Protecting Your Ride

Why Are Car Covers Needed?

No matter where you live your car is going to experience the weather and that means several major contributors to the deterioration of the look of your automobile’s bodywork can get to work; the sun and the rain are the two major ones but there are also instances of frost damage too.

Obviously, the best place to house a car when it isn’t being used is inside a garage or fixed shelter but that is not always possible and in fact most cars and vehicles are kept outside in the elements often for months at a time. This is not good news for your bodywork or the car generally so at least make an effort to get the vehicle under cover which means you need a car cover that is both rain and sun resistant.

There are many car covers available on the market both readymade in pre-defined sizes and custom covers made specifically for that make and model of vehicle; whichever you choose you need to make sure they protect your pride and joy. Just because you have purchased a rubberized cover does not mean it will prevent the harmful UV rays of the sun. Just as UV rays harm your skin and can do so even through clothing, so the sun’s harmful impact can be felt through an otherwise waterproof covering.  You must have protection from both elements so it must be waterproof and able to block the sun’s rays.

Making sure the car cover fits your vehicle is also an issue to ensure the most effective protection you can provide.  Remember, your car may be left for weeks or months (and in some sad cases, even years) and making sure that the covering is going to stay in place owes a lot to how well the cover fits and is secured.  The material must be durable and able to continue providing protection for years despite being exposed to the elements itself.  There is no point in using a car protection cover which ends up becoming semi-detached from the car because the wind has blown it loose and exposed parts of your car to the ravages of sun and water!

A good fitting, quality car protection cover will not just protect your car from the impact of weather conditions; a good car cover will be robust enough to provide protection from physical knocks and scratching caused by people, especially children as well as household pets and wildlife. Bird droppings for instance, will quickly cause deterioration in modern car bodywork paint and quickly provide weak areas for water to work on producing rust spots and worse.

When you are ready to use your car you need to be able to easily stow the car protection cover away for use next time and this is when a protection cover made from durable, flexible modern materials come into their own and allow for easy handling and storage.  The protection cover must not crack along the creases caused by folding and being kept for lengthy periods of time when not in use so the protection provided is maintained when you come to use it again.

Leaving your vehicle out in the open without any protection is simply going to accelerate the depreciation in value of the vehicle while using a car protection cover will only cost you a fraction of the value you will lose.  Take the time to ensure that you buy a quality car protection cover which will stand the test of time and provide protection for your vehicle and you will be able to enjoy your car looking its best for that much longer.

Make sure you keep an eye on your tires. Along with checking for wear and rotating them properly you should check your tire pressure every time you fill up your tank. This will not only ensure proper tire wear, keeping your tire pressure at the recommended setting will also improve gas mileage and handling characteristics.

We all know you’re super busy with the holidays but take the time to check your tire pressure. It may just help you with safety, getting a little better gas mileage, stop premature tire wear, and give better vehicle handling and in the long run saving you money, giving you more money to spend on your Holiday Shopping!

Tips for Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

As the  temperature starts to drop and winter weather approaches thoughts turn to sledding, snowball fights and Christmas. One thing we can’t afford to forget about is our cars.  In many states, the cold weather can have a major impact on how well your car operates. If your car normally experiences hard starts in the morning or it stalls periodically, the low temperatures of winter are likely to make matters worse. Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your car for the winter without worrying about expensive repairs. In this article, I’ll explain why your owner’s manual should be the first resource you consult. Then, I’ll provide some tips for making sure your car is ready to perform by the time the cold weather arrives.

Review Your Owner’s Manual

Oddly, most car owners neglect to read their owner’s manual. It may look boring, but it contains important information about how to maintain your car. The manufacturer suggests a host of service procedures along with a time line in which to have them performed. They have an intimate understanding of how their cars function and the things that will ensure they operate properly for years. Read your owner’s manual and take action on the recommendations.

Changing Your Oil

Changing the oil in your car regularly is critical. If you don’t, it can slowly turn from a fluid liquid to a dark sludge. When that happens, it’s less capable of lubricating the moving parts of your engine. In the winter, be especially diligent about changing the oil according to the schedule suggested in your owner’s manual. Spend a few extra dollars to change the oil filter as well. Finally, if you’re using a minerals-based oil, consider changing to a synthetic oil. It performs better under low temperatures, making it more effective during the winter.

Important Odds And Ends

If you live in an area that experiences heavy rains, snow, or icy roads, make sure you check your tires for tread wear. If you notice that one or more of your tires is worn, invest in new ones. Also, have a mechanic check your car’s battery. Your engine may start quickly, but the battery may still be weak. Your mechanic can check its life, and clean and tighten the connections.

Don’t neglect to replace your filters. Besides your oil filter, change your air and fuel filters, too. A lot of drivers procrastinate because filters cost a few extra dollars. Plus, people don’t think there’s an immediate need because they don’t see the results of changing them. However, during the winter, soiled filters will make your car work harder than it needs to.

Another important tip is to protect the outside of your car. Your paint job and keep some of the elements from hitting and dinging your car.  That is where a Car Covers can come in handy. They protect the cars finish as well as provide a bit of insulation to your cars parts.

With winter promising cold temperatures, it’s more important than ever to take care of the small maintenance chores that you’ve been neglecting. Review your owner’s manual to check the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Then, make an appointment with an experienced car technician and have them perform everything on the same day. By the time winter arrives, you and your car will be prepared.

Winter is here! They are winterizing the roads. Make sure your Ride is WINTERIZED as well. I know we all greatly appreciate that lovely salt they spread all over the roads so we can get from place to place. But did you ever notice how it tends to get all over every inch of your Ride! If you have a car that has to be parked outside a car cover would help your vehicle be protected from salt as other vehicles pass on by. Remember the best way to put a stop to all of that paint killing, metal eating salt is to put a barrier between it and the elements