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Boating is a great hobby especially during summer. However, for most people, a vacation that involves boating activities would require pulling their boat on a trailer behind their vehicle. Well, if you own a boat then why not?  

Since towing a boat on a trailer can change the way you will drive your vehicle it is important that you know the safety tips for towing a boat. This will help you understand your capabilities and limitations while on the road.

• Always double check. Before you hit the road, make sure that you perform a full safety inspection of your vehicle and towing apparatus. Check your tires and make sure they have enough air to sustain your trip. Don’t forget to load your towing apparatus and safety toolbox on your truck. Check the hook and make sure it doesn’t break throughout your journey.

• Install the trailer lights to your tow vehicle to make it visible during the night. Do note however that trailer lights should be used at all times even during daytime. Make sure all the lights are working – you can even run a test for safety. The running lights, right, and left turn signals should be working. Ensure that the brake lights and hazard signal turns on when you press them. 

• Distribute the weight when loading up your boat evenly. Do not place too much heavy materials on the boat as it might cause control issues when you hit the road. Balance the items that you plan on bringing with you especially if they are heavy. Avoid shifting routes when you drive.

• Cross your safety chains which usually extend from your trailer and your tow vehicle. If you think you’re short of the measurement then you need to purchase a safety chain that will comply with this safety requirement. Crossing your chains has a very important purpose – that is to catch and support the loose trailer tongue so the boat will not dig into the road. 

• Keep your distance from other vehicles. When merging into the traffic, it is important that you exercise patience on the road. Since you are towing a boat, you need to maintain space between other vehicles. Subsequently, adjust your driving style and speed as if you are not going to get up to passing speed as quickly as you are used to when driving without the tow boat behind you.

At the very end, practice makes perfect. If it is your first time to tow a boat, make sure that you train yourself for this task. You need to be safe first in order to have a fun vacation with the family.

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Broken water pumps can happen any time when the water and antifreeze leaks in your F150’s engine. However, vehicle owners often suffer from the high cost needed to fix their water pump.

Here is the good news – you can actually save money when your water pump goes bad in your F150. The following are some steps you can follow.

• Prepare the materials you need to replace your water pump. These include socket, torque, flat head screwdriver, gasket scraper, and gasket sealant. You also need to have a new water pump, which you will have to mount later on once you remove the old water pump system of your F150.

• Disconnect the battery and drain the cooling system of your F150. Using a flat screwdriver, remove the radiator and bypass the heater hoses.  You need to locate the water pump located inside the system by further loosening the clamps. Once you find the water pump, you need to loosen each hose.

• Carefully loosen and disentangle fan drive belts from the system.  This will require you to turn it counterclockwise for you to be able to unmount the fan drive belt safely.

• Remove the bolts that connect the water pump to the timing chain. This will expose the water pump allowing you to pull it off completely without destroying other circuits that connect to the assembly.

• Clean the old gasket and get rid of the corrosion after removing the water pump. You need to do this cautiously without causing more leakage in the assembly. Spread a gasket sealer on the surface of the water pump and the mounting balls.

• Now you are ready to install your new water pump. Carefully put back the pieces which you have removed by starting with the gasket and the bolts. Mount the new water pump into the engine block and fasten the pump bolts by turning the screw clockwise. You can use the socket and torque wrench to tighten them.

• Put the parts back into the engine block and fill the cooling system with the specified amount of water and antifreeze. Be careful that your F150 doesn’t overheat again; otherwise you would need another repair for your water pump.

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The exhaust system of your vehicle plays an important role in keeping your car running. However, it can get worn out throughout the time. If you hear some noise in your car when you are driving, it is probably your exhaust system that is causing it. So if you want to know how to replace your exhaust system, here are some tips you need to know.

• Purchase a bolt-on exhaust that is suitable for the kind of vehicle you have.  You can search for the best deals online or with your manufacturer. Most parts, however, can be obtained in local parts stores or dealerships.

• When you get the materials, park your vehicle on a flat surface to prevent it from rolling. Gradually lift or raise the vehicle from the ground using a jack. If this is your first time doing such a task, you need to ask for help from a colleague or someone who knows how to replace the exhaust system.

• Spray the hardware generously with PB Blaster and allow it to soak for five minutes. Also include the nuts and bolts.

• Remove the old muffler. You need to start at the rear portion of the vehicle and slowly pull the muffler off its position. Always use the correct size of 6 pointed sockets and a ratchet.  Be careful with removing the muffler and do not use 12 point sockets. This may cause the nuts to round off. 

• Detach it from the catalytic converter. Make sure you also remove the bolted part and then remove the rubber hangers. 

• Place the new rubber hangers and slip the new muffler into the rubber hanger. Once done, you need to secure everything in place but installing the new gasket between the catalytic converter and the new exhaust.

• Fasten the flange which joins the middle piping to the muffler and then tighten all the bolts. Make sure that they are not pressed too hard against the frame or gas tank of your vehicle to avoid further issues.

Installing a new exhaust can take time especially if it is your first time. We suggest that you consult a professional to help you do it. We were in an accident and tore our exhaust system completely apart. After our buds at Chandler Towing and Recovery towed us to a repair shop, we had them customize an exhaust system for us.

evertheless, just because you already have a new exhaust doesn’t mean your car is completely ready to hit the road. Always test your exhaust system and schedule a regular check-up to ensure safety.

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When you want to take your vehicle for repairs to an auto repair shop, it pays to take your time and select the best available professionals. Being meticulous can help you avoid costly repairs or scams that come with unprofessional work. Note that an amateur car repair job can result in serious damage to your vehicle. For many car owners, dealing with numerous responsibilities and a tight work schedule makes having a functioning vehicle an absolute necessity. You don’t have always to wait until your vehicle breaks down before you can start looking for a reputable auto repair shop. 

It’s important to take time before your car develops any trouble and compare several car mechanic shops in your area to find the one that can provide quality service. Here are tips to help you select a auto repair shop that best suits your needs and convenience. 

Start by Asking Around

Well, this works across all professional industries. Your friends and family members are the best sources of referrals. Of course, you need someone who has had experience using the mechanic in your local area. Ask them for referrals. You can rest assured you have an honest insight and opinion about the individual’s experience with those mechanics. This is the first step towards avoiding scams and saving money. 

Don’t wait for an Emergency 

What happens when you realize your radiator is smoking or there’s a problem with your car engine and your car can’t move? You’ll want to have the problem fixed as soon as possible, won’t you? Your judgment at this point will be clouded which means you’re likely to make the wrong decision on who can fix your vehicle. To avoid this mistake and ensure high-quality service, shop around for a reputable auto repair shop before an emergency strikes. It will also help you save money. 

Don’t judge the price

Everyone wants to save money which isn’t a bad idea. However, choosing a auto repair shop based on their price offer might not be the right thing to do. Don’t choose the cheapest offer you find. They might be offering very poor service. The most high price, on the other hand, won’t necessarily mean high-quality service. Shop around and find an auto mechanic shop that offers a service that best suits your needs at an affordable price. 

Don’t forget to check online reviews

Even if your family members or friends assured you of great service from a certain auto mechanic, consider doing your own background checks. Online reviews can help you know what to expect. 

Ask Questions

One of the things you should never forget when hiring any professional company or service provider is asking the right questions. You want to find out as much information and details as possible. From their experience in the industry, warranty policies, and training to their customer service, credentials, and certifications, be sure to ask anything you want to know. 

Let the mechanic explain the problem

Finally, don’t just leave your vehicle at the shop without knowing or understanding what the problem is and what’s going to be done. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask the mechanics to speak in a language you grasp. It’s also important that you know the problem yourself before choosing from one of the auto repair shop in your area. 

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