by California Casualty | Helpful Tips |
Picture this: you’re on the brink of capturing the perfect moment. Then it hits you like a digital disappointment – “not enough storage.” The fear of missing out is real. Here’s how to free up space on your phone for perfect picture taking anytime.
Don’t “double save” your photos.
If you use HDR mode or if you take photos on Instagram, you could be saving your photos twice, and that takes up twice the space.
HDR, or high dynamic range, makes your photos look better. If the setting is on for your smartphone, it creates a regular image and an HDR one every time you take a photo. Here’s how to turn it off.
For an iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Camera.
- Scroll down until you see Smart HDR.
- Toggle the button to turn off Smart HDR.
- Then the next time you take a photo, look for a switch in the upper right corner. Tap the HDR icon to turn it on or off.
For an Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on your Camera. The location varies from phone to phone and might be under photos.
- Look for the gear in the upper left corner. It opens camera settings.
- Look for the toggle to turn Auto HDR off.
Eliminate duplicates on Instagram.
Instagram automatically saves a copy of your edited photo in your camera roll. That could easily eat up extra storage space. Here’s how to turn that feature off.
For an iPhone:
- Login to the Instagram app on your phone.
- Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
- Choose Settings.
- Click on Account.
- Select Original Photos.
- Use the toggle in the box to turn this feature off.
- This will stop Instagram from saving photos and videos to your camera roll.
For an Android:
- Login to the Instagram app on your phone.
- Tap the profile button in the lower right corner.
- Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
- Choose Settings.
- Click on Account.
- Select Original Posts.
- Use the toggle in the box to turn off 3 different features: Original Posts, Posted Photos, and Posted Videos.
- This will stop Instagram from saving photos and videos to your camera roll.
Delete photos and videos.
Your photos and videos can take up a lot of room. Periodically deleting them from your phone can help free up space.
With iPhones, if you delete an image from your photo album, you’ll also delete it from the Cloud. There are a few workarounds such as turning off iCloud photo sharing and Sync this iPhone. However, you probably want to keep that connectivity.
To delete photos/videos on an iPhone:
- Open Photos.
- From the Library tab, select All Photos.
- Choose the photo or video that you want to delete.
- Tap the trash button, then delete photo.
- Then find the Recently Deleted album and select delete all to permanently remove them.
To delete photos/videos on an Android:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Sign into Google.
- Tap or hold a photo that you want to remove. You may select multiple ones.
- At the top, choose Delete.
Can’t bear to permanently lose your photos? You can always transfer your photos to CDs or an external hard drive or store them online in a service like Dropbox or Flickr.
Clean up your data.
Your phone stores lots of data, from text message conversations to temporary files. Removing these items can help clear up some space.
For an iPhone, clear your message history:
- Go to Settings.
- Choose Messages.
- Select Message History.
- The default option is forever. Change it to one year or less.
For an iPhone, clear your cache:
- Go to Settings.
- Choose Safari.
- Select Clear History and Website Data.
For an Android, clear your cache.
- Open your Chrome app.
- Tap more at the top right.
- Choose History.
- Clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range at the top. “All time” will delete everything.
- Check the boxes next to “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files.”
- Select Clear Data.
Manage your storage.
You can get a good idea of what is taking up space on your phone by looking at your storage.
For an iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Choose General.
- Select Storage & iCloud Usage.
- Then tap Manage Storage. This is the list of how much space is taken up by apps.
- Click Optimize iPhone Storage.
For an Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Choose “Free up space” button.
- This will take you the Google Files app.
- You may follow the Cleaning Suggestions from the Files app.
- You also may click the three parallel lines in the top left corner. Select Settings and look for the Smart Storage setting. Toggle it to turn it on.
Organize your apps.
There are apps that you use every day and others that you rarely use. Take this opportunity to delete the latter.
For an iPhone:
- Touch and hold the app on the home screen.
- Choose Remove App to take it off the home screen.
- Or choose Delete to remove it from your phone.
For an Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile at the top right.
- Choose Manage Apps and Devices.
- Click Manage, then select the name of the app you would like to delete.
- Select Uninstall.
Note that the Google Play Store has an Uninstall Manager that tells you which apps are ones that you don’t use.
Pro Tip: You can also delete the data for the apps you use. Just uninstall and reinstall them.
Try an app.
There are apps that you can download for Android phones that help you clean it. Some popular names include 1-Tap Cleaner, CCleaner, AVG Cleaner, and others. Apple has its own version called iPhone Cleaner: Clean Storage +. These apps sometimes cost money, and so you can determine if they are necessary.
Expand your phone’s memory.
Finally, if you have an Android phone, you may be able to expand its memory with a micro-SD card. iPhones unfortunately have the amount of storage that is set at the factory.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
When to get your brakes checked
Your car could be trying to tell you something. Every screech, squeal, or grind could be its way of asking for new brakes.
First, a word about how brakes work…
Most vehicles today have disc brakes. When you press the brake pedal, the car pushes pressurized fluid through its brake lines. The fluid goes into a pair of calipers (clamps) lined with brake pads. They start to squeeze the rotors (metallic discs) from either side. The rotors are located behind each wheel and so the resulting friction slows the spinning, and eventually stops the car.
This constant squeezing and release causes wear and tear. Cars will need new brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, and new rotors between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. The actual mileage depends on your driving habits. Frequent braking, braking at high speeds, and driving a heavier car will take their toll on your brakes.
How to tell when you need new brakes
The good news is that your car gives you warning signs when brakes begin to wear out. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to get your brakes checked.
Squealing or screeching sound
Brake pads are built with a small piece of metal that becomes exposed as the pads wear down. The metal vibrates against the rotors, causing a high-pitched squeal or screech. That usually happens when the thickness of the pad is at the lowest possible level while still being considered safe to drive. So, if you hear the squeal, you will want to act soon. If you let it go too long, it will become a heavy grinding sound and it can start damaging other parts.
Pro Tip: Know that brake squeaks and squeals can happen if a car has been sitting for a while. That’s because the pads are covered with moisture, rust, and grime. Those noises go away after a few uses of the brakes.
Low brake fluid warning light
Your brakes use hydraulic fluid and cannot function without it. If you see a low brake fluid light, that means something is going on. There could be a leak in the system. Or it could be you’re your brake pads have worn down, causing the fluid to fill the space that’s lower in the reservoir.
Pro Tip: Look for a driveway puddle after your car has been parked for a bit. This type of fluid ranges from clear to yellow brown in color. You’ll find the leak near the wheels. It’s not safe to drive if you have a brake fluid leak. It may cause the brakes to fail.
Car pulls to one side while braking
If the car is pulling to one side or the other when you brake, you’re probably only getting brake power to that side. That’s an indication that you need new brakes or pads or that you have a jammed caliper. Either way, you’ll want to get it checked out.
Pulsating during braking
If your car vibrates, shakes, or pulses as you brake, it could be due to warped or unevenly worn rotors. It also could be caused by adhesive that gets hot and smeared across the rotor. Mechanics call this “glazing” and it can compromise brakes.
Rattling or clicking when you brake
Some vehicles hold brake pads with clips, bolts, or pins. If they become loose, they’ll begin to rattle. You may hear a clicking sound when you brake.
Poor brake performance
If your car takes longer to stop than usual, or if you are pressing the brake pedal down to the floor to get your car to stop, there is a problem. Causes include worn rotors, low brake fluid, and brake pads that are too thin. It could also be an issue with your car’s hydraulic system.
Grinding sound while braking
This is a sign that your brake pads are completely worn. The grinding sound you hear is “metal on metal” as the caliper and rotor scrape against each other. Because this can easily damage them and other parts, you’ll need to get this addressed right away.
Stay on top of maintenance
When one part of the braking system is damaged, it can affect other parts. Driving with worn brakes also can damage your tires. It can wear them down and cause them to be unbalanced. Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep it well maintained and protect it with the right insurance.
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.
by California Casualty | Educators, Firefighters, Nurses, Peace Officers |
It’s time to stop and reflect on the good that is around us. Starting each day with an inspiring message of gratitude not only sets the tone for positivity, it also benefits you in numerous ways. Being thankful increases feelings of happiness and optimism. Gratitude fosters positive self-esteem and improves relationships. It helps to reduce stress.
Embrace the power of gratitude with these inspiring quotes.
- “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse
- “If you want to find happiness, find gratitude.” – Steve Maraboli
- “Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
- “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” – Alphonse Karr
- “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward
- “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Aesop
- “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” – Special Olympics CEO Mary Davis
- “An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” – Yogi Bhajan
- “The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Remember that what you now have was once among the things that you had hoped for.” – Epicurus
- “Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
- “This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.” – Maya Angelou
- “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” – John F. Kennedy
- “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” – Cynthia Ozick
- “Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” – Jim Rohn
- “Gratitude sweetens even the smallest moments.” – Anonymous
- “All that we behold is full of blessings.” – William Wordsworth
- “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” – Zig Ziglar
- “The more you are thankful, the more you attract things to be thankful for.” – Walt Whitman
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
The nights are getting longer. That means your headlights are more important than ever. Keeping them clean and in good working order will help you stay safe. Follow this guide to keep your headlights shining bright and sparkling like new.
Why are clean headlights important?
You might think that foggy headlights don’t make that much of a difference. In reality, their light can be dangerously dim. Foggy headlights emit only about 20% of the light that new headlights do, according to AAA. Not only is that a problem at night, but cloudy headlights can limit your visibility in rain and fog, too. It is just as important to replace your headlights as it is to replace your windshield wipers.
What causes headlights to wear out?
Most headlights today are made of thick plastic. While these lenses are more scratch-resistant than glass and can last a long time, their surfaces do wear out. The sun’s UV rays cause the lenses to oxidize, which creates microscopic cracks and yellowing. That impacts the quality of light they can emit. A car wash won’t be able to clean this type of damage.
Pro Tip: You can help limit your headlights’ exposure to UV rays and slow the yellowing process. Park in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight. Consider a protective cover for your vehicle. Park your car inside whenever possible.
Every vehicle is different, and some methods work better than others.
There are a variety of ways to clean your car’s headlights. You can do many of them with supplies you already have around the house. Depending on your vehicle, you will find that some methods work better than others so feel free to experiment.
How to Clean Your Headlights
Start with a clean surface. Headlights pick up dirt, grime, and dust. Before you dive into the deep cleaning, you want to remove that debris. Here are several ways to do so. (You just need to choose one method for the initial clean; you won’t want to do them all.) Remember to wear latex gloves to protect your skin.
- Soap and water: Use car wash soap that is made for plastic headlight lenses. Mix one part of the soap with two parts of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto your headlights and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
- Use a specialized cleaner such as bug-and-tar remover. Spray it on your headlights. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Try rubbing alcohol. Dip a soft cloth into the alcohol and then gently scrub the headlights. Rinse with water.
Protect your vehicle’s paint. It’s a good idea to cover the painted finish around each headlight so that you don’t damage your car’s paint. Use a tape without a strong adhesive. Painter’s tape works well.
Method #1: Using a Restoration Kit
You can buy headlight restoration kits at your local auto shop. These kits come with sandpaper that help you to gently remove the microscopic cracks.
- Start with the roughest piece of sandpaper in the kit.
- In between sanding, keep headlights wet using water in a spray bottle.
- Repeat with the next coarsest sandpaper and continue to the finest one.
- Clean your headlights with soap and water. Use car soap made for headlights.
- Seal with a clear coat if the kit includes one.
Method #2: Vinegar and Baking Soda (or Toothpaste)
Common household supplies like vinegar and baking soda are effective cleaners. Alternatively, you can use toothpaste with baking soda. Just make sure the toothpaste does not have flavor crystals which can scratch the surface. Here’s how to use them to clean your headlights.
- Mix up a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Use two-parts distilled white vinegar to one-part baking soda. (You also can use toothpaste without the vinegar instead.)
- Apply the mixture using a microfiber cloth. Rub it on each headlight. Then let it dry.
- Wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Rinse with water.
Method #3: Window Cleaner or WD-40
Chemical agents like glass cleaner and WD-40 also can do the job.
- For window cleaner, spray a generous amount onto your headlights. Let it soak in. Then, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it down.
- For WD-40, apply it with a clean, soft cloth. Rub it firmly in a circular manner. Rinse with car soap and water when you are done.
- Apply a car polish using a clean cloth to help protect the surface.
Method #4: A Quick and Temporary Fix
You can help fill in the microscopic cracks and scratches with petroleum jelly or olive oil.
- Put a coin-sized amount petroleum jelly or olive oil on a microfiber cloth.
- Rub it into your headlights.
- Do not rinse. The thin layer will coat your headlights but will disappear the next time it rains.
If you cleaned your headlights and it didn’t help:
- Check their alignment. Consult your owner’s manual on how to adjust your headlights or bring them to a professional.
- Check the inside if the headlight. Dissemble your headlight and use car soap and water or glass cleaner to clean the inside. Make sure to completely rinse and wipe away any liquid. Any residue can be heated by the powerful bulbs.
How to Change Your Headlights
Most new cars have LED headlights which can last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, if you have an older car, you will need to change your headlight bulbs. There are different headlight setups, with the most common being the twist and lock and the spring clip. Check your owner’s manual to see which one you have. Remember to replace bulbs in pairs. If one bulb went out, chances are the other is likely to go out soon.
Directions
- Make sure your car is turned off. Open the hood.
- Disconnect the negative ground cable from the battery.
- Look for the headlight connection. Disconnect the wires from the headlight bulb.
- For at Twist and Lock:
- To pull the bulb out, you will need to push the tab and twist the headlight counterclockwise.
- To install the new bulb, you will need to put it in and twist it clockwise until it locks.
- For a Spring Clip:
- Press the spring to release the bulb. Then pull it out.
- Put the new bulb in and lock it in place.
- Reconnect the wires to the headlight.
- Reconnect the negative ground cable to the battery.
- Close the hood.
Halogen Bulbs
Note that classic cars may use a sealed-beam halogen bulb. You can’t replace these bulbs. You must replace the entire headlight housing.
- Make sure your car is turned off. Open the hood.
- Disconnect the negative ground cable from the battery.
- Find the headlight housing and unplug the wires for the blinker and headlight.
- Disconnect any electrical connections from the back of the housing.
- You will need a screwdriver to loosen the bracket on the housing and remove it.
- Replace it with the new housing.
- Reconnect the housing to the headlights and blinker.
- Reconnect the negative ground cable to the battery and close the hood.
Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep your car well maintained and protect it with the right insurance. 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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
Are you more likely to encounter a vehicle fire in an electric vehicle or a gas-powered one? The answer may surprise you. We’re breaking down the risks of each, and sharing important tips to help keep you safe from a car fire no matter which type of vehicle you drive.
Fires happen in all types of vehicles.
Despite articles circulating on the Internet, there is no government agency tracking fires by the type of vehicle. So, we don’t have a clear idea of which type of vehicle is more prone to fires: gas, electric or hybrid. You’re more likely to see a fire in a gasoline-powered engine than an EV or hybrid, simply because there are more of those vehicles on the road.
We do know that less than half of one percent (or 0.04) vehicles catch fire in any given year. Even though that seems like a low percentage, consider that there were more than 200,000 vehicle fires in the U.S. in 2018, as reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
What causes vehicle fires?
Engines produce heat, and when heat connects with a spark or a flammable liquid, a fire can start. Here’s a quick overview of how fires typically happen in gas versus electric vehicles.
Gas-powered combustion vehicles
- Fuel system leaks are the most common causes of fires in gas-powered vehicles. Gasoline is highly flammable and can catch fire from a single spark. Gasoline at a high enough temperature can ignite by itself.
- Electrical system failures are the second most common cause of gas-powered car fires. The electric current produced by a standard lead-acid battery, along with faulty or loose wiring, can produce sparks. Those sparks can ignite a fluid leak or hydrogen gas buildup.
- Flammable fluids can cause fires if their lines, hoses, or containers are damaged. These fluids circulate through your gas-powered engine, and include oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant and gasoline or diesel. An overheated engine can sometimes cause these fluids to seep out of their designated areas. The anti-lock brake system also can leak brake fluid that can cause an electric short, which can lead to a fire.
- Exhaust-related fires can come from catalytic converters. These parts can be so hot that they can ignite grass under your vehicle. Catalytic converter fires usually occur if your car’s engine doesn’t burn fuel properly, and extra stuff winds up in the exhaust. That causes your catalytic converter to work too hard to burn off those extra pollutants.
- Crashes can cause fires, even though most vehicles are designed with crumple zones that protect the engine, battery, and gas tank. Even so, a crash can cause fluid to leak, and create heat and smoke, which are the ideal conditions for a fire.
Electric vehicles
- Batteries can cause fires in electric and hybrid vehicles. This can happen if the battery is overcharged, damaged, or has a faulty design. The battery is short-circuited, causing a chemical reaction that results in flammable, poisonous gases. This can even happen when a car is not being driven.
- Crashes can damage the battery. If the coolant surrounding the battery leaks out, it can quickly heat up and cause a fire. A crash can also compromise the battery so that it short circuits and heats up. Manufacturers have included safety features such as automatic shutoffs for batteries during a crash, and coatings that help fire from spreading.
EV Car Fires: Much Tougher to Control
Lithium-ion batteries provide their own fuel source, and as a result, can burn for hours on end. They are sometimes hotter than gasoline-powered fires, and therefore harder to cool down. If you call 9-1-1 for a car fire involving an electric or hybrid vehicle, make sure you mention that fact. There are specialized fire extinguishers and firefighting techniques for electrical fires.
Signs Your Car May be in Danger of Catching Fire
Older vehicles may have wiring or other issues that can lead to a fire. However, any car could be at risk. If your vehicle exhibits any of the following signs, take it to your mechanic immediately.
- Quick drops in fuel levels or oil levels
- Wide ranges and changes in your engine’s temperature
- Fuses that repeatedly that pop
- A smoky or burning smell
- Smoke or sparks
- Fluid leaking under your car
What to Do if Your Car Catches Fire
Here’s what to do if your car catches fire.
- Pull over safely as soon as you can.
- Turn the engine off.
- Get everyone out of the car and at least 100 feet away.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Don’t go back into the vehicle for any reason.
- Don’t open the hood. A burning car can explode at any moment.
Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep your car well maintained and protect it with the right insurance. 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.
