffic signals outside major urban grid systems operate with some form of vehicle detection,” says Lingham. “However, each state and local agency has its own operating procedures and preferences, and these systems can vary widely by region.”

What Happens If You Don’t Drive Up to the White Line at a Traffic Light With Sensors?

The sensors won’t detect your vehicle, so the light won’t change from red to green. Especially with loop sensor technology, “if you’re too far back or over the white line, it’ll just act like there’s nobody there,” says Sabastian. “This may result in longer wait times, as the system assumes there is no traffic in your lane. For intersections with high traffic volumes, such an oversight can disrupt the entire flow of vehicles.”

What Is the Proper Distance to Stop From Traffic Light Sensors?

Stop near the white line, aka the stop bar or limit line. A good rule of thumb is to align the view over your vehicle’s hood with the line since detection zones typically start at the stop bar and include a car length or back (about 40 feet).

Can Traffic Light Sensors Fail?

Yes, sometimes traffic light sensors can fail, but many have a fallback mechanism that recognizes when a direction has not been triggered for a significant length of time and then assumes that means the sensor is broken. It will then behave as if there is always a car present, until it can be repaired, says CDOT.

“Every driver out late at night has been stopped at a red light when no conflicting vehicle is present, and it may feel unnecessary; it is likely this important safety feature in action,” says CDOT.

Will Flashing My High Beams Make the Light Turn Green More Quickly?

No, flashing your headlights will not impact traffic light sensors because they don’t detect headlights, says Deege Carse, director at Trackershop.

“There’s also the misconception that the heavier your vehicle, the more you’re able to trigger a green light,” he says. “In reality, the weight of your car can’t do anything to trigger a green light. With inductive loop technology, it’s the metal or iron in your car that triggers this and lets the system know that you are waiting for light to turn green.”

About the Experts

• The Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson is a traffic engineer for the Denver metro-area.
• Virginia Lingham, is a Professional Engineer (PE), senior vice president and national ITS lead with WSP, a global engineering firm specializing in transportation, infrastructure and other sectors.
• Xavier Sabastian is an author and auto/insurance expert with the Way.com auto app.
• Deege Carse is director at Trackershop, a supplier of GPS trackers and vehicle security systems.

The post Why You Should Always Pull Up to the White Line at Intersections appeared first on Family Handyman.

Who Makes Lumber?

Most lumber products used in the U.S. are harvested and manufactured in the U.S. and Canada. This includes softwood products like framing lumber and plywood, as well as hardwood products like trim and flooring. Weyerhaeuser, located in Seattle, Washington, harvests and mills the majority of U.S. lumber supplied to distributors. Georgia-Pacific, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is another major player throughout the South.

Canadian lumber makes up roughly 50 percent of all U.S. lumber imports, with most originating from British Columbia on Canada’s west coast.

The post Do You Know Where Your Building Materials Are Actually Made? appeared first on Family Handyman.

AT&T describes its fiber network as “the network of the future.” According to the AT&T website, “Fiber optic internet is a form of broadband that uses a network of bundled tiny glass fibers called fiber optic cables to deliver internet service via light waves.” Fiber networks are much faster than traditional copper line services, which is why AT&T is prioritizing it. To focus on it, the company says it “is actively working to exit its legacy copper network operations across the large majority of its wireline footprint by the end of 2029.”

How is AT&T Landline Service Changing?

By cutting its copper network operations, AT&T will be phasing out landline service for customers in all states except California. The company has been trying to phase it out in California as well and has faced hearings in San Mateo County over this.

For many counties in California, AT&T is a “Carrier of Last Resort.” This means it “provides basic services such as free access to 911 and Telephone Relay Service, which allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls.” These services are a fail safe when regular cell service isn’t sufficient.

When is AT&T Landline Service Changing?

Expanding a fiber network and eliminating copper wire service for most of a country doesn’t happen overnight. AT&T says they’re planning on finishing this transition by the end of 2029. Assuming they stay on this timeline, that gives current landline customer just about 5 years to find an alternative for their landline service.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

By the end of 2029, AT&T customers will have to either switch to a provider that offers landline service in their area or see if the new fiber network will handle their needs, even in rural areas or during emergencies. Satellite phones are a possibility as well, though they often come with their own costs.

There is still the possibility that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could overrule this change or that other states may push back the way California has. But unless that happens, customers don’t have many other options.

Sources

• AT&T: T&T Outlines Strategic Plan to Drive Sustainable Growth and Enhanced Shareholder Returns (2024)
• County of San Mateo: County Demands Answers as AT&T Seeks to Cut Landline (2024.
• AT&T: “What is fiber optic internet?”

The post AT&T To Stop Landline Service Everywhere Except This One State appeared first on Family Handyman.

How Does This Hack Work?

There are plenty of theories on why this hack might work, and most of them have something to do with how house flies see. According to pest control service Orkin, house flies have compound eyes that “can recognize even the slightest movements in a wide field” and “detect and react to movement at a quicker pace than species with simple eyes.” So if a house fly sees something moving, it will react to the potential danger much faster than a human could.

So, how does this relate to pennies and a bag of water? It has to do with reflections. Putting pennies in a bag of water creates a lot of reflective surfaces. When sunlight hits the water, it refracts. Adding pennies into the mix means that light has many more surfaces available to bounce off. So, the theory goes, having all that light interacting with a house fly’s sensitive compound eyes probably either overwhelms the fly or leaves it thinking there’s a lot of movement and that the area isn’t safe.

Does the Penny Bag Hack Actually Work?

Snopes has fact-checked this theory but came back with inconclusive results. Some folks swear it works, but others see no difference in the results. For example, this hack has been tested multiple times, including on Mythbusters, where it didn’t work. Still, Snopes pointed out that testing it in a controlled studio setting differs from testing it in natural light.

While it isn’t a proven pest control hack, there’s no harm in trying it yourself. It’s relatively cheap to set up, and if you have kids it can even be a fun science project for them to try with you. There’s even a few variations of this hack that you could try if you’re so inclined. You could compare just a plain bag of water, a bag with one penny, a bag with several coins, and others with other shiny inclusions such as foil.

Source

• Snopes: “Do Water-Filled Baggies Repel Flies?” (2009)
• Orkin: House Fly Eyes

The post Why People Hang Pennies in a Bag of Water Outside Their House appeared first on Family Handyman.

Why Do People Crush Aluminum Cans?

One of the main reasons people crush aluminum cans is to save space. A crushed can takes up significantly less room than an intact one, allowing you to fit more into a recycling bin, bag, or container. For households that generate a lot of recyclables, this can seem like a practical way to manage waste efficiently.

Crushing cans can also make transportation easier for those who bring recyclables to a local center or grocery store. Smaller, compact cans are less likely to spill or tip over, which makes the task of handling recyclables more convenient. Despite these practical reasons, crushing cans isnt always the best choice.

Should You Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling?

The answer depends on where and how the cans are being recycled.

For single-stream recycling systems, where all recyclables (paper, plastic, metal, etc.) are collected in one bin, crushing cans is generally discouraged. Recycling facilities use sorting machines that separate materials based on their shape and weight. Crushed cans can confuse these machines and may be improperly sorted, often with non-recyclable materials. This can lead to the cans being sent to a landfill instead of being recycled.

The rules might differ if you’re participating in a deposit redemption system or using a curbside program that collects cans separately. Some facilities accept crushed cans without issue because the material is manually sorted or processed in a way that bypasses the complications of single-stream recycling. However, checking with your local recycling program is always a good idea to determine whether crushing cans is allowed or recommended.

Can I Redeem My Deposit If My Aluminum Can Is Crushed?

Many states have a container deposit system where consumers can redeem their cans for a small refund. These programs often require cans to be intact and uncrushed for accurate processing. Machines like reverse vending systems rely on the size and shape of the can to confirm its eligibility for a deposit refund. A crushed can may be rejected because the machine cannot recognize or scan it properly.

Some deposit centers allow crushed cans to be manually counted, but this can slow down the process and may not be guaranteed. To avoid issues, it’s best to leave your cans intact if you plan to redeem them for a deposit.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling appeared first on Family Handyman.

Why Is There a Jeep Renegade Recall?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler is recalling some of their Jeeps due to an issue with the reverse lights. The “incorrect rear bumper light assembly” was installed on the affected vehicles. The brief warns that “incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility.” This poses a large threat as reverse lights are supposed to “alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up,” and having them malfunction “increas[es] the risk of a crash.”

Which Jeep Renegade Vehicless Are Being Recalled?

The NHTSA recall brief states that Chrysler is recalling over 2100 2021, 2022 and 2023 Jeep Renegades. If you own a Jeep with that model and year then there’s a high chance that yours is one of the impacted vehicles. Limit your driving, especially at night, until you are able to get the problem remedied. We may take our reverse lights for granted at times, but if they’re malfunctioning you’re at a very high risk for a crash.

Remedy

If you own one of the impacted Jeeps, keep an eye on your mailbox for the owner letter. Chrysler has said that it will be mailing these out in late January. The letter will have further information as well as instructions on the repair process. Chrysler has said that owners can take their vehicles to the dealership for an inspection. If their reverse lights are faulty, they will be replaced free of charge.

If you have more questions or don’t want to wait until January to get more information you can call FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Be sure to mention that you are calling about FCA recall number D7B. You can also call the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. If you call this number, you’ll need to reference NHTSA Campaign Number 24V918000

Source

The post Jeep Renegade Recalled Over Reverse Lights Issue appeared first on Family Handyman.

This loft bed design maximizes the area between the mattress and floor, offering customizable bedroom storage solutions like drawers, shelves, and, in our case, a retractable desk.

Built in collaboration with cabinet maker Ethan O’Donnell, the headboard, footboard, mattress frame, dresser, and cubbies were all constructed separately and then assembled at the end to form the final product. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process.

Before we begin

There are a few common themes throughout this build. Instead of reviewing them every time, I laid them out beforehand.

• Everything was finished beforehand. You may have noticed that I always pre-finish my materials to make touch-ups and finishing touches easier. The components were all primed, painted, and polyurethaned prior to assembly.
• The plywood edges were edge banded with iron-on edgebanding. We cleaned up the edges of the edge-banded plywood with a file, chisel, and sandpaper and painted them throughout the process.
• Filling nail and screw holes and touching up paint are also procedures that were completed throughout the building process rather than waiting until the end.
• The joining method was the same. Except where otherwise noted, all parts were set using wood glue and 1-1/2-in. brad nails and secured with pre-drilled and countersunk 1-1/2-in. screws.

Mattress Frame

Cutting List

* – 45 angled cuts at each end. Cut to fit.

The post Elevate Your Space: Building the Perfect DIY Loft Bed appeared first on Family Handyman.

Which Christmas Tree Light Controllers Are Recalled?

Mr. Christmas controllers from Walmart and Cracker Barrel and the Wondershop controllers sold at Target are all included in this recall. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), these wireless controllers have a lever or switch component as well as “a separate white receiver that plugs into an outlet and into which the tree’s holiday lights are plugged.”

The router is a “white wireless receptacle that is plugged into an outlet contains the words ‘Mr. Christmas’ and one of these three model numbers printed on the white receptacle: 39611, 39612 or 39630.”

As for the switch component, the one from Walmart and Cracker Barrel “is shaped like a green, red and white peppermint candy with a candy cane on/off lever, and displays the words ‘Christmas Light Controller.'” Meanwhile, the option sold at Target “is shaped like a square on/off switch box with green, red and white balls, and displays the words ‘Tree Lighting Switch.'”

Why Are These Controllers Dangerous?

The USCPSC has received multiple reports of the routers for the Christmas lights controller overheating, hence the recall. Thus far, there have been 10 reports of overheating and one fire. Thankfully, there are no reported injuries at this time.

What to Do if You Have a Recalled Controller

If you’ve purchased a Christmas lights controller included in the recall, stop using it immediately. Currently, there is no fix for the defect. Instead you’ll have to return yours to the store you purchased it from in order to get a full refund.

Per the USCPSC, you can contact “Mr. Christmas by phone at 800-489-6328 any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, email at recall@mrchristmas.com or online atwww.mrchristmas.com/recall orwww.mrchristmas.com and click on the ‘Recall’ hyperlink on the bottom of the webpage for more information.”

Source

Mr. Christmas Recalls Wireless Decorative Tree Light Controllers Due to Fire Hazard, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2024.

The post Christmas Tree Light Controllers Sold at Major Retailers Recalled Over Fire Risk appeared first on Family Handyman.

Read on to learn which tires are being recalled, why they’re being recalled, and what to do if your tires are on the list.

What Tires Are Being Recalled?

According to the recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Dec. 13, Prinx Chengshan Tire North America, Inc. (PCTNA) is recalling 541,632 tires in its Fortune Tormenta and Prinx Hicountry replacement tire lines produced between August 2020 and December 2024. The official recall report lists the specific sizes and models impacted.

PCTNA will send owner notification letters to those impacted by the recall in early February 2025.

Why Are These Tires Being Recalled?

This line of all-weather rugged terrain or mud terrain tubeless radial tires is meant to provide sufficient traction to perform safely in severe snowy weather. However, the tires were safety tested against a European standard that does not comply with North American standards. When the tires were put to the test according to North American standards, they failed.

If these tires are used on snowy roads, they may not provide the traction expected for safe performance and could, as a result, increase the risk of a crash.

What To Do If Your Tires Are Recalled

PCTNA has not finalized a remedy for this recall. However, according to the recall report, the “remedy tires will be compliant with regulatory requirements,” suggesting the company will be footing the bill for new tires that meet North American safety standards.

If you think you have tires that are part of this recall, look for a notification letter about the recall in your mailbox by February 2025. It will have more information about how to move forward.

In the meantime, owners can contact PCTNA customer service at 1-310-205-8355 (ext. 109) for more information.

Sources

• NHTSA.org: Safety Recall Report
• NHTSA.org: “Insufficient Traction for Snow Tires/FMVSS 139”

The post Half a Million Snow Tires Recalled for Poor Traction in Severe Weather appeared first on Family Handyman.

But, given the fact that mold does not survive in extreme hot or cold temperatures, is it possible to kill mold in your home with heat? The short answer is yes, but important factors must be considered before using this method. Mike Sacenti from American Healthy Homes and Bill Carroll from Indiana University weigh in on the effectiveness of this method.

Can Heat Kill Mold In My Home?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), mold dies when exposed to temperatures between 140 and 160 degrees. So, in principle, yes, you can kill mold in your home with heat.

Can I Kill Mold With Heat In My Home?

Killing mold with heat is not an ideal method in homes, especially for DIYers. Just attaining air temperatures of 140 to 160 degrees is no easy task. “It’s not something that you can crank the heat up in a room and get rid of mold,” Sacenti says. Most home thermostats typically only go up to 90 degrees, so you’d have to generate heat with an alternate source, like a space heater. There is risk involved in heating a room to such high temperatures that experienced professionals should manage.

Even if you could heat your home or a room in your home to 140 degrees, mold does not instantly die when exposed to these temperatures. A sustained treatment, from one to several hours, is often needed to thoroughly kill all live mold and mold spores. “The risk is if you don’t heat it enough, you may not kill it all and kill all the mold spores,” Carroll says.

When professionals use heat to kill mold in a home, they also encapsulate the area to avoid contaminating the entire house. Mold spores killed with heat are dry, light and no longer rooted to a surface, so they are more prone to becoming airborne. Without proper encapsulation, these mold spores can circulate throughout the home, worsening the problem.

When space heaters with fans are used to generate the heat to kill mold, this is a particular concern. Dead mold spores are just as detrimental to air quality as live ones, so it’s important to keep them contained in the treated area.

What Materials Can Heat Kill Mold On?

Heat is most effective at killing surface mold, so it works best on non-porous materials like tile, glass and metal. It’s also possible to kill mold on non-structural wood and plastic, although exposing these materials to high temperatures can warp them.

Fabric-based products like upholstery, clothes, and carpeting can be treated with steam, which penetrates the fibers deeply. “This will get to the source of the mold spores that are there, and the root system of those mold spores,” Sacenti says.

How to Kill Mold in Your Home With Heat

While it’s best to consult a professional to kill mold in your home with heat, an exception can be very small areas of mold that could be treated with a steam cleaner. Mold on upholstery, carpet and non-porous surfaces like tile, can be killed using steam, which can reach temperatures up to 200 degrees.

This method is safe, easy to manage and produces a controlled, high heat. “If you have mold growth on an old carpet, start with a good steam cleaning,” Sacenti says. Treat molds with a steam cleaner for 15 to 30 minutes to kill it. The combination of the high heat and moisture speeds up the treatment process.

However, after killing mold with heat, you’ll still need to scrub the surface clean and address any humidity or moisture issues that initially caused the mold. “The heat degradation products of mold don’t just go away,” Carroll says. “So you’re [still] left with a cleanup.”

FAQ

Can a heat gun be used to kill mold?

Heat guns can reach temperatures of 200 to 600 degrees, so could technically kill mold in your home. However, it’s not recommended. “You’d fry the mold for sure, but you also run the risk of starting a fire,” Sacenti says. Instead of using heat, he recommends calling a professional to assess and safely remove mold in your home.

Does dryer heat kill mold?

Residential dryers have a typical temperature range of 120 to 160 degrees. So, if you run your dryer at its highest temperature setting, there’s a good chance it can kill mold on clothing or bedding. However, Sacenti points out that the washing machine will likely be more effective than the dryer. “If you wash the molded items with a good detergent, the mold spores will be gone once they come out of the washer.” Combined with the heat of the dryer, this should kill any remaining spores. This process may not remove mold stains, however.

About the Experts

• Bill Carroll, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University. The former vice president of industry issues for Occidental Chemical Corporation, he’s currently principal of Carroll Applied Science in Dallas, Texas.
• Michael Sacenti owns American Healthy Homes. He has 10 years of experience in the mold remediation industry and 40 years experience in real estate maintenance.

Sources

USDA Food Safety Publications, Processing and Safety (2004)

The post Is Heat Good Enough To Get Rid of Mold? An Expert Explains appeared first on Family Handyman.

I was an electrical apprentice at the time, and I learned a lot that year: hauling pipe,digging trenches, and even using a flame torch to bend plastic pipe. The job was on the site of an old bottling company, and while digging, I found an antique beer bottle from a brewery operating around 1910! Anyway, I also learned that you can use PVC at home, and I’ll give tips about this versatile, durable electrical conduit.

Types of PVC Conduit

The main designations of PVC electrical conduit are Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. (There’s also PVC plumbing pipe, but that’s an entirely different thing.) Here are the specifications for each:

• Schedule 40: A thinner-walled conduit, Schedule 40 is used when there’s no chance of physical damage. It can be used above ground and underground in both indoor and outdoor locations.
• Schedule 80: A heavier-walled, thicker conduit, Schedule 80 is used where physical damage is possible, such as emerging from grade. It can also be installed anywhere Schedule 40 is used, but it’s more expensive.

When to Use PVC Conduit

Use PVC conduit any place you need a weather-resistant, sturdy conduit thatwithstandscorrosive environments. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and cheaper than metal conduit. PVC is acceptable for underground use and in exposed locations. One caveat: It’s uglier than metal conduit, but if that’s not a dealbreaker, PVC is a versatile, durable wiring method.

Tips for Installing PVC Conduit

Ready to get started? Here are some key points to remember when installing PVC conduit.

Use Primer

Electricians often debate whether to use a primer before applying PVC cement. I’ve always done it, and many inspectors want to see the tell-tale purple residue on the pipe. In addition, many PVC cement brands say to use primer, so that’s what I do. (Following product labeling is an NEC requirement.) To use, liberally apply the primer to the end of the pipe, then apply glue. Push the pipe ends together and give the free pipe a quick quarter turn.

Debur PVC Conduit

Cutting PVC conduit with a hacksaw, circular saw, or PVC cutter leaves a rough edge that must be smoothed down or deburred before pulling wire through the conduit. Use a utility knife, metal file, pair of pliers or reamer to remove burs from both the inside and outside of the pipe edge. Run your fingers along the reamed edges to remove little bits of plastic.

Follow fill requirements

Conductors heat up as they carry electricity, so the NEC limits the number of wires you can install in PVC and all other conduit. This depends on the conduit size, the type (Schedule 80 or 40), the number of wires you’re pulling and their dimensions. Sometimes, it takes a bit of math to figure out, but the requirements are laid out in the NEC’s Chapter 9, Table 1, and Informative Annex C.

As a general rule, if you’re pulling a single circuit with a hot, neutral and EGC, the fill can’t be more than 40% of the conduit diameter. If the wires are all the same size, the NEC helpfully lists the maximum number of wires by wire type and conduit size.

Use plastic bushings and metal locknuts

Secure the PVC and male adapters coming into boxes with a metal locknut, then add a plastic bushing. The plastic bushing will protect the conductors from the friction of pulling them through the conduit, and metal locknuts are sturdier than plastic.

Bury PVC deep enough

The NEC has very specific depth requirements, outlined in Table 300.5, for all conduit runs underground. If you’re running a circuit out to a shed or detached garage, make sure you follow these rules to avoid damaging the circuit. The default depth for PVC is 18 inches unless the wiring meets certain qualifications. For example, if you are using PVC to run a 120-volt, GFCI-protected circuit that’s 20 amps or less, you can reduce that depth to 12 inches.

Keep bends to 360 degrees

Pulling wire through conduit gets harder with every bend, so the NEC limits the number of bends to 360 degrees before you have to put it in a junction box. This goes for all conduit runs, not just PVC. That’s four 90-degree turns before you need a box. Elbows also come in 45-degree bends and 22.5-degree bends, so add them up and keep the bends to 360 degrees or less.

Use metal elbows underground

The friction caused by pulling wire through underground PVC elbows will slice right through them, damaging the wire and leaving the pipe open to water intrusion. Instead, use metal elbows. Normally, all metal parts of a wiring system must be bonded (connected) to the grounding electrode system, but if you bury the run at least 18 inches deep, you do not need this bonding step.

Support at correct intervals

Like all conduit, PVC must be supported at various intervals to prevent sagging. The distance between supports depends on the size of the conduit, with smaller sizes requiring closer supports than larger ones. You’ll likely be using 1/2-in. or 3/4-in. PVC for home wiring and the supports for both must be no more than 3 feet apart. You can use plastic PVC straps or metal straps.

You also must support PVC within 3 feet of any conduit termination, such as an outlet box or junction box.

Use expansion fittings for long runs

You won’t believe how much PVC expands and contracts in the heat and cold, respectively. Let’s take a place like Minnesota, my old home state, where you can easily see a yearly temperature swing of 100 degrees, say from 90 degrees in the summer to minus 10 degrees in the winter (and that’s a good winter!). On a 100-foot run, the PVC will expand and contract about four inches.

If you don’t use an expansion fitting in the middle of the run, the PVC will likely crack or pull itself out of the fittings, leaving you with a potentially dangerous situation and an annoying repair job. The NEC’s table 352.44(A) outlines expected thermal expansion for various temperature swings and run lengths. You do not have to use expansion fittings underground, where temperatures are more stable.

Pull an equipment ground

Because PVC is plastic, you must pull an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) with your circuit conductors. An EGC provides a path back to the electrical panel so that any unintended current from a short circuit or ground fault can quickly trigger the breaker. Metal conduit can often serve as the EGC as long as every single connection point is bonded together. You don’t have that luxury with PVC because it’s not a conductive material.

The post Tips for Installing and Working With PVC Conduit appeared first on Family Handyman.

“You’ll need to consider your personal driving habits, the climate where you live, and where you will be doing the majority of your driving before selecting the type of all-terrain tire tread pattern best meets your needs,” says off-road tire expert Dave Hulsey.

Ahead, tire and off-roading experts share tips to help you decide if you should switch to all-terrain tires and the benefits of their different tread designs.

What Are All Terrain Tires?

All-terrain tires have distinct features and functions designed for driving under a variety of road and weather conditions, including off-roading, unpaved, uneven, and rough roads.

“Even all-terrain tires with less aggressive tread designs have large, deep grooves for better traction,” says Mike Debro, owner and operator of tire and auto service center United Tire and Service, of motoring on less than pristine road surfaces and road conditions. Meanwhile, tread patterns on more aggressive all-terrain tires come with larger lugs and deeper grooves, which provide exceptional handling and grip when off-roading.

Due to their tread patterns, composition, and versatility, all-terrain tires typically perform better in severe weather conditions, such as rain, mud, and snow.

How Are All Terrain Tires Different From Regular Tires?

To withstand rough environments, “all-terrain tires are constructed using stronger and reinforced compounds, as well as up to 10 ply treads and three-ply sidewalls reinforced with lightweight Kevlar, steel belts or high strength Aramid fibers,” says Hulsey. Hulsey explains that “three-ply sidewalls are more durable” than a traditional all-season tire that uses a two-ply-polyester. They “resist cuts and abrasions when driving on rocky or uneven roads,” he adds.

Aggressive all-terrain tires may have tread patterns that continue over the sidewall of the tire, increasing traction and grip when driving off-road. Unlike a traditional all-season, all-weather or summer tire, all-terrain tires provide good handling and performance on paved roads and uneven surfaces and are suitable for on-road and off-road driving.

All Terrain Tire Cost

Surprisingly, the cost of all-terrain tires isn’t that much more than standard all-season or all-weather tires. I recently installed four new, highly rated all-weather tires on my full-size SUV. Comparable, highly rated all-terrain tires cost only about $50 more per tire than all-weather tires for my vehicle. Additionally, the all-terrain tire was 3PMSF rated.

Still, tires are generally expensive. For example, for the recommended size tires for my vehicle (255/60R19 109H), prices ranged from $210 to $325 (per tire) for an “entry-level” all-weather tire. The same size all-terrain tire with a less aggressive treadagain, from a highly rated tire manufacturercan start around $250 and can go up to $400 or more if you’re looking for tires with aggressive off-roading tread, for example.

Reasons to Switch to All Terrain Tires

There are several benefits to switching to all-terrain tires, including:

Challenging Road Conditions

All-terrain tires are particularly effective when driving on gravel, mud, sand or rocky surfaces. All-terrain tires’ aggressive tread patterns afford enhanced traction on loose, irregular or hazardous surfaces.

Extreme Weather Conditions

If the climate where you live experiences heavy snow accumulations, consider all-terrain tires with the 3PMSF symbol. According to Goodyear, “specialized tread compounds help the tread to adapt to all seasons,” offering increased traction, better handling, and maneuverability on wet, snow, and ice-covered roads. Debro added, “You still need to drive carefully on ice, no matter what tires are on your car.”

For a Smoother Driving Experience

Regardless of their robust (some may call it knurly) tread patterns, “less aggressive all-terrain tires can provide a quieter, smoother, more comfortable ride on highways and paved streets, but still will always be noisier than all-season highway tires,” said Debro.

Look and Feel

Of course, all-terrain tires’ rugged looks add a muscular aesthetic, giving your vehicle a more exciting and dominant look on the road.

Reasons to Not Use All Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires offer several benefits, but depending on the make and model of the vehicle, they might not be right for you. If you drive a sporty car, large sedan, compact or electric vehicle, or do most of your driving on paved roads and city streets rather than off-roading, stick with all-weather or all-season tires.

Even with advances in tire design and construction, all-terrain tires tend to run noisily. Because of the three-ply sidewalls, the ride is much stiffer than regular tires, and they have a much higher rolling resistance that reduces fuel economy. Aggressive tread patterns may wear quicker on paved roads, reducing tread life.

Are All Terrain Tires Worth It?

Yes, all-terrain tires are worth it if your vehicle will benefit from their design and they match your driving habits.

However, if you drive a sports car, luxury sedan, a sub-compact or an electric vehicle, then no, all-terrain tires would be a waste of money and could adversely affect handling and overall performance (for example, EV tires are designed specially to have very low rolling resistance for increased driving range).

Additionally, according to Debro, “all-terrain tires are not suitable for SUVs that have ‘refined suspensions’ engineered for highway driving and all-season tires. Even if you can find a set that will fit, they will be loud, give you a hard ride and affect handling.”

FAQ

Are All-terrain tires less likely to get nailed?

Yes. All-terrain tires have deep reinforced treads and sidewalls and are designed and built to drive in harsh, rough conditions. Their thick, aggressive treads protect against sharp objects and offer increased resistance to punctures from nails and other objects. While all-terrain tires are less likely to get nailed, they are not impervious to punctures. Sharp objects can still pierce the tread if the tires are worn.

How long do all-terrain tires last?

According to Hulsey, “Better quality all-terrain tires come with limited 50 to 70,000-mile tread life warranties, and you get what you pay for.” How long they last depends on several factors. “First is how you drive on them,” Hulsey says. “Lots of off-roading or driving through rough terrain will quickly wear the tread.”

Additionally, tires made with softer compounds that offer better traction tend to wear faster than tires constructed with harder compounds. Meanwhile, tires made with harder compounds last longer, but you trade traction for tire life.

Ultimately, Hulsey warns, lack of maintenance, incorrect air pressure, or tires that are not rotated, balanced and aligned regularly will wear prematurely, as with any tire.

About the Experts

• Dave Hulsey is a 10-year Master Technician and tire expert at Street Road Accessories located in Feasterville, PA.
• Mike Debro is a Master Technician and owner and operator of United Tire and Service, located in Feasterville, PA.

SOURCES

• Consumer Reports, Best Tire Brands of 2024, Consumer Reports’ test results reveal which companies make the best-performing tires, Oct. 24, 2024
• Goodyear Auto Service, All-Terrain, Dec. 1, 2024
• Goodyear, Learning Hub, Dec. 1, 2024
• Goodyear, Tire Basics, Dec. 1, 2024
• Goodyear, E-mail correspondence, Nov. 19, 2024
• Joe Rivells, Retail sales and counter person at Street Road Accessories located in Feasterville, PA. 19053 Dec. 4, 2024
• Tire Rack, leading on-line tire vendor. Live chat with Ross with Customer Support, Dec. 3, 2024
• Tom Diamond, ASE Master Technician, Mazda certified trainer and PA Department of Transportation certified state safety, emissions and reconstructed vehicle inspector and Automotive Technology instructor at Father Judge High School, the only Catholic High School in the U.S. with an Automotive Technology Career Pathway Academy program. Phone interview, Dec. 3, 2024

The post Should You Switch to All Terrain Tires? appeared first on Family Handyman.

So, are you a Grinch or a Griswold? Everyone’s favorite lovable loser, Clark Griswold of Christmas Vacation fame, shut down the electric grid with his outlandish display. Ahead, I’ll walk you through the steps to figure out just how much your holiday decorations’ electricity cost will set you back.

How Much Electricity Will My Inflatables Use and Cost?

It depends on the size of the inflatables and what you pay for electricity, but it’s not much, and you can use a standard formula to find out. You’ll need to know the following:

• The input watts (W) of the motor. Watts are a unit of electrical power.
• How long you keep the motor running per day, in hours (h).
• The price of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

To find the watts, look on the power adapter or motor nameplate of your inflatable. You’ll see both input and output information. To determine the cost of electricity, use the input numbers. If watts aren’t listed, find the amperes (amps), which measure electrical current flow, and multiply by 120 volts to get the watts.

As an example, a 6-foot-tall inflatable Santa on sale right now at Target draws 0.6 amps (A) at 120 volts (V). So, just multiply the numbers together to get watts (0.6A X 120V = 72W). For comparison, my friend’s 3-foot-tall pink pig inflatable draws a puny 0.3 amps and 36 watts, while a giant abominable snowman will draw more.

How much does it cost to keep Santa inflated eight hours a day? Look at your electric bill and find what you’re charged we’ll use the November 2024 national average of $0.176 per kilowatt-hour. Divide Santa’s 72 watts by 1000 to convert to kilowatts (0.072 kW). Then, multiply the power in kilowatts, the time in hours and the price of electricity together: 0.072kW X 8h X $0.176/kWh = $0.1014. That’s about ten cents a day, or three dollars a month.

Pretty cheap, right? Of course, if you have ten Santas rather than one, and they’re inflated from Thanksgiving to January 6 (when you’re supposed to take them down), you’re looking at about $45.

How Much Electricity Will My Holiday Lights Use and Cost?

Again, it depends on how Griswold-y you get around the holidays, what kind of lights you use (incandescent or light-emitting diodes, aka LED) and your electricity price. But you can break it down the same way you did for the inflatables.

LED

Light-emitting diodes are extremely energy efficient, as much as 90% more efficient than incandescents. Check the tag on one end to find the watts or amps, then convert to kilowatts and plug in the numbers.

My tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree holds exactly one 25-foot, 100-bulb mini LED light string, which uses a paltry 6.48 watts (0.00648 kW). Using the same formula as above power X time X price my tree costs less than a penny per day to light for 8 hours. Even if you have a normal-sized, 6-foot tree with six strings of lights, it’s still barely a nickel a day.

Incandescent

Incandescent holiday lights are still around, and they’re much cheaper to buy than LED. But they use more energy, and you can’t string as many of them together before you hit the limit listed on the package. (The listing organization UL, which certifies lights and thousands of other products, restricts end-to-end connections of holiday lights.)

A 25-foot, 100-light mini light string uses about 41 watts, which works out to $0.06 of electricity per 8-hour day or $1.73 per month. Larger C7 and C9 strings, at 5 to 7 watts per bulb, drive up the cost: A 25-light string of 5-watt C7 bulbs (125 watts total) costs $0.18 per day for electricity or $5.28 for the month.

How Much Would Covering My Whole House in Lights Cost?

If you use LED lights, and I suggest that you do, it will be much cheaper, but it’s still going to set you back. As a rough example, and because it sounds fun, let’s break down Clark Griswold’s famous Christmas Vacation house.

In the movie, Clark says he put up “two hundred and fifty strands of lights, one hundred individual bulbs per strand, for a grand total of twenty-five thousand individual miniature imported Italian twinkle lights.” (Yes, I do watch this movie often.)

So, how much would 25,000 lights cost to run? In 1989, the year the movie came out, every single light would have been incandescent, so we’ll calculate that first.

Incandescent

Clark says he uses 250 strands of mini lights, and we know mini incandescent lights use about 41 watts per strand.

At today’s electricity price, running 6 hours per night, the cost would be $10.82 per day 250 x 0.041kW x 6h x $0.176/kWh = $10.82. That’s nearly $325 per month. For mini lights! If you use C7 strands at 5 watts per bulb, the cost skyrockets to $132 per day and $4000 per month.

And that’s not considering all the extra circuits you’d have to put in to make this a safe installation. (Please don’t plug them all into the same receptacle outlet like Clark did.)

LED

Your electricity costs will be dramatically lower if you decide to recreate the Griswold home with LEDs. But LEDs are pricier to buy, so you’ll be out a lot more upfront.

As for the electricity? My 100-light mini string from earlier uses 6.48 watts, so plugging 250 of them into the formula works out to $1.71 per day, or $51.32 per month.

For larger C7 lights (at approximately 2.5 watts per 25-light strand), Clark would have needed a thousand strands. Using these lights will set you back $2.64 a day and $79 a month.

Safety Considerations

The electricity cost of your holiday decorations is only half the story. Before you start stapling thousands of lights to your roof, think about safetynot just electrical safety, but ladder safety as well.

Follow manufacturer instructions about how many light strands you can string together on one circuit, which must be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Overloading circuits with too many lights can trip your breaker, damage your lights or even start a fire. This is more of a problem with incandescents because the watts add up quickly. Even with LEDs, you may need extra circuits if you’re planning a holiday light show with music and dancing reindeer.

Examine your lights before putting them up. Replace broken bulbs, and discard strings that have exposed wiring. If half or all of the string doesn’t work, try fixing them with a Christmas light tester or changing the fuse. Clark stapled his lights with metal staples a bad idea. Use plastic holders to avoid short circuits, and if you have any questions about circuit capacity or other safety issues, call a licensed electrician.

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Average Energy Prices for the United States, Regions, Census Divisions, and Selected Metropolitan Areas”
• Energy.gov: “Lighting Choices to Save You Money”
• Script Slug: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

The post Will Your Holiday Decorations Make for a Big Electric Bill? A Cost Breakdown appeared first on Family Handyman.

For a festive touch, spraying snow on a pre-lit tree can give it the look of freshly fallen snow. I like to spray snow on the edges of our tree’s branches, the greens on the mantle over the fireplace and the wreath on the front door. It gives the house the feel of a winter wonderland, with all the warmth of staying cozy inside to enjoy it.

We talked to some experts for tips on how to achieve a snow-fallen look for a pre-lit tree with snow spray in a few easy steps this holiday season.

What Is Spray Snow?

Spray snow, or faux snow, is a spray mixture used to make items look like they’ve been snowed on. Mixtures for spray snow include a combination of water, solvent, resin and filler, and the product is used to distribute a light layer of white powder that resembles snow when it dries.

Spray snow is a familiar sight at holiday time for use on store windows for displays. It can also be used on trees, wreaths, garlands and home windows to give a snow-covered look.

Can I Spray Snow a Pre-Lit Christmas Tree?

Yes, you can use spray snow on a pre-lit Christmas tree. Emmy-award-winning lighting designer Christopher Landy, owner of Vibrant Design in New York City, says any spray snow on the lights of a pre-lit tree is generally safe for holiday decorating. “I would not worry about protecting lights for functioning purposes if you spray snow over the tree or lightsthey will be fineespecially LED lights, which do not get hot and are more and more the norm with lights for home decor.”

How To Use Spray Snow on a Pre-Lit Christmas Tree

“Spray snow can bring magic to a Christmas tree,” says Chadwick Boyd of Chadwick Boyd Lifestyle. “Especially now that the quality and type of materials spray snow is made of has progressed beyond an aerosol can I grew up with in the ’70s and ’80s… We have learned quite a lot from set design professionals to create magical trees worthy of our living and favorite rooms in our homes.”

Spray snow now comes in both spray can form and bags of powder-like snow material. Boyd suggests using a few common kitchen tools you probably have on hand to make the spray snow look as real as possible. “I use a colander and/or sifter to spray through to make the spray snow create the look of full-on snow, which is what most people are looking for to create a beautiful tree.”

Before you start the process of wetting the branches with a spray snow, you should cover the lights on the tree before you begin to work. “Wrap each light strand with a thin layer of plastic wrap or tissue paper, ensuring the lights are fully covered while still allowing the spray to reach the branches evenly,” Boyd says. “This will protect the lights from the snow spray while still providing a snowy appearance on the tree.”

The best way to achieve a realistic result is to use a light touch when spraying branches. “You don’t need to drench the tree with product,” Boyd says. Start at the top of the tree and spray in sections as you work your way down for the most natural look of fallen snow. “As you get further down the tree, I like to step back and identify the areas that need more snow and then go back in and spray snow those branches.”

Let the spray snow adhesive set for a few hours between applications. “Spray and repeat the process with another layer of snow,” says Boyd. “This should create the most optimal-looking snowed-on Christmas tree.”

Once the snow spray is completely dry, simply remove the wrapping from the lights.

Alternative to Spray Snow

Some other ways to give a winter sparkle to a pre-lit tree are cotton batting or strands of silver tinsel.

For the look of fluffy snow, wrap cotton batting around the branches of your tree to give the tree the effect of snow on the branches. Lightly stretch the batting to separate the cotton and secure the batting with floral wire to hold in place.

Strands of shimmering tinsel hung on branches can also give a twinkling shine to your pre-lit tree.

About the Experts

• Chadwick Boyd is a food, lifestyle and real estate expert.
• Christopher Landy is an Emmy-award-winning lighting designer and owner of Vibrant Design.

The post Is It Safe To Spray Snow On a Pre-Lit Christmas Tree? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Closed Supply Valve

There are one or two water supply shut-off valves in the cabinet under your sink (usually one each for hot and cold water). Most of them open and close with just a quarter turn. “Homeowners often close these valves accidentally when moving items under the sink or during cleaning, so this is the first thing to check,” says Adams.

Solution: To check if they’re open, look at the handle. If it’s parallel to the water pipe, it’s open, and water should be flowing. If it’s perpendicular, the valve is closed, cutting off the supply. Turn them counterclockwise to make sure they’re fully open.

The post Why Did My Sink Suddenly Stop Working? appeared first on Family Handyman.

There are laws in 30 states and the District of Columbia that prohibit drivers from letting their vehicles idle, like when you warm your car up in the morning to knock some of the chill out of your commute. In addition to individual states, a number of cities and counties have similar laws on the books aimed at preventing cars from idling.

What’s the Purpose of Anti-Idling Laws?

These statutes aren’t meant to make your winter mornings more unpleasant. The goal of anti-idling laws is to prevent air pollution. Vehicle exhaust releases harmful chemicals, soot and gasses like nitrogen dioxide that can aggravate asthma and allergies and contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. If you’ve ever lived in a city with air quality advisories or a thick layer of smog hanging heavy in the air, you can appreciate the intent of these anti-idling laws.

Cars and trucks are also a major source of greenhouse gases, contributing to ozone and haze regionally and to the larger problem of climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every gallon of gas burned pumps about 20 pounds of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

What States Have Laws Against Idling?

It’s important to note that the laws, as well as the penalties, differ from place to place. For example, you could face a fine as high as $5,000 for letting your car idle for more than three minutes in Washington, DC. But in Pennsylvania, you can let your car run for as long as 20 minutes if the temperature is below 40 degrees. Here’s the list of states with anti-idling laws, according to the EPA’s website:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Because the laws can vary from state to state and city to city, you should always check to see what the statues are where you live.

But Aren’t You Supposed to Warm Up Cars in the Winter?

Back in the old days of carburetors, it was helpful to let the engine run for a few minutes before starting your drive. But that’s not the case with today’s fuel-injected vehicles. Most cars only need about 30 seconds to circulate oil throughout the engine, about the time it takes you to fasten your seatbelt and queue up your playlist, according to JD Power.

The best way to warm up a car is by driving it. Sure, it may be a little cold at first, but your car will warm up faster, and the heater and defrost will work better, with the car in motion.

Idling Wastes Fuel

Still not convinced about skipping the warm-up? Think about your bottom line. Idling wastes gas. In fact, idling for 10 seconds burns more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it. Gas isn’t getting any cheaper, so it makes sense to save where you can.

Does Idling Damage the Engine?

Idling itself doesn’t damage the engine specifically, but it does add to the wear and tear. Those minutes spent idling add up, and you’ll need to get the oil changed sooner the more you idle.

Sources

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “Compilation of State, County, and Local Anti-Idling Regulations”
• EPA: “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle”
• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: “Why Is Idling Harmful?”
• JD Power: “Do You Need to Warm Up Your Car?”

The post Why It Might Be Illegal to Warm Up Your Car Where You Live appeared first on Family Handyman.

Red Road Signs

Red is used exclusively for regulatory road signs prohibiting doing something. So, a stop sign is red because you are prohibited from driving past it without stopping. “Yield,” “do not enter,” no left or right turn and “no parking” signs are other examples of prohibitive signs that are red.

The post Decoding Road Sign Colors: What They Tell You From a Distance appeared first on Family Handyman.

How To Clean Water Stains With Baking Soda

Get those white markscaused by hot cups or sweating glassesoff your coffee table or other wooden furniture by making a paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Gently rub the spot in a circular motion until it disappears. Remember not to use too much water. You can also use a few drops of vinegar instead of water.

The post How To Remove Water Stains From Wood With Common Household Products appeared first on Family Handyman.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Several of our experts expect driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and emergency braking, to become standard features in the near future, even in entry-level models.

“These systems will make driving safer and less stressful, especially in traffic or on long road trips,” says Ivanov. “Imagine your car helping you stay centered in your lane or braking to avoid an unexpected obstacle; peace of mind at its best.”

The post What’s Next for Cars? 14 Innovations Coming In 2025 and Beyond appeared first on Family Handyman.