Protect your car’s paint job from leaf stains. Wet leaves left on top of your car can stain your paint from the tannic acid and sap they produce as they decompose. The best way to avoid this problem is to park your vehicle in a covered garage. If this isn’t possible, you’ll need to clear the leaves on top of your car by hand every day. Using a leaf blower or a broom isn’t recommended because the leaves may scratch your car’s paint.
Oh fall, it's nice to see you again.
Have you checked your spare tire? Just because you’re certain there is a spare tire in your trunk, doesn’t mean it will be useful when push comes to shove. Do you check its air pressure once in a while? Have you confirmed it won’t mismatch when you install it? The last thing you want is wasting money on a tow truck because you forgot the check the condition of your spare tire.
Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
Remember to protect your leather seats from the sun and heat with a conditioner. To help avoid cracks or tears, keep seats clean, and apply leather conditioner often.
Consider installing seat covers to keep your interior in top shape. They not only protect leather and fabric seats, but they also help keep them cool.
Beware of slippery roads. Driving over wet leaves can be as dangerous as slipping on black ice. As more places experience rain and early morning frost, drivers should take extra care on the road. It is safer to drive over piles of leaves slowly and avoid braking hard to prevent slipping.
Check your tires. A simple check you can do is to use a penny to determine the level of tread wear on your tires. Simply insert the penny, with Lincoln’s head upside down, into the tire’s groove. If you can see his entire face, it’s time to have your tires replaced.
Replace dim headlights. Every day, we lose 1 to 2 minutes of daylight after the autumnal equinox. As nights grow longer, having a pair of functioning headlights is critical to driving in the dark. Check if your lights have become dim or if the bulbs are starting to flicker.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!
The grills below the windshield can pick up leaves, especially during the autumn. In fact, there are other types of debris that can get picked up whatever the season. Make sure you clean it up because the windshield exterior grill is connected to the air conditioning system and it could be a problem if those leaves and debris clog the condenser.
Don’t forget to check the oil in your car. If the engine is the heart of your car, the oil is the blood pumping in the veins that keeps it going. In other words, the oil is crucial for lubrication which helps to reduce friction. Further, the lower the friction, the less the chances of mechanical wear and tear.
Remember to change your car’s air filter at regular intervals. The air filter helps to circulate air in your engine to improve power and performance. Other than that, it stops debris and dust from accumulating in your engine. Hence, changing your air filter regularly especially if you drive on dusty roads can prevent a choked up engine.
Happy Thanksgiving from Gross & Son Paint & Body.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT GROSS & SON PAINT & BODY!
Life is all about the connections we make with one another. We wish season's greetings for you and yours. May the ties that bind your family be stronger than ever this holiday season.
Happy New Year! Gross & Son Paint & Body wishes you and your family all the best as we head into 2021.
New Paint Job? Get Your Car Professionally Detailed – Let the professionals detail your car properly at least twice a year. Be sure to tell them that your car was recently painted so they can take the necessary care.
New Paint Job? Don’t Wax or Polish Your Car for Three Months – Wait at least three months before waxing and polishing your car as doing so will possibly damage the finish or discolor the paint. The paint job needs to “cure” for some time before you can go back to waxing and polishing it. After waiting three months or longer, you can carefully apply a new coat of carnauba wax to protect it.
New Paint Job? Don’t Dry Wipe Your Car – It may be tempting to take a dry cloth and wipe off the dust, but this could scratch the new paint which is still quite fragile. You should also avoid using a stiff brush or anything rough that could scratch the surface.
New Paint Job? Don’t Use Dish Or Clothing Detergent – Avoid the temptation to grab that bottle of dish soap or laundry detergent to wash your newly painted car. These soaps leave harmful residues and are too strong for your vehicle’s finish, permanently dulling it. This is particularly the case with new paint jobs which cannot tolerate harsh soaps. Always use a car wash solution that is made for vehicles, not dishes or clothes.
New Paint Job? Don’t Park Under Trees Or Power Lines – Tree sap and bird droppings will eat right through the new paint job. It’s just a sound practice to avoid doing this if at all possible. If you do happen to get some bird droppings or sap on the finish, clean it off promptly and carefully as the acidity will eat right through the new paint.
New Paint Job? Don’t Spill Harsh Chemicals – You should avoid spilling chemicals on any car’s surface in the first place. But new paint jobs are particularly vulnerable to any harsh chemicals or fluids. Be cautious adding oil, transmission fluid, or antifreeze. Use care when filling your car with gas. Even windshield washer fluid can damage new paint. If you do, wipe off immediately with a soft wet cloth or sponge (not dry) and try to wash the affected area thoroughly as soon as possible.
New Paint Job? Don’t Drive On Dirt Or Gravel Roads – Living or driving in rural areas may make it tough to avoid driving on gravel or dirt roads. But try not to drive on these roads or near construction sites if at all possible. Since the new paint is still hardening, it’s very susceptible to chipping.
New Paint Job? Don’t Run Your Car Through A Car Wash – Many neighborhood drive-through car washes use stiff brushes and other materials that will definitely scratch and damage your paint. This will cause the finish to lose its lustrous shine quickly.
New Paint Job? Dry Your Car Thoroughly – If water is allowed to dry on the surface, it will cause unsightly and permanent water marks that will mar the finish.
New Paint Job? Wash Your Car In The Shade – Don’t let the surface dry out or get too hot by keeping it wet and washing your car in the shade.
New Paint Job? Keep Your Car In The Garage – It’s always a good idea to keep your car in the garage. But this is particularly the case after it’s been painted. Extreme heat or cold can cause weather-related damage. If you don’t have a garage, consider getting a portable awning or car cover if kept outside.
