Why It’s Important to Keeping Your Car Interior Clean

It is important to keep your interior clean, for your health and good vehicle maintenance. Collected dust and dirt can stop switches from working properly.

All cars collect moisture inside them, especially cars that are kept outside. With the collected dust and dirt in and around switches. These debris will get washed down into the contact of these switches and can cause early failure.

By keeping the dust and dirt vacuumed out of the car, you’re extending the life of components inside your interior.

For cloth made seats, dust and dirt kind of get washed into the material. For vinyl and leather, the moist dust and dirt dry and crack the material.

This grime tarnishes painted items, chrome and sets a darker and unhealthy tone to your interior.

Car interior cleaning is essential for your health. Dust and dirt can build up causing mold and mildews. Just breathing dust and dirt isn’t healthy.

Not all cars have cabin filters, but if it does, it should be changed about every 15000 miles.

It also doesn’t hurt to get disinfectant wipes to wipe down the steering wheel, shifter and everything you touch when doing your car interior cleaning. How many of us eat in our cars, you want your hands bacteria free.  

Car Interior Cleaning Tools and Supplies Needed

There are many products and tools you can buy to really do a top-notch car interior cleaning. However, for newbies starting out with their first car, this article is going to keep it simple.

As mentioned, there are tons of tools, interior products and cleaners available. If money isn’t an object, I say go for the best. Although, when you first start out, you tend to love the freedom of driving more than the idea of cleaning.

Not to mention, most newbie drivers have most of their money tied up in just buying a car. So, budgeting is a factor. Not to worry, there are ways to keep your car interior cleaning cost down.

RodsShop has an Amazon store-front dedicated to car interior cleaning. Shop all supplies and tools here at Car Interior Cleaning and Detailing.

Basic Car Interior Cleaning Needs

This list, is the basics you will need to keep your interior clean.

Glass cleaner – Alcohol-based is best but any ammonia cleaner will work as well. Vinegar and water can also be used, but keep in mind the smell

Vacuum cleaner – Preferably a shop-vac, a small inexpensive one, or use one at a self-serv car wash

Small soft bristle scrub brush – A used tooth brush will work

Dishwashing liquid – This can be used with water, to wipe severe films off the windshield. It can also be used to clean carpet or upholstery stains

Car wash bucket – To mix the dishwashing liquid and water in

NOTE: It is not recommended to use an ammonia-based glass cleaner on windows with aftermarket tint.

More Advanced Car Interior Cleaning Needs Including Detailing

This list is for products and tools you can buy for better results and use for detailing your interior. Granted, you may not need everything in this list. However, it is a good starting point.

• Glass cleaner – Alcohol-based such as Meguiars Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner
• Window Cleaning Tool – Tool designed to clean front windshields and back glass with ease
• Shop Vac – At least 4 HP/9 gallon with a 2 1/2in hose
• Detailing Brush Set – May require a variety of sets to get every type brush you will need
• Microfiber Towels
• Cotton Towels
• Paper Towels
• Window Cleaning Tool – With extra bonnets
• Shop Vac Attachments and Accessory Kit
• Upholstery Steam Cleaner
• Dishwashing Liquid and Car Wash Bucket
• Upholstery/Carpet Spray Cleaner with Brush
• Interior All Surface Cleaner
• Leather/Vinyl Conditioner Cleaner
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Interior Protectant Wipes

How to Clean the Interior of Your Car

Whenever I do a car interior cleaning, I will vacuum at least twice. I have my system or steps and that is what I am sharing with you. It can be modified to fit you and your car, but this should give you an idea on the process.

As I mentioned, I vacuum twice. I will do a quick vacuum, usually on the dash and console first. I do this to make cleaning with cleaners a bit easier by not smearing around loose debris.

The reason for the second and final vacuum is due to being in the car cleaning. As you move in and out cleaning, not to mention the cleaning of things knocks debris into the floor. Once your done, you vacuum up behind yourself.

Cleaning the Interior Car Glass

It is best to clean your glass in a shaded and dry area. I recommend cleaning your glass before you wash your car. Do not do it out in the sun or when the temperatures are excessively hot.

The main reason for these conditions is spotting and streaking. If you spray a glass cleaner onto a hot windshield, it will dry and spot before wiping it.

If you try and clean the glass on a heavy moisture day, rainy day or just after you washed it. The cleaner will streak all over. Whenever you clean the glass, it is also a type of buffing.

The process is actually for the cleaner to remove grease and grimy films on the glass. However, you use a dry towel to buff your wipe marks and streaks out of it. If there is moisture in the air, it makes buffing the glass a bit more difficult.

If you do not have tinted windows and the glass is super dirty. You can use an ammonia-based glass cleaner first. Spray one half of the windshield and rub off the cleaner, thoroughly covering all area of what you sprayed.

Do the other half of the windshield the same way, then switch over to an alcohol-based glass cleaner. Repeat the same process by doing half and half. Once the glass is dry, use a microfiber cloth to buff the streaks out with.

If your windshield is really dirty on the outside. You may need to clean it first, so you can visually inspect how clean you got the inside. You can duplicate this whole process for the back glass.

The door glass should be quick and simple, perhaps only use the alcohol-based cleaner alone.

Tips On Cleaning the Windshield

As mentioned, clean the windshield under the right conditions to avoid spotting and streaks. However, most windshields and back glasses are at extreme angles and not always easy to clean.

If you’re sitting in the car, you may notice that holding a cloth in the palm of your hand isn’t comfortable. In fact, you may not even be able to wipe the glass properly.

You can fold and wrap the cloth around your hand, then use the backside of your hand to wipe with. However, there is a Window Cleaning Tool that makes this task far easier, more efficient and faster.

This tool uses microfiber bonnets, so you get the same job as if you were holding a towel. You will still want to go over the windshield with a dry towel to buff the streaks out of it.

NOTE: Some windshields get a film on them that glass cleaners just can’t cut. If you are running into this, where no matter how many times you clean and buff, the streaks remain. Try using dishwashing liquid.

You can take some dishwashing liquid and water in a bucket. Take a cotton towel and soak it in the mix. Ring it out really well and then rub the inside of the windshield down really well. You may need to repeat this a few times. Let dry and then clean the windshield with glass cleaner.

Cleaning the Dash

As I mentioned about vacuuming twice or more, this will include the first quick pass. Using a dust attachment for the vacuum cleaner, run it over the entire dash.

This means run the brush attachment over the speedometer cluster, knobs, AC vents and the top of the dash.

The goal is to remove all the loose dust, dirt and debris. So, when you use a cleaner, you are not just smearing and moving the dirt around.

There is an attachment for the vacuum cleaner that is designed to go down into the AC vents. This is very handy to remove all the dust and dirt that collect down in them.

Using a car interior cleaning brush kit, you can ensure to break loose all the dirt and grime in the cracks. I will sometimes spay a little cleaner on the tips of the brushes and go around knobs and switches.

Afterwards, you can use the dust attachment on the vacuum and go over everything you brushed. A final wipe with a clean and dry microfiber towel will spruce up the look even more.

While you are cleaning your dash, this would be a good time to spruce up and clean your glove compartment. This is a great time to clean out the clutter and possible vacuum it as well.

Cleaning the Console

If your car has a console, it can be clean the same way the dash was. Use a brush set to knock loose the dirt and grime that gets into the cracks. To help keep the mess under control, vacuum what you knock loose.

If your shifter is in the console, put the emergency brake on and pull the shifter all the way back. This will allow you to clean the rest of the shifter area that you can only see while it is in drive.

Some consoles have little hide-a-way holes or pockets. You can always use a Swiffer to get down inside them to clean the dust and dirt.

Some cars also have plastic plug caps marked 12V. These plugs stick into the auxiliary/cigarette lighter sockets. Be careful vacuuming around these, they can be sucked up in the vacuum fairly easy.

Like the dash, if your console has a compartment built in it. This a great time to clean up the clutter and vacuum it.

Many people will rest their arm on the center console. This will cause the console to be darker with embedded dirt. You may need to use an interior cleaner and a brush to scrub and clean.

Once you have done all the scrubbing and cleaning on the console, run the vacuum back over it.

Cleaning the Door Panels

Most door panels have upholstery made into them, as well as plastics. It is just as important to vacuum the upholstery with the dust attachment as vacuuming the carpet.

All upholstery in a car collects dust and grime. As long as you leave areas with dust and dirt in them, it will spread to the areas you already cleaned.

Use an interior surface cleaner or use Windex or any glass cleaner to wipe the plastics and door handle down. To do a thorough car interior cleaning, always use a disinfectant wipe on handles and knobs after cleaning.

Many door panels have pockets made at the bottom. Be sure to vacuum these pockets out as they are the catch-all for dirt and trash.

If your door panel uses a hole for a hand handle, vacuum and clean this area as well.

Clean the Package Tray

This is a highly overlooked area and you may be asking what is it? The package tray is that area behind the back seat that is in between it and the back glass.

Usually, dead bugs collect in the area, seemingly always where the back glass meets this tray. Making it even hard for a vacuum cleaner to suck the bug up.

Other than having to use a small and skinny vacuum attachment. You can use the dust attachment on the vacuum, to clean the package tray.

Most package trays are made with upholstery. So, an upholstery/dust attachment is about the only way you can clean it properly.

Cleaning the Car Seats

You will want to vacuum the cars seats thoroughly before any other type of cleaning may take place. Be sure to use the correct attachments to get down in the cracks of the seats. Like the area where the back meets the bottom part of the seat. Be sure to vacuum the sides of the seats as well.

All seats will pick up stains from your clothing. The combination of your clothes and dust already on the seats, create dark areas on the seats.

Leather and vinyl seats are a bit easier to clean. However, if necessary, you can use a leather upholstery cleaner. Leathers and vinyl’s do get stains down in the texture and need cleaners to remove them.

For seats made with upholstery, an upholstery cleaner is your best avenue. You can use a spray can with brush type upholstery cleaner or dishwashing liquid and water mix.

For the upholstery cleaner, spray and scrub lightly a few times over the darkened areas. Let dry for a minute or two. Vacuum the seats thoroughly. I recommend doing one seat at a time. Always read the instructions on the back of the can this can vary based on brands.

Alternative to Upholstery Cleaner

If you use dishwashing liquid and water, you want to use a towel and a brush. Mix some dishwashing liquid into a car wash bucket. Perhaps 2 ounces of soap, to half a gallon of water.

Take your cotton towel and soak it. Mild to moderately, ring the towel out, you want it a bit yet. Rub the seat in the darkened areas to get them moist. Then take a mild bristle brush and scrub the dirty areas.

Let dry for a minute or two and then vacuum up the moisture and dirt. It wouldn’t hurt to let the seats sit for about 2 or 3 hours and vacuum again to fluff them up.

Cleaning the Interior Carpet and Mats

This is the final step in a car interior cleaning. All the other cleanings in the car interior have contaminated the floor and carpet. Not to mention you getting in and out of the car.

Before removing the floor mats, if you have them, and vacuum them thoroughly. Remove the floor mats from the car and set them aside in a clean place.

Many people will spray a cleaner on the mats and then wash them with the water. This is a great way to clean them, but understand, it can take a couple of days for the mats to completely dry out.

If you do plan on washing you floor mats, I suggest SuperClean and a pressure washer. Hanging the mats up will get the best results. If not, place them on a clean surface with no dirt or leaves to contaminate them.

Spray the mats liberally with SuperClean. Use a brush with some water, you can even use a bucket of dishwashing liquid and water. Scrub the mats down thoroughly until any spots disappear.

Use the pressure washer or a hose to rinse the mats off. If the mats are laying down, you will need to pick them up occasionally while rinsing to remove the dirt. Also wash the backside of the mats.

Let the mats dry at least a day out in the sun and air. You can always use a shop vac to suck most of the water out of the mats.

Cleaning the Carpet

I highly suggest using the claw type vacuum attachment for the bulk of the carpet cleaning. You will need a long skinny tube attachment to get down beside the seats. Mostly, you will find using a variety of attachments helpful in doing a thorough car interior cleaning.

It is far easier and more effective to pull the vacuum attachment toward you when vacuuming. Trying to push it away from you will just result in it hanging or even possibly damaging something.

It will require you to vacuum over the same areas several times to get the best cleaning. Always clean out any clutter underneath your seats. Then vacuum thoroughly, as this is also quite often overlooked.

You may have to use a carpet cleaner for any spots that the vacuum can’t remove. If this is necessary, scrub with a cleaner, then vacuum the area.

Finalize Your Car Interior Cleaning

This isn’t necessarily required for a car interior cleaning, but I do recommend it. Wipe your dash, console and any plastics, rubber or vinyl down with a protectant.

Dashes are the worst for catching the UVs from the sun, not to mention dust and dirt. Using an interior protectant, helps keep the dust from collecting and protects from UVs.

A protectant also enhances the interiors look and makes appear to have a new car look.

Watch Video on Car Interior Cleaning

Conclusion to Car Interior Cleaning at Home

Even though cleaning a car interior isn’t rocket science, there is some detail in doing a thorough job. However, if you can vacuum your car and wipe it down with some disinfectant wipes every two weeks.

That should keep your car interior maintenance up, to help it last longer. Not to mention make it a healthier environment for you and your family.

As mentioned, it is best to clean the interior before washing your car to keep the moisture down. It is also important to keep your car washed to prolong the life of the paint. Learn how to Wash Your Car Properly to get the best job.

RodsShop has an Amazon store-front dedicated to car interior cleaning. Shop all supplies and tools here at Car Interior Cleaning and Detailing.

Most people don’t think about the door seals and the sill plates when cleaning their cars. This area kind of gets missed but is important. When vacuuming, pull the door seal back at the bottom and see if there is debris trapped in it.

If so, vacuum this out and then wipe it with a towel with dishwashing soapy water. The same goes with the sill plate, wipe it with the same towel.

Just take your time, have patients and try to enjoy and take some pride in making your car look new again. Cleanliness often adds a since of accomplishment and confidence.

Seat poshish, also known as seat upholstery, offers a variety of options to revamp your car’s seating. Whether you prefer sleek leather sofa seat, cozy fabric, or even custom designs. A good seat cover can completely change the look and feel of your car’s interior. Not only does it add a touch of elegance, but it also improves the overall comfort and durability of your seats.

By incorporating high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. A good poshish will not only enhances the visual appeal of your car but also increases its value. It provides a fresh and refined look, making your car stand out from the crowd.

Ready to give your car’s interior a much-needed upgrade? Read on to discover the benefits of seat poshish. Why it’s the ultimate solution for transforming your car’s interior into a luxurious haven.

Importance of Enhancing Car Interior

The interior of a car plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall driving experience. It is where we spend a significant amount of time, whether it’s commuting to work or embarking on a road trip. A well-designed and comfortable interior not only adds to the aesthetics but also contributes to the overall comfort and satisfaction of the driver and passengers.

However, over time, the seats can become worn-out, faded, or stained, diminishing the appeal of the car’s interior. This is where a seat poshish comes to the rescue. By enhancing the car interior, a good poshish not only restores the beauty of the seats but also revitalizes the entire cabin.

Benefits of Seat Poshish

1. Enhanced Visual Appeal: One of the primary benefits of a seat cover is its ability to enhance the visual appeal of your car’s interior. With a wide range of materials, colors, and designs available, you can choose a seat cover that perfectly complements your car’s style and personality. Whether you prefer a classic, sophisticated look or a bold and vibrant design, seat poshish can transform your car seats into a visually stunning masterpiece.
2. Improved Comfort: Seat covers not only enhances the aesthetics but also improves the overall comfort of your car seats. High-quality materials such as memory foam and ergonomic designs provide better support and reduce fatigue during long drives. With seat poshish, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
3. Increased Durability: Investing in seat covers not only improves the appearance and comfort of your car seats but also increases their durability. High-quality materials used in seat poshish are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring that your seats maintain their pristine condition for years to come. This not only adds value to your car but also saves you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
4. Easy Maintenance: Seat covers are designed to be easy to clean and maintain. Unlike traditional fabric seats that can easily trap stains and odors, seat poshish materials are often water-resistant and stain-resistant, making them easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. This saves you time and effort in keeping your car’s interior looking fresh and clean.

Different Types of Seat Poshish Materials

When it comes to seat poshish, there is a wide range of materials to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s explore some of the most popular seat poshish materials:

1. Leather: Leather seat covers exudes luxury and sophistication. It is known for its durability, luxurious feel, and timeless appeal. Leather seats are easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for car owners who value elegance and longevity.
2. Fabric: Fabric seat poshish offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. It is comfortable, breathable, and often more affordable than leather. Fabric seats can be customized to match your car’s interior theme and are a popular choice for those seeking a cozy and inviting ambiance.
3. Suede: Suede seat poshish adds a touch of luxury and elegance to your car’s interior. It has a soft and velvety texture that provides a comfortable seating experience. Suede seats are visually appealing and offer a unique aesthetic that sets your car apart from the rest.
4. Vinyl: Vinyl seat poshish is a practical and cost-effective alternative to leather. It is easy to clean, durable, and resistant to stains and fading. Vinyl seats can mimic the look and feel of leather, making them a popular choice for those who want a luxurious appearance without the high price tag.

Choosing the Right Seat Poshish for Your Car

When choosing seat poshish for your car, it’s essential to consider factors such as your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Budget: Determine your budget before exploring seat cover options. This will help you narrow down your choices and make a decision that suits both your style and financial constraints.
2. Style and Design: Consider the overall style and design of your car’s interior. Choose seat poshish materials and designs that complement the existing aesthetics and create a cohesive look.
3. Comfort: Assess the level of comfort you desire from your car seats. Consider factors such as cushioning, support, and ergonomics to ensure a comfortable driving experience.
4. Durability: Evaluate the durability of the seat poshish materials. High-quality materials will withstand regular use and maintain their appearance for a longer period.
5. Maintenance: Consider the ease of maintenance and cleaning required for the seat poshish materials. Choose materials that fit your lifestyle and are easy to keep clean and fresh.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Seat Poshish

Installing seat poshish can be a straightforward process with the right tools and guidance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install seat poshish in your car:

1. Prepare the Seats: Start by removing any existing seat covers or accessories from your car seats. Clean the seats thoroughly to ensure a clean and smooth surface for the new seat poshish.
2. Measure and Cut: Measure the dimensions of your car seats and use these measurements to cut the seat cover material accordingly. Make sure to leave some extra material for adjustments and a snug fit.
3. Secure the Seat Poshish: Carefully place the cut seat poshish material over the car seat and secure it in place using clips, hooks, or adhesive strips. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation techniques.
4. Smooth and Adjust: Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the seat poshish material, ensuring a tight and professional-looking finish. Adjust the poshish as needed to ensure a proper fit and alignment.
5. Finishing Touches: Once the seat poshish is securely in place, trim any excess material and tuck it neatly under the seat for a clean and seamless appearance. Double-check the installation to ensure everything is secure and properly aligned.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Poshish

To keep your seat poshish looking its best, it’s important to follow proper maintenance and care practices. Here are some tips to help you maintain the longevity and appearance of your seat poshish:

1. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean your seat covers using a mild detergent or upholstery cleaner specifically designed for the material. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the seat poshish.
2. Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the seat poshish. Regular vacuuming helps prevent the buildup of dirt and prolongs the lifespan of the material.
3. Avoid Stains: Take precautions to prevent stains on your seat poshish. Use seat covers or protective sprays to minimize the risk of spills and stains. Clean up any spills immediately to prevent them from setting into the fabric.
4. Sun Protection: Protect your seat poshish from prolonged exposure to sunlight, as it can cause fading and deterioration of the material. Use sunshades or park your car in shaded areas when possible.
5. Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your seat cover for any signs of wear, tears, or loose stitching. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of the seat poshish.

Popular Seat Poshish Designs and Styles

Seat poshish offers endless possibilities when it comes to designs and styles. Here are some popular seat cover designs that can transform your car’s interior:

1. Classic Elegance: Choose a poshish design that exudes timeless elegance, such as black leather with subtle stitching or a combination of neutral tones. This classic style brings a touch of sophistication to any car interior.
2. Sporty Appeal: For car enthusiasts looking for a sporty and dynamic look, consider seat cover designs with bold colors, contrasting stitching, and patterns that reflect your personality. Opt for materials like suede or vinyl to achieve a sleek and modern aesthetic.
3. Custom Embroidery: Add a personal touch to your car’s interior with custom embroidery on the seat poshish. Whether it’s your initials, a logo, or a unique design, custom embroidery creates a one-of-a-kind look that sets your car apart.
4. Two-Tone Combination: Create a visually striking interior with a two-tone seat cover design. Choose complementary colors for the seat and backrest to create a stylish contrast.

Poshish Customization Options

If you’re looking for a truly unique and personalized interior, seat poshish customization options are available to meet your specific preferences. Here are some customization options to consider:

1. Material Selection: Choose from a wide range of materials, including leather, fabric, suede, and vinyl, to create the perfect look and feel for your car seats.
2. Color Combination: Select your desired color combination to match your car’s interior theme or create a contrast that makes a bold statement.
3. Pattern and Stitching: Add visual interest by choosing unique patterns or stitching styles that reflect your personal style.
4. Logo or Monogram: Incorporate your favorite logo, monogram, or design into the seat poshish for a custom look that showcases your individuality.

Conclusion

Transforming your car’s interior with seat poshish is a game-changer. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal and comfort of your car seats, but it also adds value to your vehicle. With a wide range of materials, designs, and customization options available, seat poshish allows you to create a personalized and luxurious oasis on wheels. So why wait? Give your car’s interior the upgrade it deserves with seat poshish and enjoy the ultimate driving experience. Adding good seat covers is also just a part of a Way to Make Your Car Last Longer.

Katherine Williams

A high-quality sound system is arguably the last factor considered by car manufacturers while designing a new car model. This is the reason why even some high-end cars will give you a lackluster music experience with the factory-installed sound system.

This wasn’t a big issue not so long ago as car owners would simply replace those factory components with their aftermarket counterparts. But now the landscape of the auto industry is shifting at a rapid pace as more electric/hybrid cars are coming into the market with each passing year. Instead of being powered by gasoline, these cars run on a big Lithium-Ion battery.

This fundamental change has led many car owners to wonder if they’ll be able to upgrade their car audio system as seamlessly as they do in a regular gasoline-powered vehicle.

Limitation of Factory Stereo System

But before going into our main topic, let’s talk about the limitations of a factory stereo system. Most factory head units feature a very basic set of connectivity options, such as FM, aux port, Bluetooth, etc. Aftermarket head units offer all these options but you also get a lot of extra goodies in the form of a USB port, HD radio, and touchscreen display.

Some high-end aftermarket head units offer Apple Carplay/Android Auto functionality that allows them to mirror your iPhone/Android smartphone on their screen. The same is the case with speakers. Most cars have mediocre factory speakers installed which are incapable of producing rich and lively music. These speakers come with cheaper surrounds made out of foam and paper that deteriorate quickly over time, reducing their overall lifespan.

They also struggle to produce low-end frequencies. This is the reason why you get dull and muddy bass with these speakers. This is also the same with a sound system in an electric car.

What Components You Should Upgrade

Now that we’ve discussed why it’s so critical to upgrade your car stereo, let’s talk about which components you should or should not upgrade in an electric vehicle.

Head Unit

Replacing the head unit in newer cars is getting difficult with every passing year.

Why?

Because these days high-end vehicles come with ‘infotainment‘ systems. Basically, these systems have head units combined with other functions of your vehicle, such as navigation system, climate control, and backup camera.

Sometimes replacing the head unit makes the stereo wheel buttons stop working. Therefore, if your electric vehicle’s head unit already has those features, it’s better to keep it untouched and focus on upgrading other factory components.

Speaker/Subwoofer

Speakers are the first component you should upgrade on the sound system in an electric car. It’s because factory speakers are not well-engineered and their build quality is mostly average. While ideally, you should go for a 6×9-inch/6.5-inch component speakers set, you can also go for something like Rockford Fosgate P1462 if the budget is tight.

It’s a full-range 4×6 speakers pair that has a rich sound, a tough build quality, and doesn’t cost a lot. It has a butyl rubber surround which helps it in generating deep and clear bass. On top of that, it’ll consume less power than its 6×9 or 6.5-inch counterparts.

The same goes for subwoofers. While some companies like NVX have made custom subwoofers for cars like Tesla Model S and Model 3, you can have other subs installed depending on your vehicle. I would recommend you only go for shallow-mount subs as they’re compact and require less power to operate.

Amplifier

The amplifier is the device that amplifies the audio signal and sends it to the speaker. While you can run regular speakers on a factory amp (you’ll get less volume though), a subwoofer will need an external amp for powerful bass production.

The type of amplifier you choose will depend on how many speakers/subs you want in your vehicle.

If you’re only going to power a subwoofer, then a monoblock amplifier would be fine. On the other hand, if you have to upgrade only the speakers, then you should go for a 2-channel or 4-channel amp (depending on the number of speakers).

But if you have decided to upgrade speakers as well as a dedicated sub, then a 5-channel amp would suit you better.

Due to the limited amount of space in EVs, you should go for only ‘compact’ amplifiers. These amps are smaller in size and also draw less amount of current which will be good for the battery.

Conclusion

While EVs don’t offer as much car audio customization as regular cars do, you can certainly improve your music experience by upgrading speakers and the amplifier. Since EVs are fundamentally different from regular cars, I won’t suggest you install any of these audio components by yourself. Instead, you should consult a certified professional and then decide whether you want to replace your factory components or not. If you decide to take on the task, ensure you use the correct wire sizes.

Asfand Yar

So you have to wonder, is all this high tech in cars worth it? Is the car thinking for us making us lazy? In the past, and still currently used at some oil and lube shops, are stickers. The tech will place a sticker in your door jam that has the mileage and service date hand written. Of course it is up to you to remember to look at the sticker. It should also be up to you to decide how many miles you want to go before your next oil change.

Now the vehicle decides for you, and turns on an irritating light to keep reminding you…

For instructions click on how to Reset Your Change Oil Light…

How Often Should You Change Your Oil

Most oil changes should occur between 3000 and 5000 miles and really more to the latter. Oils today are designed to go between 5000 and 10000 miles. This depends on the condition and the types of oil you use. I have built many engines, I wouldn’t stretch an oil change out 10000 miles. With a good synthetic oil, I wouldn’t go no more than 7500 miles.

The Change Oil Light was originally designed to go 3 months or 3500 miles, whichever came first. Sometime later, the newer vehicles were adhering to 5 month or 5000 miles. So Resetting The Change Oil Light still required some manual brain power. Today’s systems use the use the Power Control Module, (PCM), to collect data. It collects your driving habits, all temperatures, mileage and time. Based on its analysis, decides when to signal the Change Engine Oil Light indicator.

If your vehicle is designed and is running an oil that can go 10000 miles on one oil change. Then the indicator light pops on at 3000 miles, are you really going to change the oil? Of course not, you still need to keep up with the mileage on your own. It never hurts to use your brain a little, don’t always rely on what a machine tells you. Know the type of oil in your engine. Check with the manufacturer to see the recommended length between oil changes. Between your brain and technology, you should be able to judge a good interval. 

With today’s technology, we now have phone apps that make task like these more simple. Check out MY CARFAX, it’s a free app. There is a really nice app for iPhones too, it runs $2.99, check out Car Minder Plus..

Technology In Today’s Cars

Cars and trucks have become more like a computer on wheels, sadly nothing as great as Knight Rider’s KITT. Never the less, plenty of gadgets and systems. However, all the gadgets to make your life easier can also drive you crazy. Especially when dash light indicators come on and your car manual fails to tell you how to turn it off!!!

Fortunately, I have found that information on the Resetting The Change Oil Light. I have compiled it into a search table for easy access for all makes and models. Click HERE to find your car and how to reset the change engine oil indicator…

Automotive computer systems have come a long way as well. They were first introduced back in the late 70’s early 80’s, although they were garbage. You couldn’t talk to them and they were known for being an issue right off the assembly line.

As we got into the 90’s, the systems started getting better. They offered 2-way communications between a tech and car, although it was still limited. At the turn of the millennium, automotive computer systems started getting smart. You could do more than just communicate with them. Hand held scanners, could actually tell the onboard computer what to do for testing and manual diagnosis.

Advanced Onboard Systems

Now cars have USB ports, Bluetooth, Onboard MS Windows, and voice recognition to control most everything on the car. Remote control from your Smartphone is now available, and the list keeps growing. These cars can even park themselves and are now beginning to drive themselves. Sadly as our vehicles become more advanced, the more it pushes out the home mechanic. More and more vehicles require more advanced diagnostic equipment. Usually, the cost isn’t feasible for a one or two car owner to invest in such tools.

For the regular DIY type person, you may want to hear what your car has to say. Especially when one of those irritating lights come on. For the not so new cars, regular tools can still read codes and help with the diagnostics. There is always the option to run to a local parts store for them to pull the codes. However, some new cars have a built in OBD II diagnostics system built in to supply codes.

If your car isn’t that smart to tell you the code and you would like to read the codes yourself. Here is an inexpensive little ODB2 Scanner. It should be able to tell you why it the light is on and supply you the code.

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