This month’s topics:

            ARMED SERVICES/Top-Notch Protection for the Car: Eclipse Sun Shades, UVS Heat Shield, Custom Car Covers for absolutely any car, denim and Hawaiian seat covers (practical and fun!)

            BUFFERS: The new detailing toy. Once thought of as a professional-use-only tool, buffers are enjoying a surge of popularity as manufacturers are designing them to be user friendly.

            PREVENTION IS THE BEST BET! The ONE thing you should know to AVOID the nightmare commonly called water spots.

ARMED SERVICES: Top-Notch Protection for the Car

Eclipse Sun Shades, UVS Heat Shield, Custom Car Covers for absolutely any car, denim and Hawaiian seat covers (practical and fun!)

     Let’s talk about protection—for your precious automobile, that is. You can get it by working hard or by hardly working; the choice is up to you. Hard work would be the old-fashioned method of detailing—time-devouring manual labor, essentially waging your own never-ending war against the sun, the wind and the rain. (Wow! That sounds tiring!) But, there is a faction out there that actually derives pleasure out of a regimen of frequent washes and waxes, dutiful dusting, comparing products, trying out different combinations, taking notes and photographs, meticulously caring for their detailing tools…. Hey, we salute you! Meanwhile you can find the rest of us at the beach, the pool, the mall, the bar, on the boat—anywhere but in the garage bent over with a buffer on a gorgeous day (if we can help it)!

And here’s where I address the people who don’t eat, sleep and breathe car care, but still love their car (or at least the money they put into it) every bit as much. The rest of you (that faction I spoke of), already know the outcome your after, how to achieve it, and sure aren’t going to trade that in for a car cover that would make you obsolete, right? Keep up the good work! All kidding aside, these guys are the first to protect their investment and their work..

But, if you’re a low-maintenance kind of guy or gal, or at least like options, there are a number of ready-to-go choices for protecting your car. It’s the difference between fighting battle after battle, and stopping element-induced damage dead in its tracks—not a chance that the sun can overcome these barriers!

Reflective sun shields protect the dash and the interior. The glare of the sun is greatly magnified as it passes through the windshield: A slow and certain death for feeble fabrics. Leather and vinyl are the first to go. UV rays make quick work of unprotected interior surfaces. The UVS100 Ultra-Violet Heat Shield by Covercraft (a superb company) is a great choice for reducing interior heat and solar radiation at the same time. It folds accordion style for easy storage (you will want to remove it when driving)! With over 400 different sizes to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one to fit your vehicle perfectly.

The self-retracting Eclipse Sun Shade is one of a kind! Not only is it a good looking quality shade, but this manufacturer put serious thought and deliberation behind the design. Custom sized, beveled edge where it meets the dash, mounts directly onto the windshield (stays in place, no holes), easily removed, and unlike others it’s split down the center—letting it retract and close in just seconds, fitting snuggly around the rearview mirror and Velcro shut. The Eclipse sun shade works just as well on rear truck windows, conversion vans, sunroofs and boats. Its virtues are far too many to list here. These two are the best you’ll find for keeping out elements that rough-up the interior, and keeping your investment intact.

Car Covers come in all fabrics, price ranges and qualities. Covercraft, mentioned above, are at the top of the heap and known for their finely-designed, quality car covers for all weather conditions, makes and models, and storage situations. There's no reason to let your car or truck bear the elements alone. There couldn’t be a quicker, more convenient, cost-effective way of shielding your car from the elements, pollution, bird droppings, dirt and dust. It’s practically sealed off in a capsule of its own. (Ever wish you could do that?) End results? A cleaner, newer-looking, and shinier vehicle. The interior is blanketed from sun-caused premature aging—drying, cracking, peeling and fading. Consider the alternative: Depreciation. Depression. The other advantage is fending off prying eyes, therefore doing your civic duty of keeping young criminals out of trouble!

Seat covers are a protection device for the upholstery, but we all know what we really want out of them. Fit, feel and flair! Customized, perfectly sized and shaped just for your car’s interior, regardless of how elaborate they may be. The best part is, unlike any other practicality you can get for protection, these can reflect your personal style and give your car its own identity at the same time. The best for summer, or any time, is the Hawaiian seat covers that fit like a glove, giving your car a sleek, beach-bound feel. There’s just something about cruisin’ down the highway, warm sun beatin’ down, sittin’ on your Hawaiian seat covers to make you feel like you’re on vacation (well, almost). It at least makes for changes in attitudes, if not changes in latitudes! We also have camouflage and denim—same great quality, same custom fit—for those of you of that persuasion.

Why go the easy route of pre-packaged protection? Well (besides having time and energy left over for whatever it is you like to do), there still quite a few benefits. In the long run, you save money, and lots of it, when you consider what equivalent protection would cost in product, tools, time and the room for error in a constant, on-going detailing routine. And these protective accessories are foolproof—end of story—nothing gets by, through, around, or behind them. So get yourself out there, enjoy the sun, and leave your worries behind. We’ve got you covered!

 

WATER SPOTS

Why they strike and what you can do to be sure your car doesn’t become a victim!

Just walk through a shopping center parking lot an hour or so after a late spring shower. You know, one of those days when you can almost smell summer around the corner. “Out came the sun and dried up all the rain….” Could anything be sweeter?

You may be so wrapped in the moment that you fail to notice that the sun is launching an all-out attack against the exterior surfaces of your car! If you look closely at the nearest car, you’ll see evidence of rain droplets spattering the surface. If enough time has passed, and the sun has enough intensity to evaporate the pooling moisture—left behind will be traces of impurities that are now baking into the clear coat. These impurities could consist of airborne pollution or industrial fallout. The deposits can be extremely difficult to remove if they remain for any length of time. (Experts give a timeframe of about a week or so before greater damage is done, when the minerals are likely to etch your paint.) Talk about aggravation! Once they’ve carved their mark in the clear coat or paint, the only means of banishing them is buffing. These advanced water spots are called water etching, and acid rain is the evil benefactor.

Wayward sprinklers can leave insidious water spots—consisting of salt, iron, calcium and mineral deposits—the worst of the worst, in terms of difficulty to contend with. Most water has contaminants of some sort, even the water you use to wash your car. So, if your car is ever to leave the garage how are you to dodge all this water? Is it hopeless? No! The solution is actually quite simple. (This is probably the reason you’ve read this far….)

Dry. Your. Car. I don’t care how you choose to do it, just do it! The water itself is harmless. Evaporation that happens too quickly is the culprit. If you eliminate the evaporation factor (drying) you’ll be spot-free.

DRYING
Manual or machine: Options are endless! Here are a few suggestions…

Manual Drying--There are an assortment of cloths and towels to suit every taste. Let me preface this by saying that I personally feel old-fashioned terry cotton towels to be somewhat passé, as there are better choices in both synthetic and natural materials. The traditional chamois, (Pittard’s is the finest) made of genuine, ultra-soft and absorbent chamois leather has been a pleaser for decades. You really can’t beat the sensuous feel and the warm aroma of this leather that remains glove-soft through dry after dry. It never gets that dehydrated stiffness that other chamois resort to after they dry. For this chamois, and all other towels used for drying, I recently found a garage-accessorizing wringer for an easy, thorough, and life-giving squeeze that purges water from the fabric and into your sink or bucket. No more dripping! It eliminates all excess water with just a crank of the handle. (I found it to be a great gift for my car enthusiast friends.)

If you’re after high-tech, there are a dizzying amount of options in synthetics. The superior quality Cobra waffle-weave microfiber towel (available in both “big” and “better” sizes) is a plush dense weave, providing quicker absorption for gratifying results because it was engineered to do just that. Best, it’s also quick drying and machine washable and non-abrasive.

I feel that the most capable, versatile, and easiest to maintain of them all is, arguably, the Water Sprite Plus. It’s a synthetic chamois-like material that can be stored right back in its own canister—WET!—meaning that it couldn’t be easier to transport. For climates with a lot of rain, this is a must. Bacteria and mold can not anchor or breed on this. It’s scientifically designed to go where no other towel or cloth can go: it’s super-absorbent and safe for pulling water, dirt and dust away from the car; will not deteriorate if used with household chemicals (maintenance consists of ONLY rinsing); has cleaning, drying and polishing capabilities, etc. It’s enough to call it a technologically advanced chamois on steroids!

The California Water Blade and the California Dry Blade are another easily transported tool to whisk away water after washing your car, or after getting caught in the rain.

Machine Drying—The Metro Vac N’ Blo (portable or wall mounted) takes the cake for the fastest-but-least-work ratio of anything else out there. When Grandpa sees this he’s going to say, “Back when I was a kid….” Yeah. Until he tries it. Makes a great gift!

You can’t be there for your car every time a droplet strikes, but these tools will make it easier to avoid additional steps towards removing water spots that have made a residence on your paint, windshield, windows or chrome. Should you be the unfortunate victim of water spots, or worse yet, (insert horrified gasp here!) water etching, there are some remedies to get rid of them. (For Detailing Tips on Water Spot removal, click here.)

  

Polishers and Buffers
Evolution and Innovations in the manufacturing of buffers!

A look back over the past twenty five years reveals an influx of car care enthusiasts. With it, the improvement of the industry, and the advent of new tools, gadgets, products and techniques. Detailing continues to gain ground as a popular past time as we throttle into the Twenty-First Century. Who knows what the future may hold for car care?

Buffers (or polishers) are a great example of this phenomenon. Back in the day, they were a tool only for a trained professional, much-feared by the layman. These were known and respected as “circular buffers.” You wouldn’t dare touch one to your paint unless you were willing to face dire consequences; one wrong move and you’ve cut the paint down to bare metal. Yikes! As interest in car care grew into a hobby for more and more car lovers, the emergence of a gentler, safer buffer for the masses was born. Enter “dual-action buffer,” a.k.a. “D.A.” Rather than spinning ferociously at the speed of light, this buffer, (suspiciously similar in its appearance), vibrates and shakes in all directions randomly, a much friendlier, forgiving motion when polishing or waxing. The dual action buffer set the stage for novice car nuts everywhere to try something that was previously thought a bit dangerous to attempt at home.

Circular buffers do have their attributes, to say the least. In the right hands they can accomplish what no other tool can do. The deepest scratches, the swirliest of swirls, and the worst of water spots tremble at their sound. A blemish that can’t be removed by a professional grade circular held by a professional probably spells death for the entire paint job. It’s your last resort against the fiercest flaws. However, they aren’t designed for applying and removing polishes and waxes. For that, there’s the dual action buffer.

Buffers are the lifesaver of otherwise unsalvageable paint jobs, due to severe water etching, scratches, and various other mishaps and tragedies that can strike a vehicle. They are a good investment. Polish and wax is easier and quicker to apply and remove, with absolutely breath-taking results! Unbelievable shine in much less time! It’s taking the downhill short-cut compared with hiking uphill the scenic route, but both ending up at the same destination. So, unless you actually enjoy the manual application of polishing and waxing (admittedly, it can be therapeutic), a buffer is essential.

The downside to all this hoopla surrounding the car care industry is that it opened the doors to a lot of band-wagon chasers who have slapped together some substandard products. Not only is it a frustrating experience to get one that doesn’t do the job, but it’s even more frustrating to get one that does the job all wrong, possibly doing far more damage than good. Waste of time, money, and enthusiasm, if you ask me!

If you’re considering investing in a buffer, there are a few things to consider: Your skill level, how often you’ll use it, what you’ll use it for, and what you want to spend. Of course, a beginner will definitely want a good D.A. which will be your tool for polishing and waxing, and delivering an outstanding finish in much less time than what you can achieve by hand. The Porter Cable 7424 is an excellent choice. The price is right, it’s sturdy and well-constructed, produces professional-looking results, and even the seasoned detailer will appreciate having it among his tools. It’s like the Levis of buffers. Use it to get a fantastic finish on fiberglass, chrome, painted surfaces, metal and clear coats—without the worry! If you’re a buffer virgin, you’ll wonder how you lived without.

For the heavy hitter, the best option is, again, from Porter Cable, a company with a great reputation for good service, trustworthy, well-built tools and one-year warrantees. Step aside for the Porter Cable 7428, a circular buffer for the experienced car care addict or professional. It has some crafty safety features that even the most advanced detailer will appreciate. It has a 10 Amp motor (plenty of oomph!), but at eight pounds it won’t kill your arms and back. If you aren’t already salivating, there’s a special offer on this baby until April 30th--$25.00 manufacturer’s cash rebate!

And the newest bad boy buffer on the scene is the Makita BO6040, a real breakthrough in buffers. Think of it as a professional buffer with training wheels. The first of its kind from a company that knows how to build a tool: A two-in-one dual action/circular buffer. Why didn’t we think of that! This gives you all the power of a circular, for fixing scuffed marked-up, mauled-up paint coupled with the convenience and ease-of use of a dual-action, with the flip of a switch. I’m speechless. (Bragging rights if you’re the first on your block to have this in your garage.) I love to see an improvement or twist on an old favorite. Gets the other designers thinking how they will up the ante, then we reap the rewards!

Now it’s time to accessorize! When you decide on the appropriate buffer to fit your style, you’ll need to pick up some accessories to complete your tool. You’re looking at three categories of necessities: 1.) Backing plates (5”-8” sizes, the sturdy unit that mounts on the machine and supports the pad); 2.) Pads (Cutting, polishing, or finishing, the cushion between the backing plate and the car,); and 3.) Bonnets (microfiber or terry, for applying or removing polish or wax). The backing plate determines how much surface area you can cover with each pass. Choose your pad according to the application. A cutting pad is for the most severe problems such as scratches, water etching and harsh swirls. Polishing would be next in the progression, for very minor swirl or water marks, generally prepping the surface for applying your polish or wax. Attaining ultimate shine with your finishing pad is child’s play. Bonnets are meant to aid your application. You do not want to use the same applicator for a polish and a wax. When you have a few bonnets on hand, this is never a problem. (Plus, cleaning them is easier than cleaning a pad.) I prefer using a terry to apply polish; a microfiber to remove it. A terry to apply wax; a microfiber to remove it. AutoGeek has recently fortified our section of pads, bonnets and backers to provide a larger selection. All products here are top-quality (lots of Meguiar’s!) that will work with your buffer and you to achieve a superior shine that you’ll want to show-off!

 

SPRING SUPER SPECIAL SALE:

This spring has been a great season, so far. We want to thank you for making it so!

Good until April 30 at midnight, take 12% off any product, tool, or accessory on AutoGeek.net or BikeDepot.net. Just use *Coupon Code ag0404 at checkout to take advantage of this deal. (This does not include products from the following manufacturers: Better Life Technologies, DeWalt, Makita, Porter Cable, Highland and WeatherTech.)

Watch for a different discount in next month’s news letter!

Dear AutoGeek.net Customer:

Sunny days are here again! Where ever you are, I hope your cabin fever has subsided and you are now able to get out and enjoy the warmer weather.

I trust you’ve gleaned some valuable information from the newsletter this month; our goal is to educate you and introduce you to some of our favorite and most useful items for spring and summer. Suggesting products that make your life easier by eliminating some of the unnecessary hassle is a pleasure.

Next month, watch for vacation-related gadgets, discounts and suggestions for Father’s Day among other exciting news, events and information.

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See you in May!

Sincerely,

Max
and the Staff at AutoGeek.net (a subsidiary of Palm Beach Motoring Accessories)
*Coupon code can  not to be use in conjunction with other offers or coupon.