A Clean Car as an Extension of Your Home

For many, a car serves as a second home. It’s where you listen to podcasts, eat quick meals, and sometimes even have heart-to-heart conversations. As an extension of your living space, your car should also be subject to regular cleaning and maintenance. It’s not merely about aesthetics; a clean car can be a sign of good health and hygiene. In today’s world where cleanliness is more critical than ever, maintaining a clean vehicle can even be seen as a social responsibility. Much like your home, a clean car can serve as a symbol of your lifestyle and habits. It reflects how you view the world and how you choose to navigate through it.

Reciprocal Relationship: How a Clean Car Influences a Clean Home

Maintaining a clean car can have a cyclical effect on your habits, encouraging you to keep your home equally clean. It’s a form of positive reinforcement; the satisfaction and comfort you derive from a clean vehicle make you more likely to invest time and effort into maintaining your living space. Additionally, the organisational skills you apply to keep your car clutter-free can also be applied to your home, creating a harmonious balance between the two. Maintaining cleanliness both in your car and in your home can create a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances your overall well-being. Not only does it cultivate a more organised and stress-free way of living, but it also positively impacts your lifestyle.

What is entailed in a typical car wash at home?

A home car wash typically involves several steps to clean and maintain the exterior of a vehicle. First, the car is rinsed with water using a pressure washer or garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, a gentle pH Neutral car wash shampoo is applied using a paint-friendly microfiber mitt, followed by thorough scrubbing to remove dirt and grime. After rinsing off the shampoo, the car is dried using a microfiber towel to prevent water spots. Additionally, owners may choose to wax or polish their vehicle to enhance its shine and provide protection against the elements. The benefits of a home car wash include cost savings compared to professional car wash services, the convenience of washing at your own pace and location, and the satisfaction of personally caring for your vehicle’s appearance. However, for those who are time poor and looking for a professional finish, then seeking assistance from a company like Schmicko mobile car detailers, will help achieve results you would most likely not be able to obtain. Typically equipped with better supplies and equipment, and most importantly the skill set to attain excellent results. It also allows for greater attention to detail and customisation in the cleaning process, ensuring that your car receives the specific care it needs.

Conclusion

The cleanliness of your car is not an isolated aspect of your life but a mirror reflecting your broader lifestyle choices, including how you maintain your home. If you are not cleaning your car as often as your home, then perhaps this is an area for improvement that could enhance your quality of life. Embracing cleanliness in both domains will not only bring about psychological benefits but also enrich the quality of your life. So the next time you embark on a house cleaning spree, don’t forget to extend that love and care to your car as well. After all, a clean car doesn’t just mean you’re taking good care of your vehicle; it says you’re taking good care of yourself.

David B.

Automotive Tech Expert

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Today, we will simplify and explain the ins and outs of car waxing. We will delve into what car wax is, its uses, and its importance in vehicle maintenance. We’ll also discuss different factors that affect the frequency of car waxing and signs that your car might be due for a wax job. The article will provide professional recommendations on how often to wax your car and a step-by-step guide on how to do it. Additionally, in case you want to explore beyond traditional waxing, we also talk about other alternatives such as paint sealants and ceramic coatings. Whether you love cars, just got a new car, or want to take care of your car, you will be in for a treat.

Understanding the Importance of Car Waxing

Car waxing is a practice commonly overlooked by car owners. This process, however, plays a significant role in car maintenance and is crucial for those who aim to engage in proper care of their vehicle. Waxing not only elevates the gleaming aesthetic of a car but also provides a form of protection that can help shield the vehicle from damage. Understanding the importance of waxing your car offers numerous benefits, and can assist in maintaining the well-being and longevity of your car.

What is Car Wax and its Uses

 

Car wax, in its simplest terms, is a product designed to provide a protective layer on a car’s surface. It often comprises natural waxes, such as carnauba or beeswax, although synthetic waxes are also available on the market. Some waxes also include polymers and silicons to increase their effectiveness. However, all of these options are truly fantastic.

 

Car wax has multiple advantages. First and foremost, it provides a shiny, glossy finish to the surface of the car, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. More than just a means to instil a show-car finish, waxing also functions to protect the vehicle’s surface from external damage. This includes your common offenders, such as dust, dirt, sap from trees, bird droppings, and harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Applying a layer of wax creates a protective barrier that not only shields the paint, but also facilitates the effortless removal of deposits from your car.

The Role of Car Wax in Vehicle Maintenance

Car waxing is an integral part of vehicle maintenance. By providing a shield against potential harm, it assists in preventing the deterioration of the car’s clear coat and paint. A clear coat is a transparent layer of paint that is applied over the base coat of a car’s paint job, in other words, it protects your paint/colour. Its main purpose is to provide protection and enhance the appearance of the vehicle. The clear coat protects the paint from fading or deteriorating due to UV rays, oxidation, and other environmental factors. So, it is highly recommended that you do whatever you can to keep your clear coat in top condition.

 

Waxes also ease the cleanup process. When a car is waxed, it’s less likely for dirt and grime to cling to the surface, and they can be removed with less effort. Moreover, the protective layer can help in warding off small scratches and swirl marks, which can occur during washing and drying.

 

Given that vehicle repair can cost a considerable amount of money, the preventative role of waxing is fundamental. By shielding the external parts of your vehicle, it can save you expensive trips to the body shop, maintain the car’s value, and prolong its life.

Benefits of Regular Car Waxing

Beyond the clear cosmetic appeal, regular car waxing offers a host of benefits. Its protective properties are key to combatting the wear and tear of daily usage and environmental elements.

Reduce Oxidation

Over time, exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to the fading of the car’s paint. However, the protective shield created by the wax can block UV rays, preventing this oxidation process. Similarly, waxing can protect against chemical etchings and stains left behind by bird droppings or tree sap. 

Boost & Maintain Market Value

By maintaining the vehicle’s pristine exterior, you can also help uphold its value. Considering resale, buyers often prefer a car in top-notch condition, and the protective layer of wax not only preserves the car’s aesthetic appeal but also its long-term value.

Improve Safety

Additionally, waxing enhances safety by keeping the windshields and windows clear. It repels water, which rolls off the surface instead of blurring your view, improving visibility during rainy weather.

 

In essence, regular car waxing is a simple, affordable practice with far-reaching benefits. It safeguards your vehicle against damage, maintains its value, and promotes safe driving. This small investment of time and effort can save you significant costs in the long run and ensure your vehicle remains in excellent condition.

Factors Affecting Car Wax Durability

Although a car wax is an essential part of car maintenance, the frequency of waxing a car depends on several factors that you should consider before opting for one.

Geographical Location and Climate

One of the major factors that determine the frequency of car wax is the geographical location and climate of where you live. If you live in a region with harsher weather conditions like heavy rains, strong sun, or snow, you will need to wax your car more frequently.

 

For example, if you live in a coastal area, your car is more likely to be exposed to salt air, which may lead to car rust if it is not properly protected with car wax. Salt speeds up the process of oxidation, leading the metal surfaces of your car to rust. Therefore, if your car is continuously exposed to salt air, it is recommended to wax your car every month.

 

On the other hand, if you live in a sunny region, your car is exposed to harsh UV rays, which can degrade and dull your car paint. Regular car waxing helps provide a layer of protection against these damaging rays, preserving the shine of your car and prolonging the life of your paint. In such regions, it is recommended to wax your car every one to two months as a starting point.

Vehicle Conditions and Usage

Another factor to consider is your vehicle’s condition and usage. For instance, if your car is older with faded or oxidised paint, then frequent waxing can help rejuvenate the paint and add shine to it. If you often use your car for long drives, it will gather more dirt and dust, along with being exposed to the sun for longer periods. As a result, you’ll need to wax it more often for protection.

 

The frequency of washing your car also affects how often you should wax it because washing removes car wax. Therefore, if you wash your car frequently, you will need to reapply the wax more often to top it up.

Type of Car Wax Used

Lastly, the type of car wax you use can greatly affect how often you need to wax your car. Synthetic waxes usually last longer and offer better protection than natural waxes. Some high-grade synthetic waxes can last for a couple of months, reducing the frequency of wax applications.

 

On the contrary, traditional carnauba wax, although provides a rich, warm glow to your car, does not last long. It usually requires reapplication every month, depending on environmental conditions and car usage.

 

Regardless of whether you choose traditional or synthetic wax, it is always recommended to have your car waxed monthly to ensure proper protection while driving.

 

In conclusion, consider your local climate, the conditions and usage of your vehicle, and the type of car wax you are using when deciding how often to wax your car. However, irrespective of these factors, regular car waxing should be part of every car owner’s maintenance routine.

New Cars

New cars may seem like they don’t need any paint treatment; however, it’s still recommended to wax your car within a couple of months of acquiring it. This is because waxing provides an extra layer of protection against UV rays, contaminants, bird droppings, and scratches. It would make sense to maintain that showroom finish while you have it, rather than reactively applying wax only when your car needs it. 

If a car wash is not done regularly, the paintwork may become dull. In this case, a machine polish is necessary to restore its shine because wax does not have any abrasive or corrective properties. For those wondering what the difference between a car wax and car polish is can read more about it here.

Dark Coloured Cars

Dark-coloured cars, especially black, blue and red, need more frequent waxing to protect them from sun damage. Similar to how it is best to wear light coloured clothing during Summer, to avoid overheating, the same applies to your car. Dark colours just absorb heat at a much faster rate.

Signs Your Car Needs Waxing

There are several signs that can indicate your car is due for a waxing. The most distinct is that your car’s paint will no longer have that shiny, brand-new look. Instead, it might look dull and lacklustre.

Another sign your car needs waxing is when water no longer beads on the surface. A well-waxed car will cause water to bead up and roll off the surface, which assists in keeping the car cleaner for longer and reduces the risk of water spots from appearing. If water is no longer beading up, it may be time to consider a wax job, although it is worth noting that beading should not be the only criteria for determining when you need to wax your car. After all, there are products out there which just aim to provide that beading effect for pure aesthetics.

 

Your car might also need waxing if you start to notice small blemishes and scratches on the paint. A good wax job can fill in these small marks and improve the overall look of your car. Waxes can occasionally act as fillers, filling in any imperfections found across your paintwork. If these begin to become more noticeable, you may need to re wax to temporarily mask them or better yet, have them corrected with an exterior car detailing service, to polish them out or minimise.

Seasonal Considerations for Car Waxing

Beyond the wax type and frequency of use, the seasons can also impact when you should wax your car. In general, it’s a good idea to wax your car prior to the summer and winter seasons.

In summer, the intense sunlight and heat can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s paint. A great wax job will provide a shielding layer against UV rays, which are notorious for fading and damaging your car’s paint. Also a great way to reduce the likelihood of water marks etching into your paintwork when your car has been exposed to water on a hot summer day. Some days you will notice where it gets extremely hot during summer that it follows up with a thunderstorm or rain. You will want to make sure your car paint is well prepped for these occasions as this is a recipe for hard water spots.

Winter is another crucial time to wax your car. Salt, and other deicing agents that are common during winter can cause serious damage to your car’s paint during rainy and snowy climates.

 

Knowing when to wax isn’t just about maintaining the glossy look of your car, but also about preserving its quality, so make sure you don’t neglect this important part of car maintenance.

How Often to Wax Your Car

 

When it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle’s exterior, waxing plays a crucial role. But a question that often pops up among vehicle owners is – How often should you wax your car? Well, the answer can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of car wax you use, your regional climate, the age of your car, etc.

The primary role of automotive wax is to protect your car’s paint from various forms of damage such as UV radiation, bird droppings, and scratches while also enhancing the colour and shine of your vehicle. Given its protective role, car wax needs to be applied regularly and correctly to ensure optimal performance. But this doesn’t mean you have to apply it too often as that could potentially harm your car’s paint instead of protecting it.

Recommendations from the Car Care Professionals

Based on our expertise within the car care industry, typically, car detailing professionals recommend that you should wax your car every 1 to 2 months. This is a general guideline that works most effectively for the majority of vehicle owners. It’s important to note that most commercially available car waxes don’t last much longer than a month or so. So, even if your car still looks shiny after a couple of months, the protective characteristics of the wax may have worn off by then.

Process of Waxing Your Car

This process involves applying a coat of wax, ideally a blend of carnauba or synthetic formulations. When done correctly, car wax safeguards the paint from harmful UV rays, bird droppings, and chemical contaminants. Moreover, it gives your car a smooth, glossy finish that intensifies the colour of the paint. Additionally, with the waxed surface slick and smooth, dust and dirt particles find it harder to stick, thus making the car easier to clean.   

Preparation for Car Waxing

Choosing the right location and time of day

The efficiency and outcome of car waxing significantly depend on the underlying preparation steps. To begin with, choose a suitable location to carry out the task. The location should be shaded and cool to ensure the wax doesn’t prematurely dry on the car’s surface, which could lead to streaking or hazing. A garage, carport, or shaded driveway would be perfect. Or if you can’t find a suitable enclosed space choose a cooler time of the day such as the morning or later afternoon. If you do not have the flexibility to choose a better time of day, then focus on waxing each panel one by one instead.  

Thorough Car Wash

The second crucial step is a thorough car wash. Washing the car gets rid of dust, grime, and loose contaminants that might cause scratches during waxing. Use a car wash shampoo for the wash, pH neutral works great but also heavy-duty wash for heavily coiled cars and verify that there is no dirt left to jeopardise the integrity of the waxing process.

Inspect

Finally, inspect the car for any oxidation, scratches, or swirl marks. If present, these imperfections need to be corrected using a compound or polish before commencing waxing. Remember that wax enhances the paint’s appearance; therefore, if the paint is imperfect, the flaws can be more prominent after waxing. If you have no time to correct the paintwork prior, you can temporarily mask these blemishes until the next time.  

Wax Application

 

As car detailing experts, we always suggest starting by applying a small amount of wax onto the applicator pad and work on one panel at a time, spreading the wax evenly in a thin layer using a circular motion.

Allow the wax to dry based on the manufacturer’s recommended time before buffing off the excess. The wax will generally change to a hazy finish when dry. Always refer to the wax manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time since it could vary depending on the particular product and environment, e.g. hotter temperatures will mean a faster drying time.

 

When the wax is dry, it’s time to remove or buff it off. Using a microfiber towel or buffing machine, gently buff off the wax. Turn the towel frequently to avoid wax build-up and ensure all wax is removed, you can achieve this by folding the towel multiple times as you go along from panel to panel. When you notice smearing, it is time to flip to a new side or new towel.

 

After buffing the excess wax, inspect it to ensure all wax has been properly removed. Any remaining wax can display marks or slight hazing. Finally, appreciate your work – the car should now shine and look rejuvenated.

 

As a side note, remember to wax your car every 1–2 months. The frequency of waxing can vary depending on the type of wax used and environmental exposure. Regular waxing will extend the lifespan of your car’s paint and maintain its fresh, polished, and clean look.

Tips to Prolong the Effects of Car Wax

According to our experience, prolonging the effects of car wax requires careful and considerate measures that can help extend the time between applications and maintain the desired glossy finish.

a.) First, always make sure your car is clean before applying wax. Dust and dirt particles can scratch the surface of the car when waxing, causing more harm than good.

b.) Second, avoid parking your car in direct sunlight for extended periods, as the sun’s UV rays can degrade the wax faster. Whenever possible, park in a shaded area or use a car cover.

c.) Third, wash your car regularly but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Choose car wash solutions that are pH neutral and soft microfiber towels for washing and drying.

d.) astly, consider using a wax booster or a spray wax in between regular wax applications. These products provide an additional layer of protection and extend the life of your car wax.

Understanding the Limitations of Car Wax

While car wax plays a crucial role in maintaining your car’s appearance, it’s equally important to understand its limitations.

 

One major limitation of car wax is that it’s not a permanent solution. While wax provides a layer of protection, this layer wears off over time and needs regular reapplication.

 

Moreover, car wax can’t provide complete protection against all types of damage. For instance, it doesn’t protect against paint chips from little stones or pebbled roads or scratches from branches or bushes. A wax has very little to no level of hardness and therefore has a poor protection against physical abrasion.

 

It’s also important to note that not all waxes are suitable for all types of car paint. Certain waxes might cause discoloration or damage to specific surfaces. Therefore, always make sure that a wax is suitable for your car’s paint type before applying it.

 

In conclusion, car wax is a great tool for keeping your car looking its best, but it’s not a cure-all. Always be mindful of what it can do and its limitations.

Exploring Other Car Wax Alternatives

There are numerous alternatives to car wax that provides a similar or even superior level of protection and shine to your car. Among the options include paint sealants and ceramic coatings. By understanding these alternatives, car owners can choose the most appropriate care routine for their vehicle that ensures adequate protection, preservation of aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.

Understanding Paint Sealants

Unlike car wax that is made from natural substances, paint sealants are artificial substances manufactured synthetically. Paint sealants are essentially a type of polymer, or silicone resin, which bond and seal the car’s paintwork, providing a longer lasting coating.

 

The popularity of paint sealants has grown due to several reasons. Firstly, paint sealants provide a significantly longer span of protection, often lasting up to a few months compared with the 1 month protection provided by car wax. Secondly, paint sealants provide a high-gloss finish which many car owners find attractive. Lastly, the synthetic nature of paint sealants makes them resistant to high temperatures, providing added protection to cars in hot climates.

 

However, paint sealants come with downsides as well. While they offer impressive protection and shine, many car enthusiasts argue that it doesn’t provide the same depth and warmth of shine that car wax delivers. Additionally, it is more challenging to apply and remove, making it less attractive for DIY car owners. Your car wax is often still the popular option over sealants due to the value it brings.

Pros and Cons of Using Ceramic Coatings or Graphene Paint Protection

 

Another alternative to car wax is ceramic coatings. Ceramic is a liquid polymer that, when applied to the vehicle’s surface, bonds with the car’s paintwork on a nano-level, creating a long-lasting and durable shield that’s resistant to heat, UV rays, scratches, dirt, and water.

 

Ceramic coatings boast an extremely long lifespan. With proper maintenance and care, a ceramic coating can last for several years, when properly cared for, providing unmatched protection compared to traditional waxes and sealants. Moreover, the high gloss finish from a ceramic coating is impressive.

 

However, like any product, ceramic coatings come with downsides too. They tend to be more expensive and require professional application due to the technical complexity involved in its application process. Additionally, once applied, ceramic coatings are hard to remove, making the decision to use them somewhat permanent or semi-permanent. Unlike waxes and sealants, ceramic coatings and graphene coatings have fantastic levels of hardness once fully cured, often harder than your clear coat itself.

Choosing the Right Maintenance Routine for Your Vehicle

 

Choosing between traditional car wax, paint sealants, and ceramic/graphene coatings is primarily dependent on your individual needs and preferences as a car owner. If a deep and warm shine is your priority, then car wax is your best option. But, if longevity and durability trump aesthetics for you, then there is no comparing to a ceramic or graphene paint protection, which are light years ahead of waxes and simply incomparable; they are by far the best option.

 

Remember that these products are not mutually exclusive—they each serve a purpose and can be used in combination to provide maximum protection and shine. Much also depends on your budget and the time and effort you’re able to put into maintaining your car’s exterior. If you wish to opt for a high-end finish, then making the smart decision to hire a mobile car detailer would make the most appropriate sense, especially for ceramic and graphene coatings.

 

In conclusion, understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make an informed decision about the best care routine for your car.

a.) How frequency should a car-owner wax their vehicle?

Car owners should aim to wax their car at least every 1 to 2 months. This frequency maintains a protective barrier on the car’s paint and enhances its appearance.

b.) Can extreme weather conditions influence the frequency of car waxing?

Yes. Harsh weather conditions, including high temperatures, intense sunlight, and snowy conditions, can expedite the degradation of the wax layer on a car, necessitating more frequent applications.

c.) Is waxing necessary for new cars?

Absolutely. Even new cars require waxing. This process not only fosters the shine and lustre of the car’s paintwork but also goes a long way in protecting it from various elements, including dust, rain, or snow.

d.) What is the impact of not waxing your car?

Lack of waxing can expose your car’s paint to different harmful elements such as UV rays, road salt, and bird droppings that can degrade the paintwork, causing the car to lose its lustre and shine.

e.) Are there specific car models that require more frequent waxing?

No, all car models require the same waxing frequency. Generally, all cars should be waxed at least every 1-2 months to maintain the car’s appearance and protect the paint.

f.) How does parking location affect the frequency of car waxing?

Cars parked outdoors generally require more frequent waxing due to exposure to various environmental factors like UV rays and air pollutants that could erode the wax cover faster than those parked indoors or in shade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, waxing your car is a highly beneficial and cost-effective method of ensuring your vehicle’s longevity and aesthetic appeal. It serves as a protective barrier against harmful elements such as UV rays, dust, dirt, rain, and even bird droppings, which can cause significant damage to your car’s paintwork over time.

By investing in regular waxing, you can reduce the risk of these damages and the consequent costly repairs or paint jobs.

Moreover, waxing enhances your vehicle’s shine and gloss, contributing to its overall look and resale value. Therefore, despite the upfront costs, the long-term benefits of car waxing make it a worthwhile investment for every car owner.

David B.

Automotive Tech Expert

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The proper functioning of the turbocharger affects the performance and efficiency of the car, taking into account that it turns at 200,000 rpm and can reach 1,000 degrees of temperature.

The moving parts of the turbos are indeed highly resistant, but it must not be forgotten that no turbine supports continuous abuse for years, so a mistreatment of the turbo will almost certainly mean a future breakage with important bills.

The symptoms before breaking the turbo

The turbocharger, however, shows various symptoms before it breaks, which you must know to avoid it:

White/bluish smoke emission with high oil consumption

It is because the turbo is introducing oil into the intake, and if the oil consumption skyrockets this means that serious problems are coming.

The turbocharger shaft (turbo spool) rotates bathed in oil and is surrounded by very special bushings that can develop clearances that cause a loss of tightness in the shaft until the oil passes through to burn inside the engine. This generates the characteristic bluish-white smoke as well as the smell of burning oil emitted from the exhaust.

In this case, you must stop immediately and take the car to the workshop by tow truck to replace the bushings or the turbo shaft. It is necessary to check that the oil level is acceptable to ensure that there has not yet been a seizing of the engine or other possible damage that can occur in very extreme cases. This intervention will always be more affordable than a total failure of the system.

Jerking or less-than-normal performance

Variable geometry turbochargers are the most widespread among diesel engines, the mechanism that varies its geometry can be damaged due to high temperatures on the electromechanical that modifies the angle of the turbine blades and can also seize due to soot accumulation ( intensive use in the city or habitual driving at low revs).

You will quickly notice that the car has lost dozens of horsepower with much lower performance and on many occasions the “error engine” light will come on, which is already a serious enough problem.

You may also notice intermittent jerks which would indicate that the turbo wastegate may be damaged.

In this case, it is necessary to go to the workshop urgently (by crane if possible) so that the mechanism is decarbonized or replaced.

It is not a particularly expensive failure, since it is normal for the turbo to work normally again, since the physical integrity of the engine is not usually compromised. Also replacing turbo wastegate parts is not very expensive in your case.

Strange noises, mechanical howling, and “vacuums” under the hood

If the engine starts to sound like a vacuum cleaner or generates strange noises at low revs with a clear loss of performance, it is surely a very serious fault.

These symptoms denote that the turbo shaft has developed play and the turbine blades are in direct contact with the turbo casing at tens of thousands of rpm, so the pieces of metal that this situation generates can end up in the cylinders of the turbo. engine causing the practical destruction of the propellant, in any case, the probability of mechanical damage to other components is very high. This type of breakage can occur without warning, even when driving at low speed.

The engine needs to be stopped and turned off immediately and hopefully, it will only have broken the turbo. The cost of a new turbo exceeds €1,000 + labor, so it is certainly advisable to periodically check the turbo in the sizes to ensure that there are no clearances.

Whistling in the engine compartment

If you hear the engine wheezing or it becomes higher and more constant than usual when accelerating, there may be a loss of system pressure, most likely one of the turbo hoses or clamps has blown. loosened or present a crack, which usually occurs at times of high load.

You can also notice a decrease in the performance of the car, although in this case, it will not be excessive.

This type of fault is the least serious, but it must be corrected by replacing the damaged clamp or sleeve, which are easy to replace and low-cost parts. In any case, for cars with years of service, a preventive replacement of the turbo hoses is advisable to save yourself later headaches.

Tips to Properly Maintain Turbocharger Life

We offer the following suggestions:

• Always wait a couple of minutes after starting as well as when arriving at your destination with the engine idling to normalize the turbo temperature and avoid carbonization. Stops after high-speed road driving are the most delicate.
• Always use good quality oil, since savings with cheap oils can generate lower lubricating properties and faster deterioration of the turbo.
• Wait until the oil is at the optimum temperature before starting to request more performance from the car so that the lubricating properties of the oil are perfect and its viscosity as well.

The post How To Know If The Car Turbo Is Broken appeared first on Schmicko Mobile Car Detailing & Car Care.

Maintaining the natural shine of our vehicle is one of the key points so that it maintains its original appearance and the bodywork does not deteriorate. We will start by saying that to take care of the shine and color of the car paint it is essential to wash it periodically, every month or month and a half. Accumulated dirt can cause serious damage, embedded stains, or scratches that will be very difficult to remove. Here are some tips to protect your car’s paint.

How to protect the paint of your car?

Every day the paint of your car is exposed to external agents that can damage it and make it lose its shine, which will mean that you have to spend a lot of money to be able to paint the car again. If you want to keep it in the best condition for longer, pay attention to these tips to protect your car’s paint.

act immediately

When damage occurs to the body of your vehicle, the best option will be to act as soon as possible to prevent it from accumulating and causing further damage. This can cause damage to make the bodywork more exposed to corrosion. Also, if they are small, you can easily repair them yourself using pencils or sprays to remove scratches without having to go to a workshop.

Always park it in the garage

Parking the car in the garage or other covered places will save you many bodywork problems in your vehicle since you will keep it protected from the sun, bad weather, and bird droppings.

The latter can be very harmful since they cause acids capable of corroding the paint, causing very serious damage to it that can only be solved with the intervention of a professional if they are not acted on quickly.

Don’t park in the sun

If the car is going to be parked on the street for a long time, it is best to choose a place where the sun does not shine directly. Ultraviolet radiation can cause paint to fade and lose its shine. Whenever you can, park it in the shade or protect it with a tarp if you are not going to move it for a long period.

On the other hand, if you are looking for shade, do not do it under a tree since many birds live there and can ruin the paint on your car. In addition to droppings, plants can also release resins or pollens that are very difficult to remove.

wash the car frequently

Frequent cleaning is essential to keep your car’s paint in perfect condition. With this simple action, you will eliminate those substances that have been able to accumulate and that can damage the paint of the car. Daily, the vehicle faces asphalt, fuel, and insects… which can cause damage to the bodywork. The best option is to wash the car frequently at least once a month and after long trips to remove insect remains in summer and salt in winter.

Avoid car washes

Washing the car is just as important as doing it the right way. To protect the paint of your car, when washing, avoid those automatic ones that have rollers as they can cause damage to the paint and even to the bodywork. The rollers have large brushes with bristles that drag across the surface of the vehicle, causing an abrasion that will generate small scratches. In addition, many of these can accumulate dirt from other cars, so the problem may be greater. Whenever you can, perform manual or pressure cleaning to avoid unnecessary damage.

Use specific products

To clean the car, it is necessary to resort to specific products designed for car care. Do not use elements that can damage the car to remove dirt as they can cause very serious damage. The best option is to choose sponges designed for this task and special shampoos for cars. This product has a PH designed to take care of the paint that helps to eliminate substances that are harmful to the vehicle. Once clean, you should always dry it using a cloth and a microfiber towel.

decontaminates paint

Every 3 or 6 months, you can take specific actions aimed at protecting your car’s paint. Paint decontamination treatments eliminate those substances that cannot be removed by washing and that adhere to the paint. This process should be done by a professional.

wax the car

If you have decontaminated the vehicle, the best option to keep it in the best condition is to wax it. The application of wax will create a protective film on the paint, which will acquire shine and act as a repellent for dirt and water.

polish the paint

It is advisable to polish your car’s paint every 2-3 years to remove all light damage. With this, you will remove the superficial layer of the paint in which these damages are found to restore the surface while recovering the shine.

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Undoubtedly, plastic is one of the most used materials in the automotive industry, so it is really common to face repairs with this material with gluing or other kinds of repairs depending on the type of plastic, the dimensions of the damage, and some other factors, verifying in each case the feasibility of the repair, as well as its possible quality and the expected durability of this intervention.

Plastic in general is a material that is highly resistant to corrosion, with good behavior against impacts at low speeds because it absorbs energy very well, is light in weight, highly malleable, recyclable, and acts perfectly as an electrical, thermal, and acoustic insulator.

For this reason, plastic accounts for about 20% of the composition of a car, although this level varies depending on the make and model. We can find plastics in:

The interior: door trims, front panels, power window control, glove boxes, seat parts, handles, levers, etc.

The exterior: a large part of the bodywork, bumpers, grilles, hubcaps, moldings, headlight housings, fuel pipes, etc.

Of course, almost all of these plastics can be repaired with adhesives or sealants, or by applying welding or metal clips. We tell you which method is the most appropriate in each case.

Types of vehicle plastics

In vehicles, we find 3 very different types of plastics:

Thermoplastics: They are the most common in bodywork due to their great hardness and stability. They repair well with adhesives (bumpers, spoilers, grilles, hubcaps, battery pipes, wheel arch linings, etc.).

Thermostable: These are rigid plastics with great resistance and that do not deform due to high temperatures. They admit only adhesives for repair since they do not accept any type of welding (areas that require a certain flexibility but are subject to high temperatures such as the crankcase, the radiator support, etc.).

Elastomers: very flexible and elastic, capable of withstanding strong pressures, and returning to their initial state after deformation. They are very difficult to repair and do not admit heat, only possible adhesives (spoilers, gaskets, window rubbers, etc.).

Plastic repair using adhesives

The most widely used method is the use of ” two-component adhesives” since they normally ensure a repair with good finishes and more than acceptable durability, also producing some hydration of the repaired plastic.

There are many varieties of adhesives for plastics, and there are even other products that are not especially indicated for plastics but that give very good results, as well as very tenacious and highly resistant gels for this operation that also provide an effective filling capacity in case of need.

Our suggestion is to use products with a good polyurethane composition in the case of bumpers and trims, with easy application with a manual gun that allows repairs of all types on plastic or fiber parts, also achieving a highly perfected finish.

Plastic repair by welding

The union of plastic by welding with a hot air gun also gives very good results, applying the same material with filler rods.

The process is carried out by preheating the gun for 25-20 minutes and sanding the areas to be sealed so that they are smooth and smooth. It is necessary to ensure that the pieces are placed in their correct position and protect the joints with aluminum or similar materials.

The application is done by moving the gun slowly over the areas to be covered or repaired, causing the heat together with the filler rods to act as expected. In the end, you have to let the area dry and lower its temperature to proceed with sanding and achieve a suitable final finish.

Added procedures for plastic repair

Depending on the type of break, the level of damage that the part presents, or the material in which it is made, it may be necessary to use a metal mesh or metal staples to reinforce the area in question.

In any case, the repaired piece should always be sanded to give it a perfect finish and eliminate all possible imperfections, for which it is advisable to work with coarse sandpaper that must be used effectively.

In any case, when repairing plastic parts such as cracks, holes, deformations, cracks or simple scratches, it will be chosen depending on the type and extent of the damage whether to repair by welding or with adhesives, taking into consideration comments such as the following:

Sometimes it is necessary to decide to replace the part with a new one instead of repairing it, depending on the type of the part and the extent of the damage.

Excessive disassembly may be required due to the accessibility of the part, so it may be appropriate to replace the entire part.

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In the last 50 years, tires have improved a lot thanks to new technologies and much more technical manufacturing, especially those created for electric cars that require specially designed tires due to the characteristics of this type of vehicle that need more than just a tire. generic.

Since electric cars are heavier than their combustion brothers, it is necessary to favor the additional wear that this entails to maximize autonomy and ensure a good reaction to the acceleration of this type of car, which is much faster and more aggressive.

Electric cars require specialized tires

Both pure electric EVs and electrified hybrids or plug-in hybrids need tailored tires as they face specific challenges, in addition to the usual ones with regular tires (cost, durability, wet weather handling, noise, etc.).

These challenges in electric cars are the following:

Durability: They must withstand the additional wear that their greater weight produces on the walls of the tires, especially in curves.

Weight: They must be more robust, but they must weigh as little as possible so as not to add weight to the vehicle, which is already greater than conventional ones.

Aerodynamic range: very important in electric vehicles, since the resistance must be very low to cut through the air cleanly.

Rolling resistance: It must be very low, so the materials used in the manufacture of this type of tire must be smart and low resistance.

Noise, vibration, and harshness: The refinement in these issues must be very high as electric vehicles are very quiet.

Size: It is very normal in electric vehicles to use thinner and taller tires to reduce resistance in the frontal area.

Reaction of tire manufacturers

Given all of the above, tire manufacturers have reacted by creating specific tires for electric vehicles that, although they are similar on the outside, in a cross-section show great differences inside.

Both the lightening technologies used and the double-layer casing that they include, clearly differentiate them from their normal brothers, with different tread patterns for lighter water displacement.

With these specific tires, the normal driving braking distance does not change, although, in the case of more powerful emergency braking, a shorter distance is effectively obtained, as explained by their manufacturers.

In general, these tires necessarily offer better driving, and it is very important to always use the tires that the car manufacturer recommends for each model in its offer.

5 Selected tires for electric cars

When changing the tires of an electric vehicle, it is very important to fully understand the differences that exist between one and the other, and above all, always follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer.

We have selected the 5 most representative electric car tires currently on the market.

Bridgestone Turanza Eco

A highly awarded tire that as a novelty introduced a label to distinguish it from normal ones. It is a very complete product and is undoubtedly one of the best tires for cars with electric propulsion.

Continental Conti.eContact

It is the tire that Tesla mounts on all its models, which represents a continuous improvement that will lead to new products shortly.

It has a summer configuration awaiting its new winter and all-weather variants and is positioned for price purposes between the Pirelli, which is somewhat more accessible, and the Michelin, which is much more expensive.

Hankook Ventus S1 eco 3 ev

They are assembled by Volkswagen in its ID.3 and ID.4 models, in addition to the Porsche Taycan, thus positioning this Korean brand as a good specialist in the electric car tire market, something that is being highlighted given that Hankook is currently the supplier tire official for Formula E, which also serves as a testing space for the new technologies they are developing.

Michelin Pilot Sport EV

Michelin has demonstrated its great ability to create very special and reliable EV tires after its 6 years of collaborating with Formula E drivers and teams, as well as being the ones that ride the luxurious electric Lucid Air 2023, which gives these tires a great reputation.

The Pilot Sport EV is the best model that Michelin currently sells in this sector and is specifically dedicated to the luxury/sports segment, so it is not cheap.

Even so, it comes from the Michelin Energy EV that originally equipped the Renault Zoe at the time.

It provides impressive grip and more than acceptable durability, although, as we said, at prices higher than all its competitors.

Pirelli P Zero Elect

It is a very suitable tire for electric SUVs or hatchbacks and was originally chosen by BMW for its iX model.

It is a high-performance tire with competitive prices that guarantee good safety and clear driving enjoyment.

The post Recommended Tires For Electric Cars appeared first on Schmicko Mobile Car Detailing & Car Care.

Mechanical breakdowns can be a big outlay of money. Sometimes these cannot be avoided, but in many others, they are the cause of improper driving or a lack of inspection and maintenance. If you want your car to last longer, we will tell you how to avoid car breakdowns.

Practices to avoid breakdowns in the car

You can reduce the likelihood of car problems by following a series of simple driving and maintenance practices that will help your vehicle last much longer.

Go to reviews

Vehicle inspections are essential. These will allow you to check the status of your vehicle and carry out small periodic repairs that can prevent serious breakdowns. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out when you should perform them.

Do good maintenance

In addition to going to the periodic reviews of the car, it is convenient that you carry out maintenance on your car. It is an easy task if you organize a  revision routine and do not skip it.

Battery – Newer batteries are not as demanding as they used to be, but do have a recommended lifespan. If it’s been more than three years since you changed your car battery, sooner rather than later you’ll need a new one. Write down the dates on which you release the battery to carry out timely control, look at its manufacturing date and if you have any doubts, ask the workshop about the state of your battery. If in the end everything fails and you end up in the ditch, it is essential to have MAPFRE Car Insurance and its travel assistance service.

Fluids: Oil,  coolant, and windshield washer fluid are the basic fluids used by vehicles. It is necessary to check its level and if it is low, fill it properly and always according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Checking liquids is recommended to do it monthly and always before making a long-distance trip.

Filters – A worn or dirty filter is not a big mechanical problem, it is easily fixed and on a very small budget. However, if it is not detected in time and intervened, the problem can become more serious and affect key parts of your engine, which are more expensive and difficult to repair.

Tires: The pressure and condition of the rubber are the two indicators to check on the wheels of any vehicle. The appropriate pressure for each wheel should be consulted in your car manual and checked every two weeks -recommended- with a professional manometer in good condition and professional that will indicate if it is necessary to insufflate or drain air from your wheels to have the recommended pressure. Visually inspect the condition of the wheel: wear, color, and pattern.

Don’t force the engine

The engine has an optimal operating temperature, so it is not convenient to force it, especially if it is still cold. To avoid breakdowns before starting the march, it is convenient that you wait a few seconds (30 or 40) for the oil to lubricate all the elements of the engine. After that, drive smoothly until it reaches 90 degrees. With this, you will be able to avoid inadequate lubrication that can cause excessive oil consumption, engine seizure, or even turbo failure.

Take care of the clutch

To keep the clutch in optimal conditions and avoid breakdowns in this key part for the operation of your vehicle, it is convenient that you carry out a series of practices:

Do not rest your foot on the pedal while you are driving.

Depress the pedal fully to change gears.

Do not release the clutch abruptly or too quickly.

Use neutral when you are stopped.

Pay attention to the turbo

Turbo failure can be very expensive so it is worth keeping an eye on this item and having it properly lubricated and cooled. The best options to take care of the turbo are:

Perform oil changes when necessary.

Wait for the engine to warm up before starting the march (30 or 40 seconds).

Let the turbo cool down before stopping the engine.

Don’t drive with your hand on the gearstick

You may think that this common practice is harmless to your car, but the truth is that driving with your hand on the gear lever causes you to exert pressure that can cause vibrations. This can cause linkage failure, gears not engaging or gearing out, and selector failure.

Don’t park in the sun

To take care of the bodywork of your vehicle so that it lasts longer, try not to park it in the sun. In this way, the paint will remain in better condition and you will avoid damage to plastics and headlights. If you have to, use a sun visor to protect the interior of the car.

Don’t get on the curbs

Going over a curb or colliding with the car causes damage to the tires and suspension of the car. Rubbing against curbs can cause rim damage and tire problems. Damage to the suspension, in addition to causing a serious breakdown, can pose a risk when driving.

keep the car clean

Having a clean car can save you from repainting your car, especially if it has been subjected to bird droppings. The components it includes can damage the paint making the mark remain there forever. The best option is to remove these remains as soon as possible and keep the bodywork clean.

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