Washing & Waxing Your Vehicle Caring for the Leather in Your Vehicle Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage Washing & Waxing Your Vehicle Washing your car is like taking a good hot shower, it just makes you feel better. But there are some important things to remember. First, household detergent is a real no-no; it's likely to take off the wax and damage the paint. There are numerous products designed especially for your purpose available in auto supply stores, use one of them. Work in the shade and use a sponge, towel or wash mitt. These should be kept completely free of abrasive grit. Pay attention to those crevices underneath the vehicle that accumulate mud and road dirt. The high pressure hose in a do-it-yourself car wash is great for this, as is a home style pressure washer. Automotive chemical manufacturers have developed new products that make the finished job more impressive. Tires and black plastic trim, for example, can be made to look like new with protective dressings. There are cleaners for chrome, aluminum and stainless steel; even products designed for hard-to-remove brake pad dust from wheels. The Council reminds you that while we can't seem to escape harmful ultraviolet rays and acid rain, regular washing and waxing can keep your vehicle looking new. Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA) / Car Care Council (back to top) Caring for the Leather in Your Vehicle With many parts of the nation already experiencing the summer heat, it's a good idea to care and protect the leather in your vechicle. Creative Colors International, one of the largest franchises in the repair, reconditioning and color restoration of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastics and carpeting, offers the following useful information for extending and enhancing the life of your vehicle's leather. To retain its beauty and other desirable qualities, leather requires frequent conditioning to replace the natural lubricants lost during normal use. With the proper care, leather can be protected from excessive dryness that can cause it to crack, and from moisture that may cause it to swell or mildew. Because unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids, a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to help prevent permanent stains from occurring. Be sure to use only the proper protection for your particular type of leather. 1. The use of too much oil or wax can clog pores, causing leather to lose its ability to allow air in and moisture out. For the best protection, we recommend a mild dishwashing soap. Ivory liquid dishwashing soap is an excellent way to keep your leather clean and looking new. One part Ivory to 10 parts water. 2. Dairy products that spill on darker dyed leather will leave a spot. After cleaning, the oils in the dairy products will eventually rise back up to the surface. Try and be careful with any dairy product next to your leather. 3. Lighter colored leather needs to be cleaned often. Dirt, dust and clothing will leave traces on leather. Especially, black and dark-blue dyed jeans. 4. Never use preparations made for smooth leather on suede or "rough out" leather. Use only cleaners or preparations made specifically for suede.  Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA) / Creative Colors International (back to top) Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage With today's high gas prices, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day to make minor modifications that will improve your gas mileage. ALLDATA's ASE certified technicians have developed 22 effective tips for reducing the amount of gas you use while driving your vehicle: Vehicle Tips • Keep your tires properly inflated, and check them frequently • Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment. • Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends. • Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition. • Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean. • Make sure your brakes are not dragging. • Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag - just ask any race car driver. • Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it; using it is an unnecessary expense. • Don't waste your money on those late night "as seen on TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage. Driving Tips • Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it. • Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine when you leave the car or have to wait a long time. • Avoid jack-rabbit starts. • Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour or less whenever possible. • For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows and turn on the A/C when driving on the freeway. • For older cars with inefficient A/C compressors, use the ventilation system and close the windows, temperature permitting. • Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and accelerate smoothly. • Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go several places, plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in one outing. • Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning to take to the recycler all weigh down your car unnecessarily. • Car pool whenever possible or practical. • Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested areas. • Drive in the highest gear possible (without lugging the engine). • Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road. Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA) / Alldata.com (back to top)