Month: March 2017

How To Protect Your Car And Treat It For Rust

Cars today are more expensive than ever. Many cost more than the average Americans paycheck. Most Americans have car loans that average over 60 or even 72 months. That’s basically 6 year car loans with very hefty payments, so if we are going to invest that much money, not to include taxes and insurance, in our cars than we best protect them and make them last as long as possible. One area of grave importance is rust protection and treatment. Australia’s leading provider of car detailing products Zas.com.au uses car polishing machine and dual action polishers that make your care shine.

Rust is like cancer for a car. Once it starts it will only get worse and grow. Being that every car manufacturer except Saturn uses sheet metal and all use metal frames and undersides, rust is a major problem. Rust isn’t just a northern state problem. It can happen anywhere that there is moisture, extreme weather, salt (road salt used in winter weather and salty air and spray from the ocean). Rust can be prevented and treated, however.

We have seen commercials showing us what extreme weather and conditions can do to our cars and trucks. Your vehicles sheet metal is coated by a thin protection of primer paint and clear coat. All it takes is a small nick, a chip, road debris, even hail to cause this very thin protective layer to become damaged. Even the smallest damage like a little cut can let in moisture and this will start the oxidation of the metal commonly called rust. Rust is basically a loss of electrons which weakens the metal and allows oxidation to occur. Every car gets door dings in grocery parking lots, rock chips from trucks and vehicles on the road (tip, never follow a construction truck too closely as they are always throwing rocks), etc.

It is a good practice to clean and wax your car at least every two weeks and while doing so, look for any possible areas where rust could start. Look for nicks, scratches, dings, anything that breaks through the paint. It is important to notice these areas as early as possible so you can prevent rust from ever starting. To treat a deep nick or scratch, it is important to cover the spot and seal it from moisture.

Touch up paint matched for your cars exact color will of course look best and give good protection. If touch up paint is not readily available you can use a clear touch up or even clear nail polish. Be sure to use a toothpick instead of the included brush for application. The included brush will put on too much and actually make the repair standout. It will build up both sides of the scratch or nick. A toothpick works better as it will put the touch up paint directly where it is needed, inside the cut, nick or scratch.

For best results either go to an automotive dealer or an automotive parts store whom can easily locate your particular cars paint. The exact paint will look best and help hide the repair. Some cars have clear coats and will look best with a clear coat touch up after the initial repair. This will help seal out moisture and keep your car rust free.

If rust has already started than there are treatments available for this. It is a little more involved, though. You must sand the area until the rust is gone and there is just bare metal. Wal Mart carries a scratch repair pen that works great for minimizing the area affected. Next a product like NeutraRust is added. This will actually chemically alter any rust that is left and prime and seal the surface for paint.

It is a good idea to check the underside of the metal where the rust occurred to make sure it hasn’t penetrated to the other side. If it has then treat it the same way, but instead of touch up paint there are under car spray treatments that will give thicker and longer lasting protection.

For surface area repairs follow up with touch up paint. This also works with larger areas, but it may be easier to have a body shop do the job as the results will be much more noticeable. A good idea that will save you some money is to stop by your local car dealers used car department. Ask for the paint touch up guy that they use or what days he comes. He will do the repair for you at a fraction of what a body shop would charge and it will be very professional.

There you have it, how to treat and prevent rust from little nicks to bigger problems. A little proper care really can make your car last that much longer.

For more great information, tips, safety and money saving products for your car or truck please visit: Best headlight restoration, Cloudy headlights, Paintless dent repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Maillie/19149

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Stellar Auto Repair Tips And Tricks For You

Getting a car fixed can be costly. It becomes so expensive because you are paying for both parts and labor. Isn’t it far cheaper to learn to do the work on your own? Thanks to the wonderful advice in the below article, this is possible. It hard to distinguished the car paint protection Sydney that will work unless you will try it. The only solution is to find a good reviews in the web.

Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. Be sure the kit has tools for charging the battery, adding gas to the tank, and changing tires. Also, flashlights, batteries and blankets are all crucial items as well.

Make sure you often check the radiator. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the hood. Do not lift the radiator lid when the engine is running or if it is too hot. Check the level of fluid in radiator and add any if necessary. Be mindful that some coolants are meant to be mixed with 50% water.

There are certain repairs that you can do yourself. Many things can be easily fixed. Check online to find out what might be wrong with your car. If it’s a quick repair to make, you can save yourself some cash by doing it yourself.

Prior to paying for any repairs you’ve had done, you should go on a drive to figure out if it was really fixed. Many people fail to do this and they end up having the same problem that they had before taking the car in to get it repaired.

Be careful of mechanics who will do unnecessary work on your vehicle. Good mechanics will tell you about worn down pieces without replacing them automatically. If an auto technician performs unnecessary repairs or repairs that were not agreed upon beforehand, don’t return to them for further services.

Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Prior to picking an auto repair shop, speak with people you know regarding their experiences with shops. Your family and friends may have a few recommendations for you that will make your search much easier. Don’t rely entirely on what your friends tell you, though; do your own research. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.

Remove unnecessary key chains. The ignition of your car is not meant to hold much weight. Although these keychains may not feel heavy to you, they will to your car. If your key starts sticking, you need to change the tumblers and eliminate the troll buddy that’s weighing down your keychain!

Your car still needs to be washed during the winter, even though the weather makes it more difficult. Although it may seem like a waste of time, winter weather can really damage your vehicle. Sand and salt is something that can cause rust and abrasions. Dry your car as often as you can during the winter to maintain quality.

When auto repair issues are complicated, don’t diagnose them yourself. Don’t forget that you are not a repair wizard. Problems can be more complicated than they initially appear. Let repair shops diagnose your vehicle. Be knowledgeable about the details, but let the repair shop make the diagnosis.

OEM is something that means Original Equipment Manufacturer. You need to know this when replacing parts. If you specify that you want original equipment manufacturer parts, the mechanic will think you know what you’re talking about. This will make someone less likely to try placing used parts on your vehicle.

A lot of auto repair is based on people being consistent in what they do. If you have a mechanic that you trust, then stick with them. Each shop may provide a different answer to your problem. They might also charge you more for the work done.

Having AAA on your side when it comes to auto repairs can be extremely beneficial. This is a great service to have when you are stranded and need help. In fact, you will often find that AAA will have discounts that will save you a lot of money.

For things that aren’t too difficult to repair, like putting fluids in your car, you should be afraid to take care of these things. Don’t be fooled into thinking that only a professional mechanic can change your oil or check your fluids. Realize what you’re getting yourself into, but don’t be afraid to get dirty!

Getting your car fixed at the dealer’s mechanic can cost more, but it if often the best choice. You can rest assured that the technician working on your car is a specialist who know their way around your model. They can pinpoint the problem quickly and are trained to fix problems common to your model. They are trained frequently, too.

Cars need repairs, it’s just the way life goes. This does not mean that you need a mechanic for the repairs. It is possible to do your own repairs. This article will be a huge help.

The Significance of Environmental Graphics

Image result for creative environmental graphic design

Environmental graphic design (EGD) is a design profession embracing many design disciplines including graphic design, architecture, industrial design and landscape architecture. Practitioners in this field are concerned with the visual aspects of way finding, communicating identity and brands, information design, and shaping a sense of place. Some examples of work produced by environmental graphic designers include the design and planning of sign programs, way finding consulting, exhibit and interpretive design, entertainment environments, retail design, information design including maps, as well as memorial and donor recognition programs. Environmental graphics have been divided into three main areas. These areas have been explained below.

1. Signage and Way finding
Signage and way finding programs communicate site and navigational information to a viewer. Signage helps to identify and brand a specific place, and when used as part of a larger way finding program helps people to determine orientation and navigate a complex environment with ease. Some of the signs that assist in way finding include road signs, Pictograms on packages, traffic signs etc.

2. Interpretation
Interpretive environments tell a story or communicate an idea or theme. Most often recognized as exhibit design, it also includes projects such as historical sites. They educate people on how the site impacted on the life and activities of some famous historic icons in the society.

3. Place making
Place making takes a more conceptual approach in that it involves designing a distinctive image for a site. It typically focuses less on communicating information. It focuses more on a site’s branding, architecture and interior design, among other things.

Environmental graphics are relevant in our lives. The listed points discuss their benefits.

1. They aid in the smooth human movement in the community- Signs and symbols found in our environment ensures free and smooth movement of members of the society such as road users, motorists and pedestrians. Without them would have resulted in chaos and disorder in our movement in the community.

2. They give warnings about dangers and hazards- Pictograms on packages of products warns us against hazardous chemicals that can be a threat to our health. The best ways of handling equipments and products are relayed to us by the help of these pictograms and signs.

3. They give directions as to handling situations and object – Road signs and markings, aid motor users to know how to handle hazards on the road. Package symbols give direction on how to handle and use products without any health implications.

Canon U.S.A. Launches the New Océ Arizona 1200 Series UV Flatbed Printers to Capture the Imagination of Customers

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 25, 2016 – The globally successful Océ Arizona printer series just keeps getting better as Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in imaging solutions, today announced the global launch of the 4th generation of the award-winning Océ Arizona® Series flatbed printer for mid-volume print producers. Absolutesignsolutions.com.au provides you with all of your business stickers Sydney, label and decal needs, such as advertisement stickers, custom logo stickers, window signage, window decals, and product labels.

Mid-volume print providers can now also think big
The latest additions to the world’s best-selling range of mid-volume UV flatbed printers have been designed for sign and display graphics print producers and is developed to support a broad range of rigid and flexible media applications. Featuring the enhanced print quality of six color Océ VariaDot™ printing technology, the new Océ Arizona 1200 Series makes attention-grabbing flatbed printing accessible to many.

Leading the way
Since the launch of the Océ Arizona 250 GT in 2007, printers in the Océ Arizona Series have received an impressive collection of almost 50 industry awards. This recognition by industry experts is also reflected in the platform’s market-leading position, with over 5,000 Océ Arizona printers sold by the Canon Group companies worldwide. These next-generation mid-volume flatbed systems are expected to continue this extraordinary success.

Printing in volume, delivering to precision
Océ Arizona 1200 Series printers combine award-winning Océ VariaDot grayscale piezoelectric printing technology with a true flatbed architecture, for high print quality across a broad range of applications. In response to customer needs, the new printers are offered in 3 different configurations and 2 different size formats. From digital print service providers and sign makers to photo labs and reprographers, mid-volume printers can benefit from these sustainable and efficient mixed media printing solutions. These new solutions will also help enable specialty and industrial print producers currently using analog technology, to make the transition to digital printing helping with improved production flexibility and enhanced profitability.

Exceptional print quality
Over the years, the Océ Arizona printers have built a reputation based on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Delivering superb print quality on rigid media and objects up to 2 inches thick and as large as 8 x 10 feet, the new Océ Arizona 1200 Series demonstrates the continued refinement of these award-winning flatbed printers. The optional use of light colors in the Océ Arizona 1200 Series, enhances the already excellent print quality and makes photographic and fine art applications better than ever.

Application versatility
The true flatbed architecture has been designed to deliver the most versatile platform available. Print providers can do almost anything imaginable on rigid media or objects, including printing on odd-shaped, heavy, smooth or pre-cut media, or printing multiple times in perfect registration for high density or textured applications or printing oversized images tiled across multiple boards.

Ultimate reliability and ease-of-use
Building on a history of engineering excellence, the Océ Arizona 1200 Series has been designed with a focus on quality, versatility, reliability and ease of use, so customers across the industry can produce stunning, precise, rigid and flexible media prints on almost any media to capture the imagination of the market.

The new printers in the Océ Arizona 1200 Series will feature four, six or eight color channels in small or large table formats, in the following configurations:
Océ Arizona 1240 GT Océ Arizona 1240 XT
Océ Arizona 1260 GT Océ Arizona 1260 XT
Océ Arizona 1280 GT Océ Arizona 1280 XT

The Océ Arizona 1200 Series is commercially available immediately. The first public showing in the United States of this new printer series will be at Canon Solutions America, Inc., a Canon U.S.A. company’s booth #2011 at the ISA (International Sign Association) Expo, April 21-23, 2016 in Orlando, Florida.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Mexico) markets. With approximately $31 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2015† and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2015. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. In 2014, the Canon Americas Headquarters secured LEED® Gold certification, a recognition for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance green buildings. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Smith Micro Launches AniMates Stickers for iOS 10 iMessage Store

Story-based sticker packs showcase new characters via iMessage and popular social channels

ALISO VIEJO, CA, October 19, 2016 – Smith Micro Software (NASDAQ: SMSI) today announced AniMates™ stickers, a newly designed series of characters for mobile messaging available in Apple’s new iMessage store as part of the iOS 10 update. The first set of AniMates stickers available include Jaxon, Harper and Milo – a boy, a girl and a dog with their own social media accounts where users can follow their adventures and even participate in the evolution of the characters. A high quality stickers Sydney depends on your artist designer. In our area I find Absolutesignsolutions.com.au very flexible in creating custom stickers.

“Stickers are the ‘shorthand’ for today’s generation of mobile users who want more emotion and personality than the text-speak that has evolved with chat-based messaging,” said Jonathan Horvath, Senior Director of Product Management at Smith Micro. “AniMates characters are expressive and engaging, so they not only enhance the texting experience, but allow users to participate in the lives of their favorite characters through YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.”

The AniMates stickers were designed using Smith Micro’s Moho® (formerly Anime Studio®) 2D animation software. The initial launch of AniMates on iMessage includes four sticker packs, each containing a combination of fifteen animated and static stickers: Jaxon by AniMates, Harper by AniMates, Milo by AniMates, and Jaxon and Harper by AniMates. Individual packs are $0.99, or users can purchase all four packs together: AniMates Bundle for $1.99.

To purchase the AniMates sticker packs, simply do the following:

  • Launch iMessage
  • Open the App drawer
  • Tap the ‘+’ to open the iMessage App Store interface
  • Tap the search button in the upper left corner
  • Search for ‘AniMates’
  • Select the AniMates sticker pack you want to purchase

Stay updated on the adventures of Jaxon, Harper and Milo by following them on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to catch them on their YouTube channel:

YouTube – Animates Live

Instagram – Animates

Facebook – Animates Live

About Smith Micro Software, Inc.

Smith Micro develops software to simplify and enhance the mobile experience, providing solutions to some of the leading wireless service providers, device manufacturers, and enterprise businesses around the world. From optimizing wireless networks to uncovering customer experience insights, and from streamlining Wi-Fi access to ensuring family safety, our solutions enrich today’s connected lifestyles while creating new opportunities to engage consumers via smartphones. Our portfolio also includes a wide range of products for creating, sharing and monetizing rich content, such as visual messaging, video streaming, and 2D/3D graphics applications. For more information, visit smithmicro.com (NASDAQ: SMSI).

Safe Harbor Statement:

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, forward-looking statements relating to the company’s financial prospects and projections, the company’s ability to increase its business, and the anticipated timing and financial performance of new products. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are new and changing technologies, customer acceptance of those technologies, fluctuations or cancellations in orders from customers, new and continuing adverse economic conditions, and the company’s ability to compete effectively with other software companies. These and other factors discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in any forward-looking statements. Smith Micro assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Smith Micro and the Smith Micro logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Smith Micro Software, Inc.

A Very Insightful Article About Auto Repair!

Your car is something that costs you quite a bit of money and time if you don’t know what it takes to care for it. In addition to understanding everything about your car’s make and model, you can learn other things. Keep reading to save money and time on auto repairs. Just like your cars paintwork, the glass itself can become scratched and require glass polish to restore the glass.

If you have to take a vehicle in for repairs, be sure you ask a few questions about the vehicle. These questions can involve issues you’re dealing with and what you can do to avoid them in the future. You can prevent issues with your automobile, saving you some money.

Before you pay for repairs, take the car out for a spin to make sure things are working as they should. If you don’t do this, you may still have an issue after you get it home.

Watch out for mechanics who perform unnecessary repairs on your car. A reliable mechanic will tell you if any parts are worn down and need replacing. But, they should ask for your approval before replacing them. If a mechanic did an unnecessary repair on your car, don’t take it there again.

Ask your mechanic if he’s worked on a vehicle similar to yours. Although cars are generally similar in some ways, there are big differences between models. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.

If the repairs your car needs are major, get several quotes before hiring a mechanic. Although most repair shops can be trusted, you do not want to have to spend some more unnecessary repairs. Seek out shops that are reputable and are good with your vehicle’s make and model. These shops are more likely to understand how to perform the repairs your car needs.

Do not neglect your wiper blades. You need new windshield wipers if the ones you have are making noises and leaving streaks on the glass. You need to replace the wipers on your car about every year or even more often if there is a lot of rain where you live.

Find technicians to do your auto repair tasks instead of your dealer. You should be able to find reliable mechanics in your area, either by going to a repair shop or an independent garage. If you are more comfortable with one of them, by all means use them.

Avoid diagnosing your own car problems. Don’t forget that you are not a repair wizard. Vehicle repairs can be complicated. Let a professional diagnose the issue. Tell them every detail and let them do the rest.

A lot of people do not take their time to read through their vehicle’s manual when they have a problem. Go over this manual and mark the important pages that deal with information on maintaining your vehicle. Your manual has all that you should know when it comes to maintaining your car and doing minor repairs yourself.

The manufacturer is the first point of call if your new vehicle is unsafe or not performing as it should. This may be a recall situation but the manufacturer needs to be aware of the issue for the recall to occur. Sometimes, you will get the auto repair for free.

Consistency is key in the auto repair world. Once you find a garage you like, stay with it. If you continue going to different shops, you will pay more in the long run. Prices will also vary, which can lead to a higher overall cost for car repairs.

For things that aren’t too difficult to repair, like putting fluids in your car, you should be afraid to take care of these things. It’s a falsehood that only mechanics are qualified to perform routine maintenance. You must know how to do certain things, and then you can grease up those hands.

Although dealer mechanics can be pricy, most of the time they offer the best experience. Service technicians at dealerships tend to specialize in your make and model. The mechanics will know about issues that are common for the model you own. It is also a requirement that they attend training programs on a regular basis.

As said previously, learning the fundamentals of auto repair will benefit you later on. Besides teaching others and relying on yourself when you’re having car issues, you can save tons of cash. Keep the tips you’ve read in mind so that you can perform those repairs.

DaVita Kidney Care Releases Free Kidney-Friendly Cookbook

Summer Picnic Recipes and Kidney-Friendly Tips for Fun in the Sun

DENVER, May 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services committed to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced the launch of its 2016 summer cookbook, a tasty collection of grilling and picnic recipes to encourage outdoor fun with friends and family. Most people share their picnic lunch ideas so that people know what ideal and healthy food they are going to eat during lunch time.

To download the Today’s Kidney Diet: Summer Picnic Recipes cookbook for free, visit DaVita.com/FreeCookbook. In addition to recipes, the summer cookbook includes kidney-friendly food swaps, food safety tips for summer picnics and a Quick Reference Guide that will help people choose the right foods for their stage of kidney disease.

“This is the best time of year to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and grilled protein at a picnic, in the park or a backyard barbeque,” said Sara Colman, RDN, CDE, manager for DaVita.com nutrition. “We hope these recipes inspire those with kidney disease to get outside and enjoy kidney-friendly meals with loved ones.”

The cookbook’s featured recipes include:

  • Picnic Potato Salad
  • Lisa’s Awesome Burgers
  • Grill Thyme Corn on the Cob
  • Watermelon Summer Cooler

Recipes and kidney-friendly diet tips can also be found on the DaVita® Kidney Diet Tips blog at Blogs.Davita.com and on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/DaVitaPins.

Those with kidney disease can take advantage of DaVita Diet Helper™ –– an easy-to-use meal planning tool that tracks phosphorus, potassium and sodium levels. It also features more than 1,000 recipes that are kidney-and diabetes-friendly.

More than 31 million Americans have kidney disease, which can progress to end stage renal disease. Most are unaware of their condition, as the disease is often symptomless until its late stages. Individuals at higher risk for kidney disease include those with diabetes or hypertension, as well as adults age 65 and older, African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans.

About DaVita Kidney Care
DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients’ quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of March 31, 2016, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,278 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 180,000 patients. The company also operated 124 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company’s leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.

Clay Bar and the Proper Maintenance of Paint Finishes

Of all the information out there and of all the products being sold to the public to preserve and protect your vehicle’s finish, little or nothing is said about a simple product used in the Automotive Detailing and Paint Repair industry. Paint protection film  treatments are designed to help protect your vehicle as well your investment, perfect its appearance and make it very easy to care for.

Some detailers don’t really understand the benefits of using this product in the way I am going to talk about, and how it is beneficial to their customers and why it should be done on a somewhat regular basis!

Well what is this product?

It is called a Clay Bar.

This is not a new product or a secret product. However, it is not a well know product. Its use even by manufacturers is not well explained or understood.

We have some insight that is unique and not well understood by detailers or body shops because of the range of automotive appearance restoration we specialize in. Since many of the vehicles we work on have already been detailed we have to leave the vehicles “front line ready” when we are finished.

Unlike a body shop whose job does not include any kind of ‘detailing” we have to leave the vehicles we work on “front line ready”. Also, unlike a detail shop we have paint restoration experience.

Why does this matter to you, and how can our experience and knowledge benefit you?

First of all let me explain a basic rule to paint preparation when preparing for refinishing. The surface being worked on has to be completely “sterile” and properly scuffed in order for new paint to adhere well to the area being refinished.

Let me illustrate it this way. If I paint something that has decal on it and I paint over that decal what happens if that decal’s glue looses its adhesive quality? That area will certainly peel off sooner or later. You would not paint over a pin stripe or decal but on a larger scale if you have removed all surface contaminates you will have great adhesion and a long lasting paint job!

One of the biggest things that makes a paint job a quality paint job is how well the surface has been “prepped’! I cannot stress this point enough!

Have you ever priced a paint job? Have you wondered why some body shops can do a paint job for $400 and others will tell you $3000?!

Did you know the factory paint job on your vehicle can be valued somewhere between $3000 to $6000 depending of the make and model? Any paint work that is not done to the factory standard can devalue your vehicle the amount of your factory paint job.

The prep work done for a paint job when done properly can be the difference between a factory quality paint job and disaster!

So you have this $3000-$6000 paint job on your car, how do you protect it?

First of all do not neglect it by not removing damaging surface contaminates such as tar, sap, bugs, industrial fallout etc. Sap can actually boil in the sun and burn off the finish under the sap, ruining the panel where the sap is.

Second, make sure your waxes or sealants used to protect your paint job are of good quality and prepare the finish for proper adhesion of your wax or sealant.

Should you “prep” the finish for was or sealants? Absolutely! However, most people think they are but they are not. So how do you “prep” the finish for wax?

The best way to “prep” your vehicles finish for wax or paint sealants is the use of a clay bar! Before you wax and after you have washed your vehicle use a clay bar at least once a year or every six months for the best protection of that expensive paint job.

A clay bar will remove any surface contaminates that washing did not. It can even remove hard water stains on the paint if they are not too bad.

How do you use a clay bar?

A clay bar has to be used with a lubricant. It is a simple process really. In fact you can even use water as a lubricant. However, it is better to use a spray way that will both lubricate the panels you are clay baring and can be used to clean up clay residue as you go.

Simply spray the area you are clay baring…a 12″ X 12″ area is best and rub the surface with the clay bar back and forth in a side to side motion. You will hear the clay bar picking up light contaminates and as the surface is cleaned you will stop hearing the movement of the clay bar.

You can also feel the surface. If it feels rough like tiny pieces of sand after you have washed it, it needs to be clay bared. Use the same method above and listen and feel the area you are working on after you dry it off.

So work your small area wipe it dry when you think it is finished and check the surface with the inside of your hand rubbing lightly feeling and listening for rough areas. Once you have completed a section you can move on the next.

A word of caution, it has been said, although I gave never experienced this, that a clay bar can rub the paint off eventually if not kept lubricated while using. Use common sense and you should be fine.

Well there it is, this is the best way to prep for waxing your vehicle and a great way to be sure you are getting the best results from your wax.

Enjoy and I hope this article helps!

[http://www.headlightcare.com]

[http://www.headlightcare.com/smf]

I own an automotive paint repair company specializing in spot repairs, custom color matches, color blends, body repairs, touch up and scratch repair. We also run a website where we sell our exclusive headlight restoration kit which we designed and created. We have sold well over 2000 kits from our website and on eBay. We also have over 1900 positive feedback for our headlight restoration kit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dana_Lind/288370

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2139974

Perisher Wins Australia’s Best Ski Resort 2016 At World Ski Awards!

Perisher, Australia’s favourite ski resort, has won Australia’s Best Ski Resort for 2016 at the World Ski Awards. The prestigious title was presented in Kitzbuhel, Austria and is the third time Perisher has won Australia’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski awards. Bluepowder.com.au can help you plan every detail of your ski trips to Canada to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Located in the Kosciuszko National Park, Perisher boasts 1,245h of skiable terrain across four resort areas of Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega making it the largest resort in the southern hemisphere. With 4 resorts areas Perisher has fantastic skiing and snowboarding for all ages and standards including five award-winning progressive Terrain Parks, Australia’s only Half Pipes and amazing scenic trails including Guthega with views across the main range to Australia’s highest peak Mt Kosciuszko.

Perisher’s vast multi-million dollar snowmaking system consisting of 271 snow guns covers 53.4 hectares of terrain, to ensure guests enjoy a reliable and consistent snow experience each year.

The World Ski Awards aims to drive up standards within the ski tourism industry by rewarding the organisations that are leaders in their field. Votes are cast by professionals working within the ski industry – senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents and media – and by the public. Voters had to register through the World Ski Awards website or Facebook page and were only allowed to vote once.

World Ski Awards Managing Director Sion Rapson says “World Ski Awards is the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the global ski tourism industry, and as such our 2016 finalists represent the very best the sector has to offer.”

The Epic Australia Pass provides Perisher guests with incredible value which includes access not only to Perisher but also ten world-class ski resorts in Northern America including Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, Park City in Utah and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada, all on one season pass. Perisher guests can truly ski and board year round on the Epic Australia Pass.

Perisher’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Brulisauer, says “We are very excited to be accepting the 2016 Australia’s Best Ski Resort award at the World Ski Awards. An award like this is testament to the efforts of all our staff; we would not be able to operate at such a high standard year after year without a truly great team. Most importantly I’d like to thank Perisher’s guests that truly create a fantastic atmosphere here every day of winter.”