Archives for June 2010

New Optimum Hyper Compound Spray

Recently Optimum CEO David Ghodoussi unveiled the incredible Optimum Hyper Polish Spray. Now he’s released its companion product Optimum Hyper Compound Spray! This is the first commercially available spray compound. It’s designed to quickly remove sanding scratches, orange peel, swirls, and other moderate to heavy paint imperfections quickly and cleanly. Optimum’s blend of proprietary polymers and abrasives allows for rapid removal of sanding marks and deep paint imperfections and defects, like swirls and scratches, all while creating the look of a polish. Optimum Hyper Compound Spray leaves a surprisingly smooth finish with only very light haze – rare for a compound! A quick follow-up with Optimum Hyper Polish Spray will remove any compounding swirls and restore a deep, vibrant gloss.

Optimum Hyper Compound Spray has a very long buffing cycle and produces zero dust! It can be used in a body shop setting or in your own garage. Use a foam or wool pad with a rotary or dual action polisher.

David Ghodoussi stopped by to film another segment of Autogeek’s Show Car Garage New Product Showcase.

Read more about Optimum Hyper Compound Spray at Autogeek.net!

Read Mike Phillips’ write-up on Optimum Hyper Compound Spray at Autogeekonline.net.

Read Matt’s write-up on detailing a boat with Optimum Hyper Compound Spray.

SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect

SONAX arrived this week and one thing is for sure – SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect is one of the most fun and effective wheel cleaners tested here at Autogeek.net. This is the only wheel cleaner we know of that changes color on the wheel! But it’s NOT a gimmick. The color-change is just part of the process. As SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect comes into contact with brake dust, grease, and road grime, the bright green cleaner turns deep red. This feature makes SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect very satisfying to use. Before your wheel brush even touches the wheel, red, brake-dust filled liquid runs off the wheel.

Matt and John, who used SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect on John’s Mazda, took so many pictures of the cleaner at work, we couldn’t include them all on the product page on Autogeek. Not wanting them to go to waste, we’re posting them here. Enjoy!

SONAX Wheel Cleaner is green right out of the bottle.

SONAX Wheel Cleaner turns red.

SONAX Wheel Cleaner attacking brake dust.

Brake dust and grime running off wheel.

SONAX Wheel Cleaner being agitated.

Boar's Hair Wheel Brush

good job

Autogeek now carries SONAX!

Sonax product line

SONAX is a leading car care manufacturer in Germany with representation in more than 70 countries. With leading car care products and strong ties to Formula 1 racing, SONAX is one of the most recognizable and favored brands in the world. Now you can find out what all the buzz is about at Autogeek.net!

SONAX is a leader in nanotechnology. Paint care products made with ultra fine nano particles have made possible extremely long lasting protection and a superb shine, combined with unusually quick and easy application. In addition, SONAX tests its products under real-world conditions with testing methods unique to the industry. The quality of SONAX products has been confirmed by independent institutions such as DEKRA (an international safety organization), the TUV (a German inspection agency), and the ADAC (German motoring club).

Just as important as the quality of SONAX products is the safety of the environment. SONAX was one of the first companies to introduce environmentally pro-active formulas. The company follows strict guidelines during all phases of product development to ensure effective and environmentally friendly products.

Sonax racing car at Sonax USA.The SONAX name goes beyond car care. Sonax’s distinctive red logo has adorned Formula 1 cars driven by Jacques Villeneuve, Ayrton Senna, Hanns-Joachim Stuck, Michael Schumacher, and Heinz-Herald Frentzen. Currently, Sonax is the official supplier of Team McLaren Mercedes, Team Arden International in GP2, British Touring Car Championship, Australian V8 Supercars Series, American Champ Car Atlantic Championship, and many international teams.

As one of the United States’ largest distributors of European-made car care products, Autogeek.net was chosen by SONAX USA to be one of a few select U.S. retailers. We are pleased to bring the very best of German car care to you.

Meghan and Jason visited SONAX U.S.A. in Indiana to tour the facility and learn more about SONAX. They met with President Tom Edens and National Sales Manager Jason Whiteley to learn more about SONAX’s 60 year history and the products that will be available at Autogeek. They learned the key benefits of each product in order to better assist customers with their SONAX selection and use. Plus, Meghan and Jason got an up-close view of the SONAX-sponsored Indy race cars!

Meghan and Jason at SONAX USA.

Jason at SONAX USA

Learn more about SONAX at Autogeek.net!

Autogeek Visits Griot's Garage

Meghan and Jason visited Griot’s Garage’s Plainfeld, Indiana distribution center on June 22, 2010 to take a tour of their facility and gain a better understanding of their operation. They met with Wholesale Sales Representative Rob Wood, Warehouse Manager Arnie Rojas, and Bottling Manager Alan Bradford. The group discussed new products ideas and future expansion of the Griot’s Garage line, as well as ways to build the relationship with Autogeek to better serve both our customers and theirs. Highlights of the tour included the giant employee break room, complete with racing-inspired furniture and tool box coffee tables!

Griot’s Garage has been catering to auto enthusiasts since 1990 with their popular catalog. The first Griot’s Garage Retail Store and Car Care School opened up in Tacoma, Washington earlier this month. Griot’s Garage made its Autogeek debut in May 2009 and representatives, including Rob Wood, exhibited at Autogeek’s 5th Annual Detail Fest in March 2010.

Meghan and Jason at Griot's Garage in Indiana.

Rob, Arnie and Alan of Griot's Garage

Wholesale Sales Representative Rob Wood, Warehouse Manager Arnie Rojas, and Bottling Manager Alan Bradford

Griot's Garage merchandise

Griot's Garage break room

Griot's Garage kitchen

Griot's Garage break room

SEMA Preparations Are Underway!

SEMA 2010 is scheduled for November 2-5, 2010 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show is the premier automotive specialty performance products trade event in the world featuring performance, accessories, restoration and motorsports products. It draws the industry?s brightest minds and hottest products to one place.

Autogeek is exhibiting at SEMA for the sixth straight year but, like everything we do, we’ve raised the bar. This year we’re having THREE booths totaling 1,000 sq. ft. to showcase our products. Visit us in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in booths 12645, 12639 and 12738.

So far, Max, Mike Phillips, Jason, and Dwayne are confirmed to attend SEMA. More information is to come!

Polishing Auto Glass

If the idea of polishing glass makes you cringe, we’re here to tell you it can be done safely. And you can do it!

A glass polish works a lot like a car polish. It contains abrasives that level imperfections, leaving the surface smooth and, in the case of glass, perfectly clear. It’s important to know what a glass polish can and can’t do. It CAN remove water spots, mineral deposits, etching caused by bugs and bird droppings, and very light scratches. A glass polish CANNOT remove chips or cracks. If your windshield is cracked or chipped, consult a windshield replacement technician. If it has spots and scratches, we have a polish for that!

DP High Performance Glass CleanerA quality glass polish like DP High Performance Glass Restorer will remove water spots and cloudiness to restore perfect clarity to your windows. You can apply it by hand or with a polisher, but set your machine on a low speed (1000-1200 RPM on a rotary or 5-6 on a dual action) and use a polishing pad. Do not apply pressure; the pad will do the work for you. When the polish starts to dry, stop polishing and buff the residue away with a microfiber towel.

Another option is Diamondite Spray Clay. This is a clay foam that removes embedded contaminants from glass, as well as mineral deposits, using an included sponge. Spray Clay is part of the Diamondite Glass Cleaning System, which also includes Diamondite Glass Cleaner and Diamondite Shield. Spray Clay will not remove etching, but it will correct spots that are still on the surface of the glass.

If your vehicle’s glass has mild to moderate scratches and mineral etchings, you may need the Diamondite Glass Repair System. This kit is specifically designed to be applied with a drill or rotary polisher. The included polishes and glass polishing discs remove more pronounced glass blemishes than DP High Performance Glass Restorer, yet the kit is still user-friendly for anyone who’s comfortable using a drill or rotary polisher.

After polishing, your windshield and windows are naked. This is the perfect time to apply a glass sealant. The glass is already slick and crystal clear. A glass sealant will help keep it that way. Windshield wipers will last longer if they’re gliding across a slick, clean windshield. Water beads up and rolls away to improve your visibility when driving in the rain.

Diamondite Shield will keep your glass clean and provide some protection against future water spots. Aquapel Glass Treatment & Rain Repellent is another great option that lasts up to six months. Both products keep auto glass cleaner, clearer, and smoother.

Click here to see all Autogeek’s glass care solutions.

Glass Cleaning Tips

One of the biggest challenges in car care is getting streak-free glass. But it is possible! With the right towel, glass cleaner, and method, you can eliminate streaks and enjoy virtually invisible auto glass.

Not all glass cleaners are made equal. A household glass cleaner that works great on bathroom mirrors may not do the same job on your windshield. Here’s why: your windshield comes into contact with things your bathroom mirror has never had to contend with, like car exhaust and bird droppings. An ordinary glass cleaner doesn’t always cut it in the detailing world. Plus, household glass cleaners are usually full of ammonia. Ammonia is a great grease-cutter, but it strips factory window tint. Save yourself the expense of replacing window tint by using a non-ammoniated, tint-safe glass cleaner. It will state tint-safe or ammonia-free right on the label because manufacturers know it’s important.

Clean auto glass with Autogeek's glass cleaners!If you need another reason to avoid ammoniated glass cleaners, ammonia dries out plastic, vinyl, leather, and rubber. Overspray inside your car is bad news!

What should you use? There are a lot of quality auto glass cleaners that are free of ammonia. Stoner Invisible Glass, DP Krystal Vision Glass Cleaner, and Diamondite Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner are just a few. To get the best results, use a Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel. The waffle weave structure gives the towel more surface area and a greater capacity for moisture. Plus, it’s extremely soft.

Technique is important. Fold the Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel and wipe in long strokes up and down the glass. Then flip the towel and wipe side to side, again in long strokes. Wipe until the glass is dry. Do the same on the interior glass. These long strokes will eliminate streaks from all angles. If necessary, use a second dry towel to buff the glass.

The Glass Master Pro-Glass and Surface Cleaner can help you clean those odd angles of your interior windshield and back window. It has a pivoting, angled head and a long arm so you can clean interior glass easily. Washable microfiber bonnets on the Glass Master Pro leave the glass streak-free.

?Click here to shop Autogeek’s entire selection of glass cleaners and accessories.

Father's Day Gift Certificates

Are you looking for the perfect Father’s Day Gift? Are you worried about finding something this late in the game? No problem! All weekend, Autogeek.net has a special offer on our gift certificates. Buy a gift certificate valued at $50, $100, $200 or $500 and you’ll receive a? bonus gift certificate for yourself! Buy your dad a gift certificate – it will be emailed to him – and then you’ll receive your own bonus bucks to spend at Autogeek!

Gift Certificate Bonus Certificate
Buy $50 Receive $5
Buy $100 Receive $15
Buy $200 Receive $35
Buy $500 Receive $85

Buy a gift certificate now! Offer available through Sunday, June 20, 2010.

New At Autogeek: 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander 20325

3M Random Orbital Air Sander

Have a repair or repainting project coming up? The 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander is the perfect tool to correct auto paint using 3M’s 6 inch sanding and finishing discs. This lightweight, dual action palm sander moves in two distinct oval patterns so no abrasive particle follows the same path twice. Therefore it’s easier to get a uniform finish over the entire work area.

The 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander works with an air compressor. The 6 inch disc pad is ideal for sanding large body panels or entire vehicles efficiently and with uniform results.

The 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander is under 2 lbs. and has a rounded grip to reduce hand fatigue over long periods of use.

All 3M palm sanders are precision balanced, taking into account the weight of the abrasive. The result is smooth sanding when the abrasive is attached. Inside the 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander, a polymer rotor provides fast acceleration, reduces tool weight and internal friction, and simplifies tool maintenance. A one-piece pad balancer and motor shaft is made from heat-treated steel to provide smooth, dependable operation.

The 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander has a 3/16 inch orbit, which is rated for general purpose sanding. A Stikit Low Profile Disc Pad is included with the sander. Check out our selection of 3M sanding and finishing discs for more disc options.

To learn more about the 3M Random Orbital 6 Inch Air Sander and 3M’s paint refinishing products, visit Autogeek.net.

How To Apply Carnauba Wax

Summertime! It’s time to apply sunscreen to yourself and your vehicle. In the summer, UV rays are at their most intense. Sunlight and heat accelerate auto paint oxidation and fading. To keep your vehicle’s color and shine in like-new condition, regularly apply a quality car wax. A car wax provides a barrier between the paint and the sun. UV rays, moisture, dirt, bird droppings, and bugs hit the wax coating rather than directly touching the paint. Therefore the paint stays healthy. Gradually, the wax will diminish and new wax will have to be applied. Get the most out of every wax application by following the tips described in the videos below.

To get all the products used by Mike Phillips in these videos, visit Autogeek.net!