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The 10-Minute Guide To Washing Your Car

For those of you who are wondering why people would prefer to wash their own cars rather than having someone else do the job, shame on you. That’s no way to show your automotive pride. Plus, doing it yourself is less expensive and you’ll probably do a more thorough job.

It’s worth noting that having the right equipment and system will help ensure that your vehicle looks practically spotless when you’re finished. Today, I’m going to give you my 10-minute guide to washing your car. One last note before we start: park in the shade. If you try to wash your vehicle in the sun, the heat will cause spots.

Step 1: Gather The Equipment

Invest in a couple of buckets, a cleanser that’s formulated for the wheels, several towels (I strongly recommend a few microfiber and at least one waffle-woven towel), and a couple of scrub brushes. A lot of enthusiasts enjoy using wash mitts; I find them inconvenient and prefer a sheepskin cloth. Also, plan to invest a few dollars in a good car wash solution. Dish soap is inappropriate (don’t laugh, I’m sure that more than a few of you are guilty of this). The entire setup should cost less than $50.

Step 2: Wheels First

You can use the same solution on the wheels as you do for the rest of your vehicle, but I recommend that you wash them with a special formulation. Spray them down first to remove the large debris and dirt. Then, spray the washing solution on and use a scrub brush (you can even use a toothbrush) to clean inside the small spaces.

Step 3: Rinse, Scrub, Rinse

After you have cleaned the wheels, give your car a rinse starting from the top and working downward. Pull the windshield wipers up so they won’t get in the way. Also, it’s important that your vehicle stay wet while you’re washing it; otherwise, you’ll see spots.

You should have already filled one of your two buckets with clean water and the other with the sudsy wash solution. First, dip your sheepskin scrub cloth (or wash mitt, if that’s what you’re using) into the soapy solution. Then, begin washing your vehicle starting at the top. Once you’ve completed a small section, rinse the cloth in the bucket with the water before dipping it back into the soap. That will keep the solution clean.

After you’ve scrubbed your entire car, give it another rinse. If you’re using a spray nozzle, take it off. You want a gentle stream of water to move the suds and soap off the surface, rather than blasting it off. Start from the roof and move downward.

Step 4: Dry It Off

Take one of the waffle-weave towels and lay it across the roof of your vehicle. Don’t scrub the water off; instead, let the towel soak the moisture before dragging it off. Once you’ve gone over the entire car, use your microfiber towels to dry the moisture that’s left over.

Taking Pride In A Job Well Done

You’re done. And admit it, you enjoyed yourself. If you have gone through the steps as I’ve just described them, your car is going to look better than any machine-wash. In fact, it’ll probably look just as good, or better, than the job done by your local auto washing salon. And the best part is that it’s more cost-effective and you’ll feel better for having done it yourself.

For Another Car Tip : Understanding Traction Control

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Introduction To The Latest Telematics

There was a time when the term “connected car” only brought images of a vehicle at the gas pump or being towed. Today, the phrase has an entirely different meaning. Telematics is the automotive technology that allows a car to connect with other systems. Through that connection, information and data can be exchanged. The popular OnStar system from General Motors is a perfect example of telematics. It can track your vehicle, check the diagnostics systems, and monitor service jobs remotely.

The technology is expanding quickly. While GM has enjoyed most of the field to itself, that’s changing as competitors are licking their lips over the potential subscription fees. Below, I’ll take you on a quick tour through the latest in telematics technology.

Application Overview

When OnStar is mentioned, most people instantly think of roadside assistance services. That is, they mistakenly think the system’s functionality is limited to emergencies. One of the reasons why millions of people instantly think of emergencies is because of the way OnStar was marketed. Commercials mostly showed drivers broken down on the side of the road. In truth, the technology is capable of much more, including GPS tracking, satellite navigation, and hands-free cellular service.

Into The New Year

As predictable as auto sales are, subscription fees are even more reliable. The automakers know this and beginning in 2009, GM will be forced to protect its ground from Chrysler and Ford. In fact, Ford’s new telematics system is a joint venture with Microsoft. Chrysler’s service will allow drivers to take advantage of a number of useful features. They’ll be able to access their email while driving, track another vehicle (from the same household) on a computer, and observe emissions.

The companies that are developing the technology for the automakers continue to build new functionality within their systems. Features that will likely be introduced in the near future include automatically notifying your doctor in the event of a traffic accident and daily traffic modeling. The latter feature will monitor your normal route (for example, to the office) and update it with the best possible alternative, given traffic conditions.

The War Rages On

Due to aggressive competition, the field of telematics is growing wildly. Each company is struggling to launch creative and useful solutions before its competitors, in the hopes of carving out a substantial customer base. For you and I, that’s good news. The competition breeds innovation and lower prices. While it’s impossible to know where the technology will take the automotive industry, the end result is sure to provide additional driving convenience.

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