Slowly but surely, cryptocurrency is creeping into our daily lives, gaining a firm foothold in daily activities and corporate business. 

Its popularity is driven by its undoubted, revolutionary functionality and the willingness of enterprises to adopt its technologies to boost growth and productivity. Thus, it is common for folk to buy BNB, Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other altcoins. 

Crypto isn’t just a means to store value. The diversification of blockchain technologies into decentralized finance, NFTs, and other related innovations boosts the general public’s trust in cryptocurrency. 

Cryptocurrency is a feature of the blockchain, which is basically a distributed ledger of immutable transactions. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, yet it has not deterred investors from flocking. 

Today, many businesses and enterprises have adopted cryptocurrency payments as the standard. Compared to the traditional payment platforms, cryptocurrency payments are faster, cheaper, and much more efficient. 

In this piece, you will learn about the airlines that accept crypto payments and how you can go about it.

History of crypto as adopted by airlines

Bitcoin has been a form of payment for air travel since 2013. Back then, the valuation was about $900 to one BTC. 

As the value of Bitcoin has risen considerably since more travel agencies and airlines are accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

Surf Air

Surf Air is a California-based airline that provides chartered flight services within the state. They do not own any planes, but act as agents, providing flights in five airports in California: Hawthorne, Oakland, Truckee, Santa Barbara, and San Carlos. 

In December 2017, Surf Air announced its adoption of Ethereum and Bitcoin as a form of payment. 

CheapAir.com

CheapAir is another California-based travel agency that allows you to make payments using cryptocurrency. In fact, it was one of the first travel agencies to allow Bitcoin payments (in 2013).

Today, CheapAir allows you to pay for flights with altcoins like BCH, Litecoin, and Dash. In addition, the payment option extends to hotel bookings and paying for flights. 

Destinia.com

Destinia is a Spanish agency specializing in travel and hospitality. Recently, it began to accept Bitcoin for reimbursement.

On Destinia, payments in Bitcoin are facilitated through BitPay, one of the most popular crypto-transaction facilitators. 

With a wide-ranging catalog of nearly 200,000 hotels for clients to choose from, Destinia remains one of the best airline options that allow crypto payments. 

Virgin Galactic

As far as airlines go, Virgin Galactic and its British founder Richard Branson are breaking ground with planned suborbital exploits. 

Virgin Galactic differs from regular airlines that provide commercial flight services between cities and continents. Instead, they provide passenger flights into sub-orbit, i.e., anywhere at least 50 miles above the earth. 

Although not fully commercially operational, the founder of the airline, Richard Branson, has declared that his enterprise will accept crypto as a form of payment.

Operations are expected to commence sometime in 2022.

XcelTrip

XcelTrip is a US-based travel agency. It is an online-based airline and hotel booking company that allows users and customers to make payments in crypto.

XcelTrip is unique in that its objectives are geared towards boosting consumer options and power. 

To this effect, it has a mobile app and seamless transaction e-systems. It has recently expanded into Nepal, citing its ambitious motive as the desire to make Nepal a top-10 global destination. 

XcelTrip touts itself as a ‘decentralized travel ecosystem.’

LOT Polish Airlines

Founded in 1928, LOT Polish Airlines is one of the oldest airlines in the world. It is owned by the Polish Aviation Group, a state-owned organization. 

LOT Polish Airlines runs a fleet of top-class aircraft, providing flight services to much of Central, Eastern, and Baltic Europe. In addition, regularly scheduled flights fly more popular routes to the USA, Western Europe, and South-East Asia. 

As a popular travel airline, LOT allows payments with various cryptocurrencies. 

Expedia

Expedia is a conglomerate that administers a number of online consumer services. Among its subsidiaries are Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Travelocity, and Orbitz.

Listed among its assets is the travel agency Expedia Inc. Based in Seattle, Washington. Customers can easily book flights, vacation packages, and car rentals with its easy-to-use web and mobile app.

On Expedia, hotel bookings are exclusively made in Bitcoin. You can also make crypto payments alternatively for flight bookings. Coinbase is the crypto exchange facilitator. 

Conclusion

Some airlines that formerly offered Bitcoin as a form of payment recently removed crypto from the options list.

With a tech giant like Microsoft stopping Bitcoin payments on issues of risk and economic dynamics, it is evident that the entry of crypto into the aviation industry is slower than anticipated.

Nevertheless, as more companies buy into the idea over time, general adoption may not be too far from reality. 

If you’re a BMW driver, knowing what the warning lights and symbols mean is essential. This way, you can address any possible issues before they become more significant problems.

In this blog post, you will better understand BMW warning lights and symbols. Read on to know what each light means. Additionally, the article also mentions some tips for addressing them. Keep reading for more information!

What Are Car Warning Lights?

Car warning lights are symbols that indicate something is wrong with your vehicle. They usually appear as a picture of a specific issue, such as a battery or oil can.

When you see a warning light, it’s crucial to take action immediately. The light will usually be yellow or red, and it will be located on your dashboard. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to take your car to a mechanic or dealer.

What Do BMW Warning Lights Mean?

Many different warning lights can appear on a BMW. Here is a list of common warning lights and what they mean:

1. Yellow Triangle with an Exclamation Point: This indicates a general warning. It could mean a problem with your engine, brakes, or tires.

2. Red Triangle with an Exclamation Point: This is a more severe warning than the yellow one. It means that you should stop driving immediately and seek help.

3. Oil Can: This light indicates that your engine oil level is low. It means that you need to add oil to your car.

4. Battery: If the battery sign lights up, your car’s battery is not charging correctly. You may need to replace the battery.

5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light: TPMS light on means that one or more of your tires is low on air.

6. Brake Pad Replacement Light: This light means that your brake pads need to be replaced. Take your car to a mechanic immediately to replace the brake pads.

7. ABS Warning Light: This indicates that your car’s anti-lock braking system is not working correctly. After this, you should talk to your mechanic to avoid any major faults on the road. 

8. Check Engine Warning Light: If the engine sign lights up, there is a problem with your car’s engine. Take the vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked out.

9. Airbag Warning Light: This indicates a problem with your car’s airbags, and maybe one or more safety features are not working.

10. DSC Warning Light: This symbolizes your car’s dynamic stability control system. If this light is on, there may be a problem with the system.

Tips for Addressing Warning Lights

Here are some tips for addressing BMW warning lights:

• Check your manual: Your car’s owner manual will have information on the warning lights and how to manage them.

• Don’t ignore the problem: Ignoring a warning light can lead to more significant issues down the road. It’s best to address the matter as soon as possible.

• Take your car to a mechanic: If you’re not sure how to fix the problem, take your car to a qualified mechanic. They’ll be able to diagnose and mend the issue.

So, if you see any light on your dashboard, consult your owner’s manual or take your car to a qualified BMW dealer or mechanic.

There are a massive array of different reasons as to why you can use your phone, and these vary depending on what you are interested in. If you are interested in NASCAR, then you will be happy to know that there are a lot of different reasons why you can use your phone to engage further with that sport. You may well be reading this and wondering what those different reasons are, and if so, then you will be happy to know they are going to be described in more detail below. 

Play Racing Games 

The gaps between races are often too long, and as such, you might want to fill the NASCAR-shaped hole in your heart with some racing games. There are a huge amount of different racing games that you can choose from, and all of them are exceptional thanks to the advancements that have been made in mobile gaming recently. 

If you aren’t particularly a fan of racing games but still like the idea of mobile gaming, then you are going to be happy to know that there are lots of other options available to you. Part of the appeal of mobile gaming is the versatility that comes with it, and as such, you are going to be able to explore all of the different genres. One that has grown particularly popular in the last few years is that of online gambling. You can head over to a real money casino online and try your hand at the different games available. 

Watch Highlights of Past Races 

It’s always nice when you’re passionate about a certain sport to remind yourself why you are so passionate about it. NASCAR is a high octane and adrenaline-inducing sport, and as such, even if you are watching a race you already know the outcome of, it doesn’t make it any less fun. This means that if you are trying to think of some of the different ways that you can have fun with NASCAR racing using your phone, you can head over to YouTube and submerge yourself in entertainment while you watch some of the highlights of previous races. You might have some specific races that you want to visit, or you could do a bit of research and look up what are widely considered the best races of all time. Once you have your list, you can look them up and see if you agree. 

Look Up the Next Event

If you enjoy watching NASCAR racing live, then you are going to be happy to know that by using your phone, it is incredibly easy to keep up to date with all of the different races that are going on. These can include local races or some a bit further afield if you’re willing to travel. Either way, by doing a bit of a search, you will be able to work out which races you are most likely going to be able to travel to in the near future.

As a car owner, you want the best for it to serve you longer and save you money. The car tires are an important part of your vehicle because they are the ones that hit the road and thus have an impact on safety, handling and safety. Regular tire checkups are crucial, and when filling them, you may be wondering between nitrogen and air which is the most appropriate. Read on to find out the right one for your car.

Why Nitrogen Is Better Than Air

For your tires to stay in good shape, they need pressure. When you use nitrogen, the pressure stays longer than when you put air in. Compared to compressed air, nitrogen is better because its molecules move slower and are larger.

When you use nitrogen, it will not seep out of the tires faster as air, thus maintaining the right pressure for long. The right pressure helps the tires last longer, saves you fuel cost and makes car handling better. The next time you want the right solution for your car, consider using nitrogen generators as they are reliable, dependable, and cost-effective.

Effect of Temperature Changes

Gas contracts in cool air and expands in hot air, which applies to any gas in a tire. That is why it is advisable to check your car tires before you start driving or early in the morning before the sun heats up. Using nitrogen in tires is advantageous because it does not support combustion or moisture.

Nitrogen is non-flammable, making it ideal for use in demanding environments or heavy commercial use. Any situation that requires the high performance of vehicles requires dry nitrogen as it reduces variations in tire pressure.

When to Opt For Nitrogen or Compressed Air

As much as nitrogen is advantageous, it is not necessary to use it. If your car usage in a day does not demand the tires, you can do without nitrogen. Since compressed air is convenient and free, you are better off with it than nitrogen.

What to Do When There Is No Nitrogen

When you opt to use nitrogen, there may be times that you find yourself in need of putting pressure in the tires, but the gas is not available nearby. Instead of driving with low air in your tires, you can fill them up using compressed air. However, the effectiveness of nitrogen and its purity will lessen. There will be no evidence that mixing the two can cause any serious chemical reaction.

The use of nitrogen does not mean you have to neglect regular checkups of tire inflation pressure. You have to re-inflate with nitrogen or air when you have low inflation pressure. It is risky operating a vehicle on underinflated tires.

Bottom Line

Your vehicle deserves the best care and whether you choose to use compressed air or nitrogen depends on the performance of your car. The most important thing is to maintain your car to serve you for a long time. One way of maintaining the ties well is by having them inflated as they tend to handle better, last longer, and wear evenly.

When we are passionate about something, we give our absolute best in almost all aspects related to it. Our passion pushes us to be creative and dedicated, allowing us to come up with brilliant ideas to show the world how passionate we truly are with the craft that we love. For bikers, we may think that it’s all about speed and performance. But a biker’s passion can be seen away from the road and perhaps hung on a wall like a motorcycle wall art. 

If you are a biker or know someone who loves motorcycles, here are some ways on how you can turn your bike into an epic artwork that can truly embody a biker’s passion:

1. Motorcycle Portrait

Perhaps the most popular way to show off how passionate a biker you are is to have a large portrait of your bike and display it proudly in your home. You can either work with a talented graphic artist to digitally draw your bike or an exceptional photographer who can capture a breathtaking shot of your bike, perhaps even while you ride it. You may also consider going old school and working with an artist who can paint a portrait of your bike.

Whatever choice of a portrait you make, you will be able to demonstrate your love for motorcycles through beautiful artwork that can serve as a great conversation starter when you invite guests over to your home. 

2. Motorcycle scale model

Another great way to exhibit your love for your bike is through displaying an awesome scale model of your bike. You can work with a scale modeling business that can come up with a personalized model of your bike. Alternatively, you can have a 3D-printed miniature version of your motorcycle which can be even made into parts that you can build together like a Lego. 

Whatever your chosen medium is, a scale model of your motorcycle (or perhaps even a couple of scale models) can be proudly exhibited on a display cabinet. A bigger scale model can also be made into a nice centerpiece in your home office, or perhaps a décor in your bedside table. 

3. Motorcycle Sculpture

Making a sculpture of your motorcycle is another way for you to transform your passion for biking into amazing artwork. A nice clay sculpture can definitely spark great conversations when you host guests, especially if you are able to display it proudly. Aside from clay, there are a lot of other sculpting materials that you can explore such as different types of wood, marble, maybe even bronze or synthetic resin. Check out amazing sculptors near you and see a wide array of materials your beloved bike can be sculpted into. 

4. Turn your bike into an art itself

Finally, you can transform your motorcycle itself. Turn your bike into a masterpiece by having it custom-painted or by making use of nice motorcycle decals. The idea is to make your motorcycle one-of-a-kind and making it the medium for which you can express your passion for biking.

As you transform your motorcycle into an artwork, make sure that you keep performance and safety in mind so that you will be able to continue embracing speed without worrying.

Show off your passion for biking with motorcycle art

There are many different ways on how you can be able to show off your love for biking, and the four ways above are just some of them. No matter what art form you have in mind, transforming your bike into an epic artwork is the perfect way to proudly show your passion for biking. 

Do you need more storage space in your Subaru? If so, a cargo box may be the perfect solution for you to store necessities for your road trip. There are many different cargo boxes available in the market, so it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you.

This blog post will cover various features to look for when buying a cargo box for Subaru outback. Read ahead to learn more about cargo boxes for road trip gear and which one to buy for your car.

Benefits 

There are many benefits to owning a cargo box for your vehicle. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Increased Storage Space – A cargo box can provide you with much-needed extra storage space, which is especially useful for families or those who like to travel.

• Added Security – A cargo box can help keep your belongings safe and secure while you are on the road.

• Improved Gas Mileage – A cargo box can help improve your Subaru outback’s gas mileage by reducing wind resistance.

• Added Privacy – A cargo box can provide added privacy for your belongings, especially if you are traveling with children.

Features 

When shopping for a cargo box for Subaru outback, there are several features to consider:

1. Size 

First, you will need to decide the size box. There are many different sizes available, so you should find one that fits your needs.

The box should be big enough to store all your belongings and road trip gear. It should not be too big or bulky so that it takes up too much space in your Subaru.

2. Type 

Next, you will need to decide what cargo box you want. There are three main types: roof-mounted, hitch-mounted, and van-mounted.

• Roof-mounted Cargo Boxes

Roof-mounted are the most popular type of cargo box. They do not occupy any space inside your vehicle. However, they are not as secure as other boxes.

• Hitch-mounted Cargo Boxes

Hitch-mounted cargo boxes are easy to install and do not take up any space inside. However, they can be a bit difficult to access once installed.

• Van-mounted Cargo Boxes

Van-mounted cargo boxes are not as standard as the other two types, but they offer the most storage space. They are mounted inside and take up some of the interior space. They are very secure and easy to access.

3. Type Of Mounting System

The mounting system is another crucial factor to consider when buying a Subaru outback cargo box. There are two types of mounting systems: clamp-on and bolt-on.

• Clamp-On Mounting System

The clamp-on mounting system is the most popular type of mounting system. They can be installed easily without any tools. However, it can be difficult to remove once installed.

• Bolt-On Mounting System

The bolt-on mounting system is more secure than the clamp-on mounting system, but it is also more challenging to install. It requires tools and can be time-consuming.

4. Brand Of the Box

Once you have decided on the size and type, you will need to choose a brand. There are many different brands available in the market, so it can be challenging to find the right one.

It is recommended to choose a reputed brand. The brand should also offer a warranty on the cargo box.

5. Installation

Finally, you will need to consider the installation process. Some cargo boxes are easy to install, while others can be difficult. It is crucial to choose a box that is easy to install, so you do not have to spend hours trying to figure it out.

There are many things to consider when purchasing a Subaru outback cargo box. You will need to decide the size, type, brand, and installation process. However, if you take your time and research, you will get the perfect cargo box for your needs.

There haven’t been many two-seater roadsters as popular as the Mazda MX-5. In fact, this is the best-selling small sportscar in motoring history. It has repeatedly ousted more traditional (and reasonable) sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs in the running for “Best Car of the Year” awards across the world. The fourth-generation car was even voted “World Car of the Year” for 2016.  

Many of the awards and accolades are owed to the sheer fun factor the car has. Even early models stripped of all of today’s tech were exhilarating to throw around a track or rev hard down the street. The brilliant handling and ride, pushed along by small but energetic 4-cylinder engines, was nevertheless assisted with a few additions rarely found in the day. Late editions of the first MK1 (or NA) Miata had standard ABS sitting on discs all around. Something even luxury cars missed out on.  

The Braking Performance of the MX-5

Braking hard and fast is not only about bringing the car to a stop. Yes, safety is the primary role of brakes. But it’s also about maintaining speed longer in the straights, before bends begin. This helps lighter cars like the Miata even more. They won’t be burdened by the extra weight, and with a stiffer chassis, can maintain better driving lines.  

Central to that stopping power is having a good MX5 brake caliper, along with pads with decent bite. The MK1 cars were fitted with smaller rotors and slightly smaller brake assemblies than the following models. As engine power rose, so did overall brake size and braking force. The rims got bigger too. 14-inch steel wheels were replaced with bigger alloys in each subsequent model.  

Brake Calipers in the MX-5 

Disc brakes were somewhat of a novelty when the MX-5 was introduced in 1989. Or at least an expensive alternative to drums. Brake calipers are what runs the show. They allow the MX-5 safer or more intense braking (aided with the anti-lock system), depending on how you drive and the conditions on the road. 

If you suspect that the brakes on your Miata aren’t up to scratch, replacing the pads and calipers is the first point of action. The stock rotors wear quicker than you’d think, even in cars that have been driven with more enthusiasm. To remove all doubt, let’s delve deeper.  

Calipers are clamp-like assemblies mounted along the steering knuckle. They consist of several parts, each with a vital role in bringing your Miata to a stop. This includes the caliper body and mount, the pads and pistons as the main parts. Smaller, but still crucial parts are the mounting clips and locking bolts (or a mounting bracket), the piston seal and dust cover, as well as slide pins. A bleeder screw, often located on the top of the caliper, is used to bleed excess air out of the system.  

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic braking fluid is fed to the caliper from the master cylinder by way of a flexible brake fluid hose and banjo fitting. The resulting pressure pushes on the piston and the inside brake pad. As this happens the caliper moves along the slide pins to engage the outer brake pad. When the pedal is depressed, and pressure decreases, the pistons pull back the pads, and the caliper resumes its initial position. This is in floating (or sliding) callipers, and the ones you’d find on the MX5.  

To avoid contamination from liquids, dust, and road debris, the pistons are sealed with rubber seals and housed in a dust cover.  

Symptoms of Bad Brake Calipers 

You’ll definitely notice when the brake pads and calipers aren’t performing their best. Older Miatas with higher mileage need to be checked for brake pad and rotor wear and damage to the caliper components, especially the pistons and slide pins. Different driving habits and conditions, like road debris, moisture, and constant hard braking will likely cause more wear.  

The first sign of wear and damage to an MX5 brake caliper is increased braking distances and loss of brake feel. This can be from inadequate pressure in the brake line caused by leaks, or jammed pistons that fail to push on the pads. In addition, calipers can fail to engage because of issues with the slide pins. In floating calipers, the slide pins may stick due to a loss of lubrication or advanced rust. 

Related to this is vehicle or brake pull. If one of the (front) calipers seizes or fails to engage, then the wheels spin at different speeds and pull to the affected side. The calipers in this case can be affected by pistons that don’t pull back, or are too corroded to act on the pads. Another reason for this is that pads in different wheels have uneven wear. 

More obvious and audible are weird noises from the wheels. A piston that has seized will cause the pad to rub against the rotor, even without the brake pedal pressed down. If the sound is more of a thump, then there might be damage to the mounting bracket or the clips and locking bolts. This, if left unchecked, can cause more damage to other parts quite soon.  

If seals are worn out, there’ll be low pressure or brake fluid leaks. A simple inspection will confirm the extent of a leak, which can also include a torn brake fluid line. Of course, the most obvious indication of worn brakes is when the brake warning light lights up in the dash.  Any of the issues above require immediate attention. If damage is extensive, then it is advised to replace the whole caliper assembly.  

Improving the Braking Performance in the MX-5 

In order to provide efficient and effective braking, brake force needs to be equally distributed between the front left and right calipers, and 60% of overall braking power going to the front axle and 40 to the rear. If there is wear or damage to one of the front calipers, this can be repaired, or both calipers can be swapped out. Each brake then needs to be bled.  

If the existing rotors and calipers are fine, you can improve braking performance by changing to higher performance brake fluid to engage pistons with more force, and have the fluid fed through braided brake lines that swell less than stock rubber hoses. In addition, changing to better spec pads will reduce braking times, with surfaces that grip better to the rotors, while also staying cooler. Look for packaged performance kits, with better spec pistons, pads, and calipers, as well as braided brake lines. These are sold for most Miata variants, including rare early models.

Mazda has restarted to supply OEM parts for older vehicles, especially for the Miata, due to high demand. Rebuilt callipers, with the original look, are way more expensive than newer aftermarket designs. So, it makes sense to go for aftermarket MX5 calipers. If you’re swapping out for bigger rotors and matching calipers, also have in mind the rim size.