Login / create account

All tips for user "myxlfidian"

Tip: Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance : To maximise speed of your laptop do these things: 1) Increase the RAM to the maximum allowable (usually 2-3GB, rarely 1GB). That is, buy more RAM chips but ensure they are compatible with your mode […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Always turn the overdrive off on the gearshift in an automatic when driving under 70km/h. It saves your gearbox and helps to grip the road better at lower speeds.

Tip: Main > Household > Power-saving : Put a lid on it: When you're in the kitchen, there are lots of small things you can do that can help make a difference. Saucepans with lids on heat much quicker, using less energy in the process. The […]

Tip: Main > Household > Power-saving : Three biggest ways to save on power: 1) Rent a small one-bedroom unit. It's less lights, less cooling and heating. But you need a door between the two rooms to reduce heat and cool air loss. One bo […]

Tip: Main > Living > Clothing > Shoes : Shoes: Always buy sneakers that are 1/2 a size too small for your foot. When they reach their maximum loosening point, they will fit you like a snug glove. Very comfortable, with no slack. Much better […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Engine mounts : Genuine or Aftermarket? The eternal dilemma of the car part buyer, but particularly critical with engine mounts. The reason is the quality of the rubber. You might say why should I buy a genuine mo […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : Things Panel Beaters might miss: Some things a panel beater missed while fixing the right hand rear quarter panel, and chassis rail underbody area recently: 1) Boot badges or decals. He gave me […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Shock absorbers : Shock Absorbers and Engines: I've recently discovered that a pair of new front shock absorbers or struts, can actually have a large effect on the functioning of your engine. The result achieved is […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Air-conditioning : If you are converting from older R12 refrigerant gas (pre-1995 or so) to current R134a gas, be aware that unless the system is thoroughly flushed you can expect a performance degradation. You may get […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Water leaks : Hissing noises: At first this noise sounds strange, but it is almost always caused by a leaking radiator or water pump hose. Squeeze each hose quite strongly when you hear this noise and if the noise […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Suspension Bushes : Pressing in bushes: For those who have an 8 or 10 tonne press, if you have small bushes that are hard to press in to rods or arms, press the bush into a tight-fitting pipe hollow (uncapped) pipe fi […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Shock absorbers : Changing other suspension and steering parts in a car is always worth it, i.e. front control arm bushes, ball joints, tie rod ends and power steering rack bushes and seals. Rear trailing arm bushes ar […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Shock absorbers : How are my wheels connected to the ground? Though it may be fairly well-known that shock absorbers and in some cases bushes (usually control or trailing arms) are the single point of contact betwee […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Suspension Bushes : Rear Trailing Arm Bushes The only point of contact your car has with the ground is it's four wheels. And half of those wheels are attached to one steel bar - the rear beam axle, torsion bar or diff […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Rear Window Demister/Defogger : If the tab breaks off the copper grid, buy a full repair kit (Rear Window Defogger Repair Kit) that has both a tab adhesive and gridline repair items (Permatex and Loctite manufacture them). The tab's […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Fuel system : Fuel system components: Be especially careful when changing fuel system parts. If you already have an electric fuel pump in the tank, do not install a manual fuel pump at the cylinder head (with an ar […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Engine mounts : For general Automotive Sealants, use Sikaflex-227. It's cheaper and is designed for car use. Sikaflex-220 mentioned above is more expensive and heavy duty, and thus more suited to engine mounts where […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Economy : When you fill up your tank, wait until it is almost empty so you can get the maximum value from your 4c, 8c or 10c a litre off voucher. You do get a proportional discount on non full litre amounts (i. […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Starter Motor : If your starter motor won't crank, it could also be a dud alternator. If the alternator doesn't show between 13 to 15 volts at the battery, it isn't working fully, which will result in undercharging o […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Gearboxes : Installing heavy gearboxes: When putting in a large gearbox, balance it on a hydraulic jack with a piece of wood under it first. Tie thick rope around it twice and then as you raise the jack, tighten […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : Older cars and smashes: Cars older than 15 years almost always have rust in structural panels underneath the painted panels you see on the outside of the car. These inner panels have never had the sam […]

Tip: Main > Gardening > Potted plants : Growing Vegetables in Pots: Be aware that potted vegies need a lot more water than vegies grown in the ground. On a hot day you might have to water them several times. Some ways of dealing with th […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Write-offs (repair or destroy?) : Rear panel damage: If someone does substantial damage to your rear-end, such that unremovable panels (quarter, beaver, boot floor, chassis rail panels) are irrepairable, here's what to do. Find a wrec […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : Rear panel damage: If someone does substantial damage to your rear-end, such that unremovable panels (quarter, beaver, boot floor, chassis rail panels) are irrepairable, here's what to do. Find a wrec […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Write-offs (repair or destroy?) : Insurance claims: If an insurance company wants to take your write-off, bear in mind that they will 1) Refund your car registration to them 2) Refund your insurance to them 3) Sell the car at au […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Write-offs (repair or destroy?) : If you are hit by a car which does more damage than the car is worth, panel beaters will tell you its a write-off. They will say you should junk the car and use it for parts, or put the good parts in […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Window tinting : Not only could a tint be of a low quality, but the installation could be so bad that the tinting gets bubbles under it and is useless within months.

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Window tinting : Research tints before you buy. The cheaper ones available in Malaysia etc (though they may claim to be made in the USA) often get bubbles under the surface within months of installation, rendering the […]

Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Running a vehicle : Tyres: You will get over 15% more kilometres per tank of fuel with new tyres (all four) than older, more worn tyres. If you have good suspension parts and 6-month wheel alignments and tyre balancing/r […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Brakes : Change your brake fluid every two years. It greatly increases braking power. Add brake fluid as you see it lowering in the master reservoir tank. It is normal for brake fluid to become lower as the […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Waxing : How to clean, cut and polish and wax your car. Note: Do all of this outside direct sunlight, in a garage or other covered area. 1) Use car wash on an already rinsed down car, with two buckets, c […]

Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget : Dental: Save huge money by availing yourself of free dental work at public dental hospitals. In Australia, you qualify when you are unemployed OR a low income earner. I even got a gold crown with a me […]

Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Shopping : Best time to shop: Like many things, this is a delicate balancing act if you want to get it right. If you go shopping on the way to lunch, and you are fairly hungry but not too much, you will want to […]

Tip: Main > Health > Diet & Nutrition : Sugar: Brown cane sugar (the stuff that's a bit sticky) is the only kind of sugar you'll get anything out of nutritionally because its the least refined from the plant. There are some fibrous traces i […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards : Getting a home loan: Something you might not realise is that credit cards are treated as liabilities, even if they have a zero balance. The reason being, at any given time you could max out the card. […]

Tip: Main > Entertainment > Literature : The late 1800s vs modern times: I think its fascinating to go back and read late 19th Century works, including bilingual dictionaries and non-fiction. I tried to learn German from this era and was […]

Tip: Main > Technology > Computers > Computer hardware > Peripherals : Headphones: Some brands like Sennheiser make a range of models with detachable cables. Each ear has a cable with a 3.5mm jack that plugs right into the ear. If the headphone fails in one ear, its almo […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Oil and other fluids : Changing oil: For a medium-sized car, every four(4) months, or three(3) times a year is recommended. Change the filter every second time, or once every eight(8) months. When you pour the used oil into […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Oil and other fluids : Gerabox oil: Critical as you can lose an entire gearbox if you drive around for a fairly short time with a heavy leak. Check it weekly. Sometimes you have to cycle through the automatic gears while id […]

Tip: Main > Family > Children > Toddlers : Living in a block of units with neighbours with toddlers: I did this once for two years and it came within a hair of ruining my life. The answer is to get out no matter what. Try to find units where t […]

Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Running a vehicle : Genuine vs aftermarket: This is one of the biggest things you will do when buying parts for a car, if you know what you're doing: trying to decide if paying more for a genuine or name-brand component […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Oil and other fluids : Oil storage and disposal: Always store old oil in oil containers that used to have new oil in them, so always keep them. That oil is recyclable at public garbage dumps - but you will have to pour it i […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Social security > Australia : The nine most terrifying words in the English language are "I'm from the government and I'm here to help" - Ronald Reagan

Tip: Main > Living : You'll always pass failure on the way to success - Mickey Rooney

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Saving money : Psychology of the lock-in: The only surefire way I've found of containing cash loss (and thereby inadvertently maximising savings) is to have several layers of "lock-in" before you can get to your mon […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Saving money : Methods for saving cash: Early 1900s German language contains a full system for building money. Did you ever wonder why technology and societal rules changed so much from the 1880s to the 1920s? It wa […]

Tip: Main > Health > Addictions : At bottom, all addictions are the same thing. People begin being unhappy. They see a certain drug or behaviour or activity as solving their unhappiness. But soon enough, doing that very activity itsel […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : If you have some non-removable panels with fairly minor dents in them, they will not be hard to fix yourself. Many dents can be knocked out with a panel beating kit that uses different dollies and ham […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : Painting: Do not paint in rainy or overcast conditions, even when you are undercover. The increased moisture in the air is bad for the paint, which dries better in drier weather. For aluminium surf […]

Tip: Main > Living > Environment : Bag it up!: Environmental groups estimate that over 500 billion plastic bags are used each year, approximately 6.9 billion plastic bags used by Australian consumers alone, exacting a huge toll on the […]

Tip: Main > Living > Environment : Think local!: Try, when you can, to buy food that's been produced, grown, or raised as close to your home as possible. Much of our food is now grown and processed in fewer and fewer locations, meaning […]

Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Shopping : Stack it!: Do you sometimes go to the supermarket and see a favourite canned food item on special, but think you shouldn't buy many because of storage issues? You know they won't reach their use by da […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Gearboxes : When you change a gearbox, you have to remove and replace the left and right constant velocity joints (CV joints or driveshafts). You should get a wheel alignment after reassembly. You should also get […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Fuel system : Pump it up: When you can, walk. If you can't walk, cycle. And if you can't cycle, try public transport. But if you have to use your car, make sure to keep your tyres properly inflated. It is estimated […]

Tip: Main > Household > Power-saving : Bright ideas: Every time you change a lightbulb from now on, make sure you change it with a compact fluorescent lightbulb. Not only do they use about 75% less energy than a standard bulb, but they'll […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Debt : Make a spreadsheet of all your credit cards, loans etc, how much you owe and how much savings you have. A running tally of your total debt minus savings and money owed to you will motivate you to redu […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Gearboxes : When you are going up a hill you normally take on a warm engine in drive (D), switch down to Low (L) or 2nd (2) gear when the engine is cold. Cold engine don't run in drive very well.

Tip: Main > Health > Mental health > Depression : Nietzsche said "Woman is ego personified". An excellent proof that woman is ego is that they get depressed far more often than men. A lot of politicians often get depressed as well, because they are t […]

Tip: Main > Health > Environment > Dire situations : In case of fire, grab a chair and thrown it through the glass panel of your windows. Not the security screen half. You will have ample room to get out then.

Tip: Main > Health > Environment > Dire situations : A cataclysmic situation is at root always your own fault. There are things you could have done to resolve them. Do not look at this as self-reproach. Look at this knowledge as a guide to doing things […]

Tip: Main > Health > Mental health > Anger > Chronic anger : The most important thing is to never suppress your anger. Never deny your emotions. But never let them rule. Self-denial or emotive outburst is the path of least resistance to destruction and bad karm […]

Tip: Main > Health > Mental health > Anger : Let your anger course through your veins as genuinely as you feel it. Let it go in, but flip it inside so it comes out as controlled desire to resolve the issue. Action is the answer, not emotion. All […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Tools : A very valuable part of a car tool catalogue is containers. You at least need an oil pan to drain out old oil and a jerry can to store coolant for reuse.

Tip: Main > Family > Children : Three ways to keep your money: Don't get divorced. Don't get sick. Don't have kids.

Tip: Main > Technology > Computers : Standby Mode S3 Suspend: This is an incredible mode because it uses only 1 watt more than when you turn the whole PC off but leave it plugged in (soft power), but at the touch of a button you have you […]

Tip: Main > Technology > Computers : System Restore: If your sound suddenly starts going jittery, videos won't play or an application doesn't work the way it used to, including programs within web pages, just restore the PC to an earlier […]

Tip: Main > Technology > Computers > Computer hardware : Sound cards: Onboard sound is definitely inferior to a PCI Sound Card. It also means more processing work is done off the motherboard.

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Banking & loans : Paying-off student loans (Australia): Don't pay off student loans in Australia before they get transferred to the tax system. You will still get 10% off for voluntary payments of $500 or more, so the […]

Tip: Main > Living > Work : Bosses from other countries: If your boss is from another country, ask for their permission to record any conversations you may have in private. If the meeting is about firing you or not renewing your […]

Tip: Main > Living > Work : Contract Termination Warning Signs 1) New workers start with the company in your role leading up to your contract end date 2) Your boss takes a long time to do anything for you, including granting […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Debt : An alternative method of paying off debt is to pay off the smallest debt first. The theory goes that the psychological kick of beating a debt is worth more than saving a bit on the interest but having […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Bills : Bills: The secret of paying them is to allow for them in advance. As soon as they arrive, factor them in to your financial equation as soon as possible (i.e. within that day or the next few days). The […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Bills : Online payment scheduling: Put as many of your bills on direct debit as you can, but those you can't, schedule the payment for the last day via online banking the moment you receive the bill. The know […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Paying debts : Pre-scheduling payments: The longer you have a payment scheduled online, the more real it is and the more you can deal with and accommodate it. I recommend you set up online access for all your credit […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Paying debts : Rules to save you extra costs: Try to pay your card 72 hours before it is due as internet payments may clear after the due date. The bank's computer will automatically charge interest in that case. […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards : Card Management: If you have several cards, you are best off accruing your points on one only, with a backup card in case you max out your main card, or their system is down when you go to make a purc […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > 'Rewards' : Bonuses: Some credit cards offer an extra 1 year warranty on whitegoods and appliances purchased on the card.

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > 'Rewards' : Credit Cards vs Cash: When you use a credit card, you don't feel the pain of parting with anything, like you do with cash. Studies have shown that people spend 12-18% more when using credit cards t […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > 'Rewards' : Buy everything on credit card if you get frequent flyer points for each dollar, and pay your statement in full each month through making scheduled online payments as soon as the bill arrives. The fast […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Interest rates : 6% interest rate with no expiry: Asked your credit card company for a rate reduction and got rejected? You needn't worry. Find two cards that offer 5.99% on balance transfers for 5 or 6 months. It's […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Interest rates : Bust annual credit card fees: Empty all debt off the card through a balance transfer. Then threaten to close the card unless the annual fee is waived this year. Or, if the card is upgradeable to anoth […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Interest rates : Rentalrewards.com.au. In Australia, this system enables you to pay your (housing) rent on your credit card for a 1.76% fee per charge. Sounds like a good way to lose money but it's the other way aroun […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Interest rates : Interest rate reduction with lock-in: One of the most underutilised methods of saving on credit card debt interest is to try to negotiate a lifetime interest rate. Simply shift all the debt out to ano […]

Tip: Main > Living > Money > Credit & store cards > Balance transfers : Paying off the full balance: You can do two things: 1) Throw every dollar you can at it to get it down and then "live off the credit" as you will have no cash 2) Balance transfer whatever the sh […]

Tip: Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance : Startup problems: Sometimes laptops don't start up at all. Try to take out the RAM chips (usually one at the back and one behind the keyboard at the front) and the hard drive. That often solves the pr […]

Tip: Main > Sport > Cycling > Mechanics > Tools : Allen Keys: Virtually everything on a bike can be tightened with Allen Keys. But most people buy the standard length ones, which provide little leverage. When you buy a set, spend a fraction more for […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Gearboxes : Change your transmission oil and filter every year to keep the box using quality oil. The oil loses a lot of its quality after about a year.

Tip: Main > Automotive > Economy : Scooter: Buy a scooter for when you only need to get your physical body somewhere, with say a backpack. For shopping and carrying large things keep your car.

Tip: Main > Automotive > Economy : Shares in oil companies: Buy shares in oil companies. The dividends you get back as an investor will offset your higher fuel charges.

Tip: Main > Living > Music > Composition : If the piece doesn't come to you as a gift, it's probably going to be very hard to discover, but you may get there.

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : If you change the doors on your car, you may find they are heavier than your old doors. Inner door reinforcement can change from model to model, but usually the door will still fit ok. You may use sli […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Panel Beating : To glue rubber components (mudguards, park brake handle rubber flap) in a car, get an automotive silicon sealant. It doesn't look like a conventional glue but when it sets, it bonds much more. Lay it […]

Tip: Main > Health > Addictions > Crack cocaine : If you are at a dodgy party, don't eat the snacks. If they are laced with crack cocaine, you could become instantly addicted, without even knowing it. It only takes one time.

Tip: Main > Health > Addictions > Heroin : Be wary of female ex-heroin addicts. They may try to substitute their previous addiction with being obsessed about being with you in a relationship. If you can stomach it, fine. But if you do try it, […]

Tip: Main > Living > Annoyances > Tele-marketing and surveys : Say you are busy right now but if you give me your home number I'll call you back. When they say they can't do that say "So you don't like people calling you at home?" When they say no, say "Well now […]

Tip: Main > Living > Annoyances > Jehovah's witnesses : Say "Can you please just put me on the list of people whose houses you don't go to anymore?"

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Carburettors : If your carbuerretor starts to behave differently in colder weather (splutters when the engine is switched off, stalls at idle), that's due to atmospheric changes that affect the humidity in the air. […]

Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Cheap meals : Hot dogs: These were definitely created to bust hunger, whatever flaws they may nonetheless have. They are also almost always lower in cost than most alternatives. I get the feeling it takes the stoma […]

Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics > Starter Motor : It's more economical to buy a new high-quality branded starter motor for you car than several used ones. It will last longer and they often have a two year warranty. Overall, if you are keeping the ca […]

Tip: Main > Gardening : Compost: Egg shells are a welcome addition to any compost because they add calcium to the mix. However, they take a long time to break down. It is recommended you get a mortar and pestle and finely c […]