| How to Know when Car Tires Need Replacing Posted: 13 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST Ever wonder if it's time to replace your worn car tires? The performance of your tires is very important for maintaining the safety, performance, and efficiency of your vehicle. But at some point, your tires will start wearing out and lose their traction and braking ability. Luckily, if you're wondering when to start looking for new tires, there are a few tips that can help keep you in the know. EditExamining Tread Integrity - Check your state or region for tread recommendations. The primary function of tire tread is to divert water from beneath the tire to improve traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads. Once the tread is down to , the tire is no longer safe and illegal in most areas of the world. Look at your state or region's tire tread requirements provided by the transportation department.[1]
- Call or email your country's department of transportation or visit their website to locate tread laws.
- In some U.S. states, tires are considered to be legally worn out when they have decreased to of their remaining tread depth.
- In the U.K., the minimum depth for tire tread is across the central 3/4 of the tread around the whole tire.
- Replace your tires if the tread bar is flush with the tire tread. All tires sold in the U.S. and most other countries have tread wear bars—small horizontal bridges that form between your treads at a lower depth. As your tires wear, these bars become flush with the tread. When the tire tread is even with these wear bars, it means the tread is worn to and needs to be replaced immediately.[2]
- When you look at your tire wear bars, be sure to look at the entire surface of the wheel and not just one isolated location.
- Check the wear of your tread quickly by inserting a Lincoln penny into it. Take a Lincoln penny and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread at the thickest part of the tire. If you can see the very top of Lincoln's head or the copper above it, replace the tire immediately. If you cannot see the hair on the top of Lincoln's head—meaning the tire tread is at least as deep as his forehead—your tire does not need replacing yet.[3]
- If you have a Canadian nickel, insert it between the tread with Queen Elizabeth's crown facing down. If the top of her crown is visible, the tire is below and needs to be replaced.
- Tires do not wear evenly, so be sure to insert the coin at several points from the outside to the inside of your tires. Tires generally wear more on the inside, but over-inflated tires will wear more in the middle.
- For a more accurate tread depth measurement, use a tread depth gauge.
- Use a tread depth indicator for a more accurate measurement. Place the probe of the indicator in the center of one of the tire grooves on the outskirts of the tread. Remove the gauge by the barrel—taking care not to touch the probe—and note the tread depth. Continue this process for locations around the center tire grooves tire at least apart and then average the numbers. Replace the tires if the depth is less than .[4]
- Repeat this process for the outer and inner circumferential grooves, and then average those numbers as well.
- To average numbers, divide the total by the number of individual measurements you made along the tread.
- Before using the tread depth indicator, push the tread depth gauge against a flat, hard surface and be sure it hits zero when it fully compresses.
- Don't place the tread gauge onto any of the raised surfaces or molded tread wear indicators.
EditNoticing Signs of Tire Damage - Bring your car in for maintenance if you notice irregular tread wear. This could indicate wheel misalignment, improper inflation pressure, the need for tire rotation, or all of the above. Regardless of the specific reason, uneven tread wear is a sign that you need to take your car in for servicing.[5]
- If uneven tire wear is extreme or if tires wear out much faster than expected, have a competent tire workshop check your suspension and correct it as necessary before replacing tires. Improper alignment or worn suspension parts can dramatically shorten a tire's life.
- Rotate your tires from front to rear in pairs to avoid irregular tread wear. Take both front tires and move them to the rear and vice versa.
- Check for any abnormal bulges or bubbles in the sidewall. The sidewall is the tire surface outside the rim that faces you when the car is parked. A bulge indicates that the rigid internal frame of the tire has been damaged and cracked, allowing air pressure to reach the flexible outer layers of the tire. Any tires with sidewall bulges should be replaced immediately, regardless of the tread status.[6]
- Such damage could be caused by driving through a large pothole, driving over a curb, or by driving with low tire pressure.
- Never continue to drive on a tire that has a sidewall bulge. This indicates that the structural integrity of the tire has been significantly reduced, which greatly increases the likelihood of a sudden failure or blowout at highway speeds.
- Balance your tires if you feel steering wheel vibration. If your tires are worn unevenly, you may feel a vibration in the steering wheel when you are driving. If the vibration starts at 40 to 50 mph (64.37 to 80.47 km/h) and intensifies as you increase your speed, you probably need to balance your tires. If that doesn't stop the vibration, the tire is most likely damaged and needs a full replacement.[7]
- If you experience vibrations in the absence of tread damage, try balancing and aligning your tires' shock absorbers.
- If you notice tire vibrations along with other tire damage indicators like abnormal bulges and irregular tread wear, you probably have to replace your tire.
- If you notice that your tires are cupped—meaning they have a cupped or scalloped appearance around the tire—they likely aren't being rotated enough.
- Check for dry rot and have affected tires inspected or replaced. If you see little cracks all over your tires, it means that the rubber is breaking down. Tires with dry rot can fall apart and separate from the steel belt, which causes damage to the exterior of the car. In some cases, your wheels might start rotting before the tread starts to diminish—you should still bring them in to be inspected or replaced.[8]
- Inspect for dry rot before heading out on any longer trips and bring your car in for a check-up regularly.
- Degrease your tires to prevent dry rot, especially if your tires are exposed to a high degree of sunlight.
- Replace your tires at least every 6 years. Check the 4-digit code on the wall of the tire for its age. Regardless of your country, most governmental transportation departments place 4-digit numbers on the wall of each tire. The first 2 numbers represent the week it was made and the last 2 represent the year. For example, 12/08 means your tire was made in the 12th week of 2008. If the tire is more than 6 years old, replace it.[9]
- If you're having trouble finding the number, look for the initials DOT, followed by other letters and numbers. The code should appear following dot and will not contain any letters.
- Remember that although 10 years is the maximum service life for tires—which means since the date they were manufactured—this should never be used as the maximum drive time.
- Always err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over 6 years of age.
- Always change your tires if the tread is below the minimum depth recommendation, which is often .
- Always keep your tires properly inflated.
- Tire age is dated from the date of manufacture—not sale—since tires deteriorate even in storage.
- Test all of your tires and—if possible—replace them all at the same time. Mismatched tires will not provide the same safety, performance, and efficiency as a matched pair will.
- On four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars, try to replace all 4 tires with the same type unless it is recommended otherwise in your service manual. Differences in tire diameter, even due to different states of tread wear, can permanently damage differentials.
- Treadwear grades are an indication of a tire's relative wear rate. The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down.
- Remember that tires age faster in warmer climates.
- A quarter can be substituted for an American penny—just use Washington's head as the point instead of Lincoln's.
- Tires should never rub against your fenders or any other part of your car. If your new tires rub during turns or when going over bumps, they don't fit and need to be fixed.
- If you see wires on your tread or wear on the sidewalls of the tire, get the tire replaced immediately.
- Always make sure to buy tires that are the right size and type for your vehicle and rims. Changing to low-profile tires may require you to buy larger rims so that the outer circumference of the tire remains unchanged. Incorrect tire size or mismatched tread can also cause a low tire pressure warning to activate if the vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
- Be careful when rotating tires, especially when moving tires to different rims. Many modern tires have a specific rotational direction and corresponding rotation method. Refer to your tire manufacturer or car dealer for details. However, bear in mind that some sports cars have different wheel size on the front and back, which means they cannot be rotated.
EditThings You'll Need - Penny
- Tread depth indicator
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| How to Wear Combat Boots Posted: 13 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST Combat boots became popular during the early to mid-1990s, but they're still very fashionable. These boots are rugged enough to create an intriguing contrast with fancier clothes and simple enough to work with casual outfits while giving them a slight touch of visual interest. You can easily use the boots to create an updated take on the grunge look that's stylish, classy, and unique. EditMaking Combat Boots Dressier - Choose a feminine dress for a sophisticated look. For a simple but classy outfit, pair combat boots with a short, structured dress in a solid color or bold print. If you want a more carefree look, opt for a longer, flowy dress that falls just above the top of the boots with a small print, like florals or mini polka dots.[1]
- If you're going to be wearing the outfit to work or school with a short dress, make sure it's an appropriate length so you're not violating the dress code.
- A colourful dress should be the centre of your outfit so opt for black or grey combat boots so they don't steal the show.
- Coordinate a nice blouse with a pair of short boots. Choose a flowy blouse in a light color, like white, pastel pink, or pale yellow. Opt for a shirt with girly details like lace, ruffles, or frills. Tuck the top into a professional-looking skirt or cropped pants, and go for a pair of shorter boots to show off some ankle.[2]
- For an edgier look, you can leave part of the shirt untucked to give a off a "high fashion" vibe.
- To keep with the soft and feminine vibe of a blouse, stick to a warm brown combat boot unless you're looking for contrast.
- Wear a skirt with your boots for a feminine look. Go for a black, gray, or tan pencil skirt that hits just above the knee to keep the outfit looking balanced and professional. If you're wearing a more structured top, select a looser skirt with ruffles or pleats.[3]
- Avoid wearing a maxi skirt with your boots, as this can make the look unprofessional and disheveled by hiding the top edge of the shoes.
- If it's chilly outside, you can throw on a pair of opaque, black, or colored tights to keep your legs warm while also looking chic!
- To add even more femininity to the look, look for lace or knit boot socks or cuffs. These can soften the look of structured black boots that might otherwise look out of place.
- Put on a cardigan with ankle-height boots for a professional look. If you're wearing a more structured top, add a fitted cardigan sweater over your shirt to make the look more sophisticated. You could also try out a lace cardigan with a simple blouse and pencil skirt for an ultra-feminine look.[4]
- Cardigans are also great for keeping warm as the weather gets cooler. Keep one on hand to dress up any outfit when the temperatures cool down!
- Pair cropped dress pants with shorter boots for an effortless, stylish outfit. Choose pants in dark colors like navy, brown, gray, or black. Go for a skinny or slim cut that falls just above the ankle, like cropped jeans or cigarette pants. If your pants are slightly too long, try rolling them up once to show a bit of skin between the top of the boot and the pants.[5]
- For a dressy daytime look, wear black skinny jeans to create a slightly dressier look while elongating your leg.
EditDressing Down Your Boots - Wear tights or leggings tucked into slouchy combat boots. If the weather is a little chilly, keep your legs warm by throwing on a pair of leggings beneath your skirt and tuck them into the boots. Black or dark brown leggings will make your legs look slim to contrast with the chunkier boots, giving off a casual vibe.[6]
- For a more feminine look, try wearing tights or leggings that have a slight shimmer to them to draw attention to your legs and shoes!
- Get a pair of distressed or acid-wash skinny jeans for a 90's-inspired look. Look for a pair of light-wash jeans with rips in the knee or a frayed hem. Opt for a baggier style, and roll up the hem 1-2 times to show off the top of your boots. If you already have a pair of regular light-wash jeans, you can rub sandpaper over the knees a few times to give them a destroyed look![7]
- If you want to pay tribute to the 90's in a more subtle way, simply pair the boots with light-wash jeans without rips or tears.
- Opt for a simple t-shirt or sweater in a solid color for your top. A fitted t-shirt or tank top creates a very casual look that is suitable for an ordinary day around the town. If you want to go for something a little more special, you could opt for a fitted blouse, chunky sweater, or button-down shirt.[8]
- Plain colors are ideal for a laid back look, but a bold pattern in a vibrant color can also make a fashionable statement.
- Put on a loose plaid shirt to pay homage to the grunge era. To give your tribute to grunge an update, choose a shirt that nips in slightly at the natural waist and leave it partially or fully unbuttoned to reveal your shirt underneath. Stick to the classic red-and-black color scheme, or go for something a little more modern like yellow-and-black or blue-and-black.[9]
- If you don't want to wear the shirt all day, try tying it around your waist with the sleeves in a knot in the front of your body.
- Tie the boots loosely for a disheveled look. Most traditional pairs of combat boots have tight, heavy-duty laces that go up the front of the boots. Untie them and pull on the laces in various sections to make them look mismatched and undone. For an even more casual look on shorter boots, you can remove the laces altogether as long as your foot stays in the boot.
- For taller boots, it's best to leave the laces in and untie them slightly. Removing the lace completely can make it difficult to walk!
EditChoosing a Pair of Boots for Your Look - Wear a pair of rugged combat boots for a laid-back style. Choose a broken-in pair of combat boots that have been scuffed or polished to make the leather softer. These boots will likely be more comfortable, but won't have a structured look to them.[10]
- Go for polished, new-looking boots for dressing up. Worn boots are often too casual for dressing up. Choose a pair of newer, structured boots that haven't had much wear for a cohesive look. Pick a classic pair in black or brown leather, and make sure there are no scuffs or marks on the material.[11]
- There are also many new combat boots available in vegan leather, which is a newer development in fashion. Most vintage boots are made of traditional leather products.
- Opt for colored boots to add some interest to your outfit. Go for a bright color like red or white, which will coordinate with many outfits. Make sure the color is uniform all over the boot, with no discoloration on the toe or heel area, which can be a sign of wear.[12]
- Make sure you choose a color that will go with what you normally wear. For example, if you wear a lot of bright, light colors, like pastels and light-wash jeans, white boots will pair perfectly with these color schemes.
- Pick a pair of boots with embellishments for a hint of femininity. Search online or in stores around the autumn and winter months to find boots with rhinestone studs, buckles, or embroidery. Choose a pair that are sturdy, and try on the boots make sure the embellishments don't affect the fit of the shoes.[13]
- Keep in mind that boots with a lot of rhinestones and embellishments may begin to look worn fairly quickly, since some rhinestones might fall off. Save the receipt and take the boots back to the store if this happens within the store's time frame for returns. For higher end brands, the store will often replace or repair the boots for you.
- Choose a boot with a chunky heel to elongate your legs. Combat boots tend to have a slight heel. If you're looking for a more feminine pair, try on boots have have a heel, which can make you look taller.[14]
- Make sure you can walk in the boots comfortably before you purchase them!
- Try not to put too much thought into your outfit. Combat boots are considered a very "cool" piece of clothing, so your outfit should look put-together, but not overly planned!
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| How to Make a Shrimp Tempura Roll Posted: 13 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Sushi originated in south Asia during the fourth century B.C. and has since become a cultural symbol for Japan. Recently, sushi has blown up in America, becoming a trendy, healthy, and delicious lunch choice. While tempura rolls aren't a traditional form of sushi, they're still a delicious option if you're craving sushi rolls! EditIngredients EditFor the Tempura - Fresh shrimp
- Flour
- 1 egg yolk
- cold water
- Cooking oil (any oil except for olive oil will work)
EditFor the Sushi Roll - Short-grain or sushi rice
- rice vinegar
- salt
- sugar
- Seaweed sheets (nori)
- Any other desired fillings (e.g. crab, avocado, cucumber, etc.)
- Sesame seeds for coating (optional)
EditPreparing the Tempura - Prepare the shrimp. Remove the vein from the shrimp, and use a knife to cut some slits in the underside of the shrimp to prevent them from curling up while cooking.
- If the shrimp still has its shell on, start peeling it at the third joint. This will make the task easier.[1]
- Combine an egg yolk with cold water.
- Add flour to the egg mixture. Mix them together, but not too much. There should still be lumps left in the batter.
- Coat the shrimp in flour. Rolling it with your hands or chopsticks will fully coat it.
- Dip the shrimp in the tempura batter. Completely cover the shrimp with the batter.
- Heat up oil to . Use a pan or a deep-fryer to heat up any type of cooking oil, such as sesame oil or canola oil. Make sure you have enough oil to submerge the shrimp.
- Don't fry your tempura in olive oil - this will affect the flavor.
- Fry the shrimp. Put the shrimp into the oil and allow it to deep-fry. Initially, the oil will bubble quite a bit after the shrimp is put in; when the bubbles get smaller, take the shrimp out and set it aside. Take care not to leave it in for too long, as the shrimp will still cook for a short time after being removed from the oil.
EditMaking the Tempura Roll - Cook the rice in water. After it's fully cooked, set it aside to cool. While the rice is cooling, heat up the rice vinegar, salt, and sugar in a pot and mix them together. Then gradually toss the rice vinegar mixture into the rice, tasting it periodically to make sure you're not using too much or too little.
- Prepare any other fillings you'll be using. Wash, cook, and/or peel any other ingredients you're using in the shrimp, and then cut them into strips, if necessary.
- Cover your sushi mat with plastic wrap and set the nori on top of it. The plastic wrap will keep rice grains and other prone-to-falling ingredients from getting stuck in the sushi mat.
- If you don't have a sushi mat, you can place the plastic wrap over something else, such as a clean towel.
- Coat the nori with rice. Make sure the rice is layered thinly and relatively evenly, and leave a small strip of nori uncovered (about ) so that the roll will close successfully.
- Keeping your hands wet during this process can help prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
- If you're using sesame seeds, sprinkle them over the rice layer.
- Flip the rice-covered nori. You want the uncoated side of the nori to be exposed, with the rice facing your sushi mat.
- Place the tempura on the nori. Take the tempura and place it on the center of the nori, leaving the tail hanging out to prevent it from being eaten.
- Add other fillings to your sushi. If you're using other fillings, place them next to the tempura in their own individual lines. Common sushi fillings include crab meat, avocado, cucumber, mayonnaise, and cream cheese.
- Roll your sushi. Grab the sushi mat from both ends and wrap the end with rice over the inch that doesn't have any rice on it. Apply pressure to seal the roll.
- Cut the roll into pieces. Move the roll off of the sushi mat and place it on a cutting board. Using a wet knife, slice the roll.
- Serve. Place the sushi on a plate and serve it alongside other Japanese cuisine, like miso soup, edamame, or a small salad.
- If you're tight on time, try using frozen tempura in your rolls. It won't taste as fresh, but it will still work.
- Consider using vegetable tempura as a substitute for the shrimp.
- Rolling sushi is tricky, but it gets easier with practice.
- If the roll isn't wrapped tightly enough, it may fall apart.
EditThings You'll Need - Sushi mat
- Plastic wrap
- Cutting board
- Knife
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