Stoney Creek Collision
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Washing and Caring for Your New Paint Finish

hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Brush style car washes can cause dirt to scratch your vehicle's finish (avoid if possible).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) High-powered sprays in car washes often blast grit into the vehicle's finish (some produce 2000 psi). Use the lowest possible setting and stay about 2 feet away from the finish.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Do not wash your car in the sun, water drops magnify the sun's intensity and cause water spots.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Use cleaners designed for automotive finishes, not household detergents or dish soap.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) When washing your car, clean inside the wheel wells and surrounding area to remove road grime from moving parts and suspension components.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Clean the tires and the wheels. Cleaning the wheels, especially those with today's clear coat finishes, is important since brake dust and road salt can cause irreversible corrosion.

Waxing your vehicle:

hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) If your vehicle was just finished by Stoney Creek Collision you do not need to wax your vehicle. The paint we use is one of the finest coatings. It maintains itself through the high gloss finish.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Use only wax which is safe for a vehicle's finish, not those that claim to remove dirt, oxidized paint or scratches.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Waxing your vehicle in direct sunlight can permanently damage the finish.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Stay away from any areas that you do not want the wax to come in contact with (i.e., rubber surfaces, moldings, bumpers).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Carefully follow the instructions provided on the packaging of the wax you purchased.

Other Useful Tips to maintain your finish:

hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) For the first 30 days do not drive on gravel roads, chipping occurs easily if the finish is not cured.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Wash your vehicle after driving on roads using chemicals or salt which thaw ice.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Avoid parking under trees. Remove leaves that fall on your vehicle. To remove tree sap or pine pitch from your vehicle's finish, use hot-soapy water. Wash the area thoroughly, then apply wax.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Avoid extreme temperature changes by keeping your vehicle parked in a garage or shaded area.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Avoid spilling ANY automotive fluids on the new finish. If you do, immediately RINSE the affected area.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Don't place grocery bags, luggage or other objects anywhere on your vehicle's finish.

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Maintaining Your Vehicle

hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Perform oil and filter changes according to manufacturer's recommendations (approximately every 3,000 miles).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Fuel filters need to be replaced on a periodic basis.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Engine tune-ups on a periodic basis according to manufacturer's recommendations.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Spark plug wires should be checked for corrosion, cracks and abrasions.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Batteries should be tested/inspected before cold and hot seasons (at least 2 times per year).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Regularly check battery fluid level (if applicable), especially if the battery is more than two years old.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Periodically check the tension on drive belts (belts should not be over/under tightened, about 1/2 " of play).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Hoses should be inspected (regularly during cold and hot seasons) and replaced if there is potential for leakage.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Radiator fluid levels maintained and checked regularly during cold and hot seasons. Flush, drain and replace antifreeze when needed.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) In hot weather, flush dirt, bugs and leaves from front of radiator gently with a brush and garden hose.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Run your air conditioner monthly to keep the compressor in proper running order and lubricate the seals.

Maintaining Your Tires - Check list:

hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Check tire inflation once a month (under inflated tires can lead to increased fuel consumption, and can reduce the amount of control you have over your car, leading to possible accidents).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles (or, as a simple reminder, rotate tires at every oil change).
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Inspect tire tread wear regularly, if uneven wear occurs, take your vehicle in for inspection, or replace the worn tires.

Other Useful Tips:

hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Replace your windshield wipers once a year.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Lubricate door hinges/latches and hood hinges periodically.
hanimbullet.gif (18x18 -- 607 bytes) Use the "fresh air" setting of your heater instead of "recirculate" to reduce fogging of your windows (during the winter).

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