Your Facebook feed may contain plenty of action-cam footage of everything from downhill skiers to walking the streets of the big city, but you rarely see someone post a video taken by a dash camera. However, the global market for these gadgets is rapidly growing and finding lots of new success in the United States.

Even though it’s not always exciting, dashcam footage is good to have because it protects you. Unlike a camera that’s intended to capture memories you want to relive, dash-cam footage is more of a document of what happened. You can submit it as proof in court.

What Is a Dash Cam?

A dash cam is a video camera mounted in your vehicle, staring out through your windshield. The name “dash cam” is a little bit of a misnomer — while many dash cams are made to be mountable on the dashboard, most are often mounted on the windshield itself to stay out of your way while driving.

Unlike normal cameras that record only when you choose to record, a dash cam should be recording every time you drive. Obviously, not all of that footage will be necessary, and most modern dash cams come with what’s called loop recording, where any old footage is automatically deleted to make way for new footage and prevent a full storage capacity from causing you problems.

The goal of a good dash cam is to be as seamless and low effort as possible. Simply attach the dash cam to your window or dashboard, ideally in a spot that is clean, dry and a neutral temperature, and allow the camera to run without obstruction. This allows for a constant recording of your driver’s POV whenever the vehicle is operating. Still, why should you get a dash cam in the first place?

Legal Protection

Have you ever been in a car accident? Accidents can happen anywhere at any time, regardless of who’s around to see them, and you can be left without any support in a case that was entirely not your fault. Without a dash cam, though, when you’re filing a police report, it’s often your word against the word of the other driver.

If you’re lucky, you might have some witnesses who can corroborate your story, but in general, you’re relying on the police officer who responds to the accident to determine who is at fault. With a dash cam, there is no “he said, she said” — the dash cam provides digital documentation to show the responding officer when you make a report.

Just such a situation is when a dash cam comes in handy. With the ability to call up footage of the incident, you have a much better case to make and could potentially avoid paying high insurance fees or even damages thanks to the proof provided in the footage you collected. It’s the kind of thing you hope you’ll never have to use, but in everyday driving the camera remains out of the way, unobtrusive, quietly monitoring and recording events.

Preventing Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud has existed nearly as long as insurance has — it’s been traced as far back as ancient Greece. People seeking to get easy money from car insurance companies will cause car accidents, usually forcing you to rear-end them by driving dangerously.

With a dash cam installed on your car, you can prove to your insurance company the accident wasn’t your fault — even if you rear-ended the other car — because the other driver’s dangerous driving behaviors will be captured on video.

The video recording can also be useful for parking accidents when you’re not in your vehicle. If the dash cam is still enabled when you’re away from your car or truck, it can capture footage of the vehicle that crashed into you. This evidence becomes much more important when you’re making an insurance claim, because it proves someone struck your car.

Become a Better Driver

Athletes and other professionals watch videos of themselves to see where they make mistakes and learn how to improve. A dash cam can help you do the same thing for your driving. By reviewing the footage, you can see where you make mistakes behind the wheel and figure out the best way to improve your driving skills.

Video can also be a useful tool for teaching teenagers to drive — and keeping up with their driving skills and techniques while they’re driving. If you’re a parent with a new driver behind the wheel, a dash cam is a great way to review their progress. You can see if they’re speeding, driving recklessly or even if they encounter something challenging so you can give them advice on how to navigate such situations in the future. It can give you better peace of mind if you’re worried about your new driver spending time out on the road.

There Are Fun Reasons to Buy a Dash Cam, Too

Dash cams aren’t just for evidence of car accidents — they can catch amazing things you might otherwise be unable to document while you’re driving. A dash cam in a parked car recorded footage of the enormous Chelyabinsk meteor that exploded through the sky over Russia in 2013. It’s the kind of thing that happens so fast you’d never have time to pull out your camera or cell phone to take a picture before it disappeared forever.

On an off-chance, you might even record something truly impressive like the giant boulder one Russian driver captured blocking the road. What about that cross-country road trip you took last summer? Recounting the entire thing is impressive, but not nearly as detailed as being able to show your friends what you actually experienced on the road.

Documenting Your Trip

People might choose to fly to get to their destinations faster, but there’s still nothing quite like a road trip across the country. You can document bits and pieces of your trip with a cell phone or camera, or you can document your entire trip and all the amazing things you’ve seen with your dash cam! Once you get home, you can edit your dash cam footage into a fantastic clip show to showcase your trip along the highways of America.

Great New Features

The latest generation of dash cams brings HD support, a small footprint, long-duration storage, and useful features like night vision or automatic accident recording. When the camera detects motion that feels like a collision, it automatically saves the footage of time leading up to and following the event. That way, you’re never left without the exact footage you need.

Best of all, prices for these handy gadgets have come way down in recent years. You can now purchase a quality dash cam for between $100 and $300, depending on how much storage you’d like and the types of features you want. That’s much less than you would pay for an action camera, so you shouldn’t spend your money on a GoPro if you’re planning to use it like a dash cam.

Should You Get a Dash Cam?

Now that you know a little bit more about how helpful these cameras can be, are you planning on getting one? What kind? Will you use it to record your adventures, check on your family or just as a preventive measure? Let us know in the comments section, and be sure to drive safely.

Originally posted 6/11/2019 — Updated 7/22/2024

The post Should I Get a Dash Cam? appeared first on Modded.

Since searching online for a tactical flashlight brings up millions of options, how can you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re looking for the most robust build or the brightest light, we can help you narrow it down. Our 2024 picks will help you find the best tactical flashlight.

1. Olight Warrior Mini 3 

The Olight Warrior Mini 3’s high-intensity light and practical features make it the best tactical flashlight overall. 

Here are the specs:

• Price: $89.99 (£71.49)

• Max output: 1,750 lumens 

• Max reach: 240 meters

• Max battery: 2,400 hours

• Length: 4.37 inches 

• Weight: 4.3 ounces

Even though it can fit in the palm of your hand, it comes with a two-way clip to make carrying it easier. Plus, its tail switch allows for fast activation in emergency scenarios. Since this tactical flashlight comes with a rechargeable battery, waterproofing, a built-in overheating sensor and nano molding technology, you’ll be able to use it for years.

2. Acebeam L19 Long Range

For guys who want the boldest beam possible, the Acebeam L19 is the best choice for long-range visibility.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $129 (£102.52)

• Max output: 1,650 lumens

• Max reach: 1,300 meters

• Max battery: 2,256 hours

• Length: 6.44 inches

• Weight: 6.91 ounces

This tactical flashlight has a crenulated head for self-defense, a strike bezel for emergencies, dual switches for ease-of-use and a battery indicator light to show you when you need a recharge. It even comes with a holster, lanyard and extra parts — although you probably won’t need extras since it has an IP68 rating for maximum protection.

3. Nightcore TM20k 

If you want to light up the night, look no further than the Nightcore TM20k tactical flashlight. It’s the brightest in our lineup, with a whopping 22,000 maximum lumen output.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $299.95 (£238.28) 

• Max output: 22,000 lumens

• Max reach: 290 meters

• Max battery: 13 hours

• Length: 5.73 inches

• Weight: 14.9 ounces

Aside from the incredibly bright beam, it boasts an IP68 waterproofing rating. Although it’s heavier than the other tactical flashlights here, it comes with a holster and a lanyard to make transport easy.

4. Killzone Acebeam P17 Defender

The Killzone Acebeam P17 Defender’s unique features make it the best tactical flashlight for survival situations.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $119.90 (£95.25)

• Max output: 4,900 lumens

• Max reach: 484 meters

• Max battery: 528 hours

• Length: 5.79 inches

• Weight: 5.45 ounces

On ultra-low tactical mode, this flashlight can run continuously for over 22 days without a recharge. On top of that, it has an anti-reflective glass coating to make the beam more clear and a dual tail switch for better functionality. For survival situations, it comes with embedded stainless steel strike bezels to instantly break glass.

5. Fenix PD32 V2.0

Fenix’s PD32 V2.0 tactical flashlight is a popular choice for guys who want maximum durability. 

Here are the specs:

• Price: $85 (£67.52)

• Max output: 1,200 lumens

• Max reach: 395 meters

• Max battery: 82 hours

• Length: 5.12 inches

• Weight: 2.9 ounces

For the most versatility, you can use rechargeable or regular batteries to power this flashlight. Its aluminum body handles a 1.5-meter drop and its beam still works in freezing temperatures or intense heat. Since it has an IP68 rating, it works perfectly even if you submerge it two meters underwater for 30 minutes or get stuck in a sandstorm.

6. Acebeam P15 Tactical Light

If you want maximum reliability, choose the Acebeam P15 tactical flashlight.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $139.90 (£111.19)

• Max output: 1,700 lumens

• Max reach: 330 meters

• Max battery: 840 hours

• Length: 5.14 inches

• Weight: 3.48 ounces

This rail-mounted tactical flashlight is perfect for guys who want something compact and durable. Its aerospace aluminum body has an IP68 rating and can withstand drops from 1.5 meters, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty use in extreme conditions.

7. Smith & Wesson Duty Series MS

If you want a multi-use flashlight for optimal practicality in extreme situations, choose the Smith & Wesson Duty Series MS flashlight.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $94.99 (£75.46)

• Max output: 1,045 lumens

• Max reach: 335 meters

• Max battery: 30 hours

• Length: 6 inches

• Weight: 8.25 ounces

While the flashlight itself is rechargeable, it also comes with an internal power bank to charge other devices. Plus, it has a crenulated head to help you in self-defense situations. Since the body is made from aerospace aluminum, it’ll have no trouble handling impacts in a fight.

8. SureFire V1-B Vampire

The V1-B Vampire from SureFire is the best choice for guys who get truly tactical.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $309 (£245.58)

• Max output: 250 lumens and 100 milliwatts

• Max reach: 190 meters

• Max battery: 6 hours and 57 hours

• Length: 4.18 inches

• Weight: 3.1 ounces

It comes with an infrared option — which is invisible to the naked eye — to give you an advantage in any nighttime situation. Its stainless steel carrying clip, weatherproof sealing, locking function and indestructible glass cement it as the best tactical flashlight for combat or extreme weather conditions.

9. Smith & Wesson Duty Series CS

The Smith & Wesson Duty Series CS is like the MS version without the power bank.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $79.99 (£63.54)

• Max output: 1,045 meters

• Max reach: 257 meters

• Max battery: 30 hours

• Length: 4.65 inches

• Weight: 3.32 ounces

This flashlight uses the same aerospace aluminum as the MS version — while it’s more compact, it’s just as durable. Its metal carrying clip and rechargeable battery make it a lifesaver in emergencies, so it’s good to have around. 

10. Pelican 7610 

Pelican’s 7610 tactical flashlight is for the guys who want a little bit of everything.

Here are the specs:

• Price: $87.50 (£69.54)

• Max output: 1018 lumens

• Max reach: 227 meters

• Max battery: 33 hours

• Length: 5.44 inches

• Weight: 5.5 ounces

With a full-time battery indicator on the side of the aerospace aluminum body, you’ll never have to guess how much charge your flashlight has left. It also boasts maximum waterproofing, a crenulated head and a tail switch for more reliability in extreme situations.

Buying the Best Tactical Flashlight

Keep in mind that our 2024 picks for the best tactical flashlight cover the maximum capabilities, meaning each one operates differently with average use. Still, they’re the most outstanding options around whether you’re looking for complete weatherproofing, intense beams or long-lasting lights.

The post What Is the Best Tactical Flashlight? Our Picks for 2024 appeared first on Modded.

If you’re a bike owner, a bike lock is an essential accessory you should have on hand. Bike locks are typically much stronger than a basic chain or a padlock, and can keep most thieves at bay. Not only is it very difficult to break through a bike lock, but it can also deter would-be thieves, forcing them to go after a different bike to steal.

Choosing a bike lock can be challenging, especially with so many available options. There are various brands that sell bike locks, and some are more effective than others. How is it possible to find the best bike lock to buy? If you need a bike lock, look no further. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best bike locks to choose from below. 

1. Kryptonite Evolution Series 4

The Kryptonite brand is known for its high-security locks, and the Evolution Series 4 is a great option for frequent cyclists. It’s a 44 mm hardened steel shackle with three stainless steel keys and one replaceable key fob. 

It has a “pass-thru” crossbar design with anti-rotation features to protect your bike from thieves. You can even register your keys and lock online for optional anti-theft protection. If you lock your bike with this Kryptonite lock, you can get new keys, or the company will pay you up to the security value of your bike if it ever gets stolen.

2. Ottolock Side Kick

Ottolock is another brand known for making effective bike locks. The Sidekick lock is a lightweight U-lock with a silicone coating. With its anti-scratch coating, you can remain confident your bike won’t be scratched by Ottolock’s Sidekick. 

It’s compact, tough and equipped with an anti-rotation deadbolt, but still portable and light, weighing only 1.65 pounds. The Sidekick comes in regular or extra-large sizes, so be sure to measure your bike and determine which size you need.

3. Onguard Pitbull STD-U-Lock

Onguard’s Pitbull series of locks, including the STD U-Lock, is another good bike lock option. It’s made of hardened steel and an X4P locking mechanism to offer superior protection for your bike. The mechanism locks on all four sides for ultimate security.

Onguard has two other lines of locks, including the Brute and Bulldog. If you’re looking for a lock with less protection, consider exploring those product lines. 

4. Hiplok Chain Lock

Last but not least is the Hiplok Chain Lock. It’s a bike lock designed to be worn on the body while it’s not in use. It has an ergonomic design and is equipped with a 12 mm hardened steel shackle. 

The Hiplok Original also comes with three keys, so if you lose one, you’ll still have a couple of backup keys to let you use the lock properly. Additionally, Hiplok covers key losses in its hardware assurance policy. 

Use the Best Bike Lock to Prevent Bike Theft

If you own a bike, you know that they can be pretty expensive. While it’s always suggested to store your bike in a safe place — such as a garage or in your apartment — there isn’t always enough room for your bike to sit comfortably. If you’re looking to protect your bike from theft, consider getting one of the best bike locks outlined above.

The post 4 of the Best Bike Locks to Keep Your Bike Safe appeared first on Modded.

Driving on unpaved roads can have severe negative effects on your vehicle if you’re not careful. Your car might be well-equipped to handle dirt, gravel and other off-road surfaces, but accidents can still happen. 

Here are the main dangers of driving on unpaved roads, plus five tips for keeping your vehicle safe.

How Can Unpaved Roads Damage Your Car?

While paved roads are smooth and stable, unpaved roads are rough, unstable and have minimal traction. The risk of an accident significantly increases once you go off-road. Unpaved roads account for up to 20% of accident fatalities in some states.

Unpaved roads can also damage your car’s paint, tires, suspension system, undercarriage and engine. Even if you have special off-road modifications to improve your car’s performance, you still might encounter the following problems:

• Paint: As your car kicks up debris while driving off-road, many small scratches can hurt the car’s appearance and value.
• Tires: Your tires are much more likely to experience uneven wear and tear on unpaved roads. Rocks can also get caught in the treads, which can be difficult to remove. A full tire puncture from a sharp rock, nail or piece of glass is another possibility.
• Suspension: Your car’s alignment, shocks and struts — all crucial components of the suspension system — erode more quickly when driving on unpaved roads. As they get worn down, your car will drive less smoothly and might develop an uneven steering problem.
• Undercarriage: You’re almost guaranteed to encounter muddy spots on unpaved roads. The mud kicks up into your undercarriage, filling every nook and cranny with unwanted moisture. Moisture leads to rust, which causes the undercarriage to erode and fall apart.
• Engine: Mud and other debris also get into your engine, clogging the air filtration system and causing the engine to overheat more quickly. The air filtration system is also responsible for sending clean air into your car’s cabin, so you might end up breathing unclean air full of dirt particles.

Every time you drive on an unpaved road, you must be aware of the potential consequences. Your car might be fine after one or two weeks of off-roading, but the damage will start to pile up after a while. You could end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs.

5 Tips to Protect Your Vehicle on Unpaved Roads

Driving on roads that are unpaved is more common than you think — about 35% of U.S. roads are unpaved. Many paved roads also have rumble strips, potholes and other uneven patches that you need to look out for. Keep these tips in mind whenever you need to drive on an uneven or unpaved surface.

1. Be Mindful of Other Drivers

You should always be mindful of other drivers, but this friendly attitude is especially important on dirt roads. Slow down for oncoming traffic so you don’t kick up rocks and dust as they drive by. Hopefully they will show you the same courtesy. You should also flash your high beams or beep your horn when turning blind corners to warn anyone on the other side.

Unpaved roads are also usually narrower than the average two-way street, so you might need to pull over to let another car pass. Bigger vehicles always get the right-of-way because it’s harder for them to change speeds or pull over. 

2. Take it Slow

The first and most important rule when driving on rough roads is to take things slow. Since you have less traction, you won’t be able to accelerate or brake as effectively. Keep your speed in the 10-20 mph range so you can dodge obstacles and make a sudden stop if necessary. Driving slowly also kicks up fewer rocks and other debris, which reduces the damage to your vehicle.

3. Watch Out for Obstructions

Some obstructions on unpaved roads aren’t immediately obvious. Bulldust holes, divots, rocks, muddy patches and wildlife can blend into the environment. You need to pay close attention to the road ahead so you have time to react to oncoming obstacles. Even if you drive on the same roads, new obstructions can emerge at any time.

4. Slightly Lower Your Tire Pressure

Slightly lowering the tire pressure is a simple way to improve your car’s performance on unpaved roads. The tires can conform to the uneven surface more effectively, which adds more traction and reduces the chance of a puncture. Just remember to re-inflate the tires back to their proper PSI measurements once you’re back on paved roads.

5. Keep Your Headlights On

You should always keep your headlights on when driving off-road, even in broad daylight. They will help you identify obstacles in the roadway and improve your visibility to other motorists. Some unpaved roads with constant traffic even have special laws that require drivers to use their headlights.

Take Extra Precautions on Unpaved Roads

Driving on unpaved roads increases the risk of an accident and subjects your vehicle to many types of damage. You need to take extra precautions to protect yourself, your car and other drivers. Keep these five tips in mind next time you go off-road to make the drive go as smoothly as possible.

The post 5 Dangers of Driving on Unpaved Roads appeared first on Modded.

Vehicle thefts have been rising in many parts of the U.S. in the last few years, especially in cities like Denver, San Francisco and Seattle. A major reason for this disturbing trend is something entirely avoidable: people don’t take the necessary precautions to safeguard their vehicles. Here’s how you can prevent car theft in five easy steps.

1. Mind Where You Park

Choosing the right parking spots will drastically reduce your chances of getting robbed. It will also help you avoid dents and scratches from other vehicles. Here are the most important qualities of a good parking spot:

• Strong overhead lighting
• Well-tended pavement and parking lines
• Surveillance cameras or security team nearby
• Nearby streets are busy with pedestrians (witnesses)

In most cases, you can immediately tell if a parking space is sketchy or not. Listen to your intuition and look for another spot if you’re not sure about the lot’s safety. If a parking garage is available for an affordable price, consider getting a parking pass.

2. Create a Checklist

As we alluded to in the introduction, many car thefts occur because of people’s negligence. They simply forget to lock the doors or close the windows, making their cars easy targets. You can’t afford to be this reckless with something as valuable as a vehicle. Avoid these mistakes by writing a simple checklist and putting it on your dashboard.

Your checklist might look something like this:

• Make sure windows are fully closed
• Activate the emergency brake
• Grab all valuable items
• Lock the car and check door handles

These steps should be self-explanatory, but everyone forgets to do them sometimes. A thief only needs you to make one mistake. Leave nothing to chance and create a checklist as a helpful reminder.

3. Bolster Your Car With Security Devices

If you’re uncertain about your neighborhood’s safety, car security devices would be worthwhile investments. Here are some inexpensive theft protection tools you should add to bolster your alarm system:

• Steering wheel lock
• Brake/clutch lock
• Wheel clamp
• Fuse cutoffs
• Ignition disablers
• Aftermarket alarm systems
• GPS tracking device

If your car has a four-digit access code, use it. Put up as many lines of defense as you can to prevent car theft and keep your vehicle stationary.

4. Detail Your Car

Dirty, unkempt vehicles are a thief’s favorite target. They’re likely full of junk and the owner is irresponsible, so the chance of getting caught is slim. On the other hand, clean, organized vehicles demonstrate the opposite. They show that you’re a responsible and attentive owner who knows all of the threats to your vehicle.

You need to detail your car inside and out to prevent car theft. Keep the exterior clean and shiny and make sure the interior stays organized. A clean car also makes it easier for law enforcement to spot fingerprints if a suspect tries to break in. Or, you can report your findings to the police if you notice the fingerprints first.

5. Hide or Remove Your Valuables

Sometimes car thefts occur randomly when a person walks by a vehicle and notices something valuable inside. Maybe they had no previous intention of stealing the car, but the objects inside caught their attention. That’s why you should never keep your phone, wallet, electronics and other expensive items in the car when you’re not around. Take them inside where they’ll be safe.

Only keep the essential items – owner’s manual, registration information, jumper cables and other tools – in the car and hide them as best you can. If a thief manages to get inside, they’ll realize you have nothing of interest and might give up before damaging your vehicle even further.

Upgrade Your Car’s Security

You can’t prevent car theft 100% of the time, but these five simple steps will ward off a vast majority of potential thieves. Your car is one of your most valuable assets, and you must treat it as such. Upgrade its security both inside and out to ensure its continued safety.

The post How to Prevent Car Theft in 5 Easy Steps appeared first on Modded.

Gender roles are quite a controversial topic in 2020, and yet there are still certain instinctual behaviors that we never fully put down. Anyone with a family would, for obvious reasons, want to ensure their family is safe, and it’s true for many families that the primary responsibility of protector falls to Dad, Husband, the man of the house. 

Does that make you nervous, guys? It’s a lot of responsibility to take on, and sometimes, you might find it overwhelming or downright frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a short list of ways guys can protect their families.

1. Set Good Social Examples

One of the first ways any man can protect his family is by setting a good example. Being confident, assertive and also tactful and respectful in social situations will help your kids feel safe and learn good habits. Ultimately, your children need to grow up feeling that they have the tools to be confident and self-secure in a variety of situations. By carrying yourself properly, you communicate these good habits to them and help them feel protected at the same time. 

2. Provide a Safe Home

It’s one thing to make sure your family feels safe in a social setting, but much of your family’s time is sure to be spent at home. So it’s important that you make your home somewhere your family feels secure by having a clean, well-maintained space with working locks and additional security features. For example, you could install a gate to your driveway to make sure you’re able to control who can visit at any given time.

3. Install a Security System

Adding to the ways guys can protect their families, you can install a modern security system that will alert your family and the authorities of any intrusion into your space. Some of the new smart home security packages provide incredible functionality. You can monitor your camera system from your phone, train the system to listen for unusual sounds and even lock your doors remotely. 

4. Walk Away From Dangerous Situations

You’re a guy, so maybe you’re familiar with the way that your ego can get ahead of you at times. However, when you have a family with you, it’s critical that you know how to de-escalate a situation. Instead of leaning into a confrontation that could become dangerous for your family, you’ve got to have the composure to recognize when things are getting sketchy and walk away. It might mean swallowing your pride, but it’s for the best in the long run. 

5. Have a Plan

Whether it’s how your family should leave the house in the event of a fire, which exit to use and where to meet afterward, or what to do in the case that someone breaks into your home, talk with your family about how to respond in the event of a crisis. By agreeing ahead of time on what to do if things get out of control, you’ll be equipping them with a less frantic mind should anything actually happen. That means they’ll be safer even if you’re not able to be there and help them. 

6. Be Calmly Alert at All Times

It might sound simple, but being a head of household isn’t a job you get to just put down. You can’t be a stress-case all the time, but you have the responsibility of ensuring your family is safe. That means knowing when you need to spring into action. At the first sign of trouble, you need to have the conviction and the aptitude to take on a leadership role and assert what the family needs to do to be safe. Whether it’s in the middle of the night or out for a walk after work one day, if something happens, the family looks to you. 

7. Keep Yourself Healthy

You can’t protect your family if you’re not around. They rely on you and look to you for guidance, which means you have to take the necessary steps to ensure you can be there. If you didn’t have much concern for your own physical well-being in the past, having a family and kids will change all of that. 

What exactly does this mean? Make sure you attend your yearly check-ups. Get enough exercise, eat right and avoid bad habits like drinking and smoking that could lead to significant health issues. Consider giving your extreme sports hobbies a rest so that you won’t be hurt if something comes up and you need to be there for the family. It might not seem cool, but it’s a responsibility that comes with your role.

There Are Many Ways Guys Can Protect Their Families 

Surprised we didn’t get into any mention of high-tech body armor or weapons? That stuff can be fun to talk about, but it ultimately affects very, very few of the situations actual families face. In reality, making your family safe is about having the right attitude and giving the people you love some peace-of-mind. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s a job you should be proud to take on. 

The post 7 Ways All Guys Can Protect Their Families appeared first on Modded.

Vacations are something to look forward to, but the logistics of how to get to the airport and where to store your vehicle can be nerve-wracking. If you’re going away for some time, it can be difficult to know whether your car will be safe if it’s parked there. Is it a good idea?

As with many things, the answer is “it depends.” Leaving your car at the airport ensures there will be a vehicle there waiting for you when you get back — with any luck. There are, however, other options. Here are a few pointers to help you decide the best way to store your car.

Consider Your Commute

If you live close enough to the airport, you might save yourself some time and peace of mind by arranging a ride with a friend or with a ride-sharing service. This works best when you live close enough that the charge won’t be very much. Naturally, you’ll need to be prepared to get home by paying the same money for a ride or arranging with a friend, but your car will be safer if you have a secure parking spot at home.

Is It Safe to Leave Your Car at the Airport?

Perhaps you’re not situated near an airport and can’t rely on friends or a service to get you there. There are good and bad ways of parking at the airport, and it starts with finding the right spot. You should park somewhere near a walkway or high-traffic area so people will notice if your car is being messed with. Also, if you can find a spot that is covered, your vehicle will enjoy additional protection from the elements.

Take into consideration the parking options your airport offers and what they cost. Some airports have free long-term parking serviced by a shuttle. Others require you to pay. Maybe the daily parking, priced between the premium short-term lot and the miles-from-the-airport long-term lot, makes sense because you’re just going on a quick jaunt for a day-long business trip. Every airport is different, so you should know what yours offers.

What Third-Party Options Are Available?

Sometimes you need to explore some alternative options when parking rates at the airport are extreme, conditions are not good or you’re going to be traveling for an extended period. Search for third-party parking options close to any major airport, and you’ll find lower rates and a shuttle service eager to deliver you right to the departures terminal. You might want to check some reviews to see how good the service is, but these third-party parking lots can offer significant savings for a small sacrifice in time. Make sure you review their policy for keeping your vehicle because you don’t want to return to a dinged-up car.

Can You Park Your Car at the Airport Without Issue?

Can you leave your car at the airport? Sure, if that’s the best option for the trip you’re taking. Hopefully, you’ll have a simple time gathering the information you need to make an informed decision when you have to choose.

The post Can You Leave Your Car at the Airport? appeared first on Modded.

It’s every car owner’s worst nightmare — you leave your house in the morning or your office after work, and your car is missing. In addition to dealing with the police, you have to call an Uber to get home. Instead of hoping that the police can find your car and get it back to you, how can you prevent your car from getting stolen in the first place?

1. Lock the Doors

This tip might seem like common sense, but since common sense is rare enough to be considered a superpower, it bears repeating. In St. Charles, Illinois, alone, more than 92% of car thefts and burglaries happened because people left their cars unlocked. Most car thefts are crimes of opportunity. Unless you’re driving a rare or unique vehicle, thieves are generally going to ignore your automobile if they can’t get into it easily and quickly.

It’s as simple as that — lock your doors. That’s the easiest thing you can do to prevent car theft, but it isn’t the only step you can take to ensure that your vehicle will be where you left it when you return.

2. Stow Your Valuables

It’s tempting to think that because you’ve locked your doors, your valuables are safe when you leave them in your car. However, if you place them in plain sight, you’re creating a target for thieves who have no compunctions about busting your window to make off with your wallet, phone, laptop or whatever else you’ve left behind.

If you have to leave your valuables in your car, stow them in your trunk or glove compartment before you arrive at your destination. Don’t put them in plain sight, or you turn yourself into a target.

3. Park It in The Garage

Parking your car in the driveway or on the street makes it a tempting target for opportunistic thieves, especially if you leave it unlocked. One of the best ways to protect your vehicle is to park it in a secure garage. Your automobile won’t be sitting out in the open, and you’re less likely to worry about having it stolen.

Unfortunately, just closing the garage door isn’t enough to keep it secure, especially if savvy thieves have the tools to hijack your garage door opener’s remote signal. Consider installing an alarm system that includes your garage door. When surveyed, 83% of convicted thieves said they try to figure out if a house they’re considering breaking into has an alarm — and if it does, 60% will move on to a different target.

4. Protect Your Keys

Even if you lock your car doors, it doesn’t do any good if you lose your keys. Be mindful of where you store them. If you have a new set of wheels that doesn’t use a physical key, you might be at even higher risk. Tech-savvy car thieves have figured out how to clone key fob signals, allowing them to open your door and drive away without needing to steal your keys or wait for you to drop them somewhere.

If you live in an area that’s prone to car theft, consider investing in an RFID-blocking pouch or container to store your key fob when you’re not using it. Don’t make it any easier for thieves to steal your car than it needs to be.

5. Stay in the Light

Parking in dark corners or empty streets is only a good idea if you need to add some drama to a movie scene. If you’re looking for somewhere to safely park your car at night, stick to well-lit and heavily trafficked areas. Light, cameras or people — anything that brings attention to your automobile and its surroundings — will discourage thieves.

Car robbers usually look for a particular set of circumstances when they target a vehicle. Parking in the dark is like wearing a meat suit and hanging out with a pack of wolves. Eventually, someone is going to take a bite.

An Ounce of Prevention

You know how they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? In this case, an ounce of prevention can save you a lot of time and hassle. Lock your doors, be smart about where you park and keep your ride in a secure garage. These are easy steps that can keep your car where it belongs and out of the hands of thieves.

The post 5 Ways to Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen appeared first on Modded.

Owning a car is a great convenience, but knowing how to protect your car can also be stressful. The risk of dealing with maintenance and the costs associated with damage from shopping cart dings and keeping it clean is one thing, but what if someone looks to make your mode of transportation their own?

Car theft is a real problem, and as you may know, some models are more attractive to thieves than others. Regardless of what type of car you own, there are things you can do to ensure your car remains in your care. Here’s our advice.

Have an Anti-Theft Device

The market for car protection devices ranges from high-tech aftermarket tracking devices to simple, physical deterrents like The Club or a brake block. What you choose might depend on your budget, and many newer cars come with anti-theft, but you should have something. Even if it’s a sticker or an arbitrary flashing light made to look like an alarm, the idea that the car’s protected deters would-be thieves.

Keep it Stored in Your Garage

Remember the old saying, “Location, location, location.” When it comes to protecting your car, the best location is at your home, safely behind a garage door. You might think it’s common sense to do this, but people frequently leave their garage open, which effectively eliminates the safety advantages of having the car stored there. Of course, if you must park on the street, choose a safe neighborhood.

Don’t Lose Your Keys

It’s no joke. People often report their car stolen shortly after realizing they misplaced their car keys. How do you think the thief got in? Use a tracking device like a Tile to make it easy to locate your keys if you frequently misplace them.

Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car

Break-ins often occur when crooks notice a shiny new cell phone or a thick leather wallet sitting on the center console. If you make the mistake of leaving valuables in your car, you increase the risk that someone will hijack it. After all, someone who’s already committed to breaking in probably isn’t frightened by the prospect of getting caught. Your car’s interior should be spic and span when you’re away.

Drive a Manual

Sadly, the lack of knowledge about how these arcane transmissions function has turned them into pre-installed anti-theft devices. The statistics prove it, manual-transmission cars are lifted at a significantly lower rate than their automatic-wielding cousins. If you haven’t learned how to drive a stick shift until now, maybe the prospect of holding on to your car a little longer will inspire you. Or maybe you’re just a gearhead who gets the benefit pro bono.

Protect Your Car With These Tips

Having your car stolen is absolutely no fun, of that we’re sure. But if you’ve made it this far, you can probably agree that most of these things are simple to do. It might mean cleaning your garage out or spending a few dollars on a “protected by Eagle” security sticker and a blinking light. Isn’t that better than having to drop for a brand-new ride? We certainly think so.

The post 5 Ways to Protect Your Car appeared first on Modded.

Winter is coming on, and many areas of the U.S. are already hunkering down through their first major snowstorms. Many of us are new at snowstorm prepping — having just moved from a city, down south, or into independent living for the first time — and snowstorms can pose a daunting challenge to the unprepared. However, prepping for a foot or two of snow is actually much easier than you might expect. Here are a few ideas on how to prepare for a snow storm.

1. Snow Removal

Snow is an obstacle: it clogs up your driveway, covers your steps and otherwise prevents you from going about your day. Having a plan — and the proper tools — for getting rid of the snow should sit near the top of your prep list. Check your weather channels and have an understanding of how much snow is expected, both for the specific storm incoming and for the region throughout the year.

Many areas experience only light snows and won’t require much more than a shovel and some rock salt. However, even light snow can be a huge nuisance if you aren’t able to remove it: it can ice your windshield, soak your shoes and make your normal path treacherous and slippery. So make sure you load up on the rock salt, shovels — or even a snow blower, depending on your geography — and car brushes well ahead of the storm.

2. Tires

It’s hard to overstate the importance of snow tires. The thing is, snow tires are not really location-dependent. Assuming you are in an area that receives any snow, tires are a good — and often necessary — option. Even an inch or two of snow can have cars sliding around the roads, spinning out into ditches, and otherwise causing mayhem.

Furthermore, areas that don’t experience much snowfall are usually the areas least prepared when the snow comes. Having a good pair of snow tires can be the difference between getting to work on time and spending your day waiting for a tow.

3. Emergency Prep

Those of us not living in metropolitan areas should spend some time preparing for the worst. While snowstorms are usually not life-threatening in and of themselves, the chance that you’ll be snowed in and unable to safely get to the store remains a looming possibility throughout the winter season. Again, this is highly location-dependent: those living in rural areas should implicitly understand the importance of stockpiling food when the flakes start to fall.

A few other things to keep in mind: power lines are susceptible to going down during large snowstorms, especially in rural areas. Investing in a generator is often an excellent idea. Rentals, also available for the days the storm is at its worst, may save you some money if you don’t expect regular snowstorms. Beyond this, it is also imperative to make sure your heating is in order and to go through the proper steps to make sure it is winterized and ready for the storm.

Road conditions are also something to keep in mind: even if your house is not buried in snow, poorly-plowed roads can stop you from getting to the store. Stock up on food before the storm.

Make Sure You Know How to Prepare for a Snow Storm

Putting some cash and a few hours towards these three areas can really make the difference once the snow starts to build up. Personal snow removal helps you dig out from under the drifts and get about your day, while tires help you traverse the worst roads. Finally, when the time comes to hunker down, you want to make sure you are warm and safe and that you have plenty of food and water.

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