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Best Cell Phone Holders For Cars: Safety For You And Your Cell Phone

Written by Chris in Auto Parts,Reviews

Best Cell Phone Holders For Cars

Your cell phones are not just a convenience anymore, as it is now considered a necessity while you are on the road. Having your cell phone while traveling has a lot of benefits, such as it provides a lot of apps to help you stay in touch with your family and friends. It can help you get to your destination and it can help you in emergencies. These are some of the reasons why you need a cell phone holder in your car.

In this article, we are going to discuss the best cell phone holders for cars that are available in the market right now. We will provide some of their key features, pros, and cons, as well as some of the factors you have to consider in searching for one. If you were having a hard time choosing, we hope this post will be of great help.

Product Brand  

Ram Mount Twist Lock Suction Cup Mount

Ram Mount

Review

Wuteku Magnetic Cell Phone Holder

Wuteku

Review

Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount​

 

Beam Electronics

Review

IPOW Car Silicone Pad Dash Mat Cell Phone Mount Holder

IPOW

Review

Things To Consider Before Buying Cell Phone Holder For Car

Due to the advantages a cell phone holder can offer you, the amount of money you pay is going to be a great investment and is something you will not have second thoughts on. Below is a list of the essential factors you have to take into consideration in choosing the best cell phone holders for cars.

1. Features

Product features may be the most important factor you have to take into consideration when it comes to choosing the best phone holder. As you will notice later on, the products presented below have distinct properties that make them part of the top 4 picks. The best way to choose is to review each feature carefully and pick the one you would most benefit from.

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The cell phone holder you choose may be versatile, has several mounting systems, or can be rotated to a certain degree. These features are what you look for in the best cell phone holders for cars.

2. Grip

The reason you are buying a cell phone holder is because you need something to hold your phone while you are driving. To do this task effectively, the one you should choose must have a solid grip on your phone. Almost all of the products presented below differentiate in their grip styles and you should choose one depending on the cell phone you are using it for.

3. Safety

As a responsible driver, you already know that cell phone use is dangerous, especially while you are driving. This is the main reason why getting the best cell phone holder is beneficial for you and your passengers’ safety. A lot of apps now offer convenient and easy methods of getting to your destinations and you are going to need your cell phone for that. You have to choose one that offers safety, stability, and tightness features.

4. Compatibility

There a lot of cell phones now due to technological advances such as iPhone, Samsung, and Blackberry. These phones all come in various sizes and weight. In choosing the best cell phone holder, pick one that is universal, which means that you may use it on any phone of your choice.

5. Weight

Weight is also an important factor you have to consider. Since you are attaching or mounting it on your dashboard or your air vent, the glue should be able to carry the weight of the cell phone holder, as well as the phone. You have to choose one that is lightweight, as it is guaranteed that it will not detach easily.

6. Price

The cell phone holders that will be discussed below are priced differently from each other, some are cheap and some are expensive. When it comes to the price, you have to review each product’s main features, pros, and cons, so you can decide if the price you will pay is worth it. In addition, it does not always mean that an expensive cell phone holder offers the best performance, so you have to watch out for that.

7. User Reviews

User reviews come from actual buyers of the product. It details first hand experiences regarding the product and there is no better source of that information but its users. These users provide their honest opinions about the product they bought and it will somehow give you enlightenment about how well the cell phone holder will perform. Ratings are very important as well because through them you can compare each product individually.

Top 4 Cell Phone Holders For Cars Reviews

In this section, you will find the top four picks for the best cell phone holders for cars. Each product will have a detailed discussion on it’s main features, pros, and cons to help you narrow down your choices.

1. Ram Mount Twist Lock Suction Cup Mount

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The Ram Mounts package consists of a double socket system, a universal spring-loaded X-Grip cell phone holder. It also features a 3.25 inch twist lock suction cup base, which is specifically designed to have a strong grip on glass, as well as non-porous plastic surfaces. Through these features, it is guaranteed that it can hold your cell phones even when you are driving on uneven surfaces.

Another great feature of this product is that it has a mount designed with a RAM 1 inch diameter patented rubber ball and a socket system that comes with adjustment points at both ends of the arm. It is also noteworthy that the X-Grip holder can expand and contract, which allows custom fit for your cell phone. It has crafted with stainless steel and has high strength composite.

For its specifications, dimensions are 3 x 7.6 x 3 inches and it weighs 12 ounces. To add, it is coated with marine grade aluminum for long lasting performance.

Pros:

  • Features double socket system
  • Coated with marine grade aluminum for maximum protection
  • Crafted with stainless steel
  • Offers an X-Grip for superior hold
  • Lightweight
  • Can be used with almost all cell phones today

Cons:

  • Rubber suction cup may melt at high temperatures
  • May be bulky for some

2. Wuteku Magnetic Cell Phone Holder

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It is interesting to note that the Wuteku cell phone holder is top rated by drivers because of its minimalist features. This brand is a smart way to mount your phones with GPS in your car. You may use this holder for safely calling your family and friends while you are on the road. It features 6 magnet that can hold even the heaviest cell phones in position, regardless of uneven surfaces.

The Wuteku cell phone holder features a sleek design that fits right in with the interior of your vehicle. It features outstandingly strong adhesive bonds for superior hold. In addition, it can support a lot of cell phone models and even a tablet.

You can use the phone in portrait or landscape mode and take it off easily at any time. It is easy to install

Pros:

  • Features Hexdymium magnets for superior hold
  • Supports a wide range of cell phones and tablets
  • Can be rotated in any direction
  • Very lightweight
  • Box includes extra plate and adhesive

Cons:

  • The plate is large and some may not want to use adhesive on their phone or car
  • May not be able to find a flat spot on car to mount magnets

3. Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount

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The Beam Electronics cell phone holder is another great product in this list. This universal car cell phone holder permits unrestricted access and use to almost all cell phones while you are on the road. It is compatible for use on all popular brands such as iPhones, Samsung and LG. It offers 1 mounting option the car air vent. You can position it to be placed on straight air vents of your vehicle.

The Beam Electronics cell phone holder features an extendable cradle that allows even the largest cell phones. With this feature, you can easily charge your cell phone while you are listening to music or while using apps. In addition, the car mount is rotatable up to 360 degrees that can clearly and accurately capture voices coming from any angle. Through this, you no longer have to suffer from strained conversation because of bad angling.

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Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Features air vent mounting system
  • Comes with an extendable cradle
  • Can fit even the largest phones
  • Can be rotated up to 360 degrees

Cons:

  • Blocks air vent
  • Might be flimsy for some

4. IPOW Car Silicone Pad Dash Mat Cell Phone Mount Holder

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The IPOW cell phone holder offers an improved core technology that makes driving a lot safer and more convenient. It also has an upgraded appearance and is more fashionable. It has two pairs of rubber holders that can hold your phone through its hook design. This feature makes your cell phone more stable and tightly locked. In addition, it is crafted with silicone gel that protects your phone while you are using it.

It is also very easy to use and it can fit different sizes of phones. While it is perfect for car use, you can also use it at home or at the office. It is also noteworthy that sheet metals are inserted that augments the hoop type design for more stability and tightness. Lastly, it has an adjustable function, as it can be moved vertically to prevent reflection.

For its specifications, product dimensions are 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches and it weighs only 3.2 ounces. The package includes 1 silicone pad mat and 4 rubber parts that comes in 2 sizes.

Pros:

  • No glue is needed because of the silicone gel
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to install on your car dashboard
  • Perfect to use at home and office as well
  • Rubber holder comes in 2 sizes
  • Adjustable
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Poorly designed according to some
  • Gets dirty very easily

Conclusion

Now that we have discussed everything you have to learn about cell phone holders, it is now up to you to choose which one to buy. Based on the reviews discussed above, we do recommend the Beam Electronics for the best cell phone holders for cars. There is no doubt this product offers versatility. If you review carefully, you will be able to appreciate that it has a lot more offerings than others.

Do you need more products to hook up to your vehicle? Click here to see some of the options that are available in the market right now.

How To Clean Your Car Engine Safely and Professionally?

Written by Chris in Auto Engines,Auto Parts,Cars

How To Clean Your Car Engine Safely and Professionally

The engine of your car is kept covered under the bonnet. It needs to be cleaned regularly so that the accumulated grime can be removed and the engine performs optimally. Moreover, you can spot any breakage, leakage, or other impending issues. If you want long-term reliability on your car, you must make it a point to clean, service, and replace the worn-out and defective parts on a regular basis.

The following are the safe and professional ways of cleaning your car engine, explained under three broader methods, namely i) Preparing, ii) Degreasing, and iii) Cleaning of Specific components of the engine.

1. Protection & Preparation of Dirty Engine

Removal of Debris

Start by removing debris from the hood, grille, and vent openings. The debris may come in the form of grass, leaves, twigs, and pine needles. You may use compressed air or just a handbrush for this purpose.

Disconnect the Battery

You will be required to spray water directly onto the engine. This may cause arcing or blowing of the fuses of the electrical components. Therefore, loosen the bolt on the negative terminal of the battery and slide off the ground cable. Disconnect the positive terminal to clean the battery outside the engine bay.

Cover Wirings and Electronic Components

Cover Wirings and Electronic Components

Photo Credit: http://forums.nicoclub.com/clean-engine-t495407.html

Cover the exposed loose wirings and electrical components, such as the spark plug inlet and the distributor cap, using small plastic cling wrap or plastic bags. You need to cover electronic components such as Alternator, Coil Packs, Alarm Housing, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), HID Ballast (Headlights), On-Board Diagnostics Port (OBD), and Air Intake Systems (Exposed).

Run Engine to Heat

After starting the engine, you need to keep it running for five minutes so that the heat generated eases the removal of the grease or grime.

2. Degreasing

Apply Degreaser

Use a good brand of degreaser coming in a spray bottle. Spray it on the engine, starting from the bottom to up.

Cover Painted Components

Take care to see that the degreaser is not sprayed on any painted components because it may remove the clear coat off the paint. If however, it is sprayed, remove the same immediately by rinsing the degreaser.

Soaking of Degreaser

Allow three to five minutes to the degreaser for sucking the grime accumulated on the engine. Follow the instructions given on the degreaser bottle.

Scrub the Obstinate Grime

Scrub the Obstinate Grime

Photo Credit: http://www.autobytel.com/car-ownership/maintenance-repair/how-to-clean-a-car-engine-118119/

There may still be some amount of deposit of grime, grease, or burnt oil sticking on the engine. Make use of a stiff-bristled brush for scrubbing the same. Use goggles to protect your eyes from the degreaser. Also, use hand gloves to prevent any side effects due to prolonged contact with the degreaser.

Avoid High-Pressure Hose

Avoid using the high-pressure hose for ringing the engine because that may cause disconnection of some wires. The pressure of the hose may also penetrate the plastic bag you have put for covering the electronic components or exposed wires. Therefore, use a regular garden hose fitted with a fire hose nozzle. In case, you notice any grime or dirt, even after rinsing, reapply the degreaser and leave it for few minutes.

3. Cleaning of Particular Component

There are some components on which you have put your specific attention for cleaning

Battery Terminals

Battery terminals are prone to corrosion. For cleaning the battery terminals, remove the cables of the battery and make use of a wire brush for scrubbing them. Alternatively, you can soak the ends of cables in an anti-corrosion chemical such as CLR.

Battery Acid

If you find any corrosion caused due to leakage of the battery acid, use a mix of baking soda and water for neutralizing the same. To a bucket of water, add a bit of baking soda and stir it well to mix thoroughly. Dipping your brush to this mixture, scrub the battery terminals. You can also scrub other areas where you notice any leakage of acid.

Battery Acid

Photo Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RztzYaJiC4

Aluminum and Plastic Parts

Clean the aluminum part of the engine compartment by using a small wire brush and a corrosion neutralizing chemical. Scrub the plastic components and panels with a plastic bristled brush and then wash the surface with soapy water, by using a piece of sponge. It may be difficult to scrub plastic parts like engine covers and reservoir caps. Use plastic bristled brush with stiff tooth to remove them

Protective Measures of Electronic Components

Remove protective devices and clean them with a soft cloth by using a non-residue cleaner like dry brake cleaner.

Grime Deposits

If you notice thick deposit of grime, use good quality of brake cleaner that will break up and evaporate the grime quickly. After inserting the straw into the nozzle of the brake cleaner point it at the deposit of the grime. Make use of the hard-toothed brush.

While cleaning your car engine, you may too often find the insulation of the wires gnawed, which is caused by mice. If these wires are connected to batteries, alternators or other electronic devices, chances of a short circuit are very high. If it occurs, you have to go in for costly restoration.

It is therefore essential that you adopt preventive measures to keep mice away from a car engine. The following steps will help you in keeping the mice away from your car engine:

  • As the rodents like a dark place for nesting, leave the hood up, while it is in the garage.
  • Rats can eat dog food, bird seed, and cat food and then carry a portion of the same to stuff into the air cleaner or the glove compartment of your car. Therefore, hide these foods
  • Seal off possible hiding areas of rats, near your car
  • Make use of electronic rat deterrent devices such as Rid-a-Rat or Mouse Blocker
  • Make the engine smell bad to rats by using used cat litter, peppermint, dog hair, powdered fox urine red pepper, Irish Spring Soap or Laundry Dryer Sheets
  • Adopt the oldest method of using mouse trap such as snap trap, glue traps. Use of toxic baits may work but can poison other domestic animals like cats and dogs.
  • Seal small entrances to the engine compartment

Although car engine fuels are essential to you, you may not be well-acquainted with the names and functionalities of different fuels.

Petrol comes under different names such as 95 RON, Super Unleaded (97/98 RON) and Premium fuels like Shell V-Power Unleaded with octane rating (OR) of 99 RON

Diesel comes as Shell V-Power Diesel, BP Ultimate Diesel, and Total Excellium Diesel

LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas is used as an alternative to petrol for which the petrol engine has to be converted for running on LPG. Moreover, an additional tank like a gas cylinder has to be fitted.

Understanding The Basics Of Garage Safety – Essential Tips

Written by Chris in Cars

Garage safety tips

Whether your car is on the road or inside the garage, your first concern is Safety. While the former is taken due care of, the later is most often not given due attention as demanded by it. Besides housing the car, the available space is utilized for storing assorted hazardous substances like fertilizers, insecticides, gasoline, tools and implements, flammable substances, cans, and bottles.

Consequently, dangers and hazards are invited for your car, your kids, pets and all those who enter into your garage. It is therefore essential that you understand the basics of garage safety. The following are the essential tips in this context.

1. Unmarked Stairs

If the stairs in your garage are not marked, chances of slips and falls increase significantly. Put strong handrails on both sides of the stairs and put reflective tape on the edges of steps, so that they can be seen, both day and night.

2. Chemical Clutter

Chemical Clutter

Via: http://chriscrawfordphoto.com/chris-details.php?product=2639

Sometimes you may store the automotive fluids, paint thinner, or paints in a haphazard way. Worse is if you keep harsh chemicals in old food containers or soda bottles. Some chemicals may erode the mismatched containers and cause leakage of fumes or liquids that may cause accidental poisoning of pets, burns, fire hazards or respiratory problems.

3. Safety of Fire Hazards

Safety of Fire Hazards

Photo Credit: http://murrayguari.com/garage-safety-not-so-hidden-dangers/

In case you are going to take up the painting work of one or two cars inside the premises of the garage, you must extinguish all flames; including the pilot lights before you start spraying. The natural gas water heater is the best example of pilot light. If you don’t extinguish them, the atomized paint can explode by coming in contact with an open fire, and the flame can quickly spread inside or even the outside spaces.

4. Safety of Jack Backup

Even if you use a hydraulic bottle jack or a floor jack, you can’t be 100% sure of the safety. Therefore, if you are working under your vehicle, supplement the jack with a set of high-quality ramps or a good quality axle stand.

car maintenance tips

Photo Credit: http://artsonearth.com/2013/07/car-maintenance-10-common-mistakes-most-people-make.html

5. Safety related to CarBattery

Know Your Battery Charger

The battery contains toxic fumes and extremely explosive acid. When you are charging the batteries on a work bench, you should be alert to the sparks and open flames; even from the live cigarettes. The acid may be scattered on you if it explodes.

6. Safety against Burn Prevention

The radiator of your car is under the high pressure of 15 psi, and the temperature may rise above 123 degrees Fahrenheit. In case you crack open the radiator cap, the hazardous content of the radiator may fall upon you. Therefore, allow the temperature to cool down naturally to a lukewarm level.

For opening the cap, make use of a soft towel. If you find any steam dissipating, wait for some time before you start to open the cap.

7. Leaning Ladders

A vertically leaning ladder may tip in and damage your car or may even hurt the passerby. Moreover, finding it vertically stand in, children may be tempted to climb on it or play on the rungs. Therefore, always keep the ladder in its horizontal position, leaning against the wall. You may also hang it on the wall. Take care to hang the rakes, brooms, and loose garden tool on the wall, so that they are above the floor.

8. Ineffective Lighting

Ineffective Lighting

Via: http://garagesafety.co.uk/

Although your garage has a tight space and tripping hazards, inadequate lighting makes it a storehouse of the accident by slipping, sliding or dashing. For full illumination of the garage, put additional fixtures of light on work areas as well as on stairs. Use bulbs of highest wattage and protect them with metal or metal cage guards.

9. Vulnerable Entryways

Don’t keep the garage opened or unlocked because teens tend to intrude into the garage in search of beer or chemicals they can inhale. Therefore, secure the garage doors and windows by installing deadbolts. For a yet effective result, ensure that automatic doors are fitted with a device for stopping the door or reversing it when it contacts an object.

10. Miscellaneous Safety Measures

Miscellaneous Safety Measures

Photo Credit: http://iamreverend.com/garage-safety-tips.html

Make use of drawer latches, cabinet, and electrical outlet cover and keep the hazardous substances and implement, safely locked:

  • Avoid leaving long ropes lying on the floor. Hang them on hooks
  • When the power tools are not in use, disconnect the same from plugs
  • Don’t dispose of piles of magazines, newspapers oily rags, old clothing inside the garage. Store the gasoline or flammable liquids sufficiently distanced from hot water heaters
  • Remove the door before storing discarded appliances

As a part of the garage safety, always go in for the best garage heater. The Heater Efficiency determines the quality and performance of a heater.

You can calculate the heater efficiency by following an actual calculation. If your energy bill is 7.53 cent per kWh and your consumption is 5000 watt, then 7.53 x 5kWx1 hours works out to 37.65 cents per running the heater.

Top-Rated Garage Heaters

The following are four garage heaters from which you can choose the best according to your needs and budget

Top-Rated Garage Heaters

Via: https://www.thespruce.com/choosing-garage-heater-1398261

1. New Air G56

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It is suitable for large space and can warm 560 sq feet. It can be permanently installed requiring on an outlet of 240V. Being made from steel, it is highly durable. It uses 5,600 watts of energy

2. New Air G73

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Its effective warming area is 500 sq feet, and it raises the temperature to over 40 degrees. It can be mounted on wall and ceilings by a hanging bracket attached to it for the quicker setting. It consumes 5,000 watts.

3. Comfort Zone 7,500W, CZ230ER

It can heat an area covering up to 1250 sq. feet and consumes 7500 watts of heating power. It can be mounted on the ceiling and needs to be hardwired. It also uses 240V, so you will need a 240V outlet. It has a high-quality heavy gauge steel body and is commercial quality built.

By utilizing the remote control, you have the ability to modify the settings from afar, enabling you to customize your heating experience without the need to rise or disrupt your ongoing tasks.

4. Elevoke Space Heaters, 1500W

Although this is made for mostly indoor use, it may be helpful for those who only need a small area in the garage heated.

Small and lightweight, this heater can plug into a regular outlet and give you the heat that you want within 30 seconds of turning on.

It has a five-foot cord and built-in high-temperature protection, which automatically shuts down when the heater overheats, avoiding any fire hazard.

When it comes to the safety of your car, you should give equal importance to the situations when it is on the road and also when it is inside the garage. If you take adequate safety measures for your garage safety, you are also ensuring safety for those that are connected to the garage in some way or other.

Best Garage Door Openers: A Must-Read Before You Buy

Written by Chris in Reviews

Best Garage Door Openers

With the right garage door opener, it will be effortless for your car to get in and out of the garage. Aside from convenience, it will also be beneficial in terms of safety. It will make sure that the door will not close accidentally and will prevent the possibility of suffering from mishaps. It is one of the essentials to have in the garage.

Are you looking for the best garage door openers that are available in the market these days? If you are having a hard time deciding on which one will make the best choice, keep on reading the rest of this post. I will share with you some of the essential considerations, as well as five of the products that are sure to be worth your money.

ProductBrand  

Chamberlain B970 Garage Door Opener

Chamberlain

Review

Direct Drive 1042V001 Garage Door Opener

Direct Drive

Review

Liftmaster 8500 W​​all Mount Garage Door Opener

Liftmaster

Review

Genie SilentMax 1200 Garage Door Opener

Genie

Review

Chamberlan C450 Smartphone – ControlledGarage Door Opener 

Chamberlain

Review

Choosing the Best Garage Door Openers

As you try to weigh the possibilities, below are some of the most important considerations that will help you to come up with the right decision:

1. Motor

This is one of the most important parts of the garage door opener and will be highly indicative of performance. Look at the horsepower or HP rating. A higher number will be better. This makes it possible to operate with less wear and making sure that the door will open or close in an instant. However, those with higher horsepower are also generally more expensive.

Aside from the horsepower, you also need to consider the type of motor that is incorporated in the unit. Generally speaking, DC motor is better than an AC motor. A direct current motor can offer softer starts and stops. This means that lesser noise will be produced and it will also not be easily prone to wear.

2. Remote

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With a remote, you will be able to control the door without having to touch it manually. See to it that the remote has convenient features. In today’s time, many products can already be controlled with the use of your smartphone, which will function as the remote. You can download a compatible app. This will also allow you to monitor your garage even at a distance.

3. Noise

The drive system of the garage door opener is often the one that is responsible for making a noise. As much as possible, choose a product that comes with a direct drive motor. In the case of the latter, there is a single moving part. This will make the operations smooth, and best of all, it will not produce any noticeable noise.

4. Safety Features

The garage door opener must be able to offer a wide array of features that will guarantee its safe operations. One of the most important is automatic reverse. This means that while the door is closing, if it is able to detect an object, it will automatically reverse.

The rolling code technology is another safety feature that you should look for. This will provide innovative encryption, which means that no one will be able to access your garage without your authority.

5. BatteryBackup

This is important as it can provide you with the assurance that you will be able to get in and out of the garage, even if there is no power. In case of an outage, the battery will automatically provide the power that is needed for the door to function. More often than not, the battery will last for a day and will have a predetermined number of times it can open or close the door.

6. Installation

If you are into DIY tasks, you do not have to pay a pro to install your garage door opener. With this, make sure that the manufacturer provides comprehensive instructions on how to complete the assembly of their products. See to it as well that they will provide all the accessories that you will need, including screws and brackets.

In the case of some companies, their websites have videos that will provide you with a visual guide on the steps that you need to do to complete the installation.

7. Overhead Lights

This is a feature that is not present in all of the garage door openers that you can see in the market. It will be good if it is incorporated with an overhead light, which must operate independently. Some products are equipped with proximity sensors that will automatically turn off the light once it is able to detect that you are already inside the garage.

8. Warranty Coverage

When it comes to warranty, the longer, the better. Many manufacturers are offering a lifetime warranty, which is perfect if you want to have peace of mind. This means that if the garage door opener becomes defective, you can rely on the support from the manufacturer. They will provide free repair or replace the defective parts without any cost on your end.

In most cases, there is different warranty for the motor and the parts. Be sure to read the terms and conditions. The warranty will be void if the problem is a result of your negligence, such as if you install it the wrong way or if you did not follow the instructions for care and maintenance.

9. Reviews

The best way to evaluate the products available in the market is to read reviews from other people. Through their feedbacks, you can easily weigh the pros and cons for each product. Pay attention to their experiences and insights. However, you should also know how to decipher fake reviews from the real ones. A lot of companies may be paying others to write favorable reviews so that their products will appear to be the best.

Top Picks for the Best Garage Door Openers

If you are still undecided on which one to choose, below are five of the products that you will surely love:

1. Chamberlain WD962KEV Garage Door Opener

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Modern yet simple – this is one of the reasons why I believe this should be on the top of your list of choices. It has high-end features that are indicative of premium quality. However, you can expect that it is excellent in terms of simplicity. Even its installation can be accomplished in a snap.

Among others, one feature that is worth highlighting about this product is the MyQ App. The latter will allow you to control the garage door opener with the use of your mobile phone. You will also be able to receive a notification if the garage door opens or closes. Even if you are on a holiday or business trip, you can have peace of mind.

The Ultra Quiet Belt Drive is another feature that gives this a reputation that is hard to match. The latter allows it to open and close smoothly. Best of all, it will do so without making an annoying noise.

The battery backup is another feature that you will love. In case there is no electricity, there is no need to be frustrated. The garage door will still open and close. Within one day of power outage, the high-quality battery will allow the door to open and close by as much as 20 times.

Pros:

  • Has lot of positive reviews online
  • Installation is easy even for beginners
  • Comes with a rugged motor
  • Operates without making a loud noise
  • Durable construction
  • Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer

2. Direct Drive 1042V001 Garage Door Opener

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While there are many things to love about this product, one that I personally find to be exceptional is the safety beam sensor, which can provide you with peace of mind. The latter allows the door to reverse when it is able to detect an object.

The Secure Rolling Code Technology is another feature that gives this product an edge above many others within the competition. Basically speaking, the latter will make sure that no one will be able to open the door without your permission.

It is also impressive that this product is fitted with a direct drive motor. The latter means that there is only one moving part in the motor. This minimizes the noise and vibration for the smooth operation of the garage door opener.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the manufacturer is providing a lifetime warranty on all parts of the door opener. At any given point, if it becomes defective, just get in touch with the company’s support team and they will extend a helping hand.

Pros:

  • Powerful and long-lasting batteries
  • Stylish and elegant design
  • Remote has high-end technology
  • Durable construction
  • Easy to install

3. Liftmaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener

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Looking at the features, one that captured my attention is the 24V DC motor. The latter is the one that is primarily responsible for allowing it to offer high reliability. In the same way, the motor also allows the garage door to open and close without making a loud noise.

In terms of safety features, it also makes use of an invisible light beam as a sensor. The latter will prevent the door from closing fully if the sensor is able to detect an object that will be hit by the door.

It also comes with an auto-force feature, which allows the product to function like it has a mind of its own. With the latter, there are automatic adjustments that are made based on external factors, such as movement of the door track and fluctuations in temperature.

For the parts, the manufacturer is offering warranty that lasts for five years. For the motor, on the other hand, the warranty is good for a lifetime. This is more than enough to cast any doubt that you might have about this garage door opener.

Pros:

  • Compatible with a mobile application
  • Easy installation
  • Has an abundance of safety features
  • Internal components are long-lasting

4. Genie SilentMax 1200 Garage Door Opener

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This garage door opener is good for middle of the road door opener. It has 3/4 HP power with 140 V motor. It is quiet and can handle most garage doors well.

With the direct drive screw system, simplicity is another good reason to choose this product. The installation will be a snap for you to accomplish. Also, this is almost maintenance-free.

Lastly, it comes with Genie Intellicode Technology. The latter is known for an innovative encryption process, which will lessen the likelihood that someone will be able to open the garage door without your permission.

Pros:

  • Simple to install
  • High-proximity sensor

5. Chamberlain C450 Smartphone – Controlled

Garage Door Opener

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From the way the product is named, you can operate the unit with a mobile phone. It gives enough power to open most doors with 1/2 horse power. 

This product uses a durable chain drive and has great range with its two remotes.  It fits 7 ft high areas with 8 ft to 10 ft high garage doors. 

The best in class warranty that is offered by the manufacturer is another thing that makes it exceptional, providing you with peace of mind.

Pros:

  • Durable construction
  • Easy to install
  • Reliable proximity sensor

Conclusion

From the five products that have been mentioned above, Chamberlain WD962KEV Garage Door Opener stands out from all others. It has smartphone compatibility, operates smoothly, does not produce a loud noise, and installation is easy to accomplish. Given its quality, it will definitely worth your money.

Are you looking for products for your garage or vehicle? Click here and learn from our wide selection of buying guides.

An Informative Guide To Choosing The Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Written by Chris in Reviews

Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System

One of the things we take for granted is the tire pressure monitoring system, as we normally don’t think about having one until the time we need it. The main job of the tire pressure monitoring system is to warn you that one or more tires are significantly under-inflated. We all know that when a tire does not have enough air for driving, it may create unsafe driving conditions.

One of the benefits of having the best tire pressure monitoring system is that it allows you to know if your tires are still safe for driving. In this article, you will be provided with everything you need to know before you buy a tire pressure monitoring system. We also will be giving you the top two picks, along with their pros and cons.

Product (Amazon Links) Brand  

PAPAGO 500BT Bluetooth Tire Pressure Monitor System

Papago

Review

10 Tire RV Cap Sensor Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire-Safeguard 

Review

Things To Consider Before Buying A Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Due to the benefits a tire pressure monitoring system can provide you, the investment you are going to make is one you will never regret. Below, you will find a list of the essential factors you have to take into consideration before making the purchase.

1. Type of Tire Pressure Monitoring System

There are two main types of tire pressure monitoring systems: direct and indirect. Choosing between these two types should affect your decision on which to buy. If you choose direct, you will be able to adjust the pressure standard to the receiver. In addition, you will be immediately alerted once the pressure goes lower than the preset pressure.

However, if you decide to buy the indirect one, physical air sensors will not be incorporated. It should be noted that anti-lock brake system speed sensors are used alternatively. It is also worth mentioning that an indirect tire pressure monitoring system will not always be accurate and does not have the capability to determine which tire is underinflated.

2. Battery

Battery is a very important factor, especially for adventure enthusiasts. In selecting a tire pressure monitoring system, you have to make sure that too much heat will not cause damage to your device. To add, some products that will be presented below operate on rechargeable batteries, which can be considered a major convenience. However, others offer solar batteries, and considering this, it will greatly affect your electricity bills.

3. Display

Don’t you just hate those tire pressure monitoring systems whose icons are very difficult to comprehend? This is an inconvenience, as the readings should be displayed in plain English text and easy-to-comprehend icons. If you have one that is easy to read, you will feel a lot more comfortable in using it. In addition, indication lights should have at least two different colors.

4. Ease of Installation

If the tire pressure monitoring system you choose cannot be installed on your own, we recommend that you don’t buy it. Products that possess complicated assemblies will take most of your precious time and energy, especially when you’re on a road trip. You have to consider buying one that has a complete installation kit. If you have this kit ready, it can help you install the unit in a matter of minutes.

5. Price

If you are looking to buy a tire pressure monitoring system crafted with high quality material, you might have to choose a more expensive one. It also does not mean that cheaper units underperform but if you want to be sure with your purchase, you have to go for the more expensive ones. It is also important that you review each product’s features and relate them to its price. This will help your narrow down your choices.

6. User Ratings

Reviews, as well as user ratings are very important because it provides user experiences regarding the product you are about to purchase. Real life buyers do comment on the product’s lifespan and quality. In choosing the best tire pressure monitoring system, you have to consider the reviews provided for each product. The best part is you will find what features the users find to be an advantage or a disadvantage.

7. Durability

The use of a tire pressure monitoring system is that it alerts you if one or more tires are underinflated, which is why durability is also a very important factor. The one you choose should be able to withstand harsh environments such as too much heat.

8. Ease of Use

The tire pressure monitoring system you should consider buying must be easy to use. Some units that will be provided in the below section allow convenient and easy operation. Using a tire pressure monitoring system should not be difficult and it should deliver results immediately whenever you need them.

Top 2 Tire Pressure Monitoring System Reviews

You will find in this section the top two picks for the best tire pressure monitoring system. Each product’s main features, advantages, and disadvantages will be discussed and will help you narrow down your choices. If you were having a difficult time choosing, we hope we will be able to help you after reading this section.

1. PAPAGO 500BT Bluetooth Tire Pressure Monitor System

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The PAPAGO tire pressure monitor has a built-in Bluetooth that you can simply connect to your smart device though the GoSafe TPMS application. This application will allow you to monitor tire temperature and pressure at the same time just by checking your smart device. It also has the capability to continuously monitor the tires and an alarm system will alert you in case abnormal conditions are detected.

This tire pressure monitor has a compact design and is very lightweight. It is also very easy to install and operate. You just have to plug it in the external tire pressure monitor sensors and you can set the monitor system up in less than 3 minutes. While providing you accurate readings, they are also durable and can withstand harsh conditions. No doubt this tire pressure monitor will increase driving safety through its features.

For its specifications, color is black, product dimensions are 2.5 x 1 x 2.5 inches and it only weighs 0.6 pounds. In addition, 4 lithium metal batteries are already included in the package.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to operate and install
  • Provides accurate tire pressure and temperature readings
  • Features built-in Bluetooth and alert system
  • Can be used through the driver’s iPhone, iPad or Android mobile device
  • Batteries are included in the package

Cons:

  • Bluetooth may not work properly
  • May not be suitable for RV or fifth wheel use

1. Tire-Safeguard Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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The Tire-Safeguard tire pressure monitor features a replaceable battery and can be secured to prevent theft or loss. This portable monitor has a rechargeable battery and can provide accurate readings of tire pressure and temperature. It also has the capability of continuously monitoring the tires and will alert the driver once it detects abnormal conditions on the tires.

The Tire-Safeguard tire pressure monitor supports PSI and Fahrenheit/Celsius measurement units. It also features a waterproof and lightweight external cap sensor. For its specifications, product dimensions are 15 x 12 x 4 inches and it weighs 5 pounds, a little heavier than other models presented in this review.

Pros:

  • Features a user replaceable and rechargeable battery
  • Can provide precise tire pressure and temperature readings
  • Supports PSI and Fahrenheit/Celsius measurement units
  • Waterproof
  • Will be able to continuously monitor the tires

Cons:

  • A little heavy
  • The sensors may not work properly

Conclusion

Now that we have discussed everything there is to know before you make a purchase, it’s now up to you to choose the best tire pressure monitoring system. With this review, we do recommend the RoadRover because of its undeniable accuracy and ease of use. It may be priced a little higher than the other models in this review but its quality makes it worth buying.

Do you need other products to use on your vehicle? Click here to check some of the other products that are available in the market right now.

10 Essential Tips to Choose GPS Tracking System For Your Car

Written by Chris in Auto Parts,Cars

10 Essential Tips to Choose GPS Tracking System For Your Car

GPS is the abbreviated form of Global Positioning System. This system, developed by the US, is composed of 31 satellites. The GPS trackers get signals from these satellites for tracking the location of any device. The GPS vehicle tracking system can locate the exact location of your car at any point of your journey and can guide you to your destination.

The Geo-Fencing feature of the system alerts you, through email or text, if a vehicle, a person, or an object enters or leaves your area. The system can also track the speed of a fast-driving car and can find out if the driver of that car is in trouble. The following are the ten essential tips for choosing GPS tracking system:

1. Tracking in Real Time

This is the first feature you should look into. The wireless network system attached to the GPS enables you to process information about your car’s location. This will be shown on a map indicating the speed at which your car is moving.

The map makers will indicate the current status of other vehicles that are in motion or are parked. It can also group and manage multiple vehicles simultaneously by using the simple interface. You can also verify if you are taking the correct turns while driving your car

2. Particular Trips Made

By using the system, you should be in a position to track all the trips undertaken by your car. This will be displayed graphically on a map. You will also be enabled to get all information like kilometers traveled, average speed, stoppages, engine time, and idling.

In case your car has over-speeded, the same will be exhibited on a map, along with the overdrive stretches. The more advanced system has the option of having a view of the replay of the whole of the trip.

3. Alerts

GPS tracking system

Photo Credit: http://gpstrackingsolution.blogspot.in/2013/07/vehicletrackingsystem.html

As a car owner, you must be concerned about fuel usage and the behavior and actions of the driver. You will be able to fulfill these needs by analyzing various alerts such as speeding alerts, route deviation alerts, excessive stoppage alerts, tampering alerts, and alerts related to maintenance and fuel pilferage.

Such alerts will be of great value to you if, instead of self-driving, your car is given to a chauffeur to drive independently. The maintenance alerts will enable you to take your car for maintenance at the right time. This, in turn, will add to the life of your car.

4. Accessing Chauffeur-Driven Car

You are subjected to concern and anxiety when your children are sent alone by car to school or any other place. The GPS system should be able to locate the position of the car anytime and anywhere. You can have this access through your user-friendly apps. In case you apprehend anything undesirable in the action or behavior of the chauffeur, you will be in a position to take immediate remedial action.

5. GeoFencing

GeoFencing

Photo Credit: http://www.srisaiitsolutions.com/gpsvts.html

Geofencing is an advanced level of customized alerts. Under this feature, you are enabled to create boundaries, termed ‘Geo-Fences,’ on the map surrounding a specific landmark. The Geo-Fencing feature of the system alerts you, through email or text, if a vehicle, a person or an object enters or leaves your area.

Through this system, you will be enabled to make use of the information for monitoring in various ways and elevate the safety and security safety levels during the movement of your car. It also increases the operational efficiency of your car.

6. Dashboard Summary & Historical Reports

This feature of the GPS will be of immense use to you if you have deployed a large fleet of cars for commercial purposes. You can get access to locations and reports related to the specific event. You can get information related to your car for the past 90 days.

You can analyze the information to make an informed decision that will add significantly to your ROI. You can get a solution for GPS Tracking on the dashboard in the form of reports represented on a graph. The information displayed includes the total distance traveled, over-speeding, idling time, utilization, and stoppages.

You view the metrics related to other groups of cars and covering different periods of time. With these metrics in hand, you can monitor the performance of your workforce to the optimum level. You will also be enabled to take appropriate steps for fuel economy, adding to the profitability of your business.

7. Access Control & User Management

If you are an owner of a fleet of cars, working on the commercial end, access control, and user management are important features of vehicle management in your day-to-day business activities. With these features, you will be enabled to make additions and modifications to the profile of the user.

Also, you can manage your access privileges through roles. You will be enabled to assign one or more roles, defined in advance, to a user. You can categorize certain users into a group and can view information related to the whole group.

8. User-friendly Interface

User-friendly Interface

Via: https://www.krome.sg/projects/galactio-gps/

The GPS system you choose should have an intuitive and simple user interface that provides features such as GroupWise access without having to open multiple accounts. You can get a brief and concise view of the entire fleet of cars. Real-time information can help keep you updated with the current location and status of different cars. The historical report can help you in planning the movement of your cars and also for future investment.

9. Ease of Installation

While choosing a GPS for your car, you should give due consideration to the ease of maintenance and installation. It should be a handy device that could be installed beneath the dashboard of your car. There are four broader types of GPS; such as Car Navigation GPS, Marine GPS, Portable Outdoor GPS and the GPS/PDA hybrid. You should opt for the Car Navigation GPS, which can be easily installed.

10. Voice Instruction and Analytics

When you are driving your car, it may not be possible to make use of the visual location maps. You should, therefore, choose the one that has the provision of giving voice instructions. Also, look into the provision of analytics in the GPS that integrate the system with cloud computing for making actionable fleet data. These will enable you to take the predictive performance of the fleet.

Dash Cams or Dashboard cameras, when fitted to you, can provide evidence of what exactly happened when your car collided with another. It first became popular in Russia for checking insurance fraud. In case you apprehend, falling victim to an accident and intend to have a documentary footage to provide to the police or the insurance company, you should go in for the best dash cam.

Benefits associated with GPS Tracking System

Use of a dash cam is one of the best car technologies that provide the following benefits to car owners:

  • It provides evidence that is more reliable than eyewitness of a car collision
  • It accelerates the process of reporting an accident to police and insurance authorities
  • It checks any effort by an insurance company to evade payment of the sum assured for your car on some pretext or other
  • It provides an indisputable alibi
  • It saves money for the damages caused by accident by providing solid proof to the insurance company.
  • You can monitor the driving habits of a teenager
  • It documents everything that happened in front of it in a wide-angle view

The GPS has made car driving easier and safer arrival to the destination, even for a teenager. It helps a business that operates a fleet of cars or vehicles by displaying various factors that affect the operational performance of the vehicles as well as of the workforce. The dashcam provides you with financial protection in the event of an accident.