Not to worry, we have curated a checklist that helps you prepare for winter before it arrives. Keep reading to discover what you need to start doing to make driving safe and easy during harsh seasons.  

1. Keep the car exterior protected. 

One of the maintenance to always include is body wash. Your car must be thoroughly washed and waxed to protect it from the road salt ahead. Let a professional help you get the washing and waxing done, as they know how best the application can be made. Visit Mann Auto Collision centre today.  

2. Replace the oil 

Winter is the best time to change your oil to a synthetic one. During cold weather, the full synthetic oil will flow more easily than the conventional one and will not need a long warm-up time. Also, note the oil best for your vehicle before switching, as cars react differently to oil.  

3. Ensure visibility at all times 

The headlights and tail lights are one of the first things to keep in check during maintenance. Winter comes with fuzzy views that can be better illuminated when your lights are working. Also, use winter windshield wipers to help you clear your windshield faster and more efficiently. You should also use a windshield fluid specific for winter, such as the de-icing fluid for early morning cleans.  

4. Keep your battery in good health. 

Your battery bears a lot of heat during summer, and if it is not maintained for winter, it could break down on a cold morning. To avoid this, come into Mann auto collision centre today to check your battery before it starts a new toll in winter. We offer system tests to check if the battery needs to be replaced or serviced. We even go as far as not just purchasing the battery but also installing it for you when it is purchased.  

Note also that sometimes a new battery isn’t the best solution for your car, especially if you use it sparingly or reside in a cold region. Instead, consider buying a trickle charger or maintainer to keep your battery alive during those off days if you want it to keep its power intact.  

5. Examine your tires 

The treads in your tires need to have a certain depth to be considered suitable for use. If it has 3/32 tread depth, then you are good to go. This traction is needed to withstand the uneven road conditions ahead. We even advise some people to buy snow tires, but this depends on where you reside.  

6. Check the coolant 

Your engine needs to be cooled during summer and prevented from freezing during winter. A good choice of coolant will prevent the water in the cooling system from expanding, freezing and causing other damage. The best way to check the coolant or the antifreeze strength is to use an antifreeze tester or, better still, visit the Mann Auto collision centre. If the coolant is in good condition and doesn’t need replacement, ask for guidance on keeping it at the expected level. But, if not, endeavour to make the replacement in time.  

7. Confirm the diesel fuel lines and DEF levels 

This tip is for diesel vehicles as it is different from regular cars. Note that the fuel lines go up during winter; therefore, using a good diesel such as the Diesel 911 would help you overcome some problems. You should also check your vehicle’s diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels as you move. If your truck doesn’t show the level, you can build a meter that shows the warning signs that the DEF levels will soon be exhausted.  

8. Get some de-icing chemicals.

This is one tip that doesn’t require prior experience, but it is necessary for every driver who wants to enjoy a smooth ride during winter. You will need these chemicals when your car door or windows get stuck. You should also buy windshield de-icers which will all work together to help you prevent frozen fingers and easier access to your car.  

9. Clean the fuel injectors 

The performance of your vehicle depends on the fuel injector cleaner you use. During winter, the cold temperature tends to create problems that the fuel injector cleaner can fix; hence, buying it is worth it. The fuel injector works like the antifreeze system as it can remove the rough starts and restore the power faster than you expect.   

10. Examine the thermostat and radiator cap 

The radiator cap is a very important part of your vehicle’s heating and cooling system. It is responsible for keeping the antifreeze intact and the cooling system pressurized. If your radiator cap is faulty or leaking, it can cause the antifreeze to leak and the engine to overheat. Therefore, checking the radiator cap carefully for signs of leakage will help prevent avoidable future costs. If you have used the radiator cap for a long time, replacing it will be a great move.  

Also, the thermostat should be checked to see if it is in good condition. The coolant can cause the thermostat to fail; hence changing it often is important. If your thermostat is faulty also, change it to maintain the balance in your vehicle during winter and summer.  

The best time to give your vehicle the maintenance it needs is now. If you need to know where to start, visit Mann Auto collision center today.

1. Increased speed on icy or snowy roads. 

According to data from the World Health Organization, one of the major causes of the rising accident rate around the world is speed. Maintaining the same speed for winter driving increases the risk for drivers. Snowy roads can be easily navigated throughout the winter months by reducing speed and lengthening the braking distance. Drivers who get used to driving at a slower speed will be better equipped to react to oncoming traffic and avoid collisions. Because brakes are slowed down by snow or ice when you brake suddenly, it could cause additional problems. Therefore, the best strategy for preventing accidents caused by speeding during the winter is to adapt to a typical speed level. 

2. Partial cleaning of snow off the windshield

Sometimes, accidents could be avoided when enough time is taken to remove the snow stuck to the windshield, thereby giving the drivers a good view. The drivers can set a specified time frame to get the vehicle ready for the road. This will involve windshield cleaning, the car warm-up and many more. In fact, cleaning your windshield correctly will not only help the drivers drive safely but will prevent unnecessary payment of a fine.  

3. Reflection of the sun on the snow

Both winter and summer record sun reflection during each season. For winter, the reflection is on the snow and could reflect up to 80% of the UV rays. Therefore, it is important you wear sunglasses when it is sunny, either during winter or summer.  

4. Inappropriate tires 

There are specific tires for different seasons of the year. If you reside in Quebec, getting a winter tire from December to march is compulsory as it promotes safe driving. Interestingly, failure to change your tires in Quebec attracts a fine. Hence, purchasing winter tires should be a necessity.  

5. Using the wrong winter windshield and fluid 

The wipers you choose during winter should be custom-made for such conditions. Usually, it comes with a rubber surface designed to sweep the ice quickly, thereby keeping the windshield clean. Also, the windshield fluid is not the regular type but the one with a temperature below zero. This fluid type will help to increase the cleaning process of the ice.  

6. Adapt to the times of the day 

Switching on the headlights at night is expected. However, you need to check how dark outside is instead of the time during winter because it changes. Also, drive more carefully during the dark to avoid collisions.  

7. Extreme weather conditions 

On some days, it is not advisable to drive as the weather conditions are almost impossible to navigate. If you need to move, you can check the Canadian weather website for updates on the weather and plan your movement. It is advisable that during snow or ice storm, staying at home is safer.  

8. Irregular car maintenance 

Every new season, endeavour to give your car general maintenance. Some of the car maintenance a good auto collision shop will do for you is to: 

• Check the brakes 
• Change the oil 
• Replace the windshield wipers if necessary 
• Confirm the battery lifespan
• Guage the tire pressure 

If all these causes of accidents can be attended to and your car is well-maintained, driving during winter would be with confidence.  

But not all ceramic coatings are made equal. The right one for your car depends on what matters most to you. Let’s get into 6 tips that’ll help you choose the best automotive ceramic coating for your pride and joy.

1. Check Out the Hardness Rating

Ceramic coatings work by creating a smooth, protective layer over the existing paintwork of your car. If you were to look at your car’s paintwork under a microscope, you’d see that it’s far from smooth. It’s full of little cracks, crevices, and undulations that trap dirt and grime. What you want is a surface that’s smooth and shiny and dirt will just fall off.

Think about your ceramic glazed dinner plates at home. Nothing permanently sticks because of that ultra-hard, shiny, waterproof layer. So you want to build up a similar layer on your car so that dirt will have nothing to cling to.

The coating is only partly ceramic. It’s actually a liquid polymer – a type of non-volatile solvent. It’s enriched with silica, which has the chemical symbol SiO2.

This is the ceramic part, and the higher the level of ceramic, the greater the level of hardness once it’s cured. Because the liquid polymer allows it to bond to the paintwork, it provides much longer-lasting protection.

DIY kits are limited in the percentage of SiO2 they contain. Above 80% is considered a good level of protection. Professional ceramic coating services use products that go as high as 93%.

The bottom line? To get the longest-lasting, hardest coating with the deepest shine, leave it to the professionals.

2. Check Out the Warranty

If you go the DIY route, chances are you won’t be backed by any kind of warranty. Professional-grade ceramic coatings are different. Some of them come with a warranty when they are applied by approved installers.

When you go to discuss automotive ceramic coatings with the company, ask about the manufacturer’s warranties. Make sure you’re clear about anything you need to do to keep them valid. These could last for three years or more.

3. Read Reviews

Getting the best ceramic automotive coating takes time and research. The market is flooded with options, with new products being released all the time. So review sites and YouTube videos are a great starting point.

With new products, you’re not going to be able to tell if they’ll stand the test of time just yet. But when evaluating more established products, there’s a wealth of information available online. Start with car magazines and auto review sites and then move on to reading reviews from the general public.

Bear in mind that no product is faultless and all will have their detractors. You need to first think about what’s important to you in a ceramic coating and then see how the product measures up to your criteria.

4. How Does It Repel Water?

One of the best features of automotive ceramic coatings is that they’re hydrophobic. Water beads up and, in theory, washes off the car. In practice, though, what often happens is that the water beads up and stays put.

When the sun comes out, it evaporates the H2O, but it leaves behind all the minerals and junk that was suspended in the water. You end up with a car that’s covered in water spots in spite of the ceramic coating.

Some coatings cause water to behave differently. They cause water to run off in sheets rather than hanging around in beads. This means that you should have less of an issue with water spots.

5. Get the Perfect Finish

Ceramic coatings used to get a bad rap for leaving a rather dull appearance when compared with traditional wax. Those days are mainly over, but as always you tend to get what you pay for.

Check out pictures of cars that have had the ceramic coating applied. Compare various products, preferably applied by the same installer. Most people love a deep, high-gloss finish that is effortless to maintain.

That’s what you’ll get when you choose the best automotive ceramic coating.

6. Choose an Easy Maintenance Option

Some ceramic coatings are sensitive to strong detergents, some are built to last. So talk to the ceramic coating service about ongoing maintenance to keep the coating looking sharp.

The best coatings only need regular washing to look their best. The water runs right off when you wash them and there’s zero need for wax. A few extra bucks on the right product may save you time, money, and effort in the long run.

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See below for an in-depth guide on car wraps and the several important things you need to know as you look for the right wrap company to do the job.

1. It’s Cost-Efficient

So, can you change the color of your car using car wraps? Yes, you can. In fact, it’s never been easier or more affordable to do so.

Many people go the traditional route by paying for a new paint job. In so doing, they waste hundreds of dollars that would be better spent elsewhere. 

By investing in a color-changing car wrap, you’ll be giving yourself a more efficient and cost-friendly way to get the color you’re looking for. Maybe the paint has chipped on your current paint job. Perhaps it’s starting to show its age.

Depending on the paint job, you can cost yourself up to $3,500 if you want to receive one with high-quality. Be sure to reach out to a car wrapping company today to get a quote and start the color changing process for your vehicle.

 2. It’s Customizable

Perhaps your biggest concern if you change the color of your car with a wrap job will be not having many color options to choose from. Many people are surprised to find out that there are over 60 colors to choose from. 

Not only that, but there are different finishes that you can choose from such as matte, textured, metallic, or gloss.

If you’re looking to bring youth back into the sports car you’re driving, consider a glossy red wrap job. For those of you that want a color that stands out, consider a matte electric blue coat.

If you’re open to different ideas, then you and your car wrap company can brainstorm different color and finish combinations. They can also show you a portfolio of your previous work to find the right match.

The color-changing wrap job that you choose can be as bold or as subtle as you like, thanks to the veritable options you have. 

3. Easy to Remove

Maybe a few years down the line you decide that you want to switch up the color of your car again. Perhaps you get tired of the color in a few years.

If you went the traditional paint job route, then the results are permanent. There is no way for you to switch out the color besides getting an entirely new paint job.

That means forfeiting several hundred (if not thousands) more dollars to change the color of your car. 

However, with a color-changing wrap job, you can remove the color at any time. If you want to go back to the old color before you sell the car, no problem. If you want to switch up the color once more, we can do that too!

The wrap will not harm the paint underneath, meaning you can switch out the colors as you see fit. Whether it’s changing the color on a company vehicle or a personal car, the wrap job makes it easy to accomplish and easier to remove.

4. Easy Maintenance

One of the most important aspects of finding a new color for your car will be the maintenance involved. The more you care for your car wrap, the longer its quality will last.

That said, a car wrap is a lot easier to keep up with on a weekly basis. For the best results, you simply hand wash the car each week. Avoid automatic washes, as it could warp the material that your car wrap is made of. 

Simply pour your preferred car soap into a bucket with water, then use a sponge to apply the solution all over. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash it off with water and let it air dry. 

Make sure to wash and dry your car in the shade. Too much sunlight could damage the coating or cause the car wrap to lose its shine.

5. They’re Exceptionally Durable

As long as they are taken care of by their owner, car wraps can last for a very long time. You’ll be able to drive it around town, take it to job sites, and ride through rainy weather without any complications.

As with any paint job or wrap job, it will start to show nicks and bruises as the years roll on. However, when that happens, you can easily remove and apply a new car wrap 3, 4, or 5 years down the line. 

Choose the color and finish that you can see yourself rocking long-term. That way, you’ll be thrilled with your choice until the time comes to replace it several years down the road.

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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.