Going Off Road? Keep Your Tires Clean with These Tips and Tricks

If you like to go off road, you’re probably used to having dirty tires and wheels. We all know how easily dirt and other pieces of debris can get lodged into the coating of a tire. But cleaning your tires is about more than just appearances. It’s about preventative maintenance. If you don’t clean your tires regularly, all of that excess dirt and debris can actually do lasting damage to your ride. Dirty treads can affect traction and speed, putting extra stress on your tires. Learn how to properly clean your off-road tires with these simple tips and tricks.

Clear a Path

Before you start spraying your tires with various cleaners, you need to do some of the heavy lifting yourself. Start by finding a wire-bristle brush to get rid of large pieces of dirt and anything else that might be hiding in the tread of your tires. Try to move the brush in the direction of the tread.

Washing and Scrubbing Your Tires

Once you’ve removed the bulk of the filth, it’s time for a deep clean. You can spend your money on dozens of self-proclaimed off-road tire cleaners, but many of them have caustic acids and other powerful ingredients that lead to discoloration and cracking. It’s best to avoid those harmful chemicals and stick with an all-purpose cleaner like Simple Green. This cleaner is non-toxic and it won’t dry out your tires like other cleaners. Use about 25% Simple Green and 75% water. Clean the surface of your tires with a nylon brush.

Rinse and Dry Before You Move On

Once you’re finished cleaning one tire, make sure that you completely rinse off the tire and wipe it dry with a soft, clean cloth. If you let the cleaner dry naturally and stick to the tire, it could wear down the rubber over time. Carefully treat one tire at a time, instead of quickly cleaning all four at once.

Protect Your Tires with the Proper Coating

You don’t need to mess with this step every time you wash your tires, but using a traction compound on your tires will help preserve the rubber over time. Once your tires are completely clean and dry, spray a bit of traction compound on the surface. Sticky Kicks is a great choice for off-road tires. You can find it at most auto part stores. Now that you’ve coated the whole tire, use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess fluid and residue.

If you like to get your truck dirty, it’s important to clean your tires every month, if not every week. If you really want to preserve the life of your tires, it’s not a bad idea to wash them every time you go off road.

You can always come to Don’s Automotive Group in Louisiana for off-road tire maintenance and truck repairs.

Give Yourself Some Privacy with Tinted Windows

Tinted windows are quickly becoming all the rage. Having your windows tinted gives your car a sleek, mysterious look. You can hop in the driver’s seat and know that no one can see what you’re doing behind the wheel. You’ll have the privacy to do as you please. At Don’s Automotive Group – DW Accessories, window tinting is just one of the many services we offer. Discover the benefits of window tinting and learn about our upcoming FREE giveaway.

Giving Yourself Privacy on the Road

You can encounter some strange characters on the road. You never know when you might see someone with an ornery disposition. When you have your windows tinted, you’re putting up a veil around your car. You can keep driving without worrying about whether or not someone is spying on you from a distance. Tinted windows can also help you protect yourself against theft. If you leave something of value in your car while it’s parked, someone might try to break in. Tinted windows give you the privacy you need to protect yourself on the road.
 

A Clean, Professional Look

There’s nothing classier than a beautiful car with newly tinted windows. Tinted glass gives your vehicle an air of sophistication. We tend to associate tinted windows with limos, high security vehicles, and those with power and influence. You can spice up your ride by stopping by DW Accessories in Lafayette, Louisiana. Give yourself the gift of privacy and have your windows tinted today.

Tinting Laws State by State

Certain states are more hospitable to tinted windows than others. Window tint laws vary state by state. These laws are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. Local authorities in certain parts of the country also want to make sure that you’re not doing anything illegal behind all of that tinted glass.

In Alabama, you can only tint the top six inches of the front windshield. As for side windows and the rear windshield, you can’t reduce the light transmission through the glass to less than 32%, nor can you increase the light reflectance to more than 20%.  For SUVs, vans and trucks, the limit is 32% for the driver’s window and the front passenger window only.

In Louisiana, you’re not allowed to drive a motor vehicle with any tinted windows that obstruct the inward and outward view. However, there are some exceptions to this rule including: (1) a sun-screening device on the front side window with a light transmission of at least 40%, the side window behind the driver with a light transmission of at least 25% and rearmost windows with a light transmission of at least 12%; (2) a transparent material, not colored red or amber, affixed to the top of the windshield not extending more than 5 inches down from the top.

The professionals at DW Accessories will make sure that your vehicle complies with your state’s laws. You can visit the AAA website for more information about the window tinting laws in your state.

A Special Tinting Giveaway

We’re also giving away our window tinting services for FREE. Give us a call at 337-210-5000 to register and you can have your windows tinted free of charge.

Come to DW Accessories for all of your automobile repair needs. We have some of the lowest prices in the area. Visit us online or give us a call at 337-210-5000 for more information.