The products that you use to wash and wax your car will have a significant impact on how long the paint on your car looks nice. If you use products containing certain ingredients, the clear-coat can fail and leave your car looking terrible. So, what ingredients should you find by reading the labels on each product? What should you be looking for to protect the finish of your car and what should you avoid using at all times? These and many other questions about the care of your car's paint can be found right here on my auto body blog.
Viivi Kumpula
If you're finally ready to take your truck for some mudding adventures, don't forget about the cleanup afterward. Your truck is going to take a real beating on those muddy roads. The last thing you want to do is leave it in disarray once you get home. After all, you want to make sure it will be primed and ready to go the next time you take off for the back roads. Here are four important maintenance steps you should take each time you return from a weekend of mudding.
Care for Your Engine
When you get home from a day in the mud, the first thing you should do is care for your engine. It's accumulated a lot of mud and debris while you've been out. Some of the belts might have even worn down, or come loose. While you're caring for your engine, be sure to check all the belts and hoses for damage. You should also check your fluids for signs of contamination, especially if you've taken your truck through deep water or mud. It's also important that you check your radiator for signs of damage. Be sure to take care of any repairs before you take your truck out again.
Give Your Tires a Once Over
Once you've taken care of your engine, you'll need to give your tires a once over. Checking the tire pressure will ensure that your tires are ready for action. However, don't stop at the tire pressure. You'll also need to check the lug nuts and tighten them if necessary. Be sure to check the tread for signs of damage. You never know when you've picked something up that has damaged the tire. Don't forget to check the spare, even if you didn't use it this trip. Checking your spare after each run will ensure that's ready should you ever need it.
Inspect Your Entire Brake System
While you're looking at your tires, don't forget to inspect your brake system. This step is particularly important since you've had your truck in sand, mud or water. You never know what kind of muck has contaminated your brake system. Check the drums and rotors for signs of damage. Don't forget to inspect your brake lines as well. If you see signs of brake damage, be sure to have them serviced as soon as possible.
Check Your Transmission and Differential
If you were taking some seriously rough terrain while you were enjoying the mud, it's important that you check your transmission housing, especially the differential cover. Damage to the differential cover could lead to leaks. That damage could also indicate that mud and water were able to get into your transmission. If you see damage, you'll need to check your transmission fluid. If the fluid has turned milky, you'll need to have your transmission serviced immediately.
For more information, contact a company like Downtown Garage & Auto Body.