How Acid Rain Damages Cars

What is acid rain?

The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States defines acid rain as a “broad term referring to a mixture of wet and dry [deposited material] from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.”

Anything water-based that comes from the sky can be classified as acid rain. This includes dew, rain, and snow. Most, or all, of these weather elements settle on cars, and can cause major problems when it comes to a vehicle’s exterior. The acidity in the water can cause the paint and even the metal to weaken over time.

How does acid rain impact a vehicle?

According to the EPA, damage is caused when the acid material is left behind on a car’s surface after water evaporates. The acidic compound combined with other elements (such as sunlight) can be strong enough to eat away the paint.

The New York Times cites that vehicles with a clear coat are more vulnerable to the damage acid rain causes. The finish, used since the early 1990’s, is mirror-like and can highlight defects. According to research conducted by the EPA, there will be “irregularly shaped, permanently etched areas” on a car’s surface if it has been impacted by acid rain. The organization suggests that the best way to prevent this damage from happening is to make sure vehicles are washed frequently. Furthermore, hand drying the car or completely covering a vehicle when precipitation is in the forecast is also suggested.

How can a car owner prevent damage?

Getting a regular car wash can help reduce the amount of acidic material left on the vehicle. If the car is already clean, there will be nothing left behind to further damage the body of the vehicle when water evaporates. A professional car wash not only keeps a car clean and protected, but also helps to prevent damage acid rain can create.

Read more about how Mr. Clean Car Wash can protect a vehicle on the inside and out. Also, look for savings on the Mr. Clean Car Was Signature Shine.

People Notice a Clean Car and Dirt

Everyone notices a clean car—and everyone notices a dirty one. Those cars that have “wash me” written on the side or back window always catch a driver or rider’s attention. No one wants to be the driver with the common saying in obvious neglect. However, what seems like a childish lark, can actually be harmful to those inside the vehicle and the car’s body on the outside.

Dirt is Tricky Inside and out

Dirt has many negative effects on paint. Not only does it make the car look old, but writing in dirt on the vehicle can cause scratches and other permanent damage. Also, dirt that mixes with rain can create an acidic compound that can weaken metal, and show noticeable damage on the surface. Keeping the outside of the vehicle clean can also help with the resale value if a car owner plans to sell the vehicle later.

However just because the outside is clean doesn’t mean that the harm to the vehicle (or its passengers) is gone. Dirt is a carrier of bacteria, meaning that there can be a silent danger right in the middle of a common necessity that people use every day. Car owners trust their vehicles with their families, and even the safest drivers cannot protect those they love from the diseases found in the dirt in their car.

Dirt Impacts More than Appearance

Some soil-related diseases include wound infections, gastroenteritis, and specific respiratory syndromes, according to Dennis J. Baumgardner, MD on Medscape.com. Many of these health related symptoms are acquired simply by ingesting dust, or dirt, containing the bacteria. When dirt settles in a vehicle, the likelihood of someone ingesting some harmful bacteria increases significantly.

Also, dirt inside the vehicle can affect the way that a driver feels in the long run. CarCar.com mentions that when the inside of a car is clean the driver and passengers feel better about themselves and the time they spend in the vehicle. Taking the extra step to get a vehicle detailed could be the thing that changes a bad mood into a great one.

Don’t let dirt impact the mood or the health of a car’s passengers. Let the trained technicians at Mr. Clean Car Wash remove the dirt from the inside and the outside with a full service Signature Shine. Right now customers can get $5 off any single detail service as well.

Clean car wash towels can be what makes or breaks a car wash. Dirt and grime from one part of the car can easily be transferred to another area, causing scratches or unsightly smudges. Smudges can be fixed, but the scratches may be permanent.

The best solution to this issue is to use clean towels. Every time. Car owners should have one stack of towels for interior use and another stack for exterior use. They should always remember to keep them separated. A color-coded system may be the most effective way to avoid costly mistakes.

Interior towels can pick up sand particles, crumbs, liquid spills, and sandy slush. Depending on the geographic location, and time of year, these towels can also expose salty residues from the roads. Exterior towels often pick up sand and salt, but also reveal air pollutants, as well as bird and insect droppings. In addition, exterior towels come in contact with waxes and sealants. These products, while desired for the paint job, can transfer unwanted smudges or shine to the interior of the car, making it difficult to remove later. Proper attention is essential.

The act of washing and drying towels is no different. It may be easier to dump all the towels into one machine, load the soap, and press start. In reality, this may transfer residues from one type of cloth to another. Laundry detergent can only do so much. The rest depends on the care taken to separate exterior towels from interior towels, and indeed materials such as terrycloth from microfiber, too.

Terrycloth usually creates lint when washed and dried. This lint will stick to microfiber material and create uneven surfaces. High heat is also detrimental to microfiber. The fibers will melt, stick to one another, and block proper absorption.

Suffice it to say, cars travel through some messy situations, and they can pick up grime quickly. They can also transport germs and bacteria, especially when in urban areas. Using a clean towel for your car makes sense—just like using a clean towel for yourself after you shower makes sense. Scratches, grime, and missed residues are much less likely to detract from shine if clean car wash towels are separated by their intended type of application. Matte finishes on cars are also making waves. These finishes are different from the clear top coat on most cars, and they can be damaged very easily. Microfiber towels are the safest cloth to use.

Proper care and attention will ensure a clean car without the damage. Mr. Clean Car Wash’s car washes get the clean you need without the hassle. Visit the nearest location today, and don’t forget your coupons!

Image Source: Flickr

Carpets tend to be one of the most neglected parts of a car. Owners drag in rain, mud, and snow during the winter—and that’s before adding in kids and dogs! It’s easy to see why a lot of people come to the conclusion that cleaning their automotive carpets is a wasted effort. In reality, carpet cleaning is an important part of a car detail. Otherwise, all of that accumulated grit and grime keeps getting embedded deeper and deeper into the carpet fibers. So even if the carpet will start getting dirty again right away, it’s still important to start over with a clean slate now and then!

Even people who know how important it is to keep their carpets clean sometimes have questions about the right way to do it. The first step, of course, is to vacuum the carpets to remove as much loose debris as possible. After that, car owners have a couple of choices, both in method and in execution of that method:

Steam Cleaning

Some people regard steam cleaning as the gold standard when it comes to cleaning automotive carpeting during a car detail. During a steam cleaning, super-heated steam is blown deep into the carpet to loosen debris and stains, which are then suctioned out. This happens without leaving the carpet sopping wet, which could lead to mold. The problem, however, is that steam cleaning isn’t safe for all types of automotive carpet. In fact, in can do significant damage to a variety of carpet fibers. When it comes to steam cleaning, the risks aren’t worth the benefits, especially since there’s another method that works just as well (if not better): heat extraction.

Heat Extraction

Heat extractors are also known as carpet shampooers. Some people lump them in with steam cleaners, but that’s not accurate as heat extractors use hot water, not steam. That may seem like a minor detail, but hot water extractors are much better for your carpet. Hot water mixed with a chemical cleaning agent is forced into the carpet. Then, a strong vacuum removes the solution, the dirt, and most of the water. However, sometimes the carpet is still a little damp and, if the floor mats are replaced before the carpet finishes drying, that provides an invitation for mold and mildew.

Heat extraction the Mr. Clean Car Wash Way

Mr. Clean Car Wash’s car detail packages do use heat extraction—with an added bonus: The cleaning solution contains chemical drying agents that speed up the evaporation process, reducing the chance of damp carpet creating further problems. Visit Mr. Clean Car Wash today to learn more about how the heat extraction used in our car detail process can improve your automotive carpets appearance.

Hand waxing and orbital polisher waxing produce different results. They both have their merits, though– and the decision to use them will ultimately rest on personal preference. However, orbital polishers save time and produce more consistent results.

Orbital polishers have been around for several decades, but they are now easier to use and manipulate. The random motion orbital polisher, also known as a dual-action polisher or buffer, wards against the intense pressure of that rotary polisher may cause as pressure can result in scratches or swirls in the paint. While moving randomly, it generates friction to lift off residue or potential contaminants. In fact, random motion orbital polishers can be used for intensive buffing, moderate polishing, or end-process waxing. The key, apart from good technique, is cleanliness.

Before beginning the waxing process, owners should ensure their vehicles are clean and dry. The orbital polisher can also be used for prepping the surface for wax. Indeed, it should be used if the car has not been polished in quite some time or if it has surface damage. Wax (even high-quality wax) can only bring out the shine and protect the paint if the oxidation and grime underneath is gone.

Hand waxing has been known to leave residue and streaks on the paint. This is not always apparent until the vehicle travels out into bright sunshine and the unsightly results appear. A steady hand and patience can help you to avoid these issues. However, a random motion orbital polisher creates less work and a better finish.

Clean foam pads are also necessary for the best auto detail results. Orbital polisher foam pads should always be fresh and dry; a stack of these pads will ensure the process doesn’t turn ugly. Trusted (but not necessarily expensive) waxing products also bring out the sheen on a car body. The wax should be applied gently in small stages, working panel by panel to ensure that the wax has enough time to set yet doesn’t leave behind caked on residue. A pulsing motion for initial application is followed by steady random motion that generates the friction to seal in the wax. Wax removal is the final step to bring that shining ride to full fruition.

Don’t have the time or inclination to wax? Mr. Clean Car Wash can bring out the protection and shine with expert care and our auto detail services. Reveal the shine in your ride today.

Image Source: Flickr

Surface protectants are a popular car care product, partly because of their name. Car owners hear the word “protectant” and assume that it will protect their car from anything short of an accident or a meteor strike. While surface protectants are an important part of a full service car wash, it’s important to understand what they do and what they don’t do. It may help to compare them to skin care products. Sunscreen protects the wearer from UV rays but not from broken bones. Bug spray may keep the mosquitoes away, but it won’t do anything to repel a cut or abrasion. Similarly, surface protectant isn’t an impenetrable coat of armor that protects a car’s paint job from all assaults. It has a specific job to do, and it does it well.

What Surface Protectants Do for a Car’s Paint

• Surface protectants really can act as a sunscreen. Sun exposure can fade and dull a car’s paint. Surface protectant forms a chemical barrier to filter out those harmful UV rays.
• Surface protectants make washing easier. The polymer barrier they form makes it more difficult for contaminants to bond to the paint’s surface.
• Surface protectants repel water, causing it to bead on the paint’s surface. Without protectant, the damage caused by rain can go beneath that top layer of paint. In addition, bird droppings, pollution, and acid rain can leave behind residue that can cause damage even if the car doesn’t look dirty. Surface protectant can prevent that residue from coming in contact with the paint job.
• Surface protectants add shine and gloss, improving a car’s appearance.
• Surface protectants can also help prevent brake dust from the wheels collecting on the car’s paint.

What Surface Protectants Don’t Do for a Car’s Paint

Surface protectants form a chemical barrier, not a physical one. While they may indirectly prevent scratches by making it easier for contaminants to be removed during a car wash, they won’t protect against scratches directly. If something sharp or abrasive comes in contact with a car that has been treated with surface protectant, that car will still wind up with a scratch. Even the best surface protectant isn’t a bullet-proof vest.

Fortunately, there are a number of things car owners can do to help prevent scratches, starting with a regular, full service car wash done by the professionals. While it’s important to use a quality surface protectant— such as the one used in Mr. Clean Car Wash’s Signature Shine Wash—the best way to protect a car’s paint job from scratches is to keep it free of grit, grime, and other contaminants. In addition, studies have shown that at-home car washes are much more likely to cause microscopic scratches than professional, automated car washes. So don’t feel bad about not washing your car at home. Stop by Mr. Clean Car Wash today to learn more about our full service car wash.

Winter auto maintenance repair means different things to different people. Many think that getting ready for the winter simply means snow tires and new wiper blades– but there’s more. Winter auto prep is also a good time to check your coolant’s antifreeze. Coolant is the fluid in your radiator while antifreeze is the liquid being added to the radiator to help prevent the coolant from freezing. While some antifreeze comes premixed with water, allowing you to simply add more as needed– these types of antifreeze can be more expensive. Others are concentrated and need to be mixed with water to achieve the proper level of cooling for an engine but give you the ability to customize the ratio of water and antifreeze to your climate. So how much water to antifreeze is the correct ratio? Read on to find out.

Why Use Both?
You may be wondering why both water and antifreeze are needed. While water is the best fluid for cooling, it can cause corrosion. Antifreeze has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than water so it helps protect your engine in extreme weather conditions. However, it is not very good at drawing heat away from the engine– as antifreeze was actually produced as an aid to water.

Climate Control
Buying an antifreeze that requires you to mix it with water can be a little more involved. However, it gives you more flexibility when it comes to mixture. Generally speaking, a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is a good place to start. However, when speaking in terms of climate, you may want to take temperature into consideration. For example, 50/50 may work best in more moderate climates where the temperature gets below 32 only on occasion. However, in climates where temperatures drop below 32°F for long periods of time, mixtures closer to 70% antifreeze and 30% water are better suited to keep coolant from freezing.

In The Mix
Now that you’ve decided what percentage mixture you’d like, how do you go about putting the parts together? The best way is to keep a spare container around; even a clean one-gallon milk jug can come in handy when trying to mix antifreeze and water. Pour the appropriate amount of antifreeze into the milk jug and then fill the original container back up with water. If you’re replacing your coolant, you’ll most likely need more than one bottle– so pour the excess into the milk jug as you mix. Then once you’re done, pour the excess antifreeze back into the proper container.

Understanding what makes your coolant work as well as understanding the needs of your car will help you decide on the right mixture of water and antifreeze. A radiator flush is a great way to winterize your cars coolant. For more information on our radiator flush service and other auto maintenance repair services, check out Mr. Clean Car Wash.

Is all water created equal? Not when it comes to a car wash.

Why All Water is NOT the Same

Rainy weekends may seem like the solution to a car owner’s car wash troubles—however, rain can actually be what stops a vehicle from getting clean. In fact, wind, rain, and other storm related weather makes cars dirtier in most cases. Wind can pick up particles from the ground and transfer them onto the metal of a vehicle. This can cause scratches and other damage—not to mention an unsightly exterior. Also, rain can react with the dirt on the vehicle. This reaction can result in things like chipping paint and corrosion. Dirt can also weaken paint—which not only makes the vehicle look old and worn, but can also hurt resale value later.

Acidic Water Can Cause Damage

Another fact about rain is that it can be acidic, especially in and around large cities. According to the Environmental Protecting Agency of the United States, normal rain is “slightly acidic” due to the levels of carbon dioxide that dissolve in the liquid and form “weak carbonic acid.” Even if a car owner is outside a city, rain by nature is more acidic than water used at a professional car wash. Imagine how acid rain can impact a vehicle over time. The damage is often permanent and costly to repair. The good news is that there is an easy way to prevent weather related damage.

High Water Pressure Is the Key

A car owner should always take their vehicle to a professional car wash. High water pressure is extremely important while cleaning a car because it helps prevent scratches and other damage. Rain simply cannot provide the right amount of pressure needed to clean a car properly. In addition, high water pressure allows the dirt to be removed safely, so the car is left in the best possible condition.

Another factor to consider while looking into getting a professional wash is soap. Water alone cannot leave a vehicle in prime condition. A vehicle needs the proper products in order to look like new. Letting the rain do the washing will eliminate soap (one of the necessary products needed to protect the vehicle) altogether.

Don’t leave it to the rain, bring the car to Mr. Clean Car Wash. With a host of wash packages ranging from a quick shine to an all over detail, there’s a Mr. Clean Car Wash package for everyone. Right now get $5 off a Signature Shine.

Today’s engines are designed to be more efficient than ever before. With engines producing astounding fuel economy and emissions ratings, it’s become more important than ever before to keep your vehicle’s maintenance up to date. Let’s take a look at four items under your hood that could be stifling your engine’s efficiency. Learn how to improve your gas mileage and lower your emissions to boot.

Breathe Easy

One of the easiest things you can do to improve your engine’s efficiency is replace your vehicle’s air filter. Over time, the air filter clogs up with dirt and debris, which can restrict the airflow to your engine. Your engine uses a mixture of air and fuel to complete the combustion process. Believe it or not, the majority of a combustion cycle’s fuel is actually air. While your vehicle’s fuel management system can adjust to keep your engine running smoothly, the lowered amount of air means that your engine will be running “rich” or with too much gas in the mixture. This will result in higher fuel consumption and dirtier emissions from the excess fuel in the exhaust.

Let It Flow

Like your air filter, your engine’s fuel filter’s cleanliness has a major effect on the combustion process. As fuel leaves the gas tank and is pumped toward the engine, an inline fuel filter captures any debris that may be in the gas. The inline fuel filter keeps this debris out of the engine where it could cause major damage. Over time this filter can clog up with debris and the filter will require changing to keep fuel flowing freely.

Take Care of Your Body

When it comes to improving mileage, the fuel filter is only where it begins. Over time, your engine’s throttle body collects debris that can make your engine idle rough and decrease fuel economy. Start by removing the air vent at the throttle body (opposite end from the filter) and simply spray some carb cleaner on the buildup. You may want to use an old tooth brush to remove any tough debris. Take your vehicle to your local Mr. Clean Car Wash to have their service tech do it instead.

Injection Protection

Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying a mist of fuel into the engine. The finer and more controlled the spray, the better the fuel economy. Add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to your gas on your next fill-up. Doing this once a year can significantly improve your fuel injector’s performance. If you would like a more thorough cleaning, Mr. Clean Car Wash provides fuel injector cleaning services as well.

Keeping your engine’s fuel and air systems functioning will not only help reduce emissions but will also improve your fuel consumption. For more information on our emissions and maintenance offerings, check out Mr. Clean Car Wash.

Leather car seats are beautiful, comfortable, and add to a car’s value. In addition, they can be a lot easier to take care of than upholstery—as upholstery instantly absorbs anything that’s spilled on it. While leather seats are strong, they do need TLC. In fact, they need regular cleaning and conditioning. Think of it this way: When people don’t use moisturizer or sunscreen, their skin pays the price (and everybody knows it). When car seats go too long without conditioning, the leather becomes dry and brittle, which leads to cracks. That’s why car seat cleaning and conditioning should be part of any quality car detail. Here’s how to condition:

• Clean the leather: The first step is to clean the leather. Otherwise, the conditioning could force oil, dirt, and grime further into the seat. It’s important to use a cleaner designed for that purpose. Leather seats aren’t a good candidate for experimenting with alternative cleaners!
• Avoid using too much conditioner: When it’s time for conditioning, a key step is to avoid using too much. The leather can only absorb a certain amount, so any excess sits on top, leaving seats slick and greasy. When the moisture evaporates, that residue relocates—and becomes a milky film on the inside of the windows.
• Use specifically formulated conditioner: As with cleaners, it’s important to use a conditioner specifically formulated for leather car seats. Conditioners formulated for shoes or saddles, for example, aren’t a good choice for car seats.

Opinions vary on how often seats should be conditioned, but most experts suggest doing it at least every 90 days. Drivers who live in hot climates, who frequently wear shorts and tank tops (exposing the seats to more skin oil and sunscreen residue), or who often get in the car after strenuous exercise should consider conditioning more often.

If the seats in a car have never been conditioned – or if it’s been a while – don’t think it’s too late. Minor damage can often be restored, and, at the least, conditioning will help ward off any more damage. Today’s a good day to start! Visit Mr. Clean Car Wash to learn more about car detail services and how they can keep leather car seats looking great.