Just as you take extra care packing up your personal belongings for a move to a new location, you want to do the same for your car. If you’ll be shipping your vehicle, it’s likely to arrive in good condition when you pay attention to the following important details as you prepare your car for a move.

Tip #1: Take Your Car in for Service
Even though you won’t be driving the car to the new location, it’s a good idea to take your vehicle in for service prior. Your auto technician can ensure that everything is in good shape and perform routine maintenance, such as an oil change and tire check and rotation. It’s especially important that the tires are properly inflated, because this will reduce the risk of damage to the tires during transport.

A written report on the current state of your car is also good to have for insurance purposes, in the event that there is damage to your vehicle during transport.

Tip #2: Have the Alarm Disabled
If your vehicle has a particularly sensitive alarm system that reacts when the car is moved, it’s advisable to have it disabled prior to transport. This will avoid your car alarm going off during moving, saving your battery and the sanity of whoever is transporting the vehicle.

Tip #3: Get Your Car Washed
As you prepare your car for a move, it’s a good idea to have it cleaned prior to transport. That way you’ll be able to note if there are any scratches or dings before your vehicle heads out. When your auto arrives at its destination, you’ll also be better able to check that it is still in good shape.

Tip #4: De-Clutter Your Car’s Interior
It’s possible that your car will experience shifting when in transport, so you want to avoid loose items in the interior that could fall and damage your car. Clear out or secure contents such as spare change, emergency kits, water bottles, gum, makeup, air fresheners and electronic equipment like chargers and cables. While you’re at it, have the car’s interior detailed so that it’s clean and tidy upon arrival.

Tip #5 : Drive off Most of the Gas
Since your car won’t be driven, it’s not necessary or advisable to have a full tank of gas. The more gas in the engine, the heavier your car will be, which may affect the transport cost. Leave just enough gas in the car to ensure that it can be driven at the loading and unloading locations.

Tip #6: Lock Your Car Up Tight
There should be no reason for the movers to get into your car once it’s loaded on the ship or truck, so lock your vehicle before you leave. Although it’s best not to store anything valuable inside, this will reduce the risk of theft and help to keep the car’s interior clean.

Tip #7: Remove Accessories
Take off and otherwise transport car accessories such as trailer hitches and bike racks. There is a good chance that if allowed to remain intact, such accessories may cause damage to your vehicle or surrounding cars or property.

At Mr. Clean Car Wash, we wish you and your auto safe travels. As you prepare your car for a move, if you have any questions about the best interior and exterior detailing for your vehicle, give us a call or stop in today.

The end of summer is getting close. This can only mean one thing—back to school is right around the corner. Whether you’re a college student embarking on a cross-country adventure, or a soccer mom wanting to clean your car up before the big game, there are many ways to get the job done. Because your lifestyle is extremely busy, especially with back to school activities, when it comes to getting your car cleaned it is time to kick back and relax. Let the pros at Mr. Clean Car Wash do all of the dirty work for you and make your car outshine everything else. Here are some reasons to come visit us today!

Get Rid Of Aromatic Pet Odor
Throughout spring and summer, your car’s seats and floors have seen its fair share of pet traffic. From camping trips to long trips with Fido in the car, odors are bound to creep up. While most fragrances just mask odors, Mr. Clean Car Wash uses odor eliminators to target odors and get rid of them on contact. This will leave your entire car smelling fresh and pet free.

Releasing Summertime Stains
During the summer, you likely throw dirty items such as shoes, bathing suits and soccer balls in the backseat. You may miss a stain or two or simply not have the time to spot clean a mess. The result is a stain that is difficult to lift, no matter what type of cleaner or extraction process you use. Here at Mr. Clean Car Wash, we target and hone in on deep stains. We work at eliminating stains and restoring your upholstery’s appearance.

Clear The Air From Allergies And Toxins
When you use your vehicle during the spring, one troublesome culprit can wreak havoc on your allergies—pollen. Pollen is composed of tiny particles that break apart and release into the air. Not only can it trigger hay fever or mild respiratory symptoms, it can really mess with your vehicle, both inside and out. The dusty residue can actually oxidize the paint on your car and stain your upholstery. Drop off your car and we can clean your seat, carpets and interior hard surfaces.

Create New Car Appeal
If you’ll be carpooling with both kids and adults this fall, you’ll want your vehicle looking good enough to impress the Joneses. We offer a complete exterior detailing to make your entire car looks its best!

Prep For Passengers
Maybe your car is already in perfect shape, but because of your busy summer schedule, you just didn’t have the time or resources to detail out the interior. Let us take care of you and your car. We will do a complete interior detailing that targets:

• Carpets
• Seats
• Interior-Plastics and Vinyl

In addition, your car will smell fresh and inviting, making it a joy to drive and show off to your passengers.

Full-Service Pampering
Let’s face it, your car is probably your best friend, especially because it goes everywhere you do. Don’t you want to give it only the very best in pampering and care? Drop your vehicle off and we take care of it from bumper-to-bumper. We can do:

• A full service car wash
• Exterior wax
• An interior deep cleaning and detail

• Oil change services
• Preventative Maintenace

With so many things to do this summer and fall, don’t worry about car care. Save money with Mr. Clean Car Wash today and let us handle all of your back to school car care needs.

Keeping your car clean and dirt free is one thing, but making sure that bothersome odors don’t reappear is an entirely different challenge. The pros here at Mr. Clean Car Wash know and understand the challenges you may face with keeping stubborn smells at bay. While we hope you’ll take advantage of our professional interior detailing and savings to eliminate tough odors, but here are a few air freshener types that you can use in between deep cleanings.

Gel Packs
Gel pack fresheners offer a way to fill the air with your favorite scent and provide a long-lasting freshness that can last up to several weeks and months. They come in a variety of fragrances including:

• Apple
• Bubblegum

• Melon
• Grape and other fruit fragrances

You can place the canister under your seat or in another compartment for an intricate burst of freshness every time you cruise down the road. Gel packs are safe and not overbearing like other plug-in air fresheners are. And once you remove the canister, the smell is gone and doesn’t linger like a spray would. This freshener is a good product that allows you to conceal it while the scent outlasts all other car fragrance products.

Sprays
Car fragrance sprays are a popular and easy choice for most people because they give off an instant scent. They come in a huge variety of scents to choose from and many are strong enough to last several hours and even days. Many have strong citrus tones. While this spray doesn’t neutralize odors like some sprays do, there is a robust citrus scent that embodies fresh, clean fruit.

Plug-In Varieties
Air fresheners that plug into your battery charger or clip are another variety that car lovers adore. They are easy to use and provide a burst of scent, especially when your car is running. Some can be overwhelming at first, especially for passengers who are placed directly in line with the freshener.

Hanging Scented Fresheners
Fresheners that hang in your vehicle either on available clips or your front mirror offer a light scent that can help ward off pesky odors. They are very economical and easy to use and dispose of. There are several popular hanging air fresheners and is often sold 3 or more to a pack. While an affordable alternative, they are not long lasting like an odor eliminator.

Vent Clips
Using vent clips offer a quick and easy way to get the scent you love fill the air every time you turn your air vents on. They work great with your air conditioner and the heater in your car. They are a great product that lets you enjoy the warm and cozy scents of home right inside the comfort of your vehicle. The downfall is that they dry out easily and have a short life of just a few weeks, or less if you use your vents very regularly.

While portable air fresheners are a great way to keep your car’s air smelling fresh, an odor eliminator by Mr. Clean Car Wash is the best option for lasting refreshing smelling interiors. Contact us today!

When it comes to getting the shine and sheen on your car’s exterior, applying only the best products is important. The same holds true for the inside as well. Here at Mr. Clean Car Wash, we use Mothers interior detailing products to create a long-lasting glowing shine both inside and out of your car that is hard to replicate anywhere else. If you’re looking to really achieve that interior glow within your vehicle, let us help you. Here are some of the benefits of choosing us:

Showroom Ready
If you’re trying to get your classic car ready for a big car show, you know that details are important. The pros here at Mr. Clean Car Wash are professional detailers who do just that—go over every tiny detail of your car. Here are some areas they will focus on:

• The dashboard and rejuvenating dull plastic or wooden panels
• Seats and door panels

• The dirty spaces between vents and around the window trim
• Door and trunk jambs

• Windows and water stains
• Carpet

The Mothers Vinyl Protectant helps restore dull oxidized plastic and vinyl surfaces in a matter of seconds. Using Mothers brand custom detail cleaning supplies and finishes will help make your car look like it was just driven off of the showroom lot.

Eliminate Dull Or Oxidized Surfaces
Over time, vinyl and leather can fade due to sunlight and other harsh contaminants. A leather cleaner can help lift stubborn grime and dirt that is hidden within the surface. Following up with leather conditioner helps restore the shine and luster that will make the seats and other areas look brand new. The combo vinyl, leather and rubber restorer helps to condition and protect seats and surfaces in between professional interior details.

Take Out Stubborn Stains
Sometimes new vehicles can quickly grasp stubborn stains due to pet traffic and common everyday spills. When you get a professional interior detailing service from Mr. Clean Car Wash, the pros tackle stains head on using carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Clear Up Odors
If your car has gotten wet on the inside, or some food spills have gone unnoticed, the smells it leaves behind can be hard to eliminate. Clear up stubborn odors with a Mr. Clean Car Wash interior detailing. We tackle smells by extracting dirt and grime and then applying an odor eliminator to help target bothersome scents and get rid of them from good. Air fresheners are a temporary fix to mask odors, not eliminate them like an odor eliminator would.

Visit Mr. Clean Car Wash today for a complete interior detail and car wash combo to fix all of your car care needs.

Ever wish a car would just clean itself? Unlimited car washes may be the next best thing. The freedom and flexibility combined with a superior shine can make it feel like a vehicle never gets dirty.

But why would a car owner need unlimited car washes in the summer?

First, rain storms. A common misconception for most car owners is that they will let the rain wash their car. The truth is that rain can make a car dirtier because of the acidity of the perception. When rain mixes with the dirt on a vehicle, it can cause damage to the exterior of the car. A car wash helps to protect the surface of a car from this toxic chemical mixture and keeps the car cleaner overall.

Another reason unlimited car washes are a great idea in the summer is because of the frequency of travel in the summer months. Traveling automatically exposes a vehicle to dust, dirt and other particles that should be removed as quickly as possible. Don’t wait for crud to accumulate on the surface of a vehicle and damage the paint.

In addition, the unlimited full-service plan cleans the inside of the car as well. Sand, dirt from the kids home from school, unexpected spills from traveling, and other mishaps are no match for a full detail. Why let the inside of a vehicle waste away when the problem can be remedied soon after it happens?

One of the best reasons to go to unlimited car washes is the cost effectiveness. After only three washes, the services are up to 25% cheaper than getting a standalone car wash in the same amount of time. That’s extra cash that can be used on the next vacation.

It also saves time. Unlimited car wash customers get a small RFID tag to put in the windshield to effortlessly pass through the usual ordering process.

Mr. Clean Car Wash has 6 unlimited car wash plans that can fit any car owner’s needs and can be used up to once every day. Plus, unlimited plans can be redeemed at any location making getting a car washed easy and convenient. Make every day a clean car day with unlimited car washes.

When you run your car through the wash, the result should be a spotless finish that’s clean from top to bottom. But if you’re noticing a lot of window spots, as well as spots throughout your vehicle caused by water, even after a towel dry, it can be challenging to determine exactly what went wrong. Here are a few potential types of issues regarding window spots and water spots and what you might want to consider doing to remedy the problem.

Avoid Storing Your Vehicle In The Elements
In some cases, depending on where you live, you may not be able to provide adequate shelter for your car. If a carport or garage is out of reach, try using a car cover when you’re vehicle is not in use. Certain types of water exposure, including acid rain, can be a significant contributor to the development of spots on the exterior of your vehicle. The acidic effect of acid rain, including the elevated amount of hydrogen ions can easily damage the paint on your car. Stopping off at a Mr. Clean Car Wash location can help to reduce the effects of acid rain and accumulating water spots on your vehicle’s paint. A clay bar treatment helps to target paint oxidation, overspray and acid rain build up.

Get Frequent Car Washes
The water spots on your windshield and the painted surface of your vehicle could be caused by a variety of reasons, including:

• Acid rain exposure if you live or drive through a highly polluted environment.
• Mineral buildup from exposure to a non-filtered water source.
• Salt accumulation from saltwater particles.

If the paint on your vehicle is older or in poor condition, oxidation may have occurred. This means that paint is degenerating and becomes porous for attracting materials. The result leaves behind spots and stains that are hard to eliminate. Your Mr. Clean Car Wash Specialist will be able to use a step wax process which targets oxidation and other surface contaminants. You’ll end up with a lasting shine that also protects your vehicle from further stain and damage.

Seek An Interior Detail
Water spots can also show up on the interior of your vehicle as well. These are generally caused from staining or accidental water splashes during everyday use. The best way to target interior water stains is to use ammonia-free based products to wipe away all contaminants that may be contributing to spots and streaks. Wipe any residue away with a soft, towel to prevent scratching and stain reoccurrence. Take away the hard work by hiring a technician from Mr. Clean Car Wash to give you a professional interior cleaning that focuses on window cleaning and protecting hard surfaces that are prone to water spots.

Keep A Towel Handy
In between professional cleanings from Mr. Clean Car keep your vehicle as dry and clean as possible. If your car has been exposed to acid rain or a hard water sprinkler system, try to stop by Mr. Clean Car Wash for a quick rinse. If you’re unable to visit a location, keep your vehicle ‘s exterior as dry as possible. This can help prevent water spots from forming.

Water spots are a bothersome effect of owning a vehicle, no matter how clean you keep it. Let the experts at Mr. Clean Car Wash help make your car shine year round.

Between shuttling the kids to school on the way to the office to completing errands on the way home, people’s days are often packed, and more than a little chaotic. Drivers begin to think about an oil change as the miles accumulate, and eventually they swing by the auto shop and check that item off the list.

Proper car maintenance is more than just an oil change every few thousand miles and a car wash, though. To keep the car functioning, drivers need to have regular maintenance service. Think of it like a checkup. The car does the heavy lifting and shuttles people around a lot, and it experiences quite a bit of daily wear. It won’t be in optimal shape if its components are grimy and its systems are clogged. Here are some important terms and their services that will help vehicles take people where they need to be:

Throttle Plate Cleaning
The throttle plate, a small swiveling component of the engine, controls the flow of air and fuel vapor that passes through the engine’s cylinders when the accelerator is pressed. It can be susceptible to grime buildup, which will affect the engine’s operability and peak performance. A grimy plate will lead to a sluggish uptake, which is the last thing people want when they’re late for the office or an appointment. Throttle plate cleaning is available in the 30, 60 and 90K Services, as well as the Fuel System Package.

Transfer Case Service
Transfer case refers to the specialized box next to the transmission that controls power sent to the front and rear axles, and when engaging or disengaging the 4WD. The transfer case houses gears or chains, and it is found in all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles, which make up the majority of new vehicles today. The transfer case relies on lubricated components, and the fluid can become dirty and contaminated easily. What might happen? Drivers might notice harsh resistance when shifting, or they might experience fluid leaks. Costlier repairs could even affect the transmission itself. Transfer case service is handled in the 4WD Transmission Package.

Fuel Injection Cleaning
Fuel injectors are responsible for pressurizing the engine’s incoming fuel, turning it into a mist that will burn more easily. As with other parts of the engine that rely on fluid, sludge can build up along crevices and block the injector’s nozzle, leading to reduced flow and choppy engine start up. Newer models are designed better, and they don’t build up sludge as quickly. However, no engine is ever immune, and it will benefit from the service provided in the Fuel System Package.

Rear Differential Service
The rear differential is similar to the transfer case, in that it controls the speeds of the wheels via the transmission, but this time the control is restricted to the rear axle. The gears it contains require fluid, and they can be damaged if the fluid is too low or is dirty. The 4WD Transmission Package, as well as the 30, 60 and 90K Service, can replace the fluid to keep any car content.

Breather
The breather is the duct reserved for engine air flow, and it’s connected to the engine crankcase and contains filters and baffles to block vapors and fumes. Now, why is a clean breather important? Without proper air flow, the engine can build up engine sludge rapidly, leading to potential malfunctions like leaking oil, faulty components and costly repairs. Drivers can help prevent these repairs when they get the 30, 60 and 90K Service, which includes inspecting the breather.

When was the last time you had your car serviced? Mr. Clean Car Wash can help keep your car in great condition, inside and out, with our car maintenance packages and car wash services. Swing by for friendly service today.

Image Source: Flickr

A shiny car exterior may be your number one priority with your car care. A flawless body on the outside is great, but making sure that everything is in working order under the hood is vitally important. This starts with routine car maintenance that the pros at Mr. Clean Car Wash and Pennzoil oil can provide. The blood that runs through the veins of your vehicle is the motor oil. We use only the best, with Pennzoil brand oil being the only product we use. Here are some benefits of using Pennzoil and having routine maintenance done on your car to keep it in tip-top shape year round.

Achieve Better Gas Mileage
Be sure to stop by a Mr. Clean Car Wash before you venture out on your next road trip. The specialists at Mr. Clean Car Wash will help you choose an oil change package that will reduce engine sludge and protect your motor while you put extra miles or strain on it. Fuel economy is improved when an engine’s mechanical parts operate more efficiently. Pennzoil synthetic motor oil keeps pistons cleaner than other oils, so your vehicle runs at top performance through a variety of weather and terrain. Pennzoil synthetic oil is created from pure natural gas and then converted into a synthetic base auto oil. It is better for the environment while helping you save money on your vacation by filling up your tank less often.

See Your Vehicle Through Temperature Changes
When warmer temperatures skyrocket, a lot more stress is placed under your car’s engine. This can affect performance. Pennzoil uses PurePlus technology in their synthetic and ultra synthetic motor oil to help protect your engine as it heats up perform under extreme temperatures . This reduces sludge and clogging

— which are both factors for early engine failure. Make an appointment today to have the right oil change maintenance package applied to your vehicle.

Improve Engine Power
As your vehicle ages, the power of the motor can tend to wind down as well. Vehicle wear and tear and not getting frequent Pennzoil oil changes can slow your speeds and make your car run sluggish. Pennzoil offers a full range of motor oils that help your engine to run more smoothly and brings back the feeling of power that you first had when taking your car out on the open road.

Increase The Life Of Your Engine
The more miles and years on an engine, the closer it is to its demise. Help preserve and save your vehicle’s engine with an ultra synthetic oil change from Mr. Clean Car Wash. Pennzoil pure synthetic will relieve the burden of damage caused from driving in extreme heat or cold. Using hyper cleansing technology, it will actually clean your engine’s pistons and create a lightweight flow of oil that constantly runs through and nourishes the components of your engine.

Feel Protected
Feel confident that your engine will last longer with regular Pennzoil oil changes. Only Pennzoil offers a 500,000 mile/15 year engine warranty with regular Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic Oil Changes.

Stop by a Mr. Clean Car Wash today to reap the benefits of Pennzoil brand oils for your vehicle.

When you pull up your favorite search engine and type in “car wash near me,” you’ve probably got a few priorities in mind: convenience, cost, how long it’s going to take, etc. But have you ever thought about the when? In other words, is there any time that’s better than another when it comes to getting your car washed? The answer is a resounding “yes”… but it’s not the same for everybody. Here are some things to think about when you’re deciding when to get your car washed:

What’s the forecast?
You may have heard that you should never wash your car on a sunny day, but that only applies to home washes. Excessive heat can cause soapy water to dry before you have a chance to get it off, running the risks of spots. That’s not a concern when you use a professional car wash, so sunny days are perfectly fine. But the same isn’t true for rain.

Unless you live in a heavily polluted area, it’s not the rain itself that will ruin your fresh wash; it’s the water that splashes up from the road surface. Think about it – all the dirt and grime from thousands of cars has been building up ever since the last rain, and, as soon as that road gets wet, it starts splashing up on your car. Most car washes offer a rain guarantee – a free rewash if it rains within a certain time span – but you still have to take the time to do the whole thing again. So it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast first.

Where will my car be?
Some places contribute more dirt than others. If you’ll be taxiing kids back and forth to ball games all weekend and parking on or near dirt, gravel, and grass, you might want to wait until Monday. That way you can enjoy your clean car for a week before the next round of games starts.

What’s my schedule?
There’s one truth about modern life that we all share: being so busy that we try to wedge to-do list items in anywhere we can. A professional car wash isn’t one of those things. It doesn’t take that long, but you can’t rush the process, either. If your car is still in the tunnel when it is time for you to leave to pick your kids up, there’s only so much you can do. And if you leave while your car is still wet, you’ll have spots and swirls. Therefore, before you Google “car wash near me” check out all of our locations and find the closest near you. At Mr. Clean Car Wash we pride ourself on fast service and we can make sure your car is ready to go when it is time to pick up your kids.

What’s the occasion?
There’s just one thing that can cancel out all of the other considerations: a special occasion. Whether it’s a first date, a job interview, or lunch with a big client, a special occasion trumps everything. Even if it’s going to rain tomorrow and you’ll be parking on a muddy field the day after that, when you need a clean car – well, you need a clean car. Appearances count, and right before a special occasion is always a great time for a professional car wash.

The point is that planning ahead and thinking about how a car wash fits your personal schedule can help you save both time and money. Mr. Clean Car Wash is ready when you are. Stop by today for $5 off our Signature Shine Full Service Car Wash or any single detailing service.

If you’re a 4WD vehicle owner, you probably know the importance of keeping it clean in the winter time. All that caked-on mud, snow and ice can trap moisture against the body, frame and other parts and cause rust. That’s why a thorough cleaning after every big adventure, no matter how cold and cloudy the weather may be, is a very good idea.

Summer 4WD fun involves different activities (beach trips, off-roading, often more sand and dust than mud) that require different types of maintenance. Keeping the outside and interior clean is important year-round, but summer’s the right time to focus on the inner workings of your 4WD vehicle, too.

There are more moving parts in a 4WD, so a thorough approach is best. For example, Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus offers a 4WD transmission service package. It includes a full-service oil change and automatic transmission service but adds service for the transfer case, which takes the power from your engine and transmission and distributes it to your 4WD vehicle’s front and rear axles.

There’s also service for the front and rear differential. Those are the gearboxes that let the outer drive wheels to roll faster than the inner drive wheels when you’re making a turn. When you get right down to it, the transfer case and front and rear differential are what make your vehicle a 4WD vehicle. Inside the transfer case and the front and rear differential is fluid. Over time, and especially when exposed to the elements that are common in summer such as four-wheeling, that fluid can get dirty, break down and provide less of the protection against heat and friction your 4WD vehicle needs. Keeping those fluids fresh and topped off can mean many thousands more fun-filled miles at the wheel of your 4WD vehicle.

Combine that maintenance with thorough cleaning and the regular service you’d give any vehicle and you’ll be enjoying the kind of fun and freedom only a 4WD vehicle can give for years to come. Come to Mr. Clean Car Wash today to prepare for all your summer adventures!