Car Blog

May8

Image credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AMercedes-Benz_W_222_S_350_Bluetec.JPG

A vehicle is easily one of the biggest and most important purchases a person will make in a lifetime, and whether old or new, it’s an investment that should be protected and carefully maintained. That can sometimes prove to be harder to do than it sounds, considering the constant danger that exterior damage can occur, the threat of potential car thieves and the need for unexpected repairs. Unfortunately, you can’t place your car in a bubble to keep it safe from all of these situations, however, the good news is that there are several ways, from installing a paint-protecting car bra and security system to obtaining a repair plan, that can minimize these risks and preserve a vehicle’s appearance and value.

Paint Protection

Every time a car is backed out of the garage there is a chance for it to get assaulted by road hazards that end up leaving the paint job scratched, dinged, faded, etc. Nevertheless, many of these damages can be avoided with the right paint protection. Numerous car owners have ditched the vinyl car bras that were popular years ago in favor of the much more attractive clear car bra.

This invisible film is flexible enough to fit the body shape of any vehicle, won’t detract from its appearance, and most importantly, has shown just how effectively it protects the finish by absorbing the impact of flying rocks, out of control shopping carts, ultraviolet rays, splattering bugs, etc. Car bras are low maintenance, tough and reliable.

Security Protection Products

Any expensive purchase comes with the fear of theft. Luckily, innovative security products have been designed in an effort to reduce car theft crimes and offer vehicle owners greater peace of mind. Examples of these security solutions include GPS or radio tracking, remote ignition blocking, wheel lock, forced entry or engine startup alerts, engine immobilizer and VIN etching.

Different companies sell any variety of these features separate or as a system, ensuring your vehicle is secure and extremely difficult for even the most seasoned car thief to break in or to get very far before getting caught.

Repair Protection Plans

New cars are generally covered under warranty, but once that runs out or if the car you’ve purchased isn’t new, unanticipated repair expenses can pop up at any time. A large portion of car owners don’t have the extra funds readily available that are required to take care of costly repairs, and neglecting certain problems can end up leading to worsening conditions.

Repair service plans can help reduce bills related to parts and labor when things stop working right and give you the opportunity to get your car fixed in a timely and affordable manner without further harm being caused to the vehicle’s inner workings.

Any of these situations can cause a lot of stress and result in a loss in the investment made into your vehicle, but the odds will be in your favor if you take the steps necessary to protect it and purchase a professional car bra installation, get armed with security products and have a repair plan in place.

February3

With so many companies offering valeting services it can be hard to differentiate between them all and know which one to choose. In order to help you select the one that best suits your needs you need to ask yourself whether you are looking for a valeting company that offers purely a Car Cleaning service or one that also offers a range of Car Detailing services.

In valeting terms Car Cleaning refers to the process of cleaning, polishing and waxing a vehicle in order to make it look as near to the condition as when it left the showroom on the day that you purchased it.

What is included in a car valet will vary slightly from company to company however you will find that generally their offering will be relatively similar and will include cleaning of the wheels, washing, polishing and waxing of the bodywork and polishing of both the bright work and the glass.
From an interior point of view you should expect all areas of the interior including the dash, control console, seats, carpets, luggage areas and vents to be vacuumed. Any soiled areas such as upholstery, trim and carpet should also be wet cleaned in order to lift any stains.

With regards the exterior a range of chemicals, tools and accessories will be used to clean off as much soiling as possible prior to the bodywork being polished and waxed.

A car valet is more than adequate should you be looking purely for your car to be cleaned and more enjoyable to drive however if you are looking for more just than an extensive clean you need to source a company that offers specialised Car Detailing services.

The main differences between the two types of service are the processes that are used. With detailing different tools are used to remove marks, scratches and blemishes that ruin the vehicles appearance. Detailing can be used on most surfaces however more popular detailing services include plastic bumper and wing mirror repair and alloy wheel refurbishment. It can however extend to full body restoration should this be required.

When making a booking with a valeting company you need to be clear on what services you require to ensure that you get the result that you are looking to achieve. The majority of companies have a website so you can check what services they offer plus many now have testimonials from previous clients which can help give you an indication of the type of work they do.

January22

One of the best aspects of Europe is that it is one of the most diverse and eclectic continents on the face of the earth.  Should you opt to take your family on a road trip throughout this region, you will undoubtedly experience unforgettable sights that are certain to be the highlight of the year.  In fact, a growing number of individuals who purchase used cars online through Carcraft and other such portals will employ these trusted vehicles for just this purpose.  So, let us take a look at three of the most popular and exciting touring journeys that are to be found in Europe.

The South-eastern Coast of Spain

Beginning as far south as the Strait of Gibraltar, you will wind your way up sinuous highways that are bordered on one side by the Mediterranean Sea and on the other by the sheer vastness of the Spanish interior.  The climate will be agreeable throughout the year and there are countless locations to pull over and snatch a few photos or take a pleasant picnic.  Along the way, you can enjoy stopovers at such cities as Valencia, Sitges, Barcelona and Girona.

The Pyrenees Mountains

Should you instead prefer to partake in the verdant green landscape that has come to define the French countryside, a vehicular trek through the Pyrenees is certainly an agreeable option.  While some may enjoy a tour through the mountains themselves, another option is to drive along a highway that connects Montpelier to Toulouse.  The cities of Narbonne and Carcassonne can be seen along the way and make excellent rest stops to enjoy a relaxed evening.  Also, choosing this route in the springtime will allow you to witness seemingly endless fields of sunflowers and lilacs; many proclaiming that these sights alone are worth the journey.  Never forget that the majestic Pyrenees Mountains lie directly to the south and on a clear day, they can provide an excellent visual backdrop.

Pas de Calais, France

Used cars purchased through portals such as Carcraft and others can easily reach this location, as the English Channel Tunnel directly connects England with Calais, France.  Upon arrival, expect to enjoy what can only be called a traditional French countryside.  Quaint roads are hugged by hedgerows and small shrubbery while ancient homes can be seen dotted across the soft, rolling hills.  If you wish to take a trip further down the coast, make certain to frequent the city of Boulogne.  Known for its historic port, delectable food and particularly famous as the city that holds Europe’s largest aquarium, Boulogne should not be missed.

There are obviously countless other tours that can be enjoyed across this truly amazing continent.  For example, a trek through the Swiss Alps is a delight as well as buzzing along the coastline of Italy.  Nonetheless, the choices are completely up to what you wish to see and of course, the time that you are allotted during such an adventure.

A European road trip is the perfect family getaway and with so many locations at your fingertips, that perfect holiday is indeed closer than you think!