We become increasingly cautious and careful of skin protection as we get older. We also have more opportunities for skincare based on new or improved options. We will never be able to avoid the sun entirely and, ultimately, we need to be out in the sun for our own health and for fun with our family and friends.

Long Days in the Car

As we get older, we are looking for more options to better suit our lifestyle. With busy schedules – bouncing between jobs, outdoor adventures, or just spending some good ol’ alone time during rush hour traffic – we are spending more time in the comfort of our own vehicles.

During the spring and summer and into early fall, we typically see more sun than we are used to. As a result, we tend to overlook the impact of the sun on our bodies for an average of 14 hours a day during the summer months. We are fortunate to some degree because of our vehicle’s partial protection just from providing cover from direct sun exposure. Although, there are additional, more effective provisions we can take toward shielding ourselves from sweltering temperatures and damaging UV rays.

Passenger Safety and Comfort

With the appropriate tint film, up to 99% of harmful UVB and UVB rays can be blocked without reducing function and visibility. This protects the driver from potential skincare risks. While this may seem like a stretch, that data confirms there is some science behind it. According to the Skin Cancer Institute, American drivers experience more skin cancer on the left side of the faces and bodies and Australian and European drivers typically experience skin cancer on the right side, indicating your time in your vehicle is truly impacting your skin health. Auto tint can also protect or alleviate the stress on passengers’ eyes. Even with sunglasses, the sun can be an overwhelming force on our eyes when we drive. Because glare and reflective light can be just as harmful to our vision and skin as direct exposure, taking necessary precautions with professional tinting can enhance the entire experience in your vehicle. Keeping your kids, friends, families, and guests comfortable and safe without squinting or adjusting is the ultimate goal for any driver.

A Fresh New Look

One of the most common reasons to tint the windows on any vehicle is to upgrade the aesthetics. Tinting your windows can create a sporty and more aggressive look for any car, truck, or SUV. At McDowells we offer high quality window tint packages to suit the looks of any vehicle and the preferences of the owner. From very light to limo tint, we can get exactly the look you want and the level of coverage you are comfortable driving with. We even have samples in our shop you can take outside to get an idea of how dark or light you would like your windows to be. Whether you’re looking to just provide a bit of sun protection in your daily driver or a sleek look for a high end sports car, McDowells can get it done!

Unexpected Benefits of Window Tinting

In addition to the general advantages of auto tint, there are also less intuitive benefits to having a professionally installed tint in your vehicle. Among these are the following:
Cooling the interior. Less light passing through means less heat trapped inside your vehicle.
Protecting the interior from fading and cracking. Sunlight can fade upholstery and cause plastic to become brittle, tint will help protect your interior for years to come.
Increased privacy. Tint reduces how visible your interior is from the outside, lessening the “fishbowl” feeling and helping to conceal items left inside your vehicle.

Industry-Leading Tint Options

We know that sometimes the hassle of getting additional work done on your vehicle can be enough to deter you from coming in. This is why we take efficiency as seriously as our care with your vehicle. We also have done the research in the industry to find products that will work the first time we install them but also leave you with enough flexibility to decide what kind of tint will suit your needs best.

Our partnership with SunTek window tinting allows us to offer a wide range of options including charcoal, metallic, and carbon tint films in a variety of shades. We also offer a line of windshield strip accessories to boost glare-protection measures.

Having top quality tint on your vehicle will improve your driving experience this summer. But, remember, auto tinting will also maintain the quality and comfort of your car and, more importantly, your passengers for years to come.

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What Causes Cloudy, Yellow Headlights?

• Oxidation: Despite acrylic headlights being equipped with a protective coating against oxidation, prolonged exposure to sunlight wears it off, resulting in yellowing lenses.
• Debris: Rocks and gravel colliding with headlights create scratches and marks, diminishing their clarity and light output.
• Dirt and Chemicals: Over time, a buildup of dirt and chemicals forms a transparent film on headlights, gradually dimming their brightness.
• Water Vapor: The watertight seal in headlights deteriorates over time, allowing condensation to form inside the lens, further contributing to their cloudy appearance.

Benefits of Headlight Restoration

• Removal of scratches and marks.
• Restoration of dull, clouded lenses.
• Maintenance of vehicle value, functionality, and performance.
• Enhanced safety and visibility on the road.
• Improved overall appearance of the vehicle.
• Cost savings compared to replacing headlights with new bulbs.

How to Stay Ahead of Cloudy Headlights

Staying proactive against cloudy headlights can be a challenge, but several measures can help maintain clarity and save money:

• Regular Cleaning: Headlight lenses require extra attention over time. Various methods, such as the Toothpaste Method or Sandpaper Method, can be employed for cleaning, though professional assistance is advisable.
• Addressing Underlying Issues: Identify and address factors contributing to headlight yellowing and cloudiness, such as environmental pollutants or engine-related chemicals.
• Parking in Shade: Minimize sunlight exposure by parking in shaded areas or positioning your vehicle with the headlights away from direct sunlight.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

While DIY approaches are beneficial, professional intervention may be necessary in certain circumstances:

• Severe Dimming: If headlight dimness significantly impairs visibility and safety, professional restoration becomes imperative.
• Complex Damage: For intricate repairs or challenging issues, seeking the expertise of professionals ensures effective restoration.
• Time and Convenience: In cases where DIY methods prove inadequate or time-consuming, professional services offer efficiency and convenience.

In conclusion, headlight restoration plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle safety, performance, and aesthetics. By understanding the causes of cloudy headlights, implementing preventive measures, and knowing when to seek professional assistance, you can ensure optimal visibility and safety on the road.

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Pay to Have Your Leather Professionally Fixed

If fixing your leather seats on your own does not sound like something you want to do, you can take your car in to get serviced. Depending on how damaged the seats are, the prices can range from $75 to $300 for simple rips. If you have a more complex rip that requires additional time and attention to detail, you can find yourself paying up to $100 to $200 per hour to get it fixed. A replacement may range around $300 – $2,000 depending on if you are just replacing a certain section. However if you are needing an entire replacement for your seats, expect the cost to be roughly $5,000 or more. It is important to weigh different factors when you are considering fixing up leather seats. Fixing up your own seats will be cheaper than having it professionally done. However, if you have significant tears it may be best to invest in a specialist who can patch them up nicely to where you won’t even notice it was damaged.

If You Can Prevent Tears From Happening, Even Better

Cracked leather seats and tears are usually preventable. It is important to take appropriate measures to prevent them from happening. Make sure you try and avoid long sun exposure. If you must leave your car in the sun, use a sunshield when you’re away. Leaving your leather seats exposed to the sun for a long period of time can cause it to crack or have the color fade. Additionally, you should avoid placing large and heavy objects on your seats. These objects can accidentally scratch your seats and leave tears in them. If possible, place those objects in the trunk of your car or on the ground. Lastly, be sure to keep your seats clean. Use a gentle vacuum cleaner that won’t be harsh on your seats. You can also purchase a conditioner made for car leather. The conditioner helps prevent cracks and keeps the leather strong. Keeping your car free of leather tears will ultimately help protect the value of your car should you decide to sell it in the future. However, if an accident does happen resulting in a leather tear, this article has some great tips to help you fix it.

Leather Car Seat Repair: How To Fix And Prevent Tears And Cracks

https://www.tearmender.com/blog-how-to-repair-a-leather-car-seat-using-tear-mender

Leather Car Seat Repair – Options to Make Them Good as New

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Types of Services

Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair is a method of removing dings or dents without disrupting the vehicle’s paint. Sometimes referred to as “metal massage therapists,” the technique is done by “massaging” the dent from the back of the panel using state-of-the-art tools. Unlike most body repair shops, paintless dent repair does not require extra services like grinding, filling, or priming the dent after it has been fixed.
You can make a dent disappear at a fraction of what you would pay at an auto repair shop! Unexpected dings or dents to your vehicle can be frustrating because there are not many ways to avoid them. Sure, parking your car in the back of a parking lot can help avoid shopping cart dings, but not even Thor can stop the sky from hailing. As long as the paint is not too severely damaged, McDowell’s specializes in:

• Hail damage
• Crease dents
• Sharp/deep dents
• Large dents
• Bodyline dents

The latest technology, extensive training, and pride in what we do have made McDowell’s the leading paintless dent repair company in the Treasure Valley. We use paintless dent repair processes to repair most dents that do not have extreme paint wear. The removal process is economical, convenient, and environmentally friendly. Whether the dent was caused by shopping carts, hail, basketballs, or another car, have some peace of mind knowing that your car will be fixed while traveling.

Upholstery Repair

Vacation is all about relieving the stress of your everyday life. Worrying about the damaged interior of your car while traveling can deter the experience of your vacation. Handled with attention and care, satisfaction guaranteed, McDowells can handle any of the following repair services:

• Color matching
• Leather care
• Reconditioning
• Complete seats

Upholstery repair at McDowell’s can be considered an extensive detailing service. Fix anything from minor tears and burns, dash and panel hard plastic repair, color restoration, and re-upholstery for self-fulfillment or to boost the value of the vehicle, even while you are away.
Perhaps the best re-upholstery service that McDowell’s has to offer is Katzkin leather conversions. Katzkin has been the leader in premium leather quality for 30 years. If you are looking to add significant value to your vehicle, look no further than Katzkin leather. With over 120 colors and materials, the comfortable and durable leather is an upgrade that you will not regret.
We do not stop at automobiles, however. If your idea of a vacation is a motorcycle trip, we also specialize in saddle and seat repair. Because of element exposure and typical wear and tear, saddlebags and seats often get damaged faster. Bringing your motorcycle back to life is what we strive for. Whether you want a whole new style of seat, minor holes repaired, or redyed leather, McDowells can help you restore your bike to mint condition.

Why Choose Us?

Family-owned and operated since 1993, McDowell’s stands behind customer satisfaction. Enjoy your vacation without accumulating all the stress that comes with your everyday life by killing two birds with one stone. Have McDowells repair your vehicle at the airport, while you’re away. If you’re not happy with the job, we promise to fix it until you are or refund your money. Because integrity is one of our focal points, we treat our customers as we would want to be treated and strive to make our customers completely satisfied. If you are planning a vacation, plan to get your car repaired at the same time. To get in touch or request a free estimate, contact us!

The post 3 Convenient Vehicle Repairs Accessible While Traveling appeared first on McDowells Specialty Repairs.

Clean Your Car

Your car’s clear coat of paint breaks down over time and as a result, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the paint easier. One thing that will help with preventing the clear coat on your car from breaking down as quickly is making sure to always keep it clean. If you let dirt sit on your car for an extended period of time, it can accelerate the breakdown of the clear coat on the paint. After the dirt breaks down your clear coat, the sun will immediately begin to destroy your paint.

Choose the Right Color

Unfortunately, the sun discriminates on which colors it will cause the most paint damage to. Generally speaking, red is the color that the sun will fade the most. This also includes colors that have red in them too, though. Shades of purple and orange are equally susceptible to fast fading from the sun. If you want the best chance of avoiding fading, you should steer clear of these colors.

Ceramic Coating

One of the most effective ways to prevent fading on the paint of your car is to apply a ceramic coating. A ceramic coating is applied on top of the paint by a professional to fill the gaps and any imperfections in the clear coat on your paint job. This ceramic coating will not only protect the car from UV rays, but it is also scratch-resistant!

Keep It Inside

The most simple solution to keeping your car’s paint from fading is to keep it inside as much as possible. If you have a garage, you should try to keep your car in it whenever you’re not driving it. If your garage is currently functioning more as a storage unit rather than a place you want to keep your car, check out these pro tips for organizing your garage. Most cars with fading paint that you see are those that are parked on the street or in the driveway. Although parking in the garage will not completely prevent fading, it will slow the process immensely.

At Mcdowells we know not all damage is preventable, but it is fixable. Contact us with any questions you may have about our auto repair services, we’re always here to help!

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Cruisin’ Hidden Springs Car Show

The Cruisin’ Hidden Springs Car Show takes place in Hidden Springs, a small suburb outside of Garden City that could almost be considered its own town. The car show is on June 5th and starts at 10 A.M. Any participants should get there by 8 A.M. to park their cars and get them ready for show. This is the show’s 7th summer of operation and features cars (obviously), as well as food, merchandise, and music. You can purchase your entry ticket on the Cruisin’ Hidden Springs website, and should do so as soon as possible before they sell out of spots!

Wash & Shine Car Show & Swap Meet

This show is taking place at Carl Miller Park in Mountain Home on July 24th. It’s a free show for both viewers and those displaying their cars, and you’ll only have to pay a ticket fee if you are a vendor. The show is not judged, so it’s just a fun event to show your car off at or look at some of the best cars from all over Idaho!

Kruz-In Car Show

One of the longest running car shows happening this summer is the Kruz-In Car Show. This is the 19th annual Kruz-In Car Show taking place at Eagle Christian Church and is free to enter, but it is judged with an award presentation. The show is free to enter into, but you should register prior to the event here. There’s free food and beverages available, but it starts at 7 A.M., so be there bright and early!

Sun Valley Tour de Force

The Sun Valley Tour de Force is one of the coolest car shows that happens in Idaho. It takes place this summer between July 22nd and July 24th, so it’s actually a festival rather than just a one-day show. This event has a ton of supercars and hyper cars, so you’re bound to find a car that you’ve never seen before. They have high speed runs on Highway 75 through the beautiful mountains. There are also many other events happening around the town of Sun Valley during this event, so it’d make a great vacation for the weekend!

If you want to get your car ready to enter it into a car show, be sure to give McDowells Specialty Repair a call! We specialize in auto repair, and we can fix any paint scratches or dings so that your car will be ready to turn heads by showtime. Call us today!

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Maintain The Interior

The first step to extending that “like new” feeling comes from maintaining the interior of your car.

Clean

It is important to keep the interior of your car dirt and debris free. The longer it sits in your car, the more damage it can cause to your upholstery, leathers, vinyls, and other surfaces. By taking some time out of your day every couple of months, you can prevent the need for auto interior repair.

Protect

Although leather seems like the safest option for the interior or a car since it is resistant to stains and daily wear and tear, if it is not properly cleaned leather will lose its natural oils, become stiff, and crack. The same goes for other surfaces on the interior of an automobile.

Repair

In order to maintain the interior of your car, it is essential that you repair damage as soon as it happens, as letting problems persist creates worse damage. For example, if you notice your leather seats becoming cracked or worn, avoiding the issue will only make it worse, possibly beyond repair. That is why it is important to invest in auto leather repair as soon as possible to stop the problem from extending. Unresolved damage to upholstery, vinyl, fabric, or other surfaces can lead to further damage if not repaired quickly.

Maintain Auto Exterior

To complete the “new car” appearance, you can’t forget about the exterior!

Clean

The longer dirt, grime, oil, etc. remains on the exterior of your vehicle, the duller your paint becomes. Keeping your vehicle clean helps the paint to stay a vibrant color and shine. Whether you wash your car yourself or take it to a car wash, it is important to have regular washes to ensure that all dust, dirt, and other damaging substances are completely removed. This prevents the need for maintenance and other auto exterior repair as often.

Protect

A variety of products such as waxes and protectants can be used in order to maintain the exterior of your car. Although your car’s paint does have a clear coating on it, sun, rain, and snow will eat through that protective layer. Therefore, it is recommended that you wax your car at least twice a year to provide an extra layer of protection against weathering. Another benefit of waxing your car is that it also restores the shiny finish to your vehicle’s paint job. Always use a wax designed for your vehicle’s type of paint.

Repair

Regular detailing and touch-ups help to maintain the exterior of your car. By taking it to a repair service regularly, they can tackle dent and paint repair along with fixing any other damage in order to ensure your car is looking brand new. Auto exterior repair revives your car and helps to avoid future damage. Something as simple as a paint chip can persist and create a bigger problem for the exterior of your car. That is why it is important to invest in auto exterior repairs as soon as possible after the damage is spotted. Advances like paintless dent repair make it easier than ever to keep your car in great shape!
Repair services are always willing to help you out in maintaining the perfect appearance of your vehicle. Consult McDowell’s Specialty Repairs today to get your car looking brand new!

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Yellowstone National Park

Geysers and paint pots and bears: oh my! Everywhere you look, Yellowstone National Park is full of remarkable natural phenomenon. Wildlife is everywhere for you to observe and photograph, and popular sites like Old Faithful are a little easier to get a front-row seat for since tourist season doesn’t really start until May. Some roads and shops that you can access at peak season may be closed, but the smaller crowds are worth it!
When making your drive from Boise, make sure to take a route that passes through Rexburg. Bear World is a fun, immersive experience for the whole family! If the weather is a little questionable during your time at the park (which is likely, given the season), West Yellowstone offers some great shops, museums and an IMAX experience to pass the day. Definitely set aside some time to spend at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center; the facility is packed with educational opportunities as well as giving you a chance to get safely up close and personal with these beautiful four-legged friends.

The Oregon Coast

Another great road trip that is practically in our backyard is the rugged Oregon coastline. Spend at least a day in Depoe Bay and take some time whale-watching; peak season for viewing these large aquatic mammals starts in March! Watching the seals and sea lions on the docks is always a cool experience, as well.
With lighthouses and seaside towns to spare, the drive up Highway 101 has so many picturesque memories to capture. Take some time at Cannon Beach to walk and get your picture at Haystack Rock. Then continue up the coastline and take a dip inland to Astoria; this port town is a must-see!

The Redwoods

A little further down Highway 101, there is another “Insta-worthy” destination: the ancient redwood forests of Northern California! These hauntingly beautiful cedar trees and the fern-filled forest floor transport you to a world from the pages of a fairy tale.
Visit the Trees of Mystery and see the giant statues of Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox. Take the trails here for more enchantment: you can almost hear the old trees calling out to you. Complete with the SkyTrail gondola, this is an experience you won’t soon forget. Follow the coastline down to the Petrified Forest near Calistoga, and even spend a day or two in San Francisco before making the trek back. On the return trip to Boise, you can stop off at Crater Lake to view another national treasure!

Whether you decide to take an extended trip this Spring Break or just choose to take a drive around town, McDowells has the know-how to maintain the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Contact McDowells today!

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Protect your car from kids and pets with this guide.

How to Child Proof Your Car

• Use Child Locks
• Secure Seat Belts
• DIY Seat Protectors
• Store Hazards Safely
• Always Look Before Locking

Child Locks

Yes. Even if they are annoying for your older passengers, using child safety features is important. Little kids are curious! You would not want to run the risk of having a child fling open the car door or crawl out the window. You can usually find the child door lock on the inner part of your car door. The window lock is the funny looking window button with an X on the drivers’ side.

Secure Seat Belts

It’s imperative that you secure your children tightly and comfortably in their seat belt. Loose or ill fitting belts can result in injury, and even death. Be sure that the little ones are not left unaccounted for either. Make sure that you are using a proper car seat for the age weight of your child. The typical age for children to move to a regular seatbelt is 8-12 years old.

DIY Seat Protectors

Children are notorious for spilling drinks and ruining car upholstery. Even if you think your leather seats are protected, think again. Luckily, if you don’t usually have children in your vehicle you can create a DIY seat protector. All you really have to do is use an old blanket or sheet. It’s better to have spills and crumbs in a collected area.

However, if you aren’t wanting to use that method, you can always have your car upholstery professionally cleaned by McDowells. That way all of the small crumbs, and hard to reach spills are taken care of.

Store Hazards Safely

If you haul around sharp tools or cleaning supplies in your car, be sure to store them accordingly. At young ages anything can become a toy. Not only is it detrimental to the child’s safety, but it’s also important for protecting the interior of your car. Before going on a long drive with children, store the hazards in the trunk and fasten them securely.

Always Look Before Locking

Whether it’s cold or hot, the weather switches to extreme conditions in a matter of minutes. In no case should you ever leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Get in the habit of looking in the back before you leave the car. Even on a 70 degree day, the temperature inside a car can jump to 104 in 30 minutes. The humidity also accumulates at a rapid rate, making it even more muggy and unbreathable.

How to Pet Proof Your Car

• Clean Beforehand
• Pack a Care Kit
• Cut Their Nails
• Cover the Upholstery
• Play Before Travel

Clean Beforehand

It may seem counterintuitive, but cleaning before will save you a bigger headache in the end. Especially if you have kids or guests who eat in the car, try to clean out the space before putting your pet in the car where they can and will eat anything. If you don’t have the tools or time to clean thoroughly, consider having your auto upholstery professionally cleaned.

Pack a Care Kit

On long car rides pets get antsy, some more than others. Pack a care kit of trash bags, toys, food, water, and towels. This can also include things like lint rollers, air fresheners, and first-aid kits, that will help you out too. If anything, pet owners should try to entertain their animals with toys or treats like they would with children.

Cut Their Nails

Pet nails are an auto upholstery nightmare. It’s easy for them to snag a seam or rip the material if their nails are long. Give them a nice trim beforehand so they aren’t awkwardly trying to regain stability and accidentally tearing into the seat. If you do end up with damage, you can have your auto interior repaired in Boise for a reasonable price.

Cover the Upholstery

This goes hand in hand with what we talked about with childproofing your car. You can find some really affordable seat covers online, but if you’re looking for a quicker method, use towels, old blankets, and sheets. Dogs aren’t the kind of pet that will wipe their feet off before climbing onto the seats.

Play Before Travel

Pets can be rambunctious at the worst times. When going on longer rides where your pets will be in the car for an extended amount of time, consider giving them extra attention. Wear them out before the ride. This way, they are more relaxed and less likely to get antsy. Just throwing the ball a few times or moving the laser pointer around should do it. It’s also fun just playing with your pets too.

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