Wow! That's-a-lot-o-dirt!

Having owned my car for just over a year now I thought it would be a good time to change the cabin air filter. If you don't know, many cars built since 2000 have cabin air filtration systems. Want to know if yours does? Check out a site like Google or check in with AutoZone.

Don't try and clean it, just replace it. They average $20-30 at AutoZone and three cars that I've changed the filter on took no more than 15 minutes each. Most manufacturers recommend changing them annually, or 15K miles. It does make a difference! See for yourself (obviously, new filter on the left)...

Car Care Questions Answered

Now that spring has come and most of the pollen is gone it's easier to keep a car clean. I've been asked several times lately what I use to clean the Acura TL with -- and what I use to attempt to keep it clean. So, I thought what better forum to answer those questions but on my blog.

Q: Do you hand wash your car?
A: I'd love to, and when I can, I do. However, I typically visit my local Super SpeedWash and get their Wheel Deal. Though automated, it does an exceptional job washing the car and shining the tires. However, once I drive around the vacuums, I always hand-dry the car with diaper cloth and take it home for the fine details.

Q: What products do you use?
A: I use a multitude of products. Specifically:

• Wash - Mr. Clean AutoDry car wash with a chenille wash mitt
• Wax - Meguiar's NXT Generation Liquid Wax
• Glass - Stoner InvisibleGlass (safe on tint, no streaks)
• Leather - Method Leather Wipes (environmentally safe, biodegradable)
• Tires - Meguiar's Hot Shine
• Exterior Touch-up - Meguiar's NXT Speed Detailer spray
• Interior Vinyl/Rubber/Plastic - Meguiar's Gold Class Protectant (non-shiny/non-greasy)
• Clothes - micro-fiber for all interior work and glass; diaper cloth for exterior detailing; NO TOWELS

Q: Micro-fiber cloth instead of towels?
A: You bet. Towels leave lint. Towels are wasteful. A good micro-fiber cloth cleans incredibly well without any solvent/solution most of the time. I personally use VROOM micro-fiber automotive cloths from Target, but most any will do.

Have more questions? Just ask!