Washing Your Car: 7 Dos and Don’ts

28 June 2018

There are many benefits to washing your car on your own. For one, it will save you money. For another, automatic car washes may actually cause some tiny damages to your car that you may not notice immediately; car wash employees may also not be as careful as you when washing your car. Washing your car on your own also allows you to give your vehicle a once-over that may reveal small problems, which you can then resolve ASAP.

The problem with DIY car washing is that many people are used to some practices that may actually be damaging to your car. To help you become a car-washing pro, here are some do’s and don’ts that you have to keep in mind.

Contents

1 Do A Pre-Wash Shower :
2 Do: Use the Right Soap :
3 Do: Wipe with Microfiber Cloths :
4 Do: Dry Everything Completely :
5 Don’t: Wash Under the Sun :
6 Don’t: Apply Products Directly :
7 Don’t: Use Just One Bucket :

Do A Pre-Wash Shower :

This is an important step, since this dislodges stubborn dirt, mud, sand, and other debris, giving you an overall easier time washing. Loosening these particles will also prevent scratches on the paint job since you don’t have to “dig” before you can get them off.

Do: Use the Right Soap :

Dish detergents are formulated to strip grease from your plates and cookware. Laundry detergents are meant to loosen dirt and stains from fabrics. So why do some people think that it is okay to use these soaps on cars? The chemicals in these detergents are harsh enough to strip off the wax of your car and may even damage the paint. There are specially formulated car soaps/shampoos — these are the ONLY things that you should use to lather up and wash your car.

Do: Wipe with Microfiber Cloths :

Sponges and other clothes are made of fabrics that may be too abrasive to your car’s paint. Make sure to use microfiber towels for your car for both soapings up and drying your car after a thorough rinse. Microfiber cloths are designed to lift dirt away from the surface, so they don’t scratch while you are scrubbing. They are also much more absorbent compared to other fabrics, so you will be able to dry your car much faster. Make sure to use separate cloths for washing and drying.

Do: Dry Everything Completely :

Make sure that you dry everything, down to the last nooks and crannies. These include door hinges and handles, windshield wipers, side mirrors, and the underside of the hood. Incomplete drying can cause condensation, rust, and gunk build-up, which can result in both superficial and mechanical damage to your car. You can use microfiber towels to dry many of these parts; for tight corners and spaces, there are squeeze blowers you can use to remove water.

Don’t: Wash Under the Sun :

Properly cleaning your car means keeping it wet throughout the process, drying it only when it has been rinsed completely. This won’t be possible if you wash your car under direct sunlight since it will heat up the metal and cause the water and soap to dry quickly and leave spots on the body, windshield, and windows. Wash your car in the shade or during the early evening to prevent this from happening. You should also wait for your car to cool down first before washing it.

Don’t: Apply Products Directly :

Don’t apply any kind of product directly onto your car. The rule is to always dilute first (if the instructions say so), then apply it onto a cloth, and only then should you’re applying it on your car. Microfiber cloths are again ideal for this purpose. You should also use overlapping circular motions when applying wax or polish to make sure you cover every inch of the car.

Don’t: Use Just One Bucket :

Using just one bucket of water is like putting the dirt back on to your car, which ruins the purpose of cleaning it in the first place. Use two buckets: one for soapy water and the other for rinsing your washcloth before dipping it into the soapy water again.

Following these tips will not only make washing your car a breeze, but you will also make sure that your car looks as good as new for as long as you can.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be exciting and at the same time can make you feel anxious. There are a multitude of considerations like its value, maintenance and others. Some second-hand cars exceed their purchase value while some can be considered lemons. One of the best ways to buy a used car is to go through a used car dealership, and if you’re looking for dealerships in the Greater Rochester area, you can visit the website thatsmyvision.com.However, before you come to a purchase decision, you have to know the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used car. Pros: 1. Cost Less: New car buyers usually switch cars after five years, so if you’re paying 8,000 USD for a used one instead of a new one priced at 16,000 USD, then you can save half of your money to buy another car or save it to buy a nicer one after a couple of years. Used cars, on an average, are usually priced half compared to new cars.Buying a used car can save you from long term financing fees and enables you to pay for your car faster.2. No hidden fees: A new car deal might look and sound great, but most new cars will have hidden fees that are sometimes exaggerated, such as destination fees, dealer preparation charges, and shipping fees. Sometimes, hidden advertising fees up to 1,000 USD can even be included in the brand new car prices.On the other hand, used cars will not have any hidden charges, except documentation fees that can cost a few hundred dollars. 3. Thoroughly inspected and certified: Getting a certified used car from dealers assures buyers that they’re buying a thoroughly inspected and quality car for the price. Certified used vehicles have been reconditioned and inspected by their manufacturers or by a certifying authority. Additionally, dealerships that sell certified used cars also offer lower financing rates, extended warranties, and comprehensive maintenance programs. 4. Insurance premiums cost less: If a new car is involved in an accident, the insurance company will pay the current value of the car, leaving a price gap between the purchase price and the vehicle’s current value. This is where a gap insurance policy comes in. This type of insurance will cover the price gap between the new and the depreciated value, but it can significantly raise your premiums.However, gap insurance will not be necessary when buying a used car, as the value of the vehicle has already been depreciated. 5. Registration fees cost less: Annual registration fees are based on the vehicle’s value and year model. Generally, the first three years of a vehicle will have the highest rates, and then the rates are leveled off in the fifth year. This means that if you buy a three-year-old used car, you can easily save a few hundred dollars on annual registration fees. 6. Warranties: Used cars can sometimes have extended warranties or a part of its original warranty. Extended warranties on a used car will provide factory repairs, spare parts, and faster services. Some used cars will even have the option to create a new warranty. You can also use the money that you saved from not buying a new car to have your car warranted until 100,000 miles. 7. Simple Modifications Can Improve Value And Performance If you are particularly expert at making used cars look gorgeous, you should get great advantages by buying used cars and making few changes to its parts to make it perform like a new car. If you are buying a used Jeep, adding some quality jeep rims can make the car better and stronger. You can add off-road rims for longer-lasting performance. Changing the wheels, breaks, bumpers can give the car a great look. Cons: 1. Hidden Issues: Unless you’re buying a certified used car from a dealership, chances are that you’ll never know the car’s issues until it breaks down on you. Most pre-owned car sellers will never tell you the true history of the car. It may have been flooded, involved in accidents, or criminal cases. 2. Higher maintenance costs: If you’re budget conscious, buying a used car can be a smart financial decision. However, the money you saved from that decision can quickly turn into maintenance and repair costs. Used cars will frequently need more maintenance and repair jobs in order to run properly. These may include tasks such as tire renewal, transmission flushing, and brake pad renewal. 3. Fewer choices and features: If you're not lucky enough, buying a particular car you want with modern features and technology can be hard. Generally, if you’re shopping for used cars, you can only get what you see. Used car buyers will not have the same customizable options or choices a new car buyer can have. If you’re into a specific set of features, then buying a used car may not be the best for you. Closing thoughts: If you’re still stuck between a new and a used car, you should first weigh out the pros and cons listed in this article. The smell of a new car is great, but is it really worth it? Take your time to do some research, and always look beyond the price before you make any buying decision.Read Also:10 Reasons To Purchase A Used Car Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car

Important Tips to Maintain your Luxury Car

Luxury cars are every man’s dream. They offer an unparalleled driving experience, taking you down the smooth roads in a breeze. These mean machines are not only beautiful but certainly, attract some head-turns and awe by people on the road. However, as breathtaking as they may be, luxury cars cannot be afforded by everyone.Even if you can buy one, then its maintenance costs can drive even the most ardent car fan crazy. These impeccable machines need attention, pampering, and lots of care for them to function smoothly. So if you just inducted yourself in the league of luxury car owners, then this article will share some important tips to maintain its life and to keep it running well through the years. Buy the Right Car Products: The thing about luxury cars is that you must invest heavily in its maintenance and its products. Unlike other cars where you can simply buy stuff off the shelves, luxury cars require you to be more considerate.You must look for products that are suitable for your vehicle like GPS tracking system and can enhance its life. When it comes to luxury vehicles, these products are manufactured for the purpose of maintaining the car and to ensure that it runs smoothly. You should research all your options before investing in them. Sometimes your car may even require custom maintenance, be sure to check about that. Get Regular Service: Servicing your vehicle from time to time is an important aspect of your luxury car upkeep. Since your luxury cars have multiple electrical features, they must be serviced more frequently than the others. For your car to get serviced well and on time, you must locate a service center that is capable of catering to your car and its needs. Most importantly, look for a center that specializes in your car type. Drive your Car Frequently: Believe it or not, many luxury car owners simply invest in them for the sake of status symbol and prestige attached to these vehicles. No matter what your reason is, a luxury Mercedes specialist warns that you must take your car out for a spin from time to time. All vehicles should be driven and allowing it to sit idle for a long time can actually be bad for them. Did you know that keeping your luxury car in the garage will cause more damage to your vehicle than driving it? Don't be surprised if your car breaks down after a month of sitting unused in the garage. Take it out and drive that thing to prolong its life! Follow Maintenance Schedule as Provided by Manufacturer: Manufacturers often provide an upkeep schedule that specifies what needs to be done and when. All you need to do is follow the schedule as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. If you are feeling lazy about getting your car serviced, then remember that it demands more attention and care than a regular car. Interior and Exterior Cleaning: Luxury car models are vulnerable to cuts and scrapes. This is why you should only use the certified cleaning products for its interior and exterior cleaning. High-end interiors in your vehicle are made from expensive materials that require specialized care. Only use leather-approved products on your leather seats. Additionally, use the high-power vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and quality carpet shampoo to get rid of all tough stains. The best way to get your luxury car cleaned from the inside is to let professionals handle it. They follow the instructions down to the last detail and ensure that the car is squeaky clean from inside.Additionally, for the exterior cleaning, find a good car wash that uses the hand-washing technique. By using this method for regular cleaning, you can prevent discoloration, and cracking and peeling of paint. Experts recommend that you must get your car washed at least two to three times every week. You should also give it a wax/sealant treatment once every month. Tire Maintenance: Tires are what makes the car actually move, their maintenance is mandatory. As you use your car on a daily basis, the tires take a beating by rubbing against the tarred road. This is why it is imperative that you maintain your tires if you want it to be in good condition. After driving up to a thousand miles, it is common for the tires to experience regular wear and tear. Not getting them serviced in time will also upset the car’s balance. Sometimes, continuing to drive a car with worn-out tires can lead to a tire burst that is not only irreversible but also dangerous. Needless to say, this is why it is recommended to change the tire of your luxury car as soon as the treads on it contract to 1.5mm or less.Another parameter to check the tire life of your luxury car is to check the air pressure. Get your air pressure checked each time you take your car for refueling. Check the Batteries: If you have been driving for some time, then you already know that car breakdown is mostly caused due to faulty batteries. Unlike normal cars, the electrical system in a luxury car is way more complex. Therefore, it requires a trained technician to preserve your battery’s life in order to prevent your vehicle from breaking down unexpectedly. The experts will check for loose screws and build-up on the terminals. They will also ensure that the electrolyte levels are full. Consider replacing the old battery if it has been older than three years. Check the Maintenance Schedule: Even the most basic cars require regular service, your luxury vehicles are way more demanding to ensure their optimum performance. Not to get your vehicle serviced in time can be one of the quickest ways to ruin its health over time. It can add to the cost of your car’s upkeep as failure to maintain its parts can lead to their malfunctioning that will further need their replacement. You can prevent these issues from escalating by handling the maintenance as and when it is required. You should keep a track of when the maintenance is due and plan for it ahead of time to avoid delays. Follow the Rulebook: Maintaining a luxury vehicle is really not as complicated as one would think. It comes with a rulebook with detailed instructions regarding its maintenance and upkeep. All you need to do is follow these basic practices to maintain your vehicle and ensure its long life on the road. Things, like parking your car in the garage and covering it with tarpaulin alone, can prevent the damage caused due to extreme hot and cold weathers. Similarly, there are many such little things that we do not even consider when talking about the maintenance of your vehicles.Now you know that how you need to maintain your luxury car. You can follow all the above-mentioned ways and keep your car in top condition, no matter whether it is an expensive car or an inexpensive one. Make sure that you give time to your car frequently when it comes to taking care of it.Read Also:Car Between 5 – 10 Lakhs – What Is It? What Do You Need To Change Car Rims? Why You Need Classic Car Insurance?

Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained

You’ve taken the leap into electric vehicles, leaving behind petrol fumes and high bills at the forecourt lured by the prospect of low running costs, no vehicle tax, and low emissions. Or maybe you’re just considering ditching fuel tanks for plugs and are doing the maths, calculating whether the savings you can rack up with an EV, from the government’s rebate to lower servicing charges, can offset the higher initial outlay.While electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax and from charges in London’s congestion zone, and you can rack up discounts on parking permits from many councils, you can’t avoid some of the standard costs of owning a vehicle. A major, unavoidable expense is for car insurance, which is a legal requirement for any vehicle using or even parked on public roads in the UK. If you’ve never sought out or arranged insurance for an electric vehicle, you might be baffled about where to start. Cost and Providers: You may heard electric vehicles are significantly more expensive to insure and that you’ll need to see out a specialist provider. It’s true that the market for electric vehicles, and therefore for insurance for electric vehicles, is still in its infancy. As of the end of September 2018, there are just 178,000 plug-in vehicles (including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) registered in the UK, out of a total of 37.3m vehicles on our roads. But the number is rising quickly: there were 5,000 new registrations of plug-in vehicles each month of 2018, while in 2014 just 400 new plug-in vehicles were being driven off lots.With the increasing uptake of EVs and hybrids, especially in the run up to the 2040 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, the cost and complication of insuring them will fall. Electric vehicle insurance policies will become standard fare from mainstream insurers.Today, the higher purchase price of EVs drives up insurance premiums for them, as insurers need to consider to cost of replacing your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged beyond repair.But even now you might find insuring an electric vehicle might be comparable to, or even cheaper, than insuring a petrol- or diesel-powered car, owing to the small size and less powerful engines on EVs and the discounts some insurers can give you for driving environmentally-friendly cars.However, the process of obtaining insurance quotes and policies for an electric vehicle is different than that for EVs and a rundown will be helpful as you start your electrically-powered journey. What Impacts Cost of Insurance for Electric Vehicles: You’re probably familiar with the features of a standard vehicle that can inflate, or reduce, your monthly premiums for its insurance, including its car insurance group, the size of its engine, and purchase price. For insuring electric vehicles, there’s a new calculus, accounting for who owns the battery and the risk posed by (not kidding) power cables. leased batteries: Some EV manufacturers like Renault and Clio offer motorists the option of buying the vehicle outright but leasing its battery, with a monthly fee and mileage agreement. These arrangements spare you the steep cost of replacing batteries when they lose functionality after a few years. But if you’re leasing the battery, you’ll need to inform your insurer when obtaining quotes, as a leased battery will affect who needs to be paid if your electric vehicle is written off. Additionally, some policies may not cover leased batteries. power cables and liability: Much like your smartphone, your electric vehicle will need to be charged, just with a very big cord. If you’re charging in your driveway or garage, you won’t have to worry about the cord trailing large distances. But if you’re charging your vehicle while it’s parked on the street or at a public charging station, that cord could pose a tripping hazard. When obtaining an insurance policy for your electric vehicle, you should ensure it provides enough liability cover to protect you if a member of the public face-plants over your cable. fires from at-home charging: If your electric vehicle or cable fire while plugged in in your driveway or garage you might wonder which insurance policy will pay out: your home insurance policy or the one for your car. That ultimately depends on where the fire originates, but the risk of an electric fault within your vehicle causing a fire that then destroys you home can push up premiums for car insurance for EVs. green discounts: Some insurers will offer discounts of up to 5% on your annual premiums as a reward for you driving an environmentally-friendly car. Others will make charitable donations to green causes in your name from your premiums or plant a certain number of trees.Read Also:Why You Need Classic Car Insurance? 7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance