BMW 5 Series: The Gran Turismo and Touring versions
BMW 5 Series: The Gran Turismo and Touring versions

The BMW 5 Series has been around for forty-five years now and has been picked up as one of the most preferred cars by a huge number of ranking organizations consecutively for many years in a row.While it comes in the mainstream sedan style, BMW has also released the wagon style called Touring and the hatchback style called Gran Turismo time and again.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo was launched for the first time in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show. It was released as a part of the sixth generation but much earlier than the F10 model. It was codenamed as F07 and came with the BMW N55 engine. The GT is a 5-door hatchback and is a crossover between the sedan and estate styles. It becomes a third variant of the BMW 5 Series.

The 2017 Gran Turismo comes with a 2-liter petrol turbo engine that has four cylinders for a breathtaking driving experience. It has a high roofline, and an adjustable rear seat back rest making it extremely comfortable for the generally neglected rear passengers. Moreover, it has a rear spoiler that automatically extends or contracts at different levels of speed to maintain stability.

The BMW 5 Series Touring was introduced in 1991 as a third generation model. It was a second body variant of the E34 sedan. The Touring is a 5-door station wagon that boasts of opulent and elegant interiors. The 5 Series Touring exudes splendor that can’t be matched by its sedan sibling. However, the 2017 (G31) model has only been launched for the European market because of lack of demand for the previous models in North America.

Another variant of the BMW 5 Series sedan is the long wheelbase style launched as the F18 model. Its wheelbase has been elongated to an additional 14 cm over and above the standard sedan specifically for China.

Thus, the BMW 5 Series is a hot favorite among customer because of the immense luxurious feel that it offers. It is for those who want to take the road by storm and experience sheer driving pleasure. With a long list of interesting attributes, this series is an excellent mix of innovation and legacy. It has constantly been giving tough competition to its rivals in the luxury segment.

  • 3 different kinds of pool solar covers

    Conservation of water is essential, especially in homes where there are swimming pools.  An effective method of exercising this type of saving is through pool covers. They not only minimize the evaporation levels but also increase the heat, causing pool owners to save up on utility expenses. Listed below are different kinds of pool solar covers:

    • Bubble pool solar cover
      These pool solar covers comprise thermal bubbles which trap heat. The requirement of refilling the pool is moderated due to these covers. They significantly warm up the pool, thereby allowing people to swim during colder seasons. They are available for both, inground and above-ground pools. These bubble covers are shielded from UV rays to maximize their potential.
    • Sun rings pool solar cover
      This type of pool cover is light and minimizes pool evaporation. The best part is its ring shape that lets the customer buy the precise sizes for their pool. Evaporation is highly reduced with the help of these pool covers, and are suitable for all kinds of pools. Joined with magnets and having a dual vinyl layer, these pool covers can be stored easily and used effortlessly. 
    • Liquid pool solar cover
      A pool solar cover of the liquid kind is incredibly unique because it cannot be seen when used in the pool. Evaporation is diminished to almost 40%. Using this liquid pool solar cover gives you an unparalleled convenience as the trouble of having to adjust the pool solar cover vanishes completely. Another factor that works in favor of these is that they can be used for pools of all sorts. 

    With pool solar covers you can make judicious use of your swimming pool while enjoying the sunny days.

    Read more
  • Tips to choose the right snowboard gear

    Offseason is sometimes the best time to buy snowboarding equipment as retailers and manufacturers are trying to offload unsold goods and give stuff away. Much of this stuff is sold online. Even if it’s your first snowboard, it is always good to buy the best snowboard. You will get a lot of different types and affordable snowboards.

    There are hundreds of snowboards out there. You will find the right style, type of snowboard according to your preferred riding style and conditions. A few things to keep in mind while buying a board are camber profile, width, graphics, color, flex, etc. are the characteristics that separate one snowboard from another.

    A person who loves snowboarding will choose a board that has a stiff flex which is required for stability, a good balance, and response. Regular camber is needed for all around control and a hybrid camber shape for middle ground stiffness. Reinforced edges take a beating and can handle icy conditions.

    Freestyle riders who spend their time in a park need a park snowboard. These boards are shorter, lighter, and flexible. They are perfect for grabs, jibs, spins, grinding rails, and playful riding. Speedsters, however, need a freeride board which are typically stiffer boards and feature longer lengths. These boards perform very well in varied terrains and groomed runs.

    A few categories to help you shop for a good and affordable snowboard are as follows:

    • Big mountain snowboards are used to describe competitive freeride. Only skilled downhill riders take part in this challenge.
    • Split tail snowboards: Some powder boards have the fish cut. This helps the nose float even on the deepest powder days.
    • Splitboards is a special piece of equipment. These boards actually break in half to create two skis. The climbers climbing and have a better upward mobility. When you reach your destination, you can reconnect the two halves and ride downhill.
    • Powder snowboards are designed for riders who spend most of their time in varied terrains. Bindings on the boards are placed back to help the rider float over powders.
    • Carving and race snowboards: Carving snowboards are the narrowest. They are narrower than freestyle and narrow construction combined with stiff flex are excellent for clean and sharp carvings.
    • Beginner snowboards: There is no such technical category in its own right. Beginner snowboards are the more affordable snowboard gear around. They feature a rockered shape which facilitates easier turns. The softer overall flex and directional twin shapes are commonly seen in this category.
    Read more
  • 7 credit card tips to maximize your shopping experience

    Credit cards are payment devices that offer plenty of conveniences to their users. Moreover, the cards also help one make ends meet. However, using a credit card also comes with its share of problems, as unmanaged expenditures may lead to debt. Furthermore, the debt may increase with interest and fees to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Hence it’s advised to use credit cards but also employ certain tips to save money.

    Tips to save money while using a credit card
    In most cases, using a credit card is accompanied by budgeting. However, using a credit card to shop can help one save money. Hence, here are some tips that can be followed to help one save rather than lose a large chunk of money.

    Transfer credit card balances
    One of the easiest ways to save money while shopping with credit cards is to transfer the balance to another card with lower interest rates. This can help one save hundreds of dollars that may have been spent paying high interest. Furthermore, one can even take advantage of a 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) balance transfer offer. This may aid in paying off the credit card balance without accumulating a high rate of interest on the amount. For instance, one may save almost $400 by moving their $3000 credit card balance at 17% interest to a credit card with 0% APR for 12 months.

    Pay using cashback credit cards
    Cashback credit cards can be employed to aid in accumulating cash rewards on the credit card. If one uses a credit card to pay their maximum expenses, they can max out on the cash earnings rather than using it to make purchases with the most rewards. However, one must ensure they pay off their credit card balance at the end of the month. Otherwise, the interest charged on the balance may outgrow the cashback earned.

    Get credit cards with gas and grocery benefits
    Nowadays, prices of gas and groceries keep increasing, so one can use credit cards with grocery and gas benefits to minimize their expenditure. Some credit card companies offer generous rewards for every dollar spent at the grocery store and the gas station. So, when one does grocery shopping with these credit cards regularly, they can save enough money to help manage their household finances. Furthermore, shopping with the right credit card offers can help one earn competitive cashback rewards on essential items and save money.

    Use the discount mall
    Various credit card companies have a “discount mall,” or a collection of retailers across the country that partner with them to offer incredible discounts to cardholders. This may help one save money while dining out, buying movie tickets, and shopping for flowers. However, keep in mind that one must make these transactions using the credit card that the retailer has teamed up with. This process becomes easier as credit card company websites often list stores against the money the user can save on the transaction.

    Collect and use the airline miles
    One can also go a step beyond getting cashback points for grocery shopping. Most credit card companies offer other benefits that can help one save a lot of money in the long run. These include airline miles that can be acquired against everyday expenses. As travel is one of the major expenses in the year, one can opt for airline miles to save money on airline tickets. This can be done by using the right credit card for everyday expenses to offset traveling expenditures. Furthermore, one can even accelerate their earnings by employing travel credit cards for travel-related expenses and even use the card while traveling.

    Shop on retail cardholder discount days
    If one has only retail credit cards, they may lose a large portion of their hard-earned money due to the limited use and high-interest rates. However, this occasional use of the retail credit card can also be used to one’s advantage. For example, the cardholder can opt for rewards programs that offer perks such as special discount days and save money while shopping in various retail stores. Furthermore, as a tip, it’s suggested to only sign up for retail credit cards at retail stores that one frequently visits to save more money.

    Opt for sign-up bonuses
    Usually, when one signs up for a new credit card, they receive certain benefits or rewards as a sign-up bonus. While the cardholder may have to first use the credit card for a fixed period, the sign-up bonuses help them maximize the value of the credit card in hand. Furthermore, with the right offer, one can get up sign-up bonuses of considerable value, which then can be used for free hotel stays and even airline tickets. Moreover, meeting the credit card company’s requirements and paying off the balance may also accrue certain benefits, such as earning a bonus without paying extra interest.

    Conclusion
    Further, one must ensure the full payment of the credit card balance at the end of each month is made to avail of card benefits without paying exorbitant interest rates and late fees. Besides, keeping your budget and expenses in check can give you more benefits on credit card shopping.

    Read more
  • A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Power and Hand Tools

    We are sure that everybody has come across power and hand tools at one point in their life. You may have used them yourself for various tasks around the house. You might have also come across a lot of professionals using them as well. Nonetheless, we all know that there are various tools that are available for all kinds of purposes.

    The unanswered question that arises is the number of tools that are available in this section. The US power and hand tools industry is a $10.9 billion industry. This industry is bound to grow to be around $12.7 billion through 2018.

    Such hefty numbers are a result of the demand for these power and hand tools in our daily lives. With such great demand, knowing some of the tools and their basic applications will help us when we are in the need of fixing something.

    Power tools, as the name suggests, use electricity to function. These may be corded or cordless tools.

    Drills

    Drills are the most commonly used power tools. They come in corded and cordless models. Used mainly for drilling holes or fastening, they are also used in DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, construction, woodwork, and metalwork.

    You may have seen a lot of DIY videos on social media websites that use drills very often. There are many types of drills. However, the most commonly used drill with multi-purpose abilities is the pistol-grip drill, which is used in most homes.

    Glue gun

    Another tool that is popular is the glue gun. Also known as hot glue, this pistol-like device is used to generate strong adhesive. They can be used on metal, wood, glass, textiles, leather, and a lot of other materials.

    Saws

    Saws are also used frequently by professionals and home users. Some well-known models are Miter Saw, Circular Saw, Table Saw, Metal Cutting Saw, Jig Saw, and so on. The model or type of saw depends on the need at hand. For example, a Miter Saw is used to make clean and clever crosscuts that are needed for a particular product. The circular saw has been used since the 18th century and it comes as a portable power tool now.

    Combo kits

    Combo kits are the among the most popular power and hand tools as they are versatile and have multiple tools among them. They come in all shapes and sizes that also entertain customization. A typical combo kit has a drill, impact driver, circular saw, and batteries. This toolbox makes the lives of many professionals easy and helps them to deliver prompt work.

    Hammers

    These age-old tools have been around for a long time and they are versatile. It seems they were around for 3.3 million years. They have multi-purpose usage. They also come in many models such as claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, sledgehammers, and so on. This is a tool that you should definitely have in your house. The clawhammer is the most common household equipment.

    Pliers and cutters

    If you want to hold something with a tight solid grip then you need a plier. If you want to cut something effectively then you would need a cutter. There are many types of pliers and cutters. Combination pliers are the most used ones and they have multi-purpose usage. Knives and scissors are also some of the most common cutters. However, you have to do some research on various models if you need them for a specific use.

    Wrench sets

    Wrench sets are one of the best. They have all types of wrenches that you may need, and it saves a lot of time and money. They are useful for household tasks and you should have one in your home.

    Tool sets or kits

    Tool sets are an ideal choice because they come with almost all the important tools in them. There are various types, and we suggest that you look out for the one that works best for you.

    There are amazing deals available on power and hand tools available over the Internet. You can choose one as per your requirements.

    Read more
  • Here’s why you shouldn’t undermine the importance of carpet padding

    How to make your house look inviting and appealing? There are plenty of ways to change the appearance of your home. Carpeting is definitely a good option. However, you shouldn’t rush into a shop and buy the first product you come across. The technological advancements in the carpet manufacturing methods and carpet fibers have made carpets cost-effective and you can find high-quality affordable carpets in the market nowadays.

    Endless carpet choices
    Earlier, people had to deal with limited choices in terms of color, pattern, texture, and fiber. Since the vacuum cleaning technology was in its infancy, not too many people used carpets in their homes. Today, the situation is different and the market is loaded with countless choices and most people are making use of domestic as well as commercial carpets. The carpet cost has also come down significantly. Affordable carpets are a huge hit with people and these you can buy these carpets online at discounted rates.

    Consider carpet purchase as a long-term investment
    When you buy carpets, you must consider it as a long-term investment. Although the price has come down, you have to spend some serious amount to buy a quality one. High-quality carpets are would sustain over a long period of time. Durability is an important factor to be considered while searching for a carpet for your home. Since every investment has to be a smart one, investing in a carpet is not different as well. However, one needs to overcome the prejudice that affordable carpets are not of good quality since high-end carpets too are sold as discounted carpets online.

    Learn about carpet padding
    Whoever plans on buying a carpet needs to learn about carpet padding. People often get tempted to go with cheaper carpets when it comes to carpet padding. Since carpet padding is not visible, people tend to undermine the importance of padding. Carpet padding can be described as the first line of defense in enhancing a carpet’s life. It provides good cushion and spring under your feet. The primary duty of the padding is to lower the friction created by the footfalls, between the backing of the carpet and the hard flooring material over which the carpet is installed. If your carpet does not have a proper padding, it won’t last long and you may have to replace the carpet within a short period of time.

    You have to be aware of these two important aspects while buying a carpet. Several people conduct a lot of research about the material and price, but they often neglect these critical aspects. It can lead you to a wrong decision and. you may end up wasting your hard earned money. First of all, you need to consider buying a carpet a long-term investment and the quality of the padding must be assessed before taking a decision.

    Read more
  • Causes and symptoms of hashimotos disease

    Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a condition where the immune system in an individual’s body turn against its own tissues. The primary act of the immune system of a person infected by Hashimoto’s disease is to attack the thyroid. This attack usually leads to hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones.

    The thyroid gland is located in the front portion of your neck and is responsible for making hormones that control your metabolism.

    There is no exact cause for Hashimoto’s disease, here are some of the factors that could play a role.

    • Genes. Most of the times, this disease is a hereditary disease. If your family has a history of autoimmune diseases or thyroid disease, then you might get a Hashimoto’s disease genetically.
    • Hormones. Sexual hormones are a suggestive reason for acquiring the disease as the ratio of women having it against men is 7:1. To add to that, most women have thyroid problems when they are having a baby and even if the problem goes away, 20% of the women have the problems in a year or two after the delivery.
    • Excessive iodine. Excessive amount of iodine in your body could also be a cause of Hashimoto’s disease. There could be some drugs that could induce the excess amount of iodine or some food items. Iodine is a trace element that is required by your body to make thyroid hormones. Take note that it can only trigger thyroid among susceptible people.
    • Radiation exposure. People exposed to radiation have contracted Hashimoto’s disease and a problem to their thyroid. This has been reported among the people facing the atomic bombs in Japan and the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

    Here is a list of symptoms for Hashimoto’s disease:

    The symptoms for this disease can be mild in the initial stages and can also take years to develop. The primary sign is a swollen thyroid, called a goiter. If you have a swollen goiter it will make the front of your neck look swollen, this is how you will know about the disease. Along with this, the swelling will also encroach problems with swallowing. Other signs include:

    • Weight gain
    • Fatigue
    • Puffy face
    • Muscle pain
    • constipation
    • Inability to get warm
    • Difficulty getting pregnant
    • Hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
    • Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
    • Depression
    • Slowed heart rate
    Read more
  • Simple home remedies for cellulitis treatment

    Cellulitis is an infection caused by the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It normally starts at the site of wounds but can appear anywhere in the skin. Previous bruises and cuts or insect bite wounds can trigger cellulitis. Generally, adults are infected in the lower legs and suffer from leg cellulitis, but infections have known to be found in arms and occasionally in the face too. Sometimes an already-existing infection like athlete’s foot can also lead to leg cellulitis.

    The infection starts with redness in the skin and swelling of the affected area. As it progresses, the affected site tends to become warm and soft or tender. Occasionally some develop fever and chills. In some cases, nausea and hardening of affected area have also been noticed.

    If the infection is mild the following home remedy can be useful to reduce pain

    • Using a warm compress once or twice with a clean piece of cloth
    • Soaking the infected area in lukewarm water
    • Avoiding any chemicals to come in contact with the affected area
    • Wearing comfortable and loose attire to avoid the irritation that comes due to contact with the infection

    Also if the infection is mild, the physician will recommend oral antibiotics for a course of 3 to 10 days depending on the intensity of infection. Once the medication is given, improvement will be seen in 1 or 2 days. If there are no signs of improvement, it is best to see the doctor again without any further adieu. Hospitalization and cellulitis treatment might become necessary. If left untreated, the infection is likely to spread to the lymph nodes of the skin and the bloodstream. Also, an unchecked infection can cause sepsis.

    If the patient does not respond to antibiotics and continues to have a fever, intravenous antibiotics will be administered in a hospital setting. Penicillin has been found to be the most commonly used and effective treatment for leg cellulitis. If the patient is obese or has high blood pressure, it is likely that the treatment might take longer. Patients are also taught to manage their wounds and take painkillers along with antibiotics.

    In all cases, the cellulitis treatment of the patient is based on the location, level of the infection, and the general health of the patient

    Read more
  • Here’s what the best blinds have to offer

    Blinds are one of the most sophisticated window treatments available these days. Many people are replacing the curtains and other types of window treatments with blinds. You have to choose the best blinds available in the market to make your home appealing and energy efficient. What do the best blinds offer?

    Excellent privacy for the inmates
    This is one of the most important qualities of high-quality blinds. Your windows have a bigger role to play in ensuring the much-needed privacy of your home. Highly dynamic blinds can be used to adjust the sunlight in whatever way possible and you can control it with utmost efficiency. Advanced products are equipped with remote control settings and you can use these controls to ensure the amount of privacy you need.

    High energy efficiency for the home
    The ever-increasing energy bills have become an alarming source of concern for many people. This problem can be addressed to a certain extent with the help of installing top quality blinds. They offer better insulation and you do not have to worry about the unwanted energy loss. If you want to enjoy high energy savings, you have to buy the best products available in the market.

    Maximum safety for children
    Reliable manufacturers offer high-quality products at affordable prices and you can also expect excellent safety with these products. You do not have to worry about children getting injured because of the advanced features incorporated in the best blinds available in the market. All these products are quite easy to use.

    Mind blowing and inspiring esthetic appeal
    It is a well-known fact that top blinds offer a lot of functional benefits for the users. These benefits play a very big part in making these products immensely popular. In addition to these functional advantages, they make your home appealing and inviting. If you purchase the most suitable products that go well with the current dcor and ambiance of your home, you can take the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, patio or any other space to a different level. Right types of blinds mix well with dcor to deliver an inviting ambiance and you can feel supremely comfortable inside your home.

    These are the most prominent benefits that top quality blinds offer. You can easily purchase them online and leading stores offer a lot of discounts and benefits for the buyers. Today, you do not have to spend a lot of money for purchasing blinds and high-quality products are available at extremely affordable prices. If you spend some time to search online, you can easily find out the most suitable ones that offer amazing benefits for your home.

    Read more