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Different Types of Winter Tires

Winter tires or snow tires generally fit into one of three different performance categories. You need to know the differences between them if you want to buy the best tires for your vehicle the next time you face a harsh winter.

Studdable Winter Tires

These tires are designed to accept optional metal studs that improve your traction on icy roads. They will work just fine without the studs, and they will still be better than standard tires when you drive through snow, but the studs will greatly 

 

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Making a Winter Survival Kit

Self-sufficiency as a vehicle owner can do more than save you money. When you're able to help yourself in the event of bad weather or an accident, it can even save your life. If you live in a climate that experiences long winters, take a little time to assemble a survival kit for your vehicle in case you break down during cold weather.

Stock your kit with commonsense items like a first aid kit, blankets, a flashlight, liquids and snacks. You can also add things appropriate for use when your car breaks down...
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Understanding Timing Belts

The timing belt is a component of your vehicle that many people talk about but not everyone understands. Most often, you go to your mechanic, and then they tell you that you should get a new one. But what is a timing belt and why do you need to replace them? Here are the reasons.

Like many parts on a vehicle, a timing belt does exactly what it's called. It ensures that the valves and pistons on the engine move in synchronous motion with the camshaft and crankshaft. If your timing belt is broken, you won't be going…
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Understanding Compact Temporary and Full-Size Spare Tires

If you've ever had a flat tire, you might have noticed there are different kinds of spare tires to replace the flat in an emergency. Understanding the differences between these tires can make you a better informed car owner.

Most people are familiar with the compact temporary spares that have a limited lifespan. They are an emergency measure meant to get you down the road to a service station, where you can have your flat fixed or replaced. Another option is using a full-size tire as your spare. This eliminates the need to visit a service station, as the…

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How to Debadge Your Vehicle in Minutes

Removing the decals and emblems from your vehicle doesn’t need to be a time-consuming or expensive process. You should be able to complete this project in just a few minutes as long as you have a few basic tools and supplies.

Most emblems are attached with a strong adhesive, and you need to weaken that adhesive with hot water, an adhesive remover, or a hairdryer. Once the emblem is partially loose, you can gently pull it away with an old credit card or plastic scraper. The final step in this process is thoroughly cleaning the area with soap and…

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How to Avoid Trouble When Towing Anything Behind Your Vehicle

The crew working here at Ray Laks Honda wanted to give you tips what to avoid when towing anything with your vehicle.

Don't forget to purchase blind-spot mirrors to stick on your side mirrors and help improve your visibility.

Never assume the tires on the trailer are secure. It takes a few minutes to grab a lug wrench and tighten the lugs so there is no chance the tire will come off on the road and cause you to lose control of the vehicle and the load.

Don't forget to take a few seconds after the wire harness…
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Tailgating Essentials

Tailgating essentials are ideal for making sure that your tailgating experience is one to remember. Also, having the right items on hand will make the entire day more convenient. Let us here at Ray Laks Honda give you a list of some of the tailgating essentials you should fill your vehicle up with.
  • Don't bring too large of a grill with you. This often takes up the most space and you really don't need anything too large. Something small is all you need in order to grill up some hot dogs or hamburgers.
  • A fire extinguisher is necessary…
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Learning the Basics for Applying Touch Up Paint to the Car Exterior

Our crew here at Ray Laks Honda want to help inform our audience to how to touch up any chips on the exterior paint on their vehicle.

Wet a small clean cloth with a soapy water mix, rub in circle to get any dirt out of the inside of the chip on the car exterior. Place a dab of polishing compound on the chip, rub with the cloth in an effort to soften the edge of the paint.

The tiny brush in the bottle of touch up paint will work on most chips, but if the hole is too small…
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The Fun Times Ahead Playing Roadtrip Games with the Kids

Take a road trip with the kids this year and you'll be able to keep them busy when you get them excited about some of these games.

With the License Plate Game, kids get a sheet with states on it and have to be on the hunt for cars driving by with those states on them. If they see a state on a plate, they have to yell it out before the others to get the point. After a set time, the most states simply wins the prize.

With 20 Questions, one person decides on an item and keeps…
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Why You Should Use Clay When You Detail Your Vehicle

If you own a vehicle, routine services will keep the engine in optimal condition, but the outside should also be maintained. You can keep the surface of your vehicle vibrant by washing it regularly and detailing it with clay.

Why use clay? Contaminants, such as brake dust, bug residue, and tar, can stick to the surface of your car. Unfortunately, washing won’t remove all of these contaminants, which is why you may notice a thin film of residue after you wash your vehicle. If you use clay when you detail your car, it will effectively remove all the contaminants…

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