Car cleaning is something many of us seem to neglect. Today, it seems people practically live out of their cars, and have a clean car is almost impossible. You want to clean your car, but somehow life always seems to get in the way. You seem to always promise yourself that you will get it done next weekend, but as we all know it turns into a month or two… sometimes longer. As you will see, this can become a deadly habit!
Before you can get your car more organized, you will need to get in there and do the dirty work first. This means taking everything out of the car; remove all of the items from the glove box, console, under the seats (yes even that old candy bar from 6 mo ago) and the trunk. Then be sure to give your car a well needed vacuuming and wipe it down with car cleaning products such as Armour All.
Now go back to your items and sort through them. Discard the obvious trash and only put the items back in the car that are necessary. You will want to keep such necessary items as the car manual, a flashlight, and maps in the glove compartment. Other essential items such as a jack, jumper cables and a first aid kit should be stored in the trunk.
We all love our change and music, so I suggest buying something to organize both in your car. Also, you don’t need to have 25 CDs in your car at any one time. Stick with a half dozen or so and switch up when you get bored.
Be sure that there are never any loose items lying around in your car. When all items are put back in, you will want to ensure they are secured as well as possible. Loose items in your car can become dangerous projectiles in the even of a crash and can be very lethal.
The key to keeping your car clean is diligence. Always remove garbage from the car when you exit it and be sure your passengers do as well. Make it a rule for both you and family members. Be sure to emphasize how a clean car is a safe car, and make it a habit forming exercise for everyone.
Mobile car detailing is a great new service that has started to pick up steam over the last decade or so. In a nutshell, the mobile auto detailing service comes to you and cleans your car on the spot. This is why it has become so popular, because if you pick the right detailer it can be hassle free and a truly enjoyable experience.
A mobile car detail service brings along a trailer or some other form of water pump, and almost everything else needed to detail your car. As with any other detailer, you want to make sure that the service has insurance to cover any damages to your car, and if they use high quality materials to both wash and scrub your car.
Since this kind of service is also so new, there aren’t as many regulations on these services as of yet. Some cities are starting to adopt ordinances that prevent the use of products that will run off into storm drains and pollute rivers, streams, creeks etc.
These cities require all mobile detailers to have a permit. So be sure to check and make sure if this is a required ordinance in your city or not, and if the service provider has a permit.
The best way to find a mobile car detailing service is though an online local search. You will want to find one that has been established for awhile and to look for customer testimonials.
A good service will wash and wax your car, clean the interior and exterior, including tires and rims, and some offer extended services such as engine detailing. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 on up for these services, depending on the work you want done and the size of your vehicle.
Car detailing prices can range from extreme to quite affordable, but this of course depends on what you want to have done and the detailer you choose to do your car/truck. Also keep in mind that the more expensive detailer may not always do a better job, so it is a good idea to get references from friends and family.
When considering auto detailing prices, you need to take into account several factors which include:
Insurance
The first thing you will want to ask, is if the detailer has insurance. If you are going to someone who is running a detailing shop in their garage, you may save money, but if your car is damaged, then you will have a devil of a time collecting damages in small claims court. This is why I always recommend going with an established detailer who has a commercial business with insurance. It is worth the extra money you may have to pay for peace of mind, believe me.
Size of the vehicle
Most regular detailing packages include a wash and wax, interior vacuuming, cleaning and polishing the tires and rims and interior cleaning such as the seats and dashboard. Most detailers will charge between $50-65 for this package. If you own a truck, van, SUV or a bigger vehicle, you may be looking in the ballpark of $90 or more.
Coupons and special offers
It isn’t hard to find coupons from detailers trying to drum up business. Check in your local Pennysaver, Thrifty Nickel, or Yellow Book. Be sure to ask to get on the detailer’s mailing list so you can stay up to date with their special offers. This is how I save a bundle over the course of a year.
As I mentioned earlier, you may be able to find a car detailing price cheap, but be sure to find out why it is much cheaper than competitors prices. You may find there is a reason why you want to avoid this detailer at all costs!
Buying windshield repair kits, even if you don’t have a crack right now, is always a good idea. You always want to have one handy just in case, to help make a quick repair. Believe me, if you drive as much as I do, your chances of getting your windshield smacked by a rock or something of that nature is pretty high. I usually keep a kit in my glove box – just in case.
So what is a good wind shield repair kit?
I have come across both good and bad kits in my day, but a few stand out and I always seem to go back to them again and again. I always go with a resin or silicone brand that seals quickly and isn’t visible. This way you can get more mileage out of your windshield before getting it replaced.
I have listed them below for your convenience.
Fix-A-Windshield Windshield Repair Kit (Fix-A-Flat) – this is probably one of the better kits on the market for its price. It is a trusted brand, which always makes me feel more confident in the product. If you get a chip, just fill it with the resin material and in about 30 minute you will barely notice it. You can use this kit a half dozen times or more, depending on the size of the cracks you filled previously.
Permatex Silicone Windshield Sealer – this sealer is made of silicone, which is one of my favourite products to work with. It isn’t messy and it seals quickly. Not only that, but it is extremely waterproof as well. This sealant is resistant in extreme heat and cold, so it holds up well no matter what season it is. It can also be used in a pinch to repair sunroofs, headlights etc.
Both of these kits are quite inexpensive and they are small enough to fit in your glovebox. I would replace each kit after 2-3 years. Also be sure to seal them up after each use, so the sealant doesn’t dry out.
Car paint scratch products have been around forever. I’m sure you have seen a number of infomercials on TV proclaiming that someone can drop a brick on your car, but with their product, no one will ever know! While some of these auto scratch remover products make wild claims, there are some that do a nice job and do actually work.
Of course the best thing to do is to take your car to a body man, but they can be quite expensive. This is obviously why there is such a big market for auto scratch repair kits. It is also why I receive so many questions asking for recommendations on these products. So I have finally put a list together of kits that have been highly recommended by consumers:
Quixx Paint Scratch Remover – this product continually receives high marks from everyone who buys it. Keep in mind that no kit can remove a big scratch or deep mark on any vehicle. But this scratch remover does a great job of covering up and small and unsightly scratches. Once applied it will last for a long time, through all weather conditions and a number of washes and waxes. To boot it is also friendly to the environment.
Turtle Was Scratch Removal Kit – when in doubt, always go with a trusted brand. Since Turtle Wax has long been one of the most trusted brands in the auto industry, you can never go wrong with any of their products. This kit is designed to help remove slight imperfections and scratches. It comes with grit sandpaper to help polish down the scratched, but I urge you to be careful with these pads. Go easy and don’t rush.
I know how frustrating it is to find a scratch on your car, and the insane costs for body work. I have been there and done that many times. So hopefully this post will help you save a few hundred dollars in body repair costs!
