Most people look forward to spring with the flowers blooming and the smell of fresh cut grass. But if you’re one of the 50 million people who suffer from seasonal allergies, it can be a challenging experience. Pollen grain is one of the most common substances that can trigger an allergic response in humans. As a fine powder, pollen ends up airborne and can land just about anywhere—including on and inside your vehicle. While you may clean your home’s air ducts to reduce the effects of a pollen invasion, don’t forget your car. Here are just a few ways that you can care for your vehicle this spring and prevent pollen from taking over.

Don’t Put Off Pre-Pollen Car Care

Just before spring arrives, it’s time to start prepping your car for pollen. Flower and tree pollen are prevalent in the spring. While the dust buildup of green or pink on your car may seem harmless enough, it can cause more harm than good. The acidity within the pollen grain can lead to premature oxidation and stain the paint on your car. Visiting a Mr. Clean Car Wash for an exterior detailing, including a polish and synthetic wax will help reduce the likelihood of pollen oxidation and prolong the appearance of your vehicle’s paint. The pros will then add a triple shine protectant to your vehicle. This helps to resist future pollen buildup and ward off permanent stains caused from pollen.

Do Leave Pollen Removal To The Pros

On a windy day, pollen can accumulate on your vehicle even if you washed it just a few hours prior. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve just had it cleaned. Removing it safely is likely your primary concern. Don’t forget to take your car to the pros to ensure a complete, professional wash. A great professional place will offer you a wash package that includes an under body wash and rust inhibitor-soft cloth wash to help eliminate pollen that is hiding in the crevices of your vehicle and underneath. For example, Mr. Clean Car Wash offers a 96-hour rewash to help make each visit cost effective during the busy pollen season.

Do Keep It Clean Inside

If you suffer from allergies, you may not be protected from the effects of allergic rhinitis or eye irritation caused by pollen while you’re inside your car. Pollen particles can easily reach inside your vehicle through the ventilation system or if you leave your window down accidentally. Cleaning or replacing the cabin filters in your car and having your ventilation system disinfected can cut down significantly on the allergic effects of pollen. An interior detail is one way to get a grip on pollen buildup.

Don’t Forget To Check Under The Hood

If your vehicle is clean from top to bottom, you’ve got a head start on fighting back at pollen. But don’t forget what’s being affected under the hood of your car. Here are some things you want to have checked when you are looking underneath the hood:

• An air filter inspection and replacement if necessary
• Fuel filter replacement

• Cleaning your fuel injection system
• Emission testing

All of these components should be addressed, especially during pollen season to make sure your vehicle’s engine isn’t being affected by high pollen counts.

Start enjoying long spring and summer drives again. Take your vehicle worries away and keep pollen at bay by visiting a Mr. Clean Car Wash today!

Your vehicle is an investment that you entrust will last for years to come. If you live a busy lifestyle, it can be easy to pass up important milestones that your car needs to effectively stay on the road. It’s imperative to not wait until engine breakdown occurs to get your car fixed. Practicing good routine maintenance now will help improve the overall longevity of your vehicle. Here are just a few things that you can do right away to help prevent future car issues.

Keeping Things Cool

In many cases, it may be too late for your engine when it starts to overheat or begins leaking coolant on a hot summer day. Now is the time to have your coolant system serviced by the pros. Frequent fluid top-ups will help keep your engine cool and reduce stress on your car’s heater and air conditioner. A belt check along with replacing coolant fluids will help improve the life of the vehicle’s engine and will give you a heads-up should there be an underlying problem with the vehicle’s radiator or thermostat.

Steering In The Right Direction

Spring and summer are the best times of the year to hit the open road. While tire suspension and care are the main priority, don’t forget to schedule an appointment for an auto transmission servicing and a front and rear differential inspection. A quality car care specialist can thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s motor and suspension. A good service should provide:

• A complete tire inspection including rotation and balancing
• Replacement of a dirty air and fuel filter
• Power steering fluid exchange

• Inspection of the transfer case
• Differential and transaxle servicing
• A transmission fluid exchange

Routine oil changes are also very important to your car’s engine. Setting scheduled oil changes and a complete vehicle maintenance checkup will prevent major problems from occurring in the future.

Clear The Air

Over time, the air filters under the hood can lead to weak performance of your vehicle. Having these replaced frequently will help ensure that your car is running top-notch at all times. In addition, making sure that the cabin filters inside your car are clean can help reduce odors and keep allergen-causing pollen at bay.

Frequent Washes And Detailing

Proper maintenance under the hood is essential to keep your car safe on the road and avoid breakdown, but you should also keep it clean as well. Not washing your vehicle routinely can lead to paint oxidation and rust growth. Once rust settles in, it will need professional sandblasting to restore its quality. Prevent these issues from leading to widespread damage by having your car washed, detailed at a Mr. Clean Car Wash location. An underbody rust inhibitor and Mr. Clean surface protectant are small steps you can take to caring for the body of your vehicle and reducing rust under the hood. Scheduling a professional interior detailing will help keep your car’s interior clean and reduce wear and tear during the travel months.

Schedule an appointment today at your nearest Mr. Clean Car Wash location to have your car pampered and cared from top to bottom!

Of all the cars I’ve ever owned – from sports cars, to trucks to SUV’s— my favorite is my 1998 Jeep Cherokee. I still own it and will probably always own it. It is a beast. It has a five-speed manual transmission and it has seen and driven through it all. Ice storms, snow storms, floods: This fiend of a car has tamed them all.

My 1998 Jeep Cherokee has taken me on long trips up mountains and over sandy beaches. It has never let me down. That being said, it has certainly seen better days. There is a huge dent on the back left fender (don’t ask). There are various nicks and dings all along the body. The interior is disintegrating. There are holes on the cloth seats, the steering wheel padding is long gone and the interior lining of the roof is shedding like big furry dog. Yes, it is actually shedding. The radio works, though— when it wants to.

The good news? It runs great. I never have to worry when I crank my baby up and head out on the roads. Despite my car’s haggard appearance, I still try to treat her well. My baby deserves to be pampered with frequent oil changes, tune-ups and of course, Mr. Clean Car Wash’s Signature Shine Car Washes.

However, a couple of weeks ago when I brought my car in for her wash it occurred to me: Despite my car’s age and appearance, I still ask for the “new car” air freshener. Forget the fact the Bill Clinton was President when my beast was a new car—I always insist on “new car”. Why do I do that? Who am I fooling? No one on the planet would think for one second that my ’98 Cherokee is a new car. I even laughed out loud when I realized I was asking for “new car” scent for my now 18-year-old automobile.

I’ve asked some of my male friends what scents they get when they get their cars cleaned. A lot choose “leather” or “neutral”. Some prefer “strawberry”, “cherry” or “vanilla”. Not me though. I know a floral or fruity aroma wouldn’t fit my well-weathered SUV. I guess of all of the scents, “neutral” or “leather” are the closest to my preference (even though there is not one stitch of leather in my Jeep since the steering wheel cover disappeared years ago.).

Though I find what these dudes like to have their car smell like very interesting- I’m still going to get “new car” for my baby. Why? Though my car might not look like a new car, she sure deserves to smell like a new car given all we’ve been through. After all, she is my favorite—and I want nothing but the best for my beast.

Even the most conscientious car owners don’t always give as much thought as they should to what happens under the hood of their car. Under the hood is where the car engine does its job. If all of those moving parts aren’t clean and well-maintained, some or all of them could lock up or become damaged. One of those parts is the piston.

What Is a Piston, and What Does It Do?

Let’s start at the beginning. At the most basic level, a combustion engine requires fuel, pressure, and a spark. Pistons work in conjunction with cylinders to provide those elements. When pistons rise, pressure is created in the cylinder. The cylinder contains a vapor composed of air and fuel. When a cylinder is at its highest point, a spark from the spark plug ignites the fuel/air mixture. This reaction sends the piston down at a high rate of speed. Other components then transfer that energy to the wheels.

OK…What Does That Have to Do With an Oil Change?

Oil lubricates a car engine’s moving parts. Think of oil as a coating that protects skin from chafing. In addition, oil draws heat away from a car’s working parts. This is important as a car’s engine can get extremely hot. It also helps prevent buildup from varnish and carbons. When it comes to pistons, oil keeps the pistons from getting scratched during their movement through the cylinders. Eventually, scratches can cause the pistons to lock up — which can result in an engine that doesn’t work and a car that doesn’t drive. Even if things never go that far, sludge and residue can hinder the piston’s movement. This can keep the car engine from operating at maximum efficiency.

What Do I Need to Do toTakeCare of My Car Engine’s Pistons?

Get regular oil changes at the intervals recommended by your manufacturer. In addition, make sure to choose synthetic oil. Synthetic oil has a lot of benefits that natural oil does not. First, it’s created in a lab. That means it can be tweaked to serve different purposes (as opposed to using natural oil). Manufacturers engineer synthetic oil to last longer and to be slicker than natural oil— which means it does a better job of reducing friction.

Your car’s paint and finish are important, but what happens under the hood is important, too. Next time you treat your car to a spa day at Mr. Clean Car Wash, ask about an oil change using synthetic oil.

It can be easy to take your vehicle for granted. With numerous road adventures and daily treks to and from the office, even light wear and tear can affect the overall performance of your car’s engine. Keep in mind that weather conditions that your car is frequently exposed to can also affect driving as well as certain mechanical problems. Here are a just a few common problems that you should look out for as your car makes it throughout the seasons.

Spring Into Allergy Season

As spring approaches, it’s easy to think about hitting the road and enjoying the awakening of beautiful flowering trees and plants. Along with that comes the wrath of pollination. Pollen buildup along roadways and in the air may not seem like a big deal unless you have allergies. As your car’s AC system is running, air is being brought in through the engine area. You may want to consider:

• Installing a new cabin air filter to prevent excess pollen from reaching inside your car and to improve overall air quality.
• Having your mechanic replace your car’s air filter to help filter pollen and dirt buildup within your engine.

Frequent carwashes at a Mr. Clean Car Wash can help keep pollen counts down and Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus can improve the performance of your car’s engine with a new air filter.

Summer Sun Fun

The summertime heat can wreak havoc on your car’s cooling system. If the coolant is running low, or is in need of being replaced, your vehicle’s thermostat will begin to rise. Overheating can easily occur—leading to significant engine damage. Visit your auto tech throughout the summer to check for coolant leaks and to ensure that fluid levels are within normal range. Get your radiator flushed at Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus so you can hit the road knowing your coolant won’t let you down!

Fall Color Road Trips

As temperatures cool down a bit and leaves begin to turn colors, it’s the perfect time to head north to experience fall color changes. Here are a few car engine tips to consider:

• Don’t forget frequent oil changes and transmission checkups throughout the fall months. Your technician may recommend a higher viscosity if you’re planning on making a lengthy road trip.

Stop by your local Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus to help your engine perform at its best.

Winter Engine Care

When ice and cold temperatures begin to approach, it’s time to think about engine maintenance. Be sure that your antifreeze levels are within the specified range in your engine. This will lubricate components, prevent fluids from freezing and allow your engine to provide proper heat. Don’t forget to run your vehicle through the Mr. Clean Car Wash to remove salt and dirt buildup from treated roadways.

Keeping your engine serviced should be a huge priority for overall preventative care year round. Along with that comes routine maintenance to ensure your vehicle’s engine is working top-notch through every season. Remember to check out money saving coupons on your next oil change and car wash at Mr. Clean Car Wash.

Much like a human body, cars need to be kept in healthy, tip-top shape in order to run like they should. Oftentimes, a break down can be prevented if the car is properly maintained. This maintenance includes checking fluid levels or adding air to tires. How do you know what to check and when? What should a car owner look for when inspecting? Easy. Follow the 15 point inspection (that comes complimentary with every oil change at Mr. Clean Car Wash):

1. Change the Oil: Changing the oil in a vehicle is crucial to the health and longevity of the engine. Regularly changing the oil can keep a car running smoothly for much longer—not to mention it can give a car greater resale value.
2. Change the Oil Filter: The oil filter in a vehicle should be changed every time the oil is changed. Failure to change the oil filter can have lasting negative effects on a car. That’s why a new one should be installed every time.
3. Lubricate Chassis: No one likes a squeaky car. Lubricating chassis helps keep a car’s joints working exactly the way they should be.
4. Check the Air Filter: Having a clean air filter can not only help the vehicle, but can also be safer for the passengers as well. Clean air filters can keep those in the car from getting sick. Air filters can help keep air cool or hot when needed.
5. Check Breathers: Pipes on a vehicle need to breath. Sometimes the valves need to be cleaned to get rid of oil and other buildup. Mr. Clean Car Wash checks the breathers to make sure everything is functioning properly.
6. Check PCV Valve: The PCV valve is crucial. Checking to make sure the PCV valve works properly can help you catch major problems before they occur.
7. Check Wiper Blades: Streaks and poorly functioning wiper blades can make all the difference when it comes to getting home safely on a rainy day. Checking the blades helps to ensure the safety and security of those in the car.
8. Check and Fill Coolant: Coolant helps to keep the engine from overheating. It also helps to protect the engine overall. Making sure the fluid is at the proper level helps keep the engine running smoothly.
9. Check and Fill Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid acts as the lubricant for all of the moving parts in the transmission. Low fluid can cause unnecessary friction. Unnecessary friction can cause costly problems.

10. Check & Fill Differential Fluid: The differential in a car helps to transfer the power of the transmission to the wheels. The fluid helps to cool the car and keep it running properly.

11. Check the Brake Fluid Level: Brake problems are dangerous and costly. Keeping the fluid filled to the right level helps keep the brakes working. This also helps keep everyone in the vehicle safe.

12. Check & Fill Steering Fluid: This fluid helps to keep steering smooth and easy.

13. Check & Fill Windshield Fluid: No one likes getting stuck with pesky streaks on their window. Let Mr. Clean Car Wash top off the windshield washer fluid so those streaks are never a problem.

14. Check Inflation of Tires: Tire pressure is key to great gas mileage, so checking on tire inflation is always a good thing.

15. Check & Fill Battery: The fluid in a car battery can evaporate overtime, so checking the fluid level can help save a car owner from a breakdown.

While the term “Car Wash” may be in their title, Mr. Clean Car Wash does more than just wash cars. Mr. Clean Car Wash is a one stop shop. Check out all of Mr. Clean Car Wash’s oil change services, including their 15 point inspection.

A car wash is a car wash is a car wash…right? Well, no. At least not when it comes to Mr. Clean Car Washes. In addition to washing and detailing services, Mr. Clean Car Wash offers a number of maintenance services, including a 60K service that includes a transmission fluid exchange.

What is transmission fluid?

A car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Transmission fluid makes sure that transfer of power happens smoothly, without transmission parts hanging up on each other or overheating.

Why does transmission fluid need to be changed?

Over time, transmission fluid builds up residue, like gum and varnish. That residue builds up on the transmission components, causing them to move sluggishly or to lock up completely. That makes shifting gears difficult, if not impossible. Eventually, it can cause the transmission to burn out, resulting in a costly repair. A transmission fluid exchange minimizes that problem by replacing the old, dirty transmission fluid with new clean fluid while flushing the system to remove residue.

How often does that need to happen?

Each manufacturer has its own recommendation that you can find that in your owner’s manual. As a general rule, however, the first transmission fluid exchange should be at no later than 60,000 miles. That’s why it’s included in Mr. Clean Car Wash’s 60K service.

Can’t I do that myself?

A transmission fluid exchange isn’t a recommended DIY job. While it’s possible to drain the transmission fluid at home, it takes special equipment to flush the system. Without a flush, the accumulated residue just lingers in the system, waiting to contaminate the new transmission fluid.

A transmission fluid exchange is a relatively fast service that can add years to the life of your car and avoid a transmission replacement (which can drain your bank account in a hurry). Visit your closest Mr. Clean Car Wash today to learn more about the 60K service and what it includes.

Parking a car in the garage seems to be a thing of the past. Garages are used for a lot of other things like storing junk or home workshops, but parking in the garage is one of the best things for a vehicle. Here are 10 reasons an owner should clear out space and park in the garage:

1. Safe from the elements- rain, snow, wind

This is probably one of the most obvious, but rain, snow, wind and other weather elements are enemies of a car’s exterior. They can leave dirt and acid on a vehicle that can cause significant damages to the exterior, like rust and a weakened top clear coat.

2. Protects from dings and scratches from elements or other vehicles

Hail and falling tree branches are just a couple examples of ways a car can get damaged from simply being outside. Dents, scratches, and broken windows are all possible exterior problems that can occur when a vehicle is left outdoors.

3. Keeps vehicle from the sun and temperature extremes

UV rays from the sun can damage a vehicle in ways most car owners don’t consider. Extreme hot and extreme cold can both lead to deterioration of the inside and outside. Read more about UV damage here.

4. Keeps those riding in the vehicle safe from elements

When a vehicle is parked in a garage those riding in the car do not have to be exposed to any elements. It keeps everyone safe from hail, temperature extremes, and other outdoor conditions when getting in or out of the vehicle.

5. Less likely to have theft or vandalism

Cars are a huge investment, and for most they are one of the most valuable things they own. Parking outside leaves a vehicle exposed to vandalism and theft. A garage helps eliminate the temptation for those that want to harm a vehicle in any way.

6. Lower insurance costs

That’s right, some insurance companies offer lower policies for people who store their vehicle in a garage. Saving money is always an advantage.

7. Keeps vehicles exterior looking great

Believe it or not, mechanics can tell if a car is stored in a garage or outside. Vehicle exteriors are kept in much better condition when stored in a garage which can lead to greater resale values.

8. Engine stays lubricated

Because a garage keeps a vehicle warm, the fluid and oil are kept in a stable condition which leads to an engine that runs better than one that is kept outside.

9. Coolant stays warmer, heat/AC comes on faster

Also, with a warmer car comes faster AC and heat. On cold days, the heat will warm up faster than being out in the elements. Same is true for extremely hot days.

10. Visibility is ready to go

Forget the ice scraper or dewy windshield. Parking in a garage helps keep windows clear of weather and condensation so there is no need to ride with one head out the window.

If for some reason parking in a garage is not an option, detailing is extremely important to protect a vehicle from the elements. Make sure the car is getting washed and waxed regularly by certified professionals. One way to ensure a regular clean is with unlimited monthly washes from Mr. Clean Car Wash to wash as often as once a day for a low monthly fee.

To get any vehicle, parked in a garage or not, ready for any weather conditions visit the nearest Mr. Clean Car Wash for a Signature Shine wash or one of their express detail services.

It was a dark and stormy night. Snowy, too. And cold. Add those elements up and you have the perfect formula for a real-life horror story. That’s because the risks of winter driving are all too real. A breakdown that would be an annoyance in mild weather can become life-threatening in winter. Since staying home in front of the fire isn’t an option for most people, it’s important to know what could go wrong and what to do about it. Here are a few tips for staying safe on the roads this winter through proper car maintenance:

Running out of gas
Running out of gas is inconvenient – and embarrassing. But fixing it is usually no more complicated than using a smartphone to call for help. But winter weather changes everything. Sometimes drivers get stranded for hours and have to choose between saving gas and staying warm.

Solution: Always keep the tank, at least, half full during the winter months.

Dead battery
At zero degrees, a battery has only about half of the cranking power it has at 80 degrees. In addition, engine oil thickens when it gets cold, making the car harder to start and putting additional strain on the battery.

Solution: Inspect the battery to make sure it’s in good shape: no cracks, no loose cables, and a full charge.

Carbon monoxide poisoning
When drivers get stranded during snow storms, they typically worry about staying warm. But there’s actually a bigger concern: carbon monoxide poisoning. When drifting snow piles up around the exhaust pipe, the results can be catastrophic.

Solution: Stranded drivers who keep their cars running for warmth need to regularly clear snow away from the exhaust pipe.

Limited visibility
Driving through snow and ice is hard enough without being unable to see the road ahead. Drivers might not have any control over how fast the snow is coming down, but they can control other factors that affect visibility – like wiper blades that freeze and become stuck to the windshield.

Solution:

• Remove all snow from the car before leaving. Snow on the roof can fall onto the windshield, blocking visibility at a crucial moment.
• Make sure wipers are in good shape and that wiper fluid (which also needs to be rated for cold weather) is topped off.
• Keep an ice scraper in the car, even if it’s usually parked in a garage.
• Verify that the car’s defroster is working properly.
• For frozen wipers, running the defroster for a few minutes usually solves the problem. Be patient: Don’t try to force the wipers when they’re still frozen.
  

Frozen coolant system
Although it seems counterintuitive, a car’s coolant system is still important during winter months. An improper antifreeze/water ratio can cause a car’s system to lock up, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.

Solution: Check the owner’s manual for the proper antifreeze/water ratio.

Flat tires
Tires lose one to two pounds of pressure for every 10-degree temperature drop, and low tire pressure can lead to blowouts

Solution: Monitor tire pressure closely during frigid temperatures.

Driving during winter weather always carries risks. But proper preparation can minimize those risks. Mr. Clean Car Wash and Oil Change Plus is ready to help keep you and your family as safe as possible during your winter travels. Visit the location nearest you today to find out more about the car maintenance services available to help keep your car running and you safe in winter weather or to take advantage of current promotions.

Once upon a time, people getting ready to do a home car wash just grabbed the nearest old t-shirt. Today there are several options that could be more preferential to the user. One thing they all have is in common is they require some TLC, especially when it comes to washing and drying. Here are a few tips for keeping carwashing towels in top shape:

• Do wash them before the first use to get rid of any factory residue.
• Do use different towels for different jobs. Have separate towels for interior use, exterior use, and dirty jobs like the wheels and exhaust.
• Do listen to mom and sort before washing. Washing all of three sets of towels at the same time spreads contaminants and defeats the purpose of having different towels for different jobs.
• Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener reduces absorbency.
• Don’t use bleach or products with bleach alternatives. Bleach breaks down the microfibers, causing them to produce lint.
• Don’t rely on ordinary laundry detergent. This is where microfiber towels show their downside: While they’re absorbing all of that water, they’re also absorbing dirt, grease, grime, and whatever other contaminants with which they come in contact.
• Do clean the lint trap before putting towels in the dryer.

If that sounds like more work than actually washing or detailing the car, let Mr. Clean Car Wash handle the hassle for you. All Mr. Clean Car Washes clean their towels thoroughly, carefully, and in a way that protects the environment. Stop by today to take advantage of the latest promotions.

Photo Credit: BigStock