You are miles from nowhere when suddenly, your headlights dim, your dashboard flickers, and your car starts losing power. No, it’s not a scene from an action thriller—it’s a sign that your alternator might be failing. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it? Let’s break down the signs before your car breaks down on you.
What is an alternator?
The alternator is a small but mighty component responsible for keeping your battery charged and your vehicle’s electrical systems running smoothly. It converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. That energy charges your car’s battery so that it can start and also powers your car when running. Over time, wear and tear can reduce the alternator’s efficiency, preventing it from fully charging the battery. While there’s no exact timeframe for replacement, alternators typically last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. It’s risky to drive a car with a bad alternator. It can leave you stranded.
Bad battery or bad alternator?
Since the alternator and battery work closely together, sometimes the signs you are seeing could mean you need to replace the battery and not the alternator. Consider the age of both parts and their condition. The average battery life is 3-5 years, so if your battery hasn’t been replaced in that long, check that first.
Signs of a bad battery:
Your vehicle is hard to start or won’t start at all.
You hear a clicking noise when trying to start the car, or it takes longer for the engine to catch.
You notice dim or flickering headlights, taillights or dashboard lights.
Your car consistently has a dead battery. This could also be due to a bad alternator.
Signs of a bad alternator:
You notice dim or very bright headlights. (This is due to the inconsistent flow of electricity generated by the alternator.)
Your vehicle doesn’t start.
Your lights and gauges dim, and then your car stalls when driving.
You notice a burnt rubber smell and/or loud grinding noise.
Do you have a multimeter? That’s a surefire way to know if the alternator is failing. When the car is not running, check the voltage at the battery. It should be between 12 and 12.5 volts. Then check the voltage again when the car is running. The voltage level should increase between 13.5 and 14.5. If the voltage does not increase, the alternator is bad. If it does increase, yet you are still experiencing some of the issues listed above, then it is likely that the battery is bad.
How to Replace the Alternator
You can certainly take your car to your mechanic for an alternator replacement. However, if you’re handy and have some experience working on cars, here is a guide to replacing your alternator.
Pro tip: take photos of each piece before disconnecting them so you know how to hook everything back up.
Check Your Vehicle’s Manual: Identify the type of alternator you need and purchase it.
Gather Your Supplies: Get a socket and wrench set, gloves, safety glasses, and a memory saver. A memory saver provides a small current to preserve your car’s electronics and prevent the need for reprogramming; it typically plugs into the power port.
Backup Electronic Data (if needed): Refer to your manual to determine if backing up preset electronic data from your car’s computer is necessary.
Turn Off the Engine: Shut off your car’s engine and put on your safety gear.
Disconnect the Battery: Remove the negative cable from the car battery. Disconnecting the positive cable is optional.
Loosen the Belt Tensioner: Release the tension on the serpentine belt and remove it. Inspect the belt for wear and tear, replacing it if needed.
Remove Alternator Attachments: Disconnect all cables and bolts securing the alternator, including the voltage regulator connector, the alternator’s positive cable, the brace nut and bolt, and the lower mounting bolt.
Replace the Alternator: Remove the old alternator and install the new one in the same position.
Reassemble: Reattach all previously disconnected components.
Test Voltage: If available, use a multimeter to ensure the voltage reads between 13.5 and 14.5 volts when running.
Maintaining Your Alternator
You also can take steps to reduce the wear and tear on your alternator and keeping it working at its best.
Schedule regular maintenance and ask your mechanic to check the alternator every time. Regular maintenance also will help your car last longer.
Regularly clean your alternator to remove dirt, grease, and debris. These can cause it to overheat.
Tighten loose connections that can affect the alternator’s performance.
Look out for fluid leaks around the alternator. Fluid and oil buildup can shorten an alternator’s lifespan. Identify the source of the leak as soon as possible. (Usually, it’s not the alternator that is leaking.)
Keep your belts in good condition. Worn belts can loosen the alternator mountings.
Be careful with aftermarket electronics. Improperly installing them can overload the alternator.
Maintain and replace your battery as needed so that you will know that it’s not the battery if your vehicle’s electrical system fails.
Finally, the right coverage for your vehicle is important for added peace of mind. Schedule an annual review with your insurer to make sure your vehicle is fully protected. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
You’re ready to hit the road, but your car has other plans—stuck in a snowbank with tires spinning. Before your frustration gets out of hand, take a deep breath. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can free your vehicle and get back on track. Here’s your step-by-step guide to escape the snow’s icy grip without breaking a sweat—or your car!
1. Stay Safe and Assess the Situation
Before doing anything, ensure you’re safe. Turn on your hazard lights and assess the situation. Are other vehicles nearby? Make sure you’re visible to others and have enough space to work around your car safely.
2. Clear the Exhaust Pipe
Check your car’s tailpipe for snow and ice. A clogged exhaust can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to back up into the vehicle’s cabin. Clearing it is a critical safety step before you start working to free your car.
Use a shovel or any sturdy tool to remove snow around the tires, under the car, and along the path you want to travel. Clearing as much snow as possible will make it easier to gain traction and move forward.
4. Try Melting the Snow
If the snow around your wheels is packed and icy, try sprinkling salt or a de-icing agent. Be cautious, as salt can cause rust on your vehicle, and some chemicals may be harmful to pets and the environment.
5. Add Traction
Improve your grip by spreading dry materials like sand, kitty litter, or even your car’s floor mats under the tires. These items can provide the friction needed to get your car moving.
Pro Tip: Lower your window slightly to listen for spinning wheels as you press on the gas. If you hear them spinning, it’s not working.
6. Choose the Right Driving Technique
Depending on your type of vehicle, you will want to take advantage of its strengths.
4-Wheel Drive: If your vehicle has a 4-wheel drive option, turn it on to deliver power to all wheels. Use a low gear in an automatic to reduce wheel spinning.
Front-Wheel Drive: Turn your steering wheel left and right repeatedly to find a patch of traction.
Manual Transmission: Start in second gear to reduce wheel spin and increase grip.
7. Turn Off Traction Control
Your traction control system can prevent your wheels from spinning, which helps in skids but can hinder your efforts when stuck. Temporarily disable it to give your wheels the power they need to move.
8. Rock Your Vehicle
Gently rock your car by shifting between forward and reverse gears. Apply light gas pressure—avoid flooring it—and stop if it’s not working after a few tries to prevent transmission damage.
9. Let Air Out of Your Tires
In extreme cases, slightly deflate your tires to increase surface contact and improve traction. Only do this if you’re near a place to reinflate them, as driving on underinflated tires can be dangerous.
10. Call for Roadside Assistance
If all else fails, it’s time to call for help. Roadside assistance professionals have the tools and expertise to safely free your vehicle.
After You’re Unstuck
Once your car is free, pull over in a safe spot and inspect your tires. Spinning wheels can pack snow and ice into the treads, making steering difficult. Use a snow scraper to clear them and restore proper grip. Don’t forget to turn your traction control back on before resuming your drive. Follow winter driving safety tips to prevent any future issues.
Be Prepared for the Future
Getting stuck in deep snow can damage your car’s transmission, battery, or drivetrain. Get your car checked out if you have been stuck in deep snow.
In addition, prepare for any future incidents. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including:
Finally, make sure your vehicle is protected for winter with the right insurance. This will help add peace of mind. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
There’s no place like home. It’s where life unfolds, memories are made, and your most treasured belongings reside. Protecting it means safeguarding not only your possessions but also your sense of security. From simple habits to smart upgrades, here are some practical tips that keep your home safe and your peace of mind intact.
Secure your doors and windows.
Your doors and windows are the primary entry points to your home, so it’s essential to ensure they only welcome invited guests. Here’s how to keep them secure.
Check and maintain locks: Regularly inspect locks on doors and windows. Repair or replace any that are broken or show signs of wear.
Lock up when you leave: Always keep doors and windows closed and locked when you’re not at home to deter unwanted visitors.
Install window alarms: Affordable, adhesive window alarms are a simple way to deter burglars. These devices emit a loud sound if tampered with, scaring off potential threats.
Enhance front door visibility: Ensure you can see who’s at your door without opening it, whether through a peephole, camera, or nearby window. This reduces the risk of letting in uninvited visitors.
Light your home inside and out.
Lighting isn’t just about setting the right mood—it’s also a powerful tool for keeping your home secure.
Illuminate the exterior: Ensure outdoor areas like entryways, driveways, and pathways are well-lit to make your property less appealing to unwanted visitors.
Use layered lighting: Combine porch lights, path lights, and landscape lighting to eliminate dark spots around your home, making it harder for anyone to hide.
Install motion sensor lights: These lights activate with movement, startling potential intruders and drawing attention to their presence.
Automate your lighting: Use a smart device or timer to turn lights on and off when you’re away. This creates the illusion that someone is home.
Landscape your yard with safety in mind.
Take a look at your landscaping. Are there spots where intruders could hide, or easy access points like tree branches that could lead to an upstairs window?
Clear overgrown areas: Remove any dense bushes, tall grass, or other overgrown spots that could provide hiding places near your home.
Trim trees: Ensure tree branches are cut back so they don’t offer a foothold to access upper windows or levels.
Secure your outdoor valuables: Make sure that your grill, lawn mower, and bicycles are out of sight. Lock your shed and your garage.
Walk your property: Approach your home as if you were a stranger. Look for areas where an intruder could observe your comings and goings without being noticed. Take action to eliminate those hiding spots.
Invest in a security system.
A professionally installed security system not only deters burglars but also alerts authorities in the event of a break-in.
Keep your alarm panel hidden: Avoid placing your alarm panel in view of the outside, where someone could see you arming or disarming it.
Test your system regularly: Ensure your security system is functioning properly by testing it periodically.
Address faulty alarms: If your alarm goes off frequently for no reason, that can cause it to be ignored. Have it repaired. Then tell your neighbors it is fixed.
Advertise your security system: Display a window sticker or lawn sign to let potential intruders know your home is protected.
Don’t advertise to potential intruders.
Sharing certain information or leaving items visible can attract burglars and provide them with the perfect opportunity to strike. Protect your home by taking these precautions.
Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid placing valuable items where they’re visible from the street, such as near windows or in open garages. Keep your most important items in a safe.
Secure garage windows and doors: Frost or cover garage windows to prevent anyone from peeking inside and always keep the garage door closed when not in use.
Be cautious on social media: Avoid posting about recent purchases. Don’t share vacation photos while you’re away.
Avoid obvious signals: Never leave notes on your door indicating you’re not home.
Don’t leave spare keys outside: Common hiding spots like under a planter or welcome mat are the first places burglars will check. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
Don’t have packages on your porch.
Porch pirates are a common danger in many neighborhoods, but a few simple steps can make it harder for them to steal your deliveries.
Choose secure delivery locations: Have packages delivered to a secure pickup location or a locker if possible.
Request signature confirmation: Require a signature for delivery to ensure someone is home to receive the package.
Disguise your disposal: Avoid leaving branded boxes from expensive items, like TVs, in your trash or recycling where they’re visible. Break them down and conceal them to avoid drawing attention.
Establish a home safety network.
Do the things you need to do on a regular basis to check in on security for your home and your area.
Get to know your neighbors: Build a network of trust by watching out for each other’s homes and reporting any suspicious activity.
Connect with local police: Ask local law enforcement about past incidents in your area so you can take precautions against those types of incidents.
Plan for when you are away: Stop mail deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail, newspapers, etc. Arrange for services like lawn care, snow removal, or garbage pickup to make your home appear occupied.
Finally protect your home and your belongings with the right insurance, including personal property coverage. Taking these steps gives you peace of mind and ensures your home is protected no matter where life takes you.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Balancing work and personal life during the holidays can feel like a juggling act. That’s especially true for shift workers on the front line—EMTs, nurses, police officers, and firefighters. While others are wrapping gifts or planning holiday feasts, you’re often working long shifts, answering urgent calls, or preparing for the next day’s challenges. Even if you’re not a first responder, chances are the holidays are a stressful and hectic time with shopping, family gatherings, and a long to-do list.
But here’s the good news: with a little planning and focusing on what really matters, you can still soak up the festive spirit and make it all work.
Set Boundaries
Communicate your availability to family, friends, and colleagues in advance.
Be clear about work commitments and carve out protected time for personal activities.
If you’re feeling pressured from friends or family to do more—buy more gifts, cook more food, or attend every gathering—remember that it’s okay to say no.
Know your stressors and take steps to minimize or avoid them.
Embrace Teamwork and Flexibility
Coordinate with coworkers to swap shifts or share responsibilities, ensuring everyone gets some holiday time.
Be open to celebrating on alternate days if you’re scheduled to work on the holiday.
Don’t take on more than you can handle. Work with your team to prioritize what really needs to be done, and what can wait.
Be flexible. Things won’t always go the way you planned. Keep your attitude positive and adjust as needed.
Plan Micro-Moments of Joy
Integrate small holiday traditions into your daily routine, like sipping hot cocoa during a break or wearing festive socks.
Bring the holiday spirit to work by decorating your workspace or sharing treats with colleagues.
Notice the little moments of the season—the bustle of a holiday market, the scent of gingerbread cookies, the feeling of warmth and connection with those around you.
Enjoy a quiet moment among the holiday decorations after loved ones have gone to bed. Reflect on the true meaning of the season.
Simplify Holiday Expectations
Focus on meaningful, stress-free traditions rather than trying to do everything perfectly.
Delegate tasks like cooking or gift shopping to family members or opt for simpler solutions like potluck dinners.
Avoid over-scheduling yourself. Prioritize activities that truly matter to you and your loved ones, and don’t feel pressured to participate in every event.
Limit gift-giving. Instead of buying multiple gifts, consider giving a meaningful single gift, writing heartfelt cards, or even creating a holiday tradition of spending quality time together.
Celebrate Togetherness Around Your Schedule
Find opportunities to connect with loved ones, even briefly, such as a quick morning coffee or exchanging handwritten notes.
Invite family or friends to join you for breakfast or lunch if you’re working late shifts.
Participate in community events or host small gatherings around your schedule.
Use technology to stay connected, like video calls during downtime.
Ensure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep to maintain energy and focus.
Schedule time for activities that help you decompress, such as exercise, meditation, or a favorite hobby.
Leave work at work. Spend your off-duty time focusing on your needs.
Disconnect from social media and you’ll be surprised at how much time it adds to your day.
Schedule Everything
Write everything into your schedule so you’ll have a better idea of your commitments. Then cross off anything that doesn’t align with your values or bring you joy.
Give yourself the gift of time. Put personal downtime in your schedule and honor it as you would an appointment or commitment.
Add a holiday cushion of extra time between appointments so you’re not constantly rushing.
Not everything has to be scheduled during the holidays. Push some of your commitments beyond the holiday and into the new year. This is an easy way to extend the season while reducing your stress.
Reflect and Express Gratitude
Take time to acknowledge the importance of your work and the impact you have on others.
Keep a gratitude journal where you write down moments of thankfulness, big or small, to help cultivate a positive mindset throughout the season.
Share gratitude with coworkers and family to create a positive, uplifting environment.
Practice mindfulness to appreciate the moments you have with loved ones, no matter how brief.
As you navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, remember to prioritize what matters most—your well-being, your loved ones, and the moments that bring you joy. From all of us at California Casualty, we wish you a stress-free, joyful holiday season filled with peace, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. Happy holidays!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Every day, lives are lost, and families are affected by drunk driving. Yet, these tragedies are entirely preventable. By raising awareness and taking action, we can help ensure safer roads for everyone. Whether it’s through planning a safe ride home or promoting responsible behavior, we all have a role to play in preventing drunk driving and saving lives. Let’s explore how simple choices can make a world of difference.
The Reality of Drunk Driving
The Numbers: Nearly 40 people die each day in drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s about one person every 39 minutes. In fact, almost a third of all deadly crashes in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.
The Legal Consequences: The penalties for drunk driving include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Consequences vary from state to state, but most use blood alcohol content to measure intoxication. In nearly all states, 0.08% is the threshold for drunk driving. Some states have zero tolerance for drivers under age 21 with any amount of alcohol in their system.
The Emotional and Financial Costs: If you’re convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), it’s an expensive proposition. You may have fines to pay. Your insurance rates will increase. You will have to arrange for transportation if you cannot drive while your license is revoked. The emotional toll is significant as well, especially if the crash caused injuries and/or the loss of a loved one.
Why Drunk Driving Happens
Impairment: Alcohol affects your brain, causing you to react more slowly and lose coordination. It can make you drowsy. You may have trouble judging distances and tracking moving targets. If you have enough to drink, you could have difficulty maintaining your lane, braking appropriately, and controlling your vehicle.
Overconfidence: Many people overestimate their ability to function after drinking. They believe they are less impaired than they truly are. They may not realize how even small amounts of alcohol can affect their judgment and reflexes. This false sense of control increases the likelihood of accidents and mistakes.
Social Norms: Social pressure often plays a role in drinking. Friends or colleagues might encourage you to drink more, dismissing concerns about impairment or consequences. This can make it difficult to set personal boundaries or say no, leading individuals to drink more than they intended.
Practical Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a significant danger on the roads, but it’s one that can be prevented with proactive measures. Here’s how to play your part in keeping yourself and others safe:
Plan Ahead
A little foresight can go a long way in avoiding risky situations:
Be the hero. Volunteer as a designated driver and coordinate with friends to rotate this role for group outings.
Choose alternative transport. Opt for a rideshare, taxi, or public transportation if you plan to drink. These options are often cheaper than the cost of an accident or a DUI.
Stay the night. If you’re attending a gathering where you’ll be drinking, ask the host if you can crash on their couch.
Know Your Limits
Understanding your own boundaries can prevent poor decisions:
Be alcohol aware. Alcohol affects everyone differently based on factors like weight, drink strength, and tolerance levels. Know how it impacts you.
Use tech tools. BAC calculators or personal breathalyzers provide a snapshot of your intoxication level—but don’t rely solely on them to decide if you’re fit to drive.
Err on the safe side. If you’ve consumed any alcohol, you could be impaired. Make decisions accordingly.
Host Responsibly.
When hosting, you can create an environment that discourages drunk driving:
Offer alternatives. Serve non-alcoholic beverages alongside alcoholic ones to give guests choices.
Feed your guests. Snacks or meals can slow alcohol absorption, helping guests pace themselves.
End alcohol service early. Stop serving drinks at least an hour before your event ends.
Keep an eye out. Pay attention to your guests. If someone appears intoxicated, offer them a ride home or a place to sleep.
Speak Up.
Your intervention could save a life:
Step in when needed. Offer to drive friends home if they’ve been drinking or insist they use alternative transport.
Take the keys. It’s tough to confront someone, but preventing an impaired friend from driving is worth it.
Be firm about your safety. Refuse to ride with anyone who’s been drinking.
Educate teens. Have open conversations about the dangers of drunk driving and ensure they know they can always call you in an emergency.
Drive Defensively.
Even if you’re sober, staying alert can protect you from impaired drivers on the road:
Stay vigilant. Watch for erratic driving behavior like swerving, inconsistent speeds, delayed reactions, or incorrect signaling.
Maintain distance. If you suspect someone is driving drunk, give them plenty of space to minimize risk.
Report suspected drunk drivers. Call local law enforcement with details such as the vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate, and location. Never try to stop the driver yourself.
Finally, protect your vehicle with the right insurance. Happy holidays and safe travels from all of us at California Casualty.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We understand that changes to insurance premiums can be concerning, and we want to help you understand the factors that influence your rates. Insurance rates are determined by a combination of external conditions and personal policy coverage selections. Below, we’ll explain some of the most common reasons rates can increase and what changes in your policy could impact your premium.
External Factors That Can Cause Rate Increases
1. Rising Costs of Repairs and Replacements
For auto insurance, advanced technology in vehicles, like sensors and cameras, makes repairs more expensive. In the case of a total loss, rising prices for new and used vehicles drives up the cost of replacement. Similarly, home insurance is impacted by increasing prices for building materials and labor, making it more costly to repair or rebuild homes after a loss.
2. Weather and Natural Disasters
Severe weather events, such as wildfires, floods, and hailstorms, are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. These events lead to higher claim payouts and cause insurance rates to rise, even in areas that haven’t been directly affected.
3. Inflation
General inflation affects nearly every industry, including insurance. The rising cost of goods and services —from everything associated with a minor vehicle repair all the way to restoring extensive home damage, like parts, materials, labor, rental cars, temporary housing, legal and medical expenses —can result in an adjustment of premiums to align with the amount that is paid out on claims.
4. Increased Claim Frequency
More claims being filed—whether due to a rise in car accidents, litigation, or property damage—paired with increased claims costs can lead to paying out more on claims than what is collected in premium. When this happens, a rate increase can occur.
5. Reassessment of Risks
Insurance companies regularly re-evaluate risks in specific areas. If you live in a region that’s seen more accidents, theft, or natural disasters, your premiums may increase to reflect the heightened risk.
How Policy Changes or Adjustments Affect Your Premium
1. Adding or Removing Coverage
Expanding your coverage—such as adding comprehensive auto coverage or increasing your home insurance policy limits—will raise your premium. Conversely, reducing coverage may lower your rate but could leave you underinsured.
2. Adjusting Deductibles
Choosing a higher deductible typically lowers your premium since you agree to pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. However, a lower deductible means your insurer covers more upfront, which increases your premium.
3. Policy Discounts and Loss of Discounts
We offer many discounts including affiliated group membership, bundling auto and home, multi-vehicle, safe driving, home security, non-smoking, good student, mature driver, etc. If you no longer qualify for a discount, your rate may increase.
4. Changes in Your Personal Profile
Life changes such as adding a new driver to your policy, changes to the number or type of covered vehicles, or moving to a different area can impact your premiums.
5. Claims History or Driving Record
Filing a claim can result in higher premiums at renewal. Additionally, if a ticket or accident is charged against your driving record, you may be subject to a surcharge that will likely raise your rates.
How You Can Help Manage Your Premiums
While some factors are out of your control, there are steps you can take to keep your premiums manageable:
Bundle Policies:Combining your auto and home insurance or having multiple vehicles on one policy can help you save more.
Review Your Coverage: Call us for a free policy review to make sure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need.
Increase Your Deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium but be prepared to cover more out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.
Maintain a Safe Driving Record:Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your auto insurance costs down.
Home Upgrades: A new roof, installing alarms, fire-resistive updates, or upgrading plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems can help you qualify for discounts.
Ask About Discounts: Let us know if there have been changes, like completing a mature driving course, a child away at school without a vehicle, or reaching a milestone like retirement. We also offer discounts for multi-home, years claim free, good student, safe driving, and driver training for youthful drivers
We’re Here to Help
Whether it’s an auto accident or a home repair after a storm, having insurance helps ensure you’re not left to bear the full financial burden – so maintaining adequate coverage is crucial.
We understand that insurance can feel complex, but we’re here to make it simple and help make sure you have the coverage that’s right for you. Our trusted advisors are available to review your current policies, provide guidance on your coverage options, help explore ways to save, and answer any questions you have.
Thank you for trusting us to protect what matters most to you.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
