OT: Tips,Tricks, and General Know How

[Blkbrd671]

Whatup Detroit Fam:

I wanted to start a thread for our board that would enable us to share our General Knowledge that may aid each other. This can be anything from Home tips, Basketball tips, Legal tips, Great deals Online or anything you discover as life smacks us in the face.

Here are some Tips,Tricks etc that i have learned recently.

I have chronic lower back pain, as common amoung ballers, that hinders my game. I have found that anti-inflammatory and doing these poses in the morning help strengthen and heal the muscle. Also your diet has quite a impact, but i ignore that advice.

Watch on YouTube

If you have rust on your chrome,Lemon Juice also works or just running water and scrubbing with Foil

Watch on YouTube

10 of 100,000 ways to use WD40

Watch on YouTube

1.) You don't have to change your oil every 3,000 miles, in fact it varies based on the size of engine ,model and brand. Your owners manual will have a MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE normally located in the back that will tell you how often you should change your oil as well as other routine maintenance so ensure your vehicle continues to work. The best way is a simple oil check , however you'd be surprised how many ppl completely ignore there oil change.

2.) If your paying anybody to do your taxes or struggle doing your taxes, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Intuit Turbo Tax its free for your basic tax filing. If your taxes are little more complicated, you may still have to pay, HOWEVER you'll learn a ton about taxes. So that the next time file, you actually have some what of a idea WTF Uncle Sam is doing and potential savings your accountant missed.

3.) The government currently provides rural development loans or RD loans that are reserved for 1st time home buyers. Essentially you can get a mortgage loan for a primary residence but not have to put down the typical full 20% down. It varies by bank depending on what they qualify for but the required down can range any where from 0% down to 5%. What happens is the Bank qualifies to offer certain loans to customers that the bank executes and the federal government purchases from the bank.

3a.) You want to go for a Fixed Rate loan
3b.) Adjustable Rate Mortgages or ARM loans should be avoided at all cost as you could very well end up not being able to afford your monthly down the road

4.) If collection agency every come calling or you see various notices on your credit report, before paying them. Send them a "Debit Validation Letter". Your entitled to a broad range of rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act that the collection agency has to prove or show cause in order to make a claim and collect. There agents are very good at prying information of customers over the phone, just remember you do not have to tell them anything and if they continue to harass you, there is legal recourse.


If i got anything wrong , please feel free to correct me as that is the whole purpose of this thread, to share information.

[Pharaoh]

Great idea...

I'll check again when sober

[DBC10]

I'll add to this a bit.

1.) Stop using premium fuel in your cars. Americans waste approximately 2.1 billion dollars per year on it (http://gizmodo.com/americans-waste-2-1-billion-a-year-on-premium-gas-1786861449). Your manual (hell, even your gas cap or anywhere around there may specify fuel type) will tell you the manufacturer's recommendations. More often than not, regular unleaded is perfectly fine, but sometimes using Top Tier branded (Labeled with a sticker I believe) fuel will be better for your car in the absolute long haul.

2.)

Watch on YouTube

Follow this video for any back pains or to regain good posture. Since a lot of us work in the desk jobs of the world, we're going to have terrible posture due to the way our desk are set up. That, and it's incredibly easy to be lazy and slouch all the time. I did this video about a couple times a week and I got rid of back pains and fixed my posture a bit. I have been neglecting it since I haven't had major pains in a while due to deadlifting/strengthening all the time at the gym.

3.) For those who are looking to work out or who have been working out for a while but never felt like you were doing a specific workout properly, I advise you to follow this guy. https://www.youtube.com/user/JDCav24
This guy used to be a professional therapist for pro athletes so for the most part he knows what he's talking about. He actually demonstrates majority of the lifts I came across with what part of the muscles and tendons it targets with great diagrams and procedures. He has a ton of video on pretty much every lift I can think of.

[Blkbrd671]

I'll add to this a bit.

1.) Stop using premium fuel in your cars. Americans waste approximately 2.1 billion dollars per year on it (http://gizmodo.com/americans-waste-2-1-billion-a-year-on-premium-gas-1786861449). Your manual (hell, even your gas cap or anywhere around there may specify fuel type) will tell you the manufacturer's recommendations. More often than not, regular unleaded is perfectly fine, but sometimes using Top Tier branded (Labeled with a sticker I believe) fuel will be better for your car in the absolute long haul.

SON OF A B*!

I literally just filled my Colorado up w/ Premium gas because "I wanted to treat her right". So if i understood this correctly, the octane level doesn't matter but the "brand name" gasoline station more than likely have better 87 Gasoline than some discounted place?

[mattao313]

Use Ubuntu or any other Linux distro if you're tired of paying for Windows (unless you use your PC for gaming). Customizable and can be ran side by side with Chrome OS also is less susceptible to viruses. Lastly it can make your older PC run a little faster.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

[zeebneeb]

On the oil changing portion, I have done so much car work and repair I should have gotten my certification (replace transmissions, rebuild motors, complete front end repair, you name it) and charge people, I have run tests on oil changes on my own cars, and I used to be just brutal on vehicles. 70,000+ miles a year on cars, heavy, heavy city driving stop and go. I now usually go right around 7,000 miles between oil changes. Seems to be the sweet spot. With that said, I am currently at 13,585 on my Toyota.

Now here are the variables;

1.)Make of car. Some vehicles just don't need oil changes as often as others. Japanese cars can go 15,000 miles between them (not in the owners manual my personal experience) but German cars, amd Volkswagon especially, need to be monitored as they actively burn oil, even when new.

2.)If you are going to go long distances, like let's say a trip, and you are over 5,000 miles, change the oil. Fresh oil on a road trip is a good thing as your running that motor non-stop for hundreds of miles.

Now, with that said, to quite some of the people who I know are shaking their heads reading this;

My current Toyota is a 2010 that has 187,000 miles on it, and I drive it hard. My previous vehicle was a original model CRV that had 268,000 Miles before I sold it off. I also had an old mercury Topaz that I put 92,000 miles on, and I never changed the oil. Why? Car was only 800$.

My point is, you can change your oil on the times recommended by the manufacturer and I don't have a problem with it. All I'm saying is, is don't take it as gospel. You can absolutely without question double that to every 6,000 miles and be perfectly fine.

Saves a ton of money, and is no hassle to you. You could also change your own oil and save a few nickles.

[Blkbrd671]

On the oil changing portion, I have done so much car work and repair I should have gotten my certification (replace transmissions, rebuild motors, complete front end repair, you name it) and charge people, I have run tests on oil changes on my own cars, and I used to be just brutal on vehicles. 70,000+ miles a year on cars, heavy, heavy city driving stop and go. I now usually go right around 7,000 miles between oil changes. Seems to be the sweet spot. With that said, I am currently at 13,585 on my Toyota.

Now here are the variables;

1.)Make of car. Some vehicles just don't need oil changes as often as others. Japanese cars can go 15,000 miles between them (not in the owners manual my personal experience) but German cars, amd Volkswagon especially, need to be monitored as they actively burn oil, even when new.

2.)If you are going to go long distances, like let's say a trip, and you are over 5,000 miles, change the oil. Fresh oil on a road trip is a good thing as your running that motor non-stop for hundreds of miles.

Now, with that said, to quite some of the people who I know are shaking their heads reading this;

My current Toyota is a 2010 that has 187,000 miles on it, and I drive it hard. My previous vehicle was a original model CRV that had 268,000 Miles before I sold it off. I also had an old mercury Topaz that I put 92,000 miles on, and I never changed the oil. Why? Car was only 800$.

My point is, you can change your oil on the times recommended by the manufacturer and I don't have a problem with it. All I'm saying is, is don't take it as gospel. You can absolutely without question double that to every 6,000 miles and be perfectly fine.

Saves a ton of money, and is no hassle to you. You could also change your own oil and save a few nickles.

My gf's vehicle is living proof you can run a car for quite a while without changing oil. I remember when we first started dating her i looked at the stamp they put for "Next Oil Change". It was like 15,000 miles past that number. I asked her why she never got it changed, she said "They never Called". *facepalm

[In SVG We Trust]

I guess I will be banned if I post something about drugs.

[Blkbrd671]

I guess I will be banned if I post something about drugs.

Don't think so, unless your trying to market your company or SPAM.

If its educational, i don't think the mods would mind, or if they do, they'd simply let you know and not outright ban you.

Han Solo's been trying to get the mods to take Bong Rips for years

[Manocad]

OIl changes...
As someone who has spent his entire 25+ year working career in the automotive industry I can tell you that no, you don't HAVE to change your oil every 3000, 5000 or 7000 miles. However regular oil changes are THE BEST THING you can do for your car's engine. Oil is used in the engine as a lubricant and a coolant; when it breaks down the engine parts wear out more quickly. Since I only drive about 11,000 miles/year, most of it is city driving, and I've got a $52,000 truck, I get synthetic oil changes every 3000 miles. $250/year is worth knowing I'm taking the best care of the engine. You cannot harm the engine by changing the oil too frequently and there is no "sweet spot." If your engine could talk it would tell you that it wants new oil after every use.

Gas...
Most engines are designed to run on 87 octane fuel. Using premium gas instead may not give you any benefit; it's a simple ROI calculation. Check your mileage for a few tanks; if premium gas costs 20% more and you're not getting 20% better gas mileage, you wasted your money. However there are engines designed to run on premium gas. If the manufacturer states that the car should take premium gas you'd better plan on using it.

[Blkbrd671]

OIl changes...
As someone who has spent his entire 25+ year working career in the automotive industry I can tell you that no, you don't HAVE to change your oil every 3000, 5000 or 7000 miles. However regular oil changes are THE BEST THING you can do for your car's engine. Oil is used in the engine as a lubricant and a coolant; when it breaks down the engine parts wear out more quickly. Since I only drive about 11,000 miles/year, most of it is city driving, and I've got a $52,000 truck, I get synthetic oil changes every 3000 miles. $250/year is worth knowing I'm taking the best care of the engine. You cannot harm the engine by changing the oil too frequently and there is no "sweet spot." If your engine could talk it would tell you that it wants new oil after every use.

Gas...
Most engines are designed to run on 87 octane fuel. Using premium gas instead may not give you any benefit; it's a simple ROI calculation. Check your mileage for a few tanks; if premium gas costs 20% more and you're not getting 20% better gas mileage, you wasted your money. However there are engines designed to run on premium gas. If the manufacturer states that the car should take premium gas you'd better plan on using it.

Doesn't Shell, 76 etc. add additives or cleaners to their premium gas? Or is that just a awesome commercial?

[Manocad]

Sure, which is a selling point. But the gasoline you use can in no way, shape or form take better care of the engine than you can yourself.

Oil changes, radiator flush and fill and transmission flush and fill are the three best things you can do to maximize your car's life. You can't "over maintain" your car. Sure, there are stories about not the changing the oil, not doing this, never doing that, etc. and the car lasting 200,000+ miles. But if you want to MAKE SURE your car will last 200,000+ miles because you need it to, take proper care of it.

[Blkbrd671]

Sure, which is a selling point. But the gasoline you use can in no way, shape or form take better care of the engine than you can yourself.

Oil changes, radiator flush and fill and transmission flush and fill are the three best things you can do to maximize your car's life. You can't "over maintain" your car. Sure, there are stories about not the changing the oil, not doing this, never doing that, etc. and the car lasting 200,000+ miles. But if you want to MAKE SURE your car will last 200,000+ miles because you need it to, take proper care of it.

how often for a radiator flush?

I have a standard Transmission truck, any "special" care i need to be aware of?

[Manocad]

Follow the owner's manual for radiator/trans flush and fills. Obviously the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution and recommend a higher frequency than the vehicle really needs, but for stuff like that it's generally every 30,000 miles or so.

[DBC10]

I'll add to this a bit.

1.) Stop using premium fuel in your cars. Americans waste approximately 2.1 billion dollars per year on it (http://gizmodo.com/americans-waste-2-1-billion-a-year-on-premium-gas-1786861449). Your manual (hell, even your gas cap or anywhere around there may specify fuel type) will tell you the manufacturer's recommendations. More often than not, regular unleaded is perfectly fine, but sometimes using Top Tier branded (Labeled with a sticker I believe) fuel will be better for your car in the absolute long haul.

SON OF A B*!

I literally just filled my Colorado up w/ Premium gas because "I wanted to treat her right". So if i understood this correctly, the octane level doesn't matter but the "brand name" gasoline station more than likely have better 87 Gasoline than some discounted place?

Yeah, refer to your owner's manual, most often than not, like the article I posted, you'll get negligible benefits compared to what you are actually paying. People often buy into "Premium" as if it's more better for your car when they only have a econobox 4 cylinder engine and not something like a turbo 4 cylinder/twin turbo/V6 like a GTI or even a FRS/BRZ, STI, WRX, ST type cars.

If the owner's manual says to use premium then use it since it'll matter for the cars. Most cars that should run premium on a day to day basis can run regular unleaded too, just you won't be getting the same amount of power output that you would regularly get with premium. Let's say my Genesis coupe with a twin turbo 4 cyl regularly gets 260 hp with premium, the car can also run regular unleaded, but my HP would be around 244 hp which is a pretty decent drop off.

As for the top tier gas part, there's been documented reports that it does help somewhat with your car with the addition of additives. How much is to be determined, but the Top Tier has been established by a group that regularly tests the gas in order to be labeled as such. So you know you're actually getting decent gas, as opposed to some quality diminished gas elsewhere.

More on top tier here: http://www.toptiergas.com/

But Manocad nailed all the points too.

[DBC10]

I got another one since we're all talking about oil and car maintenance.

I started putting full synthetic in my cars, not because I necessarily buy into all the marketing talk and hoopla, but because of this video. I feel like it'll be better for the car in the long run due to me driving a lot in all seasons. Plus the cold flow of full synthetic vs conventional in freezing conditions sold me for winter driving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYkg0oDUXs8

Also...

Spend the money to buy a good set of tires, go on Tirerack and search for tires there since it'll be cataloged with reviews from actual owners. The thing that's keeping you safe while driving (at least 90% of the time) are your brakes and tires. Why not spend the extra money that has great traction and less prone to being worn down fast.

[hoophabit]

I try to run some Shell or other gas that is known for their cleaning solvent additives. I've had several car pros remark that they don't think it's necessary every fill-up, but periodically will help keep injectors and such working better. I change oil according to the car's oil sensor, although I usually change when it reads out at about 30% remaining life.

If there are any campers in the group here's a fire starting tip. A small pile of Match Light (or other pre-treated) charcoal will light about any fire. Even damp wood will dry out and burn. Beats slivering up wood and/or dumping charcoal starter (Boy Scout water) and still struggling to get it going.

[Blkbrd671]

I got another one since we're all talking about oil and car maintenance.

I started putting full synthetic in my cars, not because I necessarily buy into all the marketing talk and hoopla, but because of this video. I feel like it'll be better for the car in the long run due to me driving a lot in all seasons. Plus the cold flow of full synthetic vs conventional in freezing conditions sold me for winter driving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYkg0oDUXs8

Also...

Spend the money to buy a good set of tires, go on Tirerack and search for tires there since it'll be cataloged with reviews from actual owners. The thing that's keeping you safe while driving (at least 90% of the time) are your brakes and tires. Why not spend the extra money that has great traction and less prone to being worn down fast.

Tires make the world of difference. I remember when i would always want to "BUY A 4X4" so that i didn't have to worry about getting stuck. Then i drove my buddies 4x2 with swampers and saw how easily he got out of trouble. I forgot what i got now, but there graded for driving and generally keep you out of trouble on dirt.

[Blkbrd671]

I try to run some Shell or other gas that is known for their cleaning solvent additives. I've had several car pros remark that they don't think it's necessary every fill-up, but periodically will help keep injectors and such working better. I change oil according to the car's oil sensor, although I usually change when it reads out at about 30% remaining life.

If there are any campers in the group here's a fire starting tip. A small pile of Match Light (or other pre-treated) charcoal will light about any fire. Even damp wood will dry out and burn. Beats slivering up wood and/or dumping charcoal starter (Boy Scout water) and still struggling to get it going.

I don't know if this helps any, but at least to get the pit started, i place the charcoal on news paper and light the news paper so that it burns underneath the pile. In my head it makes things faster, but half the time i am dranking when i am bbqing so it could very well be me just sucking .

[Pharaoh]

If you're going camping make sure you take a smoker with you!

As a smoker I've always got multiple lighters on hand so no drama starting a fire!