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Car Care Products
There are hundreds of car-care and auto-detailing products in the market today – but what do you really need and what can you do without? Read on and decide for yourself.
When used properly, car waxes can take the dullness off your car’s exterior paint and make it look brand new. Experts recommend that you wax at least two times a year or more if you have an older car. Doing this prevents dirt build up and keeps your car looking new even after years of use.
Do not confuse car polish with a car wax – these are two very different chemicals, and each one can make very important contributions to your car’s upkeep. Car polish can deep clean your car’s finish with its mild abrasive properties. A good car polish has the ability to minimize paint defects by deflecting light. Be careful about buying car polishes, though; because there are cheap varieties those leave residues, causing your car paint to become dull. Invest in car polish that is easy to wipe off and buff.
There are very useful Teflon-based additives available in the market today that help keep engine oil in tiptop shape, even if you forget to change it for a long period of time. These additives are proven to extend engine life, and experts recommend that car owners use them every 50,000 miles.
It is not enough to just keep your car’s exterior clean – more importantly, the interior should be cleansed and maintained, too. Take your car for a yearly full detailing or buy the right products and scrub her clean yourself. Proper shampooing cleans out all of the dirt that has built up over time on your dashboard, sidings, ceiling, and seats. Be careful not to overdo it, though, because too much scrubbing can cause leather or fabric colors to fade.
Car Care Centers
Next to your house, your car is probably your most expensive property, and it only makes sense to give it the best possible care you can. This means that you need to do more than just the usual check ups and maintenance routines – you also need to regularly take your car to a professional car-care center. How do you choose the best center for your car? Here are some aspects to consider.
Scope and variety of services are important. Choose a car-care center that covers everything your car needs, from transmission maintenance to wheel balancing, to electrical repairs and air-conditioning. You want a one-stop shop for all your car concerns – such a set up can help you save time and money in the long run.
Customer support is also important. You want a car-care center that has a competent team of customer-care representatives available to accommodate your specific requests and address whatever concerns you may have. Some car-care companies even go as far as to provide you with free roadside assistance, towing, or emergency repairs!
Compare the prices of parts and services of different car-care centers and then choose wisely. Remember that the cheapest car-care center is not necessarily the best – they may lack the equipment and personnel to attend to your car when you need something fixed immediately. Some also disguise their services as the cheapest in the market only to surprise you with hidden fees.
Keep in mind, however, that low process does not necessarily mean low quality (because there are some very good but very cheap car-care centers out there). If you’re not sure whether a cheap car-care center’s services are satisfactory, try out one of their minor services first (such air-filter cleaning). If they perform well even in small functions, they are likely to deliver well in bigger projects, too.
Car Care and Maintenance Tips from the Experts
Recent studies have proposed that most car/motor vehicle accidents take place due to improper car care. Caring for your car in no way means that you would have to make expensive car care product purchases, rather it implies simple preventive measures in accordance with the instructions enlisted in the owner’s manual. The manufacturer recommended car care tips boost the car’s performance and ensure longevity of the vehicle.
Car care stands for routine checking and replacing of the vital components and machineries of the vehicle. The following checks will help you prevent accidents and keep your car going great guns:
Frequent Filter Checking:
The air and oil filters need frequent checking. When the filtration systems are clogged by dirt and dust, they adversely affect the functioning of the engine. The Car Care Council recommends regular change of oil and air filters every 3000 to 4000 miles of drive for the optimum efficiency of a vehicle.
Check the tires:
The tire pressure check is another invaluable car care tip for the peak performance and safety of the vehicle. Under inflated tires are known to reduce the engine and fuel efficiency by nearly 15 percent. Tire pressure should ideally be checked when the tire is cold. Once in a month should suffice, but then if your car care kit has a Digital Gauge, you may do so more frequently. Remember, low tire pressure reduces the life of your tires!
Tuning up your engine:
Keeping the engine in tune is an important part of your car care program. Hence, ensure that there is nothing wrong with the engine – no worn belts, no misfiring spark plugs, no clogging of fuel injectors – to mar the engine’s smooth functioning.
Right Oil for right Cars
Caring for your car is as much about using the right oil. In most cases it happens to be manufacturer-recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for ‘energy conserving’ oils that contain friction-reducing additives.
There are hosts of other car care tips that enhance the efficiency of your motor vehicle. Routine checking of battery-fluid and other fluids is one such necessity. Lubricating the chassis of the vehicle increases the life span of the component parts. Checking the brakes, lighting system and the windshield blades lower the possibilities of accidents.
A full-proof car care plan requires that you park your car in the garage or in some shady area when not in use. Sun-baking a car using gasoline will lead to the fast evaporation of the fuel.
Your car will cherish your loving care in spite of being a lifeless object and will repay you with superior and protracted service. With comparatively fewer mishaps and a relatively controlled emission of pollutants, your car care will leave its impact on the society and the environment as a whole.