303 Touchless Sealant Explained

303 Touchless Sealant is comprised of SiO2, which means it is only activated when water comes into contact with the product. In other words, you only have to spray the sealant onto the surface of your vehicle and follow it up by rinsing it with the hose. It’s really that simple and fast. Once the water pressure from a hose hits treated surface areas, the molecules bond together to create a level of protection comparable to a knight’s chainmail armor. Since all of the molecules have bonded tightly together, it creates a defense mechanism on the surface. This way, elements from the outside such as rain instantly bead off from treated areas.

How to Use 303 Touchless Sealant

A little product goes a long way with 303 Touchless Sealant, so there is no need to go overboard with the amount you use. It’s also important to note that the auto sealant should only be applied out of direct sunlight, so the surface temperature of your vehicle is as cool as possible. A low surface temperature is necessary to achieve the best results.

Keeping both of these points in mind, follow the rudimentary steps below to achieve a deep, wet shine that will leave your vehicle protected and amaze you with its water-beading capabilities.

Step 1:
Wash your vehicle as you normally would to ensure that each surface area of your car is clean and ready to apply 303 Touchless Sealant.

Step 2:
Spray a modest amount of product evenly across the surface you wish to treat, and only focus on one section at a time. Using a gentle mist is all you need to attain optimal results.

Step 3:
Once you’ve applied the sealant to the dedicated section of your vehicle, rinse it off quickly to prevent the product from drying.

Repeat steps two and three for every section of your vehicle. Then you can test to see if 303 Touchless Sealant is working by spraying water on treated areas. If you see the water molecules bead off the surface, you will know you applied it correctly.

Lastly, be mindful to always rinse the product off quickly (as noted in step 3) as allowing the sealant to dry can potentially lead to unwanted streaking.

Using 303 Touchless Sealant In Between Waxes

Some automotive enthusiasts stick true to the philosophy that no product can genuinely protect the surfaces of their vehicle in the way that a ceramic coating can. While this way of thinking is understandable, the touchless auto sealant can still act as a bridge between treatments. Therefore, if you are in between waxings and need a protectant to hold you over until next time, 303 Touchless Sealant is a perfect alternative. Use it just once, and you might become a firm believer after seeing the SiO2 formula in action. You won’t know until you try it, and there are plenty of folks who have come full circle from their strongly held belief in ceramic coatings.

303 Touchless Sealant FAQ

Sometimes it’s helpful to keep things as simple as possible, which is why we’ve aggregated the most commonly asked questions people have about 303 Touchless Sealant.

Q: What is the chemical makeup of 303 Touchless Sealant?
A: It is comprised of a Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) formula and also includes a hydrophobic component to aid with water repellency.

Q: What happens if I don’t rinse off the product after applying it?
A: You run the risk of streaking on your paint’s surface due to the chemical makeup of 303 Touchless Sealant. If this happens, simply rinse off again to achieve the desired effect.

Q: Is it possible to use 303 Touchless Sealant on top of a car that is already waxed?
A: Yes, you can use 303 Touchless Sealant as a top layer.

Q: How does the product differ from a Carnauba wax?
A: The main difference between 303 Touchless Sealant and Carnauba wax is durability. Whereas the latter will safeguard surfaces for three months, 303 Touchless Sealant provides up to six months of protection.

Now that you have received a crash course on 303 Touchless Sealant, the time has finally come for you to see it in action. Follow the link below to get started!

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Graphene oxide is the latest chemical compound structure that is quickly taking the market by storm for a couple of reasons. For starters, graphene oxide is highly efficient at shedding water, offering a wide range of practical applications for auto detailing. Additionally, the chemical compound is becoming more readily available via multiple chemical manufacturers.

Everything we know about graphene oxide feels new, interesting, and presents a world of possibilities. That’s why we will detail the fundamental science behind graphene oxide in an easily digestible format here in this blog. Come with us as we uncover a basic introduction to the chemical compound so you can get a better understanding of its most advantageous applications.

Before we can fully dive into graphene oxide, it’s important first to note the differences between graphite and graphene. The former comprises several layers of connecting carbon atoms in a hexagonal shape that resembles chicken wire. Out of all of these countless layers, graphene accounts for only one of them. Think of graphene as an individual playing card where graphite serves as the entire deck.

Image Source: Researchgate.net

What’s even more incredible is the fact that graphene is only one atom thick yet still yields a high level of resistance, among other practical properties. Additionally, graphene is flexible, transparent, and it’s so impenetrable that even the smallest atoms will not be able to penetrate its surface.

The process of functionalizing graphene with different chemical groups is where the fun really begins. In fact, functionalizing graphene with oxygen and helium is what creates graphene oxide (GO), the magic material that everyone seems to be talking about in the aftermarket automotive space.

Graphene oxide is slightly more polar than graphene but is still technically non-polar due to its cyclohexane rings. This is best explained through an analogy of a Chinese finger trap. The arrangement of the carbon atoms gives the molecule its strength, which is nearly impenetrable because there are strong reinforcements spread through the entire structure. The hydrogen bonding in the GO allows it to interlink during curing, and the non-polar carbon rings repel water. This chemical reaction is the cornerstone of why water beads off surfaces that are treated with GO.

Water shedding is caused by an incompatibility between water and the coating’s surface. Therefore, if you apply an auto detailing product that contains GO to the surface of your car, it creates a desired water-beading effect. For example, when rain comes into contact with treated areas, you’ll notice that it doesn’t want to stick to the surface.

Also, functionalizing graphene into graphene oxide allows it to have dipole interactions, but non-polar behavior is still more prominent. Dipole interactions occur when the partial charges formed within one molecule are attracted to an opposite partial charge in a nearby molecule, according to Lumen Boundless Chemistry. It’s important to note that the non-polar behavior keeps the electrical charges evenly distributed across the molecule.

Another benefit that chemists seem to enjoy about graphene oxide is the fact that it can be reduced. So, if you have graphene oxide, you can remove the oxygen component once again to create reduced graphene oxide (r-GO). However, r-GO is a different compound with subsequent properties that do not produce the desired effect you would want in an aftermarket automotive product. The chemical compound has weaker binding agents, which is why it’s best to use graphene oxide, aka “the real deal.”

To sum up what we’ve learned today, graphene oxide is a versatile chemical compound with several practical applications. It is an incredibly strong and elastic material that offers a wide variety of uses. Graphene oxide also has non-polar characteristics that make it nearly impossible to dissolve into any solution – not just water

When you consider all of these details, it’s no wonder why R&D chemists are leveraging the power of graphene oxide. The practical chemical compound can serve as a key ingredient for products that will benefit the aftermarket auto industry or any other vertical with the ambition to find a constructive way to utilize it.

Sources:

• The Graphene Handbook 2021 Edition by Ron Mertens
• https://www.nixenepublishing.com
• https://linx-global.com/blog/2018/10/1/graphene-the-worlds-super-material
• https://www.graphene-info.com/reduced-graphene-oxide-introduction
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-15381-y
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351220163_Magnetic_Characteristics_of_Graphene_Oxide_and_Reduced_Graphene_Oxide
• https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-chemistry/chapter/intermolecular-forces

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303 Graphene Nano Spray Explained

You don’t have to be a pro detailer to reap the benefits of 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating. The product is engineered with simplicity in mind so everyday car-lovers can experience superior durability. By lowering the surface temperature of treated areas, water has more difficulty drying on the surface. This process causes hard water spots to become embedded in the clear coat. The product’s versatility allows it to be applied to a vehicle’s paint, glass, wheels, and plastic trim. The coating is safe to apply on all of these surfaces, providing up to one full year of protection following treatment. Using a graphene oxide formula, the agent creates a strong bond with exterior surfaces for an unprecedented level of protection.

How to Use 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating

Step 1:
Ensure that your vehicle is properly washed. After your vehicle is dry, do a quick walk around to notice any clarity issues in the paint.

Step 2 (optional):
If you noticed that any of the areas of the paint are not up to your standards, remove contaminants from the surface. Use a clay mitt and correct the paint to your desired level, using compounds and/or polishes. This is entirely optional as 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating will still properly bond to the paint’s surface.

Step 3:
Spray the product onto an applicator, and wipe it onto the surface of your vehicle one section at a time.

Step 4:
Depending on the temperature, 303 Graphene Nano Spray will eventually haze to white at approximately 5-10 minutes. Once it turns white, it’s ready to be buffed off with a clean microfiber towel.

Step 5:
Enjoy up to one year of protection.

Differentiators of 303 Graphene Nano Spray

There are several notable differences between 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating as it compares to other similar products. Keeping that in mind, look at the following benefits offered by this detailer to see what makes it so incredibly diverse.

• The coating contains a black graphene oxide powder. This component enhances the surface underneath, rather than just adding a glossy layer on top. This means that while it will add gloss and depth to a glossy surface, it will not do so to a matte surface. Therefore, it can be used on matte surfaces without affecting the finish.
• The product’s thermal properties allow it to be applied in direct sunlight easily and without the worry of high spots, streaking, or a difficult buffing process.
• These same thermal properties also help prevent hard water spots from occurring. The graphene layer absorbs the heat, keeping the paint underneath cool, helping to prevent the hard water spots from etching into the clear coat. If water spots do occur, they should easily be wiped off.
• It is safe and effective on various surfaces, including paint, glass, wheels, plastic, and metal.

These benefits make 303 Graphene Nano Spray a highly approachable product for beginners while simultaneously producing results to amaze the experts of the detailing world.

FAQ of 303 Graphene Nano Spray

While the above video does an excellent job of providing answers to the most frequently asked questions about 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating, you may still have inquiries such as the following.

Q: Do you need to remove any existing coatings, waxes, or sealants before using the product?
A: No. 303 Graphene Nano Spray was designed for ease of use so that it can be applied safely on top of an existing coat.

Q: Does 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating offer UV protection?
A: Yes. The formula used offers UV protection.

Q: Is it safe to reuse the same towel after spraying the product on it?
A: Yes. So long as you wash the microfiber towel quickly after using it, the formula should not harden to the material. This allows you to avoid having to throw your towels away.

We hope that this overview provides you with a better understanding of the ins and outs of 303 Graphene Nano Spray Coating. For more information, including details on how to try it out for yourself, visit the product page below.

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303 Speed Detailer Explained

303 Automotive Speed Detailer instantly cleans, shines, and protects the exterior surfaces of automobiles. Today’s fast-paced world doesn’t always allow the time needed to perform an extensive cleaning and detailing job. That’s why this spray is ideal for improving the shine on paint in half the time. The premium formula used in 303 Speed Detailer limits the ability of UV rays to penetrate the paint, keeping colors brighter while preventing fading in the process. It’s safe to use on clear coat, fiberglass, plastic, chrome, and glass, offering plenty of versatility. Lastly, a little bit goes a long way, so there is no need to overspray due to the high potency of the product.

How to Use 303 Automotive Speed Detailer

In order to use 303 Speed Detailer the correct way, all you need is the bottle, a microfiber towel, your vehicle, and a little time. We cannot emphasize the importance of “little time” because the product is fast and efficient.

Step 1:
Make sure the car surface is cool and dry before use.

Step 2:
Shake bottle well. Spray product directly onto the surface one section at a time.

Step 3:
Wipe and buff off using a clean, dry microfiber towel.

Step 4:
Take a look at your results and enjoy the shiny new finish.

Using 303 Speed Detailer In Between Washes

There are plenty of quick detailers on the market, but 303 Automotive Speed Detailer is a great solution for removing light dust in between washes. Using this method is a helpful alternative when you cannot dedicate the time necessary to perform a traditional two-bucket wash. However, it’s vitally important to note that applying 303 Speed Detailer is not meant to take the place of a car wash. More specifically, it should only be used to remove light dusting or water spots; it should not be used to remove accumulated dirt or debris. Using the product is a quick and easy way to add protection, and bring some life to your car’s paint, giving it that shiny allure you want to maintain until your next wash.

303 Automotive Speed Detailer – FAQ

To this point, you are keenly aware of the primary uses of 303 Automotive Speed Detailer and how to best use the spray. Nonetheless, you might still have a few questions, so we will list out a couple of the most frequently asked questions that car enthusiasts seem to share about the product.

Q: Can you use 303 Automotive Speed Detailer as an alternative to a traditional car wash?
A: No, you will not get the same result from a two-bucket wash by only using the detailer. The spray is designed to safeguard and bring a shiny finish to exterior surfaces.

Q: What surfaces can you use it on?
A: You can use 303 Automotive Speed Detailer on fiberglass, paint, plastics, aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, and glass.

Q: What is the best way to use the detailing spray?
A: 303 Automotive Speed Detailer works best on exterior surfaces that have already been cleaned. The formula provides additional protection that will prevent fading from UV rays.
If you’re still curious to know more about 303 Automotive Speed Detailer, be sure to check out the product page below.

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303 Automotive Protectant Explained

There’s a long history behind 303 Automotive Protectant that reaches back to 303’s origins as a protective agent for aviation engineering. As you can imagine, planes are heavily exposed to UV rays from the sun at high altitudes, and 303 Protectant was engineered to safeguard materials used on aircrafts (specifically rubber wingboots). Using that ingenuity, 303 Automotive Protectant brings that same level of protection to cars, SUVs, trucks, and even off-roading vehicles like ATVs and UTVs. Any set of wheels you call your pride and joy, 303 Automotive Protectant is there to help preserve it.

How to Use 303 Automotive Protectant

First and foremost, it’s essential that you only use 303 Protectant on areas that have been cleaned and dried. So the next time you want to take advantage of a nice day, give your car a thorough washing so it’s ready to be protected.

Following this prerequisite, use the following three easy steps to use the 303 Protectant spray bottle the right way.

Step 1:

Spray product directly onto the surface or onto a microfiber cloth.

Step 2:

Apply product evenly onto the vehicle and work it in one section at a time.

Step 3:

If needed, wipe area with a clean, dry microfiber towel.

Step 4:

Take a step back to evaluate your results. Some extra buffing may be required for optimum protection. If there is any excess product on the surface, use a wet towel to remove it.

After properly following the preceding steps, the surfaces of your vehicle will be protected for up to five weeks, so it’s recommended to re-apply every 30-45 days.

If you elect to use 303 Protectant wipes, simply use them on any surface of your vehicle as you desire. Just remember that the areas you plan to protect have already been cleaned and dried before you apply.

What Makes 303 Automotive Protectant Unique

One aspect of 303 Protectant that makes it stand apart is the fact that it provides unparalleled protection from UV rays even though the solution is water-based. By absorbing into the treated material (leather, rubber, vinyl, or plastic), 303 Protectant creates a protective shield on the surface layer to absorb harmful rays. This way, when the rays from the sun hit the surface, they bounce off of the material. With regular treatment, you can prevent the materials of your vehicle from cracking or fading to keep them looking newer for longer.

303 Automotive Protectant – FAQ

To this point, we’ve covered the ins and outs of 303 Protectant. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all of your questions have been answered. Take a look at some of the most common inquiries customers have about the product in case you have the same curiosities.

Q: Does 303 Protectant contain any harmful silicones?
A: No. 303 Protectant does not contain any harmful silicones. These can dry out and damage surfaces, which would be extremely counterproductive in protecting the surfaces of your vehicle.

Q: Can I really use 303 Protectant on all surfaces of a vehicle?
A: 303 Protectant is extremely versatile and works great on vinyl, plastic, synthetic and natural rubber, PVC, finished leather, colored gel-coat fiberglass, and more! However, you should not apply 303 Automotive Protectant on unfinished leathers (such as suede), fabrics, floorings, clear plastics, gauge panels, or headlights.

Q: How will I really know how often to re-treat my vehicle with 303 Protectant?
A: If you wait too long between treatments, the surfaces of your vehicle can become cracked or damaged from harmful UV rays. That’s why you should re-treat every 30-45 days based on the chemistry of the formula used in 303 Automotive Protectant.

If you’re ready for the ultimate companion that will keep your vehicle looking newer for longer, head to the product page below for more info, including customer reviews.

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Follow these steps to ensure your car is in the same shape (or better!) than when you put it away.

Fill Gas Tank & Use A Fuel Stabilizer

Emptying out your gas tank is nearly impossible, and potentially unsafe. Instead, it’s a good idea to fill your tank and use a fuel stabilizer, like STA-BIL 360°® Protection.

Before you fill up, pour one ounce of STA-BIL 360°® Protection into your fuel tank for every five gallons of fuel you’re going to fill it with. Expect to use three-to-five ounces depending on how large your tank is.

It’s important to use a fuel stabilizer because gas can go bad in as little as 30 days. Mike Profetto, Vice President of Product Engineering at Gold Eagle Company, the makers of STA-BIL® says “gasoline is a living, breathing chemical that will react with the oxygen in the air to form gums, varnishes and evaporate spark-inducing light ends.” He adds,  “Larger car or truck engines are more forgiving to these issues but can pose the same issues described. Small gasoline engines can have severe engine issues with the gums and varnishes that form such as: will not start, engine surging, sticky fuel bowls stopping fuel flow and other problems.”

If you don’t know how long your car is going to sit and do not use a fuel stabilizer, there’s a chance you will have to remove and clean, or even replace, your fuel tank, pump, lines, and injectors. STA-BIL 360°® Protection fights corrosion and will keep your gas fresh for up to 12 months, helping you avoid the headache of untimely maintenance right when you’re ready to get back behind the wheel.

If you know your car is going to be stored for longer than 12 months, consider using STA-BIL® Storage. It can keep fuel fresh for up to two years. One ounce of STA-BIL® Storage treats two-and-a-half gallons of fuel.

Profetto says, “STA-BIL® Storage is formulated for fuel used in: vehicles, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, weed whippers, etc.” When any of those vehicles or pieces of equipment are going to be stored for a year or more, Profetto adds, “the Storage product is formulated slightly differently to provide additional corrosion protection in the fuel bowls of older vehicle and small equipment carburetors.”

Check Tire Pressure

While you’re at the gas station, check your tire pressure. The air inside your tire can expand or deflate based on temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Once next to the air station, pick one tire to start with. Look for the PSI label written on the side of the tire. It will follow the combination of letters and numbers that represent the brand and model. Inside a parenthesis will be the tire pressure range required to drive safely. An example range is 30-45 PSI.

Now, remove the small air cap and pull the air hose close over the stem opening. There will be a pressure gauge at the point where the hose will press on the stem. Press the hose firmly over the stem for a couple seconds and you’ll see the gauge react and extend a bar that shows the pressure level. The point where the bar stops is the PSI level of the tire. If your tire is already inside the recommended level, you do not have to fill with air. If it is low, fill to the recommended range.

If the gas station air machine does not have a gauge, you’ll have to buy a tire gauge before filling up with air to make sure you do not overfill your tire.

Keeping the recommended PSI makes sure your tires don’t go flat while your car sits and waits for you to come back. It also ensures your tires do not develop flat spots, which would then cause you to have to replace them. Overinflating can also reduce traction, cause uneven tire wear once you return to the road, or even increase the chances for a full-on tire blowout.

Change The Oil

Whether you do it yourself or run it through your neighborhood oil change shop, making sure you have fresh oil in your ride for any storage beyond 30 days is highly recommended. The contaminants in used engine oil could potentially damage your engine when you start it up again. Changing your oil before storage ensures you’ll be good to go!

Top Off Fluids

Now is also the time to top off your fluids. If you took your car into a service station to get an oil change, chances are the technician topped off your fluids for you.

If you changed your oil yourself, make sure to check the levels of:

• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• Transmission Fluid
• Coolant
• Windshield Washer Fluid

Review your vehicle’s manual to locate each of the storage containers.

If you believe you have a leak in your Power Steering, Transmission, Engine Oil, or Gear Oil, consider using No Leak® All In One Stop Leak. This product seals leaks, repairs main seals & o-rings, and stops hard starting.

Wash & Protect Exterior

It may seem like a waste of time to wash your car when you’re putting it away but cleaning your ride can keep it looking like the day you put it away. Removing external debris like bugs, bird droppings, dirt, and water stains stops them from damaging your paint while your car sits.

Once your car is clean, we recommend claying your car with a product like the 303® Clay Mitt. Claying the car will take off any contaminants that have caked on to the clear coat that washing won’t take care of.

After washing and claying your car, make sure to protect it.

You can use a hand-applied Carnauba-based wax like 303® Show Car Wax, or 303® Touchless Sealant which uses SiO2 technology to act as a shield against water, dirt, and grime from embedding onto the paint.

Also consider using a UV protectant, especially if your car is going to be sitting outside during this extended break. 303® Protectant prevents UV rays from causing fading and cracking in any rubber, plastic, or vinyl surfaces. You should use on trim, tonneau covers, even windshield washer blades, as well as the rubber and plastic components in your engine compartment.

Clean & Protect Interior

Same concept applies to your interior. Vacuum the floor and between the seats, then use a product like 303® Interior Cleaner for seats, consoles, even LCD screens. Once your interior is clean, break out that 303® Protectant again and use it on your dashboard, especially if your car is going to sit outside. The sun’s rays can cause fading and cracking pretty easily if it’s going to sit for an extended period of time.

Pro Tip: Before you shut the doors and lock it up, make sure you close all the vents and windows to keep any critters from turning your car into their new home.

Maintain Battery

Your car’s battery can be drained pretty easily while it sits idle. The electronics inside, like its computer and clock, constantly draw current from the battery. Consider hooking up what’s known as a trickle charger. Profetto explains why, “A battery maintainer generates a trickle charge of current such as: 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and higher amps that, when connected correctly to the battery, provide a constant regeneration of the battery power. This constant recharging will protect the battery and allow the vehicle to be started when needed.”

The STA-BIL® Battery Maintainer automatically detects the voltage in your battery and recharges it when it goes down. If you’re storing your car in a garage, connect the Battery Maintainer to its battery terminals and plug it in to your nearest outlet.

Use Waterproof Cover

The last step is to make sure you don’t waste all your hard work. Use a waterproof cover that breathes to shield your car from the elements. A tarp sounds like a good idea, but the material can actually scratch your paint. It also traps heat which can harm your interior and trim. Here’s a list from Consumer Reports of some of the top brands to consider.

Start Engine Once Every Two Weeks

Once you have shelved your car in a garage, driveway, or spot on the street, it’s important to continue to turn that ignition and run the engine periodically. Whether it’s you, a friend, or family member, try to make sure your car is started and lightly driven for 10-15 minutes at least once every two weeks. You can go up and down your driveway, around the block, or just let it idle outside for a few minutes.

Profetto goes in-depth to explain why, “It is important to start the engine every few weeks for several reasons including: 1. Circulate the oil throughout the engine to make sure an oil film coats all the internal surfaces to prevent any flash rusting; 2. Circulate gasoline throughout the fuel system to make sure any small openings in the fuel injectors receive fuel and flush out any particles and pumps and valves are operating correctly; 3. Circulate the coolant throughout the cooling system to prevent any particles from settling out of the coolant and creating a plugging condition; and 4. Recharge the battery through the alternator, the car computer and other electronics in the vehicle use considerable power if the car is not running.”

The post Car Not Being Used: How To Keep Your Ride Ready To Hit The Road appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Every winter, salt exploits any breach in your car’s paint. Scrapes, scratches and gouges allow salt’s corrosive power to go to work. The environment feels ill-effects as well. Road salt gets into groundwater, and it harms plants. The Smithsonian article says about 40 percent of the nation’s urban waterways have chloride levels that are unsafe for aquatic life. Road salt is the main culprit.

Road Salt Alternatives

Crews have been spreading salt, or sodium chloride, on the nation’s roads for decades. It’s just a coarser version of simple table salt. Today, more novel deicers address the need for more eco-friendly alternatives. Some are byproducts of food production processes. Beet juice, cheese brine, pickle juice and potato juice are examples. Urea, a liquid fertilizer, is also spread on some roadways.

Road crews deal with slippery roads in three ways:

• Pre-treat roads to minimize bonding of ice/snow to asphalt and concrete
• Melt accumulating ice and snow with deicers
• Improve traction with sand or other non-slip substances

Road salt has long been a cheap and effective deicer. Diamond Crystal Salt says that at 30 degrees F, one pound of salt melts up 46 pounds of ice. As temperatures drop, salt’s melting power degrades. At 10 degrees F, it is ineffective. By comparison, pickle brine works down to -6 degrees F. Beet juice, cheese brine, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride melt ice down to -20 degrees F.

Pre-treat roads

Roads are increasingly pre-treated with “beet juice,” a byproduct of sugar beet processing. The sugars in the wastewater make it effective at very low temperatures. However, an article in the Washington Post describes it as “sticky, oil-like.” It stays on the road, but it can also stick to your vehicle.

National Geographic discusses the advantages of potassium acetate. Crews apply it to roads in advance, preventing ice from bonding to the roadway. The biodegradable, noncorrosive chemical contains no chlorides. It is effective down to -75 degrees F.

Improve traction

Many municipalities now use more sand and less salt. Sand does improve traction on icy surfaces. However, those jagged grains act as abrasives when they come in contact with your car. At higher speeds, it’s a little like sandblasting your vehicle’s paint.

Someday, both cars and the environment may get a break. There are proposals for “intelligent highways” that rid themselves of snow and ice.

303 Products in the Winter

Until those smart highways arrive, it’s important to prepare your car’s finish for a tough winter ahead. Thoroughly clean and protect the finish. Start with 303 Ultra-Concentrated Car Wash. After cleaning, follow up with an application of 303 Touchless Sealant. Use it on paint, trim and wheels. The advanced formulation bonds to your car’s exterior surfaces to keep the corrosive forces of road salt at bay.

The undercarriage of your vehicle is particularly vulnerable in the winter. Fortunately, it’s possible to neutralize the salt coating your brake lines and suspension parts. Use a cleaning solution containing a neutralizer like baking soda, granular gypsum or dolomitic lime.

The post Road Salt: Much More Than Sodium Chloride appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Keep the Exterior Clean

Nothing looks better than a shiny, well-polished car exterior. From the sun bouncing off the hood to the sleek and attractive look, a car’s exterior can really make the car look incredible. And not only does cleaning your car’s exterior allow it to look a million times better, but it also helps to maximize the value of the vehicle. If you neglect to ever get your car detailed, the paint can start to chip, peel, or deteriorate. By ensuring a clean and well-polished exterior, you can experience a better-looking ride while maximizing its value. Once the time comes when you say goodbye to your precious car, you’ll be glad you took care of the exterior. Click here for DIY auto detailing tips.

Take Care of the Interior

While the exterior of your car is vital to keep clean, the interior may hold more importance in regards to keeping tidy. Especially if you have holes, stains, or major scuffs throughout the inside of your car, getting these fixed is vital for your car’s health. Although it’s easy to forget you spilled your coffee, cleaning this quickly will help to maximize the value of your car and might even help your sanity. For many, driving in a dirty car can be stressful and annoying to deal with. And if interior car cleaning isn’t something you prioritize, it’s likely that the issue will only get worse. One of the biggest challenges with the interior of a car has to do with keeping the seats stain-free. Especially if you have pets or kids, it’s nearly impossible to never get a stain in your vehicle. Luckily, there are inexpensive ways to keep your car’s interior clean.

Change Your Oil at the Right Time

Especially if you own your first car, it can be hard to understand when to change your oil. And while oil changes can mean life or death for your vehicle, this topic is definitely something you should know. However, to make things more confusing, there are many factors that go into when your oil should be changed. Factors that help determine this include the model of the car, how old it is, type of oil used, and how you drive the vehicle. While these factors make this problem a little more confusing, there is a general time for when to change your oil. Every 3,000 miles or every 3 months used to be the norm, but given the quality of oil made today and the improvement of vehicle technology, the general recommendation is every 5,000 miles or every 6 months.

Give Your Car What it Deserves!

Our vehicles work hard for us every single day. From driving through snow and ice to trekking up that steep hill, our cars are always there for us. That being said, it’s only fitting to show your car the care it deserves. By setting these three New Years resolutions for car care, you can experience a happier ride that performs better and lasts longer. For more car maintenance tips or to find the very best car care products, head on over to GoldEagle.com today!

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The way a remote start works is by sending a radio signal to a receiver inside your car. It is often used to turn on a car a few minutes ahead of driving. With the winter holidays coming up, many car owners will use remote car starters to get the engine going and test it before hitting the road.

If you have purchased a remote start, or are considering it, here are some things to be aware of. These are questions we often get asked, so they are normal concerns of many car owners who want to own remote starters.

1. Can remote starters cause car problems?

The only reason a remote starter would cause a problem to your car is if there is a manufacturing defect. To avoid this problem, always check your manual to figure out your car starter range. If you go beyond this range, it’s likely that the remote will not function.

At times, the transmitter’s actual operative range will vary depending on the vehicle’s location. Other factors that will cause it to appear as if it’s not working are interference from weather or physical obstructions.

2. Is it illegal to leave my car running?

It’s not illegal to leave your car running for more than a few minutes. However, it is wasteful–polluting gas and causing more toxic air. What’s more, if there are passengers in your car while it is idle and you’ve left the engine running with the aircon on, carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk.

To stay on the safe side, never leave your car sitting idle and on. If you have a remote starter, use the predetermined time to figure out the safest maximum minutes you can have your car running.

3. Does having a remote car starter make my car easier to steal?

Although this is a common worry, it’s not something you should be concerned with too much. This is because a thief would need to break into your car in order to steal it. If it is only running a few minutes, the thief won’t have enough time to make their move without attracting unnecessary attention.

Plus, once broken in, the thief would still need the keys to drive away. That key would have to be in the ignition, switched to the “On” position. Your car may also be a modern model with an anti-theft protection feature. This makes it even harder for break-ins to occur.

More Safety Tips on Remote Care Starters

When you use a remote starter for your car, it should only allow the car to run without a key for about 10 to 20 minutes. After that predetermined time, the car will shut down if no key is inserted. So, as you can see, using a remote car starter is, safe, convenient, and an ideal way to warm up your car during winter. It can help you to save time, hassle, and effort.

Just remember: never leave your car running in the garage, and always check your manufacturer’s papers to detect any faults in the model.

For more info and tips on keeping your car in tip-top shape and running well, visit the Gold Eagle blog and online shop today.

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If you plan to travel a long distance, you need to also pay attention to vehicle safety and risk factors. Doing what you can, like vehicle maintenance before setting off, will help you be more confident in the case of an emergency in a new environment.

Here are five safety tips for the upcoming holidays:

1. Prep your vehicle properly

The main things you need to check before a big holiday road trip are:

• Gas tank
• Tire tread
• Air pressure
• Functioning brakes
• Engine oil
• Working lights, including floodlights
• Battery life
• Packed first-aid-kit
• Spare tire

Make a checklist with all of these details, plus anything else you will want to consider in regards to car safety with your family and friends.

2. Choose the Safer–Not the Quicker–Route

Consider weather conditions and potential roadblocks when planning your holiday. Will there be extra traffic on certain highways to where you are headed? Make sure your Google Maps and driving apps are all updated with the latest GPS signals and traffic information.

If you are driving to an entirely new country, plan to have an adequate signal or internet service when you get there. Sometimes, the lack of an internet connection means you could miss out on important traffic updates.

3. Give Yourself Enough Time

Don’t create an itinerary that is too packed between activities. The holiday season is a potential season for traffic and road-related accidents. You want to give yourself time between activities, just in case things do not go as planned.

Depending on where you are headed, an average of an extra hour between your itinerary list points is ideal.

4. Avoid Drinking and Driving at All Costs

Drinking during the holiday season is not the problem: driving while under the influence is. Make sure you have a designated driver who does consume alcoholic beverages at the holiday parties. But if you cannot arrange this, then use a pick service instead to get you to your next destination–or home–safely.

Walking home after a heavy evening of drinking may sound like a good idea, but it’s not always the best Make sure that if you are going to walk dimly-lit streets at night, that you go with someone, or walk in groups. There is more safety in numbers!

5. Carpool when going with other families

This makes it easier for you to switch drivers. In case you get tired during long drives, you know that there are other alert drivers around to do shifts. You can also save on gas and emissions by carpooling. Other adults can help tend to fussy or carsick kids, keeping the driver’s mind distraction-free and alert on long drives.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Holidays!

Remember: the holidays are a wonderful time to bond with your friends and loved ones. Don’t take all the joy out of the event by being unprepared. Ensure that your winter maintenance and prep is covered.

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