January 2022

Wouldn’t it be great if we could keep that new car feeling forever? Unfortunately, as the months and years pass by, the weather’s elements and time will inevitably wear on your vehicle. As sad as this realization may seem, there are many preventive measures that you can take to prolong the shine of your vehicle for much longer than you may realize. One of the most important things you can do for your car to ensure that its paint remains as shiny and perfect as ever is to wax the car. Auto repair in Philadelphia, PA is a no-brainer with us, but we want to ensure that you are readily equipped to wax your car on your own if need be!

Getting The Right Wax

There are various types of waxes that you can snag, so it’s vital that you recognize the differences. While natural wax is the most traditionally seen on the market, you can also choose between polymer and hybrid waxes! Polymer wax is ideal in that it does not clump as easily as natural, and it provides a longer lasting protection. The only downside, however, is that it will cost you a little more money. Hybrid waxes are a mix between the two previously mentioned, so do your research before purchasing and make the choice that is best for your vehicle.

What You Will Need

• High-quality automobile wax
• Wax pad
• Microfiber towel 

Steps in Waxing your Car

Step 1. Wash your car

Before you get into the job of properly waxing your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that your car is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. Either wash your car yourself or take it to a car wash. Starting with a clean car is crucial because any dirt or grime that is left on the surface of the car could cause the clear coat of the paint to be scratched when the wax is applied.

Step 2. Apply wax to a pad

If you’re using car wax that comes in a tub, open the packaging and take the pad out. There ought to be another lid under the pad. This lid should open to reveal the wax. Apply a little amount of sealant straight to the waxing pad if you’re using a liquid paint sealer. It’s crucial to start with a small amount of product for wax paste and liquid paint sealant. It is not necessary to use a lot of wax at first since as you wax the car, the pad will get more product-saturated.

Step 3. Find a shady spot

If you are waxing your vehicle on a nice warm day, we highly suggest that you find a shady spot before proceeding. If you wax your car when the sun is harsh and bright, it will bake the wax onto your vehicle, making it almost impossible to remove. This can lead to further damage to your vehicle’s paint, which we definitely want to avoid.

Step 4: Apply the wax

Apply a healthy amount of wax to your pad and in straight line motions distribute to a 3×3 section. We recommend that you apply the wax in such small sections because this will ensure that the wax will not dry up and make the removal process difficult. Additionally, make sure that you are waxing only the paint on your car and avoiding the plastic pieces as well as the headlights.

Step 5. Remove the wax

Remove the wax from your car’s surface with a soft cloth, such as a chamois, microfiber towel, or another soft material. To begin, gently press the cloth against the wax in a circular motion to remove the bulk of the wax. 

Step 6. Buff the wax

To improve the sheen and luster of the paint once the visible wax has been removed, buff the vehicle quickly in a circular motion. Your car’s surface should be glossy and lustrous when the wax is removed.

Now that you are more informed on how to wax your own vehicle, dull paint on your new ride should be a thing of the past! When inquiring about auto repair in Philadelphia, PA we are ready to help you any way that we can!

There is little else that ruins a good day as much as discovering that your vehicle has been scratched. Many people’s first reactions are to agonize over the cost while making their way over to the closest auto repair shop. What some people may not be fully aware of is that not every scratch requires a trip to the repair shop. Actually, there are a ton of unique and handy methods you can use to minimize the sight of, if not completely eliminate stubborn scratches! If you do find that you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA then we highly suggest you come in today and pay us a visit! We are always happy to help!

Toothpaste

Funnily enough, your household toothpaste may serve more purposes than just maintaining the brightness of your smile. That’s right, toothpaste has been known to reduce the appearance of scratches on vehicles. The reason that toothpaste is an effective tool in this aspect is largely due to its abrasive properties. The toothpaste will gently sand down any uneven surfaces and fill in the cracks. We recommend prior to use that you make sure that the affected area is clean! Afterward, all that is left to do is simply use a toothbrush to gently rub the toothpaste on the scratch. Remember to wipe up any leftover toothpaste afterwards and do not hesitate to go in with a second coat if necessary!

Shoe Polish

If you have any old shoe polish lying around, do not throw it out! Shoe polish has been found to be an effective tool in combating unsightly nicks and scratches on vehicles. It is worth mentioning, however, that this method typically works best on vehicles of darker shades of paint. This method is similar to the toothpaste method in that after you ensure that the scratched area is clean, you simply rub in the product gently and wait for the results!

Nail Polish

What’s great about using nail polish as a method of reducing the sight of unsightly scratches on your vehicle, is that it comes in a plethora of various colors and shades! Simply shop around for a shade similar to your car and paint over the scratch as much as needed. While this does not actually fix the scratch, this is a great temporary fix until you are able to properly take your car in for a repair.

Scratch Repair Kit

While not a permanent solution, auto shops do have scratch repair kits widely available in their stores! Simply pick up a repair kit and get to work. It should be noted that these kits are ideal for light to moderate scratches, as opposed to more serious and deeper scratches. These kits do come with a scratch filler, so it makes for a perfect temporary solution that will undoubtedly leave you satisfied!

Finding nicks and scratches on your vehicle is never a fun experience. But hopefully with these new tips and tricks you are able to handle these instances with a lot more ingenuity and speed. Auto repair in Philadelphia, PA is available with us anytime you need it. Call today!

Are you planning a road trip soon? If so, make sure you pack everything you need! A car checklist before road trip is essential to ensure that you don’t forget anything important. This blog post will provide a list of items that you should bring with you on your road trip. From snacks to car chargers, we will cover it all! So, what are you waiting for? Start packing and get ready for an adventure!

Road trips are exciting, so it’s very common and easy to overlook things that should have been brought along or planned out ahead of time. When embarking for prolonged travel in your vehicle, there are many items that you should have on hand in case of any mechanical mishaps as well as precautions to take to ensure that your car is as fit as possible for the trip. While out on the road and so far away from what’s familiar, these precautions can turn out to be a lifesaver in the end. When looking for auto repair in Philadelphia, PA we are dedicated to getting you back on the road.

Why Go On a Road Trip?

There are many reasons you might choose to go on a road trip. Maybe you want to see the country and all its beauty from behind the wheel. Or maybe there’s a special place that you’ve always wanted to visit and it’s only accessible by car. Road trips can also be great opportunities for family bonding. No matter what your reasons are, there are a few things you should do to make sure your car is ready for the journey.

Primary Road Trip Essentials

Change Oil and Filters

Road trips mean more miles on your car, and extra miles on your car means that your engine and vehicle should be in tip-top performance. The oil in your car is essential for the health of the engine, so there’s no reason it should be ignored. Taking a road trip in a car desperate for an oil change can mean disaster. The filters also go hand in hand with your engine’s performance as well, as it blocks debris and unwanted sediment.

Check Your Tire Pressure

This is a very simple yet very crucial step to take before you hit the road. Ensure that your tire pressure is where it should be and check for tread as well. Traveling long distances with poor tires endangers not only yourself but passengers and others on the road.

Check Your Lights

This means ALL of your vehicle’s lights. Make sure that your brake lights are functional, as well as your turning signals and headlights. Additionally, if there are any warning lights on your dashboard that you’ve been stubbornly avoiding, it’s definitely a good idea to get it resolved before your trip. It goes without saying that faulty lights can lead to unexpected accidents and crashes. Furthermore, you vehicle can flat out stop working properly if its warning lights are ignored. Be proactive and make sure you and your passengers are safe before you hit the road.

Map

It may sound old-fashioned, but it won’t be so silly when your phone dies. Do not solely rely on your electronics for directions, be prepared and have an actual map of the area on hand. There is no such thing as being over prepared, or is there? Either way, err on the side of caution and pack that map!

Phone Charger

To prevent having to use an old-fashioned map to navigate during your road trip, make sure that you bring a couple of phone chargers! While people have navigated just fine without phones in the past, having a charged phone is too outrageously convenient to ignore.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, and you don’t want to be caught without a first aid kit. Make sure that your car is stocked with supplies in case of any emergencies that may arise while on the road.

Flashlight with Extra Batteries

It’s always a good idea to have a flashlight in your car, especially if you find yourself driving at night. Make sure that the batteries are fresh and pack an extra set just in case.

Bring Some Water

Since water has many uses while on the road, it’s always a good idea to bring some with you. You can drink it, use it to clean up messes, put out car fires, and water can even be consumed if you are stuck in a barren place. A gallon of water will be the minimum but nothing hurts if you bring more.

Secondary Road Trip Essentials

Non Perishable Snacks

It’s always a good idea to have some snacks in your car, especially if you are going on a road trip. Make sure that the snacks you bring don’t require refrigeration and that they won’t go bad quickly. This is also a great way to avoid eating unhealthy foods while on the road.

Tissues and Wet Wipes

Tissues and wet wipes are always a necessity, especially if you have children with you. You can use the tissues to blow your nose or to clean up messes, and the wet wipes can be used for everything from cleaning your hands to wiping down the car seats.

Swiss Army Knife or Any Multipurpose Tools

A Swiss Army knife or any other type of multipurpose tool can come in handy while on a road trip. These tools can be used for everything from opening cans to tightening screws.

Sunscreen and Hats

It’s important to protect your skin from the sun while on a road trip, especially if you are going to be driving for long periods of time. Make sure to pack sunscreen and hats to help keep you safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Blanket

You never know when you have to spend time sleeping in your car or if the car you are driving has a cold air conditioner, so it’s always a good idea to pack a blanket.

 Road tripping is a unique experience that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy. So long as your car is maintained and you are properly prepared ahead of time, you can plan your first road trip anytime you want! Whenever you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA Schafer’s Auto Center is available anytime. Give us a call at (215) 755-1270.

It’s December, you’ve got a gift list as long as your arm, and your car suddenly fails you. A situation we’d all rather avoid, yet it can happen to anyone who’s not prepared. The trick to prolonging the life of your vehicle is not a secret, in fact, anyone can become an expert with the right knowledge and with frequent practice. Put these suggestions to good use so that you can save yourself money in the long run and prevent future headaches. When you do find that you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA we want to let you know that we are here and happy to serve you!

Familiarize Yourself with the Owner’s Manual

Just like children’s toys and appliances come with instructions, so does your vehicle. While it may not be the most riveting read you’ve ever experienced, it can teach you a lot of things you didn’t know about your vehicle. With specific details pertaining to your make and model as well as maintenance suggestions, your manual offers a wealth of knowledge. Be sure to dig it out from whatever corner you’ve undoubtedly stuck it in and get to learning!

Check Your Oil

We know, it’s so easy to ignore your oil, after all, you don’t even see it. Unfortunately, it does actually matter; yet it’s so easy and simple to do that once you’ve gotten into the routine, you won’t even mind. The health of your engine depends on the quality of your oil, so be sure not to skimp on this step. We recommend checking your oil once a month!

Change Your Filters

The filters in your car are really important to your car’s health, as well as your own. Your car’s filters, when operating at their full potential, are vital in keeping debris out of your engine as well as the cabin. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for further details about the maintenance of the filters!

Garage It

If you are able to, try to keep your car in the garage whenever you aren’t using it. Garages are great because they shield your vehicle away from the elements such as extreme sun, or winter’s ice, snow, and salt. If you don’t have the luxury of a garage, there are other simple steps you can take for the same benefits. You can avoid parking in the way of strong and direct sunlight during the summer, and in the winter, you can regularly wash your vehicle to prevent any unwanted buildup.

Be Mindful of Your Tires

Your vehicle’s tires are without a doubt a very important aspect pertaining to how your car handles itself on the road. Without proper maintenance, poor tires can result in unexpected and dangerous accidents. Be sure to check the pressure of your tires regularly; your owner’s manual can provide detailed information as to the ideal pressure for your tire’s according to the season.

If followed diligently, our tips guarantee that you’ll avoid any unexpected bills! If your car does need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA you can give us a call!