Fall is fast approaching, and now is the ideal time to check on your car’s well-being. 

With temperature dropping, moisture increasing, and the added challenge of falling leaves potentially obstructing your view, ensuring your vehicle is in top shape for the season ahead is essential! Keep reading to learn our 4 car care tips for fall!

1. Check all Fluids

Different fluids in the car play a vital role in maintaining its overall condition. Start by examining the engine’s oil. You can get an oil change at your local auto shop or you can do it on your own. They help keep your engine cool and clean from damaging contaminants.

Next, ensure the coolant is at optimum level. Coolants manage engine temperature so that it doesn’t freeze in the colder months or overheat in hotter seasons. Add the coolant to your coolant reservoir which is near the radiator on the hood.

Remember that roads in the fall tend to get wetter and slippier. Therefore, ensuring your brakes are in top shape will help you get the safety you need this fall. Check the brake fluids. It’ll help maintain a solid grip on your brakes! 

Just like the coolant, you will find the reservoir in the hood of your car, take the cap off, fill to the line, and add the cap back on. Check your car manual if you are not sure exactly where it is.

2. Inspect the Tires 

Inspecting the tires is second on our list of car care tips for fall. Tires are no doubt one of the most important features for safe driving. And since it will be a wetter month, it’s essential you have your tire condition all sorted out for better traction. The cool weather can affect your tire in many ways, such as decreased tire pressure. 

Check the tire pressure and inspect its condition from the outside. Take a closer look at the depth of the tread. If you notice any tread chunking, cupping, or feathering, have a good look at it because you may have a bad tire.

Your Tires will benefit tremendously from a clean from Rocket Car Wash. There is a wash feature called “Rocket Wheel Bright” and “Rocket Tire Shine” that will not only get rid of dirt and grime but also leave your tires aesthetically shiny.

3. Check the Windshield Wipers 

As fall approaches, you can count on using your windshield wipers more frequently. The season is known for falling leaves and the debris they bring along, leaving your windshield wet and obstructed. That’s precisely why you need a good-working windshield wiper in the fall.

Another car part added to our car care tips for fall is windshield wipers. Have the blades checked and ensure the washer fluid is refilled so you can cruise through autumn safely and soak in the beautiful view! If your windshield wipers are not wiping off your windshield well or they leave white streaks, it may be time to replace your wipers.

4. Get a Car Wash 

Taking care of your car involves more than just mechanical check-ups. It’s also about keeping it looking pristine on the outside! Who doesn’t want to be driving a gleaming and brand-new-looking car?

Last on our list of car care tips for fall is getting a car wash! Drive your beloved vehicle to the carwash to clean it from the summer grime and have it all ready to embrace the fall season. It can also help protect you and your car from future damage. 

Explore our wide range of car wash services designed to pamper every type of vehicle.

End Note

Caring for your car is a year-round affair. However, each season brings its own set of challenges.

Fall is when the temperature starts to drop, and leaves begin to fall. It’s also the season before winter, so it’s the ideal time to prepare your car for the cooler months ahead!

Regularly inspect your car inside and out, and don’t underestimate the power of a good wash! Keeping your car clean is more than about aesthetics–it’s about protecting your vehicle, like its body and paint, from damage. 

Make sure to stop by one of our Rocket Carwash locations to get your car back in tip-top shape!

Bugs can be very annoying and damaging to your car. Did you know that you can clean and protect your car from bugs? We have some tricks you can use to prevent those pesky bugs from sticking to the front of your car.

How Bugs Can Damage Your Car

You might be wondering why even try to prevent your car from bugs. They are unavoidable, especially in the spring and summer seasons. The reason you should protect and clean your car from bugs is because they can cause damage to the paint and the top coat of your car.

Most bug splatter is acidic; if left on your car, even for a week, it can cause paint damage. Then add the heat into the mix and it is a perfect storm for damage for top coat and paint damage. 

Also, bugs can stick to your windshield and your headlights. This can be quite a hazard to drivers. Luckily, there are proactive solutions to your bug problems.

How To Protect Your Car From Bugs 

1. Wax Your Car

Wax is one of the best ways to protect your car from bugs. Hot wax can make cleaning a breeze because it builds a barrier between the outdoor elements and the paint. It is crucial that you get all of that bug splatter and dirt off your car before adding the wax.

Rocket Carwash has a fantastic hot wax service that can take the hassle off your plate and leave you with a shiny and protected vehicle. 

2. Use A Bug Screen Cover

You have seen bug screens used for windows and doors, but did you know there are bug screens for your cars too? You can use screen covers to prevent those bugs from sticking to the front of your car. They can be attached for those long trips or taken off if you want to remove them anytime.

3. Clean Your Car Often

Another way to clean and protect your car from bugs is to wash your car frequently. It is a good idea to wash your car after a long trip or after days of blistering heat. That heat will make that bug splatter worse for the paint on your car.

Avoid this problem by being proactive every two weeks or so. This will prevent buildup and damage to your car’s surface.

Effective Bug Cleaning Techniques

1. Prepare A Cleaning Solution

Use a mild detergent or a specialized bug remover to get rid of those pesky bugs. It can be as simple as taking a spray bottle of water and adding a few drops of dish detergent.

Or if you decide to purchase a cleaner, dilute the solution according to product instructions.

2. Have A Gentle And Thorough Cleaning Process

Make sure to soak the affected areas with your cleaning solution. This will let the solution work its magic and clean the area effectively.

Furthermore, stay away from abrasive towels and scrubbers. Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge to scrub off bug residue gently.

3. Pay Attention To Detail

Sometimes it is easy to neglect those hard-to-reach places like the grille. Get into the crevices to ensure a clean and protected car.

It is also important to clean your car thoroughly. Have you ever seen white streaks on your car after washing? That happens because the solution was not rinsed off all the way. Next time you decide to wash your car, remember to avoid those white streaks or water spots.

Benefits Of Professional Car Wash Services For Bug Removal

Another way to protect and clean your car from bugs is to seek a professional car washing service. They specialize in effective car cleaning and have the equipment for bug removal.

It can bring a ton of ease knowing that you are leaving it up to professionals. They have the expertise in safely and efficiently cleaning cars. Rocket Car Wash has the professionalism and expertise to protect and clean your car from bugs.

They will remove the hassle of cleaning your car and prevent those bugs from getting a ride on your front bumper. Have the professionals take over to have a hassle-free cleaning experience!

Rocket Carwash has various services and features that protect and effectively clean your car. Rocket Carwash provides memberships to its clients that will create a tremendous experience for its customers.

End Note:

To conclude, there are protective measures, cleaning techniques, and professional car washing services that can protect and clean your car from bugs. Your car’s shine and cleanliness will not go unnoticed!

After taking the time to prioritize car cleanliness, you will notice a difference in the longevity of your car’s paint. It will feel like you bought a new car every time you wash all the gunk off your car.

If you want more tips and tricks on car cleanliness, Rocket CarWash has various blogs you can check out here.

Learning the benefits of waxing your car now is very important. Even though summer days are getting hotter, this is a skill that you can benefit from all year round. Whether you are trying to protect your exterior from the blistering heat or the salt of the winter streets, waxing your car offers many benefits to you as a car owner. Not only does it protect and enhance the physical appearance of your car, but it allows you to preserve the car and increase the resale value.  Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of waxing your car. 

Benefits of Waxing Your Car

1. Strengthens Paint Protection

Waxing your car offers many benefits, but one of the most important is enhancing paint protection. Waxing your car adds an extra layer of protection, shielding the car’s paint from UV rays, oxidation, and fading. This layer of protection also protects from road debris and chemical containments of the outside environment. 

When the wax enhances paint protection, it also minimizes scratches and swirl marks by filling small imperfections and smoother surfaces. 

2. Better Sustains Shine and Gloss

Another one of the many benefits of waxing your car is that you are prolonging that new car look. Wax increases the longevity of the shine and gloss of the car by restoring the car’s luster. If your car’s exterior is getting dull or faded, then getting a wax is the way to go. 

3. Easy-Peasy Cleaning and Maintenance

One of our favorite benefits of waxing your car is the easy-peasy cleaning and maintenance. Waxing your car makes each cleaning a bit easier by repelling dirt, dust, and grime. Adding that extra coat of wax allows for substances to easily slide off the surface, such as water. The wax helps prevent water spots and allows the car to dry faster. 

4. Increasing Resale Value

One of the long-term benefits of waxing your car is that you are preserving it and increasing its value. Once it is time to hand in the keys, the likely hood of you getting more from the car is higher because you kept it in tip-top shape. Waxing your car helps you squeeze as much value as you can out of it. 

5. Rocket Carwash Membership Makes It Easy 

One last benefit of waxing your car is that it is easy to accommodate when you have a car wash membership with Rocket Car Wash. Rocket Carwash uses the highest quality product and techniques by our expert staff to get the most out of your wax. When you choose Rocket CarWash, you are choosing expert service and a quality membership that increases the longevity and cleanliness of your car. To learn more about our washes, click here. 

End Note: 

Overall, there are many benefits to waxing your car or getting your car waxed. Whether you do it professionally or by yourself, waxing your car can strengthen paint protection, better sustain shine and gloss, making cleaning easy-peasy and increase resale value. Find a Rocket Carwash location near you today!

Finally, the sun is starting to shine and flowers are beginning to make their debut for the season. Spring is here! With the warmer weather, however, comes a few challenges for car owners. From cleaning off the leftover winter dirt to repelling the spring showers, there are plenty of reasons why you need to stay on top of your carwashing habits in the spring. Today, we will be listing the top 3 reasons for washing your car this spring!

Reasons For Washing Your Car This Spring

1. Get rid of that winter salt build-up.

During the winter months, road salt and grime can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s undercarriage. As a result, corrosion takes place, and rust forms over time to cause damage to your mufflers, exhaust systems, subframes, and breaks. Now that it is spring, make sure to take care of that salt build-up by washing your vehicle on a regular basis. Weekly car washes with an underbody flush service will help to loosen up the salt and grime that accumulates underneath your car. To learn more about how salt can be damaging to your car, please check out our web story here!  

2. Keep your car clear of spring pollen.

The second reason why you should wash your car this spring is pollen. Pollen is constantly falling in the springtime and cars just seem like pollen magnets! To keep up with pollen, you have to be diligent with washing your car frequently. Dirty or cloudy windows can also make it more difficult to see which could put you in danger of an accident. Luckily, Rocket Carwash has the high-quality equipment and products to wash away all of the spring pollen away!

3. Repel the spring showers.

While rain may not seem like something to worry about after the snowy, winter weather, it can still impede your vision if not washed off properly. That brings us to the third reason why you should wash your car in spring—rain. Rainwater often leaves behind water spots, which are white spots left by hard, mineral-filled water. The longer you wait to get rid of water spots, the more difficult they become to wash off. This is why it is imperative that you frequently wash your vehicle. We also suggest using a high-end rain repellent to take it a step further! Click here to learn more about why rain is not a substitute for a carwash.

End Note

While these 3 things are important to keep in mind, they are not the only reasons why you should be washing your car in spring. Things like bird droppings and increased value to your vehicle are other reasons to stay on top of your car-washing habits. Make sure to stop by your closest Rocket Carwash location to get your car back in tip-top shape! There is truly nothing better than having a sparkling clean car to admire in the spring sunshine.

With frosty mornings, rainy days, and dark nights, knowing how to wash your car in the winter can be difficult. With slush and salt on the streets and cold temperatures, winter is extremely tough on vehicles. If you get into the habit of cleaning your car regularly this winter season, you will set yourself (and your vehicle) up for success! Today, we are outlining 5 tips for how you should wash your car in the winter.

How To Wash Your Car In The Winter

Rinse Your Car Regularly

On winter roads, your car will encounter things like salt, grit, and rotting leaves. These things can can all stick to your paintwork and leave harmful deposits behind. This, in turn, causes the onset of rust, which will eat away at your car’s exposed metal work if it is left unchecked.

To avoid the possibility of rust, we suggest that you rinse off all mud, salt, snow, and slush from your vehicle as soon as you possibly can. Rinsing regularly will help keep your car looking its best and running smoothly during the colder months.

Remove Dirt and Salt Buildup

Our next tip is to remove any dirt and salt buildup from your car’s undercarriage. Salt, dirt, and moisture deposits are the most harmful on your car’s undercarriage where metal components are less protected. If rust takes hold here, you could face all sorts of mechanical issues down the road, or see the resale value of your car plummet when it comes time to trade it in or resell. This is why you should always remove buildup from the underside of your car. Do not forget to clean off the wheel arches, door jams, and the spaces between the bumpers, bonnet, and boot.

Add a Strong Layer of Protective Wax

Waxing adds more gloss and protects the exterior of your vehicle from things like sun exposure and small scratches. If you have never waxed your car before, don’t worry, it is not difficult. This is a great way to ensure your paintwork is protected during the winter. To apply wax, add some to a foam applicator and rub it into the finish in a swirling motion. Wipe off the excess with a microfiber towel. Your car will now be more protected from winter’s grit and grime.

Clean the Carpets and Upholstery

Next, to wash your car in the winter, make sure to clean the carpets and upholstery from time to time. Your wet and muddy shoes will bring in a lot of dirt into your car. Even if you have car mats, dirt will still find a way into the carpets, creating stains and smells.

It is important to thoroughly clean your car’s interior, to keep it looking (and smelling) fresh! Rocket Carwash makes cleaning your floor mats quick and easy with our state-of-the-art mat machine. Head to your nearest Rocket Carwash location today!

Keep the Windshield Smear-Free

Finally, keeping your car clean in the wintertime is not all about looks but safety, too! Believe it or not, sun dazzle is more common in the winter than it is in the summer because the sun is low during peak driving hours. When the sun hits them on a winter’s morning, or when the sun is low in the sky, dangerous dazzle could impact your ability to drive the car safely.

That’s why it is so important to keep your windshield clean and free from smears. Also, it goes without saying that if you park your car outside, make sure you clear your windscreen, roof, and rear window of any snow or ice before driving. Not only can leaving it impair your vision, it could also cause a distraction for other drivers.

Closing Note

We hope these tips will help you take care of your car and wash your car in the winter safely! For an extra boost, head down to your nearest Rocket Carwash and treat your vehicle to a fresh wash. Learn more about our wash feature here!

Keep Your Car Hair-Free

There’s nothing better than bringing your best buddy along for the car ride. Chances are, “wanna go for a ride?” is one of your dog’s favorite things to hear. We adore our pets, and we want them by our side everywhere we go, but sometimes, bringing your furry friend along means leaving behind a mess in your vehicle. Luckily, we’ve gathered 5 tips for you on how to get dog hair out of your car!

1. Give your dog a thorough brushing

Before even letting your dog into the car, make sure to thoroughly brush him before he runs to the car. Using tools and products like a shedding brush or de-shedding shampoos can keep your dog’s unwanted hair from entering your vehicle in the first place.

Less loose hair on your dog means you are less likely to have the fur clinging to your seats later. This is one of the best and easiest ways to keep your car hair-free!

2. Use car seat covers

Second, to get dog hair out of your car, we highly recommend using seat covers. Cargo covers are designed specifically for the back cargo area in minivans and SUVs. Their design fits snugly against the back of the seat and the floor, keeping all areas dog-hair free. The best part about pet car seat covers is that you can easily remove them and clean them after travel.

This eliminates the struggle of trying to clean the car seats later. Before committing to a seat cover, be sure to measure your backseat area to ensure you purchase one that fits securely. 

An alternative option is by using old blankets, towels, or sheets to serve the same purpose. While they do help to combat the amount of dog hair, these will not work as effectively as a real seat cover. 

3. Keep your dog in one area of the car

This tip is pretty self-explanatory, however, can really help to get rid of dog hair in your car. By keeping your dog in one area of the car, you are eliminating the chances of hair spreading to multiple areas. For a smaller dog, for example, consider using a pet crate or restraint to keep your pooch safe and from moving from place to place. By confining your dog to one area, you will have a much easier cleanup later.

4. Use a lint roller or rubber gloves

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent every piece of dog fur from accumulating on your car seats, even while following the above tips. After your trip with your dog, take a look into the backseat to assess the conditions. We suggest using a lint roller to start collecting some of that loose hair. 

Another trick that we recommend is the rubber glove trick. Gather some routine, rubber cleaning gloves and sweep your hands over the car’s surfaces and upholstery. Make sure to only sweep your gloves in one direction, never back and forth. If this is not working, consider lightly wetting your gloves. The loose hair should stick to the surface of the glove or form larger clumps, which are easier to remove.

5. Regularly clean and vacuum your car

Our fifth tip to remove dog hair from your car is to regularly clean and vacuum! Routinely vacuuming your car will not only remove dog hair, but also dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft brush head to get inside all of the creases of the seat, then, use a crevice tool to clean all the hard-to-reach areas. You never know where that dog hair might be hiding!

End Note:

At Rocket Carwash, we have free-to-use vacuums for all of our guests! Engineered to work hard and clog less, each vacuum includes a compressed air gun, crevice tool, and super vac. Don’t wait until your car has accumulated dog hair! Stop by your local Rocket Carwash and leave with a fresh, clean car.

Do you want to get rid of water spots on your car windows? Those pesky white-edge splotches that appear after it rains or snows are remnants of hard water that has dried. While it may seem like these water spots could be simply wiped away, the minerals in the hard water do not allow that. Fortunately, there are a bunch of ways you can remove the water spots on your car windows! Follow Rocket Carwash’s tips, and your windows will be shining in no time!

Supplies: 

• 1 Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Water (distilled or bottled)
• 100% Cotton towel or Foam applicator pad
• Microfiber towel
• One-step polish

Time is of the essence 

When it comes to removing water spots on car windows, time is absolutely of the essence. It will be a lot easier to remove hard water spots immediately after it happens rather than trying to get rid of them after sitting out for hours or days. Unfortunately, because there are minerals that etch into the surface of your car, they are much harder to clean.

Wash your car

The first step to getting rid of water spots on windows is to wash the car thoroughly. Visit your local Rocket Carwash in order to remove road grime and dust from your car. This will also help to eliminate some of the minerals in the dried, hard water. Before beginning the spot removal process, make sure the car is completely dry.

Create your vinegar/water solution

After washing and drying your car, mix 1 part white vinegar with one part distilled or bottled water. It is best to avoid tap water because it contains minerals. Pour your vinegar/water mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the affected windows. You’ll need to allow the mixture to work for up to 10 minutes. The minerals in hard water are more alkaline in nature, the acid in the vinegar will help to neutralize them. 

Rinse and wash the car again

After allowing the solution to sit for 10 minutes, wash and dry the car again in order to fully remove the solution. The minerals from the hard water should be mostly gone by this point, but you may still notice rings.

Polish the windows

Using your one-step polish and a foam applicator pad (or microfiber towel), apply the polish to the remaining water spots on the car windows. Buff off the area with a dry microfiber towel. If some spots still remain, repeat this process as many times as needed. 

If needed, use detailing clay

If those pesky water spots are still giving you trouble, we recommend that you use detailing clay. It is much like an artist’s clay in that the clay can be kneaded and shaped. Detailing clay is perfect for the smaller sections of water spots since it forces the mineral residue to disappear.

End Note

Remember, the key to removing water spots on car windows is to not let them stand too long, especially in the sun. With a little bit of elbow grease, and possibly a trip down to Rocket Carwash, your water spots will be gone in no time at all!

Are you looking for the best way to get your wheels clean? Car wheels are some of the dirtiest parts of your vehicle. They collect everything from dirt and dust to grease and gravel, but most people spend considerably less time washing wheels. It is important to keep your wheels clean because, over time, the dirt and grime will accumulate, causing your car wheels to deteriorate at a much faster rate. Today, we will be sharing the step-by-step process of how to clean your car wheels.

Step-By-Step Process: The Best Way To Get Your Wheels Clean

Step 1: Gather the right materials

Before you begin cleaning your car wheels, it is important to gather all of the materials you will need. This includes a garden hose, a wheel cleaner, a soft-bristled cleaning brush, microfiber towels, and an anti-filth protective coating. In general, the best car wheel cleaner is usually biodegradable and ranges anywhere from $8-$20. The cleaner you choose should come with clear directions on how to use it. When looking for brushes, it is crucial that you find one made specifically for wheels and tires. Typically, soft-bristled brushes are best.

Step 2: Hose down your wheels

After you have all of the correct materials gathered, grab your garden hose and rinse down your wheels with water. Make sure it has a powerful stream in order to force some of the loose filth out from the rims. The more you remove now, the easier it will be to finish the wheel-cleaning process.

Step 3: Apply wheel cleaner

Next, to clean car wheels, apply a wheel cleaner by working on one wheel at a time. Make sure you follow the product’s specific instructions for proper use. If possible, avoid acid-based cleaners, as these are much harder on the wheels and run the risk of causing damage.

Step 4: Scrub with a soft-bristled brush

A soft-bristled brush made specifically for car wheels is the best option for cleaning. A normal sponge is not able to scrape off all the dirt and grease that has accumulated on your wheels. Plus, a hard-bristled brush could potentially scratch the rims. The brush will help to loosen any remaining grime and brake dust and dirt. Make sure to use a brush that is long enough to reach inside all the crevices.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Fifth, wash the cleaning solution away with the garden hose. It is important to wash away any residue. Next, dry each wheel with a clean, microfiber towel by patting. You may have to use several towels to accomplish this step.

Apply a protective layer

Finally, to finish cleaning your wheels, apply a protective coating in order to protect your wheels from dirt. This will help you save time during your next cleaning session!

End Note

And there you have it- the best way to get your wheels clean! Dirty car wheels are inevitable, but there is always a way to keep them looking nice and clean. At Rocket Carwash, we offer many different types of wash features, including our Rocket Wheel Bright to extend the life of your tires and remove grime, brake dust, and more!

Have you ever asked yourself ” is this a bad idea to go through a carwash?” Then, no worries! This blog is just for you.

Most car owners prefer drive-thru carwashes to clean their vehicles because they are a fast and easy way to treat a vehicle to a wash. Automatic carwashes, like Rocket Carwash, use some of the best technology and equipment, making this the best option for cleaning your car!

However, when is it a bad idea to go through a carwash? Today, we are evaluating 4 situations when you should not go through a carwash.

When you might be questioning if it is a bad idea to go through a carwash:

Can a soft top go through a carwash?

Technically, yes, a soft top convertible could go through a carwash, but with some risks. The soft top of these cars may not be able to withstand the water pressure inside the carwash tunnel. Plus, the brushes and bristles could potentially damage the canvas roof. If you have a soft top convertible, we recommend that you handwash your soft top in order to guarantee a damage-free clean!

Can I get a carwash with a cracked windshield?

You can get a carwash with a cracked windshield, but it depends on the severity of the crack. In general, if there is a crack in your windshield, we recommend that you avoid the carwash to minimize damage. While it is very unlikely that water will seep through, it is possible that the water pressure will cause the initial crack to become spread. Additionally, if a rock that is hiding within the bristles of the brushes happens to come into contact with the cracked windshield, the overall damage could worsen. If your car is dirty and needs a good cleaning, try handwashing instead.

Can a bike rack go through a carwash?

Bike racks are great accessories that allow travelers to transport bikes safely by car. However, is it safe to take a bike rack through a carwash? Generally, no. There is too much of a risk when it comes to taking a bike rack through the wash–both to the rack itself and the vehicle. The carwash equipment could tangle into the rack and risk the potential for harm to the carwash and even the vehicle behind you. To avoid these risks altogether, remove your bike rack before heading to the carwash.

Can I take my car through the wash if I just had it painted?

If you just had your car painted, you cannot take it through the wash. Mild cleaning materials are safe for newly painted surfaces, but if you just had your car painted, an automatic carwash would damage your car’s exterior. Handwashing is an okay alternative, but be cautious. Most body shops recommend waiting around 30 days to let the pain cure before taking the vehicle through the wash.

End Note

If your car is in good condition, does not have accessories attached, but has collected its fair share of dust, dirt, and grime, then it is a good idea to go through a carwash! It is important to maintain a fresh look, and Rocket Carwash can help you achieve that!

We are committed to providing you with a wash experience that has some of the best technology and equipment available! From our easy-to-use belt systems and double-tunnel experiences, you can guarantee that your car will be kept in the best shape possible! To learn more about Rocket Carwash’s services, visit our website at https://rocketcarwash.com/wash-features/