Auto | Car | Sparepart

Of all the information out there and of all the products being sold to the public to preserve and protect your vehicle’s finish, little or nothing is said about a simple product used in the Automotive Detailing and Paint Repair industry.

Some detailers don’t really understand the benefits of using this product in the way I am going to talk about, and how it is beneficial to their customers and why it should be done on a somewhat regular basis!

Well what is this product?

It is called a Clay Bar.

This is not a new product or a secret product. However, it is not a well know product. Its use even by manufacturers is not well explained or understood.

We have some insight that is unique and not well understood by detailers or body shops because of the range of automotive appearance restoration we specialize in. Since many of the vehicles we work on have already been detailed we have to leave the vehicles “front line ready” when we are finished.

Unlike a body shop whose job does not include any kind of ‘detailing” we have to leave the vehicles we work on “front line ready”. Also, unlike a detail shop we have paint restoration experience.

Why does this matter to you, and how can our experience and knowledge benefit you?

First of all let me explain a basic rule to paint preparation when preparing for refinishing. The surface being worked on has to be completely “sterile” and properly scuffed in order for new paint to adhere well to the area being refinished.

Let me illustrate it this way. If I paint something that has a decal on it and I paint over that decal what happens if that decal’s glue looses its adhesive quality? That area will certainly peel off sooner or later. You would not paint over a pin stripe or decal but on a larger scale if you have removed all surface contaminates you will have great adhesion and a long lasting paint job!

One of the biggest things that makes a paint job a quality paint job is how well the surface has been “prepped’! I cannot stress this point enough!

Have you ever priced a paint job? Have you wondered why some body shops can do a paint job for $400 and others will tell you $3000?!

Did you know the factory paint job on your vehicle can be valued somewhere between $3000 to $6000 depending of the make and model? Any paint work that is not done to the factory standard can devalue your vehicle the amount of your factory paint job.

The prep work done for a paint job when done properly can be the difference between a factory quality paint job and disaster!

So you have this $3000-$6000 paint job on your car, how do you protect it?

First of all do not neglect it by not removing damaging surface contaminates such as tar, sap, bugs, industrial fallout etc. Sap can actually boil in the sun and burn off the finish under the sap, ruining the panel where the sap is.

Second, make sure your waxes or sealants used to protect your paint job are of good quality and prepare the finish for proper adhesion of your wax or sealant.

Should you “prep” the finish for wax or sealants? Absolutely! However, most people think they are prepping for wax but they are not. So how do you “prep” the finish for wax?

The best way to “prep” your vehicles finish for wax or paint sealants is the use of a clay bar! Before you wax and after you have washed your vehicle use a clay bar at least once a year or every six months for the best protection of that expensive paint job.

A clay bar will remove any surface contaminates that washing did not. It can even remove hard water stains on the paint if they are not too bad. This is also the only way to remove paint over spray. A Clay Bar can also be used on the glass and on the headlights which should be part of your wax or sealer routine espeacially if you have restored your headlight lenses.

How do you use a clay bar?

A clay bar has to be used with a lubricant. It is a simple process really. In fact you can even use water as a lubricant. However, it is better to use a spray way that will both lubricate the panels you are clay barring and can be used to clean up clay residue as you go.

Simply spray the area you are clay barring…a 12″ X 12″ area is best and rub the surface with the clay bar back and forth in a side to side motion. You will hear the clay bar picking up light contaminates and as the surface is cleaned you will stop hearing the movement of the clay bar.

You can also feel the surface. If it feels rough like tiny pieces of sand after you have washed it, it needs to be clay barred. Use the same method above and listen and feel the area you are working on after you dry it off.

So work your small area wipe it dry when you think it is finished and check the surface with the inside of your hand rubbing lightly feeling and listening for rough areas. Once you have completed a section you can move on the next.

A word of caution, it has been said, although I gave never experienced this, that a clay bar can rub the paint off eventually if not kept lubricated while using. Use common sense and you should be fine.

Well there it is, this is the best way to prep for waxing your vehicle and a great way to be sure you are getting the best results from your wax.

Enjoy and I hope this article helps!

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Trevor Hofmann reviews the Hyundai Accent. The biggest names in the automotive scene join forces with expert automotive journalists to bring you the next generation in automotive television: The New Driver’s Seat. www.driversseattv.com

Maybe you’ve just got a cracking deal on a car bought off eBay or Autotrader, the only hitch being that it is sitting in Mr Jone’s drive over the other side of the country? Or, you need to get your non-runner moved from A to B? Whatever your reasons, finding a car transport company to get your pride and joy delivered is something that most of us encounter at some point. Although the process is fairly straightforward, it does pay to plan ahead. The following advice and tips should help when choosing a reliable and trustworthy car transport firm.

Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1) Have the car driven on trade plates

2) Have the car transported on a single car trailer

3) Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. It is worth conducting a search on Google for reviews of the company so you can see what previous customers have said about their services. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1) Wash the car thoroughly.

2) Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.

3) Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.

4) Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1) Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.

2) Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about ¼ full which will help save on weight.

3) If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

It would seem that car crime is on the decrease according to statistics released by the home office. Vehicle crime has dropped 51% since 1997, but when you consider the fact that this still equates to roughly 1.7 million vehicle thefts last year alone; we still have a long way to go.

The average person’s risk of having their vehicle stolen currently resides at a figure of once in 107 years. This may mislead you into thinking your safe, but having your vehicle stolen just once in a lifetime can be a nightmare and something you should endeavour to avoid. Consider this; the older your car the easier and more likely it is to be stolen. In fact cars over 9 year’s old account for two thirds of all vehicles stolen. New cars between the age of 0-3 years have much more sophisticated security systems. This shows direct correlation in theft statistics showing this age of car to account for only 11% of vehicles stolen.

A shocking 68% of vehicle crimes occur near the home, 43% on the street outside alone.

So you can see this is still a very relevant and important topic.

The first thing we need to contend with is car insurance; the average claim for theft relating to possessions or loss of vehicle will increase your premium at renewal time and can prove to be a time consuming process. Anything you can do to prevent items being stolen from your vehicle and the vehicle itself will therefore safe you a lot of time and money. You should check the level of cover you have for items such as in car navigation and entertainment systems. You may find this is an area you need to take extra cover in; it is worth noting that some insurers can add a bolt-on for areas you are lacking cover in, allowing you to perfectly tailor your insurance.

If you have a classic car you should take special precaution and consider having it garaged and locked away when not in use. Cars over the age of 12 years are the easiest and most likely to be stolen, accounting for a theft rate of 22 cars stolen per 1000 vehicles registered. Specific classic car insurance is becoming easier to find and the good news is many companies are now setting up exclusive policies to cater for them.

So just what can you do to secure your car whether it is 1 year old, 10 or classic? To start with; make sure you secure windows, doors, sunroof and boot when you leave your car. This may seem like common sense but it is very easy to forget. You can make your vehicle immediately safer by having an immobiliser professionally installed. Ensure it is Thatcham or Sold Secure approved as this will help to decrease your car insurance premium. If you do not have an immobiliser and cannot afford the expense of having one fitted, a cheaper option can be to fit a steering wheel lock to help mechanically immobilise your vehicle. Something we may not always consider in relation to our car is the wheels themselves. If your vehicle has very expensive alloy wheels, especially relevant in classic cars; fit locking bolts where possible to prevent theft. They are relatively cheap to purchase and easy to fit, quickly ensuring your wheels are safe.

Moving on to the interior of the car and your possessions; ensure you don’t leave any items in view. If you have a navigation system ensure you remove the cradle, especially if in the window and wipe off any suction cup marks. Mark any audio equipment to make it easier to trace if stolen. Also you can have your registration number etched on all windows and even headlamps as this could help the police recover your car in the event of it being stolen.

Finally, if you have a spare set of keys ensure you never leave them by the door or near a window in your home. This could make it very easy for a thief to steal your car if they gain access to your home. Indeed this is fast becoming a popular method amongst car thieves due to the advent of better security systems in cars.

Полностью на artairpro.ru Gary Jenson – Automotive Gold Leafing

Each year the new car show circuit captures the attention and imaginations of enthusiasts from all over the world. It is at these events that automotive manufacturers unfurl their new creations and accessory makers show off the latest and greatest gadgets for making cruising more comfortable, classy or just plain fun. If discovering what might make its way to showroom floors in the coming months sounds like fun, the show circuit is worth visiting.

The overall car show circuit covers the world with many major events taking place in the United States and Europe. Events tend to cover the calendar year with some shows bigger than others. Enthusiasts will discover the new car show circuit is extensive. In fact, there are dozens of events the world over. Some events in particular receive major press and are considered the premiere destinations for manufacturers to show off what will be new in a particular year and what prototypes are presently under consideration. These shows are also the ideal place to go to see aftermarket accessories in action.

Some of the bigger events include:

The Chicago Auto Show – This event is more than 100 years old and is considered the biggest show in all of North America based on square footage alone. It takes place each year in February. The show is part of the annual auto show world tour and features more than 1,000 different vehicles. Automobiles include cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars and even experimental vehicles. Visitors will also find there are a variety of automotive exhibits, competition vehicles, collectors’ cars and more on display. The event takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago and does require paid entry. The Detroit Auto Show – Officially known as the North American International Auto Show, this event rolls into Detroit in January of each year. With a history that dates back more than two decades, this show is a major event in the auto circuit. The 2009 show features more than 55 vehicle debuts, including cars from not only North America, but also all over Europe. Exhibitors include major auto manufactures from North America and such international car makers as Rolls-Royce, Maserati and Lamborghini. The show also features a number of accessory makers. The Geneva Auto Show – This massive event is the talk of Europe during March. It features manufacturers from all over the world, including an extensive lineup of accessory makers. Enthusiasts will find everything here from tires and GPS systems to car radios, fuels and other electronics. The Los Angeles Car Show – Set for November each year, this annual event includes hundreds of cars and a variety of displays. Exhibitors include all major American auto makers, most major European and Asian manufacturers and a variety of accessory makers and retailers. Some exhibitors outside automobile manufacturers include Smart Wax, State Farm Insurance, the Automobile Club of So. Cal and Euroeffects.

The annual auto show circuit includes events in Paris, New York, Florida and elsewhere. These annual undertakings are the place to go to see what is hot, what is coming and what might be a must buy for a new or used ride.

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If you are planning on buying some car audio system parts for example subwoofers for your car and you are planning on going through some review reports over the internet, then you will be glad to know that the process that these companies employ in carrying out the test that they write on the review on are actually quite practical and trustworthy. Cars are now equipped with lots of innovations which are products of technology. Car audio product reviews are very important as they bring forward all the flaws that the manufacturers and the brands so wittily hide when they advertise about their product. What a pleasure the new technology of Car Audio system can give such entertainment lovers even during driving. These tests are carried out on various car audio systems and parts and then reviews are written about them which are available for view online through the testing company’s site. These reviews are able to thus give unbiased opinions and facts about the product’s flaws and its genuine good points that would make it so much easier for a shopper to simply read through the reviews and come to a conclusion about what to buy.

So these car audio systems and their parts for example amplifiers and speakers and subwoofers are all tested through a complete procedure in the company’s laboratories on their own cars so that they experience the practicalities of installing the product in a car through and through. So a good car audio review would be reporting right from the start of installation, it should contain truthful information on how easy or difficult it is to even install the car audio system. This is for those who are able to install these products on their own in their car, so by reading through a couple of car audio product reviews they would be able to figure out which one would be the easiest to install and thus which one would be best to try out if the installation process is one of the main criterion. So the tests carry out in a similar process through the installation and the connection and the actual playing of music through this audio system in a car. The review would thus contain details about the whole process and also the quality of the sound produced and also the other features that the product maybe having. These reviews thus are able to best highlight the pros and the cons.

However, be certain that you do not simply read one review of a particular car audio system and if it is bad dismiss it based on that review alone. Since these reviews are all based on practical tests there is always the possibility that it might have been a bad set for reason and caused the test to go badly. So be sure that you read at least three separate reviews on the same car audio system and then base your purchasing decision on that.

When it comes to buying used Japan cars, the auction spots are the best places to look for to save huge money. Though the Japan car auction spots are the best places to buy used Japan cars at very cheap prices, there are several things to be noted. Hurrying to an auction spot to buy the cheap used Japan cars will drain your wallet and also will eat up much of your precious time. If you can spare a little time reading this article, you can really make importing Japan cars from vehicle auctions more profitable.

Find someone to represent you before you head to the vehicle auction spot

Finding the best deal in the Japanese vehicle auction spots is really hard. It greatly depends on your knowledge about the Japanese automotive industry and your bargaining skills. If you are visiting Japan for the first time, looking for used cars, then you will end up in loosing your time, energy and money. In this case, it is good to find someone who is knowledgeable about the Japan car industry to represent you. There are many used Japan car exporters who will be ready to help you to find the best deals from the vehicle auction spots. You will just have to give them some cash for representing you. The cash you give them is just peanuts when compared to the cash savings associated with the used Japan car purchase from the vehicle auction spots.

Doing a bit of research in the Internet about the Japanese vehicle auctions will save your time

With a plethora of information available at your fingertips, finding more information about the Japanese auto auctions in the Internet is no big deal. You can find the location of the Japanese auto auctions by just relaxing in your home. There are many websites that list the used Japan car auctions around the Country. It is better to find the location of the used Japan car auction site using the Internet before you physically head to the location. This will save much of your precious time and also will reduce the physical strain involved in searching the auction spot location.

If you are less aware of Japan used car auctions, it’s better to import them directly by ordering online

As already said, importing cars from Japan auto auctions require atmost knowledge about the automotive industry. However, there is nothing to worry if you are not that vehicle savvy. You can still import used Japan cars at very cheap prices. There are many websites out there where you can buy used Japan cars as easily as you buy other products online. Just like shopping any stuff online, once you place the order for a Japan used car, the car will be shipped to your doorsteps. All you have to do is to select the used Japan car of your choice with a few mouse clicks.

Plugged to the Internet? Importing a used Japan car is just a click away!

Does not it seem that there is a war for going on? Everyone desires to have a car one day, whereas some take taste according to the upcoming chic four-window conveyance for their convenience. But factor is same to all that is finance. For some, finance remains neutral, whereas some fall short of it. Some car yards offer car financing loans, and individuals apply for them on site at the same time as they are viewing the cars. Many different lending institutions also offer car financing loans, such as banks and money lenders.

There are also companies that specialise only in Car Financing Loans. You can also look for online car financing loans on the internet, which allows you to search many different lenders and products to find the best car financing loans available.

There are some points which should be considered before making any car financing loans. Followings are some advices:

• Car Loan Payment

• Car Insurance

• Fuel

• Car Warranty

• Car Maintenance

• Parking Fees

• Upgrades with accessories

The amount offered under the provision of car financing loans depends upon many factors like duration of the loans, past credit record, repaying capacity, your home, etc. The lenders judge applicants whole financial background, and then offer them car financing loans according to their repaying ability and financial capacity.

If you are looking for car financing loans and are not sure where to get one. Car financing loans can be confusing to find, since there are so many places that offer car financing loans that make borrowers confused simply by the sheer range of options car financing loans.

Nowadays there are several online websites which allow people to compare the loan rates of various car financing loans providers. After you specify your requirements, such as loan amount, repayment period, etc., these websites will help you to compare the quotes of different companies, and suggest you the best offer of car financing loans, within a few minutes. This will help you to choose the best car financing loans without sparing much effort and time.