You probably remember your first car. It didn’t matter what it was, what year, the make, or the model. All that mattered was that it was yours, and you were going to make it the best no matter what anyone else thought about it.

Your first car will probably always have a special place in your heart, or in the junkyard. But you’ll probably also remember all the steps you took to make that car look its best. And many car owners today are no different.

Reports have shown that in 2020 alone, American car owners spent over 80 billion dollars on car parts, accessories, and beautification products. And this pales in comparison to the money spent on the cost of car maintenance.

Today we have many methods to keep our vehicles looking their best long after we’ve driven them off the lot. Here, we’ll explore a few of those methods.

Paint Protection Film

Aside from the engine and all the moving parts that make a vehicle do what it’s designed for, the most important part of a vehicle in most owners’ minds is the paint job. Without a slick paint job, free from scratches and dents, you might as well be driving your mother’s minivan.

But even though that shiny new paint job that attracted you to the vehicle will surely fade over time, one way to keep it looking sharp is to add a paint protection film.

Paint protection film acts as a buffer of sorts, a line of defense between your car and mother nature, road debris, and the occasional bump from a car door in the parking lot. 

With paint protection film, your car’s coat of paint is better able to hold wax and to keep its shine long into the future.

Car Washing 

Believe it or not, but if you neglect washing your car, all of that dirt, tar, and debris can deteriorate your paint. And just like the human body, you can only avoid the shower for so long before it’s–very noticeable. 

You should wash your car at least once a month to keep the paint looking new. And with frequent washing, you’ll also be able to take care of minor paint chips and other blemishes before they get worse.

Even washing your car should include the use of specially formulated car soap, manufactured specifically for removing grease from the paint. Additionally, you should always wash from the top-down, taking care to scrub away all grease and tar with non-abrasive tools.

Finally, you should always dry your car after each wash. This way you won’t let hard water or soap deposits build up and ruin your shine. 

Waxing

After every few months, you should reapply a coat of wax. And while some wax formulas claim that you only need to apply one coat a year, or longer in some cases, this is probably one of the biggest false claims in the automotive world. 

Studies on car wax have shown that wax will quickly deteriorate under abrasive conditions, and even under direct sunlight exposure. 

And even though you might not be putting as much wear on your car as a Nascar driver, wax doesn’t deteriorate in a uniform fashion either. In fact, spots will begin to form as the wax erodes, leaving blurry and shiny spots all over the car.

As a best practice, always wax under shade, away from direct sunlight. And buff and polish immediately after application. If you really want to keep that shine, make sure you reapply wax after every third wash. 

On average, most car owners who drive every day wax their vehicles once a year. But if you bump this up to 3 times a year, you’ll be able to enjoy your shine much longer than average. 

Our cars immediately lose book value right after we drive them off of the lot. But the value they bring to us never diminishes as long as we take care of them. Taking the time to keep your car looking its best will be of great benefit to you, especially if you go to trade it in years down the road.

Here are the most common questions asked about charging Chevy Bolt, along with their answers.

Can I charge my electric car in the rain?

Chevy Bolt is fully functional in wet weather, making it very safe to drive on slick roads with some caution of course. Electric cars are equipped with safety features that protect the battery and its components from damage that can be caused by water or snow. Below are a few key precautions are recommended during inclement weather conditions:

• Wipe down the exterior of your Chevy Bolt after driving through puddles or sprinklers, especially if you see any fluid on the ground below.
• Don’t let children play near electric car charging stations when they are plugged into an outlet.
• Be aware of possible hazards around areas where ice has accumulated due to being close proximity to a power source for your charger. This includes injury from tripping over excess cord length or a slippery surface.
• Never operate power tools near the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) for your Chevy Bolt. Don’t plug them into outlets that are next to EVSEs, and don’t use an extension cord with EVSEs. They could cause electric shock if they come in contact with water.
• Be careful not to damage electrical components of your vehicle while cleaning it during inclement weather conditions, as excess moisture can lead to corrosion on parts like brake lines and wiring systems.
• Keep a clear area around charging stations when plugged into outlets so you will have enough space to open doors safely.

Can you overcharge an electric car?

Yes, you can overcharge Electric Vehicles. Electric cars have a charge limit to prevent the battery from being damaged by too much power at once. However, Chevy Bolt’s system automatically regulates how much energy is sent to your electric car so there is no risk of damaging it with excess electricity. If a charging station malfunctions or has been tampered with, this safety feature won’t work and an “Overcharging Prevention” light will appear on your dashboard as a reminder not to keep adding more juice into your Electric Vehicle until you’ve unplugged it from both ends. 

To avoid damage caused by overcharging Chevrolet Bolt EV batteries: 

• Never leave plug-in Electric unattended while plugged into an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
• Be aware of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment malfunctions and tampering.

Does an electric car lose charge when parked?

Yes, Electric Vehicles lose charge when parked. Electric vehicles that are plugged into Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) will still draw power even if they’re not being used. This is to ensure your Chevy Bolt maintains full battery power and does not discharge while you are not using it.

Can I get a DC charger at home?

Yes, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment can be installed in your home. Electric Cars have a range of up to 238 miles on one full charge. However, for longer trips, it is best to use a DC fast charger that will provide an 80% recharge within 30 minutes at compatible charging stations along the way.

What is the best charger for the Chevy Bolt?

Definitely comparing the two possible charger options, Level 1 and Level 2, the leader is the fast Level 2. When choosing, use the right amount of amps, for a Chevy Bolt it’s at least 30 amps and 240 volts. Look at proven charger models that are recommended by professional installers. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of hardwired or plug-in Chevy Bolt battery chargers, such as those with a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet. 

How fast is a DC fast charger?

DC fast chargers can charge Electric Vehicles in half the time of a typical Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that is used for most Electric cars. DC Fast Chargers provide an 80% recharge within 30 minutes at compatible charging stations, but there are many factors to consider when determining how long it will take your Chevy Bolt to get back up and running:

– Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) type and condition at your charging location, as EV Charging Stations that don’t work properly will take longer to recharge Electric Vehicles. If Electric Car supply equipment is malfunctioning or has been tampered with it may cause damage to Electric Cars like Chevy Bolt.

How much does Chevy Bolt cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions is how much Chevrolet Bolt costs. The base price for a 2017 Electric Vehicle model starts at $37,495 before any applicable state or federal tax credits are applied.

How many miles does an Electric Vehicle have on a full charge?

Chevy Bolt comes standard with an estimated 238-mile range.

How long does it take to charge Chevy Bolt?

It takes around nine hours to fully recharge your car when you plug in using an outlet, but the 240-volt charger that comes standard with this Electric Vehicle package can be recharged in less than five hours!

On the cusp of an upcoming new year, comes fresh new opportunities for the wondrous world of motorsport. These opportunities will come in the form of the Nascar Cup, Formula 1, Rally, Circuit, Indy, and many more; and it’ll be up to you to apply your knowledge and tips to win big or earn bragging rights amongst friends. Whether a seasoned veteran or an up-and-coming aspirant; learning some additional tips will help make your 2022 year of motorsport worthy of remembrance!

1. Learn the Teams

Knowledge is the most important thing when it comes to motorsport. Knowing and following teams, learning about driver and crew changes, as well as performance history; are all extremely important to keep up with. For example, many teams will unveil their driver line-ups well before their relevant seasons begin. Investing time researching these articles is among the best methods to plan for the future. If you’re new, finding and following a specific team for each of the various motorsport genres is a great way to learn a lot, quickly.

2. Know the Tracks

Coinciding with the aforementioned point, learning the tracks is the next best step in enjoying motorsports. Seeing your driver of choice do well based on your research and predictions is certainly one of the most exciting things you can experience in motorsport. Like before, simply researching specific cups can yield invaluable track atlas information such as the new 2022 Nascar Series tracks. 

3. Discovering Wagers

Like many other sports; a lot of people use their time spent researching and turn it into winnings for themselves and family. If you’re looking for more than just bragging rights, you will need to find a place to make such wagers and bets. The good news is that nowadays this can be easily done online on websites, and simply finding the best betting sites for you is just an easy Google search away.

4. Where to Watch

Aside from typical cable networks; finding places to watch motorsports can be difficult, especially if you’re into niche genres or international events. Fortunately, in the past couple of years, the ability to watch motorsports online has never been more accessible with online streaming. Many of these streaming services are free and allow anyone to watch internationally; one of the biggest being motorsports.tv, which provides a multitude of options for anyone wanting to watch motorsport.

5.  How to Connect

Lastly, becoming connected with others who are also invested in motorsports is an amazing way to get the most out of motorsport. Surrounding yourself with those who are equally invested will provide many social opportunities to get out and have fun; as well as a way to share information amongst yourselves to become better prepared. You can use apps, social media, or websites and blogs to easily find like-minded individuals to connect and share the wonderful world of motorsports with.

Motorsport truly does have something for everyone. You will certainly get out what you put into it whether it’s money, friendships, or simply bragging rights; you will find your time invested is well spent. Hopefully, you can use some of these tips to make the 2022 year of motorsports the next best one for yourself, and your friends and family.

Country’s Premier Driving Experience to Bring Fast-Paced Fun to 16 Speedways Nationwide

Book Now for the Race Fan on Your Holiday Gift List

CHARLOTTE (December 17, 2021) – Motorsports’ leading fan driving experience partners – Driving 101, which operates NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience – announced today the schedule of event dates at premier speedways across the country.

Race fans can drive the same tracks as their idols, including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Kansas Motor Speedway, Kentucky Motor Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Michigan International Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Richmond Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

“At the NASCAR Racing Experience, you get the unique chance to race the same cars and the same tracks as your motorsports heroes,” said Kurt Weinhart, chief revenue officer for Driving 101. “We know that people are planning in advance for their vacations and events next year. With the complete 2022 NASCAR Racing Experience calendar in hand, they can secure their seat for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, bucket-list trip or corporate event.”

The NASCAR Racing Experience makes the ideal holiday gift for any race fan or thrill seeker. Reservations at the NASCAR Racing Experience are on sale with prices starting at just $249.99 to drive a NASCAR race car and $129.99 for NASCAR Ride Alongs. Advance reservations are encouraged as track times fill up quickly. Reservations can be booked at www.NASCARRacingExperience.com or 704-886-2400.

Driving 101 and its three trusted racing brands now runs at 16 nationwide speedways for NASCAR Racing Experience as well as 14 nationwide speedways for Mario Andretti Racing Experience.

“The 2022 season offers the best NASCAR stock car and Indy-style car driving experience choice for customers, race fans, thrill seekers and corporate America. In short, we are the leader in the driving experience industry. We’ve enhanced our nationwide locations, strengthened our marketing strategies, and made the racing experience even more authentic,” said Weinhardt.

About Driving 101: Driving 101 and its three trusted racing brands now the NASCAR Racing Experience at 16 speedways nationwide as well as running the Mario Andretti Racing Experience at 14 speedways nationwide. Both offer a vast array of corporate outings and motorsports-themed events. NASCAR Racing Experience is the leading experiential racing company in North America, offering the most realistic racing programs available to motorsports fans nationwide. For more information call 704-886-2400 or visit www.NASCARRacingExperience.com

The off-roading hobby is among the most popular motorsports. It’s not hard to see why many people like it. It’s fast, exciting, and exhilarating, faces you with challenges you have to overcome, is satisfying, and more than flashy enough for the ladies.

Many people who consider themselves off-road enthusiasts, however, haven’t even been inside an off-road vehicle. Not that they’re to blame, since not everybody has as much exposure as people from other parts of the world.

Live in Kentucky, and you’re much more likely to be acquainted with the idea of huge 4×4 rigs compared to someone who grew up somewhere in Bordeaux, France.

However, if you did grow up in Bordeaux, then welcome to off-roading and it does not discriminate. This article will ideally help explain a couple of core off-road concepts for you to kickstart your future passion.

Basics of Off-roading

There are a lot of differences between driving off-road and driving on a road. The term “going off-road”, technically does not specifically imply going through the wilderness. As long as you’re driving on anything that is not a road, you’re off-roading.

However, it’s important to realize that this is generally damaging to the environment, and should be avoided if you can. This is why most areas in which off-roading is prevalent have established trails that are cared for and maintained by an organization that has an interest in keeping the motorsport’s good reputation.

While off-roading has its own aesthetic and culture, you theoretically don’t need a vehicle designed for the off-road to be an “off-roader”. That is because, by the time you get out of the trail you’re driving through, your average Sedan is going to come apart.

Passenger vehicles aren’t made for off-roading. You can take them off-road, and many people have, and will, but they do so because of necessity, not because it’s fun. If you’ve ever been a young child in the backseat of your parent’s car, you probably remember them groaning in annoyance whenever they had to drive through mud.

Harsh terrain conditions are not pleasant for vehicles, making it likely to damage them. Not only that, but there are several key characteristics between cars designed to brave the worst of what Mother Earth has to offer, and cars made to drive calmly and carefully over designated roads.

How Are Off-road Cars Different?

Off-road cars are mainly different in gear, equipment, and car parts, You can purchase a car that has been made to perform in off-road conditions since manufacture, or if you’re feeling adventurous or experimental, can try and modify a normal passenger car.

My recommendation would be to avoid that. Since you’re reading this article, odds are you’re probably not a mechanic or a particularly experienced engineer. Therefore, any modifications you make to your vehicle without proper knowledge or education are liable to damage it and make you lose out on a lot of money.

Don’t let me stop you, though. Want to turn a Toyota Prius into an off-road beast? Please do – it’s probably going to be one of the most entertaining things to come out of the hobby! Make sure to speak with a mechanic that can understand and follow your vision, though.

There are four main differences between car parts when it comes to off-road cars and normal ones.

• Suspension – A good off-road vehicle needs good suspension. Otherwise, you’re going to be shaken and stirred.
• Wheels – What makes or breaks an off-road car. A solid pair of wheels is an absolute necessity.
• Bumpers – A lot of people buy aftermarket bumper upgrades for their cars after purchase.

Learn Even More

This article explains only the very basics and should only serve to give you background information on off-roading. If you’d like to learn more, find out everything about off-road cars here.

Otherwise, I hope you’ll be happily joining us whenever the next gathering or even competition takes place. There’s nothing better than spending time with your community!

You may have considered getting your car windows professionally tinted only to find out that it was too expensive to fit into your budget. If this is the case you might be looking for an affordable alternative that can teach you how to tint car windows in an easy step by step guide.

Tinted windows in your vehicle can provide several benefits. While the most obvious advantage is that it gives you and your passengers an added sense of privacy, there are other benefits as well including a reduction in the interior heat of your car, protection from upholstery fading and less glare.

Window tinting can also protect you from the side effects of ultraviolet rays. There are two types of ultraviolet rays — UVA which stands for Type A ultraviolet and UVB which stands for Type B ultraviolet.

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn and they can be contributing factors in the formation of skin cancer.

UVA rays can also accelerate the skin aging process which can cause signs of premature aging such as skin wrinkles. Exposure to UVB rays are known to cause various skin cancers, including melanoma.

Before you begin the process of tinting your windows, research the different brands to find the one that is best for you. Some brands are better suited for professionals and may require professional installation to satisfy their warranty requirements.

Before you begin, there are several items you need to have on hand to complete the installation process. You will need window cleaner, a spray bottle of hot water, a tape measure, a flat-edge razor, a small squeegee, the window tint film, and the application solution that was included with the window tint film.

Once you make the decision to tint your windows, the first step and the most important, is to prepare your windows by properly cleaning them. It is best to do this in an enclosed space such as a garage to prevent any dust from settling on your windows. Take the time to clean your windows thoroughly and clean them a minimum of three times to make certain the glass is completely clean.

Window tint or film usually comes in rolls. Measure your windows a few times to be sure you have the exact measurement and then cut the sheet of film for each window, leaving an excess of at least 2 inches on each end. You can cut off the excess when you apply the tint.  

Apply the application spray that was included with the window film and pull off the adhesive backing. Make sure the adhesive backing is facing the window and apply it by beginning at the bottom of the window and smoothing it out as you go to prevent bubbles from forming underneath the window film. Cut off the excess using a flat-edge razor.

You may want to go to YouTube to find and watch a few videos about installing window tint. Search for videos with a large number of views and favorable comments.

Use a squeegee to smooth out any bubbles or creases. Use a spray bottle filled with hot water to apply to the film as you work from the center outward to the edges. Cut off any excess film.

Notes:

Your window tint film should include guidance on how to maintain it and which cleaning solutions to use. Most manufacturers of window tint film advise that you should not roll down your windows for a minimum of three days after installation.