While battling between rocks, mud, snow and salt; our car’s exterior takes a big hit while on the road.
But surprisingly, many of the paint’s scratches and impurities are caused from improper washing – whether it’s from using the wrong tools or going through soft cloth car washes.
Follow these five steps for a professional wash at home!
Washing:
1. First and foremost, rinse your car in order to remove larger debris and dirt. While washing, park your car in a shaded area to prevent sun spots from forming before you get to the drying stage.
2. Washing mitt or brush – what works best?
It makes sense to choose a long brush with tough bristles to successfully remove dirt. However, this can actually cause more damage to the paint, “Sponges, towels and brushes push the dirt across the paint and leave scratches as a result” (Autoblog).
For this reason, a microfiber or lambswool wash mitt is your best friend for a scratch-free wash!
3. 1 bucket, 2 buckets, 3 buckets MORE!
Most people don’t think about using more than one bucket. But it is important that you don’t wash your car with dirty water throughout the process. Make sure to have one bucket for soap and water, and another for rinsing. You can even use a third bucket for washing your car tires, as they tend to be extra dirty.
Drying:
4.Parking in the shade to avoid sun spots will make drying your car much easier. More importantly, using a chamois or microfiber cloth will provide an even better and more effective drying result.
Fun fact: Not all microfiber cloths are the same! Different areas of your car require specific types of microfiber cloths for an optimal clean,
“Microfiber towels come in various sizes, pile height, or density, referred to as GSM, or grams per square meter. Window towels are typically in the range of 200 to 250 GSM while paint and interior should not exceed 350 to 400 GSM. Every detailer should have at least three types of towels in various colors to designate specific usage. For example, red 350 GSM towels are only used for the paint, while green is only used for interior plastics, blue for the door jams, and so on” (Autoblog).
5. Now that you’ve professionally cleaned your car at home, adding a thin layer of paint protector will help extend the life of your paint from contaminants and UV rays.
A good time to apply would be before Winter to protect against the salt and in the Spring to fight against the mud, dirt and smaller debris.
Spot Cleaning Tips:
1. You may think parking near a tree is great for shade and protection, but they can sometimes leave unwanted gifts on your car that will eat away and damage the paint. Luckily, there are specially designed cleaners out there to make removing sap spots easy.
2. Floor mats are designed to keep your car floor clean, but when the mats themselves get dirty, how do you get them looking like new? Aside from shaking them out to remove the larger debris, dirt and salt can easily stain the plastic that no amount of scrubbing and soap can clean out. What’s left to do? Using a Rim and Tire cleaner will make the stains disappear and bring back the ‘just installed’ look and feel of your floor mats.
The rubber and tread on winter tires are specially designed to be more flexible; making it easier to withstand cold temperatures as well as driving on ice and snow.
When the temperature starts to rise, the flexible rubber that adds traction in the winter will wear down significantly faster compared to all seasons or summer tires.
In addition to wear and tear, driving on warm, dry pavement with winter tires can decrease the drivers’ handling capabilities. Sharp turns aren’t so sharp, and you may notice a bit more noise while you drive.
Driving on winter tires in summer increases the braking distance by at least 10% on dry pavement and 26% on wet pavement.
Going 70 km/h on wet pavement increases the braking distance by up to 42%.
Going 90 km/h on dry pavement increases the braking distance by up to 19.3%.
When You Should Change Your Winter Tires
Even though the snow and ice may be gone, you should really be changing your tires based on the temperature rather than the winter elements.
The guidelines may vary between tire brands but, on average, the best time to change from winter to summer tires is when the temperature is consistently around 8°C (46°F).
To put this into perspective, treat your tires as footwear. You swap flip-flops for boots in the winter, so you should also swap your tires when the weather changes.
Visit our website for more information on how to change your tires at home!
There will be a military zone to celebrate the vehicles used by the Canadian Armed Forces in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
The General Manager of the AutoShow, Jason Campbell says,
“Our presentation of Second World War-era vehicles was very well received last year. These vehicles have been integral to the safety and success of our men and women in uniform. It is an honour to present this all-new impressive mechanized showcase for public viewing at the AutoShow. We should all be grateful for the work done by the Ontario Regiment Museum for keeping these vehicles in working order and helping us remember all those that have sacrificed so much in the defence of our country.”
Some of the vehicles include:
Leopard C2 MBT (Main Battle Tank)
CDN Bombardier Iltis
CDN M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)
AVGP Grizzly (LAV)
2. Back by popular demand… Electric Vehicle Test Drives
With more than 18 vehicles, consumers will be able to discover and have all their EV questions answered!
You can register to drive an electric vehicle at the show or online here!
3. Throwback to the 80s and 90s
The Canadian International AutoShow is teaming up with Oblivion Car and Culture show to bring the newest group of classic cars to Toronto.
The centrepiece of the classic cars will be the DeLorean time machine, made famous from the 1985 blockbuster “Back to the Future”
“Toronto has quickly gained a reputation as a supercar mecca, and the Canadian International AutoShow is reflective of its host city by bringing some of the most unique and iconic hypercars from around the world to the Show,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow.
“The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is one of the highest profile entrants in this sector, and one of the most beautiful and powerful cars we have ever been able to showcase.”
Visit Jack and Jill in the SOUTH building! We’re extremely excited to be participating in the 2020 CIAS and hope to see you all there. Stop by for exclusive deals on the Jack and Jill of All Tires and fun activities for the whole family!
Find Jack and Jill on level 600 in the South Building, right beside the stairs.
At first glance inventing sounds simple, but when you begin the process you’ll find that you are faced with a lot of questions: Has someone already thought of this? Will people use it? How will people find out about it?
Transforming your ideas into an actual product is an exciting process. However, once it’s complete, you’re now faced with the decision of how to introduce it into the market-place.
With all the time and effort put into something you are passionate about, all you can hope for is that your project has a positive and successful response. And that is why we will forever be grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Jack and Jill of All Tires at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.
2018 CIAS
The Jack and Jill of All Tires makes its debut! Launching full force, our booth included a Fiat 500 to show our product in action and a raffle draw to win a Jack and Jill of All Tires! We also set up a life size photo prop of Jack and Jill as a fun and interactive way to enjoy the AutoShow.
Highlights
In an interview with Emily Atkins from the Toronto Star, she perfectly highlighted the Jack and Jill of All Tires and helped feature our goals in the article.
“Our intention is to really help people feel more comfortable with changing their own tires and to feel safe on the road. We feel that there’s no better way to launch than at this year’s CIAS” (Devan Tommasini).
The recognition from the Toronto Star was huge for us. I mean, how cool is that?
We also had the opportunity to participate in the AutoShow Live panel discussions for new products which was a great experience as well.
We couldn’t have asked for a better launch of the Jack and Jill of All Tires at the 2018 CIAS and we left the show with amazing feedback, new friends and excitement for 2019.
2019 CIAS
This was our second year at the AutoShow and we couldn’t have been more excited. With such great feedback and interest from our previous year, we couldn’t wait to showcase the Jack and Jill of All Tires in a new location and upgraded booth. We said goodbye to the Fiat 500 and created a fender and wheel prop to give live demos of the Jack and Jill.
And of course, the Jack and Jill photo prop was a big hit AGAIN!
Highlights
Our favourite moments throughout the show were seeing familiar faces from our previous year. In addition, we had a chance to meet some of our online customers and received positive feedback and support. Engaging with new and familiar people was invaluable in our second year.
Gearing up for round 3! We’re incredibly excited for the 2020 CIAS and hope to see you all there! Stop by for exclusive deals on the Jack and Jill of All Tires and fun activities for the whole family!
Find Jack and Jill on level 600 in the South Building, right beside the stairs.
Even though driving may feel like second nature, when the weather changes the road conditions, we must be extra cautious to ensure the safety of ourselves and others.
Here are some tips to help navigate through the snow and ice:
Drive Slowly
Slow and steady really wins the race! When there’s lots of snow and ice on the ground, driving in slower speeds will help your tires gain more traction and control while on the road.
Keep Your Distance
The more space you keep between you and the vehicle in front, the more time you have to stop or react to sudden action on the road.
Keep Moving
Don’t stop on snow or ice if you can avoid it. It’s difficult to regain inertia when your tires have stopped moving, so we suggest keeping a steady pace when making a turn or approaching a light (U.S. News & World Report).
How to prevent problems on the road
While driving cautiously can help you be safe on the road, there are other ways you can ensure safety throughout your vehicle and travels:
1. Plan your trip and check for weather and road conditions.
Check weather updates from your local news station OR use a weather app on your phone to get the latest conditions of where you are and where you’re going.
2. If you’re in an area that receives snow, consider winter tires.
Check out our previous blog postto learn about this seasons’ weather predictions across Canada and U.S.
3. Carry extra windshield fluid.
Winter aka ‘washer fluid season’ calls for lots of dirt, salt and debris on the road that will impact your visibility while driving. It’s always important to be topped up, but especially during the winter months. Keeping extra washer fluid in your car is a great way to stay safe on the road.
4. Pack an emergency kit.
You can’t plan for an accident – so it’s important to be prepared for when one happens. Keeping a compact emergency kit in your vehicle will get you through the more common dead batteries to more serious roadside incidences. The Get Jacked Safety Kit comes with the tools you need to get yourself out of trouble and items to keep you comfortable until help arrives.
Aside from the obvious jumper cables, first aid kit, washer fluid, snow brush and ice scraper, there are a few more essentials that every motorist should have in their car during winter.
Here are Jack and Jill’s top 5 winter accessories from Amazon:
1. Windshield Snow Cover
Not only does this cover keep the snow off your windshield, it also saves you from scraping the frost and ice. This accessory will ultimately save you time in the morning for an easier and faster getaway!
2. De-Icer
So your windshield is winter-proofed but your door is iced shut…now what?
A can of de-icer can go a long way. Without damaging your cars’ paint, a quick spray will have the frost and ice instantly melted, giving your arms a well deserved break from scraping.
Now that you’ve made your way into your car, there’s a few more accessories to keep you warm and safe.
3. Regular or Electrical Blanket
Electrical or not, a blanket is a great piece to have on hand for any drive.
4. Unscented Candle
There’s nothing worse than your car suddenly shutting down on the side of the road while it’s below zero. Lighting a large unscented candle will warm up your vehicles’ cabin area long enough to keep you comfortable until help arrives.
You’re stuck, now what?
5. Cat Litter
Not an obvious winter accessory but when you’re stuck in snow or on ice, sprinkle some under your tires. Cat litter will help you gain traction so you can get back on the road.
Consider using these accessories to keep yourself prepared and safe this winter!
Although we may love the idea of a beautiful White Christmas, your car sure doesn’t. If you’re driving on the road often, your vehicle may pick up lots of dirt, salt, rocks and other debris hidden in the snow.
Here are 3 ways to keep the exterior and interior of your car clean this winter:
1. Paint Protector
Winter weather conditions take a toll on the exterior of your car. Just like when you wear gloves, a hat, and coats to endure the snow and cold, your car also deserves some added protection.
Your vehicle’s paint protects the metal from outside elements like ice, salt and debris. Using paint protector will keep the paint in shape and ensure your vehicle is not exposed to corrosive properties (washmenow.ca).
Now is the perfect time to add a layer of protection to your car before the snow and salt start hitting the road. You can either purchase a paint protector and apply it yourself or take your car to a detail shop.
3. A Car Wash Goes a Long Way
One element of winter driving that causes the most exterior damage to your vehicle is road salt. Salt on the road does have benefits for safer driving, however it can cause some damage to your exterior over time.
In-N-Out-Car-Wash explains that “Salt can get into all the cracks and crevasses of your car, waiting for the spring when the weather warms up and it actively starts to produce rust and corrosion.”
Washing your car throughout the winter season is a great way to keep the bottom and sides of your car clean and prevent rust or deterioration.
There are a few options to choose from when washing your car this winter:
A single wash at your local gas station, estimated between $7.99-$14.99 CAD depending on the service
Salt, snow, mud and dirt not only make a mess of your exterior but also collect inside. When getting into a vehicle, most of us are focused on getting away from the cold that we don’t pay attention to the mess we bring in.
If you haven’t done so already, look into purchasing rubber floor mats for your car. Even though most cars have a rubber base, a mat will make cleaning out dirt and salt much easier and allow you to keep it clean more often.
Tip: To clean the mats themselves, use a rim and tire cleaner to get rid of the stains the salt leaves behind.
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The winter season is quickly approaching and it’s time to start thinking about changing your tires!
When it comes to the winter season, it’s important to take extra precautions when driving. The weather conditions and cold temperatures have a drastic effect on the function of your regular car tires. So, it’s important to consider changing to winter tires once the temperature starts to drop even if you don’t see the snow!
Why are winter tires so important?
Many parts of Canada and the United States experience extreme winter conditions that make driving very difficult and hazardous. Although all-season tires can somewhat navigate through snow and ice, they may not fully perform well in extreme cases; making winter tires a necessity on the road.
Studies show that at 7° C (44° F), the rubber on all-season tires will stiffen up and begin to have less traction on the road.
Enoch Omololu states that “the main difference between winter and all-season tires is in the rubber compound used to make them. Winter tires are made of softer rubber that remains flexible when temperatures drop and maintain a grip on the road. In addition, winter tires have deeper threads that allow for a bigger bite and traction on snow and ice.”
Where are winter tires mandatory?
In Canada there are only two provinces that have legal regulations for winter tires:
British Columbia
Many roads in BC require winter OR all-season tires between October 1st and March 31st
Some places outside of the Greater Vancouver and Victoria regions (mountainous regions) require tire chains/studded tires
A failure to follow these requirements will result in a fine of $109
Quebec
The previous mandatory date for changing to winter tires was December 15th but has been moved up to December 1st through to March 15th as of 2019, in efforts to increase road safety and encourage other parts of Canada to follow by example
This includes every type of motorized vehicle
Failure to comply with this regulation may result in a fine between $200-$300
United States
Throughout the United States there are no regulations that legally require you to have winter tires. However, it’s recommended that people driving within the Snow Belt, an area subject to low temperatures and heavy snowfalls, should consider changing to winter tires.
How can the Jack and Jill of All Tires help?
Of course it’s simple to make an appointment at your local mechanic to get your winter tires changed. But why go through the inconvenience of taking time off work and waiting around because of the inevitable delays, just to do it all again in 5 months time? With the Jack and Jill of All Tires you can change your tires on your own schedule.
The average cost of a tire change is $60 CAD, and that’s just for one car for one season! The minimum cost of having your tires changed for you would be around $120 CAD, and at a retail price of $220 CAD, the Jack and Jill of All Tires will pay for itself within two years. Now imagine the time and money you’ll save if you have more than one car to maintain!
Having a mechanic change your tires could take hours.
In preparation for the winter season, it’s important to do some research about what the upcoming weather predictions will be. The Old Farmer’s Almanac; more specifically the long range forecast is the perfect source! The forecast accuracy is about 80 % due to the gathering and study of overall weather patterns.
The long range forecast can predict weather patterns and temperatures for up to two months, so it’s a perfect source to consider when thinking about changing your tires.
The Farmer’s Almanac bases its forecasts on three scientific disciplines:
solar science (the study of sunspots and other solar activity)
climatology (the study of prevailing weather patterns)
meteorology (the study of the atmosphere)
In making accurate predictions, the information is gathered amongst different regions throughout the United States and Canadian Provinces.
Canadian winters really portray the perfect ‘white Christmas’, however, if you live in Ontario you may experience a harsher winter than the other provinces with temperatures and snowfall expected to be greater than normal.
Includes: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and part of Québec.
Winter temperatures will be normal with the coldest period beginning mid-December to early March. Precipitation will be below normal in the north but above normal in the south. The snowfall will be above average beginning mid November to early February.
Winter temperatures will be normal with the coldest periods in early December to late February. The snowfall will be generally below normal but the snowiest period will be from late November to late March.
Winter temperatures, precipitation and snowfall will be above average. The coldest period will be from mid-November to early March while the snowiest period will be from early December to early March.
Includes: Southern Alberta, Southern Manitoba and Southern Saskatchewan.
Temperatures will be higher than normal with above normal precipitation. It will be the coldest beginning in early January through early March. The snowfall will be below average in the west but above average everywhere else with the snow beginning mid-November to early April
Winter will be colder with above normal precipitation and below normal snowfall. The coldest and snowiest period being from mid-December to mid-February.
Winter temperatures, precipitation and snowfall will be above normal.
For the Northwest Territories, the coldest period will be from early January to mid-February while the snowiest period will be from mid-November to late December.
While in Yukon the coldest period will be from late November to early March and the snowiest period from mid-November until early February.
The winter season throughout the United States varies depending on what region you live in. Those who live further north, specifically in the snowbelt, will experience different ranges of temperatures and snowfall this year.
Includes (parts of): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont.
The winter will be milder than normal with above normal precipitation and normal snowfall. The coldest periods will be throughout January and the snowiest periods will be from mid-November to early January
Includes (parts of): Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, NY, NJ, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.
The winter temperatures will be above average with the coldest period being between mid-January to late February. Precipitation will be above normal while the snowfall will be a little below average. The snowiest period will be throughout February.
Includes (parts of): Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, NY, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Winter will be normal with above average precipitation. The coldest periods will be from early December to mid-January. The snowfall will be above normal, specifically in Ohio, and the snowiest period will be from early January to late March.
Includes (parts of): Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota.
The winter temperatures will be above normal with the coldest and snowiest periods taking place from early January to late March.
If you live in any of these regions and are expecting snow beginning early November, consider changing your tires with the Jack and Jill of All Tires to be prepared for this upcoming winter!
For further information about daily, monthly and yearly weather predictions in your region, you can head over to the Almanac website and discover more about general weather and temperature patterns.