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Dear Start My Car,
It is officially Spring which is pretty exciting. The warm weather and sunshine is pretty much what we all need right now, especially given some of the goings on in South African over the past weeks. What it also means is a hot car and the need for your air conditioner to be fully functional. As always, we searched the internet to find you articles that provide just the information that we think would be helpful.
Have a look at “6 Ways to Summer Proof Your Car” published by Motion Cars. We found it useful and think you will too. Please also take a look at our Summer related specials that are good for your car and better for your pocket. And let us know if there is something that you might be looking for that we don’t appear to stock. Safe driving and be in touch.
Regards
Baruch.
6 ways to summer-proof your car
FRIDAY last week saw the temperature rise to 40 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day of the year so far. This takes a toll on your car as its various systems strain to keep the heat at bay.Here are some ways to help your car run safely and smoothly even under the scorching sun.
Radiator
The most important component to check in preparation for summer heat is the cooling system. The main part here is the radiator. It should be kept clean and unclogged.Accumulated dirt and rust may already be in the radiator, so it’s a good time to consider having it flushed and cleaned.Replace the coolant with a reliable brand capable of transferring heat without boiling over.
If you’re going to dilute concentrated coolant with water, use distilled water.Check if the radiator fans are running once the engine reaches its operating temperature, or around the middle of your car’s temperature gauge (if it still has one).In case you do experience an overheating situation, know what to do by reading the owner’s manual. Operating the heater may help cool the engine.Never remove the radiator cap to add water while the engine is running as this may cause hot coolant to scald you. Add fluid only via the reservoir.
Air-conditioning
Driving anywhere would be unbearable if the air-conditioner suddenly stops working. Following Murphy’s law, it usually conks out on the hottest time of the day.According to the Automobile Association of America, a vehicle without air-conditioning can be a hot and potentially dangerous environment for travelers during the summer months.
Automotive air-conditioning systems do not require routine maintenance, but a system that is operating marginally is more likely to fail in hot weather.If you have noticed a decrease in cooling capability, have your air-conditioning system examined by a qualified technician before setting out on a trip.Have the air-conditioning system checked for leaks, as this is the main cause of failure. After checking for leaks, if it is low on refrigerant (previously known as freon). have it refilled. This will ensure that your air-conditioner provides cool air and not warm dog breath from the vents
Tint
One effective way to keep the car’s interior cooler is by installing tint. Not just any old brand being waved by vendors as you drive along Banawe. These are likely to turn eggplant purple and develop air bubbles before you can say, “Ang init!”From experience, Vkool tint is very effective in repelling solar heat. Vkool uses a proprietary process of suspending metal particles within the film, resulting in an equivalent sun protection factor (SPF) of 200. Your skin (your own and your leather seats) will thank you for it, too.
Tires
Even as the concrete becomes nearly hot enough to fry an egg, your tires can cope with it—if they are properly inflated. Underinflated tires are more likely to overheat and fail.
Parking
Choose a parking spot that’s covered or at least shaded. This will keep the interior cooler and won’t tax the air-conditioning as much, once you get moving.
Keep the driver cool as well
Even as you prepare your car for summer, remember to bring water to keep the driver and occupants hydrated especially during a long trip.Air-conditioning may make you feel cool, but you still need to replenish fluids.
GUESS THE PART
LAST WEEKS WINNER:
Tara Leigh van Rooyen
ANSWER:
Fuse Puller
SILLY SPARES
Weekly Deals
Workshop Wisdom
Bring Back the Shine
Auto paint restoration is an easy value-add and profit generator
Older cars and commercial vehicles often spend their downtime without a roof overhead, exposing them to the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays and atmospheric contaminants like tree sap, bird poo and industrial particle fallout, which steadily destroy the vehicle’s paint finish.
Given sufficient years of direct exposure to UV rays the paint finish will begin to fade and eventually, a process of oxidisation occurs in the paint, causing it to bubble and flake off. Of course, no vehicle owner wants this to happen.
Your workshop can help prevent the dreaded oxidisation by catching the fade early and stopping paint deterioration in its tracks with a comprehensive paint finish restoration job that produces a like-new shine.
Here’s the formula...
1: Make sure the car is cool and in the shade.
2: Hose the car down to remove dust and contaminants and then wash the area to be restored (most often the bonnet, boot and roof) with Shield carwash liquid and a sponge. Dry the car with a microfibre cloth or a chamois.
3: Apply a Luxor Rubbing Compound or Shield’s Clay Bar cleaner to the surface using an applicator microfibre cloth.
4: Buff the rubbing compound/clay using an electric Shield Orbital Polisher. Make several passes over the panel being restored.
5: Inspect the panel for any remains of the rubbing compound and remove using a clean microfibre cloth.
6: Apply a suitable polish from the Holts Colour Match Car Polish range with a microfibre cloth or applicator.
7: Polish the area using the Shield Orbital Polisher orbital/buffer. Make sure you fit a clean buffing pad to the polisher.
8: Inspect the surface for any polish streaks and rebuff.
9: Get all these auto detailing products from www.startmycar.co.za
Bottom line: Removing scratches, restoring colour tone and protecting a car’s paint finish helps retain the vehicle’s value and improves its cosmetic appeal. With the products listed above, you can complete a professional paint restoration job at very low capital cost, one that will make your customers smile!
