What is Fair Wear & Tear?

Every car, no matter how well cared for, will sustain some wear and tear during its life time; it's only to be expected. And some cars will be completely abused.A lease company does not make its money from a car until it has been returned to them and sold on. To a lease company, the resale value of the car is as important as your monthly payments and interest rates – so they want it back in good condition. As I'm sure you can imagine, there are people out there who are unwilling to care for their lease cars and every lease company has its horror stories… There is the famous case of the driver who returned a car with the engine on the back seat; another driver only returned pieces of his car in a holdall! Even without these 'drivers from hell' accidents will happen and the lease company needs to recoup the effect this damage has on the resale value. Contrary to the commonly held view that these recharges are just a way for lease companies to screw extra money form their customers, our experience is that they are generally very fair, even generous.While it is understandable that lease companies charge for damage which devalues a car, a certain amount of wear is only to be expected on a vehicle which is a couple of years old and so you won't be charged for any wear or tear which is deemed to be fair.In the UK, the fair wear and tear standard is set by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, and most lease companies are members and will closely follow these guidelines. The standard is available to the general public and if you weren't issued one when you collected your lease car you may be able to buy one either through your lease company, lease broker, the BVRLA or from an independent retailer. We strongly recommend that you do arm yourself with this guide and refer to it should you notice any damage or wear to your vehicle. It is also advised that you compare this to the terms of your lease, because although most companies follow it closely, many don't follow it exactly. In the past it has been the case that some are more lenient on things like dents (especially companies like Motability who supply cars to disabled drivers) but more recently the trend has seen companies being stricter with things like smoking in cars.Although I believe the lease companies to be fair in the charges they make, it is worth noting that most of the time, the prices they charge will be based on the devaluation effect of the damage or the average cost of a bodyshop repair or replacement of parts. Sometimes it's worth just accepting the charge, for example, at the time of writing the recharge for a scuffed wing mirror is approximately Ј40+vat. But to have a wing mirror repaired or replaced and repainted is most likely going to cost you Ј60-Ј70+vat. But some areas of damage are well worth getting fixed yourself. For example, damage to a door is likely to incur a penalty of around Ј175+vat which is not an unreasonable amount for covering the cost of a bodyshop repainting the door, but does the door really need repainting?You are likely to get charged this amount even if you have chips on the door edge which are through to the metal. Touching these in before they rust with a Ј5 touch-up paint may be all it takes to avoid the penalty. If the afore mentioned door has a dent, there is a possibility that your lease company will only charge you the cost of paintless dent removal, but they may charge for a bodyshop repair which is likely to be more than twice the price. So the smart thing to do is usually to have the work done yourself, this way you can ensure that you get the cheaper option. In fairness, it's not usually such a simple choice because there is rarely just one item of damage to a car, more often there will be 3-7, and of course, you will get a cheaper price from a bodyshop for doing the lot (He may even do the wing mirror into the bargain!)But before rushing of to a bodyshop and having them respray any panel on a car that has damage, consider using smart repair services. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Small Medium Area Repair Techniques and it can be a much cheaper alternative to a bodyshop respray. It is especially useful for repairs on interiors such as scuffs on dashboards. If the damage you have is beyond smart repair, then you should possibly look for a bodyshop to do the work. It is easy to find cheap bodyshops, the problem is that some of them are too cheap! On a number of occasions we have seen lease companies charge penalties because a repair has not been properly done (and for this reason its worth noting that you should never try and save money by having a smart repair on damage that needs a bodyshop repair, you will only end up paying twice). The best way to find a good (but cheap) bodyshop is to phone a few used car dealers and see who they use. If you think your car needs replacement parts, especially interior trim, light units etc., then consider sourcing them yourself. There are many online companies that specialize and give very good prices... shop around.

Need a Car Need a Car Loan

Everybody needs a car these days, no think about it. Really pretty much everybody relies on their cars. Even pensioners have cars, and they have those lethal buggy things that always seem to aim for your ankles, but that’s another story.Depending upon your preferences a car will probably be the second most expensive thing that you will ever buy. Your house is obviously the most expensive, although I do know some people that live in a cheap house and still have a DB9 on the drive! It all depends upon persons preferences as to which they want to spend the most money on.But anyway a car is a substantial investment, even if you buy one secondhand it’s still quite a considerable outlay. Many people are so desperate to buy a car, but are unable to afford one themselves, so what exactly should they do? Well they basically have three options:1. Choose a cheaper car2. Don’t buy a car3. Take out an auto loanNow the first two options are basically out of the question, because once you’ve set your sights on a specific car you must have it. I remember when I was young; my dad really wanted a car and wouldn’t change his mind to anything else, at the time I thought that was strange, however now I can completely understand.We’ve already ruled out not buying a car, because everybody needs a car! So the only option you are left with is taking out an auto loan, which itself can be scary for many people!Car loans make it possible to buy a car that is a little bit out of your reach, although they will never allow you to buy a car that is completely out of your league. A car loan, like everything else actually costs money, cheap car loans are becoming very popular.Car loans can come in two types, secured and unsecured. Secured loans are where the debt is secured against something, sometimes the car itself, but more often than not your house. Lenders don’t like to secure money against something that can get stolen or depreciate in value very quickly. Almost every secured loan you take out will be secured against your home.Unsecured car loans are normally more expensive due to them being more risky, and you will also have to show proof of your income.Secured car loans have a lower interest rate, and also flexible terms when you are looking at repaying the loan. With a secured loan you can pay less each month and spread it over a longer period. This can make car loans much easier financially.You must be careful when taking out secured loans, as should you fail to meet the repayments every month your home (or whatever asset you secured it against) is at risk.Unsecured car loans do not need any collateral in the form of a house, which makes them the ideal and possibly only option for people who rent housing. Unsecured car loans are suitable for people that do not own property, or simply those that do not want to risk their property.Unsecured car loans are much more risky for the lender and so you will pay for these benefits in the form of a higher interest rate.If you’re looking for cheap car loans, then try looking on the internet. If you look through many of the different lenders you should be able to get a great deal, alternatively use one of the many insurance brokers.Now, good luck when looking for cheap car insurance!

New Car Protection

There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting a new car, it would be really nice if your car could be new the whole time you own it, not least because a few years down the line when you come to sell it you will sell it quicker, easier and get more money for it.You are probably agreeing with me, yet so few people do anything much to keep the car in it's current condition. You will probably run it through a car wash once in a while, maybe get it detailed/valeted once a year but that's it... what else is there you can do?The first thing you should always do is look at your old car with a critical eye, work out what is wrong with it. The chances are that unless you change your habits then your new car will end up looking much like your old one. For example, are there scratches down the sides? What caused this? Was it the kids trying to squeeze past with their bikes? Was it caused by overhanging bushes on your driveway?What about scuffs and wear on the seats? Kerb marks on the wheels? Stone chips on the front? Now is your chance to play at CSI. If you can figure out the cause of the wear or damage, there is a fair chance you can change your ways and prevent it happening again to your new car.Protective coatingsYou can now get protective coatings for just about every part of a car. You wouldn't think about running your engine without oil because you know that the moving parts need the oil's protective qualities to prevent wear, so it makes sense to apply a protective sacrificial barrier to the parts of a car which make up its general appearance. These days cars are very reliable so when buying a used car the expectation is that it will be mechanically sound, this means that the value will be judged mainly on cosmetic appearance.WheelsI'll start off with the wheels (not bodywork) because no other singe factor can make or break a car's overall appearance. Tatty wheels add years to a car. There are now a number of wheel protectors on the market that are really effective. They are much like a car wax but especially designed to protect alloy, painted and chrome wheels which are closer to the road and take more punishment than any other part of the car. These wheel protection products will make your wheels easier to clean and prevent stains (but they aren't bullet proof, so don't bump your car up and down kerbs. Scuffs and kerb marks are to be avoided at all costs). Ensure that you clean your wheels often to prevent a build-up of brake dust which harbours corrosive contaminants, re-applying your wheel protector each time. One final word on wheels. If your dealership offers you an alternative to chrome wheels - take it! This 'bling' may look good on a new car but chrome wheels are murder to keep clean and free of stains. And should you kerb your wheels they are very expensive to refurbish.BodyworkPaint protection technology has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Not only does this mean that your paintwork can stay fresh looking, but you have to put in less work! You no longer have to wax and polish your car every couple of weeks, the 3, 5, and 7 year paint protection packages offered at the dealerships are very effective. The market leaders in the UK are Supagard and Diamondbrite and although they can be quite a lot of money, they are worth every penny -- not only will you gain this money back when you sell, but you will spend far less of your precious free time cleaning, waxing and polishing your car.As good as they are, you still have to clean your car, and this is where most people hit problems. Don't use an automated car wash if you value your paintwork. The brushes used are far too harsh and scratch your paintwork, the touchless washes are not as bad but don't get your car very clean. All-in-all just stay clear of them.The next option is the one most people seem to be going for these days, and that is the hand car wash. It seems the going rate is around Ј5. I can only tell you that there is a huge danger that you will get what you pay for... which is somebody who is over-worked-and-under-paid, scrubbing their car down with dirty water and a manky old sponge! They don't care about your car, they don't even care about getting it clean, they only care about getting it done and moving on to the next one. The results can be horrific and often I have seen paintwork damaged beyond repair.They aren't all bad but choose wisely, watch these people working before you buy. Stay well clear of the supermarket washes and only go to a proper company with a fixed location.If you really want the job done properly, the only way is to clean the car yourself. I cannot recommend this enough, besides being good exercise (and lets face it, I need it!) it also allows you to thoroughly inspect your car meaning you can keep on top of any problems and get them fixed as soon as possible, which is the best way.Stone ChipsStone chips are almost impossible to avoid but there are two ways to reduce them. The first is to reduce your speed and keep your distance from the car in-front. The second is to have a stone-chip film fitted to your car. This is a thing rubbery clear film which absorbs the impact of flying objects (including bugs which can cause more damage than you might think!). The a good quality and properly fitted film is virtually invisible but will make a huge ifference.Depending on the size and style of your car it costs around Ј300 to Ј600 which may seem a lot, until you consider the cost of a respray and the effect this can have on your car's residual value.upholsteryMany cars these days come with leather as an enticement to buy. keep in mind that if you are the kind of person who likes to wear blue jeans, your upholstery will end up stained blue and scored by rivets in no time at all. Leather just doesn't suit everybody, such as people with dogs! There are a number of companies producing seat covers including ones especially for protecting your car from pets. Leather wears less when it is supple so condition it twice a year and maybe 3 times a year for convertibles.Fabric can be treated with chemicals which are a bit like Scotchgard which is provided on household carpets. It doesn't stop them getting dirty but it does prevent permanent stains and makes them much easier to clean. Maintain them by wiping them over with a damp microfibre cloth every couple of weeks.Little and oftenDirt is abrasive, it is what causes much of the wear to your car. On the exterior it can also harbour corrosive contaminants which eat away at paintwork. So clean regularly, this will also make your life easier because it's easy to clean a car which is already fairly clean.

Acunda Cars

Acunda Cars is a unique automotive service and repair company. Exclusive Acura and Honda specialty shop with almost two decades of product experience. This will be the 11th year of business but new to the Charlotte area coming up on the second year here. Having moved from Tampa Florida in its much larger shop of 6 employees , the owner now is comfortable and enjoys doing all the hands on work personally to every vehicle.The quality of work that way is much higher and fixing little things for free that most tech’s do not notice or care about the owner uses to say thank you for choosing Acunda Cars.One of first things many notice coming into the shop is how clean and organized it is. The owner having Military training as a ( level 9 Jet engine Mechanic ) learned in the 70’s that being organized and clean was not an option but life in the maintenance field.Many also have expressed the benefit of getting all their answers to their Acura and Honda questions by an owner who not only owns and drives them but has been involved with the product long enough to see it develop into a class of cars all of their own.Being a Master ASE Tech. for 20 years and a Acura Master, NSX Master and Honda Master Tech. for over 15 years the owner thinks, sleeps, breathes Acura and Honda. He doesn’t claim to be the most knowledgeable or the best technician in this country on the product but claims to be good enough to get the job done with accuracy and integrity.The sales departments at the Acura and Honda dealers do not seem to have to work to hard to sell the product " it sells itself ". The owners concern is that the sales department do not take the time to explain the necessary services required by the Manufacture to keep it running correctly. .This year a customer came to Acunda Cars with a 86 Honda Accord LXI hatchback and it had over 550,000 miles on the Speedo and was serviced regularly by the car owners ( a truck driver ) . He travels to Florida a lot and racks the miles on it. The dealer wants to buy it back from him but he refuses to sell.With a long suit in ethics the owner makes sure you get what you paid for. The prices he charges are not only fair but accurate to what it takes to run a good shop that will be around awhile. Having taken many automotive management courses by one of the top leading industry California based companies he has learned how to stay out of the pit falls that the novice repair shop might fall into, therefore producing a more quality product for the customer to enjoy.He almost quit the career when he first started in 1977 as a Chevy light duty technician. With American cars there is one engineer to design the component and eight engineers to design it to break after warrantee. Seems to be all about the money with the domestic vehicles. When he stumbled across the Honda product as a dealer tech he saw the symmetry and logic and craftsmanship of the Honda product and felt finally at home.From an engineering point of view there is no manufacture that spends more in research and development then Honda . He continues to be impressed by the innovative Ideas and care put into their cars. This is what inspires him to do the same to maintain this leading product.Give Acunda Cars a try today and see the difference your self.

Are You Looking for a Luxury Car? Consider the Cadillac CTS

Sometimes it seems that a car is far more than just a car. Talk to someone with a Land Rover and they're sure to tell you that their vehicle is much more than just a Jeep, while Jeep drivers will tell you that their vehicles are a way of life.Turn on the TV and you're likely to hear that when you're looking for a long-lasting vehicle, you should turn to a Honda, and if you're looking for quality, you should consider buying a Toyota.Similarly, many will tell you that if you are looking for a luxury ride, if you're looking for vehicle that's high on both class and style there's only one option: you'll have to get yourself a Cadillac.There are going to be some who see the name Cadillac and initially dismiss it as a brand that their parents or grandparents might drive. But those who understand a need for speed, luxury styling and a manual transmission will tell you that the Cadillac CTS has everything the savvy shopper and driver may want to find in a vehicle.First, there's the Cadillac CTS engine - a 2.8-liter dual overhead engine with an output well over 200-horsepower - that will get you started in a hurry as soon as the light turns green or when the freeway traffic eases up.Then there's the interior. Proving once again that the Cadillac CTS is far from a traditional Caddy with a more youthful feel, the CTS has comfortable leather seats, an easy to navigate dash and an absence of the wood trim that many younger drivers feel is out-of-place in an automobile.Instead, the Cadillac CTS focuses on all of the features that younger drivers are looking for - quality, luxury, responsive power, and best of all, speed. Drivers and passengers of the Cadillac CTS will find that there's plenty of space in the front and rear seats. They'll find that climate control is a breeze in the CTS - with all of the controls easy to access and use.Most importantly, they'll find that they have easy control over a high-quality stereo system - a system that is iPod friendly, making it easy to keep the stereo playing your favorite tracks whether you are driving across town or across the country on a road trip with friends.Equally handy for those who are taking long road trips is the navigation system that is optional on the Cadillac CTS. With GM’s OnStar system, you'll find street maps, hear turn-by-turn directions along with distances, and be able to plan the best route for getting to where you want to be.With the Cadillac CTS, you'll find all of the luxurious styling that is synonymous with the Cadillac brand. You'll find a smooth driving and riding experience, and you will find that Cadillac makes it easy for you to be able to customize your car so that it has everything that you really want and need.Are you looking for more power than the standard CTS will offer? Then, upgrade to the Cadillac CTS-V with its 400-horsepower V8 engine that will deliver 0-to-60 mph performance in 4.6 seconds.What most folks simply do not realize is that the Cadillac brand generally produces some of the fastest American-made cars in the marketplace. According to an article written by Isaak Carter in 2007 titled, "Surprises in the American Performance Car Market", Cadillac had three of the fastest American-built automobiles in the 2006 model line-up. In fact, the four-door Cadillac CTS-V finished in ninth place in the Forbes countdown, with a top-speed of 163 mph. One reviewer even described the Cadillac CTS-V as a "luxury sedan with the performance of a Corvette."If you want to be sure that your car’s temperature is comfortable even on the coldest days, then upgrade to the heated seats - and if you are really serious about a vehicle that caters to your every whim, you can also opt for the heated steering wheel that is offered with the Cadillac CTS models. Want a sound system that your friends will be envious of you for having? Then, upgrade your speakers and consider having a satellite radio system installed.Envy is a beautiful thing, when you see it on the faces of the people in your life. Take the Cadillac CTS for a test drive and see for yourself why it is one of the top-rated vehicles in the luxury automobile marketplace.

Increasing Your Fuel Economy / Mpg

With increasing fuel prices and concerns over the environment and global warming, we all want to look at ways of saving money and helping our planet. When comes to your car and the driving you do, you have the opportunity to do both at the same time.Econotune is the outcome of the shared knowledge of some of the UK’s leading engine tuning companies. Whereas traditionally, engine tuning has concentrated on the performance side, Econotune are looking to obtain the best economy (increased MPG) from your engine, your driving style and journey type.By modifying your cars controlling computer (ECU) and the parameters used in various conditions by the engine program (fuel and ignition basically) we can improve not only the drivability of the vehicle, the delivery of the power and the power it self but primarily, the economy.Econotune is a mobile service that can come to you home or workplace as the programming can be performed almost anywhere, We offer big discounts for groups (2+) cars in one location and of course we can supply pricing for fleet work if required.We performed our work on a fleet of Patient Transport Services (PTS) ambulances and after which they started to save a huge Ј6.80 per day per ambulance!So, with big savings on fuel bills this can be of great benefit to companies and individuals alike, cars, vans and even trucks. We give a 14day trial period as the work we do is fully reversible, so can you afford not to at least try it? How does economy mapping work-The basics:Out of engine efficiency come both power and economy, so if an engine is more powerful for its capacity this allows it to run at a lower RPM to move the vehicle. Because we create more torque from the engine, you can move into a higher gear at an earlier point during acceleration and then maintain that higher gear for a longer time.We achieve an increase in torque by altering the fuel pressure, the injector timing and turbo boost pressure (obviously where applicable). Whilst this seems like it is going to increase the amount of fuel used it has the opposite affect when applied.OK lets be honest. If we increase the output of an engine, even if the emphasis is on economy, its going to be faster – it goes hand in hand! If you are going to drive the car faster it is not going to take a genius to realize you are going to use more fuel! Therefore you need to appreciate that you need to be driving in the same style and at the same average speed (within reason) to obtain the benefits, but we will assume you are going to do this otherwise you would go for performance mapping instead.The most important aspect though is your driving style. The steadier your throttle foot the better your economy. Cruise control is superb for maintaining a steady speed, most cars have it – use it if it has! By being able to change up a gear because of your improved torque is going to make best of your economy but not if you are then going to accelerate up and down when in top! The next thing is the state of your car. You need to make sure your car is in top condition, serviced regularly and that your tyres are at the correct pressure and in good condition. Check your tracking with a laser alignment specialist at least once a year! Ask your service centre / dealer to ensure you air flow sensor is working correctly, your oil is of the correct type and that your filters are replaced. And lastly, take a look at what you are carrying around in your boot! Additional and unnecessary weight all add up to using more fuel than necessary – so remember to take the case of Chateaux Laffite ’68 out the boot as its better off inside anyway!

The Mazda 3 Review, Best Compact Car of 2007

The Mazda 3 Review, Best Compact Car Of 2007

The Mazda 3 first hit the market in 2004 and quickly established itself as one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars around, even better than its closest rivals such as the Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Rabbit. The new Mazda 3 for 2007 has been unveiled as well, with its own hot new updates.

With many of its competitors having redesigned as well, how does the 2007 Mazda 3 compare to its new, souped up competition?


For starters, let's look at how the Mazda 3 has updated itself both inside and out. The new model has added two new grilles, a squarish housing for its fog lights, new alloy wheels and more aerodynamic bumpers. It looks like the new changes were made with an eye towards greater stability. Gone are the five-spoke alloy wheels from last year's model, which a lot of people were raving about, but the new wheels aren't so bad either.

The body also looks more rigid, adding to the greater stability factor, while its suspension was tweaked a bit for better handling and greater steering response.

More good news: the new Mazda 3 still has the same two body styles as before (the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback) and the same two engine types (the "i" model's 148 horsepower, two-liter engine and the "s" model's 156 horsepower, 2.3 liter engine). The three trim levels are back as well -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, but the latter is only for the "s" model. Select Mazda 3 models also have antilock brakes, and front seat and side-curtain airbags.

The Mazda 3's interiors also boast of superior new quality. The "i" models come in beige or black interiors while the "s" model comes only in black. Of course, it's not all black and comes with red and grey plastic trim. In terms of interiors, however, the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra, seem to have a more modern design.

All Mazda 3 models for 2007 are equipped with stereos with a CD player and a jack for MP3s. Air-conditioners are optional. Power windows, locks and mirrors are available for the Touring and Grand Touring models. The Grand Touring also has leather seats, automatic headlights, climate control and rain-sensing wipers.

The area where the Mazda 3 dominates the competition is in the way it handles on the road. It's agile, responsive and superior in steering. Try driving it on curvy roads and you can easily spot the difference. CarAndDriver.com ranks the 2007 Mazda 3 as the fourth quickest car of the year, zooming from 0-to-60 miles/hour in 7.3 seconds.

By: Rex Flay

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Ourisman Mazda is offering the Mazda 3 $1800 below invoice from now until August 31, 2007! Visit Ourisman Mazda Maryland Car Dealership to acccess their online inventory now.

Your Car Looks Like New. What's Your Secret?

"It looks like new! I would have never guessed that car was eight years old."
That is what we owners want to hear, but keeping our cars looking like the late models is tough, even with today's long-lasting finishes. Dents, dings and cracked glass are several items that age the appearance of a vehicle. Fortunately, technology has helped advance the solutions to these problems, making the fixes quicker and less expensive. With mobile repair units, these items often can be repaired on site at your home or work, adding to the convenience.
Many types of door dents or small dings are fixed without sanding, filler or painting, preserving the integrity of the vehicle's original factory finish. Technicians use specially designed tools that allow them to access the problem and actually massage it out. If paint touch-ups are required, the technology is available to match your vehicle and repair scratches, minor chips and blemishes on most surfaces. There are a couple of factors that have an effect on the success of this process:
The location of the dent on the car is important. For example, a dent on the edge of a door, trunk or hood probably can't be fixed using this process.
If there is paint damage or scrapes across multiple panels, this may indicate that the damage is too severe, as the paint may crack as the dent is removed.
Like dents and dings, chipped cracked glass can also diminish the value of a car. However, the fix is not necessarily a new windshield. Seventy percent of all glass damage is repairable. Using resins that are constantly being improved, technicians not only can fix your glass, but also make it stronger. In addition, the resin can create a repair that is difficult to detect. This technology can be used to repair the following types of glass damage in automobiles: star breaks, combination breaks, bulls-eyes and cracks of any length.
Before having any repairs performed, the Car Care Council reminds you to choose the facility as carefully as you would choose your automotive repair shop. Be sure to get all estimates and warranties in writing. Ask for two or three references and call them. Finally, find out what happens if you're dissatisfied with the job.

A Clean Car Is Cool

Cleaning a car: a piece of cake, right? Certainly, if you follow the procedures suggested by the Car Care Council. While it's the most basic procedure in car care, it does deserve some thought. The first step in cleaning the car is to wash it. Give it a good rinsing from top to bottom, including the wheels and inside the fenders. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt for both. This way you'll avoid contaminating the vehicle's paint with debris from the wheels and tires.
Use a good tire cleaner with a stiff brush, to improve your tires' appearance even if you don't have white sidewalls or white letter tires.
Next, clean the wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes the brake dust, which often blackens the front wheels. Application of these cleaners vary, so be sure and follow the directions on the container.
Now it's time to wash the body. Use a product sold specifically for automobiles. (Household cleaners can strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish.) Starting at the top, wash one section at a time, thoroughly rinsing away the soap. Work your way down toward the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. Clean the rear last since it usually has the largest accumulation of dirt and grime, which can contaminate the wash mitt. Wash the inside door jams about once a month.
To rinse, remove the spray nozzle from the hose. Starting at the top, let the water cascade down the surfaces of the vehicle.
Then, to avoid water spotting, dry with a chamois or other product made for this purpose.
Now is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, look for foreign particles on the paint. Use a car cleaner, available at auto supply stores, to remove contaminants imbedded in the paint.
Once the surface is clean, apply the wax, following the manufacturer's instructions for application of the product. Often they recommend not using the product in direct sunlight..
Keeping your vehicle clean, while it doesn't require a lot of effort, says the Council, it does foster a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Botox For Your Car?

America's growing obsession with younger looking faces evidenced by the Botox craze, is inspiring car owners to prolong the appearance of their automobiles as well. Four billion dollars were spent last year in the United States on enhancements to keep the interior and exterior of vehicles looking like new, according to the Car Care Council.
"As consumers spend more time in their vehicles and drive more miles each year, they are placing more importance on comfort, luxury and appearance," said Rich White, spokesperson for the council.
Many consumers don't realize that just as they can buy new carpet for their home or refinish and repair furniture, they can also rejuvenate their second largest investment, the automobile. Automotive upholstery and interior repair shops, known as trim shops, can fix a drooping headliner, replace worn carpeting, repair torn upholstery and replace a weathered convertible top.
"Home owners don't sell their house because someone put a hole in the wall. But too often vehicle owners will trade in a vehicle that is paid off just to get a new 'look'. Repair and restoration is a very cost-effective alternative to buying a new car and taking on a new car payment," White said.
While leather is still the most popular upscale option for a vehicle's interior, where age shows first, innovative fabrics offer many more customization, repair and restoration options for the average car owner. Today's modern trim shop can replace original materials like seat or door panels to an imperceptible condition.
The council advises that, if you want to preserve the new look and feel of your faithful car, truck, SUV or minivan, search for trim and upholstery shops in the phone book or on the Internet, which specialize in repairing and enhancing interior as well as exterior features of automobiles.

High Water Headaches

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are one of the most common and widespread of all disasters. Most communities in the United States have experienced some level of flooding from high water due to spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws. While your vehicle may not have been flooded or completely covered in water, that doesn�t necessarily mean that you should not be concerned about water damage. If you drove through high water, there�s a chance that you may have damaged your vehicle. It all comes down to how much water the vehicle took in and where it reached. Follow these guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination.
Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet then the vehicle will need professional attention. If all you do is let the carpet dry, you will quickly be rewarded by mildew and nasty odors. Seat brackets, motors and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation.
Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. The vehicle should be towed to your ASE certified mechanic or repair shop. Driving the vehicle with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or repairs. (NOTE: Some new synthetic differential fluids may appear to be milky but are not water contaminated, when in doubt let a professional make the evaluation.)
Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.
Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris and rust. If any of these are present have the vehicle washed and cleaned as soon as possible.
Have the brake system checked by a professional.
Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.
Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner and wheel bearings.
Inspect the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many newer vehicles are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust.
By being car care aware and following these simple guidelines, you can help minimize the potential for damage to your vehicle.