Does Bubble Wrap Actually Work as Window Insulation? Here’s the Deal

For those of us who don’t have high-efficiency windows, it’s pretty obvious our panes are a huge weak point for letting in cold in the winter and heat in the summer. To help mitigate that, some, like this person who posted on Reddit, have turned to bubble wrap as insulation.

It appears to be an affordable solution that’s easy to install. One commenter on the post wrote, “This is what they do in Korea. It doesn’t look great (and it’s not fun not having a window to look through), but it definitely keeps some heat in!”

On its face, it seems like a pretty good, frugal solution. But does bubble wrap as insulation actually work? Here’s what we found out.

Bubble Wrap as Insulation Hack

This hack is pretty simple: just cut a piece of bubble wrap to the size of your window and place the bubble side toward the glass. The person in the above post sprayed it with water, which caused it to stick to the window. You could also use tape to hold it there.

The Glass Doctor recommends using bubble wrap with large bubbles and little space between them.

Beyond insulation, the bubble wrap creates a pleasant soft light and obscures the windows for better privacy. On the downside, it makes it so you can’t see clearly from the window.

Will Bubble Wrap Work as Insulation on Windows?

In theory, yes, bubble wrap works as insulation. Adding airspace should help insulate. According to How To Go Solar, using bubble wrap as insulation improves their efficiency by 50% or more on single-glazed windows and up to 20% on double-glazed ones. Build It Solar also had promising results.

But Randy Huckstadt, an HVAC Expert with JustAnswer.com disagrees. “The problem with this whole concept is that it is not an airtight seal. Therefore, any air or any temperature making it through the window makes it right around the bubble wrap,” he says.

Another potential problem he sees with it is that if it’s freezing outside, spraying water on glass comes with the risk of cracking it, especially “because folks are typically doing this because they have poorly rated or single-pane windows,” he says.

However, others say that they have used this trick, and it does help. It’s a common practice in Korea, for example, where it’s called ‘air cap.’ The Institute for Basic Science in Korea states on its website: “If you want to make your home warmer in winter, you can cover panes of glass with bubble wrap [which] can be applied to glass if you first make the glass moist with water. They go on to recommend repurposing bubble wrap from a move, or from delivery packages.

Others in the Reddit post thread supported this method, too. One wrote, “We do this on some of our windows every year. They are single pane. It definitely helps. You can feel the difference one they’re up. If we’re having guests over we could easily take it down for the day.”

Window Insulation Alternatives

Another relatively affordable option as an alternative to bubble wrap is an insulation kit with an R-value rating for windows. These can typically be found at hardware stores and building centers. Here’s how to install them.

First, make sure your weather stripping is in good shape and check the caulk around the exterior and interior your windows for leaks. For a more permanent solution, try interior storm windows, which are more expensive but should last for decades.

Whatever you choose, remember that it will be far more effective if it makes a seal around the window.

About the Expert

• Randy Huckstadt is an HVAC expert with JustAnswer.com and is an authorized mechanic for Haward Service and Warranty Center.

Sources

• The Korean Institute for Basic Science, “Living in Korea.”
• The Glass Doctor, “DIY Project Insulate Your Windows with Bubble Wrap.”
• How to Go Solar, “The Truth about Bubble Wrap Window Insulation,” October 13, 202.
• Build it Solar, blog from Oct. 24, 2005.

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Can Deodorant Fix Cloudy Headlights? Here’s What Actually Happens

As winter settles in, hacks for preventing icy cars are heating up, like this one about rubbing deodorant on your headlights. Could that actually work?

“This reminds me of the viral headlight cleaning hack that advised people to use bug spray that contained DEET,” says Parham Koukia, lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub. “It makes it looks nice and clear at the time, but you’re creating more work for yourself further down the road because it results in long-term damage to the polycarbonate and quicker hazing.”

So is this deodorant hack legit, or just a new version of old hype? Here’s what we found out when we talked to experts and put it to the test.

The Deodorant Car Headlight Hack, Explained

In this viral TikTok video, the host explains how any stick of deodorant containing the ingredient zirconium (which is most of them) “can save you a lot of time and make your vehicle more safe for the winter.” Just rub it on the headlights, then use a paper towel to buff it out until all of the film is gone.

The host claims he does this once a month, and it keeps his headlights free of ice and snow, cleans them and helps reduce yellowing and moisture inside.

Can Deodorant Really Prevent Ice From Forming?

Perhaps. According to the National Institutes of Health, Zirconium acetate is used in the manufacturing of waterproof chemicals, including antiperspirants, printing inks and paints, so in theory, it could keep moisture from sticking to the outside of the headlight lens. It is also possible that oils or other chemicals in deodorant could disrupt ice crystal formation.

We tested it by rubbing deodorant on a portion of a headlight (inside edge in the photo), and the next morning, there were fewer, but still some ice crystals in that spot. But this wasn’t a highly scientific experiment, and surely factors that determine its effectiveness would range widely, including relative humidity and ambient air temperature (this experiment was conducted with a low of around 10 degrees).

Can Deodorant Really Clean Headlights?

Yes, technically, deodorant can clean headlights. “But so can toothpaste, coke, urine, gasoline and Jack Daniels,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer.com. “Anything with chemicals, acids or grit will clean headlights. However, many can also damage them, get short-lived results, or just make scratches shiny and wet, which temporarily hides damage.”

Deodorant isn’t formulated to clean headlights, especially those made with polycarbonate covers, says Koukia. “While it might remove minor surface dust and greasy films in a pinch, it lacks the abrasives or chemical compounds needed to break down oxidation, the real cause of yellowed, hazy headlights,” he says.

Can Deodorant Prevent Headlights From Yellowing?

Again, yes, technically, a little. Deodorant on headlights could help a little with yellowing because that is caused by polycarbonate lenses drying out from exposure to the sun and headlamp heat. Because deodorant has some oil in it, that could slightly help replenish those oils on the lens, says Pyle, but it won’t stop yellowing once it’s started. Also, deodorant doesn’t offer protection against UV rays, which means it’s not a good long-term solution.

Can Deodorant Prevent Moisture Buildup Inside a Headlight?

Nope, deodorant won’t stop moisture buildup. Moisture inside headlamps can happen for two reasons: from normal condensation or because there’s a breach in the casing from a crack or bad gasket. “Rubbing some Old Spice on the lens it not go to reseal the headlight,” says Pyle.

As for condensation, “This is a normal occurrence, and the condensation typically evaporates through vents in the back of the lamp,” says Eric Ruble, a senior communications specialist with Nissan. “If condensation occurs inside a lamp, turning on the lights can help dissipate moisture.”

Should I Use Deodorant On My Headlights?

It’s probably not a great idea. “Using deodorant isn’t worth it unless you value your headlights smelling like your armpits,” says Koukia. While it could make them look better temporarily, you also run the risk of damaging the plastic or clear coat, especially if you try this as a long-term solution, he says.

“It could also leave residue, which will cause more things to stick to it, or add more abrasions, meaning it could get hazy quicker with every application,” says Koukia.

Ruble says engineers on the Nissan headlight team also recommend against using deodorant or any other product not intentionally designed for headlight care. “Our headlamps feature a protective coating rigorously tested with automotive headlamp cleaners to ensure durability and effectiveness,” he says. “Using incompatible products may damage this coating, reducing its ability to prevent yellowing, chipping cracking and fogging.”

What Are Alternatives to Using Deodorant on Headlights?

For ice and snow, brush loose snow away from the lenses and turn on the headlights. The heat from the lamps is likely to thaw a thin layer of ice. To get that accomplished more quickly, especially if you have to drive at night or in inclement weather, spray them with a deicer, which you can buy or DIY by combining vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol and water.

To prevent ice form forming on them in the first place, try spraying them with Rain X, which can sometimes prevent water from sticking to the glass long enough to freeze, or cover them with cardboard the night before.

As for yellowing, the best bet is using a headlight restoration kit, which will last longer and provide UV protection, says Koukia. “A quality headlight restoration kit will do a much better job of truly cleaning and polishing headlights, as well as protecting them for the future,” he says.

About the Experts

• Parham Koukia is lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. He has spent more than a decade mastering the art of car detailing, after turning his passion for automobiles into his profession.
• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer.com since 2006.
• Eric Ruble is senior communications specialist for technology and safety at Nissan.

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Over 40,000 Honda Motorcycles Recalled Due to Stalling Risk

With their lack of any external form of protection besides a helmet, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars in the chance of a crash. That’s why Honda motorcycle owners need to know that Honda issued a recall impacting over 40,000 motorcycles. The issue? A defect that can lead to stalling or engine failuretwo things that are obviously a huge danger on the road.

If you own one of the affected models, your safety could be at risk, so you’ll need to take swift action. There’s no reason not to, as free repairs are available to anyone impacted. Here’s everything to know about the Honda motorcycle recall, from what vehicles are impacted and why they are being recalled to how to get your free repair.

Which Honda Motorcycles Are Being Recalled?

Honda will send letters to the impacted model owners starting in early January. The recall impacts 40,481 motorcycles in total, including the following models:

• 2007 Honda CBR600RR
• 2009-2017 Honda CBR600RR
• 2008 Honda CBR1000RR
• 2017 Honda CBR1000RR
• 2019 Honda CBR1000RR
• 2021 Honda CBR1000RR
• 2010 Honda VFR1200
• 2012-2013 Honda VFR1200

Why Are These Honda Motorcycles Being Recalled?

According to the recall brief submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Nov. 15, these motorcycles are being recalled because of an issue with the fuel pump impeller. The report explains that “the fuel pump impeller was improperly molded, resulting in low-density impellers.”

If unaddressed, this defect can interfere with the fuel pump body over time and cause it to become inoperative. This, in turn, can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall while driving, greatly increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

What To Do If My Motorcycle Is Recalled

You are entitled to a free repair from Honda if you own a recalled motorcycle. When you receive your ownership letter notifying you that your motorcycle is part of the recall, you can take your motorcycle to an authorized Honda Powersports dealer, where they will inspect it and replace the fuel pump if necessary.

Source

NHTSA.gov: “Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-864”

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Why Is Brown Foam Coming Out of My Car’s AC?

Finding brown foam bits around your car’s AC ducts is not uncommon. Over my almost 60 years in the auto repair industry as an ASE and GM master technician, I have seen my share of these phenomena, particularly in cars that are 10 or more years old. Usually, it’s just an annoyance that you just have to keep cleaning. Read along, here’s what you need to know about what’s causing brown foam to come from your car’s AC.

What Is The Brown Foam Coming From My Car’s AC?

The brown foam coming out of a car’s AC is the foam (sort of like sponge weatherstripping) that seals the many different parts of your car’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) ducting system that has begun deteriorating. The foam may also be used as insulation around the blower motor fan, the heat/cooling exchanger (plenum) system, and blend doors.

Why Is the Foam Coming Out of My AC?

There are a few reasons the foam may be coming out of a car’s AC system. The most common is that as the foam ages and degrades, it becomes brittle and begins to break down and crumble. As the hardened foam falls apart into small pieces, air from the blower motor pushes the foam through the AC and heater ducts, finally making its way out of the dashboard AC vents/louvers or heater ducts onto the floor. Exposure to wild temperature swings of the HVAC system, dirty or clogged cabin air filters, dirt and debris in the outside air intake, and moisture buildup in the HVAC duct system helps speed up the aging process.

Another common reason foam comes out of the AC is the failure of the adhesive securing the foam to the individual HVAC duct parts. The loose foam then gets blown out of the AC system.

In climates where the outside temperatures reach 100 degrees F (with interior temperatures of 125 degrees F) in summer, firing up the AC quickly generates air temperatures of 40 degrees F or 0 degrees F in winter, with the heater outputting 180 degrees F can also cause the foam to fail prematurely. Basic maintenance can help keep foam seals pliable and sealing properly. This includes:

• Replacing the cabin air filter.
• Cleaning the AC “drain” weep hole at the bottom of the HVAC evaporator case.
• Removing leaves, dirt, dust and debris buildup from the under-hood air intake vent, usually located on the passenger side of the car under or near the wiper arms.
• After driving with the AC on, with the engine off and key “on,” running the AC blower fan for a minute to help dry out any residual moisture left in the AC evaporator case.

What to Do If Foam Starts Coming Out of Your Car’s AC?

First, do all of the above maintenance items. Then, use a compressor (ALWAYS wear safety glasses and a respirator when working with compressed air) or vacuum to clear away any loose foam from the dashboard. Carefully remove the AC vents/louvers.

• Caution: Made of plastic, like foam, vents/louvers can become brittle and crack while being removed. Vacuum out the ducts and the entire interior, including the vents/louvers, and clean everything with disinfectant wipes.

If the system is working okay, just keep up on the maintenance, clean up the foam and continue driving. If you feel comfortable removing the dashboard or sections of the HVAC system ductwork, you can also replace the foam. But in my experience, this is best left to the pros.

Is It Safe To Keep Driving With Brown Foam Coming From My Car’s AC?

It depends. If the foam is dry and simply around the vents, then it shouldn’t pose a safety issue. However, tiny foam particles (microplastics) floating around the passenger compartment from the HVAC ducts will negatively affect air quality, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma. It also clearly signals that the HVAC system needs attention and should be inspected to prevent system components from failing prematurely and possibly impacting the HVAC system’s performance.

Resources

• Bill Kirkpatrick, ASE and Volkswagen Master Technician, former shop owner, and dealership service manager and retired a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certified automotive technology and small engine instructor. (Nov 23, 2024)
• Joe Simes, ASE and Toyota Master Technician, EPA Section 609 and PennDOT certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector, and PDE certified automotive technology instructor at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale, PA. (Nov 23, 2024)

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Why You Should Never Put Magnets on Your Tesla Cybertruck

For decades, people have been personalizing their vehicles viabumper stickers and magnets. Considering the resemblance between a Tesla Cybertruck and a stainless steel refrigerator, it’s not surprising that some Cybertruck owners have asked the question: AreCybertrucks magnetic?

As one would expect from a car with a steel exterior, Cybertrucks certainly are magnetic… but don’t rush out and start testing that. Turns out, sticking a magnet to the side of a Cybertruck definitely looks cool in the moment, but can damage the surface of the vehicle over time. Here’s a look at why.

Why Magnets Damage Cybertrucks

A user known as Nick recently posted on Cybertruck fan forum, Cybertruck Owners Club, detailing his experience with magnets and his truck’s exterior. After leaving the magnets on the truck for a few months, Nick removed them to clean the truck and made a heart-sinking discovery.

The material under the magnets had rusted and corroded, leaving the surface marred and disfigured. After applying a surface cleaner to the corroded spots, Nick was able to reduce the damage, but the metal was still pitted and white marks remained across the silver surface.

Most likely, the magnets themselves did not cause the damage. Rather, they created an environment where salt, moisture and other debris could get stuck and trapped close to the metal surface, leading to corrosion of the stainless steel.

What To Do If Your Cybertruck Rusts

Cybertrucks are large, shiny vehicles, and the last thing you want is to ruin that shine with rust. If you see any spots of rust on the stainless steel, it’s best to address the issue right away. Tesla recommends that Cybertruck drivers treat any contaminated surfaces with a mild citric acid cleaner and a non-scratch scouring pad. Once the surface has been cleaned, dry the cleaned area with a microfiber cloth.

Sources

• Cybertruck Owners Club, “Dont put magnets on your CT! Corrosion?” (2024)
• Tesla, “Removing Surface Contamination” (2024)

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Hyundai and Kia Recall 200,000 Cars for Loss of Drive Power

On Nov. 21, Hyundai Motor Group announced a major recall that impacts not only Hyundai’s electric vehicles but also EVs from their subsidiaries, Genesis and Kia. In total, over 200,000 vehicles are at risk of a defect that could increase the risk of a crash.

If you own one of these vehicles, its vital to act promptly. In this post, well break down the details of this recall: which cars are affected, the reasons behind the recall, and what steps you should take if your car is on the list.

Which Hyundai Cars Are Being Recalled?

The recall includes a range of Hyunda, Genesis, and Kia electric vehicles. In total, 145,235 Hyundai vehicles and 62,872 Kias are part of the recall. The affected models and years are:

• Genesis G80 Electrified 2023-2024
• Genesis GV60 2023-2025
• Genesis GV70 Electrified 2023-2025
• Hyundai IONIQ5 2022-2024
• Hyundai IONIQ 6 2023-2025
• Kia EV6 2022-2024

Owner notification letters will be mailed starting Jan. 17, 2025.

Why Are These Cars Being Recalled?

According to the recall brief submitted to the NHTSA, the issue that led to this recall stems from the cars’ integrated charging control unit (ICCU), a key component in electric vehicles. The report details that the “ICCU may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power,” greatly increasing the risk of crashing.

Hyundai noted that this recall builds on an earlier one (24V-204), meaning previously repaired vehicles will require further inspection and the updated remedy of the most recent recall. Read on to find out what to do if you have an affected Hyundai, Genesis, or Kia model.

What to Do If Your Car Is Recalled

If you own one of the affected models, Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia are committed to resolving the issue free of charge. Take your vehicle to an authorized Hyundai or Genesis dealer. They will inspect the ICCU, replace it and its fuse if necessary, and also update the ICCU software.

If you don’t want to wait for your owner notification letter, you call your manufacturer’s respective customer service line for confirmation that your car is or isn’t part of the recall:

• Hyundai Customer Service: 1-855-371-9460
• Genesis Customer Service: 1-844-340-9741
• Kia Customer Service: 1-800-333-4542

The recall number to mention for Hyundai and Genesis vehicles is 24V-868, while the Kia recall number is 24V-867.

Sources

• NHTSA.gov: “Loss of Drive Power from Damaged Charging Unit” (Hyundai)
• NHTSA.gov: “Loss of Drive Power from Damaged Charging Unit” (Kia)

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Why the Lightning Bolt Icon on Your Car Dash Signals Trouble

Warning lights coming on on on your dashboard are rarely a good thing. In fact, they’re often nerve-wracking. The dreaded check engine light, the dangerous oil light, and the unpleasant gas light all indicate problems, usually expensive ones. But if you’re fortunate enough to rarely see these warning lights, you might not know what they all mean. In particular, you may be unfamiliar with the lightning bolt symbol on your car.

We’ve broken down the meaning behind the symbol, what systems in your car may be affected, and what to do if you have this light come on on your dashboard.

What Does the Lightning Bolt Symbol on My Car Mean?

The lightning bolt symbol on your dashboard is a warning about your electronic throttle control system (ETC). As the name suggests, the ETC system controls your throttle. This is important because there are several features in your car that are governed by your throttle. As Damiaan Domiv writes in Controlling an Automatic Valve, the ETC system “make[s] it possible to integrate a cruise control system, to do traction control, or it can even be used for pre-crash systems or other systems that require torque control.”

Essentially, this system gives you more precise control over the different features that utilize the throttle than you would get from the gas pedal alone. This is great when it functions properly, but when it’s damaged, it’s a big problem. If you see a lightning bolt on your dashboard, stop driving your car as soon as possible. If the ETC system isn’t working, those aforementioned features probably won’t work either. This can be dangerous, so this is the kind of problem that should be repaired sooner rather than later.

What’s the Best Way to Fix My ETC System?

You may be tempted to try to repair your ETC yourself, but that may not be wise. As frustrating as it is, this is the kind of fix that is best left to the professionals. Because the ETC works with multiple features of your car, the indicator light doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong. Rather, it alerts you that there’s a problem somewhere in the system.

Unless you have a lot of hands-on experience in car repair, and the right equipment to diagnose which part of the ETC is failing, you’ll be safer calling your mechanic to diagnose and address the problem.

Source

Controlling an Automotive Valve. Damiaan Dimov. 2024.

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How To Make Your Holiday Inflatables Last for Years

Inflatables, inflatables, inflatables! Have you noticed how inflatables seem to be a part of holiday decor every season? Big ones, small ones. Halloween, Christmas, cartoon characters, fantastical! They are not cheap, and truth be told, the biggest challenge to having inflatables on your front yard is they are fragile. Some inflatables are even delicate. The question is, after investing in decorative inflatables, how do you take care of them to ensure your investment lasts for more than one season?

Most inflatable yard decorations are made from durable, waterproof nylon or other synthetic materials, so they can resist rain. However, the true secret to having your inflatable around for more than one season is how you take care of them when they are up and how you store them during the off season.

Here are a few tips to protects your inflatable investment and ensure the fun lasts more than one season.

Before you use your inflatable

• Read the directions and follow manufacturers recommendations for exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture, i.e. snow, ice or rain.
• Location, location! Choose a flat clean area far away from Christmas trees and other sharp objects to display your inflatable.
• Check for tears and rips at the start of each new season. Small holes will prevent the inflatable from properly filling and over time, small holes become bigger holes.
• Everything has a limit. Follow recommended weight limits, restrictions and recommendations.

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Ford Recalls Thousands of Cars Over Fire and Engine Stall Risks

No automotive manufacturer is safe from recalls, no matter how highly regarded the company is. Ford Motor Company (Ford) recently announced a recall of several of its vehicles. We’ve parsed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) brief and broken down the important information so that if your vehicle is impacted, you can take action to be as safe as possible.

Which Ford Vehicles Are Recalled?

According to the NHTSA, Ford is recalling almost 2,500 of its “2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine.” If you own one of these vehicles, keep an eye on your mailbox, as Ford will soon mail letters to the impacted owners. You can also plug your VIN into the NHTSA recall listing to check right away.

Why Are These Ford Vehicles Being Recalled?

Ford announced a recall of these vehicles due to “a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.” A leak like this is very dangerous. The NHTSA brief explains that rapid oil leaks “can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.” Furthermore, leaking oil “in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.”

Limit your use of the vehicle as much as possible until you can get it inspected and repaired. Car fires are incredibly dangerous, and driving a car with a rapid oil leak when you don’t need to isn’t worth the risk.

What’s To Do If My Vehicle Is Recalled

Ford will inspect the engine cup plug alignment on the impacted vehicles and, if they find any problems, they will replace the plug free of charge at a Ford dealership. Make sure to get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible; rapid oil leaks are not to be taken lightly. For your own safety, get this repair handled as early as you can.

The owner letters regarding this recall will have more information about the recall and the proposed repair, so be sure to read yours thoroughly. However, if you still have questions or don’t want to wait, you can call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Be sure to mention that you’re calling about recall 24S70. You can also call the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236; their campaign number for this recall is 24V851000.

Source

Incorrectly Installed Engine Cup Plug May Leak Oil, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2024.

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The Gas Tank Locator Trick You Might Be Missing

One of the trickiest things about stepping into a new, or new-to-you, car is remembering which side the gas tank is on. The problem is there’s not exactly an easy rule you can memorize. Most of the time, the gas tank is located on the driver’s side, relative to the country that makes the cars. But that’s not always the case, and besides, do you really want to have to memorize where every brand you may drive is manufactured?

Fortunately, most of today’s cars have a handy gas tank locator if you know where to look.

What is a Gas Tank Locator?

In short, a gas tank locator is a symbol or icon that shows you what side of the car your gas tank is on. This way, you know which pump at the gas station is the right one to park at and fuel up. Sure, you can usually work around it if you make a mistake, but it’s so much easier to line yourself up hassle-free if you remember the correct side from the start.

Where is My Gas Tank Locator?

Your gas tank locator is on your dash. The exact placement varies from car to car, depending on where your fuel gauge is. But it will always be right next to the gas pump icon.

You’re looking for a small arrow next to that pump. Once you find it, it’s fairly straightforward to read. The direction the arrow points tells you what side of the car your tank is on. So if it points to the passenger side, like in my Subaru, your gas tank is on the right. Conversely, if it points to the driver’s side, your tank is on the left.

Troubleshooting

Some of the newer cars on the market have a lot of information you can cycle through on your dash, including an estimate of how many miles are left in your tank. If you’re looking at this display and you see an arrow, ignore it. That’s not your fuel gauge, and therefore, it is not the gas tank locator. It is simply the car estimating how far you can go until you absolutely need to fuel up again.

Once you know where to look, you’ll never have to worry about ever again pulling into the gas station the wrong way. Whether you’re driving a new car or a rental, you’ll be set for easy fuel-ups.

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35,000 Hyundai Vehicles Recalled Over Risky Sunshade Glitch

Car recalls are common news, but they’re still unsettling to hear about. Hyundai has announced a recall of some of its Santa Fe hybrids. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issues a brief explaining which vehicles are included, what the problem is, and what to do if you own one of these vehicles. We’ve parsed it for you so that you can quickly glean all the important information at a glance.

What Hyundai Vehicles Are Being Recalled?

Hyundai is recalling roughly 35,000 vehicles this time around. If you own a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid, then your vehicle is probably included in this recall. Keep an eye on your mailbox, as owners impacted by the recall will recieve a letter from Hyundai in the next couple of months confirming that your vehicle is in need of repair.

Why Are These Hyundai Vehicles Being Recalled?

According to the NHTSA brief, the impacted vehicles are having electrical issues. Specifically, “the overhead console rear sunshade switch knob may not be fully recessed.” This is a problem because faulty switch knobs “can result in unintentional closing of the sunshade.” This problem means that the impacted Hyundai vehicles “fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, ‘Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems.'”

Until you can get this issue repaired, exercise caution when using your sunshade. The NHTSA warns that “a sunshade that closes unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.” Encourage any children you have to avoid playing with the switches and to keep their hands well clear of the sunshade at all times. It’s best to minimize use of the sunshade entirely until you can get your vehicle repaired.

What To Do if You Own a Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai says that dealers will replace the faulty switches free of charge. The company will mail letters out to affected owners in early January 2025 further explaining the problem as well as the proposed repair.

If you don’t want to wait to receive your letter, or if you have further questions about this recall, you can also call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. If you call in, be sure to mention that you’re asking about Hyundai recall number 270. You can also check with the NHTSA for more information. Their safety hotline number is 1-888-327-4236, and the campaign number for this issue is 24V843000.

Source

Sunshade May Operate Unexpectedly/FMVSS 118, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2024.

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Carving Her Niche: Inside Jen Woodhouse’s DIY Dream Home

Kentucky entrepreneur Jen Woodhouse made a living as a singer-songwriter before becoming a mom. The change in pace didnt stop her from being creative; she just ended up sketching a new life path. For my first Mothers Day, I got a miter saw, she says. Woodhouse got to work creating a shoe bench and was surprised by how easy it wasand how much she enjoyed it. If you can follow a recipe, you can build a table. Its that kind of thinking that inspired her to try bigger projects and launch a YouTube channel devoted to easy builds and fixes.

Inside the workshop

Woodhouses very first project when she, her husband, Adam, and kids, Evie and Liam, moved into their Louisville-area Colonial in 2017, was building a workshop adjacent to their new home. It needed to be more than 9 feet tall, so I could fit a full sheet of plywood and have a ton of electrical to run a table saw and shop vac at once and not flip a breaker, she says. It has more power than our house! In the workshop, she builds the new additions for her home on her own, with the camera rolling.

Stair runner solution

The Woodhouse family always found their staircase to be awkward. It was two-thirds carpeted and one-third hardwood floors. And it looked datedan orange honey-tone oak with beige carpet and balusters from the 90s.

But it was their Rhodesian ridgeback dog who really sealed the deal on getting them to do something about it. At 100 pounds, Watson is a big guy who in his old age started having mobility issues, and going up and down stairs was a challenge made even more complicated by the slippery hardwood. Woodhouse took the problem into her own hands and overhauled the stairwell, replacing the wood with white oak, adding new railings, newels and balusters, and adding a runner to provide better footing for Watson and her family.

The three-day project started with heavy sandpapering to get down to raw wood, followed by an oil refinish and paint job, and rug pad and runner installation. She added brass stair rods as a finishing touch, which she says was purely decorative and a bit pricey.

Check out Woodhouse’s step-by-step guide to installing a stair runner.

Basement home theater

As a huge movie lover, Woodhouse saw instant potential in the basement. She combined her love of history and cinema to refashion a space into an Art -Decostyle home theater. To create the effect, she installed sconces and heightened the drama with gold trim.

My saw didnt cut that steep of an angle so I had to make a jig, she says.

Of course, the main attraction here is the drop ceiling. Previously, the ceiling was covered with everyday white tiles. Woodhouse knew a gilded look would recall the glory days of theater, so she scoured samples from Home Depot and chose a thin plastic, but incredibly ornate-looking, option. The material is so thin I actually cut it with scissors, she says.

The basement fireplace had a typical beam mantel, which she jazzed up by installing a custom build around it, highlighted by beveled edges. She kept the original wall paint and amplified some walls with a different strength of paint for a subtle tone-on-tone look.

Home office with DIY built-in filing cabinets

While the office came fully loaded with built-in bookshelves and didnt need much TLC, Woodhouse was sold on the room for a different reason: the south- and east-facing windows with hand cranks. She added French doors a transom above them.

To give the shelving an even more functional twist, she built cabinets underneath. I want filing cabinets that didnt look like filing cabinets, she said, giving the entire piece a paint job using Roycroft Bottle Green from Sherwin-Williams. I pulled the color from the wallpaper, which I decided on after asking for dozens of samples online. The floral print looks Asian-inspired, and considering Im Filipino, it felt perfect.

Today, Woodhouse continues to share her love of DIY not only on her website (jenwoodhouse.com) but on her online marketplace, Sprucd Market, where vetted builders can upload and sell their project plans.

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Advance Auto Parts Joins Wave of Retail Giants Closing Hundreds of Stores

North Carolina-based Advance Auto recently is the most recent retail giant to announce it will be closing hundreds of its locations across the United States by mid-2025. This decision is part of a move the company describes as “strategic,” and hopes will improve its business performance.

“The company is executing a strategic plan to improve business performance with a focus on core retail improvement,” Advance Auto announced in a Nov. 14 financial statement. The statement included a summary of the company’s 2024 Q3 financial results, which showed a 6 million dollar drop in profits from the same quarter in 2023.

The announcement of store closures comes fresh on the heels of Advance Auto closing its sale of Worldpac, a global distributor of auto parts that will now operate independently from its former parent company. Advance Auto sold Worldpac to the investment firm Carlyle for 1.5 billion dollars.

“We are pleased to have made progress on our strategic actions, including the completion of the sale of Worldpac and a comprehensive operational productivity review of our business,” said Shane OKelly, president and chief executive officer of Advance Auto. We are charting a clear path forward and introducing a new three-year financial plan, with a focus on executing core retail fundamentals to improve the productivity of all our assets and to create shareholder value.”

Advance Auto, which operates mainly in the United States but also has a presence in Canada and Mexico, plans to shutter 523 corporate locations and four distribution centers. Details on which locations will be closing, and the number of employees affected have not yet been announced.

Sources

Advance Auto Parts: “Advance Auto Parts Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Completes Comprehensive Review of Operational Productivity” (2024)

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Why Does My Car Shut Off When I Stop?

I have driven thousands of cars throughout my life and was not aware my new car came with the auto start-stop feature. So, imagine my surprise while driving home from the dealership and thinking the engine was stalling every time I came to a red light. That surprise quickly turned into frustration when the engine restarted as soon as my foot came off the brake pedal.

As a 50+ year ASE and General Motors master technician and automotive technology vocational educator, I’m thinking, how can a technician fix a stalling problem when the engine restarts by itself? But then my automotive “Spidey-sense” kicked in. Before calling the dealershipand sounding like a foolI decided to read the number one best-selling unread book of all time: the owner’s manual.

This is where I first learned about auto start-stop. Read along to find out what you need to know about the start-stop system.

Why Does My Car Shut Off When I Stop?

If your car shuts off when you stop and then turns back on when you take your foot off the break, it is equipped with a start-stop system. The system is remarkably beneficial when driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic since It increases fuel mileage and reduces engine tailpipe emissions (smog). Frequent stops and long periods of idling can lead to significant fuel consumption, so vehicles equipped with start-stop technology come equipped with heavy-duty starter motors, engine components and batteries designed to deal with an engine frequently shutting off and restarting without causing premature wear to the starter motor or engine.

What Is the Stop-Start System?

When coming to a complete stop at a traffic light or while sitting in freeway traffic, the start-stop system turns the engine off. If your engine isn’t running, it’s not using any fuel, producing exhaust emissions or causing engine parts to wear. This increases fuel efficiency by saving fuel that would be wasted while sitting at idle. The engine automaticallyin my experienceinstantly restarts (the system was engineered to restart the engine in less than a half-second) as soon as you begin releasing the brake pedal, so you can continue driving without hesitation.

How To Reset the Stop-Start System

For any number of reasons, you may need to reset your start-stop system. First, it’s best to check your owner’s manual in case there are instructions specific to your make, model or year. Here are the generic steps:

• Battery: Disconnect the battery for five minutes.
  • Disconnecting the battery may cause you to lose any “pre-sets.” You may want to consider plugging a battery memory saver into your car’s power outlet or cigarette lighter to supply a bit of current, protecting the computer, radio, keyless entry, and clock memory settings from being erased.
• Scan Tool: Depending on your make, model and year, you may be able to reset the start-stop system with a scan tool. Scan tools can also clear ECM and other system’s error codes.

Why would I have to reset the start-stop system?

Unfortunately, there are a few reasons why you may have to reset the start-stop system, including:

• Battery: A weak, failed or shorted battery can keep the start-stop system from functioning properly.
• Battery cables: Loose or corroded battery cables and grounds can wreck the electrical system in today’s sophisticated, highly complex vehicles, whether electrified or internal combustion engine (ICE).
• Replacing components: Replacing the starter motor, alternator, or computer (or computer software upgrade) may result in lost communications between the start-stop system and the new parts, keeping the system from operating correctly.
• Start-stop system malfunction: Extreme temperatures, bad or failing engine and other sensors, part wear and tear, or glitchy software can cause errors with the start-stop system.
• Warning lights: Resetting the start-stop system may be necessary to turn off the warning light and restore normal system functions.

Do All 2024 Cars Have Stop-Start System?

No, there are a few, mostly sub-compacts, which forgo the start-stop function. For example, the Kia Soul, depending on the trim package, may not come with a start-stop feature. Also, hybrids and plug-in hybrids that have ICE employ a similar but slightly different start-stop system. This results in a smoother transition from battery power to gasoline power when starting from a stop. Full battery-powered electric vehicles do not use nor need a start-stop system.

Can I Turn Off the Stop-Start System?

Yes, if you find start-stop infuriating (as my wife does), virtually all vehicles with the start-stop function have either a button or switch that will temporarily disable the system.

Is it recommended that the Stop-Start System be turned off?

No, turning off the start-stop function is not recommended. Although the EPA may or may not include start-stop in how they determine a vehicle’s fuel miles per gallon estimates, depending on your driving habits, you may expect a 3-9% increase in fuel economy. Remember, an ICE releases “zero” tailpipe emissions when it’s not running.

Things to Consider When Using the Stop-Start System

Start-stop systems are purposely built for durability and are designed to withstand constant starts-and-stops that normally cause excessive wear on the started motor and ICE. If you are concerned about premature wear and tear, then disable it while driving.

Batteries in cars with start-stop technology take a beating. However, newer cars with high-demand electronics use either high-performance Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB). These batteries are intentionally designed to manage constant discharging and charging due to start-stop. To reduce battery stress and load:

• Check and service the battery and battery cables/terminals regularly.
• Avoid letting your car sit for too long and minimize short trips.
• Turn off accessories, including the HVAC system, infotainment, and lights to keep them from drawing power from the battery.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Energy: “Why Is Fuel Economy Important” (Nov 2024)
• Edmunds: Do Stop-Start Systems Really Save Fuel? (Nov 2024)
• Battery Council International: “Start-Stop Vehicles Reduce Emissions & Boost Fuel Economy” (2024)
• Kia: 2024 Soul Owner’s Manual (20204)

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I Tried the New Battery-Powered Toro Leaf Blower, and Here’s How It Went

I tried the all-new Toro leaf blowerthe Toro 60-volt Max 900-CFM 165-MPH leaf blower, to be exactand I was (literally) blown away. This was my first experience with the Toro leaf blower, and I am quite impressed.

I have used dozens of leaf blowers in my day and can confidently say I’ve experienced a wide range of performances from blowers. I started my leaf blower journey with the classic handheld Stihl BG86C blower. Since then, I have personally owned and tested five handheld gas blowers, nine backpack leaf blowers (both battery and gas), three handheld corded electric leaf blowers, and 11 handheld battery-powered blowers.

What Is the Battery-Powered Toro Leaf Blower?

When Toro designed their new battery leaf blower, we were shocked to see how much thought went into the design and the performance. You can easily tell that the team that pulled this blower together included people like me, who have used dozens of blowers and knew that Toro needed to push the envelope to stay competitive in the battery-powered leaf blower space.

I admit that I was skeptical when I first received this blower. Toro, a brand with an amazing reputation for providing some of the most powerful zero-turn mowers, has long been known for its success with golf course management tools and a wide range of commercial products. However, they have only recently begun to dip their toes in the battery-powered space, starting with their classic lawnmowers, which I have come to know and love.

TYLER GRAHAM FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Acme Tools

I Tried It

Toro Flex-Force 60-volt Max 900-CFM 165-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Acme Tools

Toro Leaf Blower Features

The blower boasts a whopping 900 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and 165 MPH air speed, both of which are at the top of the game in the leaf blower world. You can reach the maximum airspeed by using the “Turbo” button, which is meant for temporary blasts of air that help remove wet leaves and grass from surfaces.

This blower also comes with a concentrated nozzle, which helps further focus air and increase overall air speed for targeted clean-up. The Toro battery-powered blower also comes with several easy-to-control measures, including a textured grip, a well-balanced body, variable speed and cruise control so that you don’t tire out your hand, and an aggressive design that helps hold the blower down and forward.

You can use the 60-volt battery on the Toro leaf blower on other 60V Max products from Toro, which saves you money on buying new batteries for these tools in the long run. As Toro continues to build out the 60V Max lineup, this can result in huge savings for the average homeowner who doesn’t have to buy a new battery with each tool.

How I Tested the Toro Leaf Blower

Assembly

The new Toro battery-powered leaf blower was very simple to put together. It comes in two or three pieces that easily snap together. I quickly snapped the nozzle onto the base of the blower and excitedly rushed out the door to start eviscerating leaves.

Job Site Test (Commercial Landscaping)

I used the Toro battery-powered blower on the job site first. Having recently re-started a landscaping company, I had about eight lawns back-to-back on my first day with the Toro blower. I was excited to see how it would perform relative to other handheld battery blowers. My first stop was mowing my friend Chase’s house. He lives in a nice neighborhood with lots that are about acre or less.

This presented the ideal opportunity to see how the Toro blower would perform on a typical lawn. Another positive of using the battery-powered Toro blower is that Chase has two small kids that I knew napped at various points throughout the day. My gas-powered backpack blower could wake the dead with its high noise levels, so having an electric tool was great for making sure I could maneuver around their home without waking the kids.

I will also caution that most handheld battery leaf blowers aren’t used for commercial landscaping purposes. They aren’t designed to last all day, and I knew that going into this round of testing. Other blowers, including electric ones, are designed to go with you on the job site. Toro designed this blower for residential homeowners looking to crush leaves and debris in their backyard, put the battery back on the charger and get on with their life. That doesn’t mean I am not going to push the blower to its limits and use it however I can.

Home Test

I used the Toro on my yard after the first time mowed again after a week straight of rainfall here in middle Tennessee. The grass clippings were still a bit moist. If you have ever used a leaf blower after mowing a moist lawn, you will understand that this situation is headache-inducing. Wet grass sticks to concrete like nothing you have ever seen. In order to get it off, you generally have to either wait until it dries, use a push broom, or have a blower that can somehow lift it off of the concrete.

Most leaf blowers put out about 400-500 CFM. Even some of the most powerful backpack leaf blowers will put out 700 CFM or so of air. At 900 CFM, the Toro 60V Max may be one of the most powerful handheld leaf blowers I have ever seen. The combination of tremendous air volume output with wind speeds of 165 MPH means that very few blowers on the market come close to this amount of power.

So naturally, I had to use this on the famous wet grass clippings to see how it would do. It was an absolute demolition. The leaf blower removed almost every blade of grass from the concrete driveway. I was so impressed that I wanted to ring the doorbell and tell my friend all about it. I have never seen a blower, especially a handheld battery-powered leaf blower, push this much air and perform so well.

Blowing Heavy Debris

I set this blower back in the trailer and moved on to the next house. At the next job, I was looking at a garden bed that had been washed out with water and spread mulch all over the lawn and sidewalk leading up to the front door. The mulch was a shredded hardwood mulch and was mostly dry by this point. Before I mowed the yard, this needed to be cleaned up. It presented a perfect opportunity to give the Toro 60V blower a chance to run wild by blowing mulch in the grass (which is notoriously difficult) and pushing it across a sidewalk.

The blower accomplished both of these. Moving mulch across concrete was a breeze, and I was shocked to see how easily it lifted the mulch out of the thick, long grass and placed it back into the garden bed.

I moved onto the third house of the day, which was just like the first one. The grass was slightly dryer, and the clippings blasted back into the grass easily. At this point, I was texting my wife, telling her I couldn’t believe it.

As a second reminder, this blower was not designed for professional landscapers in the same way that gas-powered leaf blowers are. Those can run all day because you can keep buying and pouring gas into the blower for as long as you need. Toro’s new blower obviously requires you to recharge the batteries.

Long-Term Performance

In my personal use of this blower around my house, which seems to be more and more neglected the more I work on other people’s lawns, I continued to be impressed with the Toro leaf blower. In the course of my normal weekly lawn maintenance, I found the blower to have consistent, extremely powerful performance.

One downside I noticed relatively early is that when you use the turbo button off and on, there is a noticeable drain on the battery life. I expected extremely high power to reduce battery life, but I was a bit disappointed to see how quickly it reduced battery life. Without using the turbo button, I still had more than enough battery life to care for my yard (and then some).

As the weeks passed and leaves began falling from the trees, I retested the Toro battery blower once more. Leaves were absolutely light work for this blower. The blower is an absolute bully for drying leaves, easily launching them across my yard. The turbo button was unnecessary, but I had to use it for the sake of science. It was total and absolute destruction of the leaves.

Pros:

• Extremely high power with 900 CFM
• Ergonomic grip with easy maneuvering
• 60V Max battery system used across Toro’s 60V lineup
• Finger-saving cruise control function
• Much quieter than gas blowers
• Turbo button to toggle maximum speed

Cons:

• Battery life drains with Turbo usage
• Fewer tools in Toro’s battery lineup than some other brands

Why You Should Trust Us

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I have personally tested dozens, if not hundreds, of leaf blowers, including backpack blowers, corded electric blowers, cordless blowers and gas-powered handheld blowers.

As a landscaper, I developed a unique love for lawn tools after using them every day for years. Now, I spend my days testing lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and more. Much of my time is spent using new leaf blowers and comparing them to see which one reigns supreme.

FAQ

How long does a Toro leaf blower last?

The Toro leaf blower advertises a run time of 120 minutesbut this is generally on a low-speed setting under ideal conditions. In my experience, the blower can run for about an hour for typical use around the house, where you may maximize the power for a longer time. Introducing the turbo button drops the run time to about 30 minutes.

How do you use the Toro battery-powered leaf blower?

The Toro battery leaf blower can be easily controlled using the variable speed trigger, which changes the amount of power coming from the battery. It also has a cruise control function that holds a certain speed in place, allowing your hand to relax and hold the blowerno more cramping.

This is a handheld leaf blower, meaning you simply pull the trigger and point it at whatever debris you want to blow away.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

While the Toro 60V Max Battery-Powered Blower is still relatively new, the few who have used it have agreed with meit rocks. One reviewer at Lowe’s felt similarly, calling the blower a “powerhouse” with “the size and weight of the blower working perfectly to balance the blower when used in turbo mode.” Another reviewer at Lowe’s had the same experience as me, using this blower on “1/2 acre of concrete around their farm” and mentioned that the blower “gets rid of those pesky leaves and grass clippings.”

Toro Battery-Powered Leaf Blower vs. Ryobi Battery-Powered Leaf Blower

I’ve had the distinct privilege of using the Toro and Ryobi battery-powered leaf blowers. The Ryobi battery-powered leaf blower is a great blower. Ryobi’s new Whisper series produces quiet, powerful tools that can be found at The Home Depot for a great price. Ryobi’s Whisper series blower was the cat’s meow when it was released. It had one of the highest CFM and MPH ranges on the market and was advertised as the quietest blower.

Times have changed in the last two years. There are a number of other blowers in a similar power range that also exhibit quiet run times. The Toro battery blower simply outguns the Ryobi blower. I have used both side-by-side, and the Toro is the better blower.

Final Verdict

I can confidently say that this is hands down the best combination of price, power and performance on the market. I am excited that Toro will continue to build out their electric lineup with the 60V Max batteries so that I can achieve better cost efficiency in the future. I also think Toro can keep refining their battery technology so that the batteries last longer.

All in all, this blower has set a new standard for power in handheld electric blowers.

Where to Buy the Toro Battery-Powered Leaf Blower

TYLER GRAHAM FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Acme Tools

I Tried It

Toro Flex-Force 60-volt Max 900-CFM 165-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Acme Tools

You can grab the Toro battery-powered blower from Lowe’s with the battery for just under $350, and you can use the battery with other Toro lawn tools.

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