Maintenance Questions You're Afraid to Ask

We've all been there-- you have a question about something basic...but you don't ask it.  Chances are, someone else has been where you are and had the same confusion!  Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers!) about maintaining your car.

 

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

 

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

 

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

 

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

 

 

Have more questions?  Give us a call!  We'd love to talk to you.

How to Clean Your Car the Right Way

Proper Washing

1. Wash the wheels and tires first. If you splash wheel cleaners or dirt onto your vehicle, you can simply wash it off as you wash your vehicle. Use a cleaner that is safe for all wheels, like Wolfgang Tire & Wheel Cleaner. It is water-based and has no corrosive chemicals, which is safer for coated wheels and rubber. Agitate with a wheel brush to clean wheels without scratching. Wash each wheel and tire one at a time and rinse thoroughly before moving on to the next one. NOW EMPTY AND RINSE ALL CLEANING MATERIALS including your Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Sponge and your wash bucket.

2. Now you’re ready to wash. Let’s start with clean water and a freshly rinsed container and our Micro-chenille Wash Mitt. It’s important to use a car wash that is rich in lubricants. The purpose of the car wash is to remove contaminants and lubricate them so they do not scratch the paint as they slide off the vehicle. Dish detergents are not ideal because they remove protective coatings. P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo, DP Auto Wash and Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo are all fantastic choices. They do not remove wax and provide ample lubrication of gritty particles.

3. How do you prevent swirl marks? Use two buckets. Fill one bucket with soapy water and fill the other with clean water. Each time you’re ready to reload your sponge with soapy water, dip it in the clean water first, to rinse out the grit and contamination you’ve just removed from your vehicle. Then dip it in the soapy water and continue washing.

An even better option is the Grit Guard. This plastic grid sits in the bottom of a 5-gallon wash bucket and stabilizes the water. Contamination and particles settle to the bottom of the bucket and the clean wash water remains at the top.


4. Always rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you begin washing in order to remove loose debris. Then begin washing at the top of the vehicle. Wash down the vehicle as opposed to front to back. Remember that the lower panels are dirtiest. You want to clean the windows and the upper panels before cleaning the lower half of the vehicle so that you don’t transfer grit to the top half of the vehicle. Rinse and reload your Sponge often to prevent cross-contamination. Rinse your vehicle frequently as you work, especially in hot weather.

For stubborn spots, like bugs or tar, use the Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Sponge to gently remove sticky contaminants without scratching. To soften the sponge, soak it in warm water for 3 minutes. Always use it with soapy water to lubricate the sponge. If you choose to use a spot cleaner, spray it on before washing and reapplywax to the treated area after you’ve dried the vehicle.

5. When rinsing, you don’t have to blast your car clean with the water hose. Free-flowing water (no nozzle) will allow the water to sheet off of your vehicle for a more thorough rinsing.

To see how to dry with the proper technique, follow the link below! 

Courtesy of Autogeek.net

Link: http://bit.ly/1joMsIJ

Quick Guide: Auto Detail 101

Supplies:

To properly Quick Detail your car you'll need a few high quality, plush microfiber buffing towels, and quick detailing spray. A car duster also works well at removing the top layer of dust prior to quick detailing, but is not necessary.
Quick Detailing is not just for the exterior of your car. There are detailing sprays for your car's interior as well. Sonus Cockpit Detailer or the multi-use Ultima Detail Spray Plus are excellent interior detailers. They will remove dust, fingerprints and light soil from all non-fabric surfaces.

INTERIOR QUICK DETAILING

About three to four times per year you should clean and protect your interior, but that that is simply not enough to keep your interior fresh and clean. A few years ago due to the popularity of the exterior quick detailer, a new interior quick detail emerged. Why not have the ease keeping the outside clean available for the interior too! The idea is about the same as the exterior quick detailer, just mist and wipe to maintain freshly detailed interior look. 
To use an interior detailing spray, fold your microfiber detailing towel, spray it with a few shots of detailing spray, and wipe down the dashboard, console and leather seats, door panels and door jambs. The interior detailing spray was made more for dusting than cleaning, just as the exterior spray, it is a maintenance product and is not meant to replace interior cleaners or protectants.

EXTERIOR QUICK DETAILING

The number one concern most people have with quick detailing is scratching or dulling the paint. This is a genuine concern and warrants discussion.
Quick detailing your paint is perfectly safe if you follow a few cautionary measures:

• Use only high quality microfiber buffing towels with a thick, plush nap
• Use plenty of quick detailing spray
• If in doubt, if you think your car might be too dirty, don't quick detail, wash it instead.

QUICK DETAILING PROCEDURE

Paint Condition: To prevent scratching and swirl marks, a Quick Detail Spray should not be used to clean large areas with heavy dirt. If in doubt or when heavy dirt is present, wash your vehicle with quality car wash shampoo.

Always use a high quality microfiber buffing towel and fold your towel into quarters.

Start at the top and work your way down to the lower surfaces of your car. Holding the Quick Detail Spray 12" to 15" away, lightly mist about a 2' by 2' area on the surface of your car with a Quick Detail Spray like the Ultima Detail Spray Plus, one of the Sonus Quick Detailing Sprays, Detailer's Pro Series Final Gloss Detailer, or Pinnacle Crystal Mist.


Gently wipe in a straight line back and forth , then flip the microfiber buffing towel and buff dry

As the surface of the microfiber buffing towel gets dirty, flip it to a clean side.

If needed, when all sides of the towel start to look a little dirty, switch to a fresh microfiber buffing towel.

Courtesy of autopia-carcare.com

Link: http://bit.ly/1joFrHZ