Give those microscopic hitchhikers the brush off

You might think your car or truck is clean. However, most drivers are carrying around a dirty little secret and don't even know it. That's why keeping the interior of your vehicle clean is important, especially for people with allergies. "Keeping your vehicle interior clear of dust, liquids and other particles is one of the most overlooked areas of vehicle maintenance," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "Neglecting interior cleanliness can lead to health and sanitary concerns." Cleanliness in our kitchens, hotel rooms and restaurants has been a hot topic, but many people forget to take the simple steps needed to keep the interiors of their vehicle clean. This is particularly important given the amount of time most people spend in their vehicles. The average American generally spends up to 2.5 hours per day driving, according to a Yankelovich Monitor Study. That's almost 38 days out of the year. Allergens like pollen, as well as bacteria, are just some of the substances that invade our vehicles. Traveling with a pet can add hair and dander to the mix. In addition, residues from road dust, soot, pesticides, and other chemicals collect in car and truck interiors, entering through ventilation ducts or open windows and doors. Here are a few tips to help eliminate these "invaders": • Use disinfectant to wipe down the steering wheel, instrument panel, door handles and other frequently used areas regularly. Remember to clean the interior of the vehicle each time you wash the outside. • Keep interior surfaces clean by vacuuming seats, carpet and floor mats regularly. • Replace your vehicle's cabin air filter, if equipped, when recommended by the owner's manual. If you drive in high-traffic or dusty areas, consider replacing the filter more often. The GM Goodwrench Cabin Air Filter blocks most allergens that enter a vehicle's ventilation system. • You may also ask your technician to clean and disinfect the air-conditioning system with a Cooling-Coil Coating. This product has an odor eliminator and inhibits the growth of odor-causing microorganisms. But cleaning is about more than keeping the interior clean. Service items such as air filters, oil changes, fluids, brakes, windshield wipers and your air conditioner are also worth inspecting and/or replacing. For extra confidence on the road, motorists can bring their vehicles to a GM dealership for a multipoint vehicle inspection. These inspections help identify service items that can help vehicles run better, last longer and retain their value. The technicians are ASE-certified and nearly 7,000 dealerships nationwide offer the service. What is a Multipoint Vehicle Inspection? Convenient, efficient, multipoint inspections are available for vehicles, comprehensive diagnostic testing and complete service capabilities to help customers keep their vehicles operating properly. Dealerships offer the following inspection services: • Transmission, drive shaft and u-joints • Radiator, heater and air-conditioning hoses • Interior lights, exterior lamps, brake lamps, turn signals and hazard-warning lights • Exhaust system • Engine air cleaner filter • Suspension and steering system components. Goodwrench is the service brand for GM vehicles. With dealerships located nationwide, the GM Goodwrench network is one of the largest automotive service chains in the industry. The technicians receive specialized training to provide expert care for cars and trucks. Genuine replacement parts are manufactured to the exact specifications of the vehicle.

What you need to know before purchasing a body kit

An increasingly popular exterior modification in the tuner crowd is the body kit. Movies like "The Fast and Furious (2001)" and shows such as "Tricked Out" have caused an increased demand for these exterior modifications. Kits typically consist of a front bumper, rear bumper, and side skirts. However, some manufacturers such as Extreme Dimensions offer 9 piece kits which also include front and rear fenders as well as additional add-ons. While most kits are primarily for visual appeal they also can provide aerodynamic benefits to your vehicle and reduce drag. Lighter kits may also reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. When choosing a body kit it is important to keep in mind that they are made out of a variety of materials and quality will vary depending on the manufacturer. The most common materials are fiberglass, polyurethane, and carbon fiber. Fiberglass is usually the most affordable; however polyurethane is generally the better alternative. Polyurethane is more resistant to damage, more flexible, and doesn't crack like fiberglass in cold weather. Another alternative to consider is carbon fiber. While this is the most expensive option it can offer auto enthusiasts a unique look and can reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. If you are considering purchasing an exterior kit here are a few guidelines: * Make sure to shop around and price match multiple retailers. * Get a quote for the installation and painting of the kit before purchasing. * Most fiberglass kits will start as low as $350 for fiberglass and can go as high as $1,500 for carbon fiber kits. * If possible consider purchasing the kit locally as shipping for online body kits will easily run $100 or more. * Some retailers will allow you to mix and match side skirts and rear and front bumpers. Auto body shops may charge as much as $1,000 or more for the installation and painting. If you do decide to install the body kit yourself, instead, make sure to ask the seller if they offer installation instructions or a manual with the kit. It's also important to note that many kits will require some modifications such as trimming in order to acquire a flush fit with your vehicle. This information is usually obtainable from the retailer before purchasing.

Test driving tips

Are you thinking of getting a used car? Are you searching for tips on what to check and look for when considering buying a car? It is of utmost importance to have a thorough knowledge of the car that you are going to acquire. This will ensure your enjoyment and contentment for the years to come using your car. The proper mind set First of all, you must keep in mind that test driving a car is not a simple procedure. It will determine the claimed performance of the car you want by the dealer and contrast it with the performance in real conditions. This is the time wherein you can see if the car that you have always wanted measures up with your ideals and standards. Prepare a checklist of criteria It is important to make a checklist of criteria by which you will be able to judge a car's performance without having any problems regarding objectivity. It will help you see the car's advantages and disadvantages without the influence of other factors that are not as important. This will also enable you to conduct the test drive faster since you already have a set list of the things that you are looking for in a car. Explore other weather conditions You should consider test driving a car in inclement weather conditions to have a better feel of the car's overall performance regardless of the type of weather it will be used in. It is good to know the car's feel when driving in rainy conditions or at night. If the dealer requires that a representative accompany you on the test drive, let the person know what you are planning to do and what route you will be taking. Drive in different kinds of terrain When test driving a car, outline a route that will take you to different kinds of terrain like bumpy roads and steep hills. When checking a car's turning capabilities and braking power, consider doing it in a side street that has very little traffic. If you are going to evaluate the car's acceleration and speed, then taking it to the open highway or the interstate is a good idea. You should also do a lot of driving on the types of roads that you encounter in everyday driving like your route from work going to your house or vice-versa. Inside the car When you are inside the car and behind the wheel, some of the things that you should check are the following: Look to see if the gauges are working properly and are easy to read. Make certain you can easily see beyond the steering wheel and it does not in any way obstruct your view. On the dashboard After checking the gauges and steering wheel, the next thing to look at is the dashboard. Check that all the dashboard controls are within easy reach and you do not need to significantly move out of a comfortable driving position. Search for any extensions on the dashboard that may potentially cause injury to the driver or passenger during sudden stops or when surging forward. Visibility Check that windshield wipers are working properly. Use the squirting mechanism that applies the wiper fluid onto the windshield and find areas that may not be reached by it. This is critical since it may affect your night time driving and when driving during bad weather conditions. Does the car have a tint? If the tint is too thick, it will impair night visibility and cause you to have a hard time driving at night. There are also laws that prevent the windshield from being tinted. Check the rules and regulations in your state to determine if that applies. On the road While driving, check for blind spots by looking closely at the side mirrors as well as the rear view mirror. Evaluate the performance of the car's suspension by checking if it offers a comfortable ride and you feel that you are in control at all times. Look for a parking lot without too much vehicles and conduct a few sharp turns as well as a U-turn. Does the suspension work well or does the car wobble too much? Steering performance Observe that the car has a responsive steering mechanism. A little turn of the steering wheel should be enough for the car to respond efficiently. The steering should be balanced enough so as to have enough power for easy steering and at the same time it should correctly render the feel of the road to the driver. These are some of the things to consider when taking a car for a road test. Remember to put a car's performance first in your priority before its other aspects.