Category: Car

The law here in the UK mandates that everyone who drives a car must be insured by at least the minimum amount of liability coverage. Liability coverage covers any damage that you may do to another driver, his passengers, or his vehicle in the event you are the cause of a motor vehicle accident. However, liability coverage does not cover any damage to your own vehicle. You may also elect to cover your car with comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is what covers damage to your own vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. As you look for car insurance for your Ford Galaxy, you may want to consider the effect that your deductible has on your premiums.

A car insurance premium is the amount you pay for insurance coverage. Premiums can be higher or lower depending on the level of coverage you select, your driving history, the car you own, whether or not you have any extras included in your plan, and the deductible you have included in your coverage.

A deductible is your “share” of what has to be paid in the event of an accident or other damage to your vehicle and in case of theft. If your Ford Galaxy has to be repaired or replaced, you must pay the deductible and your insurance company will pay the rest. But you may not be aware that you can change the deductible on your policy. Changing the deductible will affect the premium you pay.

Let’s say that you have a car insurance plan that indicates that you have a deductible of 500.00. Each and every time you make a claim against your insurance policy for damage to or theft of your vehicle, you must pay 500.00. If your car is damaged and the repair bill is 1,500.00, you must pay 500.00, and your insurance company will pay 1,000.00. If your vehicle is damages and the repairs cost 501.00, you must pay 500.00, and your insurance company will pay 1.00. If your car is damaged and the repair bill is 450.00, you must pay the full amount because it is less than the amount of your deductible.

By raising the amount of your deductible, you may receive a lower rate on your car insurance premiums. For instance, if you now have a 500.00 deductible, changing your policy so that your deductible is 1,000.00 would mean that your premium, or the amount you pay for your insurance, would be lower. But it is important to understand that higher premiums come with both benefits and drawbacks.

The immediate benefit to a higher deductible is obviously a lower premium. But the higher deductible itself can put you in a financial bind if you are ever involved in an accident or your vehicle is stolen. If you need to make a damage or theft claim against your insurance company, you will be required to pay the 1,000.00 deductible. And if you don’t have your 1,000.00 share of the cost of replacement or repairs, you may not be able to complete the repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

For this reason, it is very important that you consider the repercussions of a higher deductible insurance plan. If a higher deductible may not be reasonable for your budget, you may want to look into other ways to get cheaper car insurance for your Ford Galaxy. Some other discounts you may qualify for include limited mileage discounts, a discount for no claims, a good driver discount, a Pass Plus course discount, an age-based discount such as an over-50 insurance plan, a security discount for parking in a garage, and more.

If your car insurance company is not willing to work with you as far as providing discounts, you can look into eliminating extras from your policy. Many drivers do not really need a roadside assistance or breakdown benefit, nor do most drivers really need a courtesy or rental car option. Removing discounts like these from your car insurance plan can earn you a bit off your overall premium. Compare insurance companies and plans to select the insurance plan that gives you the best coverage for the lowest price.

Water restrictions

In a (very) few more years the waterless wash will be the only legal way to wash vehicles. The environmental protection agency (EPA) is going to continue to put restrictions to conserve our lessening water resources, which will put an end to traditional car washings methods.

Disposal of Aqueous Solutions

One should never assume that aqueous solutions can be disposed of down the drain. Your local water treatment authority or publicly owned treatment works will have information on treatment and disposal of these cleaners. Adjustment of pH and dilution are usually required before disposal to a drain. Always comply with current water usage and disposal regulations / water usage restrictions

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine

To the list of oxymorons add – the sunless tan, cheese less pizza, soap-free detergent and the no-water carwash.

An innovative product that protects automotive paint, while preserving our most valuable resource, water; enabling you to wash your car anywhere, anytime even inside your garage. Its a multi-purpose product that serves as a shampoo additive, no rinse wash, quick detailer and clay lubricant.

Use as a winter car wash or in areas that have hosepipe ban, water usage restrictions, or where a water supply is not readily available (apartments, car shows, etc; cleans and protects while minimising water usage, 100% environmentally safe and it reduces water usage to a fraction of a conventional car wash, 1- oz ONR per 2- gallons of water to wash the entire car.

When sprayed on a dirty surface; surfactants break down the soil by releasing its surface tension or bond with the surface, encapsulating the soil particles, and the polymers provide surface lubrication to enable safe (marring free) removal

How does ONR work?

[The polymers in No Rinse have reactive groups that bond and trap dirt particles making the dirt particles virtually non-abrasive. They also bond to oily particles and emulsify them into water. The latter is equivalent to the cleaning action from soaps which also work by emulsifying oil particles into water. However, with soap there is no interaction with dirt. This is why adding No Rinse to a regular wash also helps protect the paint from dirt particles.
The No Rinse polymers also bond to all automotive surfaces and create a slick surface and act as a barrier to protect paint from marring. That is something that soap will not provide since surfactants in soaps have no affinity for painted or other automotive surfaces.

When you use 1 oz. of No Rinse in 1 or 2 gallons of water for your wash at the molecular level this provides hundreds of billions of polymer molecules to do what was said above. Additional product will not be necessary except if you are using tap water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium hydroxide or silicates. In these cases some of the polymers will bond to these minerals and take them out of solution therefore more product might be necessary to compensate for this effect. This is another reason why adding No Rinse to regular car wash soap improves the results when using tap water. ] [David Ghodoussi]

To remove stains the surface tension that bonds them must be released, then the stain encapsulated and held in suspension to be removed. ONR is an almost waterless wash that doesnt require rinsing, its formulated with surfactants to keep dirt in suspension, avoiding surface contact; it also provides surface lubrication, thereby avoiding surface marring. A surfactant or surface active agent is a substance that, when dissolved in water, gives a product the ability to remove dirt from surfaces. They emulsify the dirt; the polymer protects the paint surface by forming a molecular bond, which remains even after the wash, offering protection comparable to that of a spray wax

ONR is an ionic wash that contains zwitterions (hybrid) [: a chemical compound that carries a total net charge of 0, thus electrically neutral but carries formal positive and negative charges on different atom] This allows the polymers to attach to the dirt and form a molecular bond to the surface at the same time. ONR binds the dirt to the wash media intentionally; so you should change washing media as needed

The No Rinse polymers also bond to automotive paint surfaces and create a slick surface and act as a barrier to protect from marring. That is something that soap will not provide since surfactants in soaps have no affinity for painted surfaces (unlike a polymer).

Surfactants

A surfactant or surface active agent is a substance that, when dissolved in water, gives a product the ability to remove dirt from the surfaces by lowering the surface tension of the medium in which it is dissolved. By lowering this interfacial tension between two media or interfaces (e.g. water/stain) the surfactant plays a key role in the removal and suspension of dirt. The lower surface tension of the water makes it easier to lift dirt and grease off of surfaces, and help to keep them suspended in the dirty water

ONR Directions (Label)
1. Add 1oz to 2 gallons of water in a wash bucket
2. Soak wash media (Zymol sponge or wash Mitt) in solution and wash vehicle in sections
3. Dry each section with two clean towels consecutively

Clean the vehicle in this order

1.Hood, front windshield
2.Trunk, rear windshield
3.Half roof, each side to rockers
4.2nd Half roof, each side to rockers
5. Bumpers, rockers
6.Wheel surfaces
7.Engine compartment

This is usually a progression from the least to the most soiled areas.

ONR Wash Methodology

Optional Pre-Soak (very dirty surfaces) – Spray down individual panels with a 1:20 solution ONR / distilled water with a fine mist spray bottle, then wipe-down each panel with a wet micro fibre towel
Use a Monster Fluffy micro fibre towel for washing.
Take one towel and wet it with ONR mixed as per directions (1- oz / 2- gallons of water)
Wring it out and make a single pass per clean side of the towel.
You can get 4-8 passes, with the towel folded in quarters. Each pass is then done with a perfectly clean towel surface and you’re never rinsing any dirt out and releasing it in to your wash or rinse water. You can do the whole car with 2-4 towels.
Apply no pressure to the towel. I just glide it over the surface and only make one pass in one direction with a clean surface.
If you use the two bucket method (one fitted with a grit guard) which highly recommended with this type of product, the wash solution will stay clean enough to be reusable as a pre-soak solution or for cleaning wheel surfaces.
ONR is formulated to ensure that dirt particles wont mix with the solution but fall to the bottom of the bucket.
There is no need to rinse afterwards with ONR, but if you feel you must, please ensure that the water goes to a sewer and not a storm drain; either way the lubricating polymers in the No Rinse do a better job of protecting the finish than conventional car soap.
ONR is ultra violet (UV) sensitive, it causes it to lighten its colour, but has no detrimental effect

Used in tandem with Optimum Instant Detailer & Gloss Enhancer, Finish Kare 425 or Ultima Detail Spray for a just waxed look. If you use the two bucket method (one fitted with a grit guard) the wash solution will stay clean enough to be reusable. ONR is formulated to ensure that dirt particles wont mix with the solution but fall to the bottom of the bucket.

The key to using ONR is to make sure your panel is thoroughly washed. This doesn’t mean that you have to saturate your mitt and/or panel with the ONR but rather go over that panel 2 or 3 times if needed. When you wipe dry there should be no remaining dirt on the panel. If need be use several mitts, discarding a mitt as it becomes visually dirty. When finished there should be little or no water on the ground.

Among automobile manufacturers, several stand out from the rest. Automobiles become known for different qualities. Some automakers have a long history, while others are known for the vehicles they make today. Here are four iconic car brands, listed in reverse order.

Ford

Although Ford is not known for building the most reliable vehicles today, it deserves to be mentioned among the iconic car brands. Henry Ford was among the first to use assembly lines in his factories, and the Model T was the most popular car in the Americas. In its early years, Ford influenced the automobile manufacturing industry. Today, all brands make their cars and lorries on assembly lines.

BMW

Germany is known for building high-performance and luxury cars. Auto enthusiasts can debate whether BMW or Mercedes builds a finer vehicle, but BMWs logo is more widely recognized. It is a circle, divided into four sections. The sections alternate blue and white. This logo reveals BMWs history. The company started as an airplane manufacturer, the emblem represents an airplanes propellers against a blue sky. After WWII, BMW had to stop making airplanes. They switched to manufacturing automobiles.

Toyota

Toyota became an iconic auto manufacturer when it revealed the Prius. This was one of the first hybrid cars. Today, almost every automobile manufacturer builds at least one hybrid vehicle, and many of them outperform the Prius. However, Toyotas model was one of the pioneers in hybrid technology.

Honda

Honda is the most iconic car brand in the UK and around the world. People are drawn to Hondas history, because it is the story of an honest man working hard. Soichiro learned to work as a mechanic, without attending school as a child. One day, he thought of attaching a small motor to a bicycle. The motorcycle was born, along with Honda Motor Company. Honda continued to grow through Soichiros commitment to quality and determination.

Today, people purchase Hondas, because they are built to last for years. Honda still has a strong commitment to quality. In addition to this, the company also values safety and style. These three aspects of Hondas philosophy of automobile manufacturing have made their cars the most popular in the UK.

Ford, BMW and Toyota have all become iconic brands, but for different reasons. Ford has a strong history. BMW has a well-known logo, and Toyota created the Prius. However, Honda has a strong history, stylish vehicles and continues to research alternative technologies. Honda is the most iconic car brand.

There are lots of ways for selling a car and selling it hurriedly at a superior price is not a piece of cake. Most of time people sell their car when they were in circumstances where they necessitate money as soon as possible. Many people want to sell their car in order to get the best price possible. There are integers of aspects to consider while you want to sell your car fast.

Price is the foremost factor to consider while selling your car. Always keep in mind which you will offer to sell your car so that you will catch the buyer who willing to buy your car in close price which offered. Set an evenhanded price that will not entail too much bargaining. Desire a price that is elevated than what you essentially want to acquire so that when you negotiate, it comes downward to your estimated price.

The presentation is also played very important role to sell a car. A striking car will interest more consumers than one that is in a poor condition. Even if it is scrap, it is fine to do some maintenance on its exterior and interior look. If car has some dents and scratches, try to stick them. A car in a meager condition may put off customer, so it will take long time to find a potential consumer. All patrons will select a vehicle that is appealing and alluring. Other equipment that will facilitate your vehicle to sell very fast, at a good price, is if it is en suite with a music system, an anti car theft device and other more accessories.

Selling a car to a corporation that covenant in the sale and purchase of second-hand cars will also facilitate you to get cash quickly. If you formulate a deal with a renowned company, you will be capable to sell it as soon as possible. There are numerous groups that have cash accessible to buy your vehicle on the spot. Sellers just have to contact these companies and provide details of your to them. Most of them will necessitate an assessment of your car. Get proffer from numerous companies, and evaluate them to see best deal a company offering you.

You can also trade you car fast if you consign advertisement in your local newspapers. Use good photographs in the car adverts. Using lucid and superior pictures will be an added benefit. Also offer a clear portrayal of your car and include the estimated price. Do make sure to condition that it is flexible. Many purchasers will take benefit of this to offer you a bit that is much minor than the value of the car. You can also consign this same advertisement on websites in order to get better chances of getting a best deal. The above tricks and guidelines should be followed for the best deals. By following these tips you can able to sell your car fast and very quickly.

A tear in car upholstery is not always easy to repair, but with time and patience, most people can repair small holes without having to pay for expensive materials and tools. You can take your car to an upholsterer to be repaired, but they tend to be expensive and often end up recovering the whole seat. Frequently they cannot match the original fabric, so you end up with seats that do not match and a big bill.

It is easier to repair fabric seats, than vinyl seats. All you need is a strong needle and good thread, both of which you can buy from your local arts and craft shop. Match the colour of the thread to your car seat carefully a good match is key to getting a reasonable result. Make sure that the needle you buy can cope with thick fabric, but has a small enough eye to pass through the fabric without leaving holes. Check that the thread can pass through the eye too. Upholstery thread is thicker than sewing thread.

Do not to be tempted to stitch the tear together as you would a tear in an item of clothing. If you stitch the tear like this, it will be too tight and another tear will appear alongside the original tear. The seat fabric must still be able to give a bit when someone sits on the seat.

Create a grid of stitches along the length of the tear. Those initial stitches are not designed to pull the tear together in any way; they are there to add strength and structure. Now you are ready to put in the stitches that will repair the tear, along its length. Do this as you would for any normal tear but do not tighten the stitches as much as you would normally. The repaired fabric needs to have some give built into it.

The stitching you have made needs to be protected from the friction that occurs when people sit in the repaired chair. A layer of fabric gel should provide adequate protection; periodically renew this protective covering.