Q: I recently drove through a construction site and later realized that concrete spattered near the lower wheel wells. How can I remove it without ruining the finish?

A: Concrete is pretty abrasive, so don't just start rubbing it. Soak the splatter with white distilled vinegar. A little patience and picking should remove it. Once you have the whole area cleaned, re-apply a coat of wax to the area.

Q: As I was looking at different types of car cleaning supplies I noticed waxes and polishes. What is the difference between a wax and a polish?

A: A wax is generally used after the car is polished. A polish removes minor scratches and oxidation by using special chemicals and abrasives. A wax adds a thin layer of protection over the vehicle's finish. Some cleaners combine a polish and wax into one product. However, a two step process using a polish first and then a wax generally produces a better overall finish.

Q: What can I do to make the wheel wells around my tires look like new?

A: You could use a pressure washer to clean the wheel wells. Some wheel wells are plastic, while others are metal. Plastic style wheel wells may just need a good cleaning. Undercoating sprays or brush on products can be purchased at your local auto parts store to protect metal wheel wells from rusting. If you use a spray type product, be sure to mask off your car's painted areas to prevent overspray.

Q: The gas can I use for my lawnmowers spilled in my trunk. What can I use to get rid of the smell?

A: Make sure all of the fluid is absorbed. Sprinkle some kitty litter in the area of the spill. Once all of the liquid is absorbed, you will still have to get the smell out. If your trunk has carpet or fabric, you may want to remove it so you can clean it thoroughly. Use a fabric cleaner to clean the area. A teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (like Dawn^® liquid dish detergent) mixed with water in a spray bottle may also work. Since gasoline is a petroleum product (made from oil), the dish detergent will help remove any oil residue. Spray the area and scrub with a brush, then wipe with a towel. Let the fabric air out in a well ventilated area for several days. You may also want to try an odor neutralizer product after the spill has been completely cleaned.

Q: What type of lubricant can I use on power windows to make them go up smooth? Mine seem like they are catching and a little jerky.

A: A silicone type spray available in an aerosol can is usually recommended. Lightly spray the lubricant in the window tracks every six months or so. This type of lubricant will reduce the friction of the window going up and down, putting less strain on the window lift motor.

Q: I would like to paint the tips of my car's tailpipes black. What type of paint should I use?

A: You could use paint that is rated for high temperatures. Rust-Oleum^® brand manufactures a "high heat" paint that withstands temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. When spraying the tailpipe tips, be sure to mask off any area to prevent overspray.

Q: Why do the front wheels on my car get dirty quicker than my back wheels?

A: What you see on your wheels is disc brake dust. When braking, a small amount of brake pad material wears off and turns into dust. This dust commonly collects on your wheel or hubcap. There are two basic reasons your front wheels get dirty quicker. First, the front brakes do more of the braking than the rear brakes, making them wear quicker. Second, if your car's rear brakes are drum style, the dust usually collects in the drum and then falls out on the backside of the wheel.

Q:Is it OK for me to use a dish detergent when washing my car?

A: Dish detergents are not chemically designed for cars and may strip the wax off your vehicle's finish. Use only auto-approved soaps when washing your car. Auto-approved soaps are formulated to float away the dirt and grime without harming the finish.

Q: I am looking for a product that will clean the white lettering on my tires. What would you suggest?

A: A product that I have used for years is Westley's^® Bleche-Wite^®. I have found that spraying this cleaner on the white letters or whitewalls and then scrubbing with a soft brush will make them look like new. After cleaning the sidewalls, rinse the wheel and tire with water to remove all chemicals.

Q: What can I use to get rid of the squeak from my car door hinge?

A: The hinge is squeaking due to friction and a lack of lubrication. Using a couple drops of motor oil, WD-40, 3-in-one oil, silicone spray, or white lithium grease will usually eliminate the squeak and lubricate the pivoting point. Lubricate the door hinges about once a year to avoid future problems.

Q: What causes fog to form on the inside of my car's windshield during cold weather?

A: Fog forms from humidity in the air. In the winter the air outside the vehicle is generally very dry. Moisture is added to air inside the car from passengers breathing. Exhaled air is very moist. To reduce the moisture in the air inside the car you need to keep air flowing in from the outside. Many car heating and cooling systems have two settings: (1) to recirculate the air or (2) to bring air in from the outside. Since the cold air is less humid, turn the setting so the air is brought in from the outside. You can also use the air conditioning (AC) with the temperature control set to hot to heat the inside passenger compartment. The AC will pull excess moisture from the air.

Q: Gasoline spilled on my car's paint when I was filling up. I immediately cleaned it and washed the car. Will the gas harm my car's paint?

A: It is good that you washed your car right away. I would also recommend waxing the affected area. Gas can strip wax, which could eventually lead to fading in that area. Waxing the finish will help to maintain the shine and protect the paint.

Q: I'm looking to sell my car and want to clean the engine compartment before putting it up for sale. What are the do's and don'ts?

A: The DO'S - Spray an all purpose cleaner like "Simple Green" on a rag and then wipe down the engine compartment. Do not spray the cleaner directly on engine components. Spray it on the rag and then wipe. Take your time. After everything is clean, use a product like "Armor All" on the rubber and plastic components. The DON'TS - Don't use a hose or pressure washer to spray the engine. Today's cars have lots of wires, connectors, and fuse blocks in the engine compartment. Moisture will cause damage to the electrical components.

Q: What is paintless dent repair?

A: This is a process that removes dents and dings without affecting the paint. A technician goes behind the panel using special tools to work out the dent. No sanding or body filler is used on this technique. Paintless dent repair methods can be used if the paint has not been scraped or cracked. However, not all dents can be repaired using this method.

Q: My car gets smothered with road salt each year. How can I help to prevent rust from forming?

A: Rust (iron oxide) occurs when water, iron, and oxygen combine. Salt can accelerate this process. The best advice I can give is to wash and wax your car regularly. Wax your car at least twice each year – once in the fall and once in the spring. In the winter, wash your car once every two weeks. When washing your car, be sure to spray under the wheel wells to remove any debris and road grime. Clean any frame drainage holes so moisture doesn’t become trapped on the metal. Dry the insides of the door, hood, and trunk.

Q: I drove through a construction zone and tar spattered on my fenders. What should be used to get road tar off paint?

A: A product called "Bug and Tar Remover" can be used to remove road tar. Bug and tar remover comes in wipes, aerosol cans, gels, spray bottles, and pour bottles. Often you only have to apply the product and wipe off with a shop towel. Real stubborn spots may require rubbing. Follow instructions on the product. Depending on the brand, tar remover may strip the wax off the paint. Once you have removed the tar, wash the spots with car wash soap, rinse, and then apply a new coat of wax to the area.

Q: What causes my motorhome and boat trailer tires to crack?

A: Ultraviolet light and ozone are the key factors that make tires crack. Tires that are not used frequently, like those on trailers and motorhomes, are more likely to crack than tires on your everyday car. Tire manufacturers include a wax-type component built into the rubber that releases as the tire is used. This component protects against ozone. The problem with motorhomes, boat trailers, and collector cars that don’t get used often is that the wax isn’t released. Tire manufacturers also include a component called carbon black to protect against ultraviolet (UV) light. To slow the cracking process, cover the tires when stored outside. Before storing for long periods of time, use a tire protectant that contains UV stabilizers.

Q: Do you think it is worth it to have a car undercoated?

A: If you plan on keeping your vehicle for more than four years and live in an area where road salt is an issue, undercoating can be a valuable addition to your vehicle. Undercoating a vehicle can slow the rust process. Ideally, it is best to undercoat the vehicle when it is brand new, since the underbody is clean at this time.

Q: I recently power washed my engine, but now my "check engine light" comes on. Since I pressure washed the engine I also noticed the car getting a little sluggish upon acceleration. What could be the problem?

A: Washing an engine without properly covering all electrical connectors, fuse blocks, and sensors can cause a variety of problems. Using a pressure washer is even worse. The force from the pressure washer may have caused water to get in some of the wiring connectors or sensors. Water is a conductor of electricity. If water is in a connector it may be shorting out the electrical component or giving false voltage signals to the car's computer. This is probably causing the check engine light to come on. Try to disconnect the wire connectors and dry them out with a hair dryer. Hopefully this will take care of the problem. If not, you may have damaged a component. Take your car to a shop that has a scanner. The technician can plug the car in and retrieve any codes. This may identify a sensor that is shorting out or a circuit that might be causing the car troubles.

Q: What is the best way to eliminate water spots after washing my car?

A: Using a chamois to dry your car after washing can easily prevent water spots. A chamois, commonly made from sheepskin, is super absorbent. A dry chamois will be hard and abrasive. Before using a chamois, wet it and ring it out. Drag it over the finish to pull off the water. Keep ringing out excess water. The chamois should stay damp when you are using it.

Q: Can I use water instead of windshield washer fluid?

A: It is not recommended to use only water. Remember, water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area that the temperature gets below freezing, you will risk cracking your car’s windshield washer reservoir and pump. Windshield washer fluid, commonly blue in color, is formulated to protect against freezing and has chemicals to clean road grime from the windshield. Windshield washer fluid is inexpensive, usually $1.00 to $1.50 a gallon.

Q: How often should I wax my car?

A: Most wax manufacturers suggest you wax your vehicle 2-3 times a year. Traditionally automotive wax has been made from carnauba wax. However, today there are some 100% synthetic waxes on the market. Wax adds shine and protection to your vehicle’s finish. Be sure to thoroughly wash your vehicle before you wax it. And don’t apply carnauba waxes in direct sunlight or if the paint surface is hot.