Laura Bertolli

Everyone is feeling the pinch of tough economic times. In the auto industry, we hear of dealers closing on a weekly, if not daily, basis. People are losing their jobs, which leads to them possibly losing their homes. The cost of fuel has affected the amount of driving people do. Some trends that affect the auto industry are: *Poor condition of local roads. Government is feeling the pinch and infrastructure budgets are not able to keep up with the deterioration of roads, bridges, asphalt and concrete. Bad roads put added stress on vehicles. Trucks and SUVs take the stress on the frame. Cars feel pressure on the unibody , which absorbs the flexing and stress on the structure of the vehicle. *Cars are lasting longer. As is evident by the closing of auto dealers, people just aren't buying new cars unless they absolutely have to. Americans are keeping their cars 9.2 years, the oldest age for the average in a decade. Cars will have more rust, minor body damage, and...

Handwashing is easier on your car's finish and will give you better results. Start with the tires and wheels and switch to a different mitt once you're finished. Using the tire mitt on the body can leave unwanted particles on the paint and even scratch the finish. High-quality cleaners for tires and rims will ensure a longer lasting shine. Most of the dirt that appears on wheels comes from brake dust. A good quality rim cleaner will repel this dust, leaving the wheel looking like new longer. As for the tires themselves, dishwashing detergent and a stiff bristled brush work well to get into the pores of the tire and clean out the embedded dirt. When washing the body, be sure to use a product designed to be used specifically on car paint. Some household cleaners, such as dish detergent, can damage the finish. Start at the top and work with gravity, making your way downward, washing one section at a time. Rinse each section thoroughly. The rear of the car should b...