While it would always be the ideal situation to be able to buy oneself a newly minted car, the reality often is that second-hand cars are pre-owned are more pocket-friendly and also help us to save on taxes. While many dealers are scrupulous about quality and reliability of the used car that they are selling, there are equally as many who may cheat you.
Take a look at the checklist that can be useful when you choose to buy your next affordable used car.
The quality of the engine – it would hardly be superfluous to say that the engine is the heart of the car. Maintenance of the engine is paramount to durability and reliability of the car. You can ensure that there is no leak of any kind in the engine.
Oil check – ensure that you or a mechanic does a thorough oil check paying attention to the color consistency and level of oil in the engine.
Ensure that the head gasket on the engine is in good working condition. A blown gasket may cause a whitish or brownish sludge to form which is in itself a good enough reason to reject the car.
Watch the color of the exhaust smoke after turning on the car’s engine for a few minutes.
Do a thorough check of the used car’s exterior body work. Examine for scratches and dents and always verify why any damage has happened. Keep your eyes open for evidence of crash damage.
Wheel check – carefully examine all the four wheels of the used car and also the spare tire. Check the treads thoroughly on all the tires.
It is also important to check the interior upholstery for tears or stains. Remember to test the flooring carpet if any and also the carpet used in the cargo space.
Do a careful check to see if the mileage shown on the car’s meter is in line with mileage advertised by the used car dealership. Be wary of clocked motors that might cause ‘fixed’ odometer readings. Typically, if the odometer shows a sudden decrease in mileage, which regularly should increase year on year, it might be indicative of a clocked meter.
Do take a test drive and ask for the dealer to provide you with a detailed vehicle history summary to ensure that the car has not been mortgaged or recorded as stolen. So, when you are searching for affordable used cars keep these tips handy.
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What causes constipation
Read moreConstipation means infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Most people experience occasional problems with normal bowel movements. But if constipation lasts for weeks and months on end, it is termed as chronic.
Symptoms of constipation have 1-2 bowel movements in a week, needing to strain to pass stools, difficulty in passing stools, hard stools and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
There are several possible causes of constipation.
Colonic or Rectal Blockages: Colonic or rectal blockages can adversely affect normal bowel movement. These blockages can be due to many different reasons, such as –
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Abdominal cancer
- Bowel stricture or colon becoming narrow
- Rectocele or a bulge or swelling in the rectum through the back part of the vagina
- Anal fissures
Hormonal Diseases: Diseases that affect hormones in the body can be a cause of constipation. Hormones maintain the fluid equilibrium in the body. Diseases that affect hormones can upset this balance and cause mild to severe constipation. These diseases can be –
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland
- Hyperparathyroidism or an overactive parathyroid gland
A note on hormonal problems and constipation during pregnancy: During pregnancy, a woman can have constipation for many reasons including hormonal changes. The condition often resolves itself after childbirth. Treatment for chronic constipation during pregnancy may depend on the woman’s health.
Neurological Problems: Many conditions affecting the nerves around the bowels and nearby muscle groups can be a cause of constipation. These can be –
- Stroke
- Spinal injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Autonomic neuropathy
Pelvic Muscle Problems: Pelvic muscles support organs involved in stool elimination. Any problem in the pelvic floor muscles can cause constipation. These can be –
- Weak pelvic muscles.
- Anismus or difficulty in relaxing of pelvic muscles.
- Dyssynergia or problem with pelvic muscle movements.
Lifestyle Factors: An unhealthy diet and lifestyle can contribute to poor bowel health and cause constipation. These can be –
- A diet is lacking in fiber.
- A diet high in fatty and spicy foods.
- No or low levels of physical activity.
Determining the cause of constipation is important for its effective treatment.
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4 premium food brands that boost the health of your dog
Read moreIn addition to showering your furry friend with love and affection, you need to pick out the best premium dog food for him. There are various premium dog food brands competing in the market, but you need to consider a lot of factors before you decide on the best premium dog food for your beloved canine friend. The dog’s age, weight, breed, and of course his taste, are the factors determining which will be the perfect dog food. So, here are some of the best premium dog food brands you can consider while choosing the right dog food for your pet.
- Merrick Grain Free Dog Food
This dog food has been considered one of the best premium dog food brands owing to the fact that it comprises of ingredients that are meant to promote your dog’s health and well-being. You will have plenty of different formulas to choose from, and you can even choose the protein source. Moreover, it contains some healthy additives such as omega-3s and omega-6s, that contribute to helping your pet maintain its glossy coat. - Wellness Core Natural Grain Free
If your dog is quite choosy about his food and isn’t a big fan of the so-called “natural” dog food that is so ferociously advertised these days, then investing in this premium dog food is advisable since it is one of the best premium dog food brands. It is made of completely natural ingredients, has reduced contents of fat and carbohydrates, and is rich in proteins. Plus, it has proven to be appealing to your canine friend’s taste buds. - Nature’s Variety Instinct
Nature’s Variety Instinct has been hailed as one of the best premium dog food brands. It is completely natural and has added omega-3 and omega-6, in addition to the minerals and protein content in the food. Moreover, it doesn’t contain preservatives, which, otherwise would affect your dog’s health. Pet owners often opt for this premium dog food since it is grain-free and has all the required nutrients to keep their beloved puppy healthy and active. - Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine
The name itself is indicative of the unique nature of this dog food. What makes this the best premium dog food is that the formula is closely related to the actual ancestral diet of dogs which emphasized the need for high protein and extremely low carbohydrate content. It is a rich source of protein and contains vegetables and fruits to a certain extent.
- Merrick Grain Free Dog Food