Posted by James in car decors, car ideas, gift ideas, just anything

So you are in the mood to add some zest on your precious ride. But aside from vehicle accessories, what are other styles you can add on your car? There are available car decors out there that you might want to consider getting one. What are these? I browsed the site for any possible car decors that will leave your car’s interior style enhanced and improved. These are also functional accessories that will bring additional convenience to you.

Here’s a short list of what I found:

• LED Interior – Made from unique strobe or magic patterns to create special light effects.
• Mini/ Phone Holder – For busy people, this accessory will bring many advantages. It will keep your focus on track while you are driving.
• LED Rods – Easy to be installed for impressing illumination and light effects
• Drink Holder - If you are on the go that frequent breakfast inside your car, you must have a drink holder to keep you going. Also available in animated design so you will never run out of perfect style for your car.
• Steering Wheel Cover – Just like car seats, your steering wheels needs some dress up. There are also steering wheel covers that feature additional benefits of better handling and control over your steering wheels.
• Ipod Holder – music lovers will surely appreciate this. It will serve as a protection to your expensive Ipods while listening to it inside the car.
• Car Laptop Stand – There is no holding up for busy people. Car laptop stand comes as a unique holding deck that holds the laptop with cushion in a rubber cushion base stand to function as great shock absorber. Since its joint is molded with rubber, a good grip is expected. Some also offers rear extended brackets for easy adjustability.
• Stickers – available in different designs to style up your car’s interior and exterior. Often, stickers are the quickest way to extend your styling taste and personality to your car.
• Window/windshield blinds – when parking your car unattended, you may need to protect your car with blinds to prevent others from peeping inside your car. It also serve as your shield against direct rays of sun when driving if used in side windows or glass doors as well as on the rear windows.
• Car Magnets – Weird, but there are available car magnets with bears different design and style used just like stickers.
• Board Signs – Just for fun, would you try this in your car? It will serve like stickers bearing messages and signs.
• Car Mobile Charger – to keep annoyance out your routine if you found out your phone is running out of battery, you can instantly have it charged with a mobile charger.
• Sport Pedal Cover – your gas and brake pedals will definitely take benefits from this.
• Gear Shift Knobs – This will surely style up your car.
• Heated Seat/ massager - way to relax your back from a long drive
• Car Pad – this comes as anti-slip pad made from PU Gel.
• Pillows – often than not, you want your car to feel like home. You may need pillows during long drives when you need to stop and take some rest in the middle of a long drive.

There are other available car decors and styling accessories you can get for your car. As for me, I may have to think if I’m going to get another although I already have in my car an ipod holder, drink holder, car mobile charger and pillows I always keep at the passenger seat. J I’m tempted to get a car laptop stand.. hmmm..Do you think it’s a good idea? Do you have car decors in mind that you may want to try?

Posted by James in car education, car parts, disc brake system

Taking care of your car’s braking system is the next thing you should periodically do from knowing its basic parts. Knowing these basic parts will help you understand and learn how your brakes work. By knowing it, you will know the proper maintenance you will observe. Brakes are the number one safety device for optimal safety to prevent accidents of collision or car crash.

DIAGRAM I – Disc Brake System Parts & Assembly

Photo courtesy of CARBIBLE

Basic Parts of Disc Brake System:

Brake Rotor / Disc

Brake rotors are the most integral part of any brake system especially a disc brake system. It contributes greatly to how brake performs. It is interfaced to the brake pads that allow quick braking response for a complete and quick stop. Disc brakes or rotors are installed in the car’s front brake system while the drum brakes are made for the back wheels. When minor sign of damage is seen, it can be repaired through resurfacing but if major damage like warping, breaking and cracking, it may need immediate replacement. However, it is always recommended that when replacing brake rotors, it is best that both of the rotors are replaced or else it will result to unbalanced or different heat dissipation rates. This could be quite dangerous during hard braking instances.

Brake Calipers

Brake calipers are the part of your vehicle’s disc brake system that provides proper grip on your brake rotors through the brake pads for a powerful braking performance. There are two types of brake calipers, a single piston brake calipers or a four piston fixed calipers. Of the two, the floating calipers are more popular since it is less expensive and encourage easy maintenance. But there are issues about floating calipers that are more prone to failure since it is a little dirt magnet that leads to its corrosion and sticking causing the brake pads to reduce its friction capacity. The fixed calipers on the other hand are more expensive and its maintenance cost higher. It is most commonly used in luxury and high performance cars. It has a better brake feel on it providing better and more efficient braking power.

Brake Pads

When you say braking performance, it is accounted to the functionality of the brake pads. Brake pads are responsible for giving your brake system the friction it needs. It harnesses enough friction for a stopping or braking action to commence. It is embedded flatly on the disc for bedding process so it also wears out evenly. The actual braking force takes place on the brake pads itself since it is made with layers of materials that work in their own to create resistance or friction against the rotors. Of the parts of the brake system, it is the brake pads that are commonly replaced regularly although it depends on the materials used as pad. Ceramic metal pads are known to be more durable and offers long period of service.

***Brake Fluids

Of course, with brake fluids your brake system will not properly function. Brake fluids are especially formulated oil for braking properties. It withstands extreme temperature so it will not freeze during cold temperature or it will not cause to boil during hot summer season. Upon filling brake fluids, it is important that it is not exposed to air as it will result to air bubbles promoting absorption of moisture which is detrimental to your brake system parts.

When choosing for the right brake fluid for your car, be sure to read your owner’s manual. Don’t fill up brake fluids that are not for your car or else it will cause major brake failures. Your brake system parts will incur damage destroying the brake pads linings including the rubber seals and line of the brake system.

Posted by James in Guide, buying online, checklist

THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BUYING ONLINE

1. Do I know who I am dealing with?

Before anything else, or placing an order for that matter, you have to know enough who are you dealing with. Is it a legit company or reputable at least? As I already said, before you purchase from a certain company, you need to know its important contact information. You should know the physical address (the location of the company or warehouse), phone numbers including fax numbers. This way, you will be confident that the store/seller/company you are dealing with are legitimate.

2. Did I check the items to buy carefully? Is it really the item I need?

One of the common problems encountered in buying online is getting the wrong stuff. At some cases, it is not always the seller’s fault. This usually happens when buying for car parts replacement or accessories since this items comes with lot of specifications before you pin-point the right one. There are just customers that had failed or overlooked some important details about the product before they places their orders unhesitant. Ask the seller for more details of the pictured or described items in the website. Sometime, there is really difference from the actual item to the pictured one. Admit it; there are also details in the descriptions that you need more clarification. The golden rule would be, when you are in doubt, as for clarifications.

3. Did I read the terms and condition and understand it clearly?

All online stores include their terms and conditions which apply to all of their transactions. It is always important to read every clause stated on their contract statement or terms if you don’t want to be the one to breach the contract at the end of the deal. If you feel you understand it already, you can now click that “I agree” or “I accept” button and push through the transaction. Often included in the terms or agreement are the warranties clause, transaction policies like cancellation and returning of the item and other concerns like options and solutions when problem encountered. You can print the terms if you want to re-read it; after all, it is easier to read in a hard copy.

4. Is my transaction secure?

You can be confidently answer this if you have could answer the number one question plus the site of that store you are purchasing from has a complete encryption facility that gives its customers the security by securing each page you have filled up with your information. Check also for other protection and security assurance on the entire page of the site.

5. What are the other charges or fees that may accrue?

The thing is, it is not only the price of the item you are going to pay. More often than not, shipping and handling cost will be shouldered by the buyer unless otherwise the site offers free shipping. But there are still ongoing fees like insurance and taxes.

6. Did I check the item first before I finished the transaction?

There are good websites/ online store that summarize your transaction first before they will ask you to submit your order or confirm it. You have to know the final cost before you finish off the transaction so you would be surprised when your bills arrive.

7. When will my order be shipped?

When you cleared already with the first six questions, the last thing you will ask is when your purchased item will arrive. It is better to ask for estimated delivery date or period of arrival time so you will know when to expect for the item. If they say it will be in about 3 days, you have to wait for 3 days before you can call their customer service for delay inquiries and follow-ups.

So there, these are just the basic questions that you should ask yourself before entering into a particular transaction especially online.

Posted by James in Guide, buying online

COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

While the comfort of buying online is undeniable, there are still instances or circumstances that will take that convenience away from you and will be replaced with annoyance and regret over why you have ordered for it online anyway. But there is always first time for everything. Even we have used our common senses at hundred percent, still there are times we become victims of scam, fraud or simple misinterpretation of transactions, delay on deliveries or erroneous transactions.

I have listed the following common problems encountered in buying online. Anticipation for these problems could be a great help to avoid it in the first place. I will try in my next post the solutions to these problems but first let me enumerate it for you.

Have you experienced the following in buying online?

• Wrong product being delivered to you. I have experienced this once when I ordered a right side mirror for my car. I was quite impressed with its fast shipping but only to my dismay when I opened the package. The wrong part was the one that have been delivered. These are just normal cases that have simple solutions. I have just informed their customer representative about the mistake. This is the reason why it is always best to choose online store that offers complete customer back-up and assistance.
• Poor after-sales service. Thanks god I haven’t experience this yet, as I mentioned about the wrong product delivered to me, my queries and complaints were entertained duly. They were even prompt and apologetic enough with it. But a friend who have purchased from one online store which is quite doubtful in the first place has a very poor after-sale service. When Nick (my friend) attempted to contact them, all he hears is a busy tone on the other line.
• The Item didn’t match the description. This time, the part is correct but what you expect out of it turned out to be the opposite of its description. Before buying, you should read and inspect the pictures clearly being shown. It is better to call their hotline for further information of the product to avoid experiencing this. For me, I always go to online store that does not only give away brief descriptions of their products.
• No Delivery of the Item Purchased. This is the reason why you need to have a background check on the company you are buying from. Good companies state their physical office address and authentic contact numbers.
• Email addresses sold to third parties. You have to read carefully their site’s privacy information or statements. There are sites that really relay email ads to third parties. You need to request for confidentiality of your personal information before ordering.
• Delays with online purchases and shipping. This is a problem that somehow has a lot of alibis and reasons behind it. When this happens, you need to do incessant follow-up for your items to be delivered. Make sure by the way that this happens during ordinary days. Holidays and other fortuitous events are valid reasons for delays. You can’t argue or force the delivery in these times.
• Misuse of Credit cards or any payment method details. This is the situation I always pray I will not experience. First you will undergo the hassle of retracting back the payments since you will deal with two companies, the store and your credit card issuer.

These are just few of the common problems that you will encounter when you buy online. But this rarely happens especially if you know you have purchased or order in a step as per instructed. Online shopping just like anything else does not always guarantee smooth ways or that it will go everything is according to plan. Just be wary and make sure that you are ordering from the reputable dealers with competent customer service assistance.

Posted by James in Guide, buying online, safety reminders, security, tips

As for my last post, I have listed the benefits and advantages of buying car parts and accessories or any thing for that matter online.

This time I will share with you the things you should remember or know before buying online. There are lots of scams happening around the web these days so you better be wary of the your rights as a consumer but don’t loose your confidence, there are established and well trusted online store that offers safe and secured transaction plus a quality service you will enjoy.

So what is there to check before placing down your orders or bids?

v Check the website’s URL address. It is better to type the URL on the address book that clicking on the embedded link to be sure you are directed on the right company.

v Look for the online protection and security assurance that the company offers. Usually it is located at the bottom of the website. The VeriSign and HackerSafe security are examples of this.

v If you want easy and fast comparison for the product, there are comparison shops that compare online dealer’s prices, shipping rates and handling fees. So it will be easy for you to choose where shop or store to buy.

v It is always good to call their customer service hotline for complete details and information about the product and the company itself as well. Know its full business mailing address and contact numbers. It is better to research about the website before you make an order.

v Always read on customer’s testimonials and feedbacks although its authenticity is not guaranteed, still it could help somehow.

v It is smart to save all the information and transaction done on your computer. Bookmark it or print the transaction pages. This will help you to track your transactions down in case there is a problem with your purchase. You can back yourself up with these evidences as you know the exact date of the purchase, the price and your means of paying for the product.

v Read carefully the terms and condition so you will if it’s good enough for you. Including the privacy statement details where it state what they will going to do with your personal information or details. You can ask the company to keep your information private.

v Don’t hastily fill out forms that ask for your credit card information if you are paying through it. Some website shell out your credit card information to other companies. Be sure to contact your credit card issuer for more security. This goes the same way with other paying methods. Look for the company that has the secure way of paying known as encryption facility. Encryption facility uses “padlocks” right after you finish up filling the forms. Another symbol you can look for is an unbroken key.

v A good company or online dealer will honestly have a fair estimate as to when or how the item’s purchased is delivered. An answer that it will be delivered is not a good answer; they must have a specified shipping period for that.

In summary, a good company or online merchant offers protection of your privacy (always they don’t ask sensitive information via email), payment security and details a clear terms of agreement or conditions. It also let customers have the right to cancel orders and delivers the items at their prescribed or promised time period. You must also know that you have the right to complain if you deemed it necessary. Opt for the companies that offer sorting out complaints where they could entertain queries and complaints.

Posted by James in Guide, buying online, fun facts, just anything, tips

Have anyone of you experienced buying online? On EBay perhaps? All that you may need from personal things like clothes, collectibles to furniture and even car parts accessories and replacement are now available online. When it comes to car parts replacement and accessories, would you go buying online? Read on and you may find yourself nodding with the benefits and advantages I have already experienced and experiencing buying online for my much needed car parts replacement and accessories.

At the end, you may even say that purchasing online is smarter and less-bickering way of getting your immediate replacement or car accessory.

What are the upsides of buying car parts online?

1. Within the confines and comforts of your home or office, you will never have to experience the hassle of getting and waiting for your ordered parts online.
2. Searching for the correct and exact part for your vehicle is easy as most online store provides selector tool where with just a click of the mouse you will find the year, make and model of your vehicle for perfect fitting.
3. Canvassing for the best offer on prices and promos or discounts is easy. Just by opening the websites of your prospect seller, you will know in instant what store offers the best deal. Unlike canvassing in you local stores, hopping from one store to another is a tiring and may cost more from fuel and snacks in between store hopping.
4. Searching for the rare replacement part would be easy since most online store stocks a wide variety and inventory of each part. Unlike in store around your place, its supply is surely limited you will wait for the next delivery before your get one unless you buy it in bulk which in most cases you will not.
5. You always get the best deal online. Online providers sourced their products to deal directly from the manufacturer so it is guaranteed that is offered at lower prices.
6. You can background check the service of that store as their website always has a feedback section where previous customers leave their comments and experiences.
7. Reviewing the product you wanted to buy would be easy since it is most likely that each of the items on the catalog are described and detailed with product information from the manufacturer, the dealer and of the customers that had already bought the item.
8. In most instances, there is always a stand-by 24/7 customer service always ready to answer your queries and other question on the product including the price and shipping fees and the service they offer. They are even friendly and have nice voices too.
9. You can actually save from shipping cost if you do multiple purchases unlike buying on local store where you will need to pay delivery fee or you would bring your own service to haul your purchases.
10. You can buy online at your most convenient time; any time of the time is in fact will do since it is 24/7 open. You don’t wait for tomorrow or for the time it will open like what you do when buying on your local auto shops and stores. You will also don’t be in rush to run after its closing time.
11. Some online store even offer 24 hours delivery so no need for you to wait for couple of days more for your order to arrive. Although three to four days is the common shipping time allotted especially if your place is far from its warehouse.

So there, this is one kind of shopping convenience at its best! This is part I of my post about buying online. I will give tips and reminder before ordering online on my next posts. Good Day!

Posted by James in Guide, anti-theft device, car ideas, safety reminders

Putting up an anti-theft device on your car is just one of the ways to secure your car’s safety. It is quite practical and the best solution in answer to the growing cases of car thefts and robberies around this country and anywhere else. There are lots of available anti-devices ranging from most expensive to the less expensive one. So determine your budget first and the demand for such device. If you usually park you car unattended to not secured places, you probably need one. But if you know that you always park you car to places with security and private parking areas, you most likely have second thoughts. But secured or not, it is always best to be always sure that your car is well-protected. And most importantly you are having some peace of mind while you are away with your car.

So what are the available anti-theft devices you could get? Here is the list of possible and common anti-theft devices you can get your car:

Car Alarms

Alarms are more of the conventional type of anti-theft device for cars. It functions using electronic sensors that are designed to make alarming or siren sound unauthorized entry to the vehicle is made such as breaking its glass or any forcible entry. The problem with some alarm is the overly sensitive sensor it has that a simple movement would cause it to activate. At most instance, it will cause disturbance and embarrassment. Make sure that the alarm you are equipping your car are the type that is fairly reliable.

Immobilizer

Either electronic or mechanical, this device prevents the engine from being activated As according to type, mechanical immobilizers is know as door or ignition lock to restrict access or any action of opening the cars without the correct key. While the electronic immobilizers which are usually used in modern cars protect the cars using built-in transponder or microchip that send signals to the ignition and fuel system of the vehicle through its correct keys. So, once another key is used it will not activate the transponder to extend signal to the fuel and ignition system, hence the car will not start.

Steering Wheel Lock

This is an inexpensive way to give your car protection from thefts. Usually a long metal bar with locks or a metal shield on the steering column. Both designed to prevent the steering wheels from being controlled. The long metal bar steering wheel lock is visible for outside lookers so it will give instant impression that your car is equipped with locks and security devices.

Tire or Wheel Locks

This works like the steering wheels lock but tire or wheel locks are used in the wheels that comes in circular steel to hold restraint on any wheel or tire movement. It is installed like a clamp to hold the wheels up that it would be impossible for your car to move.

Hood Locks

This is in protection of your engine parts and other components inside the crankcase and engine compartment. This is used in addition to the locks in the hoods.

Gearshift Locks

This would prevent the gear shifts from being used thus, any motion desired will not be possibly granted. This are locking box securely attached to the gearshift that serves as a latch for restricting movement or any action.

These are just few of the anti-theft device you can install or use in your car. Just remember that choosing the right device depends on your needs although all cars are susceptible to being robbed since cutting-edge anti-theft devices are expensive and needs a professional to install it in your car which also means additional expense.

Posted by James in classic cars, fun facts, just anything

When we saw old car, we typically say it’s a classic car. Yes? But don’t you know that before a car is considered classic it must meet its criteria to be one. Although classic car literally often describes an older car, its meaning varies and subject to different set of opinion. Two prevailing and famed organization dedicated to classic cars has defined and conceded that the true classic cars are the cars manufactured only until 1948. The Concours d’Elegance and theClassic Car Club of America are the two groups to set this definition.

Furthermore, the Classic Car Club of America has claimed that they have coined the term “classic car” hence, its true definition should be based according to the context of their own definition. For CCCA as quoted in wikipedia, classic car means:

A CCCA Classic is a fine or distinctive automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. Generally, a Classic was high-priced when new and was built in limited quantities. Other factors, including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and “one-shot” or automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car is considered to be a Classic

 

They have also their own exclusive list as to what vehicles are included in the list. Any vehicle that is intended to be included in the list undergone petition for the said intention and by which its application are thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized for approval.

Aside from CCCA, there are other authorized bodies that set their own definition. In the US, classic car’s legal definition is based in the purpose of issuing antique vehicle registration. This kind of vehicle registration is specifically given to cars considered antique, classic, historic and vintage. The minimum year for cars to be considered classic in the US is 15 years. On the other hand, the Antique Automobile Club of America defines a classic car that has over 25 years on its manufactured date.

While the debate on to which vehicles considered classic is on going, a division was created called Modern Classic to present older cars of 15-25 years yet still not accepted as classic cars.

In United Kingdom, classic cars are also those cars that are 15 years old and over which has an excess value of L15, 000. Classic cars in the UK are also tax-free so typically, cars built before 1973 are exempted from paying annual taxes.

If to follow the CCCA definition, the following list is some of the classic cars considered:

From 1925 to 1948:

• AC
• Adler
• Alfa Romeo
• Alvis
• Amilcar
• Armstrong Siddeley)
• Aston Martin
• Auburn
• Austro-Daimler
• Ballot
• Bentley
• Benz
• Blackhawk
• BMW
• Brewster
• Brough-Superior
• Bucciali
• Bugatti
• Buick
• Cadillac
• Chenard-Walcker
• Chrysler
• Cord
• Cunningham
• Dagmar
• Daimler
• Darracq
• Delage
• Delahaye
• Delaunay Belleville
• Doble
• Dorris
• Duesenberg
• DuPont
• Excelsior
• Farman Aviation Works
• Fiat
• FN
• Franklin
• Frazer-Nash
• Georges Irat
• Graham
• Graham-Paige
• Hispano-Suiza
• Horch
• Hotchkiss
• Hudson
• Humber
• Invicta
• Isotta-Fraschini
• Itala
• Jaguar
• Jensen
• Jordan
• Julian
• Kissel
• Lagonda
• Lanchester
• Lancia
• LaSalle
• Lincoln
• Lincoln Continental
• Locomobile
• Marmon
• Maserati
• Maybach
• McFarlan
• Mercedes
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mercer
• MG
• N.A.G.
• Nash
• Packard
• Peerless
• Peugeot
• Pierce-Arrow
• Railton
• Raymond Mays
• Renault
• REO
• Revere
• Roamer
• Rochet Schneider
• Rohr
• Rolls-Royce
• Ruxton
• Squire
• S.S. Jaguar
• Stearns-Knight
• Stevens-Duryea
• Steyr
• Studebaker
• Stutz
• Sunbeam
• Talbot
• Talbot-Lago
• Tatra
• Triumph
• Vauxhall
• Voisin
• Volvo
• Wills Sainte Claire
• Willys-Knight

So, do you have any one of this vehicle? Specifically those manufactured from 1925-1948? If yes, you better take good extra care with it, it may make you good fortune or pride out of it. Enthusiast for this kind of cars valued it most.

Posted by James in Smart Driving, road hazards, road safety, road signs, safety reminders, solutions

More often than not, the following common road hazards put the safety of motorist in jeopardy. The solutions presented are the solution you can do in your part. While its true solution depends on the action and response of the DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC WORKS.

Problem: Blind Corners and Sharp Crest
Solution: Make sure that you have an adjustable and correct mirror alignment. When driving on blind corners and sharp crest, adjusting your side mirrors and rearview mirror will offer you greater and clearer view behind and in side of you. Proper alignment means that the side view mirrors does not overlaps the view in the rear view mirror. In this way, you will be provided with wider and clearer view of your behind. Be alert with unprotected hazards near the road like trees, poles and mountain slopes. If the roads you are regularly driving have a great presence of this danger, better call the attention of your local department that works with this kind of problems. Removing these barriers will ensure the safety of motorists.

Problem: Narrow roads spaces and bridge
Solution: The solution for does not only lies to the government action to widen it, after all, there are really places that allow small clearance for road and bridge construction. The solution you can take part to this problem is by not overlooking the principle of give and take. Not all motorists and vehicles need the same demands and needs. As larger cars needs wider space, gives the space it is due. Never make a race or over take when you know you are heading to a narrow road or bridges.

Problem: Road signs already fading off or damaged
Solution: Be more attentive and wary. If you drive in it regularly, it would be great if you already memorized it by routine the road signs or line markings this or that road has. Report these cases to your local sheriffs immediately for a quick response and actions.

Problem : Incomplete pedestrian facilities.
Solutions: Keep in mind that pedestrians also have needs when it comes to road use. Good examples of road have a complete footpath, pedestrian lanes or signs, underpass or overpass and other facilities that will both benefit pedestrians and motorists.
Problem: Inappropriate road signs
Solutions: Although this happens rarely, incorrect road signs are real headache. You could only blame the traffic enforcers for this. But when faced with this problem, being an alert driver will really help you through this. So never drive when you know you are not capable of driving due to a sickness, tiredness or sleepiness.

Problem: High traffic volumes
Solution: Always leave early. This way you will drive calmly as you are not running after something. It will give you less stress so you will always have a better judgment against speeding or doing overtakes. Drivers less focused on being late themselves are more likely to notice potentially aggressive drivers on the road

Problem: Poor quality road surface
Solution: This really poses a great danger especially when it’s raining and the road is slippery. Bring this to the attention of the authorized department immediately. While waiting for its response and you don’t have any choice but to drive through it, be sure to drive over it under an appropriate speed that will not bring yourself and other’s safety into compromise.

Problem: Poor Lighting
Solution: Check on your vehicle’s lighting assemblies regularly so to be always prepared if faced with this kind of road condition. Most highways are now complete with post lamps or street lamps but it is common that in back countries roads, street lights are not still prevalent. So keep you vehicle’s lighting system always in working condition. You will never know the road condition you will be faced to.

Posted by James in Guide, car cleaners, car detailing, car ideas, car's paint, just anything, organizing car, tips, tools

When you say car detailing, it entails a systematic way, steps or manner in taking care of your car. Taking care also includes the protection you could give and that daily maintenance you do to keep your car clean and shine. I’ve search over the net to find all the possible detailing tools that can be use in cleaning cars, thoroughly. That’s it, not the expensive types use in auto shops like carpet extractor, gas pressure washer, generators, air compressors, electric pressure washer and well, you get my point. What I am referring to are those tools that our pockets could afford and that we can use it right in our house vicinity.

So here are the tools I found that you could use at home:

• Polishing pads
• Brushes
• Vacuum or blowers
• Drying tools
• Sponges & mitts
• Spray
• Buckets
• Hose and water jet nozzle
• Dusters
• Microfiber products

The interior of your car should be spotlessly clean and mould-free smell. You could do a regular vacuum to prevent accumulation of sand, dust, salt and other grimes that will damage the floor panels, carpets or liners. Wiping off the dirt from the dashboards, seats and parcel shelf should be included.

On the other hand, the exterior should also be well maintained since the first impression of a properly maintained car is seen here. It also defines the resale value of the car. You must take car detailing seriously on your exterior especially if you live in coastal places where salt presence is high. Regular car detailing and servicing is the key to achieve total maintenance and protection.

Friendly and Useful Tips in doing a DIY car detailing at Home:

- If you are a smoker, try not to smoke inside your car. The nicotine and smoke sticks to the glass applications in your car which are too hard way to remove. Also, the smell sticks heavily especially if you have a fabric seats.

- Try to choose the best air freshener that will compliment your car and especially yours. Some air freshener’s causes dizziness and that it also sticks its fragrance to your car’s upholstery so better choose the one you best like.

- Keep a weekly maintenance routine to keep the color of your car crisp and sparkly.

- Avoid using streak towels since it causes damage to your paint.

- Sponge is the one of the best tool you can use to wash your car. It allows a rich lather while it ensures a smooth and non-abrasive texture.

- Shampoo or hair shampoos are a good and cheap solution you can use to wash your car. It comes economical and easier to find that other washing liquids.

- Why did I include micro fiber cloth because of its capacity to dry clean your car fast and smooth after washing. Be sure to stock enough of this in your garage.

- Make sure to wipe your car immediately after you drove it under heavy rain. The dirt accumulated during the rain if left to dry will de difficult to remove so better wipe it off before its dries.

- Cotton cloths are the safest and most effective tool to clean your windshields and windows off.

- If you don’t regularly use your car, make sure to at least switch the ignition on for at least five minutes to ensure its engine will not rust into decay for not being used.

- Since summer time is here, one good tip to keep your car shiny and maintain its paint quality is to immediately wash it off after you have gone to the beach. As I said, salt is the number cause of rusting in your car.