Tires are expensive. They are also one of the most important parts of your car when it comes to your safety and often the most neglected. Tires wear down as the miles pile on no matter what kind of car you drive. Each tire manufacturer provides the number of miles the tires should go before they need replacing, but depending on how you drive, this number could be higher or lower. Here are some tips for extending the life of your tires.

1. Keep The Correct Pressure

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential to maximizing the life of a tire. You should check the pressure at least once a month to make sure your tires are correctly inflated. Remember, fluctuations in temperature can change the pressure, so always check them when the temperatures drop. Also, always check the pressure before you head out on a long trip. If the tires become underinflated, excess heat could build up in the tire as you drive and lead to failure. The correct pressure is usually listed on the driver’s side door jamb.

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It’s always a good idea to have a rainy day plan whether you have a day or two off or you have kids who need to stay busy. While there are some wonderful things you can do outside on a nice day in Northwest Arkansas, there are also plenty of activities for a rainy day. Here are some that are worth checking out.

1. Play at Fast Lane Entertainment

Do you have kids who need exercise? Bring them to Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell. This place has over 75,000 square feet of indoor play areas for kids of all ages. Not only is there a 10-lane bowling alley, there are also bumper cars, the Python Pit roller coaster, and the Mini Himalaya ride. The giant indoor play structure gives kids a place to climb, crawl, slide, and play, and the arcade and laser tag offer even more fun.

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Around Northwest Arkansas, there are some fun places to take your kids where they can participate in educational activities, learn new skills, meet new friends, and have a fun time. Check out these great places where your kids are bound to have a blast.

1. Ozark Mountain Zip Lines at Eureka Springs

Zipline Canopy Tours first started in Costa Rica as a way for people to experience the plants and animals that live up in the tree canopies. The Ozarks has its own unique plant and animal life that enjoy life high above the ground, so it only makes sense to put up a zip line so people can enjoy what this area has to offer.

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Used cars are amazing values if you do your homework first. These tips will help you navigate the used-car-buying process and score you a deal you’ll be excited about.

1. Know Your Budget

How much can you afford … comfortably? You’re not looking for the biggest possible number. When establishing your budget, keep in mind how much you can afford. Factor in something for maintenance unless you’re planning on buying a used car with a warranty.

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Northwest Arkansas offers plenty to do without having to travel far. Whether you’re looking for a great place to take a hike through nature or somewhere to take in a concert or theater performance, you’re sure to find something fun and entertaining to do.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House

Take in a truly iconic piece of American architecture at the Bachman-Wilson House. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and originally built in New Jersey in 1954, the home was moved to and reconstructed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2015. Admission to explore the house is free, but advance tickets are required to tour the home. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is located at 600 Museum Way in Bentonville.

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Northwest Arkansas continues to impress when it comes to delectable places to eat. From farm-to-table comfort food to cosmopolitan fusions dishes, our area is full of delicious opportunities for culinary exploration. Here are a few favorites.

Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave, Eureka Springs

Imagine an award-winning restaurant set inside a “cave,”or, in this case, built on a rock. Grotto Wood Fired Grill boasts a multi-sensory experience with small plates and tapas. Their fried Brussel sprouts will give you a new-found desire for getting your daily veggies while the carnivores will love their delicious steaks.

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The expansive Ozark National Forest covers a large swathe of northwestern Arkansas. It offers many attractions such as scenic valleys, mountains, springs, pristine streams, and supports a diverse array of flora and fauna.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities including breathtaking hikes, camping, fishing, hunting, and general outdoor exploration. In this piece, we look at top activities that will make your time exploring the Ozark National Forest well spent.

Camping

Camping is one of the best ways to see the Ozark National Forest. Whether you want to fish, hike, or soak in the mesmerizing scenery, the forest offers multiple camping locations to unleash your spirit of adventure.  But most campgrounds offer limited modern comfort to preserve the natural ambience of the forest.

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If you want to make Valentine’s Day special, it is important to plan ahead. Many restaurants book weeks in advance for this holiday and often offer special menus. If you want to do something other than just dinner, you can also plan an evening around events happening in your city. Here are some places where you can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Fort Smith, AR.

Valentine’s Day at Legacy Grill

Legacy Grill is a wonderful restaurant in downtown Fort Smith. It opened in 2017 inside the historic Sarah Mincer House and is now a popular spot for a night out. The food is a combination of classic American dishes and unique regional dishes with something for everyone. For Valentine’s Day, the eatery will offer two seating times for dinner. You can choose either 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. You’ll need to call and make a reservation if you want to celebrate the holiday here, and there will be a special menu for the evening.

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Winter is here, but it’s not too late to get your car ready if you didn’t have time to get it done before the snow started flying. Years ago, winterizing your car was necessary to keep it running and in good shape during the cold winter months. Fortunately, modern vehicles don’t need the same extensive routines. However, there are some things you can do to ensure your car keeps running throughout the season. Try some of these winterizing tips.

Check the Battery

The battery is essential to getting your car started, but when the temperature drops, the chemicals needed to generate power in the battery slow down. The lower the temperature, the lower amp-hour capacity a battery has. It’s a good idea to make sure your battery is working to its full capacity before it gets cold so you start with a full charge. Your mechanic can also check for corrosion as well as the connections to make sure everything is in good working order.

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You never know what might happen when you’re out on the road. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or where you live, things happen, and you could someday find yourself stuck on the side of the road. While roadside assistance will help you get out of many situations, you should always prepare for the worst. Here are some must-have items for any car emergency kit.

A Fully Charged Cellphone

Keeping a phone in your car won’t do you any good if you can’t use it. Keep your phone charged at all times so you have it when you need it. This might mean charging it before you leave the house or keeping a charging cord in your vehicle so you can power it up while you drive. It’s also a good idea to keep a portable charger in the car. You can use this if your vehicle and your phone run out of juice.

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