TIPS FOR WINDSHIELDS

   1.Tinted Windshields are Safer

Window tinting can increase the level of safety of your windshields. The tinting can help reduce damage to the windshield glass from the intense UV rays of the sun. Also, tinting can provide a little bit of protection from small rocks and other debris that may come in contact with the windshield.

   2.Tempered Glass Reduces Injuries

The windows that are on the sides and rear of a vehicle are typically made from tempered glass. The process involves a rapid heating and cooling cycle during manufacturing. If a window breaks that is made from tempered glass it will break up into small pebble-sized pieces which will not cause serious injury.

 

   3 .Windshields Provide Roof Support

Windshields play an important role in holding the roof of your vehicle in place. Without windshields, the roof would collapse and injury the driver and passengers. In the case of an accident, windshields have provided protection in rollovers and other incidents where the roof could have caused serious injury.

 

  4 .Insurance Claims For Windshields

Of all automobile insurance claims, windshields account for most of them. Windshield damage is high simply because of the exposure they get to the elements. Any time you take your vehicle for a drive, there are dangers that can result in a chip, crack, or break with your windshield.

 

5 .Technology Improved Windshield Repairs

Since 1990 there have been windshield repair technology that has allowed for cracks a foot long or longer to be repaired. Rock chip repair technology has been around even longer. Because of these methods, windshield repairs are far easier to do than they once were. It also means that some repairs take little time to complete.

 

6 .A Woman Invented Windshield Wipers

Thanks to poor weather conditions in New York City one day in 1903 windshield wipers were born. Mary Anderson watched a trolley car experience difficulty in clearing falling snow from its windshield. She patented an idea that became the wiper system we know today.

 

7 .Windshields Used To Be Optional

When automobiles first appeared one of the options available was windshields. They were costly so for those who could not afford the luxury, they had to be prepared. It meant wearing goggles and scarves when driving to be protected from the elements.

TIPS FOR WOMEN DRIVERS

 

1 – Learn About Your Vehicle

The majority of car repair shops that overcharge women do it simply because of one thing. There is a general feeling that a ‘girl’ knows little, if anything, about the vehicle she owns and drives. One way to get around this is to study up on basic repairs and operation of your vehicle. Some night school courses are designed with this purpose in mind. The more you know about your car and how it works, the less likely you will get ripped off.

 

2 – Leave Dad, Your Uncle, Your Boyfriend Or Male Friend At Home

You need to be aware of what some car repair shops look for when you are in need of a vehicle service. Asking a lot of questions is a good idea but if the questions are coming from a male companion and you are just standing there listening, you’ve tipped them off that you are not very knowledgeable about your vehicle. This puts you in a bad position the next time you arrive to book your repair appointment. Avoid doing this at all costs.

 

3 – Ask For Another Opinion

You are not obligated to have any service done to your vehicle at the first repair shop you visit. In fact, your male friends will likely tell you they shop around as well. What you may discover by going to different shops is not only a price difference but you may notice different treatments from one another. If you do not feel comfortable in one, trust your gut feeling. The cheapest price is not always the best deal, either.

 

4 – Don’t Be Afraid To ‘Out’ A Bad Service Centre

Thanks to the internet and social media, it is harder and harder for businesses to get away with stints that used to go unnoticed. If you feel that you have been ripped off in any way, challenge the car repair shop. Contact the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and post a complaint on their social media site and online review sites. If in fact you were taken advantage of, many car repair shops will offer to work with you to resolve the matter in order to clean up what could result in long-term damage control. Customers have much more leverage because of the internet and therefore can flush out those who use poor business practices to get ahead.

 

The Other Side Of The Coin

Above all else, keep in mind that not all car service centers are cons looking to take advantage of someone who appears to be an easy target. However, the ones that do have made it difficult for reputable business operators at times. So, don’t expect all car repair shops to be the same, and once you find one with people you trust who take care of your needs without hidden agendas, stay with them and tell your other girlfriends that there is a good one out there!

GENERAL TIPS FOR CAR WASH

Even if your vehicle is not brand new you can keep it looking like new by washing it regularly. As simple as that sounds, we don’t always have time to give our car the attention it deserves. In other words, splashing water on it from a hose and adding some soapy water is not the same as giving your car a good washing. To get you prepared for your next wash, here are some tips:

 

1 – When To Wash It

If you’ve been following the old rule of thumb that your car doesn’t have to be washed until it is dirty enough to need it, it’s time you changed it up. Your vehicle should actually be washed once a week. You may get away with once every two weeks now and then, but weekly is best. The reason why you should wash your car often is that the longer dirt and grime stay on the vehicle, the more damage it does to the paint.

 

2 – What To Watch For

When you wash your vehicle it will be the only time you get to give it a really careful up-close examination. This is important because you will be able to identify chips in the paint, scratches, and other damage that would go unnoticed without regular washings. There are other things to look for while you’re at it. Tree sap, dead bugs, and animal droppings all contain acidic chemicals that can really mess up the exterior of your car as they will burn through the finish and paint.

 

3 – What To Wash With

Specially formulated car washing soaps are available at many auto parts or service centers. They do not contain harmful chemicals that can damage the finish and paint on your vehicle. Only use these types of soaps and nothing else. To rub the soap into those hard to clean spots use a washing mitt designed for this purpose.

 

It will not scratch but will be firm enough to provide a good rubbing surface. A brush may come in handy for wheels and tires and don’t switch out the brush or mitt. Also, use tire cleaning soap for the harder to clean tires. To dry your vehicle a chamois will do the best job. It will also allow you to remove any excess soap residue although a proper car washing soap should leave none.

 

4 – How To Wash It

To remove debris before soaping and scrubbing it is important to give your vehicle a good rinsing. Then, starting from the top and working down, scrub away. Focus on small, hard to get at locations and repeat the rinsing, washing, and rinsing cycle until the entire vehicle has been scrubbed over. The idea is to take your time so you don’t miss anything.

After you have finished your final scrubbing, give the vehicle a final and thorough rinsing. To dry the vehicle using either a chamois or a clean soft towel. Driving it around the block to air dry it just leaves behind hard water spots you’ll want to scrub out later. Pay particular attention to the glass and use a car glass cleaner for both the inside and outside to remove all marks.

YOU NEED TO DO YOUR CAR CLEANING LIKE A PRO

Make a Mental List Before Starting

Before getting your hands dirty, take a step back, and evaluate the car’s condition. Will you have to add a quick polish or will you need an entire cleaning? Don’t make the job more complicated than it is and focus on which areas need the most work.

If it’s a new car and you just want to make it shine, skip rinsing it and simply apply car wax. If you can’t remember the last time cleaning your vehicle and it looks like you just went mudding, plan on putting some extra work in. Taking the first 5 minutes to make a mental checklist will save you valuable time.

Rinse with Water and Remove Leftover Dirt

Once you’ve made that list, grab the hose and start rinsing. Washing your car with water will clean any dust, dirt, or mud that’s stuck to the vehicle’s exterior. When washing, make sure you start from the top and move to the bottom – using gravity to help. DON’T SCRUB WITH A SPONGE OR SOAP YET. If anything is still stuck to the car you could end up scratching the paint.

Don’t forget to hit the tires with water. If you live in a colder region of the world with snow, make sure you wash out any salts or chemicals used for icy roads. An unwashed tire can result in the salts causing rust.

After the first rinse, walk around the vehicle and look for any leftover substances that are still stuck to the car. If you find any, make sure to scrub it off before proceeding. A piece of clay is a tool we recommend – it will remove the unwanted dirt and oils.

Apply “the Right” Car Soap

Next, take out the car soap and start washing. But be careful, use a known automobile product like dish soap will remove the protective sealant on the vehicle’s surface.

 

When you’ve got your suds, pay attention to the lower front part of the car – that’s where the majority of the grime will be. Once you’re finished, rinse off the suds and dry your car.

The Finishing Touches: Polish and Wax

Almost done! The final touches to get that pro-wash are to add polish, wax, and wash tires.

Although optional, adding a polish is will add a fresh gloss and bring out the color of darker cars. You can apply this by hand or with an electric polishing tool.

Next, add a layer of wax. Along with making the vehicle’s color pop, car wax protects the paint from harmful UV rays – similar to sunscreen. The 2 most common types of wax are Carnauba and Polymer. The polymer is more expensive but it is said to be easier to use and won’t haze if left to dry.