Benefits of Metal or Canvas Carports

English: A carport behind the house at 207 N. ...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Awning companies offer many services, such as retractable awnings, fabric and metal awnings, awning installation, awning repair, canopies, and so on. But what many people don’t realize is that another important use of canopies is metal or canvas carports. However, this is a very important and useful service that can benefit both private residences and businesses. Here are some of the benefits to having a metal or canvas carport installed at your home or business.

Vehicle Protection

While a garage may provide the ultimate protection for your vehicle, this is not always financially feasible or practical for everyone. A carport is an excellent alternative to a garage, because it also provides protection from the weather elements. Not only do carports keep snow, ice, hail, and sleet off your car, but it can also protect the car from harmful UV rays which may cause the paint to prematurely peel and fade. The interior of the vehicle also benefits by keeping it cooler and less susceptible to fading and cracking. While many carports provide a shelter over just the top of the car, there are metal or canvas carports available with side walls that provide even more protection from the elements.

Durable

Although metal or canvas carports can be portable, many people prefer a permanent option that doesn’t involve adding a wooden structure on to the house. This option is ideal because canvas and metal are both durable materials that are resistant to corrosion, termites, fire, and rodents. In addition, the metal carports are resistant to high winds and other extreme weather elements. Professional installation of a carport means that concrete posts will add even more durability to the carport.

Versatility

Canvas or metal carports are available in numerous sizes and shapes. This means that it is likely to work for almost any purpose you have in mind. There are carports that can accommodate large vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, boats, farm equipment, and trucks. There are also sizes that work well in smaller areas that are meant for cars, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, motorcycles, and other small vehicles. They can also be used to protect hay or crops and to provide shade for areas used for play or lounging. They can also be used to hold special events such as receptions and parties.If you own a business, a canvas or metal carport can be used as covered parking for both your employees and customers.

Inexpensive

Compared to a garage or other type of building, metal or canvas carports are a much less expensive option. While you may be tempted to buy a kit and assemble the carport yourself to save money, you will find that hiring a professional such as those at U.S. Canvas and Awning will ensure that the carport is assembled correctly and that it is sturdy and safe. Improper installation can result in an unsafe structure that can end up causing more damage to personal property in the event of an accident.

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How to Calculate And Improve Gas Mileage

English: Drawing showing gas mileage between 2...
Drawing showing gas mileage between 25 and 32 mpg for 10 gal of gas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Whether you’re commuting to work or driving the kids around to soccer practice, knowing what you’re spending on gas is important. Even if you don’t like doing math, checking the real-world gas mileage of your vehicle is easier than you think. Don’t worry, there are no complex equations, and even an elementary school kid can do it. This way, you’ll no longer be assuming that your car is getting 30 mpg on the highway. With accurate mileage calculating, you’ll know whether or not your car is really performing well versus what it could achieve.

 

  • Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to crunch those numbers:
  • Fill up your car’s gas tank.
  • To get on the gas mileage clock, reset the car’s trip meter to zero.
  • For an accurate test, burn at least half the tank and then refill.
  • Copy down the amount of gallons it took to fill the tank along with the number of miles on the trip meter. For convenience, write it down on the payment receipt. The payment receipt will likely already have the amount of gallons on it.
  • Divide the trip meter miles by the gallons of gas, and you’ve just calculated the gas mileage.
  • Reset the trip meter back to zero, so you can calculate the mpg on the next tank of gas.

 

You can check the mpg after every fill up or just once a month to get real-world data that can help you identify trends and save money on gas. Keep a small notebook in the car or if you’re tech savvy, use an app on your smartphone.

 

Tips for Increasing Gas Mileage

 

There are a number of things that you can due to improve gas mileage. Drive sensibly. Constant braking, rapid acceleration and speeding lower mpg by five percent around town and up to 33 percent on the highways. Removing excess weight from your car is another way to improve mpg. Just an extra 100 pounds can reduce mpg by two percent. Always avoid excessive idling. Depending on the engine size and air conditioner use, idling uses a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. Using cruise control on the highways will also help you maintain constant speed and save gas.

 

A well-maintained car will also reduce the amount of gas that your car uses and increase your miles per gallon. Make sure your car gets a regular tune up for maximum performance. If your car is out of tune or has failed an emissions test, get it serviced. Both conditions can increase fuel consumption by four percent. Properly inflated tires are not just safer, they also improve mpg by 3.3 percent. Increasing your mpg is good for your wallet and good for the environment. Be financially and environmentally responsible by making sure your car is getting the best possible gas mileage.

 

 

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