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Your Car and The Florida Sun | Orlando Car Wash

Its hard enough keeping your car looking like new, but the addition of the Florida sun brings in a whole new set of things to worry about. The climate in Florida is so harsh, GM tests new car paint by leaving cars in the Florida sun for over a year to test their durability. Trust an Orlando car wash to keep your car looking new.

There is a misconception among car owners that a newer car never needs to be waxed. This is actually completely false when it comes to Florida, it is very important to always keep a fresh coat of wax on your car’s exterior to keep your car protected from the sun.

Another problem for Florida residents is the “love bug” season. These pesky bugs produce an acid when they hit the front of your car, which can lead to permanent paint damage. An extra coat of wax is especially important during this time of year. Any Orlando Car Wash suggests this tip as extra protection for your car’s paint.

Some tips for Florida car washing are to be sure to wash your car once it has cooled down in the shade using a soap specific for vehicles. Using a normal dishwashing detergent will remove your wax layer, thus leaving your car unprotected from the Florida sun. If at all possible, it is best to get your car hand washed at an Orlando Car Wash. Professionals have experience with gentle hand washing, to avoid scratches in your paint. A hidden secret for protection against the Florida heat is clay. It is standard practice at every Orlando Car Wash. But, most people who wash their own car do not realize what an asset a clay bar can be to your car’s paint. The process of using a clay bar includes using a special spray on lubricant to give you a safe surface for your clay. On this lubricated surface, you rub the clay against your car quickly to remove all of the environmental pollutants that are overlooked unless you get a professional grade detail. With all of the bugs, tree sap and airborne pollutants in the Florida area, this is a huge part of keeping your paint like new. A good way to tell if your car needs claying is to use your hand to feel the paint surface right after you wash it. If you can feel any roughness, it is time for a clay bar. This normally happens twice a year in Florida. Most new cars are sprayed with a clear coat in the factory. This is meant to give your car’s paint an extra shine. The clear coat is actually softer than the actual factory paint job, so this surface can be easily scratched. By using the process of claying your car twice a year, it will remove all of these blemishes in your car’s paint surface.

An easy way to help prevent the sun exposure to your car is to park in a shady or covered spot. Its protects the outside paint as well as the interior. The sun’s constant exposure can fade certain interior materials. As all Florida residents know, an interior left in the sun all day can be miserable to drive home from work. If you do not have covered or shaded parking, you may want to invest in a car cover. This helps the interior and the exterior by keeping both away from all of the elements. Keeping your car looking great in Florida is definitely a challenge. But sometimes your small actions make a big difference. The best thing you can do for your car is to keep it out of the sun if possible.

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Properly Washing Your Tinted Windows | Orlando Car Wash

Once you have your car windows tinted, you should be willing to accept the responsibility of knowing what type of cleaning materials and methods that you should use to clean it. This is because doing it improperly could result in less than desirable results (some could even undo the tint entirely). When in doubt, you can trust an Orlando Car Wash.

This is why researching on how to specifically clean tinted car windows is one smart step you took by landing on this article. Rest assured, though, that while tinted car windows are rather delicate when it comes to cleaning materials that you use on them, by no means are they impossible to be cleaned without relying on professional help.

Products that You Should Prepare and Use

Since tinted car windows are known for their sensitivity, know that there are actually glass cleaner products out there that are specifically labelled as being safe for tinted car windows. Almost all household glass and window cleaners contain ammonia, which is not at all recommended. There are products in Amazon which are readily labelled as tint-safe like the Gunk TGC19 Tough Series Glass Cleaner and the Chemical Guys CLD_677 Window Clean Streak-Free Glass Cleaner, so you should definitely look out for these products.

You can also opt to create your own ammonia-free window tint cleaner by mixing a solution of distilled water, baby soap, 2 tbsp. of 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and a spray bottle. Simply pour the water in the spray bottle and mix it thoroughly with a couple of drops of the liquid soap along with the alcohol.

Tinted Car Cleaning Methods to Practice and Avoid

Before starting with the cleaning process, you should make it a point to position your car in a shaded area. This is because exposure to sunlight could cause the cleaning solutions you apply to dry too fast, which makes it hard to clean tinted windows. It could even cause the formation of unwanted and unsightly spots on your windows, which doesn’t look at the least bit pleasing to eyes.

As for the actual cleaning, it’s recommended to use two microfiber rags as you do so. The first would be used to do the scrubbing, wiping, and getting rid of fingerprints, dirt, dust, and grime, while the second would be used to rid the cleaned parts and areas of lingering moisture. When spraying the cleaner, always aim for parts where most of the dirt is concentrated. Let the solution sit on the tinted windows for about five minutes before firmly wiping the tint.

Make it a point to prevent the cleaning solution from getting to the edges of the tinted windows, as these could seep below the tinting, which would result in peeling and the formation of bubbles. If there’s a significant amount of dirt, it’s recommended to soak the cleaning rag in water to remove excess dirt. Using a dirt- and grime-ridden cleaning rag further could prove to be useless after all.

Stay Away from Cleaning Products that Contain Ammonia

Ammonia-based cleaning products, as stated above, are off-limits when cleaning the inside of the windows since they’re the primary culprit behind tinted car window cleaning attempts that actually end up removing the tint. In fact, they are usually the ones employed when the purpose of the car-owner is to have their car window’s tint removed. It’s OK to use cleaners with ammonia on the external part of the windows, though. Nonetheless, it’s always best to just use one glass cleaner when cleaning.

When You Should Consider Seeking Professional Help

Of course, the easiest solution to cleaning tinted car windows is to simply rely on professional aid to do the whole cleaning for you. By opting for expert services provided by professional companies like an Orlando Car Wash, you can always be certain that your car’s tinted windows would be handled and cleaned extremely well.

This is especially true in cases where you have to detail your vehicle because, for instance, you intend to sell it. This is a type of “complete” car cleaning that involves making your car as good as new, hence its term “detailing”. And, of course, it also involves thoroughly cleaning your car’s tinted windows. Oftentimes, only a professional car wash would be able to execute such a thorough maintenance and cleaning procedure, so you shouldn’t hesitate to rely on an expert car cleaning company instead if this is exactly what your vehicle needs.

Professional services are also recommended if you simply want a good, quick and hassle-free cleaning job on your windows. Spending a little money on car wash services could prove to be a wise move, as not only could it save you time and effort, but it could also help you avoid long-term hurdles, especially if you are not aware of what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to cleaning your car.

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Car Wash History|Best Car Wash In Town

Ever since cars were invented, people found various ways to keep their vehicles clean. Some washed their own cars or paid others to get the job done for them. In 1914, one man in Detroit saw the opportunity to start a car wash business that he named “Automated Laundry.” Of course the car wash was not automated as it involved pushing the car manually through a tunnel-like area where three groups of attendants waited; those applying soap, those washing and those drying. A sole group pushed the car through the three stages. After a couple of trucks were clean, the workers would get quite tired and it was obvious this was not the best car wash in town. However, it would take another 26 years for any real form of automation to take place.

1940 + evolution
In 1940, the first semi-automatic car wash was designed by a man in Hollywood, California. His system mainly featured a conveyor with a hook attached to the car’s bumper pulling it through the three stages of soaping, washing and drying. By 1946, more automation was integrated into the system which now included overhead water sprinklers and a 50 HP air blower for drying. This semiautomatic car wash sparked ideas across the world and many small car wash businesses opened up in different places. More cars were being manufactured and sold in the US only causing demand for car wash outlets. Then in 1951, three men; Dean, Archie and Eldon Anderson made the first fully automated car wash system in Seattle. The recent advancements are largely credited to a man called Dan Hanna who created the Rub-a-dub car wash in Oregon. He also started a car wash empire that spearheaded innovation in the car wash industry and production of washing equipment. Nonetheless, most of his designs (produced after 1955) simulate ideas from the Seattle guys’ model of 1951. The car wash featured the following parts;

• Tunnel conveyor pulleys that pulled the car through the car wash tunnel
• Spraying machines sprayed soap on the car’s body
• Big overhang and side brushes that look like large “angel” wings and feathers scrubbed/washed the car
• Nozzles rinsed the soap and dirt away
• Big blowers were used for drying

This was a fully hands-free operation and hands-free mechanisms became the delight of America’s car wash industry. Different models were being installed in different states all over the country.

Growth and tech advancements
Dan Hanna created a large enterprise that had some 31 outlets by 1955. The company focused on innovations and resulted in some of the greatest advancements in the car wash industry seen today. These included the wrap-around brush, soft-cloth friction washing, on demand roller conveyor belts, various tire washing methods and the recirculating water system. The enterprise was since established as the frontier car wash equipment manufacturer and dominated provision of parts and systems in the country. The 1970 gasoline and oil price hike may have significantly daunted the car wash industry but it quickly picked up surviving the torrid period. In the 80s, automatic wheel cleaners and the polish-and-waxing took hold adding to the innovations of Hanna. The company expanded exports to Japan, Korea and the UK recording over $30 million in annual sales. It became the top franchise in manufacturing and also led the conveyor manufacture lists within this period.

The modern scene
When you look at current trends, it is no doubt we have the best car wash in every single town considering how far we have come. Most people would not know that the industry started out with little (basically none) automation at all. The modern scene has cleaning machines which are fully automated tunnels requiring no manual labor. In addition to cleaning all the five sides of your car, they scrub the tires and clean undercarriage. In fact, most are self-service outlets although you will still find many with attendants especially if you want the interior space vacuumed and your seats cleaned. Modern car washes are more eco-friendly featuring low water and electric requirements, milder soaps and faster systems that clean cars faster resulting in efficiency and happy customers.

The car wash industry has evolved a lot since its inception in 1914. While it began with heavy manual labor, small innovations helped to ease the work until technology took over and the advantages of full automation were realized. If you do not have modern tech-advanced systems, then you cannot claim to be the best car wash in town.

Don’t forget to check out Magic Suds Car wash for all your car wash needs!

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Environmental Benefits| Commercial Car Wash

Global warming and the ever-changing environment has forced many countries to put strict measures in place to prevent damage to our planet. Both companies and citizens have been strongly suggested to use eco-friendly products, practice sustainability and at often times be frugal. Climate change has affected many people including car owners. Unlike the past where people used to wash their cars in the driveway, nowadays car owners may be forced to use a commercial car wash. On the plus side, many commercial car wash companies have come up with ways to wash your car as eco-friendly as possible. In this article we are going to focus on 5 ways commercial car wash companies are doing their part to save the environment.

They conserve water

One key pillar of saving the environment is water conservation. Commercial car wash companies have actively researched ways to ensure that they deliver quality car washes with using less water. A research that was conducted by an independent institution found that a home car wash uses about 85 gallons of water while a commercial car wash uses about 56 gallons of water per car. In addition to that, modern technology that many commercial car wash companies use has enabled them to use somewhere between 28-32 gallons of water per car.

They use eco-friendly detergents

Most car washes use eco-friendly detergents. There are many different types of detergent, some of which are good for the environment while others degrade the environment by releasing dangerous chemicals. Commercial car wash companies have actually conducted research on detergents and they have discovered detergents that are efficient for cleaning cars but friendly to the environment. There are two types of detergent; those that are biodegradable (easily decompose when disposed to the environment) and non-bio degradable detergents (those that don’t decompose easily when disposed to the environment). Non-biodegradable detergents are very harmful to the environment and if disposed without care, can have a negative effect on plants and animals as well as humans. Because commercial car wash companies deal with many cars, they know the danger that non-ecofriendly detergents pose to the environment. As a result, they use detergents that are efficient is cleaning cars but also friendly to the environment.

They encourage recycling

Commercial car wash companies are one of the key pioneers of recycling. Most of their car cleaning methods are geared towards using products that can be recycled. In fact, some companies that use advanced technology can even recycle the water they use to when cleaning vehicles. As we all know, recycling is very important to protecting the environment. The more we recycle products the cleaner we keep our environment. Instead of using disposable products, commercial car wash companies also use reusable cloths, which is great for the environment.

Proper disposal of waste products

In addition to ensuring that car washes use eco-friendly car cleaning methods, commercial car wash companies usually ensure that all their waste products are properly disposed. Unlike home car washes where most of the byproducts usually find their ways into rivers, commercial car wash companies treat all their waste products. The waste products are then disposed into proper channels to ensure that they don’t degrade the environment. They also follow the guidelines that have been put in place by the state to ensure that all their byproducts don’t effect the environment.

They offer professional advice to their clients

Conserving the environment is not just about following the guidelines that have been put in place by researchers. It’s also about educating people on how they can protect the environment by following eco-friendly methods. Most car owners use car-cleaning methods that are not eco-friendly because they either can’t afford the cleaning material or they simply don’t care. Commercial car wash companies usually give professional advice to their clients on what they need to do when cleaning their cars to ensure that they protect the environment. They do this this by advising them on specific types of detergents as well as cleaning materials.

Take into consideration that not every commercial car wash is going to be 100% on board with eco-friendly practices. All we can do is hope that one day all car wash companies will want to protect the environment and inform their customers as much as possible.

If you’re in Orlando and need your car washed come on by to Magic Suds Car wash!

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Chipped Car Paint | Orlando Carwash

Imagine you take your one and only car to your usual Orlando Carwash and after lots of dusting, scrubbing and rinsing, you notice the paint is starting to chip. Sucks huh? Car paint chipping is very normal these days and this can be blamed on the fact that water based paint are now being used more than lead based paint as they are environmentally friendly. It is also cost effective. Before finding out how to prevent your car paint from chipping, it would only make sense if you first knew what causes it.

The weather

The weather is the number one cause of car paint chipping. The weather is constantly changing. One day it’s hot, next day it’s cold. As your car gets exposed to these frequent weather changes, the paint expands and contracts and over time, the paint just starts peeling off.

Nature

Whenever you leave your car parked outside, it gets exposed to things like bird droppings, dust and moisture. Over exposure to these also causes the paint on your car to appear flaky and then over time it starts to peel off.

Accidents

It is very rare for a car involved in an accident to get out of it without a scratch. When a vehicle is involved in an accident and the paint is chipped in a certain area, the chipped paint are will most likely spread to other parts of the vehicle.

Low quality paints

Sometimes it is just the type of paint used that is unable to withstand these conditions. Water based paints used on vehicles just aren’t strong enough to withstand certain weather conditions for a long period of time.

Harsh chemicals

Taking your car for a wash is unavoidable. However, most of those cleaners used on your car also contribute to paint chipping because they are made from harsh chemicals.

Good news though, there is always a solution to everything. There are things you can do to prevent the paint on your car from wearing off. They include:

Clean your car thoroughly

Sometimes you want to save some money by washing your car yourself instead of taking it to a professional Orlando Carwash or any other car wash in your area. There is no problem with this as long as you have the best cleaning equipment and cleaners in your home. Never use a home detergent or scrub pads on your car as they only damage the paint.

Protect it from harsh weather conditions

This can be a little tricky especially if you do not have a garage for your car. However, you could always look into paying for a parking spot at your apartment or building a shed for your car if you own a piece of land. If you can’t do either of those things consider buying a vehicle cover.

Avoid bird droppings at all cost

While you cannot completely avoid bird droppings on your car, you can always minimize this by parking your car in an open place, far from tall trees. In case you do find some on your car, wipe it off with a clean soft cloth and some soap immediately to prevent any reaction from taking place. If you are unfortunate to have many droppings on your car take it to your local Orlando Carwash.

Avoid dusty/rocky roads if possible

Let’s say you are going upcountry to visit your old folks and the road there is rocky; it doesn’t mean that nothing can be done to protect the paint on your car. As you drive through those rocky paths, do so carefully until you reach your destination. After it gets dirty, a clean cloth should be used to clean it off.

Brake fluid and gas damage

You must be thinking there is no way brake fluid and gasoline can damage your car. However, as you refill you car, some of it may spill on the car surface which can also cause chipping.

If in any case your car’s paint starts chipping, you can always apply some touch-up paint to cover it up. You should be able to find any color you need in any body store. Finally, your car needs a monthly waxing to maintain that shine and the wax used varies from car to car. Make sure that it is high quality and don’t forget a buffing cloth too.

If your car was in an accident, you will need to hire a professional local body mechanic to have the issue fixed as required. Don’t forget about us, Magic Suds Carwash, your local Orlando Carwash!

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Leasing a car vs Buying a car | Orlando Car Wash

Car leasing is a relatively new concept and has gained huge popularity in the United States, where one in every four cars is owned by personal leasing. But, it is becoming increasingly known, as the payment generation now becomes used to paying for items such as gym memberships, phone bills and insurance on a monthly basis. With modern car sales on the rise, and the buyer’s urge to stay current, many people are thinking of leasing as a great way to get a new car for less. But is car leasing actually the best method to finance your car?

Car leasing, also called Personal Contract Hire, is specifically where you rent a vehicle for some years at a fixed price, and return it to the leaser at the end of the contract.

Personal Contract Hire gives you stress-free motoring without any depreciation risks related to traditional ownership. Personal Contract Hire is an alternative to HP or PCP, which consists of the cost of the car fully, or the depreciation of the car. This is because with HP or PCP, you will own the car at the conclusion of the term of payments, but with PCH, you just hand the car back.

If you don’t want to give up the car at the end of the lease there are now options to purchase after the lease is up. If this may be an option you are considering, don’t hesitate to ask a car salesman how much the residual value of the vehicle will be after the lease. The residual value is a set price that will remain the same over the duration of the lease. Once the lease is up you will have the option to buy the car or simply give it back to the dealership.

Buying or leasing, which is better?

People are often divided on this topic. Here at Orlando Car Wash, it’s entirely up to your own preference and circumstances. For people who would like to drive a new car and also keep up with the newest models, leasing is likely more attractive to you, as you can replace your car every three years and monthly payments are much lower than they would be if you financed a vehicle. However, if you want the car to be yours, and are pleased to keep it for some time between changes, purchasing is probably the best alternative for you.

Let’s consider each of the pros and cons.

Buying Pros

· Increases equity

· Cost of insurance decrease over time

· You can use trade-in amount to purchase a new car

· Don’t have to be disturbed about mileage limits

· Ownership implies monthly payments will finally stop after the car’s cost has been paid

· Free to accessories/modify as you want

Leasing Pros

· Down payment is usually non-existent/low

· Many warranties last for 3 years (the normal period of a lease agreement)

· Monthly payments are lower when compared to loan payments

· Very easy to get than a loan even with your bad credit rating

· Costs of maintenance are low

· No depreciation worries

· You can be claimed it as a tax deduction in case you have a business

Buying Cons

· Maintenance costs will increase over time and can include costly repair bills

· Car depreciates in value quickly

· Monthly payments are initially higher than leasing

· Down payment can be large

· If buying a used car from a non-reputable dealer or buying privately, there can be uncertainty about a car’s history

Leasing Cons

· Rate of insurance higher to cover gap insurance

· For those whose leased cars consist of down payment, you’ll pay that cost each time you obtain a new lease

· Added fees as you exchange the old car for a new car

· Depreciation cost are often factored into the monthly payments, instead of remaining with the dealer

· Additional fees for damage are normal

· You will often get monthly payments

· Mileage can as well result in added costs

The listed pros and cons look a bit equal, as there are drawbacks and benefits to both options. We at Magic Suds, Orlando Car Wash found that in a short period of three years (the lease typical length), leasing was generally the cheapest option. But, spread over ten years, purchasing was significantly inexpensive, as you will reap the ownership’s benefits over a more prolonged length period

The question now is, are we to buy or not to buy?

We believe there’s no any clear-cut guideline as to which option is perfect, as there are benefits and setbacks to leasing and buying. Most of the option is down to your own preference.

But generally, if a car has a depreciation value that high, then you would be better off leasing, while if a car has a less depreciation value, then you’d be good buying and enjoying the benefits in future when you come to sell it.

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How a windshield damage spreads and when to patch or replace it | Magic Suds Car Wash

When driving along a rough stretch, chances are that something will bounce off on your windshield, causing it to develop a dime-sized chip right before your eyes. And not only does this crack block your vision, but it also poses a great inconvenience because it will most likely spread across the entire windshield like wildfire.

But before you consult Magic Suds Car Wash, remember to equip yourself with knowledge on how cracks spread on windshields and whether or not these damages require a replacement.

A chip or a crack on your windshield, so what next?

In the old days, a chip or crack meant a replacement of the windshield. Thankfully, this isn’t the case anymore because modern technology has made it easier to replace windshields that would otherwise have been scrapped off. This kind of technology saves you money and ultimately your windshield.

However, you should also be aware of the fact that even the most advanced of glass repair technologies sometimes have their own limits. This means that if your windshield has encountered severe damage, you must be ready to replace it then.

windshield damage

The things that make the damage spread like wildfire

Unfortunately, when you encounter a chip or crack on your windshield, certain elements will keep the damage spreading to other parts of the screen. If you are not careful, that windshield will be rendered useless, thus prompting a replacement.

Moisture is the number one culprit for spreading damage. Since windshields are typically made of two layers of glass with vinyl in between, there’s a tendency of moisture building up in that space. Water or moisture finding way into the damaged part can weaken the structural integrity of the windshield. What is more, if the temperature happens to drop, the moisture will form ice thus putting pressure on the whole windshield and damaging it in the process.

Secondly, if dirt finds its way into your windshield, it will weaken it. This is why you should frequently consult Magic Suds Car Wash to get rid of any dirt that may threaten the lifespan of your car’s windshield. And just in case this happens, find a clear tape and apply it on the damaged part. It will provide temporary protection. This should not be seen as an excuse to delay repairs.

Finally, unfavorable temperatures which involve a scorching sun time combined with a powerful air conditioner can cause further damage. In fact, if your windshield is already damaged, the difference between the inside and outside temperature will put pressure on it, thereby causing further damage. And of course bumps on the road will vigorously shake the broken part, thus weakening the entire windshield structurally.

So, do you have to get it patched or repaired instead?

It will depend on the size, location and even severity of the damage in question. Most repair shops will do a good job in tackling quarter-sized rock chips in addition to cracks that are up to 3 inches long. However, if the damage is beyond these limits, then a replacement will be recommended.

Nevertheless, you should also note that some facilities take it a notch higher by using a special technology which is capable of repairing cracks of up to 12 inches wide. Because of this, you should generally shop around before settling on the decision to buy a new windshield.

Other situations that might force you to replace your windshield

Some facilities will not repair chips when they appear directly within the driver’s line of vision. This is because the repair process often leaves behind minor distortions that might be treated as an interference with the driver’s line of vision. As a result, these facilities will recommend a replacement.

Generally, the effectiveness and clarity of the repair process depends on the severity of the damage. In most cases, the elements that cause the damage to spread are things that can be controlled by you. For this reason, it’s always advisable to protect the damaged area from dirt which has been known to spread damage further.

Finally, if the windshield was involved in some kind of a big impact, it could be rendered useless. If a big object hit and damaged it beyond repair, you could be left with no option but to replace it. The same applies to when you get involved in an accident.

Conclusion

Do not delay repairs because it will ultimately cost you. Some drivers delay repairing their windshields because they think they’re saving money. However, the problem comes to haunt them back when they realize that they have to replace the entire thing altogether. So do your math and salvage the situation before it’s too late.

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TIPS & TRICKS TO KNOW WHEN YOUR CAR NEEDS SERVICE | WINTER PARK CAR WASH

Car trouble can be very frustrating and expensive especially for people who rely on their vehicle to get around on a daily basis. However, being able to tell if a problem with your car is serious and in need of immediate service can save you extraordinary amount of time, hassle and money. So without further ado, if you want to know the warning signs that your vehicle is in dire need of a trip to the garage particularly Winter park car wash, look no further than these 7 signs.

1. Leaks

Any leaks underneath your vehicle are an indication that your car needs to be serviced as soon as possible especially if the leaks keep occurring. You can tell your vehicle is leaking from spills when you move it from where it’s normally parked. Look out for a dark colored stain for engine oil, transmission oil or brake fluid leaks towards the front of the car or any unusual leaking from the car exhaust pipe.

2. Excessive smoke from the exhaust system

Only minimal smoke should be emitted from the exhaust. So if you see excessive smoke from the exhaust it could be a sign of a problem with the exhaust system or an oil leak. On the other hand, a black residue near the exhaust pipe is an indication that the car needs service. However, a little more white smoke during the transition to cold winter months should not worry you because it’s normal and usually subsides as the engine temperature increases.

3. Strange noises

If your vehicle is making strange noises whilst driving, trouble might not be far behind which means your car needs service. Common culprits include brakes squealing and grinding loudly when applied, droning or dragging sounds or the engine sounding louder than normal. Any squealing noises would certainly be an indication of worn brake pads while the droning sounds indicate an issue with a wheel (maybe an unbalanced tire). Whatever the reason, noise is not good especially if it wast there previously.

4. Flashing engine light

If your engine warning light located on your car’s dashboard is flashing, it is an indicator of a major problem with one of your car’s systems. If the warning light is flashing, you may need to get your car serviced immediately, but if it is merely illuminated, then you should book your car in for a service to get the engine checked out sooner rather than later. Flashing engine light could be an indication of a serious problem such as a transmission failure.

5. Smoke or steam from under the bonnet

No car should ever have any type of smoke or steam coming from under the bonnet. Even a few wisps of smoke could be an indication of an overheating issue which is likely to damage the engine if ignored. Blue smoke coming from your car bonnet caused by burning oil calls for immediate car service as it can be very expensive if not fixed early enough.

6. Abnormal vibrations

Any sudden appearance of a vibration that is not due to rough road conditions is usually a red flag. Abnormal vibrations could be due to worn or unbalanced tires, worn brake pads or discs, failing universal joint, a suspension problem, a tire going flat or an issue with the steering. Whichever the reason, make sure your car get booked in with a professional mechanic from Winter park car wash as soon as you can as it is not safe to drive in this condition.

7. Poor fuel mileage

When you feel like you are getting fewer miles out of a gallon of gas yet you usually feel the gas tank often and you are driving the same distance then your car might be experiencing poor fuel mileage. A reduction in fuel mileage means your car is not operating as efficiently as it is supposed to. This could be due to a sticking pad or improper tire pressure and is a sign that your car needs some servicing before a much worse problem occurs.

Bottom Line

Car services are a fundamental part of looking after your car and need not be stressful or exorbitantly expensive. So, if any of these signs fit your car’s recent behavior it just might be trying to tell you something- like it is finally time for a tune-up. So book in for a regular service today with Winter Park car wash to extend the life and performance of your car.

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REASONS WHY A PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH IS ALWAYS YOUR BEST OPTION | ORLANDO CAR WASH

Some people make it a point to clean their own vehicles every weekend. It’s almost as if the task is somewhat of a ritual. They wake up at around 9:30 a.m. every Saturday morning in order to get the job done, before it gets too hot outside. After brushing their teeth, throwing on some comfortable clothes and gathering all of their supplies, they head outside to complete their task.

Although this scenario doesn’t happen the same exact way for everyone, many people take part in a very similar course of action. Even though nothing is wrong with people washing their own cars, they are missing out by not choosing to patronize a car wash at least every once in a while. There are several benefits that can come from soliciting the help of a professional car wash.

First of all, going to a professional will give people the opportunity to take a break. As mentioned before, many people only have the time to clean their vehicles during the weekend. This means they can’t relax as much as they might want to. Instead, they have to take time out of their Saturday or Sunday to clean their automobile. This many not seem like a big deal to some people, but it can really make a difference.

Imagine someone who had an extremely hard and stressful week at work. The entire time, they were looking forward to getting home and relaxing during the weekend. They didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything, expect watch television and catch up on sleep. However, because their vehicle needed washing they had to interrupt their time of relaxation in order to complete the task. To some people, the only thing worse than not getting enough rest is having their rest broken.

Some might say that visiting a car wash isn’t the answer, because the person would still have to get up and take their car to the establishment. This may be true, but there is a big difference between someone breaking their rest to drop their vehicle off and someone breaking their rest and having to do the task on their own.

Another benefit of going to a professional car wash is that it provides the best opportunity for a truly professional cleaning. That’s because professionals possess the proper supplies, equipment and skill level to ensure that there is a high quality outcome. Of course, some people purchase their own supplies, but 9 times out of 10, they won’t have the top quality materials most professionals have.

So, people shouldn’t be so quick to shun car wash businesses, because they see them as a waste of money. These entities actually provide some great benefits to customers. They give people a much-needed break as well as provide them with a quality vehicle cleaning.

If you want to receive car wash services that will provide you with the best full service auto detailing and cleaning, take your SUV, truck, car, or van to a reputable washing service. This type of service can provide your vehicle with precision cleaning and detail services from a highly trained staff that is committed to helping you drive in a cleaner vehicle. Call and find out the options available to you.

The best car washes will come from a professional staff that is experienced in handling all models and makes of vehicles, both domestic and foreign. The services you may receive may range from expert hand washing and detailing of a luxury or antique vehicle to cleaning the toughest and filthiest commercial vehicles.

Many people are unaware of the benefits of a professional car wash as opposed to using an average backyard hose to wash their vehicle. Many tests done at a popular university indicate that the average hose in our backyards does not supply an adequate supply of water in addition to detergent action to avoid causing damage to a vehicle’s finish. Many of the brushes that hook to a hose that are purchased from an automotive supply dealer or a local hardware store employ the most harmful method of washing a vehicle. This brush used along with the low water pressure that comes from a garden hose can cause a significant amount of destruction to an automobile’s finish.

Tests also indicate that methods used at professional Orlando car wash leaves the finish of a vehicle virtually unharmed. Findings also indicate that large amounts of specialized detergents and water used, leaves the reflectance meter readings and sophisticated gloss from vehicle with new finishes exactly the same prior and following several months of normal washing received at a professional company.

A professional team will not only supply you with a wide range of options to get your vehicle cleaner but will also help maintain the finish of your vehicle. You can get the interior as well as the exterior cleaned, and sparkling like new. Visit their website for additional information to learn of their line of full service options or call and schedule and appointment to take your vehicle in for cleaning and detailing services.

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CAR CLEANING & MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR PET OWNERS | ORLANDO CAR WASH

Whether you are a cat person, a dog person, or both, you will agree that your four-legged furry animals are very good companions that sometimes can be quite messy. If there is always a ball of fur moving across your car’s floors or you are constantly wiping out their paw prints, do not worry. There are a lot of car cleaning/maintenance tips for pet owners. Besides, you can hire a professional service such as Orlando car wash to assist with this. Remember having a dirty car can be a major pain especially if you need to take loved ones for dinner and none of them wants to sit on the pet’s hair or old urine stains. Here are a few tips to help.

· Remove the pets hair using a glove – Although this might seem obvious, at times it does not work especially with stubborn pet hair that is just sticking onto your car due to static electricity. Start by removing the bulk of hair using a vacuum then use other techniques to get rid of stubborn ones. Apart from vacuum cleaners, other techniques that you may apply include balloon static, spray and fabric softener. Using a fabric softener helps loosen the hair by making it easy to be removed. Just mix 1 cup of water with 3 teaspoons of softener and spray your car seat. Next, wipe it down. Once it is dry you can use a vacuum to remove the hair. But sometimes what you require is a strong force which in this case is a balloon. Just get a large balloon and rub it on your hair then glide it over the seats to attract the hair. It is that simple and easy.

· Use rubber gloves or brushes – For this process, you need a stiff brush, a typical dryer sheet, and rubber gloves. The first step is to run the dryer sheet over the place where you want to clean. This process will ensure that the pet hair is softened. Next, brush the hair off using a brush and then dispose of it. However, if this is not effective, put on kitchen rubber gloves with slightly raised tips on your fingers and roll the hair with the raised tips of the gloves. Although this works just well if the gloves does not have raised finger tips, the whole process might be a lot harder than you thought. Apart from rubber gloves, silicon gloves commonly used in the garden also works well. If you are dealing with stubborn hair, you should get the services of a professional cleaner such as Orlando car wash.

· Cleaning pet urine - No matter how much you train your pet, accidents will happen. If you immediately respond to urine accidents you can minimize the damage. Use a terry cloth towel to absorb most of the urine but after that, you still need to clean the area using, at least, some water and four drops of dishwater liquid to remove what is remaining and the smell. Once you have washed the area rinse it well with clean water and towel. You can also place 15 to 20 paper towels on the area and use books as weights to absorb the moisture from the cleaned surface. Ensure that you change the paper towels frequently until the area is completely dry.

· Cleaning pet stains – Cleaning stains due to the pet’s urine, blood, and vomit from your pet can be a great challenge especially if the stains have been there for a while. Since these stains can cause wear and tear to the car, employing a professional cleaner such as Orlando car wash can really help with some of these stains. If you are not sure about the process avoid using steam cleaners as they might end up damaging your car more or even make the stains impossible to remove. Since there are many products designed specifically to remove these stains it is imperative that you consult a professional who have the necessary experience and expertise on how to follow the instructions. Professionals are not only well trained in the cleaning methods, but are screened, bonded, and insured so that you do not need to fear in case any damage occurs to your car. Remember some of the chemicals used for cleaning can also be harmful making it much better to leave the professionals to handle them

In sum, if you have tried cleaning your car without any success due to stubborn stains, hair or pet “accidents”, then maybe it’s high time you got your car professionally cleaned by a cleaning company such as Orlando car wash.

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