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Make the most of your next visit to Cheyenne, Wyoming, by checking out some of the best museums in the area. You won't want to miss these attractions, which are just as entertaining as they are educational. We've put together this short list to help you get started. more Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Visit the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens to discover just how vibrant a museum can be. This is far from the stuffy, dimly lit halls that the word “museum” brings to mind. Instead, this is a living museum with curated displays of plants, trees, and shrubs. The main event is the sprawling Grand Conservatory, but there are some other activities here that your little ones will especially enjoy. The Paul Smith Children's Village is more than a playground; it has a wetlands environment, outdoor Jenga set, and even a secret garden. Best of all, admission to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is completely free. Cheyenne Depot Museum Enjoy the quirky and informative exhibits at the Cheyenne Depot Museum and get an in-depth look at the state's history of transportation and architecture. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time when you visit this elaborate 19th-century railroad depot. You and your family will learn about the Transcontinental Railroad and how its operation led to Cheyenne's current prosperity. The site also hosts numerous events throughout the year and has become the area's cultural hub. In addition to enjoying the museum, make sure to grab a bite to eat: the depot shares its first floor with a brewpub restaurant. Wyoming State Museum Explore a breathtaking array of exhibits at the Wyoming State Museum. Where else you can find dinosaur fossils sharing a room with pristine artifacts from Native American history? This museum aims to offer a comprehensive look at the state's history, so there's really something here for everyone. Permanent exhibits focus on prehistory, modern-day ecology, the state's National Parks and Forests, and cultures both past and present. There are also temporary and traveling exhibits, such as photography exhibitions and contemporary art displays. These rotations make every visit to the museum feel fresh, whether it's your first visit or your fifth. High Plains Arboretum Wyoming is home to the country's very first national park: Yellowstone. This park is also considered by many to be the first national park in the world, so it's only natural that the city has an excellent forestry museum. The High Plains Arboretum is an interpretive center maintained by Cheyenne Urban Forestry. This outdoor museum has more than 60 species of trees and shrubs from around the world, and it's an excellent opportunity for your family to become acquainted with the natural environment. A recently developed educational kiosk encourages self-guided tours to this open-air attraction, which is open to the public. The city of Cheyenne is packed with opportunities to learn about its frontier spirit and pioneering history, as well as its modern development. Don't miss your chance to visit these great museums the next time you're in town.

Nowadays, the food options we have are more diverse than ever. From exotic ingredients to special dishes representing the cultures of other regions of the world, the wide variety allows us to explore and experiment each day. However, for many Americans, nothing will ever compare to a nice, juicy steak. Luckily for those in and around Wheatland, there are plenty of great restaurants in the area to satisfy your meat cravings. Windy Peaks Brewery & Steakhouse As the name clearly suggests, this is a great place in downtown Wheatland to get beer and steaks. Not only do they arguably live up to the claim that they have the best steaks in town but they do so in a beautiful setting and a friendly atmosphere. It doesn't matter if you like filet mignon, New York strip, or classic ribs, you'll definitely find what you're looking for. Depending on preference, you can choose a bottle of wine or a beer to go with your steak, from the wide variety available. more Longbranch Steakhouse & Saloon About an hour drive east of Wheatland in Hawk Springs, you'll find this excellent steakhouse. This place has something for everyone, from the delicious breakfast, served starting at 8 a.m. to the fully stocked bar that stays open long into the night. The reason it makes this list, though, is its mouth-watering steaks. They're ever-present on the menu, with specialties such as the steak nachos or the Philly steak sandwiches, but the main attractions are the variety of steaks on the dinner menu. From rib-eye to sirloin, or even hamburger steak, any choice is the right choice. Old Western Saloon & Steakhouse Located in Glendo, just north of Wheatland, this place not only offers delicious steaks but does so in an authentic atmosphere. No matter if you're having dinner with your family or just a drink with some friends, this historical saloon and steakhouse will take you back to the days when the West was wild. If you want to serve your steak with a side dish of history, Old Western Saloon & Steakhouse is definitely the best place to do so in the area. Miners and Stockmen's Steakhouse and Spirits A true historical landmark in the area, this place claims to be the oldest running bar in the entire state of Wyoming. They use only premium quality meat and cook it exactly how you want it, with a side of fresh vegetables or mashed potatoes. To top it all off, you will be given a choice of incredible desserts but also an extensive wine list from which to choose. From a single drink to a full steak dinner, Wyoming's oldest bar will surely fit your needs. The steak will probably always be a major part of American cuisine, and the steakhouses in and around Wheatland are a strong argument for why. It doesn't matter if you like yours rare, medium rare, or well-done, these places will cook it exactly how you like and serve it in an authentic, family-friendly atmosphere.

The stress of modern life can sometimes be overwhelming, and people always look for ways to detach and unwind. Although sometimes we tend to forget, the best ways to recharge our batteries is by experiencing the natural landscapes around us and reconnecting with Mother Nature. Luckily for those in or around Wheatland, Platte County offers plenty such opportunities. Guernsey State Park Just a short drive north of Wheatland will take you to this charming public recreation area. Created in the first part of the 20th century after the construction of the Guernsey Dam, it got its National Historic Landmark status in 1997. There are seven places where you can set up camp for an overnight stay and three boat ramps from where you can start a fishing trip. The most common species of fish you'll find are yellow perch, walleye, and channel catfish. There are also plenty of interesting activities for those who are not into fishing. There are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing trips, with many hiking trails from which you can observe the breathtaking natural landscape but also the impressive structures built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. more Platte River Parkway Another unforgettable wildlife experience lies about a hundred miles northwest of Wheatland. The Platte River Parkway is a system of trails alongside North Platte River, stretching for almost 10 miles and offering absolutely unique sights and experiences. It doesn't matter if you're there to do some fishing, jog, ride your bicycle, or simply embrace the natural landscape around you, these river paths will definitely help you make your trip an unforgettable one. Although you'll be deeply immersed in nature, Platte River Parkway also offers the great advantage of being very close to the city of Casper, so if camping is not really your thing, you can find plenty of good hotels just minutes away from the river trails. No matter what your favorite outdoor activities are or if you're there with family or friends, you definitely won't regret your trip. Glendo State Park About a half-hour drive up Interstate 25 to the north of Wheaton you'll find this natural paradise. The 22,000 acres are divided between 12,000 acres of water and 10,000 acres of land, providing endless opportunities for nature lovers, from fishing and water skiing to setting up camp and enjoying the natural surroundings. One of the most popular attractions in the area is Sandy Beach, a mile-long area where you can enjoy the sun. The park is in one of Wyoming's most historic areas and many different cultural artifacts from tribes such as the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Oglala, and Brule Sioux can be observed. The blend of wildlife, recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage makes Glendo State Park a special place to visit. Residents of Wheaton and its surrounding areas have certainly been blessed with plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural landscape. It doesn't matter If your hobby is fishing, hiking, bicycle riding, or simply observing, these places will give you exactly what you're looking for and plenty more.

Dodge Journey debuted almost a decade ago and has been a hit in the mid-size crossover market ever since. As a modern-day SUV, you would expect it to be fit for multiple purposes, and you would not be wrong. However, as the name suggests, this is the perfect vehicle to have for long road trips with your friends or family. Interior Space and Comfort The 2018 Dodge Journey comes with three rows of seats and a spacious cabin, making sure that there's plenty of room for everyone on board. Large doors make getting in and out easy, while high seats offer great visibility for the driver and passengers. There's also plenty of legroom, and the cabin offers excellent noise reduction. If you don't need all three passenger rows but have many things to carry around, the second and third rows of seats can fold, offering you a total of 67.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. more Power and Performance Modern crossover vehicles are expected not only to offer high levels of comfort but also decent levels of performance. The Dodge Journey matches and exceeds those expectations while proving to be agile for a three-row vehicle. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder capable of producing 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. While that may be more than enough for most drivers, if your road trip includes an off-road portion, you may consider the all-wheel-drive trim that features a spectacular 3.6-liter V-6 with 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Technology With the car's passengers stuck in their seats for hours at a time, it's crucial that a road-trip vehicle has enough technology packed to keep everyone entertained. A massive 8.4-inch touchscreen is available, featuring the Uconnect 3 NAV infotainment system. Although it can be used to control virtually every function, physical buttons are also available so the driver can focus on the road at all times. Dodge didn't forget about the passengers in the back seats, a 9-inch screen flipping down from the second-row overhead console so everyone can watch their favorite shows while on the road. Overall, the Journey's technology keeps the driver well-informed and everyone else entertained during long trips. Safety As any experienced driver knows, a vehicle must be able to keep you and your entire family safe in case an unfortunate situation occurs. On the active safety side, the 2018 Dodge Journey offers plenty of features designed to help the driver avoid any potential accident, such as electronic stability control or an advanced braking system. In case a collision does occur, the vehicle's sturdy protective frame, specially designed front and rear crumple zones, and seven advanced air bags all work together to keep everyone inside as safe as possible. Picking the right vehicle for road trips essentially means choosing a car that combines comfort, good performance, and technology in a way that keeps you and your passengers safe and entertained. The 2018 Dodge Journey ticks all the right boxes, living up to its name.

For people who use their cars to get around, the time spent behind the wheel adds up to hundreds and maybe thousands of hours each year. In all that time, it's natural that drivers experience all kinds of feelings, caused by the fact that they're in a hurry, other drivers' actions, or different things going on in their lives at that particular time. For that reason, it's crucial to recognize the bad habits of aggressive drivers so we can avoid them on the road and, most importantly, not become one of them ourselves. Speeding To say that speeding is one the worst things you can do on a road sounds obvious, but the huge number of accidents caused by it makes it an issue well worth mentioning. Most drivers press the gas pedal a little too hard from time to time while in a hurry, but constantly driving over the speed limit means you're just one unforeseen incident away from a crash. All it takes is a moment when you're distracted or another car making an unpredictable move and all of a sudden, your high speed makes you unable to react in time, with potentially devastating consequences. The time you save is never worth it, and if you're driving within a city, it's often an illusion, as you're only speeding to get to the next red light. more Not Using the Turn Signal Often when a driver is in aggressive mode, everyone else on the road becomes unimportant. Failing to properly signal before a turn or a lane change is a symptom of that, and the more aggressive a driver is, the less likely he or she is to signal their moves. You must always remember that the more unpredictable you are in traffic, the more chances you have of something bad happening to you. A good method to get yourself to always use the signal is remembering how you feel when other drivers around you fail to use theirs. Pushing Your Car to Its Limits Aggressive drivers tend to have a very brutal style of driving. Pressing the gas pedal hard when the green light comes on, suddenly changing lanes in search of more space, taking corners at high speeds, and braking at the last minute; not only are all of these dangerous for you and everyone around, they also wear out your car. As opposed to race cars that are built to give maximum performance over a limited period of time, most street cars are built with durability in mind. Even if the car is capable of all those hard accelerations and brakes, it doesn't mean they won't make its life shorter. Driving in an aggressive manner is bad for the driver, the vehicle, and everyone around, from pedestrians to other drivers. Next time you see these signs in another driver, make sure to be alert. If you see them in yourself, remember how you felt when other drivers did to you what you do to them and realize that the risk is infinitely bigger than the reward.

Drivers in Wyoming need more than the average commuter car. This is a state where endless plains rise to merge with the jagged heights of the Rocky Mountains, and your vehicle has to be prepared for every possible combination of weather and terrain. Check out the 2018 Cadillac XT5 to find a crossover that's more than up to the challenge. Travel in Comfort Whether you're driving in the Black Hills or keeping an eye out for bison in Yellowstone National Park, the highway miles in Wyoming stretch on forever. You'll be pleased to know that the 2018 Cadillac XT5 can handle long road trips with total comfort. The seats are finished with cut-and-sewn leather and suede materials and accented with aluminum, carbon fiber, and wood for extra style. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and is even heated to keep your hands warm in the winter. And with folding rear seats, you'll always have plenty of room to stow your gear. more Performance Standards Take advantage of the 2018 Cadillac XT5's agile handling and punchy acceleration. The crossover is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making the vehicle easy and satisfying to operate. The XT5 also uses active fuel management and automatic start/stop technologies to maximize fuel efficiency and keep gas costs low. This is especially important in Wyoming, where you can often drive for miles and miles without encountering a gas station. Finally, there are three driving modes to tackle any sort of terrain. Safety Features Let's face it: Wyoming's long stretches of highway can be taxing on your attention span. While you should always make sure to be fully alert and rested before you get behind the wheel, it's good to know that Cadillac has introduced some critical safety features with the 2018 XT5. For example, lane-keeping assistance helps you stay within your own lane, and side blind-zone alert technology keeps an eye on those tricky blind spots for you. A pedestrian braking feature also scans the road for people and other obstacles and can even apply the brakes automatically. Perfect for Outdoor Adventures You're sure to recognize the names of some of Wyoming's most famous destinations — Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park, and Fort Laramie, just to name a few. The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is perfectly equipped to let you get the most out of these scenic locations. With an available UltraView power-operated sunroof, you won't even have to leave the vehicle to get a 360-degree panorama of these incredible surroundings. The XT5 also comes with a maximum of 63 cubic feet of storage space, so you can bring along all of your camping gear or outdoor sports equipment. Consider the 2018 Cadillac XT5 if you're looking for a crossover that's got style in spades but isn't afraid to deliver where it really counts: performance and capability. That's why the new XT5 is the ideal vehicle for drivers in Wyoming. Image via DealerOn CMS

There is nothing better than a nice big juicy steak cooked just the way you like it. Fortunately, for those living in and around the Wheatland area, there are several excellent places to get steaks along with all the delicious sides to go with it. Check out these places where you can eat the best steaks. Windy Peaks Brewery Windy Peaks Brewery might be called a brewery, but is it also one of the best places in the area for steak. This upscale restaurant offers a variety of different cuts of steak so you can get anything from an 8-ounce filet to rib-eye, or a New York Strip. Windy Peaks also serves up a delicious burger which the kitchen grills to order, or you can get a beer marinated, smoked brisket with Mississippi style honey BBQ sauce. You'll find this brewery and steakhouse on 9th Street right in Wheatland. more Miners & Stockmen's Steakhouse & Spirits Miners & Stockmen's Steakhouse & Spirits in nearby Hartville serves mouthwatering steaks cooked to perfection. The rustic ambiance in the dining room adds to the overall experience, and the food is outstanding. The chef serves Prime USDA Black Angus Steaks, and you can choose from a porterhouse, the Miner's rib-eye, Filet Mignon, or New York Strip. If you want some extra flavors, add sauteed mushrooms or a blue cheese crust, or get the surf and turf with grilled jumbo shrimp. Old Western Saloon & Steakhouse Head to the Old Western Saloon & Steakhouse for an old-fashioned steak dinner. This is one of the few restaurants in Glendo, Wyoming, and it is the place for great steaks. This place has a long history, and owners Teresa and Jim will welcome you not only to the Saloon but also to Glendo. The Bucking Horse Steakhouse You'll find the Bucking Horse Steakhouse in Torrington, Wyoming. This steakhouse has excellent steaks, a good beer selection, and they make a killer Bloody Mary. The servings are large, so you definitely won't leave hungry, and you can choose from a variety of different cuts. The Bucking Horse serves real mashed potatoes on the side that are delicious and full of flavor, and if you go here with the family, there is a good kid's menu with plenty of options. You'll also get to enjoy beautiful views of the valley while you eat. Emporium Stop by Emporium on your way through Hawk Springs for a prime rib sandwich, and it won't disappoint you. The owners and staff treat everyone that comes in like family, and you'll also enjoy the charming atmosphere. The building features lodge pole pine timbers from the mountains, and there is both indoor and outdoor seating. Some of the owner's favorites on the menu include the rib-eyes, chicken-fried steak, and flame-broiled burgers. Make sure to stop into one of these Wheatland area restaurants the next time you want a good steak. Whether you live in the area or are just passing through, you can get a good hearty meal. Image via Flickr by bizmac | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Winter in Wyoming is long so it is best to enjoy it and make the most of the fun you can have outside in the snow. There are several different places in and around the Cheyenne area where you can get involved in winter sports. Whether you are new to the area and winter activities or you grew up playing outside in the snow, there is something for everyone. Check out these top spots for winter sports in Cheyenne. Curt Gowdy State Park Curt Gowdy State Park is a popular spot for mountain bikers all year round. There are over 35 miles of single-track trails with 28 named trails and four freeride areas for just playing around. During the winter of 2014/2015, the park started grooming some of the singletracks for fat biking on snow. Curt Gowdy is one of the few local places that actually grooms the trails for fat biking, so riders have a safe place to enjoy their sport all year round. more Snowy Range Ski Area Snowy Range Ski Area in Southeast Wyoming is only an hour and a half drive from Cheyenne. It is a great ski area for families with many beginner and intermediate trails. If you are new to skiing or boarding, Snowy Range offers lessons to get you started and up on the slopes, and if you don't have your own gear, the rental shop offers both ski and snowboard equipment. Hit the slopes at Snowy Range, and when you need a break, the day lodge has food, coffee, hot cocoa, and even a bar and brewery for the adults. Medicine Bow National Forest If you want a low-key, relaxed winter activity, head to Medicine Bow National Forest in Cheyenne and go snowshoeing. The best thing about snowshoeing is that anyone can do it. You can head out on your first day, even if you've never used snowshoes before, and enjoy a couple of hours of fresh winter air with just a few minutes of practice. Medicine Bow National Forest has some trails you can follow, or you can just explore the areas you want to see without following a set trail. Just make sure to watch where you are going, so you don't get lost. Vedauwoo Recreation Area Vedauwoo Recreation Area is a beautiful place to visit any time of year with its ancient rock formations and natural sculptures. It sits just 27 miles from Cheyenne in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. During the warmer months, rock climbers come from all over the world to test their skills on the rock formations, and there are also hiking and biking trails. In the winter, this place turns into a winter wonderland, and the hiking trails turn into cross-country skiing trails. With an average of about 50 inches of snowfall each winter, Cheyenne and the surrounding areas are a great place to enjoy winter sports. It doesn't matter if you are new to getting out in the snow, or an expert on winter sports, there is something for everyone. Image via Flickr by YellowstoneNPS | Licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

Your car's transmission does more than just change gears. It moderates the power transmitted to the vehicle's wheels, and its smooth operation also ensures good fuel efficiency. This is an important component, and it's crucial to keep it in good repair. Here are a few common problems to look out for. Low Transmission Fluid Consult your owner's manual to determine when to change the transmission fluid. This can be as often as every 30,000 miles or as infrequently as every 100,000 miles. Either way, regular maintenance prevents damage to the transmission and ensures the reliable operation of your car. There are other circumstances in which your transmission fluid may be depleted more quickly — driving at high speeds, driving in stop-and-go traffic, and hauling trailers can burn through fluid rapidly. You can easily top off your transmission fluid at home, but you may need a mechanic if the system needs to be flushed and all its fluid replaced. more Mysterious Sounds Problems with your car's transmission can manifest in a variety of ways. Sound is one key indicator. Listen for humming, buzzing, clunking, or whining noises. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, a faulty component is likely to generate a loud mechanical sound when you shift gears. The problem may lie with a computerized component; modern vehicles come with sensors that can send incorrect signals to the transmission, resulting in faulty regulation of speed or shifting. The problem could also be mechanical in nature, as a transmission typically has plenty of springs, gears, and bearings. These problems will require professional maintenance to repair. Burning Smell Take action immediately if you smell something burning from your car. If the problem is traced to the transmission, it's probably the result of overheated transmission fluid. Because the fluid keeps the component's moving parts lubricated and cool, this could be disastrous for your transmission. That's why it's important to take your car to a mechanic right away, as an unlubricated transmission will cause additional problems with the vehicle. This could result in the eventual degradation of the component, along with slipping when trying to change gears. You might even consider installing a transmission cooler to avoid this problem. Unable to Shift Gears Start by checking the level of transmission fluid if you're having trouble changing gears. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you might be looking at a faulty throttle cable. This is a mechanical cable that connects the transmission with the throttle linkage. If this cable is loose, it can reduce the responsiveness in shifting or even prevent you from shifting altogether. Car enthusiasts with a reasonable level of mechanical skill can adjust the cable at home, but most drivers would be better served by enlisting the professional help of a mechanic. A diagnostic test will confirm whether this cable is indeed at fault. As you can see, many transmission problems can be traced back to your transmission fluid. Since this is easy to check, it's a good place to start. But don't be afraid to schedule a service appointment if you have any concerns about the reliability of this important part of your vehicle. Image via Flickr by MotorVerso | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Almost everyone enjoys a hot, fresh-made hamburger. If you live in the Wheatland area, you're in luck. There are several excellent restaurants where you can order a world-class burger. The next time your stomach starts rumbling, you should grab a tasty burger from one of these Wheatland spots. Western Sky's Family Diner When most people think of a burger, they think of a classic family diner. The next time you want to satisfy your burger craving in Wheatland, take a trip to Western Sky's Family Diner. At this diner, you can find stick-to-your-ribs food that will keep you satisfied, including juicy burgers that will more than fulfill your craving. Friendly service and delicious food are what make this spot special and keep Wheatland residents coming back day after day. more Windy Peaks Brewery & Steakhouse Nothing complements a burger quite like an ice-cold beer, and if you're looking for a Wheatland area restaurant where you can enjoy both, look no further than Windy Peaks Brewery & Steakhouse. This restaurant is the perfect place to visit at the end of a long day, especially if you're in the mood for a mouthwatering hamburger. For burger lovers, the only meal to order at this restaurant is the burger and beer cheese. With this entrée, you'll get a half-pound burger that's grilled to order. What makes this burger stand out above the crowd is the housemade beer cheese sauce that provides a flavor explosion with every single bite. As if that weren't enough, you'll also get a side order of house-cut french fries. In addition to the best burger you've ever eaten, you can also enjoy a variety of on-tap beers that you won't find at other restaurants. Windy Peaks Brewery & Steakhouse is destined to become your favorite burger spot in the Wheatland area. Big A Bar and Restaurant Big A Bar and Restaurant is another spot in Wheatland to visit for a delicious hamburger. The vibrant atmosphere at this bar and grill makes it one of the most popular lunch and dinner spots in the Wheatland area. It is also the perfect place to chow down on your next hamburger. Besides sumptuous hamburgers, Big A offers a wide range of classic American cuisine, including chicken-fried steak and Rocky Mountain oysters. You can visit this restaurant almost any time of the day to satisfy your burger craving. A&W Restaurant If you need to grab your burger on the run, there's no better spot in Wheatland than A&W. At this classic restaurant, you can grab a big, tasty hamburger and a root beer float, which may just be your idea of the perfect meal. Visitors with big appetites should order the Papa Burger. This features two 100 percent beef patties, two slices of cheese, and a signature sauce. This large burger provides the fuel you need to get through the day. The next time you're passing through Wheatland and want a hamburger for lunch or dinner, stop by one of these excellent restaurants for a filling meal. Image via Flickr by stu_spivack

We all try our best to keep our cars in tip-top shape. But when we get a mysterious dent in our vehicle or something starts malfunctioning, it can be hard to get it repaired considering the outrageous prices some car repair services charge. If you need to get something fixed or patched up and want to maximize the amount of cash you save in the process, we've listed four smart ways to spare your wallet as much as you can when repairing your car. Do Your Homework We've all had teachers in school tell us to do our homework before, but that doesn't just apply to academics. It's a principle that applies to all aspects of life, especially big buying decisions, such as car repairs. Before you pull the trigger at just any car repair place, find one that offers the best rates and won't rip you off. Often, these businesses can get rather pricey for no reason. Search the web for car repair services near you and research who offers the lowest price possible to fix your particular problem. more Get Familiar With Your Problem Like discovering who charges the least amount of money for repairs, you'll want to familiarize yourself with your car's problem enough so that you know you aren't getting ripped off. Search the web for others who have experienced the same problem you're facing and check to see how much it cost them to get it repaired. That way, you don't get swindled by repairmen looking to make a quick buck off a gullible customer. Fix It Yourself This might seem a little off-putting, especially if you aren't the car mechanic type, but learning to fix your own car can help save you a ton of money. Things such as changing your oil, swapping out old tires, replacing your brakes, and even performing engine checks are all tasks that can be learned by simply going online and reading about each process. This bit of research can save thousands of dollars on your next repair since the only fee you'll likely have to pay is for new car parts and tools. Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance It's obvious that you need to maintain your vehicle's health as best you can. To prevent further repair charges, be sure to keep an eye on your car and its status. For instance, if the check engine light comes on, it's a good idea to find out what's wrong ASAP. You'll also want to make sure your fluids are up to your car manufacturer's standards, you regularly check your tires, and you wash your vehicle on a consistent basis. Following these steps can help prevent problems from ever happening to your vehicle and lead to extra cash in your wallet. With these tips in mind, you'll undoubtedly save some cash the next time you need a car repair. Be sure to keep our list in mind when a new issue pops up with your vehicle. Image via Flickr by Grizzlybear.se

Car seats have been used to carry infants and children for years now, but there are many misconceptions that come along with them. If you're looking to brush up on your knowledge about the smaller seats for little tikes everywhere, we've scoured the web for three of the most common car seat myths and have put them to rest in a comprehensive list you can read in full below. Spoiler: You may be surprised by some of the facts we share! My Child Doesn't Need A Car Seat You may have not grown up sitting in a car seat inside your parent's station wagon, but that doesn't mean using one isn't beneficiary for your child's safety. In fact, according to the CDC, car seats reduce infant mortality risks by as much as 71 percent. Meanwhile, toddler fatality risks decrease by 54 percent with the use of a safety seat. Therefore, it's pretty obvious having your child sit in a car seat is a huge safety advantage that can only keep your kid safer than they otherwise would be. more You Should Face Your Child Forward When You Think They're Ready Every car seat available on the market is designed to face backward to keep your child safer. Oddly, many parents believe that after their children reach a certain age, it's safe for them to turn around and sit normally. That isn't the case so long as your child is still small enough that they need a safety seat. By placing your child facing forward in a car seat, the risk level of a severe injury as the result of an accident is 5.32 times higher. So until your child outgrows their car seat, it's best for their safety to keep them facing backward. My Children Don't Fit in Car Seats Anymore, So They Can Sit Normally Speaking of your child outgrowing a car seat, when your kid does get to be a bit too big to fit in their old safety seat, that doesn't automatically mean they're ready to sit like an ordinary passenger in your vehicle. Oftentimes, after your child departs their car seat, they're still not tall enough so that a car's seat belt crosses their chest instead of their neck. Therefore, if your child is too big for a car seat but isn't tall enough to sit normally just yet, purchase a booster seat to add some height so the belt fits properly. Judging when and how you should have your child sit in a car seat while traveling can be tough, and that can lead to the creation of even more myths surrounding the proper use cases for such protection. The three we've listed are, arguably, the most popular and can lead to unsafe circumstances for you and your family. It's always good to brush up on your knowledge of how to implement a car seat safely in your family's lifestyle, and with this information, we hope you'll make better judgments. Image via Flickr by Collapse The Light