Keep it Covered Blog

The winter months are hard on your vehicle. Get your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead with these tips!

Winter Tires:

It’s a good idea to replace summer or all-season tires with a set of dedicated winter tires. These tires have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice, for optimum traction in slick conditions. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction.

Battery Care:
When it’s zero degrees F, your battery only has about half the cranking power it has at 80 degrees. The battery cables should be tight enough that they can’t be pulled off by hand. If the battery cables and terminals have any white, crusty corrosion forming on them, it can create resistance and reduce the amount of power that can be drawn from the battery. This corrosion can be easily cleaned with a mixture of baking soda and water, which neutralizes the battery acid. Disconnect the battery cables and use an old toothbrush dipped in the mixture to scrub off any corrosion.

Engine Oil:
Engine oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over.  Typical formulas that are recommended for modern engines include 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30, which provide good oil flow at low temperatures and can usually be used year-round. Whenever you have the oil changed, also have the oil filter changed to ensure the system has the maximum amount of flow. Always check your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures.

Cooling System:
Extreme cold can cause rubber parts to become brittle and fail. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracking, leaking, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them. For most vehicles, the cooling system should be flushed at least every two years (check your owner’s manual). This helps keep corrosion from building up in the system. If a flush is almost due, have it done before the cold weather hits. The system should be refilled with a mixture of antifreeze and water, typically in a 50/50 ratio. This will keep your coolant from freezing to well below zero. Always make sure the belts and hoses are checked for wear and tear.

Inside and Outside Care:
The dirt and salt of winter can also affect your car’s paint finish. To help protect it, give the car a fresh coat of wax and then wash it regularly during the winter months.  Invest in a car cover, this will protect your vehicle and ensures it remains clean and fully protected between detailing.

These simple maintenance checks will help your vehicle stay in tip-top condition!

The most effective way to store a vehicle cover is to simply fold each side up onto the roof and refold it as necessary so the material ends up about 2 feet wide.

Then, starting at the front of the vehicle, fold the cover towards the back in increments of about 2-3 feet.

By doing this, you don’t drag the vehicle cover over the vehicles surface, making it easy to reverse the process for installation.

As a general rule, cover the front bumper first and rear bumper last. If the cover has mirror pockets, place the pockets over the mirrors first. If you have an old car you should cover the roof and windows first, and then the front and rear of the car.

Make sure to read the installation guide provided with your automotive cover.

Yes , it definitely can! It pays to protect all your investments, a thief wants to experience the least amount of exposure. When you cover a vehicle or piece of equipment, it takes time to remove the cover, so the thief’s exposure time is increased.

A cover also helps protect the interior contents of a vehicle. When items are out of sight they are less likely to tempt a thief.  A lock and cable will also help.

Recently there has been a lot of controversy on the passing of the Motorcycle “No Helmet Law” in Michigan.  Did you know that most motorcycle helmets are rated (according to the yellow tag) for 35 to 40 mph speeds.  Would it make a difference when you are riding between 45-70 mph, depending on highway or city driving?  How about those who drive convertibles, should they also wear a helmet?  In my opinion, people should have the right to chose what motorcycle cover protection is best for them.

Any Comment?

Saturday was a day of entertaining guests. The plan consisted of boating, refreshments, a campfire and music in the company of good friends! Unfortunately, the weather chose not to cooperate and released a severe downpour of rain. In that instant, we took cover under the pontoon boat cover.

At first this was quite comical since we had just draped this trailerable boat cover over the entire pontoon boat, leaving the bimini top in an upright position. As humorous as this was, it clearly defined 100% breathable, waterproof protection at a moment’s notice!

As a result of this experience coupled with DuPont technology, we found cover innovation at its best!

It is very difficult to retain your car’s value. As soon as you drive your car off of the dealer’s lot, it already lost value.  There are several steps you can take, however, to maintain and even increase the re-sale value of your automobile consider these beneficial tips:

• Keep a routine maintenance schedule. One of the biggest losses of value comes from engine wear and tear, not to mention, the costs to fix a broken engine or transmission can often require you to take out a small loan. Many of these problems might be avoided by having your oil routinely changed, the tires rotated, and the transmission serviced on a regular schedule.

• Regularly wax and detail the inside and outside of your car. Depending on where you live, the elements can take a massive toll on your car’s paint job.  Your best bet is to invest in a car cover, it will ensure your vehicle remains clean and fully protected between detailing.

• Add Features and Accessories. Although this requires spending a little bit of extra money, a new stereo system or DVD player can go a long way towards increasing the re-sale value of an automobile.  Customizing your vehicle is not only an entertaining hobby, but it can also be beneficial when it comes time to part ways with your car or truck.

It’s up to you to keep your vehicle properly maintained.  In the long run, it will save you money and promote a higher resale value!

It’s known that when you have the air conditioning cranked to the maximum setting, you’re putting a massive strain on your car.  Overheating problems do not necessarily mean there is a problem with your car, the terrain and temperature may just be too much for your vehicle.

An air-cooled seat cover allows you to adjust the flow of air with a personal temperature controller that features a 60-minute automatic shut-off to prevent drained batteries and to alleviate strain on your engine from running your air conditioner.  Finally, a way to beat the heat and save on maintenance!

Whether you’re headed out for a long road trip or just a drive to the corner store, you’ll always have the coolest seat!

How do I protect my ATV from rust? The solution to this problem is prevention!  When riding your ATV off-road, it’s impossible to avoid scratches, dings, and general wear and tear to the paint on your ATV.  In order to prevent your ATV frame, wheels, or other painted parts from rusting, you should first and foremost keep it clean!

In other words, clean it when your done riding and keep the mud and grit from remaining on it for an extended period.  An aerosol lubricant can act as a rust inhibitor and disperse water from tight places.  Spray the lubricant liberally on the frame, chain, and suspension components, making certain to avoid getting any oil on your brake parts.  Lastly,”Keep it Covered” with an ATV Cover to ensure lasting performance!

There’s nothing more unattractive than a biker sporting around a dirty, dusty, water spotted motorcycle.  In fact, it’s practically unlawful to display an unclean bike!  Whether your storing your bike in a garage, car port, or outside, your best defense is to protect it from the elements.  There are many ways to protect your bike but by far, a motorcycle cover is best for outlasting performance, saving you thousands of dollars in accidental damages when properly cared for.

It’s safe to say that there is nothing more gratifying to motorcyclists than the enjoyment of the simple things in life while riding clean, mean machines!