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Maintenance
Inventor James Dyson demonstrates his latest vacuum cleaner on March 14, 2005, in London

6 Things You Should Never Vacuum

Many people have been credited for the vacuum cleaner's invention and modification. One thing we know for sure is that the labor-saving device facilitates home and automotive maintenance in a big way. But despite the convenience, you should never, ever vacuum certain things. Here are six of them:
A pair of car headlights driving through darkness

Is It Legal to Use Your High Beams on the Highway?

Common questions about driving that arise even among seasoned drivers often have to do with high beams. Learn more about whether you can use high beams on the highway, situations where you shouldn't use them, and whether using high beams can ever create unsafe situations.
A group of campers dumping sewage water out from an RV

Can You Dump Gray Water on the Ground?

For people cruising around the country in campers, understanding the laws will save you a lot of trouble. For example, depending on where you end up, living in an RV full time may be illegal. Another example is throwing gray water on the ground, which can get you hit with a hefty fine.
A row of vacuum cleaners in a store

How to Decide Which Type of Vacuum Cleaner You Need

A vacuum cleaner is a key component of any successful vehicle maintenance routine. There are so many types of vacuum cleaners on the market, though, that it can be hard to know which is best for your needs. Which vacuum cleaner is the right choice to keep your vehicle clean?
Air conditioning (AC)

Sad Signs Your Car’s AC Compressor is on the Fritz

Having AC in your car is one of the most basic luxuries, but it can also be a safety feature in case of extreme heat. When your AC isn't working properly it can be caused by several issues, but there are a few signs you can see before your AC compressor goes out all together.
A shop vac sits on a wood floor in a wood-paneled auditorium

3 Best Shop Vacs When Money Is No Object

Shop vacs are more versatile than regular vacuums because the can reverse suction to let you use them as blowers too. In addition, you can use a shop vac as a dust collection system by attaching the hose to the dust port of your miter saw, sander, circular saw, or other compatible tool.
A woman in an apartment uses a vacuum cleaner on carpeting

You Should Never Do This With Your Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum cleaners are necessary to remove messes that could make your home seem unlivable. But as sturdy as these household appliances are, there's a limit to the amount of abuse they can take. Without proper maintenance, they can malfunction and leave you infuriated when you need them the most.
A man turns on a battery-powered air compressor whose hose is attached to his SUV's right front tire

4 Best Air Compressors for Your Home Garage

Having the right tools makes a huge difference when you want to work on your vehicle at home. From tightening nuts and bolts to changing spark plugs, tools greatly help with car maintenance. And in the case of pneumatic tools, air compressors are a must. They're also great for inflating tires and even painting your car.
A Roomba autonomous vacuum cleaner on a wooden floor

Does Your Roomba Suffer From the Death Circle?

Robot vacuum cleaners have taken the drama out of home maintenance. At the very least, you no longer have to hear your kids arguing about whose turn it is to vacuum. However, it turns out that even a robotic vacuum cleaner can pitch a temper tantrum, and there's only one way to stop.
The brake and gas pedals attached to carpet upholstery under the driver's seat

How to Stop Your Car if the Brakes Fail

We've all seen the movies where the bad guy cuts the hero's brake lines. While some movies might have a grain of truth about what to do regarding car safety, most do not. Here's what you should do instead if you find yourself in a situation where your car has no brakes.