NJ Used Car Trader » Car Maintenance

How to Wash and Wax your Used Car

patrick — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:23:38 +0000

In a previous article we discussed the importance of washing your used car. Today we are going to show you how to wash your car properly, as well as give it a good waxing. Although this might seem to be a very simple process, there are many aspects people seem to forget about. We hope this article will provide you with the proper know-how to wash and wax a car efficiently.

When your used car accumulates dust and dirt on its surface, it tends to stick together in clusters. If your car is clean, moisture quickly evaporates off your used car. However, when moisture is mixed with dirt, it can start to deteriorate your paint. Thus, the first step to washing and waxing your car properly is to do it often. Here are the next steps:

To prevent premature drying and splotches, park your car out of direct sunlight.
Fill a bucket of water and mix it with car wash solution, prepare your hose.
Lightly hose off the car to loosen up dirt.
Take your soapy sponge, rag, or mitten and begin working it over the surface of the car.
Start at the top of the car, circling around several times slowly working your way down.
Be sure to frequently refresh your mitten, sponge or rag in your soapy water.
To prevent the soap from drying on the paint, rinse the car frequently with your hose.
Be sure to keep the entire car wet at all times, you don’t want it to air dry.
Scrub the lower body and the wheels last, as these will be the most dirty. Steel wool works great on tires, and a wheel brush will work well on your rims.
Lastly, dry your vehicle with fresh towels. This allows you to pick up any remaining dirt, and prevents splotches on your paint.

In our next article, we will teach you how to properly wax your used car.

The Importance of a Good Car Wash

patrick — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:02:02 +0000

Many people underestimate the importance of a good car wash for your used car. Even more people do not understand why it is important to get your car washed, or how often you should get it done. In New Jersey especially, the mixed seasons can take quite a toll on your vehicles paint, as well as frame and body. If your car is not washed regularly, the collected debris will begin to eat away at the pain, weakening your coat and eventually dulling it. Not only that, rust damage can begin to eat away at your frame, doing sometimes unrepairable damage.

So how often should you wash your used car? Well it depends on where you live, and what season it is. Consider the north where there is a lot of snow, ice and salts on the road, or the dessert in the west where your car is constantly blasted with dust, sand, and debris. Both of these extremes warrant a weekly washing. Likewise, pretty much anywhere in the spring, when there is an excess of pollen and seeds in the air. Or near the ocean, where again the salt air can eat away at your paint.

Despite these more “extreme” conditions however, for most consumers, a bi-monthly washing is all that is needed to keep your used cars protective paint in top shape. If you are going to the automated car wash, we recommend you use the “touch-free” car washes. They work well, often providing vital services such as under-carriage washes, and risk less damage to your car than a traditional automated car wash. We also recommend however, that you wash your used car by hand every two or three wash cycles. Despite all the complicated machinery in the world, nothing can beat the human eye and hand when it comes to getting in all those little nooks and crannies.

Maintenance on NJ Used Cars

patrick — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:45:06 +0000

Many people do not take care of their used cars in NJ, and the consequences can be dire. Few people release how far a bit of preventative maintenance can go when keeping your car on the road. Let’s go over some tips.

The easiest and must basic of all things you can do is taking your car for a simple tune up every year. If you find a good mechanic or dealership, they will look the car over from head to toe. The service is fairly cheap, and usually includes various maintenance at no extra cost to you.

Another simple thing you really cannot afford to miss is an oil change every 3000 miles. Use a quality, high-mileage oil when it is changed. Find a good place and stick with them. Many places give you a little sticker that will remind you when another change is needed. It is also beneficial to check your oil occasionally as well. Many older vehicles leak or burn oil, and you need to add a quart every month or so.

Be sure you check your tires often, to prevent blowouts. Simple grab a penny and stick it in the grooves of your tire. If the tread isn’t covering at least some of the penny, it’s time for some new tires! Beware of radials sticking out on the sides as well, they are the little white “threads” that hold a tire together. If you have this problem, it is a sure sign your vehicle is not balanced properly. Remember your front tires will wear faster than your back, so rotate them every time you change them.

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Topics Car Maintenance, nj used cars

Maintaining your Used Car

patrick — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:47:01 +0000

Congratulations, you just purchased your new preowned vehicle. In order to maximize the life you will get out of it, lets go over some tips that will help you maintain your vehicle.

You will need to have your car tuned up once a year. This can be done at a local trusted dealer. They will check your car top to bottom, to see what needs fixed, and what is okay for now. this is usually pretty cheap, and it helps you stay on top of your cars needs.

You will also need to get your oil changed on your used car every 3,000 miles. Find a place you like and stick with them. With a high millage car, don’t settle for a lower grade oil just because the price is cheaper. In the long run, oil can make a huge difference on your car’s performance. You should also randomly check both your oil yourself. Older vehicles can sometimes burn oil, and you may need to add a quart here and there.

Check the thread on your tires often, which can easily be done with the old penny trick. Take a penny and place it in between the grooves on your tire. If less than half the penny is covered up, you will need to buy new tires soon. Your front tires will wear faster than your back tires, so keep an eye on them. Once the tread doesn’t even cover the penny, its time for new tires. You will most likely be buying two at a time. Have the back ones rotated to the front, and purchase new ones for the back. While having this done, it is a good idea to have your brakes checked as well. Your pads are probably going to need to be changed once a year. Get the rotors tuned up as well.