Home repairs can be daunting. When you notice a crack in your ceiling, it can be quite alarming because there are several unknowns hiding behind that crack. How serious is the damage? What kind of repairs do you need? Is this something that can be done yourself, or do you need to call in a professional? In the first episode of At Home With Family Handyman’s Ask…Scott McGillivray, Scott breaks down what to do in this situation.
What’s the Concern With a Crack in a Ceiling?
In the premiere episode of Ask… Scott McGillivary, a viewer submitted a video of the crack in their ceiling for Scott to review. In the video, you can see the large cracks in the ceiling, and then a huge chunk crashes down. The falling pieces break a microwave and a bookshelf that were in the room. In the aftermath, you can clearly see the beams above.
The questions that the viewers have for Scott are:
Was there anything they could have done to stop the ceiling from falling once they noticed the cracks?
What do they need to do now?
What’s Scott’s Take?
Scott draws on personal experience for his answer to this question. He explains that cracks like that in the ceiling are a sign of many more problems to come. He likens it to an onion; the cracks are only the first layer. It’s time to call in professional help as quickly as possible to mitigate any further damage.
Scott warns that a crack in one’s ceiling isn’t something a DIYer should take on repairing by themselves. He recounts the story of the time he was on a job site where there was a similar ceiling issue. Even though he was wearing the proper safety equipment, the first piece of the ceiling that fell on him knocked his helmet off. The second piece left a large gouge in the side of his head.
If you see a crack in your ceiling, Scott says to move what you can out of the room and call a professional immediately. They’ll be able to repair the damage, install proper drywall and help you find the underlying cause quickly. Time is of the essence here; the sooner you address the problem, the less damage there will be down the line.
Tune in to Ask…Scott McGillivray on At Home with Family Handyman for epic builds, DIY fails and pro tips from a guy who’s seen it all.
About the Expert
Scott McGillivray is a triple-threat expert in real estate, renovation, and finance with decades of experience in the field. Best known for the award-winning series Income Property, he is the host of At Home With Family Handyman’s Ask… Scott McGillivray.
Whether you’re a student, a parent or just someone who finds online shopping to be more convenient, you’re likely familiar with Amazon Prime. The program offers cheaper and faster shipping on some orders, access to their streaming service, and more. Many Prime members share their benefits with other family members living outside their household. And for a long time, Amazon allowed and even encouraged this. Their Prime Invitee program facilitated the sharing of Prime benefits with a limited number of other adults, teens and children, even if they lived outside outside of the Prime account holder’s immediate household. However, Amazon recently announced that they’re limiting many Prime benefits to a single household.
What Is Amazon Changing About Prime Sharing?
According to Amazon’s updates page, the major online retailer is changing the name of their benefits sharing program and limiting those Prime benefits to one single household. That is, everyone accessing the benefits has to live at the same physical address. If you’re the main account holder, Amazon says that “you can now share certain Prime benefits through Amazon Family.” If you’re the invitee, on the other hand, “you can either ask the Prime member in your household to add you to their Amazon Family, or sign up for your own Prime Membership.”
This change will take effect on October 1, 2025. At this time, “Prime invitees will lose access to the shared Prime delivery benefit, but can use Amazon Family instead.” Unlike Prime Invitee, Amazon Family members will need to live in the same physical household in order to be eligible to share the Prime benefits.
Per the company, Amazon Family members can share:
Fast and free delivery on Prime-eligible items
Access to exclusive Prime events and deals
Prime Video (with ads)
Prime Reading
Access to third-party benefits (for example, Grubhub)
Digital content such as audiobooks, eBooks, games, and more.
Additionally, Prime members can share their Amazon Music Prime benefit with one other adult in their Amazon Family. This sharing allows both adults to enjoy ad-free listening on shuffle mode.
The Amazon Family is limited to “one other adult in their household, up to four teens (who were added before April 7, 2025), and up to four profiles for children.” Any additional adults “will need their own Prime Membership.”
Will Amazon Limit Password Sharing?
Amazon’s announcement doesn’t directly address password sharing, so it’s unclear if it will be limited to people inside the account holder’s primary household.
If you want to see a barn star, a good way to do it is to take a road trip through rural Pennsylvania, Ohio or Southern Ontario (where I grew up). Those are the places where they first appeared in the New World, and while you can find barn stars elsewhere, this is where you find a large number of artful and historic ones. Barn stars are part of American folklore, like the practice of painting barns red, and they originate from a tradition that hearkens back to the homelands of the early settlers.
Barns are traditionally red for a practical reason. Early European settlers mixed iron oxide (rust) into their linseed oil-based paints to provide extra protection against insects and the elements, and that chemical turned the paint red. A barn star may also have a practical purpose, such as advertising the services of the barn builder, but often its meaning goes deeper and borders on the esoteric.
So what is a barn star, and why is it there? Let us explain.
Origins of the Barn Star
Barn stars are also known as hex signs, Pennsylvania stars and Schtanne (which means “star” in the Pennsylvania Dutch language). They have been mainstays in rural Pennsylvania communities since the mid to late 1700s, following the tradition of early German, Dutch and Swedish settlers who, in modern times, are collectively known as the Pennsylvania Dutch.
According to tradition, farmers would adorn their newly built barns with geometric folk art that depicted nature symbols, like the sun, moon and stars, the passage of the seasons and themes derived from numerology, astrology and other esoteric disciplines. While this practice began in Pennsylvania Dutch communities, the Glencairn Museum explains that it became popular in other parts of the country after the Civil War.
The star is the central theme in most depictions, and while originally it might have had three, four or even multiple points, it evolved over the years to having five, which is the norm today. Another modern adaptation is to make a star from wood or metal and hang it on the building rather than painting it or incorporating it into the architecture, which was the original practice.
What Does a Star on a Barn Mean?
In keeping with the traditions of the early settlers, the barn star is a symbol of fertility and good luck, like an amulet or talisman (although it could also have the more mundane purpose of advertising the services of the barn builder). Owing to the diversity of designs, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single meaning, and given the pagan background of some of the early settlers, historians suspect a nod to the occult in early examples. Historians usually distinguish the more esoteric ones by calling them hex signs.
Early barn stars were a type of folk art, and the colors carried specific meanings, according to Jaclyn Krymowski, writing in AG Daily:
Black: Protection by the binding or mixing of elements or curses
White: Purity and energy
Yellow: Health and godliness
Blue: Spirituality and peace
Brown: Earth and strength
Green: Fertility, growth and success
Orange: Prosperity
Red: Emotions, passion and creativity
Violet: Sacredness
Barn stars made of wood or metal and then hung on the front of the barn usually don’t carry as much symbolism as the original Pennsylvania stars, but still, they are usually intended to act as talismans to invite good luck and ask for protection. The same goes for stars painted in a single color above the door or on the gable. The color can invoke a specific request or benefit, as noted above.
Are Barn Stars Political?
No. The fact that they became popular right after the Civil War suggests an allegiance to one of the opposing sides, but according to Kelly Cleaver, writing for Bucks County Estate Traders, they were—and still are—more of a status symbol. “Barn stars came to represent farmers’ pride in their work and lifestyle, a testament to their dedication to the land,” says Cleaver.
What Does a Star on a House Mean?
If you see a star on a house, it could be purely decorative, or it could carry a meaning similar to that of a barn star—namely, a wish for good luck and protection, and a tribute to cultural traditions. You may also see stars on the home of a family with one or more members serving in the military. A blue star honors a family member actively serving, while a gold star memorializes one who has fallen in the course of duty.
There are plenty of things to love about the winter but shoveling snow is not one of them. Luckily, this arduous task can be made easier with the help of an electric snow shovel. We tested six different electric snow shovels and one stood out among the rest: the Greenworks 12-inch corded snow shovel.
The Greenworks snow shovel is under $100, easy to maneuver and didn’t struggle under six inches of wet, heavy snow. In fact, it out-performed half a dozen more expensive models. Read on to find out why this affordable powerhouse will be your saving grace this winter.
On Sale
We Tried It
Greenworks 12-Inch Corded Snow Shovel
An affordable price point, lightweight design and exceptional performance make the Greenworks snow shovel our top pick.
What is the Greenworks Snow Shovel?
The Greenworks snow shovel is a corded, electric snow shovel. Its 8-Amp motor allows it to throw snow up to 20 feet with an 8-inch clearing depth. In fact, it can clear up to 300 pounds of snow per minute.
At just 14.4 pounds, this lightweight snow shovel is easy to maneuver around walkways and sidewalks. An adjustable auxiliary handle allows for comfort and control and a unique, folding design makes for convenient storage. Our testers especially appreciated the shovel’s cord management system on the handle which prevents accidental unplugging during use.
And while you can pick up a battery powered electric snow shovel, the experts agree that corded shovels are preferable. “When it comes to electric shovels, batteries are the big headache so we tend to avoid them,” says commercial snow contractor Lucas Bobala. “You also have to consider the need for extra batteries and plan for swaps.”
How We Tested It
The Greenworks electric snow shovel was one of seven models tested by Sheri Kaz during a series of January snow storms. Sheri had this shovel assembled in under 10 minutes and took it out into six inches of wet, heavy snow.
Sheri started by tackling the large mound of snow that the snow plow left at the end of her driveway. She was impressed by how well it handled. “Not only did it remove the snow down to the pavement, but it was also able to chew up the large icy chunks left at the end of the drive,” she writes in her full electric snow shovel summary. When she was finished with the driveway, Sheri passed it off to her neighbor, who used it on a wooden deck and 200-foot slab. “She finished the job in 20 minutes versus two hours,” Sheri reports. “It threw the snow 20 feet without a problem.”
After an afternoon clearing snow, Sheri only had one complaint about the Greenworks snow shovel. “The one thing lacking in this snow thrower is adjustable louvers to direct the output of the snow,” she explains. But other than that, she was impressed by the solid construction and effectiveness of this shovel. Better still, it’s under $100. “Despite the low price, this Greenworks shovel is nearly as effective as higher-priced models,” she raves. “It’s my favorite corded shovel.”
According to Bobala you’ll want an electric snow shovel with a solid auger, sturdy handle and simple controls. It should also be easy to lift and store. After testing the Greenworks snow shovel, Sheri confirms that it checks all of the boxes. In short, it will be the best $100 you spend all winter.
Pros:
Can move up to eight inches of heavy snow
No battery to charge
Cord management on handle
Durable
Folds for easy storage
Affordable
Cons:
Tethered by a cord
Does not stand on its own
Stationary discharge direction
Product Comparison: Greenworks vs EGO
In addition to the Greenworks snow shovel, Sheri also tested the EGO Power+ Snow Shovel. Though both models are technically electric snow shovels, Sheri put the EGO in a class by itself thanks to its heft and $400 price tag. It weighed in at 30 pounds which made it difficult for Sheri to assemble and maneuver.
“I didn’t have the strength to push the handle in place,” she says. “It’s heavy to carry with a long handle and the battery makes it feel a little top-heavy.” In fact, Sheri deemed it too heavy to handle on stairs and grass. Conversely, the EGO handled exceptionally well on Sheri’s driveway. She also liked the EGO’s directional louvres which made it easy to adjust the direction of the throw.
When it comes down to the Greenworks snow shovel or the EGO snow shovel, the Greenworks was Sheri’s top pick. The EGO snow shovel, on the other hand, didn’t make the list of recommended models. However, Sheri did point out that the heavy duty EGO could serve as a solid replacement for a snow blower.
Where to Buy the Greenworks Snow Shovel
On Sale
We Tried It
Greenworks 12-Inch Corded Snow Shovel
The Greenworks snow shovel throws snow up to 20 feet and has an 8-inch clearing depth. It can clear up to 300 pounds of snow per minute.
Yes! Electric snow shovels can significantly reduce the time spent shoveling snow. They’re also less physically demanding, so they make shoveling snow easier on the body.
How does an electric snow shovel work?
The motor on an electric shovel rotates an auger. As it rotates, the auger picks up snow and throws it out of the way. The Greenworks snow shovel throws snow up to 20 feet.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Family Handyman, we have personally tested our fair share of snow removal equipment. Since we know you can’t always try before you buy, we’ve covered everything from the best manual snow shovels to powerful snow blowers. For this series of articles, we tested seven electric snow shovels in order to determine which models are worth your hard earned money. Our ultimate goal is to help you make informed shopping decisions based on real-life testing before you buy. We strive to provide full transparency in each product review and will never recommend a product that does not meet or exceed our expectations.
There’s a rumored Florida driving law that I particularly love: If you have an elephant tied to a parking meter, you must pay the meter. Sadly, that weird driving law seems to be an urban legend— though at one time it could have been on the books to keep the folks at the Barnum and Bailey circus honest.
But there are still plenty of other weird driving laws that are true and remain in place. Some are archaic remnants of eras gone by, some are a reflection of local conditions or social issues and others are still evolving today — but all had or have the same intent of keeping the public safe.
Here are some weird traffic laws, by state, to keep a lookout for.
Alaska Dog Cargo
In Anchorage, it’s a big no-no to drive with your dog tethered to the roof of your car. We’re not sure how big of a hassle that creates for the state’s many dog-sled mushers, but the rule is clearly an anti-animal cruelty and safety rule “to protect pets from horrible outcomes riding up top,” says Alex Black of EpicVIN. “It’s practically never enforced in 2025, but if cops saw it, they’d probably intervene.”
Arkansas Horn Honking
In Little Rock, it’s illegal to honk your car horn after 9 p.m. while parked at any establishment that serves cold drinks or sandwiches. Since the town has similar ordinances banning loud talk, racing motors and disturbing the peace at drive-ins, it’s likely that this weird law was created to rein in late-night noise and “keep hangouts from spilling over into neighborhood disturbances,” says Way.com writer Renee Martin.
“The sandwich-shop clause is just one quirky remnant of that broader push for quiet nights,” says Martin.
Ohio Gas Minimum
In Youngstown, a weird driving law states that you mustn’t drive into the downtown “congested district” without enough gas in your tank to get back out. “We don’t really know who made this law or why, but we can assume that it was probably to prevent cars from stalling and blocking busy streets,” says Martin. There are no clear records of whether it’s ever been enforced, but the ordinance outlines penalties that escalate from a minor misdemeanor to more serious charges for repeat offenses.
Minnesota Messes
In Minnetonka, vehicles that deposit mud, dirt, sticky substances and other debris on public streets are considered a public nuisance. “The law was clearly written to keep roads safe and prevent damage to pavement and other vehicles, and it’s grouped with other rules meant to protect safety and keep the community clean,” says Martin. “It is unusual to see it framed so specifically in a city ordinance, which is why it shows up on ‘weird law’ lists.”
Montana Sheep Transport
If you’re driving around with your sheep in Montana, make sure you never leave them unattended. “While this law may seem silly, animal cruelty laws could mean that you are issued a citation for this infraction,” says attorney Jason Reese. Keep in mind, in Montana it’s also illegal to drive with ice picks attached to your wheels, bring your horse into the bar or catch a fish with a lasso.
Tennessee Snoozing
Falling asleep behind the wheel is never a good idea, but in Tennessee, sleeping while driving can also earn you a hefty ticket. That’s because it’s considered reckless driving, since you’re putting everyone else on the road at risk.
“I know, it sounds like a punchline. Of course, no one is supposed to nap and drive, but here in Tennessee, it’s written right into law,” says Mahlon Miller of Arrow Trail trailers. “And yes, it is still enforced in 2025. That means fines, or potential jail time in case of an accident.”
Texas Windshield Wipers
In Texas, you’re not legally required to have a windshield, but don’t try to hit the road without windshield wipers. While law likely got included in the books to keep drivers safe during rain, it’s comically out of context when applied to windshield-less cars. “It’s not common for people to be ticketed for not having windshield wipers when they don’t have a windshield, but they should still make sure that they are following the law regardless,” says Texas attorney Ben Michael.
Utah Bird Right of Way
See a raven on a road in Utah? Better stop. That’s because birds have the right of way on all highways in the state. This weird driving law was likely created to help protect birds, since many are killed by vehicle collisions. “It’s fun trivia more than an enforceable law,” say Black. Still, a few years back, an eagle did fly through the open side window of a semi-truck on I-70. Both human and bird made it out okay, just with a few ruffled feathers.
Virginia Road Kill
A 2024 statewide law gives motorists the green light to keep any deer, bear, turkey or elk that they hit or find dead on the road, so long as they report it to law enforcement. “Waste not, want not when you’re cruising the roads through Virginia,” says Reese. “If you happen to strike an animal while driving, just keep it and serve it for your next meal.”
Canadian Horse Traffic
Nope, don’t even think about furiously racing your horse, or any other animal, on a highway in Ontario. “The strange regulation dates back to a period when the roads were also occupied by horses, but in 2025, no horse racers can be found in the modern traffic, and no police officer will be waiting to see a furious horse, so the law is a legal fossil,” says defense attorney Michael Kruse.
But, if you do happen to buck that law, by riding a horse on the road in rural Ontario, a more recent provision requires you to wear shoes with a hard sole of at least 1.5 cm thick, plus a helmet for those under 18. “At one time, horseback riders were still fairly widespread in rural Ontario, and legislators wanted to minimize the risk of a rider falling and being dragged or hurt by a second vehicle,” says licensed paralegal Ron Harper. “The rule remains in the books in 2025 but is seldom enforced.”
Hazard Lights Misuse, Multiple States
Many states have and actively enforce laws restricting the use of a vehicle’s hazard lights while driving (vs. their intended use of signifying that a vehicle is pulled over or disabled). Generally, the reasoning is that hazard lights can make it harder to see brake lights, plus confuse or disorient other drivers, especially in inclement weather.
“Drivers believe that driving with hazard lights on during a downpour is safer, but in reality, they are creating a hazard and may be liable if an accident occurs,” says accident attorney Rick Staggard. As far as getting pulled over, he adds, “You could be driving south on I-95 in Georgia, where it’s not enforced, then cross into Florida, where it is enforced, and suddenly face a ticket.”
About the Experts
Renee Martin is an auto writer with the Way.com auto app.
Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.
Rick Staggard in an accident trial attorney with Farah and Farah. He has been practicing for decades in Florida and Georgia.
Jason Reese is co-founder and partner attorney at Wagner Reese, an Indiana and Illinois law firm specializing in car accident cases and personal injury.
Mahlon Miller is co-owner and manager at Arrow Trail trailers in Lobelville, Tennessee, where he builds trailers and hauls everything from heavy equipment to tiny homes across the South.
Michael Kruse is a Canadian DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer, and head of Kruse Law Firm, which specializes in traffic related and criminal charges in southwestern Ontario and Toronto.
Ron Harper is a licensed paralegal and the owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Service in Ontario, Canada, where he specializes in traffic related charges.
Ben Michael is an attorney at Michael & Associates, in Dallas, Texas, and specializes in DWIs and DUIs.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has announced that hundreds of thousands of Ryobi pressure washers are being recalled. The products in question are defective and have already caused several explosions and injuries. If you own one of these products, exercise caution around it. You also need to refrain from using it as much as possible until you’ve finished the repair process.
Why Are These Ryobi Pressure Washers Being Recalled?
According to the USCPSC brief, the Ryobi pressure washers in question have a problem with their capacitors. In the defective devices, “the pressure washer’s capacitor can overheat and burst.” When this happens, “parts [are] forcefully ejected, posing a risk of serious injury from impact to the user or bystanders.”
So far, the parent company, TTI Outdoor Power Equipment, reports that there have been “135 reports of capacitors overheating, including 41 reports of explosions.” These incidents have resulted in “32 injuries and/or fractures to the fingers, hands, face, and eyes.”
Which Ryobi Pressure Washers Are Recalled?
Over 750,000 Ryobi pressure washers are defective. The USCPSC report says that “this recall involves Ryobi brushless electric pressure washers, models RY142300 and RY142711VNM. The recalled pressure washers are green and have a spray nozzle, a detergent tank with a blue cap and storage for accessories.”
If yours matches the above description and you purchased it from Home Depot or Direct Tools Factory Outlet, either in-store or online, between July 2017 and June 2024, then you need to be careful.
Is There a Fix Yet?
If you believe you own one of the defective pressure washers, the USCPSC warns that you “should immediately stop using the recalled pressure washers” and visit Ryobi’s recall website to confirm. Once you’ve confirmed, you can then follow the provided steps in order to “receive a free repair kit, including shipping and installation instructions.” The kit itself “consists of a replacement capacitor.” If you’ve lost the receipt for your power washer, don’t worry. You can still get the repair kit. The USCPSC reassures consumers that Ryobi isn’t requiring any proof of purchase.
If you have further questions, you can read the full report; the USCPSC’s number for this recall is 25-452.
New phone features can be confusing, especially when they aren’t immediately intuitive. The orange dot that shows up on an iPhone is a perfect example. It’s a symbol letting you know something important, but since it’s so small, its function isn’t immediately clear. Samsung users have begun asking about another feature, a blue dot on their Android devices. It shows up next to certain contacts in the Google Messages app, but doesn’t immediately offer any further information.
What Is the Blue Dot on My Android?
According to the Samsung Community forum, if you’re seeing a blue dot (it may also appear as a blue chat bubble) next to one of your contacts, that means that they have RCS enabled. Instead of an outdated SMS chat with limited functionality, you’re using Rich Communication Services to text that contact.
What Is RCS?
Okay, so now that you know what the blue dot on your Android is, what exactly is an RCS chat? According to the Google Help Center, “when you use RCS chats, your messages are sent with the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol over Wi-Fi and mobile data….RCS chats are provided by Google or your mobile carrier.”
Google explains that RCS chats can:
Show you when someone is typing.
Offer read receipts, which show when someone has read or received your message. Read receipts also show your contact when you read their message.
Send messages over mobile data and Wi-Fi.
Let you share files and high-resolution photos.
These chats are only an option if “all the participants in a conversation have RCS.”
RCS chats aren’t limited to Samsung phones. RCS messaging is compatible with iPhones. On Android devices, a blue dot will appear next to iPhone users’ names (as Apple has enabled RCS in the iMessage app). However, RCS messages will still populate in green on an iPhone (albeit with all the bonus features of RCS enabled).
The advanced technologies that are standard equipment in today’s cars were pure science fiction when I first started working on cars in the mid-1960s. One technology, telematics, is a double-edged sword. While you can trigger a command to remotely open your doors if you lock your keys in your car or want to warm up the engine on a cold winter day before your daily commute, the same telematics cause driver anxiety as they provide a way for third parties or dealerships to turn off your car.
Who owns, or has rights to access, your vehicles telematics and telematic data—even personal data, and how that data are shared—is a legal gray area and another story for another time. But as any repo man will tell you, if you lease, or are paying off a loan on your car, unless you hold the title, you do not own your car.
Read along as lawyers, law enforcement and automotive experts weigh in on whether a car dealership can turn your car off—or has the right to?
How Remote Car Disabling Works
Telematics providers (General Motors, OnStar, Hyundai Blue Link or SpaceX Starlink) can send signals via cellular or satellite that can remotely disable your vehicle’s ignition or starter system (I.E., remote starting in reverse), keep the engine from starting after being turned off, lock the doors, as well as use GPS data to track a vehicle’s location. According to On-Star, they “work with law enforcement to block the engine from restarting, pinpoint your car’s location and even bring it to a stop if it’s being driven.”
However, according to Michael Kruse, a Criminal Defense Lawyer specializing in traffic-related and criminal charges, “Doing so (disabling a car while it is moving) would leave them open to liability if it resulted in an accident or injury to an innocent third party.” Once law enforcement becomes involved, telematics providers have the ability to slow the vehicle down to a crawl.
How to tell if your car has been disabled (or if something else is wrong)
Unless you believe your dealership or lender has cause to keep your car from starting, check the usual electrical and mechanical suspects first:
Anti-theft systems may keep a car from starting—check the owner’s manual or use the app to disengage the anti-theft system.
If everything seems to be in working order, contact your lender or dealer if you suspect your car has been remotely turned off.
Reasons a Dealership Would Disable Your Car
The most common reason is missed payments, or “a customer refuses to return a loaner car,” said Greg Eife, of Subaru of Cherry Hill. But he added, as did Mike Rocchi from the Faulkner Automotive Organization, “it’s not something I can do from my desk, it has to be done through the telematics’ provider.” Harper added, “dealers themselves are not usually entitled to disable a car even if they sold it, except where they are the lender.”
Is It Legal?
“Yes,” said Kruse. “The right to disable [a vehicle] is based on contractual law.” You need to examine your financing contract immediately to see if you defaulted on the loan agreement. A borrower may not be aware of the legalese within the full agreement. Ron Harper of Defenders Legal Service stated, if your “signed [financial] contract states that remote disablement is allowed if you miss payments, they have the legal right to do that.”
Kruse also added that in rare circumstances, “Dealerships can do this if telematics identify a hazardous problem in a safety system.” “Except under exigent circumstances, even law enforcement cannot just remotely disable a vehicle without a court order or warrant signed by a judge,” stated retired Montgomery County, PA law enforcement officer Justin (JD) DiBonaventura.
What To Do If Your Car Is Remotely Disabled
While a car not starting can be extremely stressful, remain calm. If your car is parked, go through the basic troubleshooting steps listed above. In the unusual case your car is disabled while driving, safely pull over to the side of the road and immediately call for help, then call your dealer or lender. Remember, once your car shuts off, you lose power steering and power assist braking. Use both hands to steer the car, and don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, keep firm steady pressure on the brake pedal to bring your car to a stop.
FAQ
Do I have to be notified if a dealership disables my car?
Technically, no. Sadly, laws cannot keep up with technology. This creates lots of legal and ethical ambiguity. Consequently, while remote disabling a vehicle is legal in many states, the ability to do so must be disclosed in your financial contract.
Check with your state Office of Consumer Protection to find if lenders are required to provide a reasonable warning—a “pre-repossession notice”—before they or anyone else has the right to remotely disable your car. You may have legal recourse if you were not notified, or if it created an unsafe condition—especially when driving on a highway.
Can they disable my car while I’m driving?
Yes, a car dealer or law enforcement can request one of the telematics providers to disable your car, but only under restricted prerequisites. Additionally, unscrupulous subprime lenders or buy-here-pay-here dealerships can and do legally install “kill switches” that can disable a car while it’s being driven.
Depending on your state, if your contract discloses that a kill switch was installed at the time of financing, a dealership or lender can disable your car remotely. Check with your state’s Office of Consumer Protection if remote disabling kill-switches are legal and under what circumstances they can be activated.
About The Experts
Eric Croak is a CFP and accredited wealth management advisor and president at Croak Capital, an Ohio-based fiduciary financial firm with $300 million under management. Eric was recently named to Forbes’ 2025 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors. (Electronic communication Sep. 3, 2025)
Justin (JD) DiBonaventura has over 40 years in law enforcement as a patrol officer, county detective, private investigator and training commander of Montgomery County PA SWAT, as well as being a certified Pennsylvania Department of Education School Resource Officer. (Phone interview Aug 31, 2025)
Michael Kruse graduated from Queen’s University in 1984 with a degree in business. He went on to attend the University of Western Ontario where he received a Bachelor of Law in 1987, Michael has been a criminal lawyer since 1989 and founded Kruse Law Firm in 1993. His firm now has four regional offices specializing in transportation law. (Electronic communication Sep. 2, 2025)
Mike Rocchi has over 50 years’ experience in every area of the automotive industry. He was former president of Faulkner Mazda (retired), Chairperson of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Committee, and is now Director of Technical Training for the Faulkner Automotive Organization. (Electronic communication Aug. 30, 2025)
Ron Harper has been the owner of Defenders Legal Services for over 20 years and has more than 40 years of experience both prosecuting and defending traffic-related charges. Ron holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Certificate in Public Administration, an Honors degree in Political Science, as well as a master’s degree in Judicial Administration from Brock University. (Electronic communication Sep. 2, 2025)
Here’s the simple fact: if you routinely drive a car, you routinely have to pay for gas. So why not use that essential purchase to your advantage? Gas rewards programs through a credit card, gas station or app offer discounts and cash back for the money you spend at the pump. It’s just like earning a free latte on your Starbucks app!
There are a lot of different gas rewards options out there, so we narrowed down the top picks with the help of a personal finance expert. These programs will give you the best savings to help you fuel your car and your bank account.
Why Gas Rewards Programs Are Smart
Gas rewards programs are a smart idea because, unlike reward credit cards that can be easily abused with unneeded purchases, gas is something you have to buy. “It is a value-add to a purchase you are one hundred percent committed to,” says personal finance expert Eric Croak. “After all, you are paying $60, $80, sometimes $120 every fill-up. What’s the sense in letting free money go unused at the pump?” Even if you’re only saving 10 cents per gallon, or earning 5% cash back, those savings add up over the year with absolutely no extra effort or money spent.
Best Gas Station Rewards Programs
Fuel Rewards at Shell
The Fuel Rewards program from Shell offers cents-per-gallon savings on every fill-up. We like it because you get immediate discounts, unlike other programs that require you to earn points first. Depending on how often you fill up your tank, there are three membership tiers: Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The Platinum tier offers 10 cents off per gallon, along with in-store rewards, gift cards, and even bonus frequent-flier miles from American Airlines.
Exxon Mobil Rewards
With the Exxon Mobil Rewards program, you earn points on gas purchases, as well as snacks inside the store, and even Exxon car washes. You’ll get 3 points per gallon of fuel, and 2 points for every dollar you spend in the convenience store or car washes. For every 100 points you earn, you receive $1 in savings. The program also offers extra benefits for frequent fillers and AARP members.
Best Credit Card Rewards for Gas
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
When it comes to gas rewards from a credit card, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is hard to beat. “When it comes to pure dollar value, co-branded credit cards are typically going to offer the best,” says Croak. “Some cards are cleverly structured so that you’re maximizing points for both gas and groceries at the same time, and that overlap is a real unicorn.”
With the Costco Anywhere Visa, customers can earn 5 percent back on Costco gas, 4 percent back on other eligible gas purchases and EV charging, 3 percent back on restaurants and travel, 2 percent back on other Costco purchases, and 1 percent back on every other purchase. So the card always earns savings no matter what you buy, and there’s no annual fee.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
If you don’t have a Costco membership, check out the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express. It offers 3 percent back on gas, which is less than the Costco card, but you’ll also receive 6 percent cash back on groceries, 6 percent back on streaming subscriptions, 3 percent back on transit services like Uber, and 1 percent back on all other purchases. There’s no annual fee the first year, and then $95 per year after that.
Best Third-Party App Rewards for Gas
Upside App
The Upside app helps you find the cheapest gas in your area, while also offering discounts inside the store and cash back earnings. Open the app to find discounted gas and cash back offers in your area, then shop and purchase as usual; your cash earnings will be deposited into the app wallet, which then can be transferred directly to your bank account. “Upside has more bang for your buck in hot zip codes with more active stations,” says Croak. “It’s not a game changer, but it’s passive income. And if you’re tech-savvy enough to use a GPS, you can work Upside without much headache.”
GasBuddy
Like Upside, the GasBuddy app shows you the cheapest gas prices in your zip code. You’ll earn rewards points by uploading receipts, playing games, and finding deals as part of your daily routine. Points can be redeemed in the app for cents-per-gallon discounts at the pump or for digital cards from top retailers. You can earn even more savings with the GasBuddy+ Card. Members enjoy everyday fuel savings of at least 3 cents per gallon, 5 cents per gallon at select stations, and with potential savings up to 33 cents per gallon with activated Deal Alerts.
FAQ
Are gas rewards worth it?
A gas rewards app, credit card, or gas station program is definitely worth your time if it fits your current lifestyle. “If you’re commuting 40 miles a day, filling up weekly, 5 percent back equates to another $15 to $20 in your pocket every month, that’s $180 to $240 a year for no extra effort on your part,” says Croak. “Passive savings at its finest!”
Is it worth it to pay for a gas rewards program?
“You only pay for a gas rewards program if it makes sense mathematically. If it has a $99 annual fee, you’d better be getting $150 or more value minimum,” says Croak. “Anything less is emotional spending disguised as strategy. So, unless you’re driving 30,000 miles a year, most paid programs are kind of a no-go.”
About the Expert
Eric Croak here is a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, and President of Croak Capital, an Ohio based fiduciary financial firm with $300 million under management. He was recently named to Forbes’ 2025 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors.
Perm rate measures how quickly a house wrap lets water vapor escape. Low‑cost wraps typically post a perm rating of just eight to 12, and that’s trouble—especially in cold‑climate or older homes lacking other moisture barriers. Vapor sneaks through the wall cavity, hits the wrap, condenses into frost, then melts, leaving damp sheathing and soggy insulation. Skip the budget roll and follow house wrap best practices: choose a high‑perm product such as Tyvek, rated around 54, to keep walls dry and energy‑efficient.
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Why You Need to Use Cap Nails Now
The days of using a hammer tacker to install house wrap are gone. Today, most house wrap manufacturers require their product to be installed with cap nails or cap staples. This change definitely slows down the process, but on the upside, capped fasteners hold house wrap to the wall up to 25 times better than staples.
Using capped fasteners will ensure a good night’s sleep on those windy nights knowing the house wrap you installed last week is not blowing all over the neighborhood.
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Install Capped Fasteners With the “Stinger”
Hand-nailing capped fasteners is effective, but it’s incredibly slow for any DIY house wrap project. Change the Stinger® Cap Staple Hammer for the hammer. Though it drives cap nails—just what today’s rules need for house wrap best practices—the tool works like a standard hammer-tacker. Although caps are more expensive and the equipment requires several practice shots to perfect, the quickness and consistent fastening make it a better option than driving each cap nail by hand.
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Save Time—Buy 3-inch Tape
Back when DIY house‑wrap installation was simpler, you only taped vertical seams. Today, every joint needs a tight seal, and manufacturers insist at least 1 inch of tape bonds to each side. That’s nearly impossible with 2‑inch rolls. Therefore, grab 3‑inch seam tape so sealing house wrap seams is fast, code‑compliant and weather‑tight. If your supplier doesn’t carry 3‑inch rolls, have them order some—or source them online in minutes.
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Cut House Wrap to Workable Sizes
A windy day can make house wrap installation a frustrating experience at best. So cut full rolls down to more manageable sizes with a circular saw. Most saws won’t cut all the way through a full roll, so cut as deep as you can, then twist the roll until the cut is complete. Smaller rolls means more tape on the horizontal seams, but the labor it saves is worth the extra trouble and expense.
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Prime Wood Siding Before Installing House Wrap
Because house wrap sheds indoor moisture outward, condensation often forms on its surface. That water can wick into wood siding and peel the paint. For efficient setup and to learn common house wrap installation mistakes to avoid, always prime or seal the back of every siding board before hanging it. A quick coat adds pennies per square foot yet protects the finish for years.
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Talk to Subcontractors About Installing House Wrap
If you’re the general contractor, make sure there’s an extra roll of house wrap at the job site for the framers, electricians and any other sub who’s going to be attaching objects to the wall. (Include instructions for installing it!) Soffit stringers, trim boards and electrical meters all need house wrap behind them.
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Tack, Straighten, Fasten
Starting a new course of house wrap? Resist the urge to pin the entire vertical edge. For smooth, wrinkle‑free results in your DIY house‑wrap installation, position the roll, then tack a few capped fasteners in the center. Roll out several feet, slide the sheet up or down as needed, and only then secure the rest. Wrinkles aren’t just sloppy—they trap water, a classic house‑wrap installation mistake to avoid.
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Don’t Cut Out Window Openings
The way we used to deal with window openings was to roll house wrap right over them, cut them out, then move on down the wall. It was quick, but there’s a much better way.
After the opening is covered, make one cut with your knife straight up and down in the center. Next, cut the house wrap flush at the top and bottom of the opening, creating two flaps. Wrap the flaps inside the building, past the jack stud, before cutting off the excess. At the top, slice several inches up and away at an angle, and hold the flap up with a piece of tape (it will be folded back down and taped after the window is installed).
The opening is now ready for pan flashing and a window. This method will meet the requirements of most window manufacturers, and best of all, the inspector will be happy.
A golden rule in how to install house wrap: treat it like shingles. Beginning at the bottom, lap each new sheet over the one below by at least 6 inches—8 inches in high-wind zones. Proper sealing of house-wrap seams combined with this substantial overlap directs water securely outside and stops blow-backs.
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Seal Existing Windows and Doors With Tape
If you’re installing house wrap around existing windows and doors, most building inspectors require those windows and doors to be sealed directly to the house wrap. This means you have to roll a butyl-style tape up onto the edge of the brick mold or window itself. This can be a tedious operation, especially if you’re working with a super-sticky tape. Here’s a suggestion: Don’t peel off the window tape backing all at once; do just one section at a time.
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Every Wall Penetration Needs Tape
It’s not only seams that need taping—everything that penetrates a wall needs it too! Regular house wrap tape is usually sufficient.
Here’s how to deal with a pipe. Cut out around it as closely as you can, then make two angled cuts up and away from the top of the pipe. Tape the flap up to keep it out of the way and then, starting at the bottom, tape the pipe to the wall. Finally, fold down the flap and tape it up.
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Simple Trick for Cutting House Wrap
A sharp utility knife slices house wrap easily—until the last inch of a small cutoff crumples the roll. Start your cut in the roll’s middle, slice one half, leave a 1-inch hinge, then cut the other half for a more seamless DIY house-wrap installation. Tear along the hinge for a smooth edge free of wrinkles—one less house-wrap installation error to avoid.
Pro tip: pre-measure and identify these off-cuts so you can get the precise length you need when sealing house-wrap seams around pipes, vents or tight corners. This little preparation step reduces wasted material and quickens the task.
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How to Patch Large Holes and Tears
Inevitably you’ll have to deal with a tear in your beautiful handiwork. Small holes and tears can be repaired with tape, but larger ones require a patch. Here’s how to do it. Make a horizontal slice in the house wrap just above the damaged area and slide in a patch, making sure to cover the hole by 2 in. in every direction. Then, tape up the seams.
Why House Wrap is Essential for Building Protection
House wrap is like an invisible shield that protects a building from damage and makes sure it meets building codes. Installed between sheathing and siding, it prevents rot, mold and peeling finishes by blocking wind-driven rain while allowing interior vapor to escape. Without this barrier, air leaks can rob as much as 30% of a home’s conditioned air. Modern rules now need continuous wraps with taped seams. By following house wrap best practices—proper overlaps, cap fasteners and careful sealing of house-wrap seams—you produce a permeable envelope that reduces energy costs, maintains insulation value and prolongs siding life. Ignore it, and costly callbacks or moisture damage aren’t far behind.
FAQ
Can I install house wrap in cold or wet weather?
Certainly, provided the sheathing remains dry and winds remain below 15 mph. To prevent wrinkling and bad adhesion under harsh conditions, use low-temperature tapes, shorter lengths you can manage, and add additional cap fasteners—common house wrap installation errors.
How long can house wrap remain exposed before siding?
Most brands allow 30 to 180 days of exposure. Consult the datasheet. Beyond that, ultraviolet light degrades fibers and loosens fasteners. If there are delays, re-inspect, retape, and refasten; proactive maintenance is part of house wrap best practices to maintain the barrier intact.
When it comes time to update your home, there are several factors to consider. What problems are you trying to solve? How do you let your style and taste guide your renovation design choices? What’s your budget? It’s important to pick things that will serve you well, rather than just jumping on a trend that doesn’t address your issues and will look outdated in just a couple of years.
How about you let renovation expert Scott McGillivray help you decide? In At Home With Family Handyman’s new series Ask…Scott McGillivray, Scott reacts to a variety of DIY and home improvement clips. Each episode showcases amazing transformations, creative solutions, hilarious mishaps and some truly peculiar home projects. Scott shares professional insights, practical tips and plenty of laughs, all while highlighting the creativity and spirit of the DIY community.
After filming, we showed Scott some standout Family Handyman builds that reflect popular home upgrades aimed to boost property value and functionality. Here’s what he had to say about their payoff!
Home Saunas: Hot or Hype?
Home saunas sound fantastic, but they often feel like an aspirational addition rather than a practical one. Scott’s take? It depends. According to him, “wellness is in, and outdoor saunas are having a serious moment. High-end buyers might see it as a bonus, but average homeowners should consider portability, like a barrel sauna! If you’re installing one, focus on energy-efficient models and quality wood such as cedar. And make sure it doesn’t eat into your yard or deck space too much.”
Are Floating Shelves More Style Than Substance?
Sometimes, form and function go hand in hand, and other times, you have to choose between what’s practical and what looks pretty. When it comes to shelving, Scott says, “I like using floating shelves in short-term rentals. They make it easy for guests to find what they need. For homeowners, they look great, but too many mean lost storage. I like mixing them in: Keep some uppers for function, and use shelves as stylish accents.”
Which Luxury Shower Finishes Make a Splash?
Having a fancy bathroom can make your home feel more luxurious, so picking the best finishes is key. According to Scott, “smart controls, multiple showerheads and heated floors are solid investments. Overly trendy features (such as blue LED strips or niche tech) can age quickly. Focus on timeless materials and great water pressure. Add a built-in bench or niche for everyday function—those make a bigger impression than you think!”
Are Electric Fireplaces Worth Their Wattage?
When the weather starts to turn chilly, lighting a fire in your fireplace is a nice treat. But if you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to opt for an electric one, don’t worry. Scott has you covered. He says that “modern electric fireplaces have really leveled up. You get ambiance and warmth without the hassle of gas lines or chimneys. They’re especially great in condos, basements or secondary living areas. They are definitely attractive to buyers who want that cozy aesthetic without maintenance.”
Tune in to Ask…Scott McGillivray on At Home with Family Handyman for epic builds, DIY fails and pro tips from a guy who’s seen it all.
About the Expert
Scott McGillivray is a triple-threat expert in real estate, renovation, and finance with decades of experience in the field. Best known for the award-winning series Income Property, he is the host of At Home With Family Handyman’s Ask… Scott McGillivray.
