Expert Interior Detailing Tips! | Twin City Used Car Sales Fort Payne, AL

Car detailing means going way beyond the usual washing and vacuuming. When accomplishing the job, you have to heed the tiny details, such as swirl marks, stain, scratches, dents and other surface imperfections. Removing these imperfections will result in making your vehicle look show-worthy and visually appealing. If you want to detail your car, begin with the interior. Here are a few tips on how you can accomplish interior detailing:

•    Remove floor mats and vacuum the floor, upholstery, rear space, trunk and mats. Slide the seat back and forward to vacuum the underneath carpet properly. While dusting, start from the top and slightly work your way down. Dust and dirt settled on the top will fall down.

•    Apply a foam cleanser to clean the carpets or upholstery stains. After cleansing the carpets, rub them with a damp piece of cloth or sponge. Repeat if the stains don’t remove properly. After your final cleaner application, wash the area and blot it properly. Try to get as much dampness from the fabric as much as you can. This is so because excesses of dampness may promote molding and/or mildew.

•    If required, repair carpet holes, burns or small permanent stains.

•    To remove dust from the buttons, crevices and tiny slots on the dash and interior doors, use compressed air. 

•    Use a mild all-purpose cleaner to wipe hard interior surfaces.

•    Clean car air vent grilles using detailing brushes. Use a super-absorbent brush that picks dust and dirt efficiently, if you’re not going to use liquid afterward.

•    While cleaning seats, different methods are used as they can be made from different materials. You can either wash them or simply wipe with a damp piece of cloth or sponge, depending of the type of seat. No matter whatever you do with the seat, don’t forget to vacuum out the seat or surrounding after cleaning.

•    If you have an interior with nylon or other cloths, you can shampoo it with a wet-vac extraction machine. After extraction, dry the cloth properly.

•    Leather or vinyl interiors should cleaned with a leather or vinyl cleaner. Afterward, you can wipe away the cleaner with a microfiber cloth.

Interior detailing is a labor-intensive and time-consuming job, which requires utmost care and high efficiency. Can you do it on your own? Of course you can! 

Parking Under Trees Could Prove Hazardous! | Twin City Used Car Sales Fort Payne, AL

In these hot summer months, the temptation to search for shade in which to park is very high, especially if you have leather interior. Nobody enjoys the feeling of leaving a restaurant or returning to their car from running errands and then hopping in a scorching seat. To top it off, you have to sit in the sun while your car cools down because your steering wheel is as hot as a stove top! Everybody appreciates a chance at avoiding this discomfort.

Unfortunately, parking under trees is not a solution. While you can certainly park your car in the shade of a distant tree or nearby building, there are numerous reasons why you should never park your car directly under a tree, no matter if it is in your driveway or a parking lot. Here are the top 4 reasons to stay away from trees, no matter how shady they are:

1. Bird droppings are no fun. If you are like most people, you do not appreciate seeing a smear of droppings across your windshield or around your door. It almost seems as if birds do this on purpose, especially if your car is new or has just been washed and waxed. Not only are these gifts from above unsightly and gross, especially if they land on your door handles, they can also be harmful to your vehicle. Bird droppings can fade and chip paint over time, leaving stains that never go away, no matter how hard these areas are scrubbed. It is recommended that you wash off bird droppings as soon as possible. Parking under a tree invites feathered fiends--which love resting and nesting in trees, of course--to turn your car into a toilet.

2. When bad weather strikes, you should feel lucky to be indoors. You can be safe and dry inside a building and leave your car unattended in the storm. The most common case of foul weather, light rain, is no big deal to your vehicle. However, if you are parked under a tree, even the slightest winds and rain can lead to a major problem for your car. Loose branches and sticks can easily fall onto it, scratching your paint job or even damaging your glass. If the weather gets very intense, the entire tree could fall on your vehicle. A windshield replacement is simple and affordable enough, but what do you do when your entire roof or hood is smashed in?

3. The only perk to parking under a tree is its shade. However, there are simple solutions to beating the hot sun. You can have your windows tinted, replace them with pre-tinted glass, or put up a simple sun visor. These things might seem like relics from the 80s and 90s but they are still perfectly effective at bouncing sunlight away from your car, which keeps it cool.

4. Not only do birds love leaving their droppings on cars, but they will also love standing on your car. Trees do not only attract birds. Cats may venture by for a hunt and climb atop your vehicle with their dirty paws and sharp claws. Squirrels, mice, raccoons and other small animals may also climb onto your vehicle, eat atop it, and leave nutshells, dirt, and stray hairs behind as they participate in the little ecosystem around the tree. Heaven forbid one of these larger animals should urinate or leave droppings on your car. 

While many of these problems seem unlikely, you could also say that car accidents are unlikely. Everyone knows, though, that when it comes to your vehicle and safety, you should do everything you can to prevent damage. Avoid parking under trees to minimize these risks.

Summer Car Tips to Keep Up Performance! | Twin City Used Cars Fort Payne, AL

Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance...Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!

Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.

• Air Conditioning

  A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and replacement interval

• Cooling System

  The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

• Oil

  Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

• Engine Performance

  Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

• Windshield Wipers

  A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

• Lights

  Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

• Tires

  Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they're cold before driving for any distance. Don't forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

• Brakes

  Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

• Battery

  Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

• Emergencies

  Carry some basic tools — ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.

Going Green: Practicing Earth-Friendly Car Care Habits | Twin City Used Cars Fort Payne, AL

Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive driving.

Here are specific suggestions from ASE:

• Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands.
• Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.
• Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.
• Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.
• Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.
• Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service.
• Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool.

Great Deals! | Twin City Used Car Sales

We have great deals at Twin City Used Car Sales! Visit us online to see all that we have to offer!

Our goal is to make your car buying experience the best possible. Twin City Used Car Sales' virtual dealership offers a wide variety of used cars, incentives, service specials, and parts savings. Conveniently located in Fort Payne, AL we are just a short drive from Birmingham, AL and Huntsville, AL and Chattanooga, TN.

If you're looking to purchase a used car, you've come to the right place. At Twin City Used Car Sales we pride ourselves on being the most reliable and trustworthy used dealer around. Our inventory is filled with some of the sweetest rides you've ever seen!

5 Windshield Repair Myths | Twin City Used Cars Fort Payne, AL

Small Windshield Chips Are Safe and Won't Crack

Research shows that 7 out of 10 chips in a windshield will eventually crack. This means that the problem went from something that could simply be repaired turned into something that needed to be completely replaced. A windshield that is chipped immediately becomes weaker and is at risk for becoming more damaged. Car owners should be aware of any small windshield chips that exist on their vehicle and repair them before they worsen.


All Chips in Your Windshield Require a Full Replacement

While windshield chips can cause a lot of problems in the future if they are not repaired, they do not require a full replacement. Chips in a windshield are actually very simple to repair and if done right, one would never know the window was ever chipped. A windshield only requires a full replacement by a windshield repair company if it is cracked or when a chip turns into a crack that is larger than a quarter. If a crack is the size of a quarter or smaller, it may be able to be repaired instead of replacing the whole windshield.


Do-It-Yourself Repair Kits Are Good Enough

Taking the cheap way out and using a do-it-yourself kit is going to have cheap did-it-yourself results. Many windshield repair companies will not repair a window that has already been experimented on with a repair kit. Going straight to a professional will save more money in the long run and will ensure that the job is done well. Do not make the mistake of using a kit to substitute a real repair. Companies that make and distribute repair kits will market that their products work just as well as a professional repair job, but remember that they are a business trying to sell a product. Do not fall for it.

Chip Repairs Must Be Paid for Out of Pocket

Usually, vehicle owners will not have to pay for the entire chip repair on their own. Paying for a chip repair is much cheaper than replacing the windshield. Insurance companies are aware of this, so they will often waive the deductible on the chip repair. In the case of the entire windshield being repaired, a car owner will most likely have to pay the deductible themselves. In addition, windshield repair professionals often offer warranties and other benefits to their clients.


All Chips Are the Same

Most people do not know that all windshield chips are categorized into 6 different types and are treated accordingly. These are combo break, bee's wing, star break, bull's eye, clover leaf, and half-moon. A professional can determine what kind of chip is in a windshield. Each kind of chip will spread differently. Some types will spread faster than others. Knowing what type of chip it is plays a part in the repair process, which is another reason to have a windshield repaired by a professional rather than with an at-home repair kit.

Summer Car Care Tips for 2015 | Twin City Used Cars Fort Payne, AL

Summer driving season is approaching fast. You need to make sure your car is in top shape if you want to avoid turning your summer car trip dreams into an avoidable maintenance nightmare. Here are a few tips to get you started for your car maintenance.

Get Your Fluids in Order

The first thing you want to do is make sure your car fluids are in order. Now is the best time to check all of the fluids your car needs for optimal performance. Make sure the oil is replaced on the schedule suggested in your car’s owner’s manual. Other fluids that need to be changed regularly include break fluid and power steering fluid. Before the hot weather hits also make sure have the right level of coolant and that your vehicle is free from any leaks. Car maintenance is critical at this time.

Checking Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Tires take a lot of abuse on winter roads and the freezing cold weather. Even if you have snow tires that you replace every spring, you still need to inspect your tires for wear. Regularly rotating your tires will help extend their life and keep you safes while traveling. When you change your oil it is also a good idea to check the pressure in your tires. Improperly inflated tires could be costing you more money on gas. Also be sure to look at your spare tire. Nothing is worse than having a flat or faulty spare when dealing with a flat tire.

Make Sure You Can See and Others Can See You

To ensure that you are visible, inspect your headlights, high beams, break lights, and reverse lights. Not only do these lights keep you safe, but keeping them all in working order might save you a fix-it ticket while you’re out of town. Clean your mirrors and windows as well. Summer means dust and bugs when driving. You need to make sure you have working wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid.

Once you’ve given your car its warm weather checkup, it’s time to get out on the road and remember how much fun driving can be. We hope you found these tips for getting your car ready for the summer resourceful. If you need any help with any car maintenance check up, inspection or repair, please don’t hesitate to contact Twin City Used Cars Service Department serving Fort Payne, AL.