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Avoid hot weather automotive breakdowns !

When the weather warms, many people take to the outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and rising temperatures. Summer road trips or vacations are the norm, but it is important to realize that hot weather can take its toll even on a new, well-maintained vehicle.

High temperatures can cause all sorts of damage to a vehicle, from zapping battery power to overtaxing the cooling system. Recognizing potential hot-weather risks and performing routine checks on the vehicle are the keys to keeping vehicles in top form.

Protect the Paint
While you enjoy the warmer summer temperatures, there’s a hidden increase in ultraviolet radiation. UV rays are shorter in wavelength than visible sunlight and pack quite a punch. They’re what causes a sunburn and also what oxidizes a clear coat, causing it to turn cloudy. Pigments absorb UV over time, making colors change or fade. Plastics and polymers also absorb UV and degrade, becoming brittle or changing shape. The Ming Process enhances the natural paint finish by filling in the pits and valleys in every painted surface where dirt, grime, and pollutants can collect.

Battery

Excessive heat can shorten the life of a battery because it causes battery fluid to evaporate more quickly. This, in turn, can damage the internal structure of the battery. AAA reports that car battery issues are the most common breakdown calls. Inspect the battery for corrosion and leakage of battery acid. This could be a sign that the battery is getting old and will need to be replaced.

Cooling system

Cooling systems work hard to keep the flow of air to the engine and prevent it from overheating during warm seasons. Compromised cooling fans or lack of coolant can be troublesome. To avoid overheating, check coolant levels before getting on the road. In addition, have the cooling system checked by a trained mechanic prior to the summer driving season. It’s a small price to pay to avoid extensive engine damage from overheating.

Tires

Hot weather causes the pressure inside of tires to rise. Overinflated tires can wear down prematurely or result in blowouts. The Car Care Council recommends checking tire pressure routinely in the summer, when tires are cold. Follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual for recommended air pressure. Look for improper tread wear, weak spots or other tire damage that may end up causing flats.

Fluid levels

Hot weather can put extra demand on all fluids and engine components. Check transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and engine oil levels. Top off or change when necessary. Pack with breakdowns in mind Plan ahead for potential summer breakdowns by bringing along water, snacks, sunscreen, and an emergency medical kit. Be sure mobile phones are fully charged and that the number of a tow service or roadside assistance crew is entered into your list of contacts in the event of an emergency.

Protect your home or office from unwanted heat, glare and fading caused by the Sun!

NV-35-window-film-on-lower-windows

 

Here at the Ming center we are proud to be Thunder Bay’s only authorized dealer and applicator of 3M Sun Control window films.  3M is a brand build on trust.

As you can see in this photo the bottom windows have much more clarity then the upper windows.  Here we applied 3M Night Vision window film to help the home owner reduce the amount of glare that was flooding through the windows and making it hard to see the television.  In this case Night Vision was the film of choice due to it’s unmatched ability to combat glare.

Some home owners do not like the idea of putting a film on their windows that is going to give a reflective look from the exterior.  This is where 3M Prestige window film is recommended.

3M Prestige 60 window film

In this picture only the top two triangular windows have window film on them.  This clearly demonstrates how 3M prestige window films are able to allow maximum daylight into the home while blocking up to 60% of excessive heat from the sun, all the while maintaining the original look of your windows.

At the Ming center we are also very proud to offer exterior window film for triple pane windows.  We are the only place in Thunder Bay (that we know of) that has window film suitable for triple pane windows.

For your free estimate on 3M window film in Thunder Bay please don’t hesitate to give Jeff a call at (807)346-9090

 

Welcome!

May 21, 2013 / No Comments on Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to the brand new Ming Car Care website. Please browse our new website and tell us what you think!

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