10 Simple Summer Car Care Tips from Autotrader

Posted on by Wilhelm Mobile Detailing
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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but car care doesn’t take a vacation between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The warmer months present some challenges to personal transportation and maintenance, but this list will help us all have a summer we can enjoy. Here are our top 10 tips to keeping your car — and its passengers — in good shape this summer.

1. Coolant System

Keeping cool is paramount, not just for ourselves but also for our cars. In addition to checking the level of coolant fluid in your car, go the extra mile and inspect the state of the hoses and the coolant reservoir. Keep an eye out for leaks, especially at joints and connection points, such as where a hose connects to the engine block. Also, squeeze the hoses (when the engine is cool) every once in a while to make sure they feel firm and not excessively squishy or soft.

2. Engine Belts

There is usually a serpentine belt that runs between the alternator, the fan and several other components. It can deteriorate, become loose, start to squeal, and sometimes just break for no apparent reason. It needs to be in good condition and at the right amount of tension. If you see cracks in the belt or small pieces missing, it’s time to replace the belt.

3. Wipers

Yes, it’s summer, but it’s probably going to rain at some point. Worn wipers create nasty streaks across the windshield and can affect your vision while driving. Replacing them doesn’t cost much, but it can be a fiddly operation. If you’re in the habit of taking your car in for oil changes, ask them about the wipers, too. Sometimes a dealership will sell you the wipers and install them for free.

4. Other Essential Fluids

Check oil, brake, power-steering and windshield-washer fluids regularly. These liquids never stop being used and consumed. Speaking of brake fluid, how do the brakes on your car feel in general? Are they lacking in bite? Feeling a bit spongy? If so, new pads and a system bleed might be required. This is the kind of maintenance you should have your mechanic or dealership take care of.

5. Air-Conditioning System

Air-conditioning is a summer essential. If the system hasn’t been working properly but wasn’t really a pressing issue over the winter, now’s the time to get serious. If it’s an older system, then leaking Freon into the atmosphere is not good. There are plenty of leak-sealing products and refrigerant rechargers available from hobbyist stores and even places like Walmart. Remember, if there’s not enough refrigerant in the system, you have a leak. Have a qualified mechanic fix the leak before paying to have the air-conditioning system recharged.

6. Air Filter

The winter’s decomposing leaves may be clogging up drainage points, windshield-washer nozzles or your car’s air filter. Now might be a good time to buy a new one or take the current one out and give it a cleaning. Many modern cars also have pollen filters or cabin filtration systems, so take a look at those, too. Sometimes these cabin filters are easy to change yourself. Like everything else mentioned here: When in doubt, consult a qualified technician.

7. Tires

Tires really need to be checked regularly all year round. Pressures must be correct (consult the manual because sometimes that information is on the inside of the fuel door or the door jamb for the driver’s door), treads should be free of stones, stray nails and the like, and all four should be in good condition. Good condition means no cracks, no uneven wear (this might be caused by a suspension problem) and plenty of tread depth. Since summer is a time for road trips, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a can of Fix-A-Flat that could at least get you to a shady spot where you could change the wheel more comfortably. The spare obviously needs to be usable, too.

8. Dashboard Sunshade

For those times when you’re not driving, but the car is still out in the sun, a cover that goes in the windshield will protect the dashboard against ultraviolet rays and help the cabin stay a little cooler. Some even have solar panels to keep the battery charged. Consider shades for the rear side windows, too, as they’ll provide some protection for the kids. This also helps prevent areas such as the rear seats and dashboard from fading over time.

9. Clean the Car

Those long, balmy evenings when the sun is a huge, orange orb hanging low in a pinky-blue sky sound blissful. But they can also be a hazard, especially when your car’s windshield is dirty. Even from the inside, that haze will diffuse the light and make things hard to see. That grime has a tendency to build up over a long period, so we don’t really notice it. Things look much sharper after your car has had a good wash, though. Keeping the exterior clean also protects the paintwork from the sun’s rays, as well as any damage caused by birds and insects. Finish off the cleaning with a good-quality wax. Car care makes financial sense in the long run.

10. Driver and Passengers

It’s hot out there. Make sure everyone’s hydrated. It’s better to make a few more bathroom breaks and stretch your legs than to end up cranky and fatigued. Plan road trips as if you were a general marching against an opposing army. Make a list of everything you’re going to need. For example: sunglasses, hats, travel mugs, games for the kids, snacks, chargers for the phones and tablets, route planner, weather forecasts, emergency triangle, flashlight and a small tool kit. If a scheduled service is coming up, think about getting it done before a long drive. It’s also wise to make sure your insurance and driving license are up to date. Have a great summer, enjoy the roads, and take care of yourself and your car.

Source: http://www.autotrader.com/car-news/10-simple-summer-car-care-tips-240454

Butter Wet Wax

Posted on by Wilhelm Mobile Detailing

This is our preferred wax when detailing a car.

You asked for a Better Butter Wet Wax and Chemical Guys has delivered. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax is formulated to deliver an unmatched surface shine and deep wet look. Butter Wet Wax goes on easier, shines brighter and lasts longer than previous generations. This improved blend of natural Carnauba, polymers, and resins leaves your car shining as if it were just washed! Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax enables you to attain the deep gloss of a paste wax in an easy on, easy off, long lasting blend. Butter Wet Wax is now even easier to use giving that amazing shine only our ultra refined, 100% carnauba based wax can provide. We named this wax after its trademark characteristic; it simply melts into any paintwork like butter. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax is simply stunning. Professionals and enthusiasts alike all around the world choose Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax for its easy-to-use capabilities, extremely durable protection, and show winning shine that will look astonishing on most non-textured surfaces including, painted wheels, chrome bumpers, glasswork/ windshields and stainless steel exhaust tips. Chemical Guys uses our all new signature, ultra-refined, carnauba formula creating a wax that utilizes the natural cleaning powers of carnauba to gently cleanse the paint, exposing the natural beauty of your vehicle’s color, while also providing a protective coating that will fight out the harsh effects of the elements. The smooth, protective layer is 100% natural to fight off water spots, bird droppings and road tar. The new improved formula of Butter Wet Wax is even more guarded against the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays. Your vehicle needs the best protection to fight off the harmful effects of driving. When you desire a deep wet shine with amazing protection, the easy on, easy off Butter Wet Wax will bring your vehicle’s paintwork to life.

Signature 100% Carnauba Based Formula

Carnauba, also called Brazil wax and palm wax, is a wax acquired from the leaves of the palm, Copernicia prunifera, a plant native to and grown in Brazil. Carnauba Cream is considered by many to be the, “queen of waxes” and usually comes in the form of hard yellow-brown flakes. Chemical Guys refines the flakes and blends them with a fine assortment of lubricating agents and oil to nurture and maintain the highest level of shine on your vehicle. Our smooth, liquid formula melts deep into the paint to give you the deepest, wettest look imaginable. This natural protective coating allows water to bead off the paintwork, protecting against harmful water spots that could permanently damage your vehicle’s finish. Bird droppings can easily be removed once the natural carnauba coating is applied to your vehicle. You can always smile knowing your vehicle is protected in any situation with a protective layer that is safe for the environment.

Easy On, Easy Off Application

Butter Wet Wax is the world’s easiest wax to use and now it’s even better with an all new improved formula. Butter Wet Wax can be applied by hand or machine and can also be applied in direct sunlight. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax works brilliantly with all types of paint (Metallic, solid color, Ceramic & Clear coated). Since it’s easy on easy off, it shortens work time and produces a streak/resin free shine in a matter of minutes! Butter Wet Wax can even be applied while the paintwork is wet directly after a wash. These amazing easy-to-use characteristics make waxing your car fun again! Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax will make you realize how quickly your car can have that fresh-waxed look that stands out from the crowd. Butter Wet Wax is so easy to use, it turns waxing a car into a quick 5-minute job.

Brilliant Deep Wet Paintwork

Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax simply melts into any color paintwork revealing a finish so deep you will want to dive right in with the astonishing color. Butter Wet Wax reveals the amazing natural beauty of you vehicle’s paintwork. Blue paintwork appears deep as the ocean. Red appears vibrant like fire, and white shines pure like fresh snow when protected with a coat of Butter Wet Wax. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax works amazing on solid and metallic colored paintwork as well as most non-textured surfaces to make your paint shine with the vibrant magic of natural carnauba. Stand out from the crowd, and let your car be star of the show. Your vehicle says so much about your personality, so tell the world you’re a shining star in a fresh-waxed car.

Natural Cleaning Power Of Refined Carnauba

Chemical Guys new and improved signature carnauba formula utilizes advanced refining techniques to bring out the natural cleaning properties of the carnauba wax. The ultra refining process allows the natural carnauba cleaning powers to remove light scuffs, bird droppings, road tar, tree sap, and even overspray. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax contains no harsh chemicals or solvents because it only contains 100% carnauba based wax making it safe to use on any paintwork or non-textured surfaces. The naturally durable characteristic of carnauba wax provides astonishing protection from UV solar rays. The new and improved formula is even more powerful at fighting the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays. The sun is one of the most harmful enemies of your vehicles paintwork causing fading, cracking, and clear coat failure. With Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax you are highly protected while looking simply stunning.

Meguiars Synthetic X-press Wax

Posted on by Wilhelm Mobile Detailing

This is the spray wax that we use on all our washes where we do not use a paste wax on.

The search for the perfect quick detail spray is perhaps an endless pursuit.  A “quick detailer” can mean many different things to many different people.  Personally, I don’t use QD sprays for cleaning as I find rinse less washing to be more effective and it feels more safe, so I prefer to save these QD sprays for use as a drying aid or for a post wash wipe down to boost protection, add gloss, increase slickness, and clean up any residual water droplets that I may have missed while drying.

ATD | Meguiar's D156

I decided to give Meguiar’s D156 Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax a try after reading many satisfied reviews on it.    This product is said to enhance gloss and protection, while also being easy to use… sounds like a winning combination.

ATD | Meguiar's D156

I have used this product on both wet and dry surfaces, and have been very pleased in every instance.  I typically mist the product onto a damp panel as I am drying, and then wipe it off with my drying towel.  D156 adds noticeable slickness and wipes away easily without streaking or smearing.  As with most quick detail spray, less is more, so you only need a light mist of product onto the panel.  It took me no more than 10 minutes to go over my own cars, and the end result looked great.  Very little effort, no mess, and a great shine.

ATD | Meguiar's D156

If you’re looking for a great quick detailer that is effortless to use, looks great, and helps to boost the appearance and protection of your vehicle, Meguiar’s D156 may be just what you need.  It is sold in a 128 oz (1 gallon) size and is a ready-to-use (RTU) product, therefore no dilution is required.  I also highly recommend picking up a Meguiar’s D156 spray bottle and chemical resistant sprayer to go along with it.