Archives for April 2010

April is National Car Care Month

April is National Car Care Month

The Car Care Council has dubbed April National Car Care Month. The designation is an effort to make people aware of the condition of their vehicles, particularly since the summer driving season is right around the corner. We agree; April is the perfect time to clean up the paint, give it a good polish, and apply a quality coat of wax to protect your vehicle from the Spring sun.

Here are a few tips to keep your car looking good:

1. Check the tire pressure. Ideally, you should do this once a month to improve fuel economy, handling, and traction. Apply a tire protectant to keep the rubber dark and supple.

2. Check the condition of your windshield wipers. With Spring comes rain showers. You want to make sure your wipers are going to work well when you need them. Use 303 Wiper Treatment Wipes to hydrate dry rubber wiper blades. To make water bead on your windshield, use a water-repellent glass coating, like Aquapel Glass Treatment & Rain Repellent.

3. Protect rubber seals. Cold winter weather likely dried out rubber door seals, which can cause them to allow more road noise into the passenger cabin. Use a rubber protectant to re-hydrate rubber seals.

4. Wash your vehicle! Choose a designated auto shampoo and a soft, clean wash mitt or sponge. Work from the top, around the vehicle and down. This technique guarantees that the last place you wash is the lowest part of the vehicle, where it is the dirtiest.

5. Use detailing clay. If it’s been 6 months or more since you last clayed, it’s time. Over the winter, you probably weren’t able to wash as often as you like, so dirt and debris had more time to penetrate the clear coat. Take a few minutes to clay and your vehicle will feel silky smooth.

6. Polish if the paint looks lack-luster. A polish will remove the light swirls and oxidation that may have appeared over the last few cold months. Polishing will make your wax or sealant look even better.

7. Apply a quality wax or paint sealant. We can’t overstate the importance of paint protection! Whether you choose a carnauba wax or a synthetic sealant, apply some sort of protective coating to block UV rays, repel water, and ward off oxidation.

With these few tips, your vehicle will be clean, shiny, and protected for the Spring/Summer driving season.

For more information on National Car Care Month, read the Car Care Council’s press release.

Clear the Air!

Temperatures are warming up finally! You may have even turned on your vehicle’s air conditioner in the last couple weeks. If you did, did the air smell fresh and clean or musty and damp? If your auto air conditioner is emitting foul odors, the source of the problem may be deep within the system, where air fresheners don’t reach. We have a solution.

Actually a couple of solutions. Wurth A/C & Heating System Treatment eliminates odors caused by accumulated mildew, moisture, bacteria and mineral deposits within a vehicle’s air system. It has a clean lemon scent and is safe on plastics and vinyl.

1Z Einszett Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Treatment is another option to eliminate odors originating in the evaporator core. Klima-Cleaner’s active foam works by ‘scrubbing’ the evaporator core, thereby reducing the opportunity for odors to reappear. It has a citrus scent that disappears after 12 hours but odors do not return.

Clean Air‘s special formula and application nozzle allow you to treat vents, ductwork, evaporator core and drain pan area, eliminationg a variety of odors including odors from mold, mildew and algae.

By attacking odors at their source, you have a better chance of eliminating them completely and preventing their return. Visit our interior car care page for more cleaners, protectants, and odor eliminators.

Look for us on the Speed Channel!

Autogeek.net will appear on the Speed Channel tomorrow, Sunday, April 11 at 9:00 am EST. Tune in and see what detailing tip we have this week!

Pad Cleaning Made Easy

Cleaning up your buffing pads is easy when you have the right tools. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite products to clean and maintain foam and wool pads.

DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator is a great value for a great cleaner. It cleans and degreases pads. Just toss your used pads into a mixture of DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator and water. The solution will do most of the work for you!

The Foam Pad Conditioning Brush (shown at left) works well for both foam and wool pads. Use it to agitate the foam pad as it soaks in cleaning solution. The nylon bristles are tough enough to scrub the foam but not so tough that they’ll rip it. You can also use the brush to release caked polish from the pad face during the detailing process.

The Duo Spur Wool & Foam Pad Cleaning Tool (shown at right) cleans and levels pads. Levels? Isn’t that what you’re using the pads to do to your paint? Yes, that’s true. But the Duo Spur actually levels the pads when they become unbalanced. A cheese grater-like plate on each side of the Duo Spur reshapes warped foam pads. Three wheels with raised teeth push excess polish out of the pad to restore an effective texture.

Speaking of spurring tools, the Lake Country Wool Pad Spur (shown at left) is new at Autogeek.net. This tool has pointier teeth to really dig into wool pads and separate those fibers that like to get matted. It takes just a few seconds to break up caked on polish and restore the wool texture while the pad is still on the machine. The Wool Pad Spur is a simple but handy tool for anyone who uses wool pads.

Finally, if you really like to let your buffer do the work, you’ll like the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer (shown at left) and the Autogeek System 2000 Pad Washer?(shown at right). Both pad washers are designed to clean a pad while it is still on the polisher. Internal mechanisms pump cleaning fluid up to the pad and agitate it as it spins on the polisher. The Grit Guard Pad Washer works with dual action and rotary polishers. The Autogeek System 2000 Pad Washer is designed exclusively for rotary polishers.

Properly cleaning your foam and wool pads makes them last longer and perform better. Read more about each of these products at Autogeek.net

Barrett Jackson in West Palm Beach

Meghan went down to the Barrett Jackson show last weekend to take photos and to support our friends at Mothers and Meguiars, whose big rigs were both conveniently still in town after Autogeek’s Detail Fest! Mike Phillips was also on hand demonstrating his detailing skills at the Mothers truck. As always, the Barrett Jackson auction and show was a mix of muscle cars, hot rods, sports cars, resto-mods and classics – something for every car enthusiast! Here are just a few of the amazing cars at Barrett Jackson:

Click here to see Meghan’s gallery on AutogeekOnline.net.

Click here to see Barrett Jackson’s photo gallery.

RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit

RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit

This little kit was introduced at Detail Fest and the timing couldn’t be better! As the temperatures warm up, many of you will be pulling the covers off your convertibles and getting them ready for some sunny afternoons. Before you hit the road, do your car a favor and treat the convertible top windows with the RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit.

You’ve seen what a neglected convertible top window looks like – yellow, cracked, and cloudy. It’s not attractive or functional! The RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit was created to prevent the UV degradation that naturally occurs on convertible top windows.

This convertible top care kit includes:Clean and protect your convertible top window with RaggTopp!

4 oz. RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner
Step one is RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner. This environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaner safely removes grime, water spots, and contamination from the soft plastic. The formula is biodegradable and safe on a variety of plastics. Use it on clear plastics, Jeep windows, helmet visors, motorcycle windscreens, headlights, vinyl windows, Lexan and Lucite, and other plastic and vinyl window enclosures.

4 oz. RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Protectant
Step two is RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Protectant. This silicone-free sunscreen also blocks out moisture and dirt. The sophisticated formula contains Ciba Tinuvin UV blockers and it is boosted with Polycharger to provide a longer lasting protective barrier. Just like the cleaner, you can use RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Protectant on all automotive, marine, and commercial clear plastics.

Foam Applicator Pad, 4.25 in. x 3.5 in. x 1 in.
Use this pad to apply RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner. The texture of the foam will aid in cleaning the plastic surfaces.

Microfiber Applicator Pad, 5 in. x 3.5 in. x 1 in.
Use the microfiber pad to apply RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Protectant. The microfiber will ensure an even coat of protectant and the soft fabric will not scratch any surface.

Microfiber Towel, 15 in. x 15 in.
Buff away RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Protectant with this soft microfiber towel. The nonabrasive towel has looped fibers that will grab the protectant residue as it gently polishes the plastic to a shine.

The RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit is packaged in a small, reusable box – perfect for stowing in your trunk or detail bag.

RaggTopp is the industry leader in convertible top care. RaggTopp is tested and endorsed by Haartz, Roll-N-Lock, Robbins AutoTop Company, Colgan Custom, and many more!

Maintain your convertible top window with the RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit from the convertible top care experts!

Kit includes:
4 oz. RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner
4 oz. RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Protectant
Foam Applicator Pad, 4.25 in. x 3.5 in. x 1 in.
Microfiber Applicator Pad, 5 in. x 3.5 in. x 1 in.
Microfiber Towel, 15 in. x 15 in.

Get your RaggTopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit at Autogeek.net!

New At Autogeek: Mike Phillips' Principles of Machine Polishing DVD

Detail Fest attendees got another special treat – the new Mike Phillips DVD was available there first. Now Autogek Show Car Garage Mike Phillips’ Principles of Machine Polishing DVD is available at Autogeek.net. Anyone can learn polishing techniques and tips from Mike Phillips in the comfort of your own garage.

Machine polishing is easy and anyone can do it. You’ll be convinced after watching Mike Phillips’ Principles of Machine Polishing. Mike thoroughly explains the what, how, and why of detailing with a polisher by using two popular machines: the Porter Cable 7424XP and the Cyclo. The techniques shown for the Porter Cable 7424XP also apply to the Griot’s Garage Random Orbital Polisher, the Meguiars Dual Action Polish G110v2, and any other orbital polisher.

In addition to how to use the polishers, you’ll learn important steps to guarantee a perfect finish, such as pad selection, how to use the Brinkmann Swirl Finder Spotlight, how and when to perform a test spot, how to perform a section pass, and many more tips they just don’t tell you in the instruction manual!

Mike Phillips is our Director of Training at Autogeek. He teaches machine polishing classes here in the Autogeek Show Car Garage several times a year, where detailers learn the techniques you’ll see in this video. Now you can bring Mike into your own garage to show you how a polisher can transform your vehicle into a show car.

Your vehicle can look like a show car. Mike Phillips’ Principles of Machine Polishing will show you how.

Get your DVD signed by Mike Phillips! Click here to get your own copy of Mike Phillips’ Principles of Machine Polishing DVD.

New DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant

DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant sticks so dirt won’t!

DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant preps and protects your vehicle in one simple step. A cutting edge, built-in bonding agent creates a longer lasting, more durable protective finish. The depth of gloss and rich color will turn heads regardless of color or type of paint. DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant is high bonding, high gloss protection for automotive paint.

What good is paint protection that doesn’t stick? If your vehicle’s paint is going to withstand the elements, your paint sealant will have to as well. DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant is formulated to outlast and outperform other sealants with a revolutionary self-prepping formula. The sealant contains a bonding agent that to maximize the longevity and durability of the polymers. In just one step, DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant forms a tough polymer coating with true staying power.

With most paint sealants, it is recommended that you use a pre-wax cleaner first to prep the paint for the sealant. This step promotes bonding and improves the clarity of the shine. But what if you could achieve the same high bonding and clarity without a second step? That’s what you get with DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant.

DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant sticks so dirt won’t! The clear, slick finish reduces surface tension so dirt and dust slide off. Day after day, your vehicle’s paint will stay cleaner. When it’s time to wash, cleaning the protected paint is easier because contaminants cannot get a firm hold on the paint. Gentle washing with a mild auto shampoo will keep your vehicle looking just-detailed. DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant can be applied by hand or with a dual action polisher.DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant can be applied by hand or with a dual action polisher.

Don?t be concerned about the frequency with which you wash your vehicle. DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant resists alkaline and acidic cleaners and detergents! It will not wash off during a car wash or a rainstorm. The coating stays firmly bonded to the paint, protecting it with an invisible shield of synthetic polymers.

With nothing between the polymers and the paint, DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant lasts longer and protects better! The man-made polymers are engineered to block out UV rays, water, road salt, and pollution over the long haul. Maintain the depth of color of your vehicle year after year with regular use. The crystal clear coating maintains new finishes in their original condition. Older, reconditioned finishes sealed with DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant will retain that just-polished shine.
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants instant results that last. Casual detailers will enjoy the simplicity and long-term results of DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant. Professional detailers will like the speed of application and the impressive gloss.

Apply DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant with a buffer or by hand. This sealant is designed for simple application and stunning results.

Outlast washes, rain, sun, and salt with the ultra durable DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant. Maximum bonding gives your vehicle maximum protection in all conditions.

16 oz.

Directions:

Machine Application:

  1. If your vehicle hasn’t been clayed before, use DP Universal Detailing Clay to remove any embedded contaminants from the paint.
  2. Apply DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant using a foam finishing pad on your dual action polisher. Apply the wax in a 2-3 square foot area in a very thin, even coat.
  3. Once the wax has dried to a light haze, buff the area with a clean Cobra Microfiber Towel.
  4. Continue working section by section until the entire vehicle is protected.

Hand Application:

  1. Use a foam or microfiber applicator to wipe a thin coat of DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant over one section at a time. Allow the sealant to dry to a light haze.
  2. Buff off the residue using a Cobra Indigo Edgeless Polishing Cloth.
  3. Maintain the gloss between washes with DP Final Gloss Quick Detailer.