2013 New Car Models

2012 is coming to a close, and it has been a great year for cars.  Here is a great video that shows some images of the 2013 concept cars.  Do you have any cars you have your eyes on for next year?

Car Themed Holiday Gifts

Here are ten gifts that are great for the car lover in your life.   All of these gifts are under $100 dollars and are great for all ages.  There is everything from a headrest mount to a car organizer.  Do you have any gifts for the car lover in your life.

Here are 10 gifts that are based on the car, listed in alphabetical order. Our choices run the gamut from functional to fun, and each comes with a price tag of less than $100.


Bracketron Universal Tablet Headrest Mount, $39.95: With this handy headrest mount, rear passengers can set up an iPad (or any other tablet) for a hands-free viewing experience. The mount clasps securely to the driver or front-passenger headrest and is easy to remove and install.


Cobra BT 225 Tag Alarm, $59.99: Anyone who's ever lost his or her keys or smartphone will see the value in this device. This Bluetooth-enabled key fob works with Android or BlackBerry smartphones and helps make sure you don't misplace your phone or keys by sounding an alarm when the two are separated.


CommuteMate CellCup Auto Organizer, $10.09: If you have someone on your gift list who's on the obsessive-compulsive, anal-retentive end of the spectrum, he or she will probably appreciate this handy little invention from CommuteMate. Designed to fit within a standard cupholder, this organizer keeps things like cell phones, keychains, loose change and MP3 players securely stashed and within easy reach.


Dream Garages International by Lee Klancher, $35: Gearheads love looking at photos of gorgeous cars, and there are plenty to enjoy in Dream Garages International. Journeying from Europe to Australia to North America to Japan, this tome spotlights some of the world's most envy-inspiring automobile collections.


Instant Bench Seat Cover, $94: Anyone who's ever taken man's best friend along for a ride knows that a car's backseat can quickly fall victim to pet hair and paw marks. This tufted, machine-washable seat cover repels hair and moisture. Elastic straps and metal clips keep it firmly in place.


Motormouse Computer Mouse, $49.95 and up: This wireless computer mouse allows users to get their hands on something four-wheeled and sporty every time they fire up their computers. It's available in Porsche 911 and Mini Cooper versions, with real rubber tires, chrome alloy wheels and a high-quality paint finish.


Park Smart Garage Wall Guard, $17.95: Park a car in a tight garage and it means ingress and egress have to be handled gingerly to avoid dinging and scratching the car door. Measuring more than 2 feet long, half a foot tall and nearly three-quarter-inch thick, this guard fits on the wall of the garage. It's made of soft plastic that allows the door to contact the wall without unsightly consequences.


Prius Sun Visor Nav Cap, $35.99: Who doesn't know someone who owns and loves a Prius? One thing Prius owners complain about is the fact that the car's navigation screen washes out in bright sunlight. This navigation hood solves that problem by eliminating unwanted glare.


Retro Heated Travel Mug, $19.22: Some people love getting the day started with a steaming cup of Joe, and sometimes they enjoy that cup while braving the daily commute. In such cases, this heated mug — which plugs into a car's 12-volt adapter and comes with a helpful analog temperature gauge — can help make sure the morning pick-me-up stays piping hot.


SuperTooth HD, $67.98: Text-to-speech functionality allows you to listen to incoming text messages via your car's sound system and send outgoing texts via voice commands. It's the hot new thing for the connected set. SuperTooth HD combines this technology with standard Bluetooth, allowing the user to text or talk on the phone without taking his hands off the wheel. 

For more information see Edmunds.

Improve Your Gas Mileage

Improving your gas mileage is something that everyone wants to do.  Here are some tips and tricks to make your car go the extra mile.  Make sure to keep your car clean because that can help your gas mileage up to 7 percent.

Don't top off your tank, even if you're sure your next fill-up will cost more. Once the nozzle clicks off, any additional gas winds up in the hose, back in the storage tank, or down the side of you vehicle.
 
Don't idle. If you're stuck in traffic for more than a minute, shut off the engine.
 
Don't park in the sun. Heat speeds fuel evaporation, even while the vehicle sits.
 
Don't drive dirty. Keeping a car clean and waxed improves aerodynamics and mileage (up to 7 percent.)
 
Don't leave your windows down on the highway, where the A/C is more efficient because open windows cause drag.
 
Do drive the speel limit. Each mile you drive over 60mph is like paying 20 cents more a gallon of gas
 
Do avoid quick starts and stops. They can decrease mileage as much as 5 percont.
 
Do remove any extra weight. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk cuts mileage by 1 to two percent. Detach the roof rack to minimize drag.
 
Do leave your windows down when driving around town instead of using the air conditioner.







Click here for more information on gas mileage.

Frequent Car Washes in Winter

The snow has started to fall in Pittsburgh and that means your car is about to be covered in ice, salt, and slush.  Frequent car washes this winter will be the best investment to get the best value out of your car.  Keep reading to learn how frequent winter car washes can help you.

It's that time of year again. Winter is approaching which means preparing your car for some nasty weather elements. If you live in snow country, you'll likely have snow tires put on to prevent your car from sliding off the road. If you live in a region where salt is used on the roads, you may consider getting an extra layer of coating to protect your undercarriage so it doesn't rust. And, with all the acid rain, road grease, and other unsavory elements that will attack your car this winter, getting a wax job to protect your paint might be a good idea.

So why do we invest so much time and money in protecting our car when winter approaches? There are a number of reasons, all of which are equally important. First off, preventative car care protects our automobiles so they last longer, also preserving resale value. Secondly, taking care of our vehicles prevents having costly repairs and frightening breakdowns. An overwhelming majority of car owners seem to know what to do, and why, when it comes to car care.

Then why is it the overwhelming majority of car owners seldom wash their cars on a regular basis? The irony here is that keeping your car clean (for under $10 every couple of weeks) has many significant financial and environmental benefits as well, especially when performed by a professional car wash.

Let's start with the financial rewards. In today's environment, on the best of days, our cars are subjected to sun, salt from the sea, road grease, dead bugs, bird poop and smog. On bad days, our cars are subjected to salt from snow trucks, acid rain, tree sap, road slush and mud.

Any one of these elements can eat away at a car's metal, chrome and paint. Corrosion will occur and rust will appear under the carriage, in wheel wells, even in parts under the hood. It may not be noticeable right away, but over time it will degrade your car, diminishing its resale value. When it comes time to sell or trade you'll be quite disappointed at how little your car is worth and how much you've lost financially. By having your car washed monthly, not only do you protect your investment and save money, you also ensure your continued freedom to go anywhere and do anything, not to mention your personal safety and security while on the road.

Did you know that nearly $24 billion a year is spent on battling car corrosion damage? This cost is absorbed by you, the consumer, in three ways; funding automakers efforts to research corrosion-resistant paints and coatings; fixing damage to your own vehicle caused by road and sea salt; or corrosion-related depreciation of cars. Go to www.corrosioncost.com/pdf/motorvehicles.pdf for more information.

There is another important reason to keep your car professionally washed, protecting the environment. In 1972, the government established the Clean Water Act, which mandated professional car washes to pipe dirty water to treatment facilities or into state-approved drainage facilities.
Washing your car at home pollutes the environment — soap and road grime such as oils, tar, and dirt washed from your car ends up in storm sewers that flow into lakes, streams and rivers. In fact, many North American cities have even banned charity car-washing events, which result in soapy discharge and wasted water. Regardless of all the other reasons mentioned, the environmental issue should be consideration enough. After all, these lakes, streams and rivers could be those in which your children swim, or where you fish, or perhaps even live. Keeping them clean ensures a healthier future for all of us.

Another consideration is this: a professional car wash uses about 32 gallons per car. Studies have shown that a 45-minute car wash at home can use more than 300 gallons of water. Who pays your water bills?

Treat your car the way you want it to treat you. Add a professional car wash to your monthly chores. With some 75,000 professional car washes nationwide, there's just no excuse to skip it. And bring the kids. They're never too young to start learning the value of good auto maintenance, inside and out.






For more information see Road and Travel.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you are thankful for.

Black Friday Sales

Check out Mr. Magic's Awesome Black Friday Sales!

Don't DIY A Car Wash

 Did you know that washing your car at home can waste money and hurt the environment.  Car washing is one thing you do not want to "do it yourself."  Keep reading to find out more about why commercial car wash's are better for you, your car, and the environment. 

Doing it yourself is a popular green technique often undertaken by yourself and others like yourself. Sometimes, however, it is best to leave things to the professionals. Don't practice medicine on yourself. Don't get behind the cockpit of plane with no flight experience, even if you think that you know the greenest way to get somewhere and don't wash your own car at home.

I know. That last one doesn't seem to fit. It seems like a commercial car wash with all its mechanical polishers and high-powered nozzles would be a giant drain on the environment, but it is you and your little bucket of suds that does more damage to the ecosystem.

"What?" you say. Let me explain. A commercial car wash is zoned for washing cars. When the dirt, muck, grease and oil is blasted off your ride at your neighborhood car wash, that grimy water goes into the sewers where it is treated and cleaned. When you wash your car at home, the grimy, soapy water full of chemicals goes right into the storm drain and can end up in a lake or an ocean without being treated. The soapy water can trigger excess algae growth which causes a drastic decline in water quality.

Home washing can also use two to three times as much water. Not only is washing your car at home dirtier, it is also more wasteful. So don't take lathers into your own hands when it comes to washing your car, leave that to the professionals.

For more information TLC.

10 Easy Ways to Winterize Your Car

Even though it was eighty degrees last week, it has quickly dropped temperatures.  Pittsburgh is excepting snow in the next week or so.  This means it is time to winterize your car.  This will keep you safe and your car in good shape throughout the harsh winter months.


1. Get the right kind of oil change. Are you approaching the time for a 30,000-mile full service for your vehicle? If so, don’t procrastinate! Among other things, the service should include an oil change, and the oil used should have the right viscosity, or thickness, for your vehicle at this time of year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Check your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures. 

2. Make sure you can see. When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. Here’s another important step to take before you find yourself struggling to see in a blinding storm: Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid. (Plain water won’t do the trick at this time of year because it freezes.) Also check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.  

3. Give your battery a little TLC. This is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge. Granted, you might be able to find a Good Samaritan to help you jump-start your vehicle in the middle of a blizzard — but wouldn’t you rather avoid such a scenario altogether?

4. Examine your belts and hoses. When you have that full service done on your vehicle, make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear — even if you’re driving a modern car. Cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses, so they deserve attention.

5. Check your tire pressure. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction as you drive along — and traction is often severely jeopardized in wet, snowy or icy conditions. The air pressure in your tires has likely dropped as the weather has gotten colder, so it’s important to see where things stand now. (You can generally expect that you’ll lose 1 pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.) Again, your trusty owner’s manual will tell you what your target tire pressure should be.

6. Think about switching to snow tires. Do you live in a hilly place that gets its fair share of snow? Then you might want to improve traction even more by investing in winter tires and using them over the next few months instead of your usual all-season tires. When shopping around for snow tires, ask about all the fees that might come into play, such as fees for mounting and balancing. You can accomplish this easily and make accurate cost comparisons by asking each store for the “out the door charge.”

7. Do you have four-wheel drive? If so, it’s important to check the status of your four-wheel-drive system and be sure it’s working correctly — especially because most drivers don’t use their 4WD systems in the pleasant summer months. Be sure that the system engages and disengages easily, and that all drivers in your household know how and when to activate the system.


8. Get the antifreeze mixture just right. Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures. It’s easy to check the status of the mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which you can pick up at any auto parts store. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed. Be sure you’re equipped to dispose of your old antifreeze properly if you do this job yourself. It can’t just be poured down the drain.

9. Prepare an emergency kit. Store this stuff in your trunk during the winter months, especially if a road trip is in your future:

• a blanket
• extra boots and gloves
• an extra set of warm clothes
• extra water and food, including hard candies
• an ice scraper
• a small shovel
• a flashlight
• windshield washer fluid
• windshield wipers
• flares
• jumper cables
• a tool kit
• tire chains
• a tire gauge
• a spare tire with air in it
• tire-changing equipment
• a first-aid kit
• paper towels
• a bag of abrasive material such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter, which can provide additional traction if a tire gets stuck in snow.
• Also, keep the gas tank as full as you can to prevent the gas lines from freezing.

10. Know what to do if you get stranded. Don’t wander away from your car unless you’re completely sure about where you are and how far away help is. Light two flares and situate them at each end of your vehicle to call attention to your plight. Put on the extra clothes and use the blanket to stay warm. If you have enough gas in the tank, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes for each hour you’re waiting for help. Leave at least one window open a little bit so that snow and ice don’t seal the car shut. Suck on a hard candy to prevent your mouth from getting too dry.

 For more information see Today.com

Cars Can Even Join In For Trick or Treating at This Event

This Saturday from 4pm to 6pm at Mt. Nebo Pointe your car can even join in on the Halloween spirit. Decorate the trunk of your car for Halloween, and your kids can go from car to car to collect delicious candy.  There are even prizes for the car that is decorated best.

What’s “Trunk or Treat”? It’s a spooky good time for the whole family at Mt. Nebo Pointe!

Bring your kids, park your car at Mt. Nebo Pointe, decorate your trunk Halloween-style, and stroll from trunk to trunk collecting candy and prizes– it’s Trunk or Treat! It’s safe, different, and fun! And you can win prizes for your decorated trunk! 
Grand Prize:  $200 Target Gift Card, 2 free haircut tickets to Sport Clips at Mt. Nebo Pointe, $25 Double Wide Grill Gift Card, and Great Clips Basket of Product plus Four FREE haircuts.
Two Runner Up Prizes: $50 Target gift card and 2 free haircut tickets to Sports Clips at Mt. Nebo Pt. 
Parents: Display your trunk-tastic Halloween decorating skills (you must register to do so) or just bring your kids  - in Halloween costumes, of course - and let them Trunk-or-Treat (no registration needed). Participation in the decorating contest is NOT required to bring your children to the event. However, children must be accompanied by an adult.
To enter your decorated trunk, click here to download a registration form. Register for FREE by sending your completed form to the email, fax, or address on the form. Space is limited to 100 cars so be sure to register early. 
Kids: Show off your Halloween costume, and Trunk-or-Treat for candy and prizes among the decorated cars at Mt. Nebo Pointe!  Pittsburgh’s Country Station, Y108 will be giving away candy, haunted house tickets and signed Pirates and Steelers merchandise from the Y108 van!  Just remember, you must be accompanied by your parents if you’re Trunk-or-Treating.

For more information see Mt Nebo Pointe.

Protect Your Car Against Winter

 The weather is constantly changing in the fall months, and soon snow will be falling in Pittsburgh.  Do not forget about your car this winter as snow and ice continually hit the exterior of your car.  Make sure to follow these tips to protect your car against the harsh weather.


1. Over the winter many people don't pay too much attention to their cars. But there are a few things you can do to help keep your car looking sharp over the long term. For one, get rid of the salt. Don't let salt sit on the paint, undercarriage or carpets. Secondly, use care when removing snow and ice. You can easily scratch and scuff the paint, though you probably won't notice till spring. 

2. For the exterior, make sure you apply a good coat of wax before the weather changes. Better yet, use a polymer paint sealant, which is a synthetic product that affords the same protection as a wax, but it lasts six times longer. A good wax or paint sealant will protect your car from oxidation, rust and corrosion.

3. On any car, if the paint shows any signs of oxidation or has any surface scratches or scuffs, you may want to consider buffing the car prior to applying the wax or paint sealant. Buffing is most often best left to the professional, but a prepared and experienced amateur can do it too. Buffing is performed with a high- speed machine and various compounds and polishes. It can bring back the luster in an oxidized or dull paint surface, as well as remove some minor blemishes. 

4. The interior of a car needs TLC too. Try getting winter floor mats. These can be as simple as a
rubber version available at a hardware or auto supply store, or they can be the custom sized versions that afford more coverage. On the driver side, make sure the mat does not interfere with the brake, gas and clutch pedals.

5. You can also apply a leather or fabric protector to seats, carpets and mats. These products won't keep things from getting dirty, but they will make cleaning easier. Some fabric protectors are water based, and some oil based. The oil based will last longer, though it may be harder to find. Of course you should apply these products only to clean surfaces.

For more information see the Patch.

Best Practices in Getting Ice Off Your Car

Hitting your windshield with a broom or sitting for an hour waiting for your car to defrost is not the easiest way to get ice off your windshield.  Here are the best steps to defrosting your windshield quickly and easily. 

1. • Turn on the car and turn on the windshield defroster.
     
     
   • 2
     Brush the loose snow off the windshield with a broom.
     
     
   • 3
     Pour rubbing alcohol or deicer into a clean spray bottle.
     
     
   • 4
     Coat the ice with rubbing alcohol or deicer, according to thesimpledollar.com.
     
     
   • 5
     To scrape, start at the bottom of the windshield. Hold the ice scraper firmly with one hand. Place the other hand on the upper part of the handle. Set the blade against the ice at a 45-degree angle. Use short back and forth motions to loose and remove the ice.
     
     
   •   6
     Brush off loose pieces of ice with the broom.

Read more at ehow.

Benefits of Car Washing in the Winter

 Mr. Magic has a Groupon and Yelp deal going on right now, but do you still need more convincing on reasons to wash your car?  Here are some facts about car washing and how a professional car wash is the way to go in the winter time.

It's that time of year again. Winter is approaching which means preparing your car for some nasty weather elements. If you live in snow country, you'll likely have snow tires put on to prevent your car from sliding off the road. If you live in a region where salt is used on the roads, you may consider getting an extra layer of coating to protect your undercarriage so it doesn't rust. And, with all the acid rain, road grease, and other unsavory elements that will attack your car this winter, getting a wax job to protect your paint might be a good idea.

So why do we invest so much time and money in protecting our car when winter approaches? There are a number of reasons, all of which are equally important. 

First off, preventative car care protects our automobiles so they last longer, also preserving resale value. Secondly, taking care of our vehicles prevents having costly repairs and frightening breakdowns. An overwhelming majority of car owners seem to know what to do, and why, when it comes to car care.

Then why is it the overwhelming majority of car owners seldom wash their cars on a regular basis? The irony here is that keeping your car clean (for under $10 every couple of weeks) has many significant financial and environmental benefits as well, especially when performed by a professional car wash.

Let's start with the financial rewards. In today's environment, on the best of days, our cars are subjected to sun, salt from the sea, road grease, dead bugs, bird poop and smog. On bad days, our cars are subjected to salt from snow trucks, acid rain, tree sap, road slush and mud.

Any one of these elements can eat away at a car's metal, chrome and paint. Corrosion will occur and rust will appear under the carriage, in wheel wells, even in parts under the hood. It may not be noticeable right away, but over time it will degrade your car, diminishing its resale value. When it comes time to sell or trade you'll be quite disappointed at how little your car is worth and how much you've lost financially. By having your car washed monthly, not only do you protect your investment and save money, you also ensure your continued freedom to go anywhere and do anything, not to mention your personal safety and security while on the road.

Did you know that nearly $24 billion a year is spent on battling car corrosion damage? This cost is absorbed by you, the consumer, in three ways; funding automakers efforts to research corrosion-resistant paints and coatings; fixing damage to your own vehicle caused by road and sea salt; or corrosion-related depreciation of cars.

There is another important reason to keep your car professionally washed, protecting the environment. In 1972, the government established the Clean Water Act, which mandated professional car washes to pipe dirty water to treatment facilities or into state-approved drainage facilities.

Washing your car at home pollutes the environment — soap and road grime such as oils, tar, and dirt washed from your car ends up in storm sewers that flow into lakes, streams and rivers. In fact, many North American cities have even banned charity car-washing events, which result in soapy discharge and wasted water. Regardless of all the other reasons mentioned, the environmental issue should be consideration enough. After all, these lakes, streams and rivers could be those in which your children swim, or where you fish, or perhaps even live. Keeping them clean ensures a healthier future for all of us.

Another consideration is this: a professional car wash uses about 32 gallons per car. Studies have shown that a 45-minute car wash at home can use more than 300 gallons of water. Who pays your water bills?

Treat your car the way you want it to treat you. Add a professional car wash to your monthly chores. With some 75,000 professional car washes nationwide, there's just no excuse to skip it. And bring the kids. They're never too young to start learning the value of good auto maintenance, inside and out. 

For more information see Road and Travel Magazine.

Don't Forget About Our Groupon

Does your car need washed?  Here is a great way to save on a current wash and two future washes!  Make sure to check out our groupon and get a great car wash deal.

 To claim this deal go to Groupon!

How to Keep Your Car New?

 CarWash.com has all the information about how to keep your car new.  Besides regularly taking your car through a professional car wash, there are some more tricks to keep your car as clean as the day you bought it.

All-Weather Floor Mats: Nothing spoils the appearance of the interior more than the old worn out and stained floor mats that came with your car. Replace them with custom fit rubber floor mats. They'll protect your carpets for the life of the car, and also be much easier to clean. These are available from your dealer or WeatherTech.
 
Cargo Liners: Protects your trunk and cargo area from wear and tear. If you haul a lot of stuff or have pets, these are a must. Custom fit liners are available from your dealer, or WeatherTech as above.
 
Sheepskin Seat Covers: They protect your seats from wear and tear, and they're much more comfortable than vinyl and leather. No more hot seats in the summer, or cold seats in the winter. Custom fit covers and pads available from AutoSport.
 
Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric Protector: Protects your fabric upholstery and carpet from stains caused by spilled liquids. The liquid will "bead" on the fabric where it can be blotted up with a towel instead of absorbing into the fibers. If you have fabric upholstery and small children or pets, this is a must. Best applied when the car is new, or after the upholstery has been cleaned. I charge $35.00 for this added service on most cars.          
 
Convertible Tops: If your car is a convertible, please follow the instructions in the owner's manual to prevent damage to the top. If water doesn't "bead" on your top, it needs to be cleaned properly and waterproofed with protectant. Convertible tops are expensive to repair or replace, but with the proper care can last the life of the car.
 
Keep Your Car Garaged: Keep your car out of the sun whenever possible. Exposure to the hot sun will dry out the paint, plastic, rubber, upholstery, etc., and cause everything to fade and discolor over time. Add to this the damage caused by acid rain, fallout, tree sap, bird droppings and other contaminants, it's easy to see why keeping your car garaged is so beneficial.
 
Wash and Wax Your Car Often: Wash your car often to remove contaminants before they can damage the paint. Then to keep your car looking its best, I recommend you have it cleaned and waxed with an Express Detail at least once a year if it's garaged, or at least every six months if it's left outside.

For more information see Carwash.com

Keep Your Engine in The Perfect Shape

The proper care of the parts of your car is just as important as the detailing.  Here are some great ways to tune up your engine, and to make sure it is always in proper working order.

Take Care of the Basics

Replacing spark plugs, timing belts, hoses and filters at proper intervals require attention from a mechanic who is well-qualified with the latest service bay tools and technology.


Cars Aren't What They used to Be

Today's engine requires more than just a traditional tune-up. Bring your vehicle to technicians who can bring a high-tech approach to your sophisticated systems and onboard computers.


Inspect the Air Filters

The air filter helps remove debris from the air entering the combustion chamber of the engine. Your air filter can become dirty and clogged too. Inspect and replace your air filter at regular intervals to avoid problems.


Watch the Dirt

If you drive on dirt roads or do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you should check your air filter more frequently.

For more information see caltex.

Car Battery Tips and Tricks

Your car battery can be a source of problems for your car, if you do not know how to properly take care of it.  Here are some great tips and tricks to extend the life of your battery using items you can find at home.

Aspirin
If you get behind the wheel only to discover that your car’s battery has given up the ghost — and there’s no one around to give you a jump — you may be able to get your vehicle started by dropping two aspirin tablets into the battery itself. The aspirin’s acetylsalicylic acid will combine with the battery’s sulfuric acid to produce one last charge. Just be sure to drive to your nearest service station.

Baking Soda
Eliminate the corrosive buildup on your car’s battery terminals. Scrub them clean using an old toothbrush and a mixture of 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon warm water. Wipe them off with a wet towel and dry with another towel. Once the terminals have completely dried, apply a bit of petroleum jelly around each terminal to deter future corrosive buildup.

Epsom Salt
Is your car battery starting to sound as if it won’t turn over? Worried that you’ll be stuck the next time you try to start your car? Give your battery a little more life with this potion. Dissolve about an ounce of Epsom salt in warm water and add it to each battery cell.

Petroleum Jelly
It’s no coincidence that your car battery always dies on the coldest winter day. Low temperatures increase electrical resistance and thicken engine oil, making the battery work harder. Corrosion on the battery terminals also increases resistance and might just be the last straw that makes the battery give up. Before winter starts, disconnect the terminals and clean them with a wire brush. Reconnect, then smear with petroleum jelly. The jelly will prevent corrosion and help keep the battery cranking all winter long.

Soda
Yes, it’s true, the acidic properties of soda pop will help to eliminate corrosion from your car battery. Nearly all carbonated soft drinks contain carbonic acid, which helps to remove stains and dissolve rust deposits. Pour some soda over the battery terminals and let it sit. Remove the sticky residue with a wet sponge.

For more information see Reader's Digest.

Protect your Car from Fall

Summer is almost over, and that means shortly the leaves will start to change.  However, those beautiful orange and red leaves falling in the sky can be damaging to your car.  These beautiful leaves can cause mini scratches in your paint.  Make sure to protect your car from leaves and paint with these few tips.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the United States as trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves. Many people love the process of changing foliage, as leaves change vibrant colors and eventually fall gracefully to the ground. Although beautiful, these leaves can be a huge nuisance. After the spectacular process of color change, the leaves carpet the ground and become a huge mess for home and car owners to clean. They can clog gutters, make roads slippery, and leave behind sappy residue. In fact, if the leaves build up on your car, they can leave behind permanent leaf-shaped stains that will damage the exterior. Leaves are loaded with sap, pollen, and other acidic coatings that transfer on to the car when left for long periods of time. There are a few things you can do to prevent your car from being damaged by heaps of falling leaves.

First, you should prevent the leaves from landing on your car to begin with. One solution to this problem is to not park under trees, which may not be an option for most people. If leaves are on your car each morning, you can simply clean your car daily. Although, taking leaves off every day can be a bothersome, especially for those who don't have easy access to their car or the extra time. However, it is especially important to remove leaves before you drive. This can cause micro abrasions in the exterior and paint of your car. Also if you allow leaves fly off at high speed or you use your wipers to swish them away, this can be an incredibly dangerous hazard to you and other drivers once you start driving. Imagine a storm of orange and yellow leaves unexpectedly hitting the driver behind you.
If cleaning leaves off every morning is too much of a hassle, the best thing you can do to ensure protection is to cover it with a car cover. Not only will you be protecting your car from stains, but it'll be protected from scratches from the leaves as well. Car covers are a low-cost way to make sure your car stays clean and damage free from falling leaves. It will also give you the peace of mind that your car is safe and undamaged. Covering your car will protect it against factors such as rain, dust, wind, snow, ice, sun, and other environmental issues. With the rapid weather changes that occur during the Fall, and early morning frost being a factor, protecting your car this fall can increase the life of your paint and bodywork.

If you do find yourself with paint damage from falling leaves, there are a few things you can do to try to remove it. First, clean the area with hot water and soap, drying the area when done. Then, polish the area with a product appropriate for your car. Lastly, wax it with hot or cold wax to protect the finish of your paint. This process might not work, however, and leaf damage can be very costly if you have to bring it into a body shop to get it removed. A more preventative approach will help you in the long run.

For more information see Leaf Damage.

Prepare Your Car for the Carpool

School is starting, which means fall and winter carpools will become a regular occurrence very soon.   However, there are things you should do to prepare for the carpool, besides checking to make sure you have all the kids.  Have you checked your car's breaks, windshield wipers, and fluids lately?  You also should wax your car to prevent paint damage from all the salt and chips on the road.  Here are some great tips on how to prepare your car for the fall and winter carpool.

• Step 1

  TIRES--Keep a handheld tire-pressure gauge in your vehicle and check tires monthly. Your optimal tire pressure will be unique to your vehicle and can be found in one of three locations: the glove box, your door jam or the fuel filter door. Inspect each tire for wear indicators (wear bars look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it's time to replace the tire). If you see more than three wear bars, it's time for a replacement.

• Step 2

  BRAKES--If you turn down the radio and you still hear a horrible noise every time you press the brake pedal, visit a mechanic immediately. Other less obvious indicators of brake problems are mushy brakes (may need brake fluid) or pulling to one side (brake pads too tired to do the job much longer).

• Step 3

  SEAT BELTS--According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 157,500 lives have been saved by safety belts in the last 20 years. Always buckle seat belts and make sure they are securely fastened. Inspect the entire length of each seat belt at the beginning of each season. Look for small tears or snags (usually from some overly complicated car-seat contraption that the saleswoman made look effortless). If you see any wear, do not let a passenger ride in this seat until a repair is made. You can take the vehicle to the manufacturer dealership for repairs or a complete replacement.

• Step 4

  COOLANT--Check your fluids when the car is cold and on a flat surface. You can visually check the antifreeze level with a flashlight. The reservoir will be found near the front of the engine and should be kept at optimal levels.

• Step 5

  WIPER BLADES--Even a small squeak as the wiper blades pass over your windshield indicate the need for a replacement. Rubber blades can dry out and become brittle. Be ready for rough winter weather with a fresh set.
  For more information see Soyouwanna.

The Interior is as Important as the Exterior

Keeping your car clean on the outside is not the only thing that is important in maintaining you car's value.  Having a clean interior can also help keep the value of your car in tact.  Here are some great tips on how to keep your car clean.

If you have trouble keeping the interior of your car clean, you're not alone. Busy work schedules, parenting responsibilities, school activities, and other events often cause those with even the best of intentions to leave their cars in shambles on the inside. If you would love to have a clean car interior but can't seem to keep it tidy, here are some tips to help you out.
 
Start Clean. The first step to keeping a clean car interior is to start with a clean car interior. Set aside a time to clean your car out completely. Seeing how nice it is to have a clean car interior in the first 
place will help motivate you to keep it that way.
 
Have a Trash Bag. No car interior should be without a trash bag. There are products made specifically for this purpose, or you can just use some old plastic grocery bags. Just keep a stash inside a zippered top bag in your glove compartment. Hang one on an arm rest or other convenient spot and use it for food wrappers, empty drink containers, etc.
 
Keep Car Wipes Handy. Something else you should keep in your glove compartment is car wipes. These wipes, much like general disinfecting wipes used at home, are made specifically for cleaning car interior parts such as your dashboard, steering wheel, etc. Keep a stash in your glove compartment so if you're stuck in traffic, waiting at an extra long light, or arrive at a destination a little early, you can whip one out and do some quick cleaning.
 
Remove All Trash Immediately. Don't leave the car, and don't let your passengers (especially your kids!) leave the car empty handed. Make sure everyone grabs their empty cups and other trash. Getting in the habit of removing trash from the car each time you get out of it will make a huge difference in your ability to keep your car interior clean.
 
Enlist Some Help For Floors. If you take your car somewhere to have your oil changed, check about getting your floors vacuumed while you're there. Most places do it as a complementary service, but will only do so if there isn't a lot of trash or other items cluttering the floor already. Make sure the floors are clear so every 3 months or so you get some free labor to vacuum out your car interior.
Keeping a clean car interior does take some work, but with a few simple changes you'll quickly be the one every comments about, "wow, she keeps her car so clean!"

For more information please see Yahoo Voices.

Mr Magic Can Help You with Rust Prevention!

Rust prevention is one of the most important things you can do to your car.  There are several steps to follow that can help prevent this and keep the value of your car.  Mr. Magic offers these services, and wants to help you get the most out of your car.  

1  Take your car to a professional and have it rustproofed before corrosion starts. The best rustproofing procedure requires parts of the the car to be removed. A rustproofing material is then applied in and around the car's body so the hidden areas are protected.

2  Wash your car every two weeks -- more if necessary -- to remove dirt, dust, road grime, tree sap, dead bugs, bird feces and other contaminants. Those things can ruin the protective clear coat on your car. They can also scratch the paint on your car. Both of can lead to rust and corrosion.
During the winter months when there's salt on the road, or if you live near the ocean, you should wash your car every week if possible to prevent salt damage.

3 Check the drain holes in your car every time you wash it. Those holes are commonly located at the inside bottom of the doors, around the edges of the hood, and around the edges of the trunk. If the holes are plugged, water will build up and cause rust. If you find a plugged drain hole, clean it out with an old, soft-bristled toothbrush.

4  Wax your car every couple of months or so, as needed, depending on where you live. Use a quality car wax that offers protection from the sun. Even so, park your car in the shade as much as possible to help protect its finish.

 

5  Seal scratches and chips in the paint on your car immediately to prevent rust. Apply clear nail polish to seal scratches (see resources), or use touch-up paint.

6  Inspect your car from top to bottom on a regular basis. Look for bubbles or blisters in the paint. Those are indications that surface rust has started to corrode the metal underneath the paint. The areas on a car's body that usually rust first are around the window trim. Also, check around the fenders and the wheel wells for signs of rust. Repair the spots you find right away before they get worse.

For more information click on Prevent Rust.

Keep Your Tires Safe and Ready for Driving

Maintaining your tires is as important as maintaining your car's engine.  Tires are always subject to wear and tear depending on driving situations, road conditions, and weather.  However, with proper checks and maintenance you can keep your tires safe and in the best working order.

How to Check Inflation Pressure

	Look for this information in your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for the proper level of inflation; it may also be posted on the door post or in the glove box.
	When you check the inflation pressure, make sure the tires are cool - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate inflation pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the inflation pressure inside to increase as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
	Check inflation pressure once a month and before long trips.
	If you overfill the tire, you can release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
	Replace the valve cap.
	Remember to check the spare. (Note: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure).

Why Check Your Alignment?

	If your car's suspension system is out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly and you may experience handling problems. Potholes and rough roads can contribute to problems with alignment.
	Front-wheel drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels.
	Have a tire dealer check your alignment periodically as specified by your vehicle owner's manual or if handling problems develop, such as "pulling."
	Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear or vibration.

Why Rotate Your Tires?

	Each tire on your car supports a different amount of weight; this unequal weight distribution causes your tires to wear at different rates. By rotating your tires, you can extend their useful life.
	If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
	Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 miles.
	Sometimes front and rear tires use different pressures. After rotation, adjust tire inflation pressure to the figures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

How to Check Tread

	When the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, tires must be replaced.
	All tires have "wear bars," which are small, raised bars of rubber in the groove that indicate when tires are worn out. If your tread is worn down to the wear bars, it's time for a new tire.
	A penny is a reliable tool to check tire tread. 1. Take a penny and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread. 2. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.
	Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also make sure no nails or other objects are embedded in the tire. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible if you see problems.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Vehicles equiped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can help motorists detect loss of inlfation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.

Obey posted speed limits.

Always buckle your seat belt.

Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.

Avoid potholes and other objects on the road.

Do not run over curbs or hit your tires against the curb when parking.

Do not overload your vehicle. Check your vehicle's tire information or owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for your vehicle.

For more information go to RMA.org