Patrick Oziegbe
(He/Him)
As seen in:
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Wealth of Geeks,
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Automotive, Cars, Trucks, RVs, Travels
MSN and AP publisher. Automotive (cars, trucks & RV/Travel) Writer. @PatrickOziegbee
Articles by Patrick Oziegbe
The 13 Best Travel Destinations Nobody Thinks to Visit in January
Are you dreaming of a getaway but tired of the same overhyped destinations? January is a perfect window to experience under-the-radar destinations and even popular travel spots at their best. Most people think of January as a tough month for travel. It's cold, dreary, and not ideal for exploring. But if you know where to go, it's one of the best times to travel. During slower seasons, you'd get quieter streets, shorter waits, breathtaking landscapes, and impossible experiences.
12 Signs It’s Time to Buy a New EV
I’ll be the first to raise my hand and admit that I was skeptical about electric vehicles when they arrived. While I wouldn’t discard my gas-guzzlers just yet, my perception of the EV market has changed two EVs later. My daily driver – a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq – has been a faithful companion, but five years in, I’ve realized that today’s electric cars are very different from the pioneers. There are now many options, such as faster charging and less expensive maintenance costs.
12 Clever Ways to Keep Your Driveway Clear Without Breaking a Sweat
When it comes to clearing snow, most of us make it harder than necessary. We wait until the snow is knee-deep, grab the nearest shovel, and start what feels like training for a strongman competition. Clearing snow isn't exactly on anyone's list of favorite winter activities, but keeping your driveway clear isn't optional. Thankfully, there are smarter ways to handle this seasonal challenge, and they don't involve breaking your back.
12 Holiday Traditions That Are Making a Comeback
In recent decades, holidays have become more about shopping frenzies than meaningful moments. However, a surprising shift occurs as families return to traditions that many thought were lost to time. As someone who remembers caroling through snowy neighborhoods, I witnessed many holiday customs gradually fade away. Whether it's the nostalgia factor or connection to family history, more families are returning to customs their grandparents practiced.
13 Essentials Winter Hikers Always Forget
Hiking in winter can be a great way to enjoy solitude and an alternate view of pristine landscapes. But this serenity comes with unique challenges, and a simple oversight can turn your hike into a survival situation. While you may have the obvious bases covered – warm layers, hiking boots, and a reliable backpack, certain essentials even experienced hikers sometimes overlook. These often-forgotten items can make your experience miserable.
12 Things Everyone Overpacks for Holiday Travel
We've all been guilty of overpacking our suitcases with “just-in-case” items we never use. Nobody wants to wear the same shirt throughout their vacation, but packing too much stuff is just as bad. Traveling light can help you avoid pesky airline fees, but beyond that, you can enjoy your holiday without looking like you're moving houses. Overpacking, on the other hand, just makes your trip one big logistical headache.
12 Car Engines That Earned a Place in the Hall of Shame
The average car engine should last up to 150,000 miles, and with newer vehicles, that number rises to 200,000 miles. Yet some engines barely limp past 50,000 miles before failure happens. After speaking to veteran mechanics and browsing NHTSA complaints, I discovered problematic engines that technicians would refuse to work on. Some of these failures were so predictable that repair shops could estimate the mile when these engines would break down.
12 Surprising Things That Make Your Home Feel Warmer
Sometimes, warmth isn't just about physical temperatures. Making your home feel warmer can be more about psychology than your thermostat setting. Over years of moving between apartments, homes, and cities, I've learned that creating a warm living space lies in the simple things. Using the right colors, textures, and personal touches can turn your home from cold and impersonal to warm and inviting.
12 Signs You’re Overdoing Holiday Cheer (Without Realizing It)
It's that time of year when even the most level-headed among us might find themselves humming “All I Want for Christmas.” While there’s nothing wrong with embracing your inner elf, there’s a fine line between festive spirit and holiday hysteria. I’m not here to judge anyone’s festive spirit — heaven knows I’ve had my fair share of too many advent calendars and wrapping paper. But after spending too many holidays stressed out, I wondered if I was doing this whole holiday thing wrong.
12 Ways to Avoid Looking Cheap at Holiday Parties
Have you ever been at an office party, desperately tugging at an ill-fitting dress while trying to balance a cocktail glass? You look around at your elegantly dressed colleagues and feel slightly out of place. I've been there, done that. And it's never about wearing designer labels and expensive clothes. Instead, the most sophisticated looks in the room always looked carefully curated rather than simply expensive.
15 Cars That Break Down Faster Than the Average Vehicle
When deciding on a new car, there are many factors one should consider besides price. One of the most important is the reliability of the vehicle in question. How often does it break down? How costly is the routine maintenance? How expensive are its replacement parts? These are some of the questions a potential buyer should know the answers to before signing any paper. Some brands are notorious for breaking down more often than others.
Buying Used? Skip These 15 Car Brands
Most buyers prefer used cars to new ones because of financial limitations. Used cars are not only cheaper; they also have lower insurance rates. However, going for used cars is a risky venture since some brands are known for myriads of problems. The worst-case scenario is that you may not notice these problems until weeks or months after purchase. Therefore, knowing which used cars to avoid can save you both money and time.
12 Winter Workout Tips to Stay Active All Season Long
The cold is here, and it's tempting to hide under warm blankets and pause your fitness routine. However, if you're like me, you'll agree that staying active during winter keeps you in great shape and helps you fight those seasonal blues. The National Recreation and Park Association says 58% of people are less active in winter. This isn't just another statistic but a wake-up call. I learned this the hard way after spending one winter mostly inactive, only to struggle to get back in shape come spring.
12 Holiday Traditions That Were Cooler When You Were a Kid
Christmas wasn't always about credit card bills and deadlines. As a former wide-eyed believer turned parent, I've watched the holiday season change from a magical period into an entire month of never-ending activities. Don't get me wrong, adulthood comes with its perks, like watching your kids experience these traditions for the first time. But there's something bittersweet about realizing you can never quite relive that pure childhood excitement.
13 Gifts You Can Get Without Leaving the House
The best time to get Christmas gifts is early November when the malls are not filled, and major roads are not blocked with cars. Although it's already December, there is still time. Those who don't mind the stress that comes with hectic traffic and long queues at malls can try their luck. However, if you are someone like me who does not like stress, these thirteen gift ideas will save you. The best part is that you do not have to move an inch outside your house to get or deliver these goods.
12 Pets That Are Surprisingly Hard to Care For (And What to Know First)
Social media makes many unusual pets look absolutely adorable and easy to care for. If you've ever dreamed of owning something more unique than a dog or cat, you might be in for a rude surprise. Many popular dream pets require far more resources and knowledge than most people realize. What looks like a simple tank setup on IG might actually need thousands of dollars in equipment. We also need to talk about how tasking daily maintenance can be.
13 Things You’re Doing That Are Raising Your Winter Energy Bill
Human beings are the only species that tailor their environment to suit their comfortable lifestyles instead of bending to the will of nature. We created the air conditioner for the hot summer and the heater for the cold winter. These devices “eat” electricity to function. You might be wondering why your winter electricity bill is high. There are several reasons for the increment. In the winter, when people spend most of their time indoors, electricity tariffs increase because of the rise in demand.
13 Affordable Home Modifications for Seniors
Independence and privacy are two of the most important values humans cherish regardless of age. These two values reinforce our sense of self. A child needs a crib to develop an identity; a teenager requires their own space to discover their true life's purpose; a married couple needs a place to call home (without which they cannot feel like a family). The same is true for veterans. They want to feel independent and lead private lives like the rest of us.
12 Vintage Cars That Aren’t Worth the Hassle
We've all been there — watching another Barrett-Jackson auction where some guy in a Hawaiian shirt drops mortgage-sized money on a 30-year-old car. The vintage car market has lost its mind, and somehow, cars that were jokes in period reviews are now “investment opportunities.” But here's the truth: nostalgia is expensive, and some classics deserve their reputation for burning money faster than gasoline. As someone who has seen too many restoration nightmares, I'm here to save you from yourself.
Don’t Waste Your Money On These 13 Car Accessories
There is a long list of options for improving your car’s performance, efficiency, or security. But when choosing car accessories, there’s a thin line between enhancing your ride and collecting impractical items. Some accessories are flashy gimmicks, unappealing, and a waste of money that fails to live up to the hype. To help you avoid the bad ones, we made a list of 13 car accessories you should only touch with a ten-foot pole.
Safely Jump-Start Your Car with These 11 Tips
Jump-starting a car isn't rocket science, but it's more complex than connecting cables and hoping for the best. If you have no experience, doing it wrongly can fry your car's electronics and cause injury. Like almost any person who has been driving for a while, I've had dead batteries a couple of times. Each experience taught me what to do and, more importantly, what not to do when jump-starting a car.
12 Things That Made Road Trips Better in the ’70s
Like everything else, road trips have evolved from what they were 50 years ago. Back then, the experience was as important as the destination. Forgive me if I'm a bit nostalgic, but there was nothing quite like the excitement of preparing for a trip in the '70s. The magic of these trips was in the scenery, stops, and strangers we met along the way. While these journeys could be exhausting, that was a small price to pay for the long-lasting memories.
13 Classic Brands That Have Drastically Changed Over Time
In Benjamin Disraeli's wise words, change is inevitable. This saying is true for humans and brands. An inability to evolve can lead to a brand's demise. For example, Blackberry's cardinal mistake was sticking to the button when every other mobile brand switched to the touchscreen.
14 Surprising Costs That Come With Owning EVs
Electric cars are no longer shiny items we can only admire from afar. In 2024 alone, up to 20 new EV models became available in the U.S.A., making the list of options more diverse. Manufacturers highlight savings on fuel and maintenance and the promise of a greener future, which are some of the major selling points. But before you jump on the EV bandwagon, there are several costs associated with owning an EV that might surprise you.
11 Car Upgrades You Don’t Really Need but Are Fun to Have
Upgrading your car doesn't always have to be about performance or functionality. Sometimes, the best upgrades are the ones that make your car more enjoyable to live with or add a little personal touch. When I added a custom shift knob to my car, it didn't turn my daily driver into a Rolls-Royce, but it made every drive feel more premium.
14 Expert Tips to Keep Your Truck Bed Looking Brand New
I've seen countless owners watch their trucks transform from shiny new vehicles to beat-up messes in just a few years. From this, I've learned that maintaining a truck bed is more than just looking good; it's about protecting your investment. You'll hear excuses like, “It's just a work truck,” or “Scratches add character.” But every scratch, dent, and rust spot claws away your truck's value.
14 Things You Should Do Before Winter Hits
Winter can be pretty unforgiving to the unprepared. Mistakes like failing to insulate your pipes can lead to fractured pipes, which can only mean one thing — no water supply for your household for a couple of days, if you are lucky. I used to be a victim of forgetfulness until I made a checklist of the tasks I needed to fulfill before winter. You can avoid these issues by proactively ticking all the boxes on our checklist. Below are the 14 things you should do before winter hits.
13 Stunning Coastal State Parks in California You Can't Miss
When I saw waves crash against the cliffs at Point Lobos for the first time, I knew that there was something special about California’s state parks. Since then, I’ve spent many weekends exploring these dramatic landscapes and discovering spots that will rival any beach destination in the US. Drawing from local recommendations, extensive research, and the California State Parks’ official guides, I’ve curated this list to highlight coastal parks that showcase the best of California.
12 Essential Tools Every Car Owner Should Have
Every driver's nightmare is breaking down on the side of a dark highway. It's not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous. But that's why you subscribe to roadside assistance, right? Well, if you're ever stuck in a dead zone with no cell service, like I've been (several times), the tools in your trunk can become your best friends. How do you know which tools to carry? We've carefully selected tools that can help you in real-world scenarios instead of just specialized equipment for gear heads.
13 Invasive Plants You Should Avoid in Your Garden
Innocent-looking plants in your garden could be ticking time bombs that can switch from garden beauty to neighborhood menace overnight. Most invasive plants start as well-intentioned additions to home gardens, promising fast growth and pretty blooms. However, their aggressive nature means they’ll quickly choke out native species and jump property lines. They can also be difficult to eliminate. I’ve spent countless hours helping neighbors battle English ivy, which swallowed entire tree canopies.
13 Epic Chicken Chains in the US You’ll Regret Not Visiting
I'm a fan of homemade chicken foods. My Instagram saved section is filled with international chicken recipes that I'm drooling to make in the comfort of my kitchen. If I could, I would grill chicken in my backyard while sitting in my patio chair and blasting Caribbean music all day. However, the hustle and bustle of American life makes cooking every day impossible. Some days, I mix all sorts of spices while watching “How to Grill Fried Chicken like Colonel Sanders” videos on YouTube.
13 Tire Brands Mechanics Recommend Steering Clear Of
Tires are among the most critical yet frequently overlooked components of your vehicle. However, mechanics know that not all tires deserve to be on your car. The quality of your tire can mean the difference between a safe journey and an accident waiting to happen. Since I first started driving, I've changed and driven a wide range of tires. I've also had the bad luck of using these so-called “budget-friendly tires,” and my experience was instant regret.
XX Iconic '70s Fitness Gurus Who Revolutionized Exercise
While growing up, legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired me to hit the gym. One memorable scene from Terminator 2, where Arnold lifted a car to help Sarah Connor and John escape, really stuck with me. Believe it or not, things like jogging in the morning were once considered odd. It took the efforts of people like Jack Lalanne to make exercising a culture among regular people without a military or athletic background.
12 Indoor Plants That Will Thrive During the Darker Winter Days
One of the many lessons I have learned in my nine years as a plant parent is that there is a plant for every environmental condition. The cactus can survive the scorching heat that rains in the desert, while the spider plant is immune to toxic gases like formaldehyde emitted in the forest floors. The darker areas of your house deserve to be endowed with beautiful plants, too. While all plants need sunlight, they do not require the same intensity.
12 Favorite Snacks From the ’50s and ’60s You’d Never Feed Kids Today
Before FDA regulations and helicopter parenting, the snacking world was a mix of the bizarre, the questionable, and the quirky. The worst part is that kids were the lab rats for all these tasting experiments. Sugar wasn't just an ingredient in snacks but a separate food group. Additionally, artificial ingredients, wax, and preservatives were used liberally. Many treats from the 1950s and 1960s will not survive today's stringent safety requirements.
Should You Buy or Rent? 13 Items That Are Cheaper to Borrow
My cousin is getting married soon, so I checked my wardrobe to find the most suitable outfit for this event. Guess what? None of my suits will do, but a navy tuxedo would do the trick. I have two options: spend $1,000 on a brand-new tuxedo or rent one for $100. Either way, the wedding is coming up soon, and I have to decide quickly. Asking myself these four questions helped me decide: Is this item an appreciating asset that gains value over time? Do I have the necessary space in my home to store it?
15 Car Brands Mechanics Don’t Like Working On
Many auto mechanics don't like working on certain car brands. These cars have hard-to-reach components, complex engines, design defects, proprietary technology, or require uncommon tools. All things being equal, mechanics do not like spending an eternity on any car and do not like consulting reference books before they can fix a car problem. So, when a new car model or notorious brand rolls into their garage, they cringe a little.
13 Popular ’50s Foods That Have Vanished Over Time
I have grown tired of eating the same formulaic pasta salad or hamburgers every day. The lack of innovation in the food industry is alarming. If you’ve tried all the recipe books you could find and your once-beloved meals now taste bland, you are not alone. It happens to the best of us. Spice up your taste buds with 50s-themed meals, such as TV dinners, ambrosia salad, molded jello desserts, and more. Similar to music, meals come and go. Some foods are no longer popular, but they are worth trying.
23 Safest Cars That Are Perfect For Teenage Drivers
As a teen parent, I prioritized safety when getting my teenager a new car. It is common for parents to focus on price and style, but teenage drivers can be risky road users. Their immaturity and inexperience make them more likely to engage in unsafe practices like distracted driving and speeding, which could lead to life-threatening incidents. The perfect car for a teenage driver should be safe and reliable. It should also pack a robust lineup of driver-assist tech features.
13 Common Career Mistakes Older Americans Should Avoid
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Sip and Savor the 15 Best Affordable Coffees in the World
After three years of daily home brewing and trying over 200 coffees, I discovered that amazing coffee doesn't require a luxury budget. My daily morning pour-over has led me to discover underrated brews in the most unexpected places. Through community recommendations, countless taste tests, and conversations with local roasters at my city's bi-monthly coffee meetups, I've developed a sharp sense of distinguishing quality beans from marketing hype.
13 Common Career Mistakes Older Americans Should Avoid
The corporate world can be cruel to older individuals. After years of experience and dedication, they are laid off at the slightest economic inconvenience. I have seen this scenario play out many times. If you are an older worker who plans on switching careers or want a new job, these tips will help you avoid the traps so you can fit into modern roles. Below are the 13 common career mistakes older Americans should avoid.
13 Iconic Fitness Gadgets from the ’50s That Everyone Tried
Before the fitness boom in the 1970s, physical training gained a loyal community in the 1950s with the help of legends like John Grimek and Steve Reeves. Although they did not have sophisticated fitness gadgets like wearable fitness trackers, they had effective, down-to-earth apparatuses that helped them attain fitness.
13 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bathroom (That Can Be Surprisingly Harmful)
I hate the musty and damp odor that oozes out of a stuffed bathroom with every calorie of energy in me. It indicates that it's time to declutter your bathroom and give yourself space to breathe fresh air. The bathroom is a sanctuary for many. It is natural to get comfy in the bathroom and keep various items there. These might include a photograph of a loved one, your favorite perfume, or a novel or poem book you keep next to the bubble bath.
Top 12 Family-Friendly Cruise Lines for Your Next Adventure
Family vacations can be challenging to plan for. With a long list of destinations and transportation options, you must pick the perfect choice to satisfy every family member. With the right decision, you can make many fun memories for the entire family. If you choose to go on a cruise, you must consider certain factors, such as budget, ship size, itinerary, destinations, dining, and the age of your kids.
Keep Your Motorcycle Chain in Top Condition with These 12 Tips
Your motorcycle's chain is one of the components that require constant oiling. Efficiently lubricating your chain guarantees optimal engine performance and your overall safety. We have shortlisted effective ways to keep your motorcycle chain in top condition to spare you the trouble of spending unnecessary expenses on repairing your motorcycle. These 12 tips highlighted were suggested by motorcycle engineers, mechanics, and ardent riders.
Top 15 Trucks Built to Tackle Any Terrain
Looking for a truck that can handle the roughest terrain without breaking the bank? We’ve done the hard work for you, rounding up the top 15 off-road trucks from trusted brands like Ford, Nissan, and Toyota. Whether you need a compact, mid-size, or full-size 4×4 pickup, these trucks are built tough and ready for any adventure. After thorough testing, we’re confident these models can take on the toughest trails without worry.
12 Effective Strategies to Break Free from Bad Habits
Humans are creatures of habit, meaning we all engage in certain behaviors without conscious effort. While there are many helpful habits, like journaling and exercise, we can also develop unhealthy, unproductive, impulsive habits that harm our social relationships. Chances are that, like me, you have habits that fall into one of these categories. Three months ago, I was checking my phone 153 times a day.
13 Fast-Food Chains Only True ’80s Kids Will Remember
Growing up in the 2000s, my dad would tell me about the good old days when America was “still great” and how the '80s drive-thru restaurants shaped his teenage years. Back in the 1980s, the internet had not ruined human connections. Kids played in the neighborhood until the street lights came on. American families would converge at the parlor to see Star Wars sequels like The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi.
12 Common Beliefs from the ’50s We Know Are Wrong Today
The 1950s brought technological innovations, new genres of music, and the looming threat of nuclear war. That decade also carried beliefs that would be impractical and even ridiculous today. I regularly read through an online archive where people share their family’s stories and documents. While there are many interesting tales about poodle skirts and drive-ins, the most fascinating ones are the dangerous myths our grandparents once accepted as gospel.
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