Monthly Archives: July 2017

How to detail your car like a pro

Some people insist on doing it all themselves. You know the type. Maybe you are the type. If there’s a way to DIY the job, that’s what they’re doing. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail, but they’re always hands-on.

Now, our trained technicians would be more than happy to detail your Acura for you down at the dealership, but we also fully encourage the DIY spirit. And when it comes to washing your car, the truth is that it can actually be pretty enjoyable and not all that difficult if you’ve got the know how and the right tools.

From the gear you need, to what to clean with what and how, here’s how to detail your own car so it’ll shine like it was meant to.

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Gear Up

Putting together a detailing kit of your own with some of the essentials. Get yourself a couple of buckets, a microfiber pad, several clean cloths, wash-mitt, an ultra-soft chamois, some canned air and Q-tips, and some multi-glass cleaner, auto-glass cleaner, vehicle shampoo, leather conditioner, engine degreaser and tire dressing, as well as instructions on how to use each. You can also buy pre-packaged kits, but just make sure they’re right for your Acura.

Inside Out

Don’t track inside detritus onto a clean exterior of your car–start inside and work your way out.

Empty out everything! All the change in the center console. All the floor mats! All the Kleenex boxes! Anything that isn’t bolted down.

Next, vacuum all the surfaces including the seat, carpets, under the seat by moving them forward and backwards to access as much area as possible, and inside the trunk. When cleaning the dash or any surface that may scratch, make sure to use the appropriate soft vacuum attachment.

Use canned air or Q-tips to remove any stuck materials from hard-to-reach areas such as vents and grills.

Wipe the doors, dash, console, center console, making sure to use the appropriate cleaner for each surface, or just a damp chamois or cloth. Do not use tire or vinyl shine products on the dash as it can cause glare that may affect your vision, and may leave a film on the interior of the front windshield.

When cleaning the windows, ensure you use an appropriate window cleaner and two cloths; one to spread the cleaner around and remove the dirt, and the second to dry it.

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Wheels

With the inside spick and span, head outside and tackle the wheels.

– For the least struggle, make sure you use a designated wheel cleaner solution and allow it a few moments to do work on the surface.

Use a stiff brush or pressure hose to dislodge any gunk.

Make sure the tires shine bright by applying some tire dressing after they’re clean, rinsed and dry.

 

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Then the Fun Part!

Go ahead and get wet!

Park in the shade, especially if you’re going to wax.

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly to ensure you remove as much dirt as possible before washing. Use a bucket of warm soapy water and a clean wash mitt to wipe the car’s exterior from top to bottom.

Make sure to wash the bottom last as there is more dirt lower on the vehicle which you don’t want to drag around and scratch the paint. If there is heavy dirt on the vehicle, rinse your wash mitt frequently during use.

Have a separate bucket of clean water to wash particles out of the rags and/or mitt as you clean.

Try to wash, rinse and dry section by section to avoid soapy water drying on the surface.

Dry with microfiber towel or chamois.

If you’re going to wax, this is when to do it.

With a separate cloth and either warm water with a mild dilution of soap or a multi-purpose cleaner, wipe inside the door jambs, doors frames, trunk channels and inside the fuel door area.

Pop the Hood

Didn’t your mother teach you never to cut corners? In the interest of being thorough, be sure to pop the hood and clean in the engine bay.

Depending on how much build-up there is on the hardware, some engine degreaser may be in order. Apply and allow to work.

Wash with a hose, making sure not to saturate areas with electrical components as it could cause electrical problems.

Use a cloth to wipe the engine covers and inside the hood channels.

Apply approved vinyl/plastic dressing to the engine covers if preferred.

 Get Perspective

With the scrubbing done but before you put your supplies away, check your work.

You can also take the opportunity to cut down on interior clutter by limiting and re-organizing the items you put back in.

Show It Off

Now that your Acura is glistening like new, time to show it off. Take a victory lap while you plan your next DIY project.

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8 things you need to know before taking your dog for a drive

Picture your dog is sitting in the back seat, its head out window, fur blowing luxuriously in the wind, tongue flapping. That is the expression of pure doggy happiness. Your pup might even enjoy going for a ride in your Acura even more than you do. But when it comes to riding around with your fluffy friend, there are a few things you need to know to make it a smooth and safe ride for the both of you.

Take a carrier for your pet’s first trip

If it’s the first time your pooch is going for a ride, it’s a good idea to keep them in a carrier or cage until they get used to it and get a handle for the rules of the road, so to speak. This isn’t just because Fido might panic, it’s also because Fido might get too excited and unintentionally do something dangerous, like jump in your lap while you’re trying to drive. Be sure to strap the carrier into the seat so your dog doesn’t get hurt if you need to make a sudden stop.

 

Even a seasoned pro should be strapped in

A great safety option once you trust your dog to wander a little more is to keep it on a leash and attach the leash to a fastened seatbelt. This way they can lie down in the back or poke their head between the front seats to say hi comfortably, but they can’t go jumping out the window to chase a squirrel. There are even doggie car seats for those owners who are a little more cautious. via GIPHY

Puppy needs pit stops, too

You might be tempted to get a long drive over in one go, but keep in mind that us humans have a little more self control than dogs do…sometimes. When dogs need to go to for a walk, they need to go for a walk. Factoring in a few stops will make the ride more tolerable for both of you, as well as keep you from having to deal with any unpleasant messes in the backseat. 

Don’t leave your pet alone in the car for an extended period of time

With all the stories of people mistreating their animals by leaving them in hot cars, this one seems like a no brainer, but it still needs to be said. Even if you’re only planning on leaving the vehicle for a few minutes, make sure your dogs are at a comfortable temperature, crack a window, and give them some food and water, just in case something ends up keeping you longer than expected. The luxury dog bed and stuffed animal are optional.

 

Know the laws in the place you’re driving

In Ontario, the laws about insecure loads and careless driving can apply to pets. For example, driving with an unsecured dog in the flatbed of a truck would violate both. The laws might change depending on how far your doggie road trip takes you, so make sure you’re also familiar with the law in every destination along the way.

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Put down a blanket

Once you’ve got the safety precautions down, you can worry about other stuff, like how the heck you’re going to clean up all that hair. Covering the seats your dog occupies makes this much less of a hassle, and will make your dog more comfy in the process. It’ll also help if your dog goes for a quick swim, or if you encounter some bad weather during a pit stop, or, heaven forbid, the little rascal finds something putrid to roll in.

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Travelling with cats is a very different experience

Unlike dogs, most cats aren’t too fond of travelling around in a big capsule of metal and pleather. Because of their size and agility, cats are a lot harder to contain too, so it’s best o keep them in a carrier throughout the journey so they don’t end up somewhere they shouldn’t be.

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Every stop is a photo op

The adorable pupperinos on this list are proof that doggie road trips are excellent opportunities for pet-based photo shoots, even before they even leave the vehicle. Enjoy the journey just as much as the destination, and give back to the world by spreading the cuteness.

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