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Consumer Weekly A publication of E FRE

A dvertiser April 27, 2022

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

How to cut costs on Home Renovations

Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes - some with huge budgets and others that are more cost-conscious. Regardless of what homeowners hope to achieve with their renovations, a common goal across any price point is a desire to save as much money as possible. Home renovations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs.

· Choose midgrade materials. Certain materials may be all the rage but they come with a higher price tag. Angi reports that granite counters could be $60 to $100 per square foot. However, a composite or laminate that looks like granite and wears well may be $10 to 40 per square foot. Figure out where you can choose middle-of-the-road materials for maximum value.

· Assess the merit of the project. Remodeling magazine annually publishes a “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists the average cost and return on investment homeowners can expect of various types of projects. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it may be best to focus on repairs and renovations that will generate the most substantial ROI.

· Avoid peak seasons. You’ll pay more to install a deck or a pool right before the outdoor entertaining season. There also may be a premium to get work done right before a major holiday. Therefore, consult the calendar to find an off time for a renovation and book it then to save.

· Hire a contractor. Even avid do-it-yourselfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several different contractors and figure out the best value.

· Do some prep work. You might be able to save by doing some of the demolition and preparatory work yourself. For example, you can tear up old carpeting before the installation of new tile floors. Perhaps you can mend and patch up walls before a paint job.

· Buy a display item. Former showroom kitchens and baths often are sourced Do you still have an avocado green kitchen? Is your living room dank and dark? · Refurbish existing features. Rather than a complete gut and rebuild, figure at a fraction of their recommended retail prices, according to Real Homes, a out where you can revitalize existing fixtures and more. For example, refinishing Perhaps there is only one bathroom for a family of six? Answering yes to any home remodel guide based in the United Kingdom. Retailers often update their existing cabinets can save you up to 50 percent compared with the cost of new of these questions could serve as the catalyst for a home renovation project. displays and you may score existing showroom items at a discount. cabinetry, according to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a cost comparison and Renovations can be expensive, business review resource. but there are many different ways to cut costs

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What causes curled shingles? No homeowner wants to look at the exterior of his or her home and see roof damage. Such damage may lead homeowners to think they need a new roof, a potentially costly expense that can quickly throw household budgets into a state of disarray.

Some shingles may be curling because they’re defective. Fortified Roofing, a New Jersey-based roofing company that specializes in the repairing and replacing of various roofing configurations, advises homeowners to contact a local roofing professional to diagnose the cause of the curling. Doing so quickly can prevent curled shingles from contributing to more widespread damage. Moisture and poor ventilation may be contributing to curled shingles as well. Homeowners with attics in their home may see curled shingles on their roofs because moisture is building up in their poorly ventilated attics. In addition to causing damage such as curled shingles, a poorly ventilated attic allows moisture to build up, potentially contributing to mold growth. Mold presents a host of additional problems, including some that can adversely affect the health of a home’s inhabitants.

According to the HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner spends a little more than $7,600 installing a new roof. Various factors, including the size of a home and the type of roof homeowners prefer, will affect the cost of a roof replacement. In addition, homeowners who see roof Improper roof installation also may be the culprit behind damage can rest assured that not all roof problems will curled shingles. When a roof is not installed correctly, necessarily require a replacement roof to be installed. shingles may not be aligned or nailed down in the right Curled shingles are a problem many homeowners have way. This might be what’s causing shingles to curl on encountered. This particular problem is not always recently installed roofs. indicative that a roof is on its way out. In fact, the home Curled shingles are unsightly and can pose a significant improvement resource This Old House notes that, as threat to a home if not addressed promptly. Homeowners asphalt shingles age, their corners often begin to curl can protect themselves and their roofs by working with downward or upward. Homeowners who notice this early skilled roofing professionals, who can diagnose issues like enough can glue down the curled section of each shingle curled shingles and offer the right solutions. that’s beginning to curl.

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Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Telling signs 3 common insects are infesting a lawn Well-maintained laws are a byproduct of hard work. That hard work is a per square foot of lawn. In such instances, chinch bug populations are point of pride for homeowners who spend countless hours throughout generally controlled by ants and ladybugs. However, extreme heat and spring, summer and fall tending to their lawns. drought, problems that have plagued various regions in North America in recent years, reduce the populations of bugs that feed on chinch All that hard work can be compromised when uninvited guests, namely bugs, thus increasing the population of these unwanted guests that insects, show up in a lawn. Insect infestations can turn a normally feed on grass. GardenTech® indicates that damage from chinch bugs pristine and lush green lawn into a brown and sickly eyesore. Identifying is most visible between June and September. That damage begins with which type of insect is damaging a lawn is the first step toward returning grass taking on a purple tinge before it turns yellow and then brown that lawn to its green glory. These are three common lawn insects and after wilting. signs that they’re infesting a lawn. 3. Cutworms 1. Grubs The lawn care experts at Scotts® note that cutworms are moth larvae that hide in the thatch layer of a lawn during the day before emerging at Grubs like to feast on the roots of grass right below the surface. night to feed on grass blades. Patches of brown grass between one and Michigan State University Extention Turf & Landscape reports that grub two inches in width is a sign of cutworm infestation. Homeowners who damage can appear from March to early May or from mid-September notice a growing number of birds pecking away in their lawns may have to early November. The lawn and garden experts at GardenTech® note a cutworm infestation, which can be confirmed by peeling up a section that wilted grass blades are often the first indicator of a grub infestation, of damaged grass and looking for cutworms, which are brown, gray or which is followed by patches of brown turf and eventually death. Crows, black and tend to be around two inches long. skunks and moles eat grubs, so the sight of them in a lawn could indicate an infestation. The good news is that grub, chinch bug and cutworm populations can be controlled. Local turf specialists can recommend strategies to curtail 2. Chinch bugs such populations and help homeowners restore their lawns to full health. The experts at BobVila.com report that chinch bugs are not necessarily problematic when their populations are limited to around 10 to 15 bugs

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Tips when painting shutters installed with fasteners that look like screws, but that appearance is misleading and shutters installed in this way cannot be removed with a drill or screwdriver. Homeowners should determine which material their shutters are made from, and then look for a corresponding removal tutorial on YouTube. Homeowners who can’t find one can contact the manufacturer or a contractor to determine the best way to remove the shutters. · Clean the shutters prior to painting them. It’s likely been years since the shutters were last painted, and over that time they’ve no doubt accumulated a lot of dirt and mildew. Homeowners can try a garden hose to clean them, and if that doesn’t work a power washer may be needed. If using a power washer with wooden shutters, be especially careful, as the force of the power washer may damage the wood. Vinyl shutters, like vinyl siding, can typically handle a strong power washing without being damaged. Wooden shutters also will need to have old paint removed before they can be repainted. The experts at TrueValue® note that paint can be removed from wooden shutters with a sander or by applying a chemical paint stripper.

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· Prime wooden shutters before painting. Though vinyl shutters won’t need to be primed unless the old paint is peeling, wooden shutters must There are many ways to give a home’s exterior a new look. Though it be primed before they’re painted. Priming can be a tedious process, so might not be as grand as replacing siding, repainting shutters affords homeowners should leave themselves ample time for this part of the homeowners a chance to try a bold new color or simply replace fading project. colors, and each option can make a home more appealing. · Rent an airless sprayer to paint the shutters. Many hardware or paint Homeowners who have never before painted shutters can consider stores rent airless sprayers, and these can be the quickest way to paint shutters. Professionals typically apply two coats of paint, and the first these tips as they prepare to begin the project. coat should be allowed to fully dry before the second coat is applied. · Don’t go it alone. The most important step homeowners can take before beginning a shutter painting project is to enlist the help of a friend · Re-hang the shutters after they have fully dried. Only after the or family member. Someone to hold the ladder can make the project shutters have fully dried should they be placed back on the house. safer. Enlisting a third individual, working on the ground, who can take Employ the same buddy system when re-hanging the shutters, having the shutters from the person on the ladder may be a wise move as well. one person hold the ladder and another pass each one up one at a time. · Remove the shutters. When painting shutters, homeowners want to remove them from the house. It might seem easier to leave the shutters on and then paint them carefully with a brush, but that’s both time-consuming and a potential safety risk. Some shutters are

Painting shutters can give a home a fresh look without costing homeowners a lot of money.

Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Get ahead of chimney repair this season. Woodburning fireplaces or fuel stoves can add warmth and ambiance to a home. These appliances are particularly coveted in the cooler months when people spend more time indoors. Maintenance is necessary in order for fireplaces and stoves to function safely, and that upkeep must include paying close attention to the functionality of the chimney.

vent outside; otherwise, smoke will be trapped in the home and could lead to carbon monoxide buildup. Dampers need to be fixed or replaced if they are not operational. Replacement fireplace dampers should be snug and not have any gaps, states Vertical Chimney Care.

Chimney maintenance involves more than cleaning the flue. Rather than running the risk of costly repairs, which can cost several thousand dollars, homeowners can take some simple steps to keep their chimneys in tip-top shape. Certain components of chimney maintenance are do-it-yourself tasks, while others may be better left to the professionals.

soot and debris that clings to the inside of the flue, known as creosote. The amount of time the fireplace is used will determine how often the chimney must be cleaned. Generally speaking, the chimney liner needs to be cleaned if it has 1/8-inch or more of soot.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

APRIL 30–JUNE 3, 2020

· Conduct a visual inspection of the chimney to check for any cracks or spalling. Spalling is the wearing away of masonry due to water, weather and time. If enough of the material erodes, that erosion can adversely affect the structural integrity of the chimney. Some repairs can be made by patching up cracks or replacing missing bricks. Chimney tuckpointing is the process of repairing mortar. · Think about waterproofing the chimney to prevent damage. A water sealant applied to the outside of the chimney can prevent moisture from breaking down the masonry.

· Inspect and replace the chimney cap if it is worn out. A chimney cap is a contraption that sits atop the chimney to allow the smoke to vent while also preventing critters and water from going inside the flue, helping to extend the flue life. The chimney cap attaches to the flue liner, so outside Chimneys are designed to last for decades. Cracks and dimensions should be taken to ensure the cap is the right spalling in brick chimneys are common concerns that can size for the chimney. cause significant damage if left unchecked. · Have the chimney swept. Sweeping helps remove the

Regular inspection and maintenance can help keep a chimney working safely for decades. For those who do not · Start from the inside and ensure that dampers are like working at such an elevation, leave exterior chimney working properly. When using fireplaces and other repair to a certified professional. appliances, dampers need to be open to allow smoke to

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Yard and Garden: Spring Blooms for the Landscape Know which blooms to look for this spring

by Aaron J. Steil

AMES, Iowa- The colorful flowers of spring are a welcome sight after a long grey What shrubs bloom in early spring? winter. The emergence of tulips and daffodils, the greening of lawns and the Several species of shrubs can help get your spring off to a colorful start. These blooming of early spring-flowering perennials, shrubs and small trees are sure multi-stemmed woody plants vary in size and often bloom before the leaves emerge signs of spring. in spring. Vernal witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis) is a large shrub growing 8 to In this article, horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and 10 feet tall and is usually the first shrub to bloom in Iowa. Its yellow to reddishOutreach answer questions on the many landscape plants with bright and cheery brown flowers have strap-like petals that appear in February and March in Iowa. spring blooms that can be grown in Iowa. Corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a large shrub growing 20 to 25 feet tall and is another early bloomer with small, yellow flowers in round, 3/4-inch-wide What perennials bloom in early spring? clusters appearing in March that then develop into edible red fruit in summer. The One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of crocuses, daffodils and other star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) produces white, fragrant, 3 to 4-inch-diameter spring-flowering bulbs. Several other perennials also bloom in early spring and flowers in April, which are sometimes damaged by a late frost or freeze. Growing complement these familiar bulbs. Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) is a semi- 10 to 12 feet tall, plant star magnolia in an area with eastern and northern exposures evergreen to evergreen perennial that is usually one of the first plants to bloom. that will not warm too quickly to encourage early blooms in spring. The nodding, bell-like flowers appear in March and range in color from creamy Other early spring blooming shrubs include goat willow (Salix caprea), pussy white, to pink, to burgundy. willow (Salix discolor), forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia), ‘Northern Lights’ Azalea Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) is a compact perennial, reaching 4-6 inches (Rhododendron hybrids), Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa), ‘PJM’ rhododendron tall, and grows well in full sun to part shade. The pasque flower produces purple, (Rhododendron hybrids), flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa), fothergilla maroon or white flowers atop finely dissected foliage in the first few weeks of (Fothergilla spp.), white forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum), spicebush (Lindera spring. Heartleaf Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla) is a low growing, 12 to 18-inch- benzoin) and pearlbush (Exochorda spp.). tall, mounding perennial with attractive heart-shaped leaves mottled with white or What trees bloom in spring? silver. In early spring, small, blue flowers appear that resemble the flowers of the classic annual, forget-me-not, giving the plant its other common name – perennial While most deciduous trees flower in springtime, there are several species of forget-me-not. smaller, ornamental trees that have showy blooms in the spring. The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, attractive native tree with pinkish purple A few other early spring bloomers include bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos flowers that cover the branches before the leaves emerge in spring. Serviceberries spectabilis), crested iris (Iris cristata), creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera), pig (Amelanchier spp.) are multi-stemmed small trees native to Iowa woodlands with squeak (Bergenia cordifolia), lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata), moss phlox white flowers in early spring, small edible berries in early summer and nice yellow (Phlox subulata), candytuft (Iberis sempervirens), snowdrop anemone (Anemone to orange to red fall color. Other common names for this tree include Juneberry, sylvestris), basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) and violets (Viola spp.).

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shadbush, sarvis-tree and saskatoon. Crabapples (Malus spp.) are an excellent tree for the home landscape because of their adaptability and diversity. A wide range of cultivars exist in different sizes and shapes with flowers in white, pink, red and almost purple. It’s important to select a cultivar resistant to apple scab to have attractive trees all season. Other small trees with notable spring blooms include saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana), cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera), flowering cherry (Prunus spp.), kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), red horsechestnut (Aesculus × carnea), Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). What native woodland perennials bloom in spring? There are many native woodland wildflowers that are great additions to the shade garden. Most are ephemeral with a relatively short (but impactful) bloom time in early spring before the foliage dies back to the ground in early summer. These often small-statured perennials are easily tucked among other shade garden plants and add much needed interest and color in the early spring before dying back to make room for the other plants like hosta or coral bells. Many are available from local or mail-order nurseries. Never dig these plants from their native habitats. Some great native ephemeral woodland wildflowers include spring beauty (Claytonia virginica), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), trout lily (Erythronium americanum), shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia), hepatica (Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa), trillium (Trillium spp.), Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum), false Solomon’s seal (Smilacina racemosa), merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora), May apple (Podophyllum peltatum), woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) and wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).

Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

How to corral a crabgrass infestation How to corral crabgrass The UME notes that application of a pre-emergent herbicide before crabgrass seeds can germinate is an effective way to eliminate it. The timing of that application can be tricky, as jumping the gun and applying the herbicide too early can prove fruitless. The same goes for applying herbicides too late. Crabgrass will likely still grow if the herbicide is applied too early or too late. UME recommends applying a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures approach 55 F.

A well-manicured lawn adds undeniable curb appeal to a property. Homeowners who take pride in their lawns should know that they can take that pride all the way to the bank, as investing in a pristine lawn can provide a significant return at resale. A 2019 report from the real estate experts at HomeLight found that a $268 investment in lawn care service can add $1,211 at resale. That’s a 352 percent return on investment. Homeowners can capitalize on a pristine lawn even further by tending to their own lawns. Crabgrass is one lawn problem that can compromise the look of an otherwise lush lawn. Thankfully, crabgrass can be controlled without much effort.

Home Depot notes that a chemical treatment may be applied after crabgrass has already grown in, but this option requires careful application to avoid killing surrounding healthy grass.

BEFORE

Crabgrass is a weed that grows in areas of a lawn that are bare or where the grass is thin. Crabgrass gets its name from its appearance, as it grows from the center outward and mimics the look of crab legs emerging from the center shell. The growth of crabgrass

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Crabgrass can compromise the look of an otherwise healthy lawn. But various strategies can eliminate crabgrass and restore a lawn without much effort on the part of homeowners.

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Identifying crabgrass

The University of Minnesota Extension notes that crabgrass is an annual plant. That means a crabgrass infestation that’s problematic once the mercury rises in the summer will die out in late fall or early winter. But crabgrass germinates in the spring, so homeowners will want to take steps to prevent it long before it becomes an eyesore in summer.

Crabgrass can be pulled out by hand, but such an approach can be physically daunting. That’s especially so because crabgrass thrives when the weather is hot and dry. So homeowners who intend to pull crabgrass by hand can decrease their risk of dehydration or heat-related illness by drinking plenty of water and pulling the grass during early morning or evening hours when the sun is lower and temperatures are more mild.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

DIY vehicle maintenance tasks

instructions on the package, and be sure to refer to the particular manufacturer’s buying guide to get the right size for your make and model of vehicle. · Replace spark plugs. The money management site Money Crashers says spark plugs need to be replaced after around 30,000 miles or as indicated by your owner’s manual. Vehicles will have four, six or eight plugs, depending on how many cylinders the car has. The plugs need to be changed in a certain order, so only remove the first wire and spark plug. Remove and replace plugs one by one with a spark plug socket, wrench or ratchet.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people looked for ways to save money. One way to live a frugal life is to take on more projects. In addition to lawn and garden upkeep and minor home improvements, a number of people may be able to tackle some auto repair and maintenance jobs themselves.

· Change the oil and oil filter. Because changing the oil in a vehicle requires jacking up the car or truck and getting a little dirty, some people prefer to leave it to an oil change center. However, at an estimated cost of $20 versus nearly double or more what you’ll spend elsewhere, it can save money to do it yourself. Never change the oil while the engine is hot. And remember to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter and allocate enough oil to fill the filter with about 2/3 of new oil in addition to what is put in the engine.

Performing routine vehicle maintenance tasks on one’s own is an ideal way to reduce automotive expenditures. The following are several vehicle maintenance jobs skilled · Replace headlight bulbs. Replacing headlight bulbs is a fairly easy project and will only take around 10 minutes DIYers may be able to handle on their own. to do after you purchase the right bulbs for your vehicle. · Replace the air filter. An air filter should be changed Each vehicle is different, but many bulbs are housed inside annually or more frequently if you reside in a dry, dusty of a bulb holder, which is shaped like a trapezoid with three climate. A clogged filter can stress the vehicle’s air wires coming out of it, advises U.S. News & World Report. conditioning system and reduce heat capacity in the Remove the old bulb and put in the new. Plug the wires winter. Check the location of the air filter in the owner’s back in and test to see if the headlight works. manual; pay attention to how it is placed before removing. Then replace it with a clean filter that can be purchased for The above automotive tasks are just some that people can try themselves to save time and money. around $15. · Replace the wiper blades. When wiper blades are worn out, visibility in rainy or snowy weather is reduced. Choose a quality wiper blade, as they usually are made with highquality rubber, clean better and have more UV protection than manufacturer-provided blades. Follow the installation

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Why it’s important to wash your car Another benefit to routine car washes is they can prevent damage related to seasonal issues. For example, individuals who live in regions where winter snowfall is common may routinely drive on roads that have been salted. Deicing the roads makes driving safer, but salt can accumulate on the undercarriage of the vehicle and contribute to corrosion. Winter may not be a time many drivers visit the car wash, but it’s important to do so after snow has melted and salt on the roadways has been washed away by rain. Most car washes now offer high-pressure undercarriage treatments that can wash off salt and prevent corrosion and the formation of rust.

Resale and trade-in value is another factor to consider. The automotive experts at Edmunds note that the average transaction price for a used vehicle in the second quarter of 2021 was $25,410, which marks a 21 percent increase over the year prior. Much has been made of the microchip issues that have compromised auto manufacturers’ ability to produce new automobiles, and that led many motorists to the preowned vehicle market. Dealerships also offered incentives to drivers willing to trade in their late model cars. By taking care of a vehicle’s interior, drivers are putting themselves in position to capitalize on the increased reliance on the preowned market. Prospective buyers, whether they’re private citizens or dealerships, will see more value in a vehicle with a well-maintained interior than one with a cabin that’s seen much better days. Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmetic form of vehicle maintenance. But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal.

But it’s not just the exterior of the car that The first things to come to mind when many people ponder vehicle can benefit from routine washing. When taking their cars to get washed, maintenance are oil changes and routine tune-ups. Though each of those many motorists pay a little extra to have their vehicle interiors cleaned. things are vital components of automotive maintenance, it’s important that Sometimes referred to as “interior detailing,” cleaning the cabin of the drivers recognize the value of a thorough car wash as well. car helps to maintain the interior so it looks new longer. Routine interior Drivers may see a car wash as a way to make their car look good, and that’s cleaning also can remove dust and other particles that can serve as irritants not untrue. An effective car wash can give a car a look that mirrors how the if allowed to build up over time. vehicle appeared the moment it was driven off the lot. But an effective wash is more than just cosmetic. According to Consumer Reports, a thorough car wash removes grit and residue, thus protecting the car’s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion. Though late model vehicles aren’t as susceptible to rust, fading and peeling as cars made decades ago, they still need a thorough and routine wash to remove dirt, grime and bird droppings USED INVENTORY SPOTLIGHT that, over time, can adversely affect the paint job and, if left unchecked, eat 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2017 RAM 1500 Laramie USED INVENTORY SPOTLIGHT USED INVENTORY SPOTLIGHT away at the metal. USED INVENTORY SPOTLIGHT

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Consumer Weekly Advertiser/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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