The Best Ways To Keep Your Car Smelling Like New Your Car

The smell of a new car is one of the best things in the world. It's like getting a fresh start, every time you get in. But what can you do to make sure your car smells like new for as long as possible? Here are four tips that will help keep your car smelling great.

1. Don't leave food in your car.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Whenever you eat in your car, be sure to throw away any wrappers or leftover food. Otherwise, you're just inviting critters and bacteria to come in and make themselves at home.

2. Vacuum the seats and carpets often

Even if you don't eat in your car, dirt and dust can build up on the seats and carpets. Vacuuming regularly will help to remove these particles and keep your car smelling fresh.

3. Use a fabric freshener to keep the upholstery smelling good

There are a variety of fabric fresheners on the market, both in spray and gel form. These can help to keep the upholstery in your car smelling pleasant.

4. Spray a deodorizer in the car every week or so to keep it smelling fresh.

There are products that are designed to produce the new car smell. These can be found at most auto parts stores and can help keep your car smelling like new.

These are just the basics, but to really get rid of tough odors like smoke, it's going to take a bit more work. Deodorizers and fabric sprays may temporarily cover up smells, but they don’t actually remove them. If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, try an ozone generator.

An ozone generator can also be used to remove smoke odors from your car. They work by producing ozone molecules which attach to and break down the particles that cause odors. Ozone generators can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores.

Top Car Accessories Every Owner Should Try

As a car owner, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your driving experience and make your car more comfortable and efficient. One way to do this is to invest in some top accessories that can help you get the most out of your car. Here are some of the best accessories every car owner should try:

Portable Battery Charger & Jumper Box

If you are someone who is always on the go, a portable battery charger and jumper box is an absolute must. This handy accessory will allow you to charge your car battery on the go, so you never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. It is also great for jump starting your car if it ever dies while you are out and about.

Mirror Dash Cam

A mirror dash cam is a great way to improve your safety while driving. It allows you to see what is happening behind you without taking your eyes off the road. There are models that will record both the front and rear view , so you can get a complete picture of what is going on around you. This can be invaluable evidence if you are ever in an accident. Unfortunately there are people who intentionally cause accidents so that they can make an insurance claim. A dashboard camera will help you prove that you were not at fault if this ever happens to you.

Cigarette Lighter Splitter

If you are constantly using your cigarette lighter to charge your phone or power other devices, then a cigarette lighter splitter is a must. This will allow you to plug in multiple devices at once without having to unplug something else. This can be really useful if you are using your navigation system and need to keep your phone charged at the same time.

Frost Guard Windshield Mats

If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know how frustrating it is to scrape ice off your windshield. Frost guard windshield mats are a great way to keep your windshield clear and prevent ice from building up. You can find mats that fit over your entire windshield or just the part that gets iced over. Some models come with mirror pockets so that you protect those from frost and snow build up

OBD Scanner Tool

An OBD scanner tool is a must for any car owner. It allows you to read the diagnostic codes that are stored in your car’s computer. This can be really helpful if you are trying to figure out why your check engine light is on. You can also use it to clear codes and reset your engine light if it comes on unnecessarily. Look for ones that have a phone app so that you can read the codes on your phone.

Remote Starter Phone App

If you have a remote starter, then you know how convenient it is to be able to start your car from inside your house. But what if you could start your car from anywhere? With a remote starter phone app, you can do just that. Many features include allowing others to use your vehicle as long as they have the phone app. This can be great for when your spouse or kids need to use the car but you are not home. Just make sure to set up some limits so that you don’t run up your car’s mileage too much.

These are only a few of the great accessories available to car owners. With so many options out there, it is easy to find something that will improve your driving experience. So don’t wait, start shopping for some new accessories today. Your car will thank you for it. Now that you have a list of wish list accessories it might be time to get a new car to put them in! After all, what better way to show off your new toys than in a stylish set of wheels?

Check out our latest models today and find the perfect one for you.

Get The Touchless Car Wash Experience At Home

One of the reasons why touchless car washes are so popular is because they’re gentle on your car’s paint. You don’t have to worry about the harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes that can damage your vehicle’s finish.

Many professional car detailers will recommend touchless car washes for people who want to keep their car’s paint in pristine condition. If you have a new car, or if you just want to keep your car looking its best, a touchless car wash is a great option.

However if you want to take it a step further and get the full touchless car wash experience, you can replicate it at home with a few simple supplies. Best of all you'll get no more swirls, water spots, or other imperfections that come from traditional car washing methods.

What You'll Need.

• A quality pressure washer

• A foam cannon (a device that mixes car wash soap, water, and air to generate thick suds)

• PH Neutral car soap

• Microfiber wash and drying cloths

• Leaf blower or other high power Car dryer

Let's get started:

1. Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight or in the height of the day. Instead park your car in a shaded area or choose to wash your car on a cloudy day if possible. This helps prevent water spots from forming on your car’s paint.

2. Thoroughly rinse the vehicle using a pressure washer working from top to bottom. This should remove any loose dirt and grime.

3. Next, mix your car soap with water in the foam cannon following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the suds to your car using the foam cannon, starting from the top and working your way down. Let the suds stay on the car for a few minutes to loosen any remaining dirt.

4. Rinse the suds off your car using the pressure washer, working from the top down. Use a leaf blower or other high powered car dryer to remove any water from nooks and crannies where water could pooled and cause rust or other damage.

5. Finally, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the car and remove any water spots.

And there you go! Now you know how to wash your car like a professional without ever having to touch it. This method is safe for all paint types and will leave your car’s paint looking shiny and new.

Who's in Better Health, Your Car Or You?

When was the last time you went in for a checkup? You might not think about it often, but just like our own health, our cars need regular healthcare too!

They need regular tune-ups to keep them running properly. And just like us, if we neglect their needs, they'll eventually break down.

While it may start as a small problem, it can quickly turn into something major if left unchecked. This is why regular car maintenance is so important.

Cars need oil changes, tune-ups, new tires, and other services to keep them running properly. Depending on the make and model of your car, you might need different types of maintenance.

Always reference your manufacturer's owners manual to see what they recommend as well as an expert mechanic to  get the best service for your car.

Get Yourself And Your Car Out Of The House

One of the best ways to keep your car running properly is to take it out of the garage and drive it on a regular basis. This helps to keep all the parts working correctly and prevents them from rusting or seizing up. It’s also a good idea to take your car on a long drive every now and then to keep

Heed The Warning Signs

Your car will usually give you some warning signs that it's time for maintenance before it completely breaks down. For example, the check engine light might come on, or you might hear a strange noise coming from the engine. These are both signs that something is wrong and that you should take your car in to be serviced.

Follow Your Recommend Scheduled Maintenance

Every car is different, and each one has its own specific maintenance schedule. This schedule is put in place by the manufacturer and is based on the car's design and how often it needs various services.

For example, some cars need their oil changed every 3,000 miles while others can go much longer between oil changes when using synthetic oil. This is just one example, but there are many different types of maintenance that need to be performed on a car, and the schedule varies from one make and model to the next.

Get Regular Inspections

In addition to following your car's scheduled maintenance, you should also get regular inspections. These are typically done once a year, but they can be done more often if you drive often or put a lot of miles on your car.

During an inspection, a mechanic will take a close look at all the major components of your car to make sure they're in good shape and working properly. This can help prevent small problems from turning into big ones.

Did The Light Flash Before Your Eyes?

Don't ignore that pesky “Check Engine.” light. It has been known to come on for lots of different reasons, but the best thing to do is not take a chance. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like a problem with the engine. Either way, you won't know until you have it looked at

The Road Less Traveled.

Do you ever feel that your car is vibrating more than usual or that the steering isn’t as responsive as it used to be? These could be signs of a problem with the suspension, which is something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

A car's suspension system is what helps keep the ride smooth, so if it's not working properly, it can make for a very bumpy ride. As a matter of fact, driving on a bad suspension can actually do damage to the tires and other parts of the car, so it's best to get it fixed as soon as possible.

The bottom line is you shouldn't feel like you're going on an off-road trail every time you get into the car.

No Smoking Zone

When it comes to cars , “smoke” is never a good sign. If you see exhaust smoke, it means there's a problem with the engine. The color of the smoke can give you a clue as to what the problem might be.

For example, blue smoke usually indicates an oil leak, while white smoke is usually an indication of a coolant leak. Black smoke is usually due to a problem with the fuel system, such as too much fuel being burned.

If you see any type of smoke coming from your car, it's best to take it in to be checked out as soon as possible.

Be Sensitive And Listen To Your Car's Computer

Cars nowadays have sensors that tell you when to change your oil, as well as other fluids. These are there for a reason, so don't ignore them.

When In Doubt Get Checked Out.

It's funny how your own health  is always the last thing you think about. The same can be said for your car. Just like your body, cars need check-ups to make sure everything is functioning properly.

If you're ever unsure about something, or if something just doesn't feel right, it's best to take your car in to be serviced.

Bad Habits Are Hard To Break

Does your car feel like it's on its last leg? Is the engine making weird noises, or are the brakes squeaking, In your mind you know that you need to replace your car soon, but you don't want to spend the money. 

We'll take your old car off your hands and give you a fair price for it, whether you're buying a new or used car from us. Plus, we'll help you through every step of the process so that trading in your old car is easy and stress-free.

Are You At Risk? - It Could Be Dangerous If You Don't Recall

Have you ever gotten a letter in the mail about your vehicle having a recall? You think to yourself oh it's just junk mail and trash it. But what if that letter was legitimate and your vehicle needed a recall because of an issue with the seatbelts or airbags?

If you ignored that letter, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk in the event of an accident. So what is a recall and why do automakers issue them?

If an automaker discovers a safety issue, it will report the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA investigates the issue and if it finds the problem poses a safety risk, it can order the automaker to issue a recall.

Do You Have To Pay For Recall Repairs Yourself?

Another reason people ignore recall letters is because they think they will have to pay for the repairs themselves. But that is not the case, automakers have to foot the bill for all recall-related repairs.

If you get a recall letter in the mail, don't ignore it. Bring your vehicle to a dealer and get it fixed as soon as possible. It could end up saving your life.

Do Recalls On Cars Affect Trade In Value?

According to Motor Biscuit

"A dealer may choose to offer you less for a trade-in with an open recall. But a savvy shopper can have most recalls rectified before trading. This way, recalls won’t hurt the used car’s value. Sometimes, a resolved recall can improve the value of a vehicle on the used car market. However, owning a car with a recent recall that the manufacturer has not yet solved may trap you with a low trade-in value for several months"

Regardless of how a recall notice affects your trade in value, you should still get the recall repaired as it could be a serious safety issue.

How to Check If Your Car Has a Recall

The best way to find out if your car has a recall is to enter your VIN (vehicle identification number) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.

87 Octane Gas - Don't Knock It Until You've Tried It.

While none of the contents of this article are meant to replace your car manufacturer's recommendations or that of an expert mechanic, you just may be able to save some money on the high price of gas without noticing a decline in performance or fuel economy by using 87 Octane gas.

According to a 2019 article by Car And Driver they tested the performance of 4 cars first by filling them with 87 Octane Gas then again using 93 Octane gas.

1. 2019 Honda CR-V

2. 2019 BMW MF Competition

3. 2019 Ford F-150

4. 2019 Dodge Charger R/T

Read the full article here for all the details.

Their bottom line was:

"While Ford's EcoBoost F-150 stands out as an obvious exception, the Dodge Charger's numbers make for a tidy summary of our findings. If you buy fuel with an octane rating above the manufacturer's requirement, you're likely to feel it in your wallet more than the seat of your pants."

What Causes Your Engine To Knock?

Detonation knock is a noise you'll hear when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders doesn't ignite properly. When this happens, it causes a pounding or rattling noise. The cause of this can be from using lower octane fuel than what is recommended for your engine, incorrect timing, or too much compression.

What Do Octane Ratings Mean?

The octane rating is a measure of how heat resistant a fuel is. This is so the fuel does not knock or ping when it is combusted. In other words, high-octane fuels are more resistant to pre-ignition and detonation.

In the past cars without modern fuel injection systems needed higher octane fuel to prevent knocking but with today's technology, most cars can run on the lower 87 octane gas without any problem.

Is There A Difference Between 87 & 93 Octane Gas?

The actual fuel is the same but the refining process for higher octane fuel is more expensive. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks at the pump, 87 octane gas is the way to go. Just be sure to check with your car's manufacturer first to see if it is okay to use.

Are You Driving Around With A Gas Guzzler?

With the average price of regular gas hitting new record highs , now might be the time to consider getting rid of your gas guzzler.

You might be surprised at how much money you can save by trading in your gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient car.

Check out our wide selection of cars that get great gas mileage, so you can drive further for less.

Top Hacks To Clean Your Car Inside & Out

Does your car feel old and tired? The upholstery appears a little tattered, and the formerly gleaming windows are now…well, not so shiny. Sure, you could pay someone to clean your car—or save money by cleaning it yourself.

You can use these tried and true cleaning hacks to get your car clean, both inside and out. After researching we found some great websites that go into great detail. Be sure to visit them for more great tips

How to Clean and Restore Car Headlights

After a few years of usage, the plastic in car headlights oxidizes, causing them to become hazy and yellowish. That film can cause you not to see as well when driving at night. You can use this headlight restoration technique to clean and restore your headlights.

According to Family Handyman there is an easy 4 step process that will restore your headlights

Step 1 - Wash and Sand Horizontally

• Wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water.

• Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry.

• Then mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint.

• Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation.

Sand in one direction.

With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. If the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with the 1,500 grit and work up to the 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with the 1,000-grit paper.

Step 2 - Rinse and Sand Vertically

Rinse and change direction with the next grit. Keep doing this until you're finished with the 2,500-grit paper.

Step 3 - Buff the Lens with Polish

• Wash the headlight with plenty of clear, cool water and dry.

• Wet one corner of the flannel cloth with the polishing compound.

• Using firm pressure, polish the headlight in a circular pattern until it becomes smooth and clear.

Step 4 - Polish the Lens

• Allow the polish to dry, then use the clean end of the cloth to buff off any polish residue.

• Repeat the polishing process.

• Depending on the damage to the headlamp, small areas may still appear foggy. Try re-polishing only those spots with a polishing compound. Buff the area again and inspect. The lens should look perfectly clear!

• To keep foggy headlights clear, wash often with a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush or sponge, flush with plenty of water and dry.

Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or any chemical that's not formulated for the task. And that is how to clean headlights yourself!

Credit: Family Handyman

How To Clean Your Car Windows Streak Free

The key to getting your car windows clean and streak free is all about the tools and techniques you use. The great news is that it's not difficult to do, and once you learn how, you'll be able to get your car windows looking amazing in no time.

1. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or towel to avoid scratches.

2. When using a cleaning solution, make sure work in small sections

3. Start at the top and work your way down

4. Use a quality glass cleaner

5. Wipe in a circular motion

6. Use a second clean microfiber cloth to dry

7. Polish with a third clean microfiber cloth

How To Clean The Dashboard

The best things to clean your car dashboard according to DetailCentralAve are.

• Vacuum with Attachment

• Soft Microfiber Cloth

• Water and Mild Soap

• Toothbrush or Soft Paint Brush

• Polish

To begin, use your vacuum with brush attachments to vacuum the dash. Attempt to pick up any dust or debris on the dash.

Next, take a soft microfiber cloth, dipped in water, to wipe down your dash. If the interior of your car is particularly grimy, fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap. Use this to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, hand brake, and interior plastic of your vehicle.

Likely, it will be difficult to clean in the small crevices and vents. Use a toothbrush, soft paintbrush, or designated dash brush to gently remove dirt. Be careful so you don’t scratch the delicate parts of your car.

Once your dash is clean and dry – you can use another dry microfiber cloth to rub down the dash if needed – you can add shine by polishing it. You can pick up a wide variety of polishes at automotive parts stores. Pick the polish of your choice and put a small amount onto a clean and dry cloth, then rub the cloth over the dash. Repeat until the entire dashboard is polished. You can polish the center console as well. If there is excess polish when you’ve finished, remove with a dry cloth.

Credit: DetailCentralAve

How To Remove Dead Bugs From Your Car's Exterior

The paint on your car's exterior is delicate. When you drive, bugs hit your car and can leave behind stains or etchings in the paint. You may not notice them right away, but over time these can become more visible and difficult to remove.

To remove dead bugs from your car's exterior, start by washing the area with soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your car's exterior first to avoid damaging the paint.

Once you've removed the dead bug stains, be sure to wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.