Paint Protection Film

Chances are you probably haven't heard the term Paint Protection Film (PPF) thrown around too often. However, you probably have seen this unique thermoplastic urethane clear film before. Initially designed to protect military helicopter blades, this protective film has now made its way into the hands of the everyday consumer.

If you haven't heard of PPF before chances are you have seen it already because it has become a popular cell phone protection screen. But, did you know PPF can also be found on sections of your new car? Original equipment manufacturers have begun placing PPF in certain vulnerable areas of the car (e.g. leading edges of a car, hoods, front/rear bumpers).

Paint Protection Film helps maintain the beauty and integrity of automotive finish. This urethane film is significantly durable and even helps protect paint from stone chips, scratches, weathering, acidic bug damage and other abrasions. The film is nearly completely invisible and does not alter the appearance of the vehicle. Furthermore, after the Paint Protection Film had taken an extensive beating, it can easily be removed and replaced with a new film. The benefits of this film are instantly apparent as the integrity and resilience of the automotive paint job are intact and in great condition. Additionally, the benefits can be seen in the long run as maintaining the paint job can increase trade in value of your car.

Finally, it is exciting to note that Paint Protection Film is being manufactured and cut for thousands of car makes, models, and years. Additionally, film is being cut to mold to more sections of the car thus protecting more than just the leading edges and vulnerable places. Now you can rest assured knowing that there is another durable means of protecting your vehicle.

You can order Paint Protection Film from manufactures online and install the film yourself or find a certified application shop. The application process is consumer friendly and there are many videos and instructions provided by manufacturers. There are also alternative protective films that can be applied by spray bottles. For more information ask your local dealership about Paint Protection Film or enter Paint Protection Film into your favorite search engine.

Cooling-System Flush Service

Are You Loosing Your Cool?!

Traditional “Drain & Fill” Services Are Not Enough!

Does Your Vehicle's Cooling System Experience

ñ     Overheating

ñ     Constant Stop & Go Driving

ñ     Frequent Trailer Towing

ñ     Extreme Driving Conditions

ñ     Infrequent Radiator Services

The Problem

            Cooling-system failure is one of the leading causes of mechanical breakdown. Over time, antifreeze/coolant can degrade, causing a loss in it's protective qualities. This causes rust, sludge and scale buildup in the hoses, radiator, water pump, heater core and engine.

            The traditional radiator "drain-and-fill" service leaves approximately 50% of the contaminated coolant behind. The residue formed can interrupt the flow of coolant throughout the system. This can cause the engine to run hot and allow corrosion deposits to deteriorate the metal surfaces. Left untreated, overheating problems, internal leaks and possible system failure can occur causing costly repairs.

The Remedy:

            An experienced technician, using a specially designed machine, will perform a Cooling-System Flush Service. First, Cooling-System Cleaner/ Flush is added to the old coolant and circulated throughout the entire cooling system, suspending rust, sludge and scale. The vehicles cooling system is then attached to a machine which uses a pumping action to flush the entire system.

            During the next step, contaminants along with the used coolant are extracted. The system is then filled with new coolant. To complete the service, Cooling-System conditioners are added to help resist corrosion, lubricate the water pump and help increase the heat-transfer properties of the cooling system by dissipating heat more effectively.

This Service Can Help To:

• Prevent Overheating Problems
• Lubricate Water Pump
• Prevent Minor Leaks
• Avoid Costly Repairs

How to Organize Your Messy Car

For many people, a car is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a temporary home away from home. Over time, the interior of your car can be filled with important things and junk alike - from bank statements to leftover McDonald's. Setting aside an hour or to to tackle a cluttered car can easily make more room for passengers and cargo. And just like an organized home, an organized car makes you feel better and saves you time.

1) Clean out your car

• Take everything out of your car, including car seats and miscallaneous items stored in the glovebox, door pockets, and trunk. If it's not attached, it comes out. Collect and throw away all trash/garbage, and set anything you think you'll need to the side, outside the car. This is a great time to wash and vacuum the interior of your ar as well.

2) Analyze and sort

• There are three main categories – items you use all the time, items you use occasionally, and items you'll need in an emergency – and anything that doesn't fall into those categories should be stored elsewhere. Then, prioritize the items in each group: which items do you need at hand, and which can be delegated to the back rows? Keep in mind that seasonal items (such as ice scrapers and tire chains) can be packed away for the summer.

3) Store it away

• Your glove compartment should contain your car manual, small pocket flashlight, your registration and insurance information, and perhaps a small notebook containing important phone numbers (such as emergency contacts and car repairs). Small items such as batteries can be put in resealable bags and stored in the glove compartment as well.

• Place your CDs in a plastic container (such as Ziploc's 9.5 cup rectangular storage container) or a CD container, and keep it in an area that is accessible, but out of the way. Try to limit the number of CDs to a realistic amount; most people don't listen to all the CD they keep in their cars.

• Maps and guide books (if necessary) can be put in the side pockets of the passenger's side door.

• If you have kids who carry toys and games in the car, you may want a pocket organization that can fit over the back of your front seats. That way, the items won't be rolling around on the floor.

• Use separate bins or crates for each category of items you typically keep in the trunk. These might include roadside emergency equipment/supplies, sporting/gym equipment, and groceries.

4) Maintain

• Clean your car out every one or two weeks by gathering any items that don't permanently belong. For those items remaining in the car, make sure they are in their appropriate locations. A good time to do this would be when you stop for gas and your tank is still filling up, especially since most gas stations have garbage cans next to each gas pump.

Picture courtesy: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRnh4siE8Cy9sIyyiioXY7uf8MNHAIQQ6k0a4BXZP7x62QjslMc-w

How to Remove Bumper Stickers

Bumper stickers are a common accessory to our cars. They can be clever, encouraging, negative, or make a statement. However, they are often very difficult to remove from your car. It is important to remember that they are super stickers that have bonded to the paint on your car.

Here are a few techniques to get those pesky bumper stickers off your car.

• Boiling Water: pour hot water over the bumper sticker to head up the adhesive and try to peel slowly from the corners.
• Chemicals: There are multiple chemical solutions to remove bumper stickers
  • Vinegar:Take a cloth soaked in vinegar and place over the sticker for 3-5 minutes. Then peel.
  • Solution: Take some rubbing alcohol and dish soap and soak the sticker for 10 minutes.
  • WD-40: If you have an corner that you can peel back from the sticker, try to lubricate the area underneath with some WD-40. Continue to apply the lubricant as your peel back the sticker. This should help in breaking the seal of the sticker.
• Blow Dryer: Heat the sticker for 30 seconds or more. Avoid high heat, as this will damage your paint.

Bumper stickers can be a fun way to make a statement with your car. However, the best way to to prevent damage to your car is to avoid bumper stickers altogether. The longer a sticker is left on, the harder it is to remove and the more likely it is to cause permanent damage to your car's paint job.

Avoid:

• Very caustic or acidic chemicals: these will damage the paint of your car
• Peeling the sticker straight up. Make sure that when you are peeling the sticker off, pull the sticker back on itself and pull at an angle.
• Very high heat. While heat is good at loosening the adhesive, it can also cause damage to your paint.
• Razor blades. Yes, it is tempting to grab a razor blade to scrape off the sticker and the little bits it leave behind, however, your paint can easily be scratched by the sharp blade.   
  
  
  

  Picture courtesy: https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6394720256/h179D18F9/

How to Properly Wash Your Car

There is nothing like a shiny clean car! However, we have all neglected washing our car at some point.

If you have a darker car, you have probably noticed these swirls or spiderweb-like scratches on the surface of your paint. These are micro scratches. They are usually caused by improper washing and drying techniques. We all get lazy and skip washing our cars and if we get really desperate, we will go to the surprisingly damaging automatic car wash. Never again! Lets clean our cars and do it the right way!

While it is important to wash your car often, you must also be careful that the dirt and grim on your car doesn't damage the paint when you are washing it off.

Here are some tips to remember:

• Wash your car regularly: do try to wash your car once or twice a month.
• Try to wash your car in the shade and away from the wind. This prevents the shampoo from drying on the car and dust particles from sticking to your paint and scratching it up.
• Wash it carefully: use gentle materials. Start with a thorough rinse of the surface before you start washing. A sea sponge is a great tool for gently removing dirt and grime from your car. Look for wash mitts or sponges that have a high absorbency and are soft.
• Wash your car from top to bottom to prevent contamination. The bottom of your car tends to be the dirtiest. Save it for last to prevent spreading it to other parts of your car.
• Avoid using dish soap. Use soap that is designed for cars to minimize damage to your paint.
• Use 2 buckets to wash your car. One to remove dirt from your sponge and one for soapy water. After you use your sponge to suds up your car, dip it in a bucket of water to remove the dirt before dipping it into the soapy water. This prevents the dirt from scratching up your paint. Keep your sponge as clean as possible throughout the washing process.
• When you wash your wheels or particularly grimy areas, use a different set of materials to avoid cross contamination of your cleaning materials for future use.
• Dry it carefully: Using a regular dish towel can scratch up your paint. Try using a waffle towel or a microfiber towel wick away the water.

Overall, most of us don't have time to be that person detailing their car daily. Nor should we. Keeping basic maintenance is easy to do. This diligence will ensure that our cars last us as long as possible. Don't be that person with the “Wash Me” sign written in dirt. Protect your paint and your car with regular washing.

Picture courtesy: http://www.carzy.co.in/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/car-wash-220.jpg

How To Clean Your Headlights

Headlights play an essential role in the operation of your car, especially during these dark winter months where the days are shorter and the skies grow cloudy. Clean and clear headlights might make the difference in spotting oncoming hazards.. Just like any part of your car, headlights can lose their luster and performance with age. Here are some ways to return your dim and dirty headlights to the brightness needed for safe winter driving.

Tip: It is important to note that headlights dim through a natural oxidization of the lenses, not just avoidable dirt and grime.

Homemade Remedy: While this solution is a bit more inexpensive, the effectiveness in cleaning your headlights varies from car to car. In order to remove this headlight 'rust' you'll need a gritty solution for polishing.

1 box of baking soda

1 tube of toothpaste

1 towel

¼ cup of dishwashing detergent

1: Use dishwashing detergent to wash away the residual dirt from the headlights. Then wipe dry with a towel.

2: Mix baking soda and toothpaste, knead solution thoroughly.

3: Apply paste to headlights with a towel. Rub in circular movements. Apply pressure to grind away oxidized particles.

4: Rinse with water and baking soda.

Store Bought Remedy: There are many products available at auto shops that claim they can brighten headlights and polish lenses. While they vary in price, their effectiveness varies as well. It is a good idea to read product reviews or talk to a service professional before purchasing these products. They provide a solution that you apply to your headlights similar to the homemade method.

Certified Headlight Cleaning: Contact your local dealership to insure that your headlights are completely clean and returned to a nearly new working condition. Service professionals at Hanlees guarantee a pristine headlight renewal and cleaning, using the best product to match your car's specific make and materials.

Good luck and be safe on the road this winter season!

Picture courtesy: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT94KrlUgAXAtqPi-Odh_k6w31JV2mynDyfjr13Otejd9pFmbKvtg