8 Steps That You Can Easily Follow To Remove Brake Dust From Alloy Wheels

Brake dusts accumulate over time. If you don’t want that to start making your car look awful and start causing damages which might require you to visit the car repair shop, it’s best that you try to set aside some time to clean that off. We say set aside because brake dust don’t easily come off with your regular car cleaning agent that you use when washing your vehicle. If you didn’t know that and it surprised you, don’t worry because it’s not exactly rocket-science either. All you have to do is follow these simple steps and you can definitely handle this on your own and at the comfort of your own home or garage.

Step 1: Prepare The Things You’ll Need

You’ll need the following:

· Wheel Cleaner (Specific To Type Of Wheel)

· Clean Towels

· Hose And Nozzle

· Soft Bristle Brushes In Various Sizes

· Wash Glove Or Mitt

· Bucket And Sponge

· Wax

Step 2: Prepare Your Garage Or A Makeshift Roof

Whenever you’re cleaning or doing any kind of grooming on your vehicle, it’s always best to do it in your garage or at least somewhere that’s out from direct sunlight. This way the wheels stay cooler and won't dry before you're done cleaning.

Step 3: Rinse The Wheels

To start off, go get the hose and nozzle to spray rinse the wheel and loosen up any heavy dirt and debris. Doing this prevents those things from scratching the wheels when you start giving it a good scrub.

Step 4: Spray The Brake Dust Cleaner For Rims

Always make sure to use a brake dust cleaner specific to the type of your wheels. Read the instructions on how to use the cleaner and follow them carefully in order to get the best result.

Step 5: Start Gently Scrubbing The Wheel Surface

Once you’ve let the cleaner soak according to instructions, get your soft-bristle brush and or washing glove mitt to start gently scrubbing the wheels’ surface. Try to reach every nooks and crannies of the wheels as you scrub.

Step 6: Rinse The Wheel With Water

When you’re done with that, get the hose again to rinse out the brake dust cleaner along with all the dirt. As you rinse, if you see any spots that you missed simply repeat steps four through six.

Step 7: Don’t Skip Drying

Always towel dry after cleaning to prevent water marks and get a thoroughly cleaned wheels.

Step 8: Apply A Layer Of Vehicle Wax To The Wheel Surface

Once you’re satisfied with the wheel’s appearance, and it’s completely dry, apply a layer of vehicle wax to the wheel surface, following the wax manufacturer’s directions. The wax helps prevent brake dust build up and makes it much easier to remove during future cleanings.

ALSO READ:

Dos And Don’ts Of Cleaning Your Car

Dos And Don’ts Of Cleaning Your Car

Just because you clean your car doesn’t mean you’re doing a good job   with it. Sometimes, because people don’t know how to properly clean their cars, they end up damaging it. Remember that even if you do clean your car, it doesn’t count if you’re not doing it right. Here are some dos and don’ts in car washing that you should keep in mind.

Dos

Choose The Right Cleaning Agent

It’s a must that you only use car cleaning solutions. Buy a car shampoo that works specifically well with getting stubborn dirt and grime off your paintwork without causing damage.

Make Sure You Dry The Car After Washing It

Yes the sun and wind can easily dry your car, but letting your vehicle dry that way will leave unsightly water marks which renders your hard work useless. Use a microfiber towel or preferably a weave drying towel to absorb the water and dry the car.

Clean With A Clay Bar

Washing your car with water and car specific cleaning agent is a great way to prevent any dirt from causing damage on the paint. However, even after washing, some contaminants still cling to the paint. To totally get rid of them, using a clay bar is the way to go. Using this product is very easy but time consuming. Many clay bars in the market come with a lubricant but if it does not, there are products that you can purchase separately. It is extremely important to lubricate the surface first to enable the clay to glide easily across the surface. You’ll know it’s working because the clay gets dirtier as you go because of all the contaminants it’s grabbing.

Seek Car Polishing

Sure, we’re talking about car washing. But car polishing is also an important part of keep your vehicle pristine looking. Polishing is one of the most misunderstood paint care procedures and as a result many individuals skip this important step. Polish is an abrasive compound, which, when worked into the paint using the hand or a polisher, shaves off imperfections of the paint. It levels out the surface and makes it smooth, thereby preparing it for the next step of applying wax or paint sealant. If you wax without polishing the surface first, not only will the paint look dull, but you will also notice that the wax layer will wear off quicker than usual. So ultimately it is a huge waste of your time and resources. Because polish is abrasive, it is important to master polishing techniques especially if you are using a rotary buffer, or you risk burning right through the paint.

Don’ts

Using Dish Washing Liquid As Cleaning Agent

You have to remember that your car is made of completely different materials than your dishes or clothes, etc. So don’t assume that the cleaners that you use to clean the rest of your house will also do with your car.

Using Abrasive Cloths

Always use microfiber cloths when cleaning your car. It only takes a rough towel or dirt on a towel to scratch your precious paint job. Do not risk it and make sure you’re always using clean microfiber cloth to wipe your car with.

Cleaning Under Direct Sunlight

If you think that cleaning your car under direct sunlight is a good idea because it will reduce drying time, think again. Yes it may help dry the car fast but it can also cause smears, water spots, and residue which are never a good idea for your car.

Removing Missed Patches With A Drying Cloth

It happens to the best of us: you rinse your car, only to find you’ve missed a bit. But, instead of reaching for the cleaning cloth (the recommended solution), you attack the spot with your drying cloth – a big no-no. By rubbing a mucky mark with a dry cloth, you’ll effectively work the dirt into the paint, or at the very least cause a stubborn swirl mark. Remember – never clean your car with a dry cloth.

Applying Products Directly To The Paintwork

The golden rule is to dilute and apply to cloth first. Dilute cleaning products to water and apply polishing products to cloth first. Don’t even think of cutting this process short by applying the products directly to the paintwork. The damage that over-applying of products may cause is not worth the seconds you may have saved on cleaning. 

Thinking One Bucket Is Enough

Always use two buckets when cleaning your car, one for washing and one for rinsing. It just doesn’t make sense to use the same water filled with dirt and suds to rinse the car.

ALSO READ:

Top 5 Tips To Ensure A Smooth Spray Painting Finish

Top 5 Tips To Ensure A Smooth Spray Painting Finish

Cars wouldn’t look as good as they look now if paint weren’t spray painted on them. However, even by spray painting your car; it can still turn out bad if you don’t know how to go about it the right way. Here are some tips to help you achieve the smooth finish we all love when it comes to our vehicles paint job.

1. Check The Weather

You can dismiss this if you have a spray booth where the outside temperature isn’t likely to affect the paint. But if you’re doing this in your garage or anywhere that’s open area, take note of this. If it’s too hot the paint will dry before it reaches the surface, and it will end up balling and attaching to the surface, creating an orange peel effect. Do not spray paint in hot or humid weather. The ideal temperature to spray paint is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, for a smooth, even application.

2. Prepare The Surface

Wash the exterior of your car using the bucket of soap and water. This will keep any dust and dirt from causing any abrasion on your car’s paint or get in the way of a smooth paint job finish. Don’t forget to wipe it dry.  After that, sanding the area is an important step you can’t skip out because it smoothens the area you want to work on which allows a consistent look when you apply the new paint. To further break down the area you want to work on and prepare it for new paint, use a scuffing pad. Scuffing pads create a rough surface, which is easier for the paint to stick to. Rub the scuff pad along the surface back and forth until the surface feels rough to the touch. Mask up areas where you don’t want the paint to get onto like the headlights. You can do this by using the masking tape and newspaper or plastic sheet.

3. The First Coat

If you haven’t done this before, it’s best to practice your spraying technique. Get a cheap used car panel from a salvage yard, or use any piece of scrap steel you have lying around. Hold the spray gun approximately 6 inches from the panel and spray in a side-to-side sweeping motion. When you've got your technique down, start applying the primer on the car, working from the roof down. Apply the primer in thin, even coats. It will usually take two or three coats to cover the surface completely and then wait for at least 24 hours before you proceed with the first coat.

4. Re-coating

Each coat will take about 10 minutes to apply per panel and between 20 minutes to an hour between re-coating for the paint to cure. It usually requires three to four coats of paint to cover the surface completely. Make sure you’re following the recommended drying time specified on the paint can instructions between coats.  Before applying the last coat, remove any powdery residue with 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper and wipe down with a clean rag. Repeat the last two steps with the clear-coat lacquer.

5. Keep The Nozzle Clean

Spray nozzles can easily become clogged and cause you to stop mid-way through your slow, even spraying strokes. Before you start re-coating, clean the spray nozzle, that way, the paint does not have time to build up and create sputtering and spitting. You want the paint to come out in a soft mist, not spitting out blobs of paint onto your newly prepared surface. Remember, when using a spray can, always shake the can between each slow back and forth motion, this keeps the paint nicely mixed and it produces an even color.

ALSO READ:

Why Car Maintenance Is Good For You And Your Car

Why Car Maintenance Is Good For You And Your Car

Privileges come with responsibilities. So when you decide to own a car, you should know that it requires regular work aside from the standard paper works and capital money to purchase it. Here are some reasons that will make you understand why car maintenance shouldn’t fall behind your priorities.

· It Match The Particular Needs Of Your Car

As opposed to doing it yourself, going to the car servicing shop and having professionals do job ensures you that your car’s needs are being met exactly. Not just what you think it needs. Because more often than not, when you just rely on your own judgement, it’s either you do too little or too much than what it actually needs.

· It Prolongs Your Vehicle’s Lifespan

The more you keep its maintenance up-to-date the more your car’s condition is restored therefore prolonging its lifespan. With that, you’ll be able to enjoy your car longer than it would if you just let minor damages turn into unrepairable ones due to neglect.

· It’s A Lot Cheaper To Keep Your Current Car For As Long As Possible

Think car maintenance and car servicing are an unnecessary expenditure? Think again! Because by keeping your car in good running condition means not needing to buy a new ride after every couple of years, not spending money on major car repairs due to malfunction, and more importantly avoiding hospital and damage expenses in case of an accident because of malfunction too.

· You Can Rest Assured That You’re Safe On The Road

You won’t have to drive a car worrying when and where it might breakdown and risk your life and others. If there’s one reason why you should definitely maintain your car, it’s for your loved ones, fellow motorists and your safety.

· Saves You Money In The Long Run

With all those reasons listed above, it’s obvious that by taking good care of your vehicle you’ll be able to save more money than spend. That’s what we call cost-effective. Yes, you’re basically still paying for the car repairs but at the end of the day, it’s beneficial as oppose detrimental.

ALSO READ: 

Car Servicing Facts Every Car Owners Should Be Aware Of

Car Servicing Facts Every Car Owners Should Be Aware Of

We all know that once we decide to own a car, car servicing will be a part of our routine, expenses, and lives too. But how do you know which one should you invest you time, money and trust on? Here are some guidelines you’d wanna check out!

There Are Two Types Of Car Servicing

Interim—you should have this done to your car once it reached 6000 miles already; afterwards, it should be every 6 months.

Full—after 12,000 miles a vehicle should undergo this type of car servicing, which then should be done every year.

Your Car Needs Both Type Of Car Servicing

It may seem like an overkill to have your ride go through both servicing every year. However, it’s important that you adhere to this because it prolongs your car’s life. When your car is up-to-date with its maintenance, you can rest assured that its condition and performance is in its tip top shape.

Experience In The Field Can Say A Lot

Before you commit to a particular shop, it’s best to ask about their past experience on the service you need. Ask how long have they been in the business? What kind of cars have they fixed before? Their answers to these questions should cue you in whether they’re knowledgeable and experienced enough to do a good job.

Car Service Should Be Able To Provide You With A Host Of Options

If they’re saying they can only do this and will have to transfer you to a partner shop to do that, it may not be a good idea. As much as possible a car service shop should be able to provide a range of services. It is not feasible to do some part of car service at one place and the remaining at another.

Certified Car Repair Centers Are Always The Better Option

We’re not saying uncertified ones can’t do the job. But for a car owner who’s spending money on the repairs, you’d want a shop that you can trust to work flawlessly on your car. And even if they fail in some way, you can always go back to them as a warranty period for their work.

Experience And Qualification Of The Technician Matters Too

The shops credentials is not enough, you also have to see if their technicians live up to the shops standards. Because, at the end of the day, technicians are the ones who will work on your car. So the result depends on their skills and knowledge.

Having A Great Customer Service Is A Plus

While skills, knowledge, and certification makes a car servicing good, you should still think twice if they have crappy customer service. How a service provider deal their customers can make or break them. Even if they’re genuinely good, you don’t really wanna talk to or work with someone who acts like they can’t wait to get it over and done with.

Affordability Is A Key Factor Too

Okay, we may be looking for the quality of service here, but it doesn’t hurt if it comes with a reasonable price right? Keep looking. Take your time studying which service provider will actually give you a good deal.  

ALSO READ: 

Top 10 Things Your Mechanic Could Be Keeping From You

Things That You Can Do To Keep Your Paint From Fading

Paint doesn’t just give color to your car and make it look like new, but it also protects it from premature rusting and corrosion. This is why it is very important to protect your paint from things that fades it sooner than it should like ultra-violet rays, chemicals, natural pollutants, careless application of car polish and wax and abrasions.

· Know What The Causes Of Paint Fading Are

When you know what’s causing your paint to fade, you’ll be able to keep it from it accordingly. If you know the cause, you’ll find a better solution.

· Cover Your Car Whenever You’re Parked Outside

Though it’s highly discouraged to park your car outside, sometimes there isn’t really a choice. But if you have a car cover this would at least keep anything from being in direct contact on your paint.

· Park Under A Shade

If there’s a tree nearby it would be great to park under it. However, there’s a high risk you’ll come back to your car with a bird poop on it. Just make sure you’re carrying a microfiber towel to wipe it off and then clean it once you get home.

· As Much As Possible Make Sure To Have A Garage At Home

Well, this shouldn’t be an option but a non-negotiable. Parking your car outdoors at all times is exposing it from natural pollutants as well as theft.

· Get A Covered Carport In The Absence Of A Garage

In case your house is too small to have a garage, you can always rent a covered carport. The idea is to have your car parked in a secure space while it stowed.

· Regular Car Wash Helps

Weekly car wash is highly recommended, but if you drive on rough roads or anywhere your vehicle is exposed to all these kinds of chemicals you should wash more often than that.

· Apply Car Paint Protection

Another thing that you can do is take your car to your trusted car grooming shop and have a car paint protection applied on it. This will serve as a protective barrier between the paint and any particles.

· Drive Carefully To Avoid Scratches And Dents

Keep your speed to a minimum, not only that speeding consumes more gas but it also puts you in risk of accidents. When it comes to accidents, no car paint protection can keep your car from damage.            

Tips That Will Help You Determine The Best Car Servicing Shop In Town

Whether you like it or not, your car is bound to get damaged or malfunction at some point. So, despite religiously following your regular maintenance schedule, you will need a car servicing that you can trust. You’d want to find one that you’ll stick to whenever you need to have your car serviced. Here’s how you can tell that it’s “the one”.

They Are Fully Equipped

How will a car servicing shop be able to work on any car if they don’t have necessary and appropriate tools to fix a car? Screws and wrench are basic, but they should also be equipped with specific tools for jobs like fixing an irregular brake.  

They Are Well Experienced And Capable Of Fixing Wide Range Of Car Problems

Flat tires won’t be the only problem you’ll have with your car, especially if your vehicle has been with you for quite some time. So, they should be able to fix things from fluid pipes, the carburetor and the clutch oil, to the external repairs including the windshields, the window locks and the car bonnet.

They Are Also Accredited By The Automobile Association

An auto car repair won’t be accredited by such association if they’re not qualified for the services that they’re offering. So if you know one with this accreditation, it’s a good sign your car will be in good hands. But if you’re still looking for one, you should always talk to the person in charge where you can inquire about this.

It Would Be More Practical If The Shop Is Near Your House Or Work

Well, this isn’t exactly a must, but it’s definitely a plus. This way, you won’t have to go out of your daily route if your need to drop your car to or retrieve it from the shop. If you can’t find one near your home or work, look for a shop that offers free pick-up and delivery.