A good windshield de-icer will swiftly cut through the ice that tends to form on your car at night. Yet, getting rid of the frost isn’t exactly an appearance preference. After all, you can’t very well drive with your windows covered in ice: it’s dangerous. Fortunately, you don’t have to twist your arm trying to scrape stubborn ice off when just a little bit of de-icing fluid can loosen it up for you.

After I present the reviews of the five finalists, I’ll also take the time to explain how you should make the most of them. However, before we get to all of that, let’s define what windshield de-icers are.

What Is a Windshield De-Icer?

Windshield de-icers are typically liquid solutions that come in either aerosol cans or trigger spray bottles. Most of them have a high content of methanol, which is a type of wood-derived alcohol. These products also tend to contain water to a much smaller degree, as well as carbon dioxide — for aerosol products.

As I have explained in several previous articles — alcohol can be of great help when cleaning your car windows, especially if you want a streakless result. It can even get gunky tree sap residue off the roof and hood of the car. So it shouldn’t surprise you that ice-busting is another one of the many benefits of using alcohol on your car.

Basically, the freezing point of methanol is much lower than that of regular water. While water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, methanol needs a much lower temperature to reach its freezing point — specifically, negative 143 degrees. So, when the alcohol comes in contact with the ice on your windshield, it’ll quickly dissolve into it, causing it to liquify.

Top 5 Windshield De-Icers

I’ve decided to present the products on my list going from the smallest quantities to the largest. However, since I know that some people prefer aerosol de-icers, while others go for the good old, trigger sprays, I’ve also grouped the list accordingly. Those looking for the latter can jump straight to the fourth and fifth product on my list.

If you don’t think you’ll need a lot of product, you can choose one of the first items I’ll review. On the other hand, if you anticipate that you’ll need a greater amount of the antifreeze solution, or you simply don’t want to deal with the aerosol — go for one of the last two options.

1. CRC 05346 Ice-Off Spray De-Icer

The CRC Industries Ice-Off comes in a 7.75-inch tall aerosol can that contains 12 ounces of the de-icing solution. That amount is actually enough for only two full windshield treatments. However, if you usually only have an issue with your wipers or with unsticking the lock, this will be perfect. It even comes with a little red straw you can use for precision.

In my opinion, aerosol spray de-icers are infinitely easier to use than the trigger kind. Basically, with these, you just have to press down and hold — a trigger spray requires you to squeeze again and again. Now, I understand that might sound a bit nitpicky, but trust me. You’ll feel the same when you have to get out of your warm home to defrost your windshield before heading off to work.

But back to the matter at hand: let’s talk about the effectiveness of this particular de-icer.

Though you can’t really expect it to work wonders, it will indeed hasten the melting process. The exact percentage of the ingredients in the mixture is a company secret. However, I did manage to uncover some things. Namely, the three main components are methanol, and to a lesser degree, carbon dioxide and water.

Obviously, this product is highly flammable, though that shouldn’t be a problem unless the can ends up in temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. You also don’t want to keep the can inside your vehicle. Ironically, if the temperatures are low enough, it can get frozen shut.

Main Features:

• 12-ounce de-icer spray
• Won’t damage your paint finish
• Works in sub-zero temperatures
• Available in single cans, as well as 2, 3, and 12-packs

2. Penray 5216 Windshield Spray De-Icer

Next, we’ve got the Penray 12.3-ounce aerosol spray de-icer. Don’t mind the fact that the product’s name on Amazon claims that it only contains 11 ounces — that’s completely false.

This product is fairly similar to the previous one and just about as effective. In fact, there’s some overlap in the ingredient lists of these first two de-icers.

Like the previous one, this one has the same three main ingredients. Methanol and carbon dioxide, as well as water, make up most of the Penray mixture. Additionally, it contains three other ingredients.

As expected, the exact percentages of the different parts are not disclosed. In any case, the components of the mixture are all highly flammable. So all the warnings I gave in the previous review apply here as well.

Conversely, the product is much better at handling cold temperatures. While some users of the previous product did mention that it could freeze shut if you leave it in the car, this one doesn’t seem to have the same flaw. According to the manufacturer, you’ll be able to use the spray in temperatures as low as –25 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to being able to melt the ice on your windshield, this de-icer is also great for unsticking your wipers. That’s another thing it has in common with the previous product on this list: it’s gentle on both the metal and the rubber parts of your vehicle. So you can also use it to thaw locks or car doors that have been frozen shut, not to mention get the ice off your windows without scratching them.

Main Features:

• 3-ounce aerosol can
• Safe for paint and rubber
• Works in low temperatures, even in -25 degrees Fahrenheit
• Available in single cans or 12-pack cases

3. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer

This Prestone aerosol de-icer is the perfect solution for people who like dual-purpose products — and I just so happen to be one of them. It’s actually one of the two Prestone de-icers I’ve chosen to review and the final aerosol product on this list.

So what exactly makes it dual-purpose? Well, it deals with pesky ice both mechanically and chemically. Namely, its 10-inch can holds 17 ounces of methanol, ethylene glycol, and carbon dioxide that will easily melt the ice on your windshield. They may even prevent frost from forming for a while.

On top of that, the product also features a scraper top, so you don’t even have to purchase an additional tool to go with it. Even though I wouldn’t say that the scraper is particularly sturdy, it should be able to get the ice off without much trouble. After all, the liquid itself will loosen it up beforehand.

Since we’re dealing with aerosol and alcohol here, you should avoid inhaling, ingesting, and coming in contact with this product and others like it. Upon closer inspection, though, the fumes that are released when you apply the solution are barely noticeable. Still, these ingredients are as flammable as ever, so you ought to avoid subjecting them to extreme temperatures.

The 17 ounces of the product should be enough for several uses. However, the link I’ve included actually shows a twin pack version of this product, so you’ll have as much fluid as you get in the trigger sprays.

Main Features:

• 17-ounce aerosol spray with a scraper top
• Perfect for windows and wipers
• Highly effective methanol
• Twin pack

4. Prestone AS247 Trigger Spray Windshield De-Icer

Aerosol de-icers do have their advantages, but there’s something to be said about a plain, old-fashioned trigger spray. The first trigger spray on my list comes from the same company as the previous product I reviewed.

At first glance, the 32-ounce Prestone de-icer looks like an ordinary window cleaner. The bottle has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold it by the neck while squeezing the trigger top.

Since the packaging itself is completely made of plastic, you shouldn’t have to worry about it freezing. At the very least, it should be better at handling the cold than metal aerosol cans. It should be able to withstand temperatures of about negative 58 and above 53 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite the lack of aerosol, the solution is still flammable and toxic, so you must avoid getting it on your skin or in your eyes. In fact, I’d even advise wearing gloves during the application, no matter if you’re using an aerosol de-icer or a trigger bottle.

Even though it comes from the same company as the previous product, this de-icer is a bit different because it doesn’t contain carbon dioxide. Instead, methanol plays the key role here, with various “non-hazardous ingredients” following closely behind.

Needless to say, this de-icer will do the job quite nicely. It’s certainly a more popular choice on Amazon, whether that’s because of the packaging or the solution itself. Like the other products, it works on both windows and locks, and it should even be safe for the rubber components.

Main Features:

• 32-ounce trigger spray de-icer
• Melts ice and protects against future frost
• Dual-action trigger
• Single bottle or 6-pack available

5. SPLASH Red Hot Windshield De-Icer Trigger Spray

The final product on my list is this 32-ounce trigger spray de-icer from SPLASH, which comes in packs of three bottles. That amount should be perfect for several long and icy winter months.

Like the previous product, this one comes in a plastic bottle with a trigger top. They’re virtually identical except for the fact that the earlier product is yellow, whereas the SPLASH Red Hot de-icing liquid is — you guessed it — red.

As expected, the main ingredient here is methanol, though it also contains other stabilizers. Since all of the other products on this list are alcohol-based as well, you can expect this one to be similarly effective. Even though it’s primarily meant to be used on windshields and windows, the solution won’t damage your vehicle’s paint or the rubber parts. In fact, many people use it to unstick their wipers from the glass.

However, the company has specified that this particular product is only good for quickly melting away frost and ice — not as a preventative measure. If you want to stop ice from forming in the first place, they recommend their HeatWave Liquid De-Icer. On the other hand, if you’d rather be frugal, there are also DIY methods to prevent ice from forming on your windows, which I talked about in another article.

Finally, allow me to repeat myself (because safety is paramount) — keep it away from heat, sparks, and flames. Furthermore, you should avoid inhalation and direct skin contact, as always.

Main Features:

• 32-ounce trigger spray de-icer
• For windows and wiper blades
• Melts ice instantaneously
• won’t damage your car’s paint
• 3-bottle pack

Instructions for Using Windshield De-Icers

Now that you’ve seen several examples of how a windshield de-icer should look like, let’s talk about application. I’ve already given you some tips, but this will be a real step-by-step guide to using the products we’ve discussed. So what do you do when you wake up after a frosty winter night?

Step 1: Brush Off the Snow

First things first: when you’re cleaning your windshield in the morning, start by getting any loose debris off. So, if your windshield is frozen under 10 inches of snow, brush it off to uncover the layer of ice.

There are plenty of products that would be up to this challenge, including this brush and scraper duo from Mallory. But really, you can do it with pretty much any brush you’ve got. Just don’t scrape the actual glass.

Doing this will allow you to see the exact amount of ice you’re dealing with. If the layer of ice is thin enough, you might be able to get away with going in with the de-icer immediately. However, if it varies in thickness, you’ll want to get the snow off first in order to concentrate on the most affected areas. That way, you won’t be wasting the product.

Step 2: Protect Yourself

If it’s cold enough to get frost on your windows, it’s cold enough to bundle up. Since most, if not all, de-icers are methanol-based, you should ideally take steps to protect yourself from inhaling, ingesting, or touching the liquid with your bare skin.

Even though you can aim fairly accurately with any of the five products on my list, a gust of wind can always divert the direction of the mist. What’s more, if you don’t wash your hands between applying the de-icer and handling food, for example, you may ingest it, which can result in nausea and vomiting.

Fortunately, covering up your skin during the winter months shouldn’t be that difficult. You can wear gloves and a scarf to cover your hands and mouth. On particularly windy days, you should also shield your eyes. After all, direct contact with methanol can cause irritation and blurred vision.

Step 3: Apply the Solution and Let It Sit

Once you’ve protected your skin and cleared the snow away, you’ll be able to see which areas of your windshield need special attention. Usually, the ice is the thickest down by the windshield wipers because that’s where the water naturally collects. You may also need to focus on the wipers themselves if they’re frozen to the glass. Additionally, you should check your side mirrors and spray them to ensure road visibility.

Aside from the glass parts of the car, you can also use de-icers to get rid of the ice in other crucial areas, such as the locks and the doors. If you live in an extremely cold climate, fused doors and stuck locks may be a regular part of your day. Fortunately, a good de-icer can help you deal with these problems without damaging the rubber or metal. Once you apply the solution to wherever you need it, you’ll have to let it sit for about five minutes before you can drive.

But you needn’t wait too long for the windshield ice to thaw. If the de-icer doesn’t give you the results you want to see quickly enough, there are additional steps you can take. For example, you can turn on the defrosting feature or the vehicle heater to speed things up.

Step 4: Swipe the Area to Get Rid of the Ice

Once the solution has had some time to work, you’ll be able to easily scrape the remaining ice away. In fact, if the ice is thin enough, the alcohol will completely dissolve it, and you’ll be left with a crystal-clear, streak-free windshield. You may even be able to get rid of any remaining ice chips by just turning the windshield wipers on.

Step 5: Prevent the Formation of Ice in the Future

Clearly, the products I’ve talked about in this article won’t damage your vehicle in any way. However, there’s still a chance that ice damage might occur if you allow it to form freely. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure that doesn’t happen.

For one, you can always rely on a good windshield washer fluid. Some of them, such as the Prestone Deluxe 3-in-1, will do wonders for your windshield all year round thanks to their alcohol content. But you don’t have to replace the washer fluid you’re currently using: you can also just add alcohol to it.

In addition to using a proper windshield washer and de-icer, you can also start covering your car to protect it from harsh weather. You can find several great products in my article on windshield ice prevention below.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to getting ice off the windshield, we all want to do it as gently as possible. The hassle that comes with scraping the glass isn’t worth it. Ultimately, even a small crack can invite the cold into the cabin, not to mention cause leaks.

Fortunately, you can make this formerly tedious task easy — all it takes is a methanol spray. Whether you choose one of the three aerosol de-icers or either one of the two trigger spray ones, the next time you have to get rid of the ice on your car, you’ll be done in a flash. So just pick your poison — and stay safe!

RELATED POSTS:

• Best Cleaner Tools for Windshields
• How to Prevent Ice From Forming on a Windshield
• Homemade Windshield Deicing Solutions
• How to Stop Windshield Wipers From Juddering

The post Top-Rated Windshield De-Icers to Fight the Morning Frost appeared first on Car Roar.

After all, the windows of a car do serve an incredibly important purpose. You need to be able to look out the windshield without distractions and check your rear and side mirrors as well. So how could alcohol help with that?

Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe and Effective for Cleaning Car Windows

There are several benefits to using rubbing alcohol as a cleaning agent. Most importantly, it disinfects the surface of your car and gives it a streak-free finish. When you’re making an alcohol cleaning solution, make sure you use distilled water . Hard tap water will leave marks as it dries.

Alcohol is also safe for cleaning tinted windows. In comparison, ammonia-based cleaners such as Windex, an incredibly popular option for car detailing, may actually fade the tint. Although the tint layer is usually on the inside of the glass, you can never be too careful.

All in all, alcohol is safe for all parts of car windows, which can not be said for ammonia-based window cleaners. The latter don’t pan out well for cars, especially if the cleaning solution slides down into the rubber seals around the windows. The ammonia can dry out the rubber, making the seals break — and all hell break loose. I’m talking about water leaks, rust, mold, etc.

But, if you’ve already made the mistake and messed up your seals — don’t worry. I’ve already written about how you can switch out your window gaskets. If you aren’t able to replace the damaged seal, like those around the windshield, you can also use a window sealant to secure the fissures.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Car Windows With Alcohol

Once you’re sure that your gaskets are good to go, you can start in on the windows. It does seem as though they need more care than other parts of the car, doesn’t it? Even if you clean the exterior of the car regularly, having dirt on your windows can be particularly distracting while you’re driving. So most of us find ourselves cleaning the glass parts of our vehicles more often than the metal ones. Let’s see what that entails.

1. Gather Your Supplies

As always, you’ll want to start by gathering your supplies. While you do that, make sure that your car is in deep shade so that it has the opportunity to cool down, especially during the summer months. You don’t want your cleaner to evaporate before you can wipe it off. Streaking usually isn’t a problem if you’re using alcohol, but you still wouldn’t be able to wipe off the dirt.

If you’re only cleaning your windows, you’re going to need only the bare necessities:

• A spray bottle
• A soft microfiber towel (like one of these) or a cotton rag made from your old shirts
• You can even get a windshield cleaner or a squeegee with a long handle
• Rubbing alcohol
• Water (preferably distilled water since the one from your tap may leave marks)

Naturally, the brand of all of these items doesn’t matter, but you can see what they look like by clicking on the Amazon links I’ve provided.

At this point, you can also buy a car window cleaner. However, in my experience, most window cleaners suffer from one of two faults. They either contain ammonia, which I’ve already explained isn’t the ideal ingredient for the rubber gaskets, or they leave streaks. But nothing will leave your glass looking as spotless as an alcohol solution.

2. Make the Rubbing Alcohol Cleaning Solution

To make the rubbing alcohol cleaning solution, you can mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and distilled water in your spray bottle. Alternately, warm tap water would also work fine. And if you want to up the ante, you can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar.

I recommend using a funnel to pour the liquid into the spray bottle. There’s no need to make this more difficult than it has to be. In fact, all of this should take you no more than 10 minutes, with the washing. Speaking of which, there’s also a technique you can use to make your windows as shiny as you want them to be.

3. Apply the Solution to the Windows

When you’re cleaning your car windows, you want to start with the front and the rear ones. These are going to present the biggest problem, so it’s best to get them over with as soon as possible. Lift the wiper blades on both ends and get as close as possible with your bottle — some vehicles are easier to clean in the back nowadays since the trunks aren’t as pronounced as they used to be. However, if your vehicle doesn’t allow you to get right up to the windshield, you can do one side at a time.

Start With the Front and the Rear

So spray down the glass liberally, let it break down the dirt for a second, then wipe it off with either a squeegee or a microfiber towel. You could even use an old newspaper. 

I like to do a double-wash, first doing a quick-pass with a squeegee, then spraying again and rubbing the cleaner off with a microfiber cloth. I find that this gets me the best, most streak-free results. 

After you’ve cleaned the windshields, doing the door windows will be a breeze. I like to spray them down and wipe them off in vertical motions, then roll them down to clean the section of the window that would have been covered by the gasket. You can also use this opportunity to polish your side-view mirror with this cleaner.

Now that the outside of the glass is clean, you can probably see all the grime that’s accumulated on the inside. So repeat all of this inside the car. Here is where you’ll find the long handle of the windshield cleaners I mentioned in the supply list particularly helpful, especially if you’re not flexible enough to reach all parts of the window.

Generally, if you use vertical motions on the outside, you’ll want to use horizontal and circural ones inside. That will allow you to see any spots of dirt you may have missed so that you can wipe them off.

4. Add a Water Repellant or a Window Sealant

After you clean your windows, you’ll see the effects of rubbing alcohol. All grime will have vanished, and there’ll be no streaks in sight. Alcohol is a pretty amazing automotive tool all around. In fact, in winter, you can even spray snow with pure rubbing alcohol to melt it instantly. Alcohol will also keep your windows cleaner for a bit longer — but I would also apply some sort of a window sealant once you’re done.

You can use something like Rain-X to create that hydrophobic barrier on top of the glass. Michael Warbux on YouTube also recommends using Chemical Guys’ Jet Seal. The technique he showcases in the video probably won’t cost over $10.

When you go to apply a glass sealant, you’ll want to have a clean microfiber cloth. Fold it up to the size of your hand and spray it with the sealant. Then press it to the glass and rub it in using circular motions. You’ll see a bit of a cast on the glass, but don’t worry. That’s only temporary.

Once the cast dries, apply another coat of the sealant. I really love having this on my windshield glass because rainwater rolls off with no problem. So if you want to give your glass that additional protection and extend the time between washes, I recommend using a water repellant like the two I’ve mentioned.

5. Finally — Clean the Wipers

Now that your windows are crystal clear, you don’t want to ruin them by putting your filthy wipers back on them. Use the same rag you used on your windows, soak it with the alcohol solution, and wipe the blades. Then use a dry part of the rag to speed up the drying process, and lay the blades back in their normal position.

Or, while they’re upright, you can also apply a bit of wiper treatment to keep the blades from streaking. And if your windshield wipers are juddering, you can also check out the article I wrote about that very topic.

More on Using Alcohol for Cleaning Windows

At this point, your windows should be so clean that you won’t even notice they’re there! The alcohol will have completely dissolved the dirt and grime, allowing you to wipe it off easily. It will have also left your windows completely streak-free. And if you apply a window sealant on top, you probably won’t need to clean the windows for some time.

But you can’t have squeaky clean windows without taking the time to make sure that your interior is similarly spotless. Make sure to clear the junk out of the cabin, then clean and polish the dashboard. In fact, if your car is really filthy, you should wash everything else before getting to the windows.

You can also vacuum the seats and the floor, maybe even wash the carpets. And if you’ve noticed some suspicious smells, you could have food or gasoline spills in the car that you ought to deal with. Still, I’m sure that your ride will be smelling like a brand new car by the time you’re done cleaning it!

RELATED POSTS:

• Best Windshield Washer Fluids & Some Alternatives
• Best Tools for Cleaning Windows
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The post Cleaning Car Windows With Alcohol: To Wash or Not to Wash? appeared first on Car Roar.

That being the case, we do not always have the time or the means to keep our tech pets in an ideal environment. And other times — we simply forget. This is particularly prevalent with larger gadgets such as laptops. After all, we cannot necessarily pocket them so we do not actively think about their preservation or the dangers that come with a lack thereof.

If you, too, have been found guilty of neglecting your laptop’s operational guidelines for one reason or another, this article is for you. Moreover, if you are a happy car owner who tends to leave their laptop inside the car and forget about it altogether, this article will undoubtedly prove a good read.

With that said, stick around. We are about to embark on a journey that will lead you to a better understanding of your portable tech companion. And on that note, let us see why keeping your laptop’s temperature down is important and how to do it inside a hot car.

Why Laptops Running Hot Spell Trouble

Your laptop is an awesome device that has all the necessary hardware pieces to keep it up and running neatly stacked beneath the keyboard. Sometimes, the laptop may feel hot to the touch in certain areas and that is to be expected.

Under normal circumstances, this means that your laptop has been up for a while or that you are running a more demanding program that requires additional hardware power. This is where the laptop’s internal cooling properties come into play.

That is to say, the thermal paste will keep the delicate components safe while the fans will ensure that the airflow remains optimal. In other words, the laptop’s inner workings will protect and cool the device to the best of their extent.

However, things may take a turn for the worse if your laptop is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time. After all, the device can only do so much to protect itself. If you are not mindful of the laptop’s internal temperature, here is a list of issues that may arise.

Software Failure

Looking to get one more quick task done before you hit the road? Well, not so fast. If your laptop is running hot, even the basic software will struggle to deliver.

That is to say, the hardware components of your laptop will not be able to perform as expected due to excessive heat. They will become sluggish and this may lead to unexpected software error messages popping up as well.

System Failure

Your workflow is seamless and your creative streak is at its peak. Just one more line and — some other time perhaps. Because BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) has decided to pay you a visit.

BSOD is a lengthy Windows OS message that displays after a system crash. Of course, other operating systems have their own versions but in essence, they are all the same. While recovering your laptop after a system crash is not always an onerous task, it does mean that the issue was serious enough for the device to abruptly terminate any activity.

Hardware Failure

Once a hardware failure occurs, you may have to kiss your laptop goodbye. Although most models can have their internal components replaced, such repairs are not necessarily cost-efficient.

Among the first laptop components to fall victim to high temperatures are the cooling fans. Subsequently, RAM, GPU, and CPU can follow. Moreover, other motherboard components and even the display may end up showing different signs of heat damage.

Laptop Temperatures vs. Car Temperatures — Frenemies?

Perhaps you have realized that some of the information above sounds all too familiar. In fact, you may have had similar experiences after retrieving your laptop from a hot car. Essentially, it is exactly as they say — trouble never comes alone.

By and large, laptops can work within a safe temperature range of 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. For all you Celsius scale rock and rollers, that would be 10 to 35 degrees Celsius. Anything above or below that range can not only be harmful to the device but its immediate surroundings as well.

With that in mind, you are probably aware of how hot a car can get during the summer or when parked in the sun. For example, on a 70-degree day, the car interior can easily hit 104 degrees. In brief, hot cars are nothing short of a death trap.

Before we continue — yes, you can leave your laptop in a hot car if you must. As to if you should — it would be better if you did not. However, keep in mind that you can minimize the risk of any unpleasantries by ensuring that your portable tech pet remains safe in a hot environment.

How to Keep Your Laptop Cool Inside a Hot Car

With that out of the way, here are four tips on how you can help you laptop survive inside a hot car.

1. Keep Your Laptop Out of the Sun

Generally speaking, if you have any electronic gadgets in your car, you should see that you park the vehicle in the shade. Ideally, a spot under a tree or someplace similar is recommended. However, if you are unable to find a natural source of shade, you can always opt for different types of sunshades instead.

Be that as it may, you should protect your laptop directly as well. There are a lot of laptop cases on the market and you are sure to find one that suits your preferences eventually. Having said that, you can also use a cloth as a viable alternative to cover your portable tech pet. Either way, unless you plan on using your device as a frying pan after you get back to your car, light-colored covers are your go-to.

2. Remove Your Laptop’s Battery if Possible

Modern devices come with lithium-ion batteries. While they are great in practice, they are also sensitive to heat. To further elaborate, high temperatures can bring about chemical reactions in the unit that will damage the battery irreversibly.

A heat-damaged Li-ion battery will result in slow charging times and faster degradation. Moreover, it can easily become a fire hazard, which will ultimately put both your laptop and your car at risk.

For this reason, it is better to separate the battery from the laptop if the device allows it. If not, keeping your portable companion out of the sun and following these tips will ensure that no accidents occur.

3. Power Off Your Laptop

A hot laptop combined with a hot car will result in a hot mess. The device generates enough heat in and of itself and does not need a helping hand to run any hotter.

That being the case, you should power off your laptop before leaving it inside the car. And by powering it off, we mean to turn it off completely. Putting it to sleep mode will not cut it because the device will still actively generate heat, albeit in smaller amounts.

However, if you are, for whatever reason, unable to power off the laptop, at least make sure that you have a laptop cooling pad nested underneath it. While this should not be your preferred course of action, it will help keep the device’s temperature down.

4. Store Your Laptop in a Cool Place

Leaving your laptop in the passenger seat is bad news because the sun is hardly the only enemy. Unless your car is a two-seater, there is a good chance you have plenty of room to store your laptop elsewhere — as you indeed should.

Since the trunk is typically the coolest part of the car, you should consider storing your portable tech pet inside. If the trunk is out of the question, putting it under one of the seats is your next option. And if you really want to up your chiller game, you can always opt for ice packs.

Still, remember that ice packs will ultimately generate condensation. Since it is unavoidable, you will need to prevent the condensation from coming into contact with your laptop. Because when it comes to electronic devices, water is just as bad as heat.

Stay Chill by Keeping Your Laptop Cool

Ultimately, the best way to keep your laptop cool in a hot car is to know your device specifications. That is to say, certain laptop models run hotter than others. Therefore, they generate more heat and may require a different approach to stay within the optimal operating temperature range.

All things considered, taking the necessary precautions to keep your laptop cool in a hot car will pay dividends. By doing so, you will not have to worry about the device’s or the car’s safety.

In the long run, your portable tech pet’s care products are not only inexpensive but multi-practical as well. To that end, early investment is the least painful investment you will have to make to keep your laptop operational.

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• Best Car Anti-Theft Devices
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The post Can You Leave a Laptop in a Hot Car? (And How to Keep It Cool) appeared first on Car Roar.

In the following article, I’ll talk about all of the best ways to avoid having to pay for sun damage repairs. But before I do, let’s talk about the negative effects that the sun and heat can have on cars.

What Happens If You Leave Your Car in the Sun?

Most drivers know to avoid the sun — but not everyone knows why. The sun can actually cause extensive damage to pretty much all of the car components. The rubber and plastic parts can melt and fuse the various metal panels shut. What’s more, the various liquids can simply evaporate, forcing you to use them up faster than you’re expecting to.

Exterior Sun Damage

If you leave your vehicle in the sun for long enough, you can even see some color fading. Although, I should say that the color fading is primarily an issue for vibrant or dark paint. It’s also fairly easy to take care of with wax or a paint protection film. But we’ll talk about that a bit later.

Another type of exterior damage can also affect the rubber gaskets around your windshield and the car doors. In extreme situations, when the car hasn’t been moved for a while, the doors can even get fused shut.

After all, the temperature of the surface of your ride can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s almost the temperature of boiling water! And though rubber has a higher melting point of about 260 degrees, it can still shift in that kind of heat. That’s mostly going to come into play later on when you discover that your windshield is now leaking water.

Interior Sun Damage

Like the exterior of a vehicle, the interior can also sustain much damage, including color fading. The dashboard plastic can also crack or bend in the heat — and it can even be uncomfortable to hold the steering wheel or even sit.

On hot summer days, it can actually get to 145 degrees Fahrenheit inside a car. At those temperatures, you shouldn’t only worry about your ride — you should also watch your skin.

People routinely singe the back of their thighs by sitting directly on their car seats in the summer. But what are we supposed to do, wear longer and thicker layers in the summer?

And that’s not even mentioning what can happen if you accidentally leave the wrong thing in your vehicle. One time, I returned to my car to find a suspicious smell in the cabin and pieces of colorful plastic scattered across the floor.

As it turns out, my friend had accidentally forgotten his lighter in the car and the greenhouse effect had done the rest. The gas in the lighter expanded in the heat, making short work of the already weakened plastic shell. Can you imagine that happening while you’re in the driver’s seat?

While this was certainly one of the more explosive examples of what can happen inside a hot car, it’s not the only one. I’ve found melted water bottles in my car on more than one occasion, even when I’d parked it in the shade.

Engine Issues

Finally, we’ve reached the crux of the matter. Your engine needs oil to run smoothly, and if your car gets overly hot, it can cause the oil to evaporate or cause structural damage through which it can start to leak out.

Additionally, your vehicle needs transmission fluid to allow you to shift gears smoothly and keep the transmission cool. Furthermore, during the summer, you also need to keep a close eye on the coolant liquid. All of these things can evaporate in hotter temperatures and cause serious malfunctions in your car. Fortunately, they’re all easy enough to prevent.

Now, if the choice is between having to make reparations or setting up preventative measures, I’m always going to go for the latter. So with that in mind, let’s see what steps you can take to avoid needing to reverse the effects of sun damage are.

Tips for Protecting the Exterior of a Car

When you think about it, all of the negative effects of the sun start with the surface of the car. As I’ve previously mentioned, the exterior of your car can get almost as hot as boiling water if you leave it in the sun on a particularly hot day. So here’s the most logical thing you can try to avoid paint fading.

Keep It in the Shade

The one common-sense piece of advice all drivers naturally know is to keep their ride in the shade. This decreases the chance of it suffering under the sun for too long.

But let me just tell you — that shade is elusive! Not only is it sometimes impossible to find, but it’s also kind of fickle. Naturally, shade moves with the sun, so you may find your vehicle under the full blast of the sun even if you had parked in the shade.

If you want to avoid this at all costs, you can find an underground parking structure if one is nearby. Also, if you know you’re going to leave your ride outside for long periods of time, you may want to get a car cover as well.

Wash Often and Hand Dry

High temperatures can fuse all of the dust and residue onto the surface of the vehicle. Between the regular debris and the bird excrement, the dirt on your car could cause serious damages to the paint or the clear overcoat. So if you want to avoid having to get a new coat of paint, you’re going to need to wash your car often.

Furthermore, manually drying it is also very important, at least if you’re washing it outdoors. After all, dust will settle onto the wet surface before you’ve even had a chance to take a photo of your squeaky clean ride.

Apply a UV Protection Wax

After you’ve done such a great job cleaning and drying your vehicle, you can add a few coats of automotive wax. Some of these products can actually provide your paint with long-lasting protection. For example, this CarGuys Liquid Wax has a built-in UV ray protection.

Use it on your paint, glass, and rims — just rub it in with the applicator pad that comes with the wax. The wax also comes with a microfiber towel you can use to dry the car off before applying the wax.

Consider Paint Protection Film

If you don’t think that wax is enough protection against the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun, you could opt for another type of physical barrier. Paint protection films are much more difficult to install than applying wax. They can be in a roll, like this VViViD 3M Clear Paint Protection Vinyl Film, or cut up in ready-to-install pieces. Either way, you’ll probably need a professional to apply it.

Still, some people do prefer something like this to defend against scratches and paint fading. In fact, it would even make it easier to get rid of bugs and road tar. However, I should mention that this really won’t protect you from the heat, which is what we’re trying to curtail.

Check Tire Pressure

As you may have guessed, hot temperatures are also going to affect the shape of your tires. Generally, with every 10-degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature, the tire pressure will also increase by 1 psi. Although low tire pressure is much more dangerous than high pressure, there are still disadvantages to driving on overly taut tires. Namely, taut rubber is easier to puncture and damage.

So you may want to keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment during the summer. That way, you can check in on your tires regularly or when you feel them performing badly. And most importantly, you can fix the issue immediately.

How to Protect the Interior of a Car From Sun

Obviously, the interior components of your ride are the ones that are going to suffer the most. All of that heat passes right through the metal and the glass shell of your car to create the perfect storm on the inside. If I told you how many pets have suffered a heat stroke because their owners had left them inside the car on a hot day you’d be absolutely horrified. So I suppose the first step here would be to avoid doing that.

That aside, the interior of your vehicle would also be fine if you parked in the shade. Still, if you can’t do that, your interior will likely do much better than your exterior with a few sun protectors. And another thing you could do to keep your car cool is to clean the inside of the car before cleaning the outside.

Clean the Inside of the Cabin

Just like I explained when we were talking about the exterior of the car, the interior can also get crusty and disgusting under the sun. Naturally, no one wants to see that. If you want to prevent that, you could just keep a microfiber cloth in your glove compartment and swipe over the dashboard once in a while. You can use water to scrub away the grime or, even better, car interior cleaners.

However, you should also give your vehicle a deeper cleansing once in a while. Get your carpets and floor mats out from under the seats. If the heat’s been really intense, they could have even fused together. You can either get new ones if you feel like you should or read this article to see how to clean them properly.

While the floor mats are drying, you can declutter and vacuum the car as well. All this will just get rid of the nasty gunk that can leave stains or cause unpleasant odors.

Use a Windshield Protector

As someone who lives in an area where summers can be pretty unforgiving, I can tell you that windshield protectors are going to be your best friend. These huge foil covers go right under the windshield glass, covering the entire surface so that the heat won’t be as bad when you return to the car.

Additionally, windshield protectors will prevent any other sun damages in most of the other areas of your car. Best of all, there are all sorts of fun options on the market, so you don’t even have to stick to the regular foil protectors.

Get a Dash Cover

Still, a windshield protector will only protect your dashboard while your car is parked. However, you could also get a dash cover to protect your dash from fading while you’re driving.

Additionally, dash cover mats, like the one I’ve linked to, could significantly reduce the sun glare that hits the dash, thereby bringing the internal temperature of the vehicle down. This is an especially good option for the people who spend a lot of their days in transit. Truckers and taxi drivers, for example, should invest in dash covers.

Put up Window Shades

Of course, the passengers would also be relieved if you had some sun shades in your car as well. In fact, you could also leave them on your windows when you park. Between the windshield protector and window shades on every window, you’d be greatly reducing the amount of unfiltered sunlight that gets into your vehicle.

Install Seat Covers

As I’ve said before, there’s nothing worse than getting into a stiflingly hot car on an already humid day only to get the back of your thighs singed off. That’s why having a good seat cover is so important.

Now, seat covers are a pretty personal choice for a lot of people, so I’m not going to recommend one of them. After all, it’s mostly about esthetics. Besides, different car models have different seats, so seat covers aren’t generally universal.

However, I do recommend using some sort of seat cover or at least a fabric protectant. If you have leather seats or another type of fabric that can be hurt by prolonged exposure to the sun, there are all sorts of commercial conditioners you can try to prevent cracking.

That being said, I am going to point out a seat protector I found interesting. The Modokit seat protector is essentially a waterproof towel. You can keep it in a roll in your glove compartment until you need it and wash it whenever you need to. The cover will protect your thighs from singing, and it even comes with two window shades.

Install Thermal Insulation

Of course, the ultimate solution for internal heat damages would be to use thermal insulation products. Noico makes a lot of automotive thermal and sound insulating products. Their products are one of the most popular ones.

I recommend using these insulation mats under the hood and maybe even elsewhere. Keep in mind, you will need to remove your headliner in order to get this up there. So ask a friend or a professional car mechanic to help if you’ve never done this before. Still, this could be a great way to keep things under the hood cool.

Protecting the Engine From Sun Heat

If you install thermal insulation under the hood, you should be pretty much set for the summer. However, there are still some things you’ll need to keep an eye on throughout the season.

I’m talking, of course, about checking the various fluid levels under the hood. Motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering, and brake fluids are all incredibly important for the functioning of the car. You should always know what type of each of these fluids your car uses and have them on hand in case you need to replenish them.

Car Battery

Since heat often causes battery fluid to evaporate, you’re going to have to check in on the car battery often. It’s best to avoid having to repeatedly charge the battery since that would significantly shorten its lifespan. However, just because a battery is misbehaving in the summer, it doesn’t mean that heat is the reason why.

The issue could also be caused by a bad starter, so make sure that you know what you’re dealing with. Keep checking the fluid levels just in case, and take it to a mechanic if you notice something wrong. You should also test the battery a few times during the summer somewhere where you can replenish its electrolyte levels.

Cooling System

You really don’t want your coolant to fail you in the middle of summer. So this is one of the things you’ll need to drain and replenish by the book. And by that, I mean the car’s manual.

And while the coolant keeps your engine cool, you’ll ideally be under the car’s AC. If you notice that the AC is malfunctioning, you can take the car to a mechanic. They may be able to change the refrigerant charge level or fix anything else that comes up. Also, if you’re not feeling the AC as much as you’re used to, one of your windows could be letting air in. However, those issues are typically easy to fix with a good window sealant.

Air Filters

Lastly, if you want to keep the air inside your vehicle cool and breathable, deal with your air filters. Because of all the dry dust outside the car, your filters may be more clogged during the summer than they are during colder months. And dirty air filters won’t just affect you in the cabin — they’ll also affect the car.

To Conclude

No matter how much we all love basking in the sun, most of the time, it’s really not our friend. So do for your car what you should be doing for yourself as well — sunproof it!

Keep your ride clean and check in on the general condition of the tires and the fluids it needs to function all throughout the summer months. You can give it a good waxing at the beginning of the season and use the interior sun protection shields. If you follow all of the tips I’ve explained in this article, you’ll have nothing to worry about until winter.

The post How to Protect Your Car From Sun and Heat: Interior & Exterior Tips appeared first on Car Roar.

So today I’m going to be sharing some easy home remedies and products you can use to get bugs off your car.

Prepare Your Car for Bug Season

There are several ways to prepare your car and make things easier for yourself later on. For one, you can make sure to wash your car and apply a few coats of wax at the beginning of summer.

Some people even rub a bit of petroleum jelly on the front of the car as a temporary defense against bugs. The petroleum is invisible and slick, which will make it much easier for you to clear the bugs away at the end of the day.

If you want to protect your windshield as well, you can spray on some Rain-X if you don’t want to put jelly on your windshield. In fact, if you’re having more serious issues with your windshield, you may want to look into other ways to stop water from leaking in.

Many people also put front-end covers, affectionately known as “bras,” on their front bumpers. If you’ve never seen them, they’re essentially big plastic add-ons with headlight holes. Using them allows you to be a bit rougher when you’re scraping the bugs off. However, many people also complain that front-end covers fail at their only job.

Before summer really gets going, you’ll also want to check the general condition of your car. Focus on the air conditioning — you’re going to need it. After all, if your car is getting blasted with bugs, you definitely won’t be able to keep the windows open.

10 DIY Solutions to Get Bugs Off Your Car

Now that we know a bit more about preparing your car for the bug season — let’s talk about what you can do if you just forgot it.

1. Bug Remover Sponge

Before I start talking about the different types of home remedies and products you can use to remove bugs from your car, I should mention bug remover sponges. These microfiber mesh products are soft enough to avoid damaging your car and abrasive enough to get the bugs off. Since they’re so thick and dense, they can also hold a lot of water or cleaning solution. Because you won’t have to dip into your bucket too often, you’d actually be using less product.

Honestly, sometimes just using some water and this sponge will do the trick. At the same time, you can use something like this with every one of the following tips.

Alternately, you can also use microfiber rags or rips of your old cotton tees. You should avoid terry cloth towels, though, since they’re much too abrasive. So keep that in mind as we go through all of my tips.

2. Warm Water and Soap

Everyone has warm water and soap in their home, so we might as well start with the low-budget tip. You could either mix these two in a spray bottle for an easier application or in a simple bucket or a bowl – whatever you have at hand.

Then, you can gently scrub away the bug residue with a microfiber rag — or a bug remover sponge. Remember, we don’t want to damage the car paint and the clear overcoat. So just keep the pressure minimal and rely on the gentle cleaner to do its thing.

You don’t have to use regular hand or dish soap, though. Additionally, baby shampoo would work just as well, and you can even add a bit of elbow grease in there. In fact, if you feel like experimenting, you can mix several of the home remedies on this list to create a personalized bug remover liquid.

3. Windex

Windex is a great cleaner to use both inside and outside the car. It won’t leave a greasy residue, and it should be fine to use on windows, dashboards, and upholstery, as well as the outer surface of your car.

In fact, it should even get rid of the sticky tree sap that tends to appear on the cars around the same time as when the bugs start popping up. Best of all — you probably already have Windex in your bathroom.

If you want to make the most of this magical cure-all, you can spray it on the bug carcasses and let it sit a while before wiping it off. You can even mix it with dish soap if you want to give it an extra boost, then gently wipe it off with a microfiber rag. But Windex is an incredibly effective degreaser on its own, so you don’t need to mix it at all.

4. Degreaser

On the other hand, if you don’t have Windex on hand, but you do have that bottle of degreaser liquid sitting on your kitchen sink, you could just use that. If you’re afraid that a degreaser would damage your paint, I understand where the concern is coming from. Well, if you want to try out any of these products before you commit, I’ve got a few suggestions:

• You can try out the degreaser (or any other product on this list) straight from the bottle on another metal surface.
• Or, you can water it down and spray it onto a less visible part of your own car, then wipe it off after 5 minutes.

Again, I wouldn’t be too worried about these methods damaging your car — as long as you don’t use harsh fabric, that is. But, if you need to, you can test out the products before you slather them all over your bug-spotted car.

5. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

While we’re on the subject of kitchen tools, here’s another one you can use to get rid of bug residue. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is pretty much a “one-stop shop” for a lot of your cleaning problems. However, you should be really careful when you’re using it on your car.

Although many people recommend using the Magic Eraser sponge for detailing on cars, I haven’t actually seen many people explain how to use them.

You see, Magic Erasers are melamine foam sponges, which is the same material you might use to insulate pipes or even do some soundproofing work. The foam is pretty soft to the touch, but it’s also similar to higher-grit sandpaper. Of course, the sponge does soften when you wet it. You can either run it under a tap and squeeze it until it’s soft or use a cleaning solution.

Ultimately, if you want to try out the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser tip, do it with a light hand. But even if you do overdo it with the Erasers, you may be able to fix the damage with a coat of polish.

6. Dryer Sheets and Water

Let me just stop you before you start haphazardly rubbing dryer sheets on the insect cemetery that is your car. For this tip, you’re going to need a spray bottle, some water, and a single dryer sheet. First, you can slip the dryer sheet into the bottle. Then, add warm or lukewarm water into the bottle, and let it sit.

In 10 or 20 minutes, depending on the amount of patience you have, you can spray your car with the mixture. Let that soak through the bug residue for a while. Then, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or a soft cotton rag. Repeat as needed until all the bugs are dealt with.

7. Baby Oil

But do you know what will work through all that grime even better? Oil! Everyone has baby oil somewhere in their homes — it’s great for controlling frizzy hair or moisturizing dry skin. It’s also useful for helping machinery run smoothly, and even polishing shoes, among other things.

Well, as it turns out, baby oil can even help break down dirt and dead bugs. And oils won’t damage your paint job at all. Just pour it onto your hands and saturate the areas where you see the most bugs. The oil will penetrate through the mess, allowing you to simply wipe it off.

In fact, baby oil would work just as well as petroleum jelly as a protective film. If you know you’ll be taking a road trip through a bug-infested area, you can rub some baby oil on the hood, the grill, and the bumper. Then, once you reach your destination, you can clear off the bugs easily. That is, if any of them managed to stick to the car at all.

However, be aware that most oils leave unsightly streaks on cars. After you’ve let the baby oil do its thing and wiped it off, you can wash the car as you usually would if you’re bothered by the effect. Or you can hit it with some Windex. That should get rid of the sliminess.

8. WD-40

WD-40 is one of those magical multi-purpose products everyone keeps making up more uses for. Between WD-40 and duct tape, you should have everything you need to solve any mechanical issue. As they say, “if it shouldn’t move, and it does — use duct tape. If it should move, and it doesn’t — use WD-40.”

Well, if we had to think of bug corpses in these terms, I’d say that they belong firmly in the latter category. Since this product is oil-based, you can let it sit on the surface of the car, and then wipe it off. However, you should also expect to see that slimy residue I told you about.

9. Cooking Oil Spray

Now, this tip takes us back into the kitchen. Even if you don’t have a bottle of baby oil or WD-40, most people have some type of cooking oil in their homes. For application purposes, having a cooking pan spray would be the best, but you can also use the regular bottled oil.

Just like with the previous two products, you’re going to saturate the dirty surface with the oil. Wait a minute, then wipe it away with a microfiber or cotton rag, and you’ll be left with a clean car. Well, you may have some oil streaks left over, but you can either buff those away or clean them with soap and water.

10. Bug Remover Spray

When in doubt, go for the good stuff. If you really don’t want to risk your paint job with home remedies, you can always get a real bug and tar remover. The Turtle Wax one comes highly recommended. That product can break down bug carcasses, tree sap, and asphalt tar in one fell swoop.

Once again, I should say that you can really go for any of the home remedies I’ve mentioned. After all, this bug spray remover contains petroleum too. As you can see, oil is an essential part of this equation. Basically, it’ll break down the filth without you having to scrub and potentially scratch the car.

Turtle Wax T-520A Bug and Tar Remover, Trigger - 16 Fl Oz.

• Fit type: Universal
• Package Dimensions: 26.416 H x 4.318 L x...
• Country of Origin : United States
• Package Weight: 0.522 kilograms

Check on Amazon

When Is a Bug Season?

Typically, the bug swarms are at their worst from mid to late summer. During that time, they’re pretty much unavoidable, especially if you live in humid areas.

Usually, the swarms are made up of either love bugs or flying ants. Fortunately, both of those species are fairly harmless. However, termites also swarm before they ditch their wings to go to the ground to build a nest. So you should learn to tell the difference, especially if you see swarms in your neighborhood.

When you see these insects swarming, you’re actually watching their mid-air mating dance. So, when you think about it, you’re kind of putting a big damper on the mood by driving through the swarm. You’re also taking out a chunk of the population, but that’s neither here nor there. In any case, I’m sure their population can recover.

Still, if you want to avoid swarms altogether, you’re out of luck. Although these flying insects are at their most active in the early evenings during the summer — you’re bound to have to scrape a bug or two off your windshield in the colder months, too.

Final Thoughts and Tips

Even after painstakingly scrubbing away every insect splattered on your car, there’s still one more thing to do. Many of the home remedies I’ve mentioned will leave some kind of residue. So after the bugs are taken care of, you may also want to wash your car properly.

You can make a day of it, play some music, have a drink, and give your car some TLC. But don’t forget to apply car wax or polish when you are done. It’ll make it a bit easier to deal with the bugs the next time.

Now all you’ve got to worry about is the next step — taking care of the interior! But that’s a challenge for another day.

RELATED POSTS:

• Homemade Bird Poop Removers
• Car Wash Soap Alternatives
• Best Window Cleaner Tools

The post 10 Easy Home Remedies to Remove Bug Splatter From Your Car appeared first on Car Roar.

A nice pair of sunglasses will not stay that way for long if they are not protected. For this reason, you should join me as I take a look at the best sunglass holders for your car. You will be able to find a good option to consider and your sunglasses will be much safer.

Title

SUPERIOR ESSENTIALS DOUBLE SUNGLASSES HOLDER

KOMAKE SUNGLASSES HOLDER FOR CAR SUN VISOR

HOLDCY CAR GLASSES HOLDER SUN VISOR CLIP

Preview

Key Features

Simple one handed operation

Clips into sunvisor or car vent

Fits all sunglasses

No harm to sun visor

It can rotate 180 degrees

For most sizes’ sun visor

Protect your sunglasses

Suitable for all cars

Switch on/off with one hand

More Information

Check on Amazon

Check on Amazon

Check on Amazon

Title

SUPERIOR ESSENTIALS DOUBLE SUNGLASSES HOLDER

Preview

Key Features

Simple one handed operation

Clips into sunvisor or car vent

Fits all sunglasses

More Information

Check on Amazon

Title

KOMAKE SUNGLASSES HOLDER FOR CAR SUN VISOR

Preview

Key Features

No harm to sun visor

It can rotate 180 degrees

For most sizes’ sun visor

More Information

Check on Amazon

Title

HOLDCY CAR GLASSES HOLDER SUN VISOR CLIP

Preview

Key Features

Protect your sunglasses

Suitable for all cars

Switch on/off with one hand

More Information

Check on Amazon

Features to Consider When Shopping for Car Sunglass Holders

When you are looking to buy a good sunglass holder, there are certain features that you should look out for. You want the sunglass holder to be as practical to use as possible. This will ensure that you will always have a smooth experience. Take a look at these convenient features that you should be on the lookout for:

• Dashboard or visor installation
• Ease of use
• Compatibility with all cars and sunglasses
• UV protection
• 180-degree rotation

If you can find sunglass holders with some, if not all, of the features listed above, then you will have a good experience. This is going to be an important part of determining which sunglass holders will stand above the rest in terms of quality. You want the features to improve your overall experience while making it easy to grab your sunglasses whenever you need them.

Most of the sunglass holders on this list will have features such as this and they are all good in their own ways. Which one is going to appeal to you the most will largely depend on your specific needs. Some sunglass holders may work better for certain cars too, depending on size restrictions. That being said, read on so that you can find out the best options and choose which one you will ultimately want to buy.

Top 7 Sunglass Holders for Your Car (2025 Edition)

I created this list because people often don’t know what to do with their sunglasses when they are driving. People are aware that sunglass holders exist but many do not know that some are a lot better than others. When you buy a superior sunglass holder, it is going to make your life that much easier. It may sound a bit dramatic but it is just nice to be able to ensure that things are as convenient as possible while you are driving.

You can get a sunglass holder that will help you to grab your sunglasses fast while you are driving. Finding an option that is simultaneously convenient and capable of protecting your sunglasses is fantastic. I think that this information should help you to make an informed decision as a consumer. Seeing friends go out and buy really flimsy sunglass holders is part of what prompted me to make this list of good options.

1. Super Essentials Double Sunglasses Holder

This option from Superior Essentials is really going to be worth your time. If you would like to be able to hold two pairs of sunglasses at once in your holder, then this is among the most convenient options. You will be able to easily fasten this sunglass holder to your sun visor. It fits onto your sun visor by using a little clip to attach itself.

You will also be able to attach this sunglass holder to your intro car vent if that is going to be more convenient for you. Either way, this is absolutely an easy sunglass holder to make use of. You can clip it on in a matter of seconds and it will remain secure while you drive. Sharp turns are not going to send it flying or anything so you can rely on this product to protect your glasses.

One of the most positive features of this sunglass holder is the fact that it is so easy to use. You do not need to press any buttons or slide any moving parts to remove your sunglasses. You can simply grab your sunglasses off of the clips and start using them whenever you want to. This sunglass holder fits all glasses and sunglasses too so it should work for anyone.

2. HOLDCY Car Sun Visor Glasses Case Clip

If you are worried about keeping your glasses safe, then you may be interested in an option that will protect your glasses even more than usual. As convenient as the above product was, it still left your sunglasses exposed to getting bumped when you are getting in and out of the car. As unlikely as it is that there would be any problems with bumping the sun visor, some people will still prefer something more rugged.

HOLDCY has created an interesting offering that works similarly to most sunglass holders while providing more protection. This sunglass holder will easily fit on any sun visor. It can also be clipped on other things but most people will be using this with a sun visor. You will be placing your sunglasses inside of a case in order to keep them safe.

When you need to use your sunglasses again, you can simply open the case and grab your glasses. Opening this holder is actually very simple too. You can do it with one hand so that it does not disrupt the flow of your driving in any way. This is a convenient option that will keep your sunglasses safe from getting bumped or damaged in any way.

3. Dutch Brook 5 Pcs Auto Car Vehicle Sun Visor Clip Holder for Sunglasses

Dutch Brook has made a very aesthetically pleasing sunglass holder with this offering. This sunglass holder looks really nice and it comes in various colors. If you care about how things look, then this is actually one of the more visually impressive sunglass holders on this list. The sunglass holder will come in either black, blue, red, gray, or silver.

It is also very small so it does not take up a lot of room or get in your way. You will be able to neatly clip this sunglass holder onto your sun visor in order to keep your glasses safe. It will fit any type of sunglasses as the clip is simply going to hold onto the arms of your glasses to keep them safely pinned to the sun visor.

You can keep your glasses and your sun visor looking tidy if you choose to make use of this model. The sunglass holder itself is made from plastic and alloy. It stands up to regular use very well and should keep your glasses safe and out of the way for a long time. This is a very practical sunglass holder that maintains a low profile. If you like being able to keep your sunglass holders small and practical, then you should consider this option.

4. HaloVa Car Glasses Holder

The HaloVa Car Glasses Holder is a high-quality product that allows you to conveniently store your glasses on your sun visor. This sunglass holder holds onto your sunglasses very securely. If you like to buy thicker glasses, then you will not need to worry with this product. It will hold onto your sunglasses very tightly and keep them safe while you are driving.

One of the added conveniences of this product is the fact that it allows for full 360-degree rotation. This means that you can rotate the holder in order to easily adjust your sunglasses. If you need to move the sunglasses to a different position to keep them from obstructing your view, then the rotation functionality makes it easy to do so. You can use this sunglass holder to its full potential without any trouble.

Many people use this sturdy clip for other purposes too. It can easily store business cards, tickets, or other things that you need to tuck away while you’re on the road. When you’re using this for your glasses, it will keep them safe with its soft sponge material. You should not have to worry even if you are using this holder to store your expensive designer sunglasses.

5. AutoBoxClub Clear – New EZ Pass Holder

This sunglass holder is going to look a little bit different than what you are used to seeing. It does not function in the same way as the sunglass holders that I have highlighted so far. This holder does not attach to your sun visor. In order to make use of this, you are going to be attaching it to your windshield.

The unit has little suction cups that easily attach to your windshield. You can then fasten your sunglasses to this holder in order to keep your glasses up and out of the way. It is a good option for people who do not want to have to take up space on their sun visors. If you would prefer to have your holder on your windshield itself, then this one will work out nicely.

This is actually meant for passes that people use on their commute but many people have taken to using it for sunglasses. It is a good fit for many types of glasses but it may not provide the same levels of protection as some of the other options on this list. Depending on your needs, this will either be a really convenient option or one that you would prefer to pass on.

6. Komake Glasses Holder for Car Sun Visor

The Komake Glasses Holder is one of the preferred options for many people. This is a sunglass holder that is similar to the Dutch Brook offering from earlier in many ways. There are some differences that help to set it apart, though. For example, this has a double-ended sunglass visor clip.

You will easily be able to store two pairs of sunglasses if you choose to buy this clip. It fits right on your sun visor in your car and you can easily grab your glasses at any time. The glasses attach right to whichever clip you choose to use. It is small and out of the way as well so the sunglass holder will never obstruct your view.

Komake uses a soft bubble cotton on both ends in order to keep your sunglasses from coming to harm. It is even designed to leave as little impact on your sun visor as possible. Many sunglass holders leave an imprint on your visor due to the pressure that they are applying but that is not the case with this one. You can also easily rotate the sunglass holder 180-degrees when you need to so it has many beneficial features to keep you happy.

7. Yeworth Double Sunglasses-Glasses Holder for Car Sun Visor

Lastly, there is the Yeworth Double Sunglasses Holder. This is a product that is not too unlike many of the other ones on this list. It is made to clip onto your car sun visor in order to give you convenient access to your sunglasses at all times. You can use this sunglass holder to hold two pairs of glasses for you if need be.

It has an easy clip-on system that allows you to attach everything very quickly. The grip that it has on your sun visor is very firm and your glasses absolutely should not move once you have made use of this convenient holder. You can use this while driving without problems too as you will be able to unclip your glasses with one hand.

This unit is adjustable too, meaning that you can change it around to your liking. It should fit any pair of glasses that you own. People also use this holder to hang onto small accessories or other important items while they are driving. It is a convenient thing to own that should come in handy for just about everyone.

Why You Should Get a Sunglasses Holder

There are quite a few practical reasons why you should buy sunglass holders for your car. Firstly, these types of sunglass holders do not come with your car when you buy it from the dealership. It is something that you absolutely have to buy as an accessory after the fact.

To add to this, you also need to be able to reach your sunglasses when you need to use them. If you do not have a convenient place to put your sunglasses while you are driving, then you are likely to lose them. People who place their glasses on the dashboard often find that the glasses will slide around and wind up falling on the floor of the car somewhere. The same thing often happens when you try to place your sunglasses on the car seat.

Fumbling with your center console while you are driving is not recommended either. You will not have easy access to your sunglasses if you choose to store them in there. The most practical thing to do is to buy sunglass holders that will allow you to easily access your sunglasses whenever the sun is shining a bit too brightly. You will be able to grab them quickly and it will not interrupt the flow of your driving.

Lastly, it just makes sense to keep the sunglasses safe. Your sunglasses might be expensive and really nice. You do not want to accidentally ruin an expensive pair of sunglasses simply because you did not take the proper precautions. Buying sunglass holders is truly worthwhile and there are many good ones on the market.

Keep Your Shades Safe and Handy

Now that you know more about what these sunglass holders have to offer, it will be easier to choose one for your car. No matter what choice you make, you will be getting a good sunglass holder. All of the above options have their own positive qualities to offer. There should be one or two of them that will stand out to you and your specific tastes.

Having a nice sunglass holder in your car makes it so much easier to protect your sunglasses. If you are the type of person who spends money on designer sunglasses, then it simply makes sense to want to protect your investment. These sunglass holders should keep your sunglasses out of harm’s way. You will be able to use them whenever you want but you will not have to worry about them getting bumped around while you’re driving.

All of these should work well with just about any glasses too. If you need to use sunglass holders for your extra set of prescription glasses, then it should work out fine for those purposes. As long as you pick an option that will be easy to use inside of your car, you will be good to go.

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In short: yes, you can — but only if your lease agreement allows it. Applying a wrap without prior authorization from the leasing company could result in penalties or additional charges. If your lease doesn’t specifically mention vehicle wraps, it’s always best to consult the lessor before making any modifications.

In this post, we’ll explore why it’s essential to follow your lease agreement when considering a wrap, and highlight the key factors to think about before moving forward with your decision.

Consult the Lease Agreement Before Wrapping a Leased Car

A vehicle lease agreement is a fairly standard document detailing the rights and obligations of each party. A lot of the time, parties sign the lease agreement and barely have to consider it until the agreement nears its expiration.

However, those parties often don’t need to modify their cars.If you want to modify the leased car, you must pay close attention to the agreement’s wording.

Due to the increasing popularity of wrapping, some leasing companies have incorporated provisions expressly allowing or denying lessees the authority to wrap leased vehicles. With such agreements, a quick perusal of the document will inform you whether you can wrap the leased vehicle.

Breaching an express provision about wrapping will entitle the lessor to remedies, which often involve monetary damages and termination of the agreement.

If the agreement has no provision regarding wrapping, consult the owner before taking any steps. Just because your contract is silent on the matter doesn’t mean the leasing company allows or prohibits the wrapping of its vehicles.

In such a situation, the contract’s fine print can become your undoing, leading to unforeseen expenses. Therefore, reach out to the dealership before wrapping the car.

Wrapping can be beneficial, but it can have its downsides, especially when done poorly. So, you understand why some leasing companies bar customers from wrapping leased vehicles.

As mentioned, the issue with wrapping a leased car without approval from the lessor is you risk incurring unnecessary costs when the lessor demands you remedy the breach. Furthermore, depending on the agreement, the leasing company might treat wrapping as a material breach of contract that entitles it to damages and termination of the agreement.

Factors to Consider When Wrapping a Leased Car

Assuming the lease agreement allows you to wrap the leased car, there are several factors you must consider when wrapping to prevent car damage.

Most lease agreements place liability on the lessee for car damage. You’ll have to cover repair costs if the wrap damages the car.

Age of the Paint

As much as you may not want to contact the leasing company after taking possession of the vehicle, it’s necessary to ask the lessor about the paint’s age before wrapping.

A vehicle is usually ready to drive 24 hours after a paint job, but it takes 30 to 90 days for the fresh paint to cure fully. During curing, the paint releases gasses that hamper the wrap’s adhesion to the car’s body.

Wrapping a car whose paint isn’t fully cured will result in unsatisfactory results. Therefore, verifying the paint’s age and condition is essential before wrapping a leased car.

Eight weeks of curing should be enough, but allow the paint to dry for 3 months to be safe.

Vinyl Material Used

You should only opt for high-quality vinyl for the leased vehicle. High-quality vinyl lasts long after the stated warranty while maintaining its beauty.

Quality vinyl lasts five to seven years, depending on the car’s usage and the climate the material is exposed to. Harsh weather reduces the lifespan of most vinyl wraps.

A quality wrap that can last five years will be ready for removal as the lease agreement elapses in three years. The average car lease duration in the United States is 36 months.

Even if the duration extends to 48 months, a quality vinyl will peel off without damaging the paint.

However, cheap, low-quality wrap ages poorly. It starts fading prematurely and fraying around the edges, forcing you to incur added costs. Ultimately, you end up spending more than you would’ve if you’d bought the high-quality vinyl.

The Vinyl Installer

No matter your DIY skills and belief you can pull off a decent wrap job, I strongly advise that you let professionals handle the job.

You can wrap a vehicle with guidance from online videos, but the results will be unsatisfactory. Furthermore, you’ll likely make mistakes affecting vinyl’s longevity and looks.

Therefore, purchase quality vinyl and pay a trained technician to wrap the leased vehicle.

Is Wrapping a Leased Car Worth It?

After reading the above, you might wonder whether wrapping a leased car is worth the cost. You might pay a significant amount to install quality wrap, but it’ll be a worthwhile investment.

Wrapping a leased car is worth it because of the following reasons:

• Effortless advertisement. Once you wrap your leased vehicle with vinyl featuring the details of your business, the car becomes a moving billboard that advertises your business.
• Paint protection. Wrapping your car places a layer over the paint that protects the vehicle from light abrasion and contaminants like tree sap, acid rain, and bird droppings. Peeling off the wrap will reveal a layer of fresh and unblemished paint.
• It’s a temporary measure. Wrapping is temporary as peeling away the wrap exposes the car’s original paint. It guarantees you ride in a car with your preferred colors without interfering with the vehicle’s paint job.

Key Takeaways

The authority to wrap a leased vehicle comes from the lease agreement. Most car lease agreements contain a provision authorizing or preventing the wrapping of a leased vehicle.

If the lease agreement doesn’t have such a provision, consult the lessor about the planned wrapping. If the lessor agrees, ask about the paint’s age, as wrapping on uncured paint is pointless.

Furthermore, purchase high-quality wrapping vinyl and pay a qualified professional to wrap the vehicle.

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Many vehicles can run on premium or regular gas, and mixing them is generally harmless. However, if your car requires high-octane fuel, you should limit mixing premium with regular gas. Doing so may cause a dip in performance, as well as detonation, which could lead to engine damage.

Read on to know the difference between premium and regular gas. This article will discuss the effects of using both types of gasoline and why some vehicles require high octane fuel.

The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gasoline

Premium and regular fuels are both unleaded crude oils. The main difference between the two gasoline grades is their octane rating, a number used to signify fuel’s ability to cope with improper engine combustion.

Regular gasoline has an octane rating of 87, which is adequate for most cars with naturally aspirated engines. Premium gasoline has an octane rating of 91 or 93 and is required for vehicles with turbocharged or high compression engines.

Mixing Premium and Regular Gas

If your vehicle runs on regular gasoline, refueling with premium gas will not be harmful, nor will your car benefit from it. Some believe that using premium gasoline can increase performance or clean your car’s fuel system, but this is not true. Cars that run on regular gasoline should stick with regular gasoline. 

On the flip side, using regular gasoline could be harmful if your vehicle requires you to refuel with premium gasoline. So, if you’re running low on fuel and only regular gas is available at the gas station, just put enough in to get you to the next gas station with premium fuel.

Mixing regular with premium fuel will cause the octane rating of your fuel to fall below 91 octane. The octane rating will depend on the ratio of regular and premium fuel in your tank.

Octane Boosters

Using an octane booster is one way to protect your engine if you have to use regular gas on an engine that requires premium gasoline. Octane boosters are fuel additives that increase the octane rating of your fuel.

The K&N Performance Octane Booster (available on Amazon) is specially formulated to clean your injectors and other engine components, aside from increasing your fuel’s octane rating.

Why Some Vehicles Require Premium Gasoline

Some manufacturers will recommend using premium gasoline for added performance, while others will require it to prevent damaging the engine. In most cases, premium gasoline is recommended for cars with forced induction or high compression engines.

Forced Induction Engines

Engines that use forced induction or those with a high compression ratio typically require premium gasoline. Forced induction engines use turbochargers or superchargers to increase air intake. Allowing more air into the combustion chamber increases cylinder pressure and compression.

High Compression Engines

There are also (naturally aspirated) engines that don’t have turbos or superchargers with high compression ratios. Engines with high compression ratios have better thermal efficiency and can extract more power from combustion using less fuel. The disadvantage of having a high-compression ratio is an increased tendency for engine knock, resulting from premature gas combustion.

Engine Knock

Another word for engine knock is detonation, which occurs when fuel in the combustion chamber ignites earlier than it should. The combustion timing has to be extremely precise for an engine to achieve optimal performance and efficiency. When premature combustion occurs, the piston disrupts the movement of the crankshaft, causing the engine to lose its momentum.

Engine knock produces a disturbing pinging sound which intensifies as you accelerate. Aside from the annoying sound it makes, engine knock compromises performance and efficiency.

If engine knocking happens frequently, it may also cause severe engine damage due to added friction on the cylinder walls, pistons, and crankshaft bearings.

You may also find the following article interesting: Best Oil Additives to Stop Engine Knocking.

The Advantage of High-Octane Fuel

High octane fuels are more heat resistant and burn slower, significantly decreasing the chance of premature ignition of gas that results in engine knocking. Regular gasoline is more likely to ignite under high compression spontaneously.

If you’re tempted to use regular gasoline because it’s cheaper, just remember that saving a few cents per gallon at the pump might cost you more money down the road if your vehicle requires high-octane fuel.

How to Tell What Type of Fuel to Use on Your Vehicle

Most cars work well with regular gasoline, particularly those with naturally aspirated engines.  Given the increasing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, manufacturers use turbocharged engines to make up for smaller displacements.

It would be remiss to say that all high compression engines must run on high octane fuel since there is always an exception to the rule. One such example is the turbocharged Mazda 3 with a high compression SkyActiv engine, where the manufacturer gives a horsepower rating based on the type of fuel you use.

It shows that a car can run on regular gasoline despite using a high compression engine with forced induction. This is because modern vehicles are equipped with ECUs (electronic control unit) that can alter engine timing to accommodate lower octane fuels. But that also doesn’t mean all modern cars with ECUs can use regular gasoline.

The best way to determine what fuel to use is to check the back of your car’s fuel lid. Most cars will have a sticker stating the minimum octane rating required. Check your owner’s manual or consult your dealership if your car doesn’t have a sticker behind the fuel lid.

Mixing Gasoline From Different Brands

Gasoline is essentially the same regardless of which gas station you go to. The difference lies in the quality, quantity, and type of additives each gas company uses.

The Clean Air Act is a federal law that aims to reduce and control air pollution throughout the country. As such, the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is required to regulate fuels and additives used in motor vehicles.

Fuel additives can clean fuel lines and injectors, improve performance, and lower emissions.  There is a minimum requirement for the amount of additives each fuel company must use in their products. Cheaper brands often use the bare minimum, while more prominent names like Shell and Mobil use more additives.

So, getting your fuel from different gas stations isn’t harmful to your vehicle, but sticking with reputable brands isn’t a bad idea since they usually have better additives.

To Sum Up

Mixing premium and regular gasoline will not harm if your vehicle doesn’t require premium fuel. Most automobiles requiring premium gasoline have high compression engines prone to detonation or engine knock.

The ECUs of some high compression engines can cope with regular fuel by adjusting their timing. However, you should still limit mixing premium and regular gas if your car manufacturer requires premium gasoline.

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Your car might be burning oil so fast because there’s a leak that spills oil outside the engine or into the combustion chamber, causing it to burn. Worn gaskets and seals are the most common culprits for oil leaks, but there could also be a more serious issue.

If you see a significant drop each time you check the dipstick, read on to learn why your car burns oil faster than usual. This article will tackle how to tell if your car is burning oil, what you should do, and discuss the reasons behind it.

Reasons Why Your Car Is Burning Oil So Fast

Motor oil keeps your engine running smoothly by ensuring it is well lubricated to reduce friction between moving parts.  It also cleanses the engine from dirt and contaminants. Therefore, aside from keeping oil at adequate levels, you also need to change the oil periodically. 

By design, the oil should remain contained within the engine, and a regular oil change should suffice in keeping the oil level sufficient. Refilling about a quart of oil every 2,000 miles is not unusual. However, if you have to top up more often, you must investigate why your car is losing oil.

Unaddressed, oil leaks can lead to more costly repairs. So, it’s critical to isolate and fix the issue as soon as possible. Below are possible reasons why your car is consuming extra amounts of oil.

1. Dirty or Worn-Out PCV Valve

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is an emission control device. It’s a small plastic hose with a spring inside that sucks excess combustion gasses. These gasses then pass through the intake manifold before being burned in the combustion chamber a second time. This process lowers harmful gas emissions from the vehicle’s exhaust system. 

If the PCV valve gets clogged or damaged, excessive pressure can build up in the crankcase, causing oil to seep through the seals and out the engine. Oil can also get sucked into the intake manifold instead of the combustion gasses, leading to your car burning more oil.

Aside from oil leaks, you can tell your car’s PCV valve is faulty if it exhibits the following symptoms:

• The engine fails to idle smoothly.
• Misfiring occurs.
• Acceleration becomes rough.
• Check engine light turns on.
• Excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe.

2. Worn Out Piston Rings

A more severe issue that can cause the oil in your car to burn faster is worn-out piston rings.  The piston rings in an engine form a seal between the piston and cylinder walls to regulate the oil that lubricates the cylinder. They also keep the oil sump free from combustion gasses. 

When piston rings become worn out, a gap forms between the ring face and cylinder wall, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. The worn piston rings will cause an increase in oil consumption and, in some cases, serious engine damage due to a blow-by. 

Symptoms of worn-out piston rings include:

• Excessive consumption of oil.
• Engine overheating.
• Poor acceleration and lack of engine power.
• Blue or white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.

3. Cylinder Wall Damage

Damaged cylinder walls can also cause excessive oil consumption. Even if your piston rings are not worn out, a gap may still form between the piston and cylinder, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. This happens if the cylinder walls are coarse or deformed. 

Cylinder wall damage can occur when the engine is not sufficiently lubricated. The oil acts as a protective layer on the cylinder walls each time the pistons move up and down. If there isn’t enough oil, the pistons or the rings can scrape and damage the cylinder walls.

Engine overheating can also damage the cylinder walls due to thermal expansion. Further damage can occur when the cylinder walls become deformed due to metal-to-metal contact between the cylinder wall and pistons.

Yet another cause of damaged cylinder walls is dirty engine oil. It causes damage by leaving carbon deposits on the walls. This is why it is crucial to change your oil regularly and keep it at acceptable levels.

4. Damaged Valve Seals

Damaged valve seals can also cause low oil levels. Despite being made of heavy-duty rubber, valve seals can degrade over time or if you put a lot of miles on your vehicle. 

Valve seals control the amount of oil that goes into the valve stem system. They also keep oil from entering the combustion chamber, thus your engine can end up burning oil if the valve seals fail.

One way to check if your valve seals are worn out is by performing a cold engine test. The test is done by starting the engine after leaving it sitting overnight and checking for bluish smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Bluish smoke indicates that the oil left on the top of the valve cover head has entered the combustion chamber and that your valve seals need replacement.

Other symptoms of broken valve seals are similar to those displayed by worn-out piston rings. However, always have your valve seals checked before moving on to other parts that may require a more extensive overhaul.

Valve seals are relatively inexpensive, but the cost of labor needed to replace them might not be.

5. Damaged Valve Cover Gasket

A damaged valve cover gasket will also cause oil to leak. The oil will not enter the combustion chamber, but low oil levels can damage piston rings and cylinder walls. 

The valve cover is a metal or plastic cover bolted on top of the engine’s cylinder head. It is essentially the skull of the engine that protects internal components while keeping oil contained and dirt out. All valve covers have a gasket that forms a seal between the cylinder head and valve cover.

If the gasket becomes worn out, it will cause oil to seep out of the engine. This will lead to visible sludge around the valve cover and a burning smell or smoke if the oil reaches the exhaust manifold while it is hot. 

You may also like: Symptoms That Show You Have Oil on Your Spark Plugs.

How To Tell Your Car Is Burning Oil

Since most of the parts that keep oil from reaching the combustion chamber are internal engine components, there won’t always be visible oil leaks under the hood. Hence, the best way to tell whether your car is burning oil is by regularly checking your oil levels.

Checking your vehicle’s oil level only takes a few minutes and should be done once every two to three weeks. Of course, there’s no harm in doing it more often since a little effort can prevent massive headaches and expenses in the long run. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Before checking your oil level, make sure the car is parked (with the parking brake engaged) on an even spot. 
2. Locate the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe the oil off with a rag. 
3. After wiping the oil off, you should see an oil level indicator in the form of lines. Other vehicles will have “full” or “add” on the dipstick. In any case, you should fill the oil level to the bar on top.

To confirm your car is burning oil, monitor the oil levels every week for a month. If you have to add more than a quart of oil within 2000 miles, there may be an oil leak.

Again, not all oil leaks are visible, so you may have to look out for other symptoms such as excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, rough idling, and poor acceleration.

What To Do if Your Car Is Burning Oil

If your car is burning oil excessively, have the car diagnosed and repaired immediately. Prolonging the fix will just cause more severe problems. 

Some people use oil additives to address the issue, but this is a band-aid solution and does not solve the root of the problem. 

A car that’s burning oil may require a significant amount of money to fix. However, you can try to isolate the minor potential causes like a damaged PCV valve or valve cover gasket prior to having any major repairs done.

Ironically, most of the costly issues, such as damaged piston rings and cylinder walls, are usually caused by lack of lubrication. So, the best way to save money is by constantly checking your car’s oil level and making sure there’s enough of it.

Final Thoughts

It’s pretty typical for automobiles with internal combustion engines to burn oil. Nonetheless, refilling your vehicle’s engine oil each month is excessive.

Finding out why your car is burning oil so fast can be tricky since numerous components can trigger the problem. What’s worse, the symptoms are almost the same, and the repairs can cost a pretty penny.

Still, despite how much it costs to seek professional help to pinpoint the issue, fixing the problem immediately will cost less than dealing with more serious issues down the road. 

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Discount Tires doesn’t do wheel alignments in any of their shops. Instead, they offer quick and accessible services for any other related issues to help prolong the life of your tires.

Keep reading to learn why Discount Tires doesn’t do alignments and which services they do offer. I’ll also explain the importance of wheel alignments and signs that your tires are in need of alignment.

Why Discount Tires Doesn’t Do Alignments

Discount Tires doesn’t do alignments on your vehicle because they do not have the tools or capability to perform tire alignments at this time.

However, they will give you information about how alignment settings can affect your tires. Fortunately, they commit to maintaining relationships with local alignment and auto repair shops.

You can get a single wheel alignment for as little as $75 at a local repair shop or a warranty for just over $200.

What Services Does Discount Tires Provide?

Discount Tires provide several services to help increase the life of your tires and keep you safe on the road. They do perform the following services across all their stores nationally:

• Tire inspections
• Flat repair
• Pressure Checks
• Heat Cycling
• WInter Changeover
• Road force balancing
• TPMS services

For a list of all services Discount Tires offer, click here.

Unfortunately, the one service they don’t offer is tire alignment. Instead, Discount Tires focuses on providing world-class service and affordable prices for tires and wheels.

Signs That Your Tires Need Aligning

If your tires need aligning, you’ll start to notice small changes in the ways your car performs. Just using your senses, you should be able to spot when something is wrong or unusual about your vehicle. Some common signs of poor tire alignment include:

• Uneven tire wear
• Steering wheel being crooked while you drive straight
• The vehicle pulls to one side
• Tires that squeal
• Rim repair

If you notice some of these symptoms, schedule a tire check immediately.

Importance of Wheel Alignments

Tire alignment makes sure your wheels are performing at their maximum potential. However, driving every day can cause natural wear and tear, eventually leading to poor alignment and damage to your car.

It’s recommended to check your alignments every six months or any time your suspension takes a hit; this could be as simple as hitting the curb or driving through a pothole.

Here are some reasons why wheel alignment is so important:

Resistance in Your Tires

Incorrect alignment in your vehicle will cause your car to work harder than it needs to; there’s a significant increase in resistance between the road and your tire. As the more resistance on each tire, the wear on the tread will become worn down and uneven. It’s hazardous to drive on uneven tires.

The Efficiency of Your Car

Having poor wheel alignment can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency. With gas prices already hitting a record high, it’s important to keep your alignments in the correct position, or you could be spending money on more than just extra gas.

Comfort While Driving

If your wheels are poorly aligned, it may cause a slight discomfort while driving. You may feel an increased vibration on your steering wheel, and your vehicle could also produce more noise if the treads are uneven. If the comfort levels of your car decrease, it’s usually because of poor alignment.

Can You Perform a Wheel Alignment at Home?

You can complete a tire alignment at home, but you must have the right tools and some experience before attempting to do so. Keep in mind, however, you won’t be getting the same accuracy as professional measuring tools.

Still, if you want to save some money and extend the life of your tires, it’s entirely possible to do a wheel alignment in your own backyard.

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately, Discount Tires does not perform wheel alignments due to their lack of tools or capability, but they can perform various other services to your tires:

• Flat Repair
• Tire Inspections
• Pressure checks

Discount Tires offer great advice for those looking for a tire alignment and have local links to services.

Check your alignments every six months or if your suspension takes a hit, use your senses to feel if anything is wrong, making sure your tires will wear evenly. Proper tire alignment helps increase your tire life and makes your vehicle more efficient, comfortable, and safer.

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