Showing posts with label car accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car accessories. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Wiper Blades: Types, Features and Replacement Steps

by on January 08, 2025
From the engine to the transmission, brakes and suspension every single component has a lifespan and when replaced or revitalised on time it lasts longer and thus your car does too. A pair of trim pieces that aren't replaced as regularly nowadays are the wiper blades.

They may not hinder performance or affect the lifespan of the engine, however, they do make for an unsafe driving experience. When even a single car wiper starts to leave streaks or make noise it means it's not doing its job properly and a dirty windscreen can be more of a nuisance than you think. This is why replacing wiper blades every 6 months to a year is crucial but what's also crucial is getting the right ones.

Types of Wiper Blades

Source: iamautomodified.com

Standard

The traditional wiper blades used since the very first vehicle had them back in the 1920s are known as the standard or frame-style wipers. This type of car wiper in Singapore is not as common and it's made of a metal framework that holds a strip of rubber. Despite being able to make multiple contact points with the windscreen, these wiper blades are not aerodynamic. They create a lot of noise especially when travelling at motorway speeds but are the most affordable wipers you can get.

Beam

With a beam-style wiper blade, you get a more modern solution that not only stays in contact with the windscreen better than a frame-style wiper but it's also sleeker. The flexibility of beam-style wipers allows it to stay in contact with curved windscreens better than a frame-style wiper can but a beam-style wiper isn't as affordable as a frame-style wiper blade. Beam-style wipers are more aerodynamic though and create less drag and thus less noise or no noise at all.

Hybrid

A hybrid wiper blade makes use of the cost-effective frame of a conventional car wiper while it also utilises the aerodynamic profile of a beam-style wiper. Hybrid car wipers for sale are therefore the best at providing a good point of contact no matter the design of the windscreen, the speed you're travelling at or weather conditions. They make for the most effective wiper blades as well as the most stylish ones if that's something you want from a wiper blade. They are both durable and easy to take on and off without costing a fortune.

What Matters in a Wiper Blade?

Compatibility

While the style of the wiper blade affects its performance and durability, its attachment affects its compatibility. Make sure that your new car wipers for sale can be installed onto the end of your wiper arm and doing so means the wiper blade comes with the correct attachment. There are multiple different ones labelled by letters and if you don't know which one to get, just get a universal car wiper in Singapore that comes with all the attachments and you can choose the one based on the end of the wiper arm.

Material

There are materials other than rubber a wiper blade can have and if you want one that will last a lot longer you should go for silicone wiper blades. They last 2x longer than rubber ones and they also perform better in cold weather. Silicone wiper blades also leave a coating on the windscreen every time they go over it which helps make water drops slide off the windscreen. You can also get ceramic-coated blades which are able to last a lot longer than both rubber and silicone blades no matter the weather conditions they're exposed to.

Replacing Your Wiper Blades

Source: caranddriver.com
1. To replace your current wiper blades with new ones you need to first lift the wiper arms away from the windscreen in order to not damage it when replacing the wiper blades.

2. Next, locate the latch or clip on the wiper arm which is what holds the wiper arm in place. Once you've found it remove the current wiper blade from the wiper arm by holding the latter with one hand and unlatching the blade with the other.

3. Once the old wiper blades are off, get the new ones and attach them to the wiper arm in the same way you removed the old ones, just in reverse. With that done you can put the wiper arms back on the windscreen and test them out but not without windscreen washer fluid.

4. Always make sure you use windscreen washer fluid when using the wipers unless it's raining, otherwise you are shortening the lifespan of the blade and causing damage to the surface of the windscreen. 

Final Words

Since no vehicle is made the same, no wiper blade is either as they come in different sizes and with different attachments that make them fit snugly on the wiper arm. Make sure that you tend to your windscreen wipers at regular intervals so your view out isn't compromised when you need it most.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

How to Choose Floor Mats for a Volvo XC90

by on October 05, 2023

 Known mainly for their safety standards, Volvo has been making some of the most refined and easy-to-drive vehicles, especially for everyday commuters. Both their sedans and SUVs have ranked well in the deliverability department and the XC90 is no different. What the XC90 also offers is a luxurious cabin with more seating options than older models.


The XC90 also has better brakes than most of its competitors as they behave and feel much like those on a lighter and faster car. They are predictive and easy to accustom to. With the XC90 you also get hybrid versions now that come with both a turbo and supercharger to help bring the large SUV up to speed.

Benefits of Car Mats

Source: carandbike.com

Protection

A Volvo XC90 mat can keep the floor safe from spills, claws, chemicals and other nuisances. With the right Volvo car mats for XC90, you can keep the floor safe for a long time and in good shape too as you won't need to tend to it as much as you would without the mats in place.

Clean

Cleaning the floor of your XC90 can be a difficult task if it's in a bad state. But with Volvo XC90 mats you can save yourself a lot of time and money in keeping the floor clean. Doing so will also help prolong the lifespan of the floor and the layers that cover it up.

Aesthetics

With car floor mats you can bring a change in interior without having to invest a fortune. Reupholstering the seats or the roof can be a time-consuming and expensive option, replacing floor mats however is the exact opposite. Also, if you happen to change your mind you can always go for different ones.

Types of Car Mats

Source: accessories.volvocars.com

Rubber

The most durable and long-lasting Volvo XC90 mats you'll come across are ones made of rubber. Rubber mats are also known as a great non-slip solution that can also keep water away from the floor without breaking the bank. But keep in mind that rubber is no good in the heat as it can make it unbearable when temperatures are high.

Vinyl

Also known as all-weather mats, vinyl floor mats are rather thick which is what makes them more durable than rubber mats. Vinyl mats also come with upturned edges which help keep water from getting on the floor as well as dust and grime. You'll find vinyl mats with spikes on the back so that they stay in place better.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane mats may not be as durable as the above two but they are much lighter and more resistant to wear and tear. Polyurethane Volvo XC90 mats also won't deform as much as rubber ones or vinyl mats while being odourless. Keep in mind that they are a more expensive option.

Fabric

The most affordable Volvo car mats for XC90 are fabric ones. They are rather easy to clean but they don't take care of spills that well as they soak up whatever you spill. Fabric mats come with a rubber back to prevent them from slipping and clips to hold them in place too. They are however not nearly as durable or resistant to wear and tear as any of the above-mentioned options.

Curly

Also called nomad mats, curly mats are thicker than regular fabric and they have small curls. It's exactly this design that makes them soak up spills quite well. They are also rather comfortable and require you to clean them a lot less than a regular fabric mat.

3D

With 3D floor mats, you won't even notice the floor as they are made with raised sides so that they come in contact with plastic on the middle console and near the door. They come in different colours and are made of a tougher material that retains water but doesn't soak it up. They are easy to clean but not the most comfortable.

Important Factors of Car Mats

Source: autoaccessoriesgarage.com

Movement

When it comes to car mats they shouldn't be able to move whatsoever. There is no exception here no matter the type of Volvo XC90 mat you go for. Any movement can make your drive, especially a long-haul one, quite dangerous. Be it with rubber spikes, a rubber backing or clips, a mat should be held down in place so that you can comfortably rest your feet on it.

Compatibility

An important factor of every car floor mat is its compatibility with your XC90. The mats should be made so that they fit the foot well exactly to the millimetre. Otherwise, the floor won't be covered up properly and crumbs, residue and spills can get to it which is something you want to avoid at any cost.

Water

Another important feature of car mats is the ability to retain water or soak it up. No matter what they do with it it's important that they don't let the water get to the floor. Some say that a mat that soaks up spills is better than one that just keeps the water pooled in place but to each their own, as both do the same thing and that is to keep water away from the floor.

Odour

A lot of car floor mats have a strong rubber-like odour even if the base material isn't rubber as most of them come with a rubber backing or spikes made of rubber. If you want to avoid such an odour your best bet is to go for fabric mats that have clips to keep them planted. 

Thursday, June 29, 2023

The Most Popular Toyota Camry Mat Materials and Other Factors to Consider When Shopping for Replacement Mats

by on June 29, 2023

The floor mats in your Toyota Camry play a key role in protecting the interior from dirt and debris. These car accessories go through a lot of abuse and are constantly subjected to wear, meaning they need to be replaced every now and then. But how do you find the ideal Toyota Camry mats to replace your worn-down ones with? 


Factors to Consider When Replacing Floor Mats

There are a few factors to consider when choosing replacement Toyota Camry mats, including: 


toyota camry mat
Source: shop.cessnocktoyota.com.au



  • The material of the mats 
  • Whether or not they are custom-fitted or universal fit 
  • How many mats you need in your car 
  • Cost and value for money


Material

This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying floor mats. The material used can make or break how well your car's interior will be protected from dirt and debris. There are two types of mats available on the market today, both of which have their pros and cons: 


  • Rubber Mats - These durable floor mats are made from heavy-duty rubber. They are custom fit and can easily be cleaned with mild soap and water. The downside to this type of floor mat is that it may leave stains on your car's carpet due to its dark colour, which can be hard to remove. This type of mat also has a strong odour when brand new, so you'll need to air out your vehicle for at least 24 hours before using these mats.
  • Plastic Mats -These floor mats a made from heavy-duty plastic. They are lightweight and easy to carry around, but they're not as durable as rubber mats. The pros of this type of mat include: they don't leave stains or odours and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. These mats also come in different colors so you can customize your car's interior.
  • Fabric Mats - The floor mats in your Toyota Camry play a key role in protecting the interior from dirt and debris. These car accessories go through a lot of abuse and are constantly subjected to wear, meaning they need to be replaced more often.
  • Customized Mats -This is the best option for those who want a combination of both rubber and plastic mats. These floor covers are made from premade rubber or plastic materials and are designed to fit perfectly in your Camry's floorboard. You can also choose from different colours, patterns and designs when buying this type of mat.


Source: parts.philgilberttoyota.com.au


Properties

There are also certain car mats that have special properties, such as those with rubberized grips, and anti-bacterial, as well as hygiene-enhancing properties. These mats are made from special materials that help repel water, which is a huge bonus since it'll prevent your car's carpet from getting wet when driving through puddles or rain. With these features, you won't have to worry about cleaning up after every use.


Number of Mats You Need

If you only need one or two mats for a specific location in the car, then custom-fitted mats will be ideal. However, if you need more than that, then it'll be better to go with universal fit mats. These types of floor covers are cheaper and a lot more affordable, but they aren't as durable.


Cost and Value for Money

The cost of replacement mats can vary depending on the type you purchase, but one thing's for sure: you don't want to spend too much on them since it'll just be a waste of money. You need to find something that offers value for money and will still protect your car's interior from dirt and debris effectively. 


Maintaining Your Brand New Car Mats

To make the most of your replacement car floor mats, you'll need to keep them clean and free from debris. Here are some tips on how you can do this:


  • Get a vacuum cleaner with an attachment that's designed for cleaning car mats and use it to suck up all the loose dirt on your floor mats. This will ensure that there are no unwanted particles left on your car's carpet. 
  • Clean the mats with soap and water after every use, but make sure not to leave them wet for too long since this may cause damage. Use a towel or rag to pat down the mat if you need to dry it off quickly. 


Final Thoughts

Replacing your Toyota Camry mats every now and then is important, as it keeps the interior clean and free from dirt. The floor mats are designed to protect the carpeting in your car, so you'll want to make sure they're durable enough to withstand regular use. 


The tips mentioned above should help you find replacement floor mats that will suit your needs, and how you can make the most out of your new purchase. That way, you'll get more value for your money and feel confident that your car's interior will remain spotless.