Insulate Your Grill

In extremely cold temps, some green vehicle owners recommend “blocking” the front grill of a hybrid. Cut sections of foam pipe insulation and fit the pieces into the grill to help preserve fuel economy. You may even be able to use old pool noodles instead of buying new pipe insulation. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, and the degree of cold you experience, you may want to block both the top and bottom grill. Blocking is not recommended for warm weather driving.

Lighten Up!

If you’re not driving a hybrid/electric SUV, you probably have front wheel drive on your hybrid sedan. That’s a bonus, especially in winter. However, you’ll lose the benefit of front wheel drive if you’re carrying too much weight in your vehicle. So, lose those unnecessary items. Instead, build a simple shelf in your garage to store them. Otherwise, you’re looking at a rough slog through the muck. In snowy or icy conditions, the extra weight means you’re closer to the ground. So, lighten your load in cold weather.

Snow Tires

You might think, ‘why would I need snow tires? Aren’t my regular tires enough?’ The answer is no. Not in snowy, icy conditions. If you live in a climate that gets a notable amount of the wet stuff, snow tires are worth the investment. You’ll find the tires offer better control and handling to get you through the winter weather. Don’t forget to check your tire depth tread, throughout the season.

Keep a Clean Car

The winter weather is no friend to your hybrid/electric car. Specifically, the ice and snow build up in your undercarriage. Green car owners recommend routinely washing your car in winter. In addition to an overall good appearance, you can remove the unwanted ice and snow that could cause a reduction in fuel economy. Use these tips to give your vehicle a thorough winter examination.

Defrost Your Windows

In addition to using some of your hybrid/electric’s battery power for heating your cabin and/or vehicle seats on those cold winter days you’ll also want to run your defroster. To preserve as much battery power as possible, make sure you have quality windshield wipers to brush away heavy snow. Then, only run the defroster long enough to begin melting what’s left. From there, let your warm cabin finish the job.

Warm the Interior

Hybrid/electric cars need attention in winter, too. While plugged in, warm the interior of your car. Called “preconditioning,” this unique green car feature heats (or cools) the cabin automatically prior to departure. The owner simply programs the day, time and temperature; the car does the rest. You’ll thank yourself for a warm car that didn’t sacrifice battery power. However, if your car starts to blow cold air, it may be time to check and repair parts or get it serviced.

Heat From the Bottom Up

Consider heating your car seats first in winter, instead of the cabin. You’ll want to keep the car plugged in, but a warm back and backside may be the answer if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for the cabin preconditioning to take effect. If your car isn’t as warm as you’d like, be sure to check the cabin air filter to improve your heat flow.

Improve Your Fuel Economy

The biggest threat to your hybrid/electric vehicle’s fuel economy is the cold winter weather. If you don’t take the time to warm your vehicle’s engine before driving off, experts believe your fuel economy could be up to three times less than it would be in warmer weather. In addition, you should take full advantage of your instruments. Watch your speedometer. You could save money by driving a little slower. And keep an eye on your car’s thermometer to help keep your fuel consumption low.

Stay Plugged In

Your battery is the best feature on your hybrid/electric car, so take care of it, even in winter. Keep your car plugged at all times, no matter if your charge is at 100% or near zero. That way when you’re ready to go, you’re guaranteed to go the distance before you need to buy fuel. Follow these handy tips for more nips and tucks to keep your car ready for winter.

1. Search Before You Need One:

It is expected that people who do not have a specific auto shop they frequent will end up anywhere when they get stuck on the road and are towed. This also means you may not get the best of services. You must begin the search for a good auto collision repair shop before your car gets stuck on the road. It is the joy of every person to have an auto repair shop they trust and that they can call on anytime for anything, ranging from flat tires to funny sounds from their car. The first thing we suggest is that you do an internet research and google “mechanics near me” or “auto repair shops near me” this will give you a lot of results and lead you to different websites which you can choose from.

2. Check What Insurance Companies They Accept:

Car insurance is accurate, and the problem can arise if your auto collision repair shop does not accept payment from your insurance company. At Mann Auto Collision Center, we take a wide range of insurance companies, including Desjardins insurance, TD, Aviva, Allstate, Intact, Belair direct, the Personal, PAFCO, and co-operators, economical insurance, Benson Kearley IFG. It would be best if you visited us soon.

3. Make Sure They Guarantee Their Services:

Getting a guarantee from the auto collision repair shop means when things go wrong, they can ensure it is properly fixed regardless. In many other places, this doesn’t occur; when the vehicle is wrongly set, they either leave it the same or find an unfavorable alternative. However, at Maan auto collision centers, we give you the needed guaranty, which means if something goes wrong with your car, we will keep working with you until we fix it.

4. See What Kind Of Vehicles They Service:

One essential factor you should consider when choosing the right auto collision repair center for your car is to observe and check the types of vehicles, they have worked with previously. This will give you the security that they can work on your car. You do not want to take your Japanese vehicles to a shop that only specializes in European cars. While they have the chances to fix it, it will not be properly fixed as a specialist in your type of car. This is important because different vehicles come with their specifications, such as other parts, models, and set-up. Also, an experience in a particular type of vehicle will give the mechanics an insight into the possible things that may be wrong with the cars.

5. Confirm If They Work With A Warranty:

Newly purchased cars often come with a warranty. If you will be fixing your vehicle within the warranty time, it is expedient that you use an auto repair shop that honor the deposit on your car. If you visit just any local shop, they may not recognize and work with your car’s warranty. The dealership where you bought your car or where your type of car is specialized will most likely work with a warranty and can inform you on what your warranty covers and what it doesn’t. Unspecialized shops specializing may be unable to file warranty claims; in fact, they may refuse to do work that is in the range of the warranty. So, make your findings before proceeding.

6. Get Reviews And Recommendations:

In choosing the right auto shop for you, you need to check for reviews and recommendations. You can ask your family and friends questions about where the auto repair shop they use and their overall experience and how their experience. The information you get from them will give you a clear direction on where you should go with your car and where you shouldn’t. You can also get reviews and recommendations online and on the different websites of the repair shops.

7. Think Of Convenience:

Right after getting the reviews to choose the right shop for you, you should pay attention to where the auto repair shop is located. Is it close to your home or work place? Choosing a shop closeby will ease your stress of looking for alternative transportation to get to work. You may also try to find out if the auto shop you are considering offers services such as a shuttle; this can be a good option. Other things to note is the shop’s opening hours. Are they convenient for you?

8. Compare Auto Repair Shops:

With the list above, you might end up with more than one auto repair shop that fits your spec. Comparing is the next thing to do to sieve the best from the rest. You can compare the prices either shop has to offer, the work ethics of the shop’s mechanic staff, etc.  

9. Visit The Shop:

Visiting the shop can also help you pick the right and the best shop. You need to look out for the shop’s professionalism and organizational skills; this includes the process of accepting and working on vehicles, the customer relationship between the staff and the clients, and your comfortability as a client in the shop. You should check all of these and more.

10. Ask Questions:

Questions can help you get clarity and help you make the right decision. Before going to the shop, we recommend that you write out some questions that you should ask concerning their services and their care for your vehicle. Questions will also give you information on the services you will get. It would be best if you also reviewed your vehicle’s history with them.

17 Brilliant and Useful Car Cleaning Hacks 

Below is a list of car cleaning hacks that you can use to make the chore a breeze:

1. DIY Car Upholstery cleaner

Homemade car upholstery cleaner effectively cleans car seats that are stained and muddy rug mats. Homemade car cleaners are an effective way to save money as you can make them using readily available materials in your home. You can produce your car cleaner by mixing vinegar, dish detergent, and warm water in a spray bottle.

2.DIY Armor- All Wipes

You can make Armor-all cleaning wipes for your dashboards, vinyl, and fabric from materials available in your kitchen. We do not recommend these wipes for your pained and glass surfaces. What you need for a homemade Armor-all wipe are a clean rag and other cleaning solutions to give your surface area a glossy shine.

3. Dealing with dust

You can use canned compressed air for sensitive devices you cannot clean using water. To remove debris and dust from your car, spray the content into specific areas such as the air vents and other small crevices.

4. Cleaning Crevices

You can clean crevices in your car using a damp sponge brush and any cleaning solution available. You only need to wipe the dirt away using the damp sponge brush. Cotton swabs can serve as an alternative when cleaning crevices.

5. Erasing Stubborn Grime

Erasing stubborn grime early enough is an effective way to prevent corrosion. Dirt can appear due to build-up from spilled food, oil, or drinks. A magic eraser is helpful to clean grime off your glass, car pedals, and car carpet. Avoid using the magic eraser in areas such as car seats or dashboards.

6. Scrub Ground-In Dirt 

You can scrub ground-in dirt with an old toothbrush. Toothbrushes are effective for scrubbing off dirt across nooks and crannies in your car; they are suitable for getting out-rooted dirt from hard-to-reach areas. You can use toothbrushes to clean the vents and unreachable spaces between your car seats. Ensure you use an old toothbrush, as a new one may have sharp bristles that may damage surface areas in your car. 

7. Windshield Cleaner

Windshields can become foggy or dusty due to weather changes and other elements. Since windshield maintenance is essential to car safety, you must keep windshields clean condition. All you need to make a homemade windshield cleaner is a mix of rubbing alcohol, distilled water, and vinegar in a spray bottle.

8. Cereal Container Trash Can 

A cereal container trash can is handy during long travels with children. The trash can will help maintain your car’s cleanliness and tidiness as you travel and purchase consumable items. You need to line a plastic cereal container with a grocery and use it to store trash while on the go. 

9. Line Your Cup Holders

Cup holder liners or car coasters effectively soak up spills from your glasses, mugs, or cups. These liners help prevent grime and debris build-up, which deteriorate the appearance of surface areas in your car. Silicone cupcake liners are perfect options for your vehicle.

10. Keep Wipes at Hand

It would help if you never run out of cleaner wipes because they are easy to use and perform a great job at wiping off dirt and stains in your vehicle. These cleaning wipes are inexpensive and useful for messy situations. Multipurpose wet wipes are available in supermarkets and can work on various materials and surfaces.

11. Cover the back seat

It is best to consider investing in a backseat pet hammock if you have pets that frequently accompany you on car rides. Backseat pet hammocks will help keep you clean and tidy these pet seats, reducing animal hair and lingering odors and preventing damage to your car’s interior.

12. Get Organized

You can maintain the cleanliness of your car by organizing all your items using an organizer. You can get a car organizer for car trunks, back seats, and front seats. With an organizer, rest assured that your documents and groceries are intact and kept secure. 

13. Wax Your Car

Waxing your car is a long-term maintenance measure that preserves your car’s appearance. Car wax will protect against scratches; you may want to consider waxing your car if you have kids. Also, it protects the car’s paint from exposure to weather elements.

14. Remove Stickers  

Removing old stickers from your car will improve the appearance of your vehicle. An adhesive remover is effective for removing stickers, or you can use a razor blade to remove the sticker gently.

15. Get Rid of Bug Splatters

Bug splatters can damage your car’s paint and coat and decrease the quality of your vehicle in the long run. A massive bug build-up can obstruct your view of the road while driving and pose a risk to your safety. 

16. Box It Up

You can keep a small box in the back of your car that can hold items like car brushes, ice scrappers, and washer fluids, among other things, which can help keep your car tidy and reduce noise from clanging.

17. Keep It Fresh

To have enjoyable car rides, you should have not just a clean car but one that smells nice too. A car diffuser is a great choice to keep your car smelling fresh and pleasant. You can opt for an essential oil diffuser.