A guide to AAA Roadside Assistance
A guide to AAA Roadside Assistance

Earlier, when a car broke down or had any malfunction, there was no way one could get help. People had to figure out a way on their own. Unfortunate situations are uncalled for, but having access to no help is what makes these accidents even more gruesome. This led to the birth of the American Automobile Association, also called AAA or “Triple-A.” This organization gave rise to a whole new industry. 

What is AAA?
AAA, founded more than 100 years ago, is a membership-based federation of motor clubs that provides its members a variety of services, including roadside assistance and travel planning. It was established with the aim of providing timely and meaningful assistance to travelers in need.

Members can contact the AAA whenever their car breaks down, or they’re involved in an accident. AAA will use its expertise to recommend the right solutions. Today, millions of people in the country turn to this organization to help them get around and stay safe on the road.

AAA membership levels
You can benefit from AAA Roadside Assistance only if you’re a paid member. Generally, the annual cost of membership is between $40-$165. The price increases as you go from the standard to premium membership plans. 

Here are the three levels of service you can go for:

Classic membership
This is the most basic plan of all. When you choose this plan, you can have the AAA change a tire with an inflated spare, perform a battery boost, bring gasoline at the pump rate, and provide lockout services up to $50 for free. In addition, this plan will also tow a vehicle up to five miles for free.

Plus membership
When you go with this membership plan, you get services like changing a flat tire with an inflated spare, provide a battery boost if needed, offer free fuel delivery, and give a free lockout service for up to $100. Towing up to 100 miles is also available free of cost.

Premier membership
The Premium membership plan offers maximum benefits. Members get a free tire change with an inflated spare and a free battery boost, along with free fuel delivery, no charge for lockout services up to $150, and one 200-mile tow and three 100-mile tows.

  • Home remedies for wheezing

    Wheezing is a sound, very similar to that of a whistle, that is produced when you are unable to exhale your breath effectively. You either have a blocked passage or obstructed respiratory airways. This condition is very similar to snoring and can break your sleep or the sleep of the person sleeping next to you. Due to this, you can also have a feeling of breathlessness and tightness in the chest. It leads to a reduced amount of oxygen in the body and leaves you with a feeling of giddiness or lack or energy.

    Let us look at how to treat wheezing with home remedies:

    • Steam therapy: As far as home remedies for wheezing go, nothing works as good as a steam inhalation. Phlegm and mucus can be one of the major reasons for wheezing; steam helps in getting rid of them, thereby providing with the much-needed relief. Boil some water, add a few drops of essential oil to this water. Transfer the water to a bowl, cover your head with a towel and inhale the stream coming out of the water. Repeat this 3-4 times a day for best results.
    • Hot shower: Just like steam, a hot shower can also help with wheezing. A hot shower can make breathing more comfortable for you, by clearing the passages with the help of the heat produced from the shower. This works as the shower is a closed cabinet and a hot shower can heat up the cabinet providing your breath with hot waves, leading to a free breath. Make sure you keep the door of the cabinet closed. It can create a sauna-like atmosphere.
    • Garlic: Garlic helps with a number of respiratory issues like wheezing, asthma, as well as coughing. As it is an antioxidant, it helps in reducing the contraction around the airways. Crush 3-4 cloves of garlic and add it to a vessel with water. Boil the water, let it cool and then drink it when it is lukewarm. Repeat this 2-3 times a day for best results. Chewing garlic cloves is also one of the effective wheezing home remedies.
    • Warm oil massage: A warm oil massage can help you with the mucus in your nose and clear the airway for effective exhaling while breathing. It is one of the best home remedies for wheezing, as it can be practiced at any time of the day. You can use coconut, mustard, olive, or sesame oil for this.
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  • Immediate pain relief measures for gout

    A type of arthritis, gout results in sudden attack thereby causing burning pain, swelling in the joints, stiffness in a joint, etc. Unless and until the person suffering from gout treats the problem, the attacks continue to happen. Over the period of time, these attacks cause severe harm to the joints, tissues, and tendons. In case a person happens to get a gout attack, and you do not what to do for immediate pain relief, here are some of the measures that can come handy.

    Applying ice on the affected area
    In order to get instant pain relief when gout strikes, one can apply ice on the affected area. Ice works as a quick therapy for inflammation. All the more, ice will cause numbness in the joints thereby relieving the pain. One can continue to apply an ice pack for around 15 to 20 minutes in order to get immediate pain relief from the gout attack.

    Home remedy with Epsom salt
    Considered as one of the popular home treatments for immediate gout pain relief, Epsom salt helps in lowering the blood pressure. It contains magnesium that also improves blood circulation. All you have to do is, pour around two to three cups of Epsom salt to the bath and soak the affected area in the water until you get relieved from the pain.

    Cider vinegar daily can be an effective measure
    Cider vinegar has properties of curing acid reflux, improving diabetes, and also helping in weight loss. Similarly, if you have cider vinegar regularly with some honey twice a day, then it helps in avoiding gout pain.

    Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
    Dehydration will cause the gout attack to turn severe and you would not be able to tolerate the excruciating pain. It is a known fact that a dehydrated body is more susceptible to gout attacks and so, it is very important to drink plenty of water daily. This also helps in proper functioning of the kidneys and leads to frequent urination that excretes the uric acid from the system. Water is helpful in preventing the formation of uric acid in the joints, thereby keeping gout pain away. In order to get immediate relief from gout pain, drink plenty of water daily to keep your body hydrated.

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  • Choosing Washers And Dryers For Your Home – A Quick Guide

    While washers and dryers have become a must-have for any modern household, they are one of the toughest appliances to shop for. That of course includes multiple reasons. Which brands to go for, what the perfect type of washer and dryer for my home is, what is the right size for my need, and whether to go for a washer and dryer combo: these are questions that commonly surface, and before you decide to zero in on one, read on so that you make an informed choice.

     

    Types

    The first thing to decide while buying a low cost washer and dryer is the type of washer and dryer you need. Types of washers and dryers commonly available include top load washers, front load washers, electric and gas dryers, and combination washer and dryers. These models differ in design, utility and capacity. For example, if space-crunch is one of the issues you have to deal with, then you should go for an option in the form of stackable washer and dryers.

     

    Height, Width, Depth

    Second is the question of size: height, width and depth. These will of course depend on the load of washing that you would need to do per day or per week as well as the number of people using it and availability of space. Washer and dryers commonly range from 3.4 cu. ft. to 9.2 cu. ft. or even larger. Anything in between this range is more than enough for a normal household of four to six.

     

    Brand

    Like everything else, brands offering washer and dryers differ in design, range, price and not all are the same. Although, a brand of choice is entirely based on reliability, some brands stand out in the manufacturing of certain appliances more than others. Similarly, when it comes to washer and dryers, brands such as Ariston, Asko, Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, LG, Miele, Samsung, Hoover, Simpson, Westinghouse and Whirlpool offer the best product at the right price.

     

    Features

    Not all low cost washer and dryers have the same features. While some offer great features such as sensor-controlled suds detection, extra rinse options, delayed start options, precision dispense options, and eco-friendly options; others have to be monitored more closely in person. Moreover, washers and dryers differ greatly in speed: some offer “fast cycles” while with others you might have to wait a while longer. If time is always of the essence for you, and you want your machine to take care of your laundry, go for one with a delayed start option and a fast cycle, but that is sure to burn a bigger hole in your pocket!

     

    Combo (or not)

    Combining washing and drying in one appliance surely sounds like the perfect laundry appliance, but in some cases it is too good to be true. Low cost washer and dryers that come as a single appliance often cannot match up to the performance of two separate appliances. Moreover, the price of a combo washer cum dryer is almost the same as buying them separately. However, a combo is highly desirable under certain circumstances. For example, they are the perfect solution to the problem of space-crunch. And although, it is more time-consuming, one can manually always perform the two functions separately. This in turn yields the same level of satisfaction.

     

    Price

    The price of washer and dryers differ due to a variety of reasons. Prices differ from brand to brand, but also because of the features offered, the size of the washer and dryer, the type (front load, or top load, or combo) and design. Most mid-range, low cost washer and dryers are packed with the fast cycle feature, can take a load ranging between 90 to 120ltrs, and come with a sleek design and eco-friendly system.

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  • 3 essential features every smartwatch should have

    Smartwatches are all the rage these days. Traditional watches only tell you the time, but smartwatches present the world at your fingertips. From fitness tracking to navigation and GPS, they come with unique features you just can’t imagine. But since there are so many options available, picking the right one can get tricky. To help you in your search, we’ve put together some essential features you must have in your new smartwatch.

    Alerts and notifications
    This is the most basic feature to look for. You should be able to check notifications without accessing your phone. Many smartwatches vibrate when you receive an email, have an upcoming meeting, or when there’s something that needs your attention. This feature will not only keep you updated but also fetch you a great deal if you resell your smartwatch on sites like Trademore in the future.

    Calling and texting
    The call and text feature allows you to use the watch to respond to incoming calls and messages. It’s a great feature to have when you’re in an important meeting and just need to know who the caller is and hang up with an automatic “I’ll call you back later” note. Some smartwatches even have built-in cellular connectivity.

    Smart navigation
    You no longer need to stare at your phone or tablet to view maps. Some smartwatches use vibrations to tell you where you need to turn or stop, making navigation easier. However, such features can demand a hefty price. So, if you’re on a budget, don’t forget to check out the smartwatch collection at Trademore.

    If you can’t decide, here are some top models with the best features to consider:

    Fitbit Sense
    Fitbit is one of the leading brands in smartwatches. They have different models, each offering unique features. One model that stands out is the Fitbit Sense. It’s a sleek and attractive smartwatch that comes with comprehensive fitness features. It also boasts a massive battery life that can last for six days. The watch has GPS and is entirely waterproof. 

    Apple Watch Series 6
    Apple offers some of the most coveted smartwatches in the market. The Apple Watch Series 6 has a colorful look and comes with smart charging. It also offers innovative health tech, such as oxygen and heart rate monitoring. You can get a second-hand piece for a discounted rate on Trademore.

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  • Best used cars to buy in the country

    Going in for a used car is a sound decision, given that the automotive market is quite literally flooded with so many models offering a wide range of features, from very well-known auto manufacturers. Not only do you get the features you are looking for in the car when you are hunting to buy best used car, you also get a really good deal out of it.

    Most of the luxury and high-end cars, when new, start off with a base price of US$50000 and above. However, with depreciation, a number of these cars could be you’re for less than US$30,000 when they are just a few years old.

    In the subcompact cars category, the used car that seems to be very popular is the Honda fit. The Honda Fit is a neatly designed hatchback which has very comfortable cabin seating and more than adequate storage for a car its size. Its ease of driving makes it very popular too.

    Under the compact cars category, the Toyota Corolla remains one of the favorites. Coming from the Toyota stable, which is known for high precision engineering, sleek design, safety and reliability, the Corolla is a very practical choice owing to its size, very good fuel economy and driving comfort.

    In the mid-sized cars category, Honda Accord is a front runner to buy best used car. It runs on efficient four-cylinder turbocharged engines offering a high degree of fuel efficiency in city traffic and on the highways. Its classy appearance also contributed to its popularity in the midsized used cars category.

    When it comes to luxury, the Lexus continues to rule and comes out with top scores in all road tests about safety, sturdiness, and reliability. The V6 models offer very good engine efficiency and fuel economy.

    In the Used Sports Car category, a popular pick is the Mazda MX-5 Miata which combines a sleek and sporty design with a fun ride. In the used small sized SUV category, the Honda CR-V reigns while in the larger used SUV category it is the Toyota Highlander.

    Given that the used car buyer is spoilt for choice, it is nevertheless important that you thoroughly verify the functioning of the used car that you buy, so you get yourself the best used car deal for your money. Keep these nuggets of information handy

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  • Assurance wireless program: Basics and how to qualify

    Assurance wireless program is governed by Virgin Mobile and supported by the Federal Universal Fund.

    Rules
    To avail the assurance wireless benefits, one should qualify for their rules. One of their prime rules is that the applicant who applies should be part of public assistance programs or individually managing the household income. Also, one family can avail only one account in the wireless program.

    Application form
    The assurance wireless application form can be accessed online from their website. One can download the form after choosing the applicant location. The form will have general questions to get to know more about the applicant. These include, but are not limited to:
    – First, middle, and last names.
    – Date and place of birth.
    – The last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number
    – Home and office phone number.
    – E-mail address.
    – Permanent and present address.
    – Proof of income and proof of program participation.
    – A list of government programs is listed, out of that, all the programs that the applicant is involved in need to be mentioned and noted.

    The applicant has to mandatorily provide the proof of yearly income by the government.
    Note: The lifetime assistance program can be owned per household only. The form will, however, be in the name of the individual. The form should be submitted by the signature of the applicant by accepting and committing to the information along with an ID card.

    Qualification for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline service
    There are slight changes of requirement in the verification info which differs from state to state but generally, the qualification for Assurance Wireless Lifeline service happens through the variations which happens based on the public assistance programs or household income. This list comprises the qualification of public assistance records but are not limited to:
    – SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
    – Medicaid (Medicare is not acceptable)
    – SSI Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    – Few more listings which are shown on their website.

    Other details
    The Assurance Wireless program usually requires family details or they identify the applicant’s family members’ income by how you answer the questions (by checking the box). They would need three months statement from:
    – Social security benefits
    – Veterans benefit statements
    – Pay roll from the company where the household members have been working in
    – Retirement statement if any same with pension statement.
    – Unemployment benefit statement
    The applicant is also supposed to provide a copy of State Federal Income Returns Pay roll of the enduring job. Also, general assistance of the eligibility or child support documentation includes of Divorce and Custody.

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  • Best Android Phones to Buy on a Small Budget

    Android phones are the most wanted piece of technology in today’s world. These phones can serve a wide array of functions including GPS, complete internet exploring options, several video and audio functions, etc. But the best part about Android phones is that these are available in all economic ranges meaning that you can easily pick up one of these even with a budget crunch. In this article we are going to tell you about the best Android phones to buy on a small budget.

     

    How to choose the right phone

    There are a lot of great smartphones available for those on a small budget. However, it’s not always easy to gauge their validity as many of these brands are not the top tier ones. Some of the things that you should look out for are size of the screen, the processor, RAM, internal memory, Android version, etc. Of course at the end, match it with the price and make the best possible choice.

     

    Best Android phones in the market

    The following are some of the best Android smartphones to buy on a small budget.

     

    Moto G5S Plus

    If you are looking for a powerful Android phone under the price of $300 approximately, this is easily the best one you can get. With a 5.5 inch screen, the 32 GB storage and 3 GB RAM model is available for $239 approximately, which is a pretty great deal. Even though this is a budget phone, the metal finish on the outside gives it the shine of the top tier models. The Moto G5S Plus is the best example of value for money. You also get a great Snapdragon 625 CPU which is more than enough to serve all your smartphone necessities.

     

    Asus ZenFone V

    This model is available only at Verizon and this is probably one of the best Android models available there. The AMOLED display gives you some of the best visual experiences and the RAM is an upgraded 4GB. All over, this phone is a very powerful piece of machinery and is available for approximately $240, thereby making it one of the best Android phones to buy on a small budget.

     

    Honor 7X

    Now this is where you really get into the budget category. The Honor 7X is available for the price of $199 approximately and with a 6-inch screen makes for a great smartphone to have. It is quite common to not reach for phones under the price of $200 approximately, however, the Honor 7X is sure to change your perception and provide you with a great smartphone experience at a very cheap budget. The 18:9 aspect ratio also makes for a great entertainment device and the Kirin 659 CPU provides for a smooth running of the OS.

    ZTE Blade V8 Pro

    While ZTE has not made a huge name in the smartphone market, the Blade V8 is definitely its best product for the price. You get a Snapdragon 625 CPU, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage, and a 12MP dual camera. Now this is honestly a great deal for budget phones but the only catch is that the Android version is older. So if you are comfortable using Marshmallow, the Blade V8 is a definitely one of the best Android phones to buy on a small budget.

     

    Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom

    This is a great upgrade from its previous model and a great budget smartphone with high end specs. The Asus UI has been duly upgraded and the current 5.5-inch screen is also pretty solid for its range. Although sometimes it lacks on the execution side of things, the Snapdragon 625 CPU does give you a smooth run of things.

    There are also many other good and affordable smartphones, however, these are some of the best and rather easily available ones. So, make sure to check all your options thoroughly before making your final decision.

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  • Review Wayfair Furniture Through these 4 Websites

    Wayfair has some of the best furniture and home furnishing items in the country and is also one of the most trusted brands and websites to shop from. Thanks to the Internet, these days, you can easily check the reviews before placing an order for the furniture or home décor. Consumer reviews, ratings, and even complaints are a good way to understand the quality of the furniture as well as the after-sale service of the company. There are tons of websites where people review their products so that you can check before you finalize on a piece of furniture based on the Wayfair furniture reviews.

    Here are some of the best websites to look for Wayfair furniture reviews before you finalize on your purchase:

    Consumer Affairs
    Consumer Affairs is a very famous website for all consumer grievances, reviews, and ratings. You can check the photos of the products as well as the issues that the customers have with those items. On Consumer Affairs, people also rate the reviews as “helpful” once they have read it and applied the tips from that said review to their grievance. A lot of the positive reviews also get “helpful” rating as people read these reviews and then proceed to order from Wayfair once they know that the furniture is of superior quality and the customer service is top notch. If you are looking to add a review on this website, you can also add a tag of “Verified Buyer” and “Verified Reviewer” so that people who read your review know that you have actually bought the product and are not just bad mouthing a brand online.

    Trust Pilot
    Trust Pilot is another top-rated review website where people log in to discover new brands their reviews. You can easily log on to the website without being a registered user to check all the reviews and ratings online. To add a review, however, you need to be a registered user. You can also choose the option of “Verified Order” from the review options as well so that the customers know that you are a genuine buyer of the product. People can also share this review on their social media websites as well as rate them as “useful” once they have read your reviews before purchasing a product online. You can check not just the Wayfair furniture reviews but also reviews on various brands and products on this website.

    Site Jabber
    Site Jabber is another famous website for product reviews and business ratings. If you are a business owner, you can request reviews from your customer through this platform. If you are a regular consumer, then you can add your review on this website and rate everything about a certain business such as value, service, returns, quality, and shipping. You can rate these services by add stars; 1 star being the lowest and 5 stars being the highest. You can rate a review as “helpful” so that fellow reviewers and customers know that the review has been used by a certain person. For example, Wayfair furniture reviews have very good ratings on this website.

    Amazon
    Amazon is a great place to buy products and see the reviews simultaneously while you are making your purchase online. Amazon allows their customers to check the Wayfair furniture reviews and ratings on the website and check the authenticity of the seller before purchasing a product. Amazon also ensures that all the consumer grievances are taken care of and they have an excellent returns policy as well. Much like that of all review websites, on Amazon, you can rate a review as helpful or not helpful. This way, more people get to see the review for better decision making on the purchase of their Wayfair furniture. You can also add your review here by logging into your Amazon website account.

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