How to Properly Store Your Summer Car for the Fall and Winter Months

westchesterdetailing

September 24, 2022

Properly preparing your vehicle for winter storage will ensure it stays in good running condition until spring. Follow these key maintenance steps before putting your car into storage for the winter months:


  1. Fill Up the Gas Tank
    Top off your gas tank within 1 week of storage to minimize air exposure and prevent inside-tank condensation. Adding
    fuel stabilizer helps keep gas fresh for up to 2 years.
  2. Check Fluid Levels
    Refill windshield wiper fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid if needed 1-2 weeks before storage. Refer to your owner's manual for specifications. This prevents levels from dropping over the winter.
  3. Inflate Tires
    Fill tires to maximum recommended PSI 1 week prior to help prevent flat spots from forming while parked. Use a pressure gauge to check.
  4. Clean and Charge Battery
    Remove any corrosion and debris from battery terminals using a wire brush and baking soda solution. Fully charge the battery 1 day before storage to prepare it for cold temps.
  5. Wash and Detail Thoroughly
    Deep clean the exterior, tires, wheels, and interior 1 week before storage. This removes
    contaminants that can damage paint or upholstery over time. Pay attention to dust buildup on convertible tops.
  6. Store in Cool, Dry Place
    Keep your parked car in a garage or covered area maintaining 40-50°F to prevent exterior/interior damage from temperature swings. Lower convertible top windows slightly.


a winter vehicle storage checklist includes fill gas tank check and fill fluids inflate tires clean and charge battery wash and detail exterior clean interior
February 11, 2025
Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) are more than just a scientific curiosity—they’re a groundbreaking material with the potential to transform industries ranging from automotive coatings to biomedicine . Born from controlled explosions , these tiny diamond crystals are reshaping how we think about durability, performance, and innovation. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science, history, and applications of DNDs, offering a complete resource for anyone interested in this fascinating field. What Are Detonation Nanodiamonds? The Basics of DNDs Detonation nanodiamonds are tiny diamond particles, typically 3–5 nanometers in size, created by detonating explosives with a negative oxygen balance, like as a mixture of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexogen (RDX)in a controlled environment . The carbon atoms in the explosives rearrange into a diamond’s signature sp³ carbon lattice structure , giving DNDs their exceptional hardness and durability. Despite their small size, these particles pack a punch, offering unique properties that make them invaluable in a variety of applications.
February 4, 2025
Discover the science behind nano diamonds and their transformative role in advanced ceramic coatings. In recent years, the use of nano diamonds —tiny diamond particles measuring just billionths of a meter (nanometers)—has gained significant attention in various industries. These microscopic gems are not only fascinating from a scientific perspective but also hold immense potential for practical applications, particularly in advanced materials like ceramic coatings . What Are Nano Diamonds? Nano diamonds are minuscule diamond particles produced through processes such as detonation synthesis. When an explosive containing carbon compounds is detonated under controlled conditions, the intense heat and pressure generated mimic the natural formation of diamonds deep within Earth's mantle . The result? Pure carbon atoms rearrange themselves into crystalline diamond structures at the nanoscale. Extreme hardness: Retains legendary durability even at the nanoscale. High thermal conductivity: Efficiently transfers heat, ideal for demanding environments. Chemical inertness: Resists corrosion and chemical reactions, ensuring longevity. Large surface area: Enables better interaction with other materials. The Role of Nano Diamonds in Ceramic Coatings Ceramic coatings are widely used for protecting surfaces against wear, abrasion, corrosion, and thermal degradation. By integrating nano diamonds into these coatings, manufacturers can significantly improve their mechanical, thermal, and functional properties. Key Benefits: Improved Hardness and Durability: Enhances resistance to chipping, and erosion, also making scratching less likely. Enhanced Thermal Conductivity : Reduces overheating and thermal stress. Reduced Friction and Wear: Acts as nanoscale lubricants, reducing energy loss. Superior Adhesion and Uniformity: Ensures strong bonding and prevents delamination . Optical and Aesthetic Benefits: Enhances glossiness and optical clarity. Applications of Nano Diamond-Infused Ceramic Coatings The versatility of nano diamond-enhanced ceramic coatings opens up numerous possibilities across industries: Automotive Industry: Ceramic coatings play a crucial role in protecting car exteriors and interiors from scratches, UV damage, and environmental wear. At Westchester Auto Detail, we use C6 Ceramic Coatings , the only product on the market created through cold detonation physics to incorporate Refined Detonated Nano Diamonds . Unlike other brands, such as CarPro’s DQuartz, which use standard nanodiamonds, C6’s refinement process ensures a higher concentration and superior quality of nano diamonds. This results in enhanced hardness, durability, and resistance to wear, making it the ideal choice for automotive applications. The refined nano diamonds also improve the coating’s ability to bond with surfaces, providing long-lasting protection and a deeper, more vibrant shine. Aerospace Engineering: Shielding aircraft components from extreme temperatures and abrasion. Medical Devices: Providing biocompatible, antibacterial coatings for surgical instruments. Electronics Manufacturing: Safeguarding delicate circuits and semiconductors. Industrial Machinery: Extending the life of heavy-duty equipment by reducing wear.  Challenges and Future Prospects While the integration of detonated nano diamonds into ceramic coatings offers groundbreaking advantages, there are still challenges to address: Cost: Producing nano diamonds via detonation synthesis is expensive. Scalability: Scaling up production while maintaining quality remains a technical hurdle. Environmental Concerns: Use of explosives raises sustainability and safety questions. Despite these obstacles, ongoing research aims to optimize production methods and explore alternative synthesis techniques. As costs decrease and technologies advance, we can expect nano diamond-enhanced ceramic coatings to become more accessible and ubiquitous. Conclusion Detonated nano diamonds represent a revolutionary advancement in material science, offering unparalleled enhancements to ceramic coatings. From boosting hardness and thermal management to reducing friction and improving aesthetics, these tiny yet mighty particles unlock new possibilities for innovation. As researchers continue to refine this technology, one thing is clear: the future of protective coatings shines brighter—and harder—than ever before.
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