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Woman riding a 4 wheeler through a large pool of mud

How Do You Get Mud Out of ATV Plastic?

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are designed to be ridden in the wettest, muddiest, and dustiest conditions, and most ATV owners have no difficulty getting their quad bikes dirty. But after the fun ends is when the hard part of owning an ATV starts — cleaning your quad and getting it back to its former shiny glory. more If you want to keep your ATV's plastic parts looking like new, you need to adopt a cleaning and protection routine from day one. By following these few simple steps, the tedious job of cleaning your quad will be a lot easier. If your ATV is white, some additional steps may be needed to keep its original color and shine. Presoaking If your ATV is covered in caked-on mud and dirt, an important first cleaning step is to presoak it. This simply involves using a hose to spray your quad with an intense spray of water and leaving it to soak. Try to get the spray into all the smallest recesses. Use your hands to get rid of any big chunks of stuck-on grass and mud. Turn Up the Pressure The next step is to blast off all the loosened dirt. Using a pressure washer is the simplest and most thorough way to do this. If you don't have access to a pressure washer, you can use a hose with a nozzle turned to its most powerful setting. Clean off as much dirt and grime as you can, to make the rest of the cleaning easier for yourself. Sponge and Detergent Use a good automotive cleaner and a sponge to scrub all of your quad's surfaces, paying particular attention to the plastic parts and the seat. For any rough or difficult-to-clean parts of your ATV, use a stiff brush to remove tough dirt. The detergent will help to get rid of any oily stains. Drying There are different ways to dry your quad, depending on what you have to hand. If the plastic is still wet, the heat of the sun and a lint-free cloth work really well. If you have access to an air compressor, it not only dries your ATV's plastic surfaces but can also get into all the nooks and crannies that you can't reach with a cloth. This helps to prevent rust spots developing in hard-to-reach areas where water can sit in pools. Polish the Plastic Many ATV owners think polishing the plastic is a step too far for a vehicle that's going to get covered in mud next time out. But if you want to keep your quad looking great, or at least try to reduce the faded and scuffed-up appearance of plastic surfaces, you shouldn't skip polishing. Once your ATV is dry and free from water spots, use a specially designed plastic polish on all the plastic areas. You simply spray it on and buff it until the surfaces shine. However, don't use the polish on your seat, as you might find yourself sliding off the slippery surface on your next ride. Restoring Discolored White Plastic If your ATV is white, it might need some extra cleaning because even the smallest bit of dirt will stand out on white plastic surfaces, causing the white to become discolored. Take these additional steps to restore your quad to bright white. Fill a large bucket or bowl with one part water and one part bleach. Remove small white plastic parts from your quad and soak them in the bleach-water mix. For the larger parts, soak paper towels in the bleach solution and cover the discolored plastic with them. Be sure to wear gloves when using bleach. Alternatively, you can buy automotive spray-on bleach products. Either way, leave the solution on the plastic for a while. Wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth, then spray them with a pressure washer or hose and nozzle. Afterward, dry the parts and admire your shiny white ATV. Use a Sealant To make your ATV's plastics easier to clean, you could treat them with a good-quality plastic sealant spray before you go riding in the mud. The protective coating helps to repel water and mud. Instead of sticking to the plastic, muddy water will sit in beads on the surface. Your quad will still get dirty when you hit the muddy trails, but it makes it much lighter work of the cleaning afterward. Before you use the sealant, your ATV must be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure the sealer will stick properly to the surfaces. Also, make sure you read and carefully follow the product's instructions for use so that you get the lasting finish you want. After that, it's a simple job to apply the sealer to all plastic parts components you want to protect. Leave the sealer to sit for a couple of minutes, then buff the treated areas with a dry rag or a micro cloth to remove excess spray and bring your quad's plastic surfaces to a shine. The sealant is safe to use on all body surfaces, but you should avoid spraying the product on the engine or electrics. Also, you need to consider that some sealants, especially if they're silicone-based, can make your handlebar grips and seat slippery, so it's advisable not to coat those parts with the product. Cleaning the Seat As we mentioned above, you shouldn't use polish or sealant on your ATV's seat. Although these products will make your seat shiny, clean, and protected, they will also leave it slippery, making your next riding adventure potentially dangerous. For cleaning and protecting your seat, the best product to use is a degreaser. It will remove the mud and water stains to leave it looking like it just left the showroom. Most degreasing products will do the job. You just need to ensure it's compatible with vinyl and won't damage the seat. Following these easy steps will help keep your ATV looking its best. If you have any other tips for cleaning and protecting your quad, please let the team at Rydell Auto Group know, and we'll pass them on.

Professional details exterior of car - Grand Forks Car Detailing Center

What is the difference between a car wash and car detailing?

Taking care of your car involves major repairs, getting a regular oil change, and getting small tune-ups. You can also take care of your vehicle by cleaning it using the best methods, cleaners, and waxes to prevent damage to your paint, glass, and body. Explore these differences between a car wash and an auto detailing so you know which one to get and when. more What's Included Image via Pixabay by DariuszSankowski Depending on where you go and how much you spend, you can expect a rinse, some soap, some wax, and a blow-dry when you get your car washed. At an automated car wash, your car might get the water-only treatment or get some scrubbing from the car-wash brushes. Car washes with actual human operators may use some elbow grease to scrub your tires, your car's backend, and other hard-to-reach spots. And while a car wash is just for the outside, you can also use the on-site vacuum to clean up the interior of your car. However, that might cost extra. When you get your car detailed, you get a good wash and much more. An auto detailing typically includes a thorough cleaning of the exterior, including  the hardest-to-reach spots, plus a detailed cleaning of the car's interior. But that's not all! Your car also gets a good scrub to remove tough substances like bugs, tar, and sap as well as paint touch-ups, small dent repairs, and a wash under the hood. The Steps The most common steps in any car wash, no matter where you go, are as follows: Wet the whole car. Scrub hard-to-reach areas with a brush. Apply soap. Use brushes and/or powerful water sprayers to remove debris and dirt. Rinse. Apply wax or sealant. Rinse again. Air dry, blow dry, or towel dry. While this might leave your car looking really clean for a few days, a car detailing has many more steps to make sure your vehicle is actually clean and to prevent dirt from sticking for a while longer. Here are the most common steps in a car detailing service: Wash the whole exterior of the vehicle: Professionals use foaming soap that softens dirt and special brushes and washing mitts to remove grime. They then rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry it with soft microfiber towels to prevent scratches or water streaks. Scrub the wheels: Since the wheels are often the dirtiest parts of your vehicle, detailing pros will scrub the tires, wheels, brake calipers, and lug nuts to remove all grime. Touch up the paint: The first step here is to use a clay bar surface to completely remove dirt from the clear coat. Then, detailers can polish the paint to remove swirls, scratches, or signs of oxidation, either by hand or using a polishing machine. Wax and seal the car: In this step, detailers add a protective layer to prevent harm to the car's paint from dirt build-up or scratches. Polish the windows, rubber, and plastic parts: Detailers finish the exterior cleaning by polishing the outdoor glass and other areas that need additional cleaning. Vacuum and shampoo the carpets, mats, and upholstery: Using commercial-grade machines, detailers vacuum, steam clean, and shampoo all of the cloth upholstery, including your interior roof. If you've got leather upholstery that needs cleaning, the pros will use the right stuff to do so. Wipe the dash, steering wheel, console, and doors: Detailers remove dust, dirt, pet hair, and crumbs from every surface, including your vents and cupholders. Clean the interior side of the windows and the mirrors: Detailers make sure you can see from every angle. Freshen up the engine bay: This step is typically optional, but a detailer may recommend removing grime, dust, debris, and anything else that might get in a mechanic's way when checking under the hood. How Long It Takes A car wash can take anywhere from a few minutes in an automated car wash to an hour or two if you're doing it yourself. However, car detailing typically takes between two and three hours, depending on how large your vehicle is and how much cleaning they need to do. The Price Going to an automated car wash in Grand Forks, North Dakota, can cost a few dollars for each visit. Some places allow you to pay a flat monthly charge for unlimited washes. At Rydell, we offer a wash in our cutting-edge facilities for as low as $8. Car detailing can cost anywhere from $40 to over $200 with additional cleaning and detailing services. The cost can also depend on how large your vehicle is. Whether You Can Do It Yourself Washing your car yourself can be a fun activity to do with the kids or a meditative solo experience. Though buying the best car-friendly soaps, washing mitts, wax, and towels can cost a pretty penny upfront, you might be able to save money by washing your car yourself rather than taking it to the car wash regularly. But if you want your car detailed, it's best to leave that up to the professionals because of their expertise, special equipment, and attention to detail. Benefits for Your Car While the benefit of a simple, automated car wash is that your car's body looks clean, auto detailing offers many more benefits: Little-to-no risk of scratches or damage to the body. Keeping your car in better shape, potentially improving its longevity and resale value. Better protecting your vehicle from oxidation. Greater likelihood of a spotless clean. When You Should Get Each Done Choose to get your car washed when: You just want a quick clean. You're in the middle of a season when the weather can change at the drop of a hat. Your car is covered in pollen, salt, or sludge from the snow. It's recommended that you get your car fully detailed every four to six months, but the frequency may change depending on where you live, the kind of weather you get, how much you drive it, and how often you wash it. Opt for a full auto detailing when: You've never had it detailed. You've gone more than six months since you last had it detailed. You're between seasons and need to remove the previous season's buildup. You want to sell your car. Rydell Auto Group knows how important your vehicle is to you, which is why we offer our own automated car wash locations and great wash packages to freshen up your vehicle, no matter how big or small. Do you have questions about our car wash, our vehicle selection, or our service options? Contact us today — we're happy to help!

8 Most Recommended Restaurants in Walsh County

Whether you are taking out your sweetheart or treating the whole family to dinner, Walsh County has a restaurant that's sure to make the evening special. Walsh County is home to friendly little diners, old-fashioned drive-ins, and fun Tex-Mex cantinas. Check out these eight Walsh county favorites for your next meal. more Beaver's Cafe Image via Flickr by love.jsc via CC BY 2.0 Beaver's Cafe is a friendly little diner known for its tasty home cooking and incredible service. Breakfast is served every day until 11 a.m. and includes fluffy pancakes, French toast, egg platters, and omelets. Lunch and dinner options include salads, grilled sandwiches, and juicy burgers. The most popular burger at Beaver's Cafe is the Mustang burger, made with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and the house special sauce. Other burgers include Beaver's signature patty melt and the half-pound Working Man's Burger. Dinner platters are available with shrimp, fried chicken, and chopped beef steak. Every meal includes the salad bar, loaded with fresh meats, veggies, fruits, and desserts. Beaver's lunch and dinner buffets are loaded with comforting homestyle favorites such as gravy, stuffing, chicken, roast turkey, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes. A kid's menu is available for the little ones. Beaver's Cafe also offers fried chicken meals and buckets, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Dessert options include ice cream, cereal treat bars, cookies, and muffins. You can visit Beaver's Cafe on Harvey Avenue in Minto, North Dakota. Beaver's Cafe is open Monday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beaver's Cafe is also open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westside Drive-In The Westside Drive-In is an iconic restaurant loved by locals and travelers alike. Recently renovated, this old-fashioned drive-in features carhops serving all-American fast food. Westside Drive-In is known for its signature burgers, including the Wagon Master (made from a quarter- or half-pound of beef) and the Spoiler (topped with cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce). Other sandwiches include sloppy Joes, foot-long hotdogs, and grilled chicken. Locals also love Westside's fried chicken buckets. The menu includes home-style sides such as macaroni salad, coleslaw, French fries, and breaded cheese curds. The Westside Drive-In also has a large menu of frozen treats. The hand-made shakes, floats, sundaes, and slushes are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Visit the Westside Drive-In on West 12th Street in Grafton. The Drive-In is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Upper Deck The Upper Deck is a restaurant tucked in the Alexander House Motel. This friendly bar and grill is the perfect place to meet up with friends or enjoy dinner with the family. The Upper Deck's menu includes burgers, chicken strips, fresh walleye, and patty melts. A fresh salad bar is also available. Dinner options include whiskey-marinated steaks, fresh seafood, chicken, and pork chops. A kids' menu is available for families with little ones. The Upper Deck is on Park Street in Park River. The restaurant is open every day at 5 p.m. Tom's Lounge Tom's Lounge is a small-town bar and grill known for its delicious food and winter activities. Tom's menu includes mouth-watering burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and homemade soups. Visit Tom's Lounge on Friday nights to enjoy their prime rib, steak, and fresh seafood. Prepare to be impressed with the fast, friendly service and impressive beer selection at Tom's Lounge. Curling enthusiasts can also enjoy one of the many curling competitions held outside of Tom's during the winter months. Tom's Lounge is on Front Street in Forest River. Tom's is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Menu items are available for dine-in and takeout. Granny's Family Restaurant Granny's Family Restaurant is a family-style restaurant that serves breakfast all day. Breakfast options include egg platters, omelets, country-fried steak, Belgian waffles, and French toast. Lunch and dinner options include burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and pasta. Locals love Granny's fried chicken. Available in family-size buckets, it is served with house-made sides such as coleslaw and freshly-baked rolls. Granny's also has an impressive menu of pizza options, with everything from breakfast pizzas to the house special that's made with pepperoni, mushroom, green pepper, and onion. Visit Granny's Family Restaurant on West 12th Street in Grafton. Granny's is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gramma Jo's Kitchen Visiting Gramma Jo's Kitchen is like sitting down at the family table. Customers rave about Gramma Jo's comforting, home-style food and friendly service. This small diner is known for its tasty burgers and fries. Other menu items include salads, hot beef sandwiches, patty melts, and Philly steak sandwiches. Got a sweet tooth? Check out Gramma Jo's wide variety of pies, muffins, brownies, cookies, and caramel rolls. Visit Gramma Jo's Kitchen on Park Street in Park River. The Kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Sunday hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Takeout, dine-in, and delivery are available. La Cantina Image via Flickr by jeffreyw via CC BY 2.0. La Cantina is the place to go for authentic Tex-Mex dishes. La Cantina's menu includes overstuffed burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas. Every meal includes homemade Mexican rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa. In addition to Tex-Mex, La Cantina also serves Angus steaks, sandwiches, soups, wings, salads, and chili. La Cantina is also known for having some of the best burgers in Grafton. If you visit La Cantina, check out the lineup of special margaritas in several flavors and made with or without alcohol. La Cantina is on West Fifth Street in Grafton. Visit La Cantina Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Azteca Mexican Grill Azteca Mexican Grill is a small, friendly restaurant known for its delicious Mexican food. Menu items include burritos, tacos, nachos, tostadas, and carne asada. Love tacos? Visit Azteca Mexican Grill from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy $2 tacos during Taco Happy Hour. Azteca Mexican Grill is on West 8th Street in Grafton. Operating hours are from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Takeout, dine-in, and delivery are available. There you have Rydell Auto Group's eight most recommended restaurants in Walsh County. If you have a favorite Walsh County restaurant that we missed, let us know. We will add it to our list!

cup of coffee next to buttered toast in a breakfast cafe

4 Local Breakfast Spots in Grand Forks

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so it needs to hit just right. Although most people just fly right through it, there's nothing better than a nice big breakfast when you're out with family, catching up with old friends, or want to take things a little easy. Grand Forks, North Dakota, does everything grand, including breakfast. Read on to see our list of the four best local breakfast spots in Grand Forks and to see if your favorite made the list. more The North Side Cafe Image via Flickr by mrbriandesign via CC BY 2.0 When you visit North Side Cafe and Family Restaurant in Grand Forks, make sure you go with a healthy appetite. It is a humble-looking establishment that lets you know their focus is on the true homestyle food they offer. Walk in and it's like you're stepping into your aunt's home after being gone for so long. The folks are very welcoming, and you feel a genuine connection right away. Once you sit down, the enticing aromas of Saturday morning breakfast hits you. Bacon sizzling, eggs frying, and bread toasting take you back to mom's kitchen and suddenly, you're 8 years old. Because the North Side Cafe is known so well for its bountiful breakfasts, you'll have your choice of tasty options. They have daily breakfast specials you can select from, including options like two eggs and toast, or a bowl of oatmeal. You'll typically choose these on a day when you have lots of errands to run and not lots of time. For those other relaxed days, there's everything from skillet pancakes to rib-eye and eggs. If you're really hungry, get the Northside Skillet, which is a breakfast platter of homemade hash browns topped with sausage, bacon, ham, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, co-jack cheese with two eggs cooked any way you like on top. It comes with your choice of potato and toast or pancakes. We definitely suggest you get those skillet pancakes. One item you can't leave without trying is their stuffed hash browns. You have two options, and each is a meal on its own. The Country Stuffed Hash Browns begins with layers of crispy hash browns fried to perfection with country-fried steak, country gravy, two scrambled eggs, co-jack cheese, and another layer of hash browns on top. It's served alongside your choice of pancakes or toast. The Southern Stuffed Hash Browns have a healthy serving of hash browns and a baking powder biscuit smothered in country gravy, topped with co-jack cheese, two scrambled eggs, and covered with a blanket of more crunchy hash browns. A side of pancakes completes your meal. They also serve lunch and dinner, so your breakfast can overlap with other meals. It is a small restaurant, but they always find room for patrons to sit comfortably. If you like to have breakfast in peace at home, consider ordering their family-style breakfast available on Sundays. You'll have a comfortable breakfast at home without the hot kitchen and dirty dishes. Darcy's Cafe Darcy's Cafe brags that they have the best breakfast in Grand Forks, and they are definitely in the top four! The website claims their food is "better than your grandma's, as good as your mom's." And with a kitchen that serves breakfast all day long, you'll feel right at home. They offer anything from sweet dishes like cinnamon roll pancakes to salty and savory piggy burgers. For a mix of scrumptious flavors, try Dave's Special. You can choose either hash browns or American fries topped with bacon, sausage, ham, onions, green peppers, cheddar cheese, and two eggs cooked any style. Toast or pancakes come as a side, but with their healthy serving sizes, you'll likely need a to-go box. If you're feeling for something more classic, try the biscuits and gravy. They serve you a jumbo biscuit smothered in country gravy, two eggs, and your choice of hash browns or American fries. For a lighter alternative, try an omelet. The Veggie has freshly chopped green peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and cheddar nestled within the egg. Darcy's Cafe welcomes dine-in customers, or you can call ahead to place an order. Make sure you try a slice of their homemade pie with your meal. You'll be glad you did! French Taste To grab some breakfast and cure your sweet tooth, head over to French Taste for some French country food done right! The owner, Warren, hails from Paris and is on a mission to share all that is French with Grand Forks. He's using food as a gateway to teach others about the kind people and culture. There's a food truck that pops up throughout town periodically, or you can go right in at the Ferguson Bookstore and order a crepe or two. From sweet to savory, you can choose what you want to chow on as you drink a nice warm cup of French Taste Espresso or a cafe Americano. Bully Brew Coffee Sometimes there's no time for a sit-down meal. If you're on the run and need an energy fix, head over to Bully Brew Coffee. As the official coffee of the North Dakota Athletics, you can trust that Bully Brew will give you the caffeine fix you need to get over the afternoon slump. They offer freshly roasted coffee beans and even have K-cups, so you can brew some energy at home. They support local and have some quick menu bites you can grab along with your coffee. A quick bagel or a turkey sandwich will help keep you going throughout the day. For days when you don't have to rush through your morning, and even for those that you do, stop by the North Side Cafe and Family Restaurant, drop in on Darcy's, eat like the French, or perk up at Bully Brew Coffee. These local establishments help put the "grand" in Grand Forks and are something to be proud of. Whether you were born and raised here, just moved, or are visiting, these breakfast or brunch experiences will make memories and full bellies. After breakfast, come visit Rydell Auto Group at one of our two locations on South Washington Street. We have a similarly friendly atmosphere and offer an easy, no-haggle car buying experience. Even if you're not in the market for a new automobile now, come by and let us know what you thought about our list of breakfast spots in Grand Forks. Did we miss your favorite? Contact us and we'll be happy to add it to our list.

Car going through an automatic car wash

How do car washes work?

Keeping your car clean is a common goal for many car owners. You take pride in the appearance of your vehicle and want it to look its best at all times. To do this, you need to regularly wash your car, either by doing it yourself or taking it to a car wash. Automatic car washes are a popular choice due to how quick they are and the affordable cost. If you've ever wondered how these car washes operate, here's what you need to know. more Types of Drive Through Car Washes Image via Pexels by Pixabay Before you drive to your nearest car wash, it's important to know the difference between the major types of automatic car washes. There are essentially two main types — touchless and soft touch. Each has its pros and cons, and you should see which system a car wash uses before deciding which one is right for you. Soft-touch car washes use soft cloth and foam bristles to wash the vehicle. These materials make direct contact with the car, often allowing for a more thorough cleaning, especially in harder-to-reach places. However, if applied too forcefully, or if dirt and other debris is not removed before use, they can actually damage the vehicle. The alternative is a touchless car wash. In this system, the car wash uses high-pressure jets to clean the vehicle. The only thing that makes contact with your car is the water and cleaning solution, which can reduce the chance of damage to your car. However, this system does not always provide the deepest cleaning. Ultimately, it's best to read customer reviews of any car wash you are considering. Regardless of the type of system used, you want to ensure your car is in safe hands and that you'll get a thorough cleaning. Often the best way to judge this is through previous customer testimonials rather than the method the car wash uses. Decide on Services Once you arrive at your local Grand Forks car wash, the first thing you need to do is decide on is the services you want. Most car washes offer a basic package that washes and dries the exterior of your vehicle. Then, depending on the location, they may offer additional services for an extra fee. For example, they may provide interior or undercarriage cleaning, or offer to use more premium cleaning supplies. Go through the list of options available and decide which one is right for you. Drive In After picking the type of service you want and paying for it, the next step is to drive your car into the service station. Some locations allow you to remain inside the vehicle throughout the wash, while others ask you to step out and wait inside. In either case, your car goes onto a conveyor belt and is put into neutral. From there, the conveyor belt pulls the car through the service station so that no one needs to operate anything inside the vehicle. Pre-Soak The first step inside the car wash is the pre-soak. During this stage, the system applies cleaning agents designed to break down dirt and grime. The car goes through a metal arch, out of which several small nozzles spray the liquid cleaner. The Mitter Curtain After being soaked, your car then goes through the mitter curtain if you are at a soft-touch car wash. This is a series of long strips of cloth, which gently begin to wipe away dirt from the horizontal services of your vehicle, such as the roof and hood. These bits of cloth move side to side slowly, wiping your car as they do. Foam Applicator After passing the mitter curtain, then comes the foam applicator. It's at this stage that your car receives the cleaning agents, issued from nozzles placed around the outside of the vehicle. During this stage, your entire car becomes covered with colorful foam, which works further to break down dirt and debris. The cleaning agent used depends on what you selected at the beginning of the process. Scrubbers and jets To remove the foam from the vehicle, your car will then pass through a series of either soft scrubbers or water jets, depending on the type of car wash. In soft-touch car washes, you'll see scrubbers both on the sides and top of your vehicle, softly scrubbing away each surface. With touchless car washes, high-pressure jets do this work instead. Rinse Once it finishes scrubbing your car clean, the car wash will then rinse away any remaining cleaning agents. Your car passes through a similar metal arch as it did in the beginning, where water gently washes away any remaining chemicals and foam. Drying Finally, there's the drying phase. Car washes handle this phase in a few ways. Some places use high-powered fans, while others use heat to dry the vehicle. Others prefer to use people instead, who will wipe down your car with clean towels after it exits the service station. At your local car wash, you may find that they use one of these methods or a combination of them to dry your vehicle. Finishing Up If you didn't choose any additional services, such as interior vacuuming, your car is now ready to go. This entire process typically only takes a few minutes at most, assuming there is not a line of customers in front of you. Once you're done, your vehicle will look new again. It's a fairly affordable, simple, and quick process that everyone should consider doing for their car if they want to keep it looking great. Not only that but regular car washes can even keep your car in better condition for a longer period of time, boosting its value when the time comes to sell or trade it in. To learn more about how to take proper care of your car, or how our dealership's car wash is the perfect place to take your car, feel free to contact Rydell Auto Group today. We are experts when it comes to car maintenance and car detailing, and we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hailstone in a hand

How much does hail damage devalue a car?

A hail storm can easily cause thousands of dollars of damage to your car, denting metal and cracking vinyl and glass surfaces. Vehicle owners have several decisions to make when it comes to hail damage. These decisions include how or even if they're going to fix the damage, implications on the vehicle's resale value, and how it affects any automotive loans. Find out more about the implications of hail damage and how to make the best decision based on your circumstances if your car falls victim to a summertime storm. more How Costly Is Hail Damage Repair? Image via Flickr by kajsahartig via CC BY 2.0 Hail damage claims around $3,000 on average, but the costs can exceed $10,000 depending on the vehicle and the extent of the damage. Some repairs may be quite labor-intensive and require costly new parts. Comprehensive car insurance will cover it up to a specified threshold based on its value or may choose to total the vehicle out. Estimating hail damage is usually done by adding several costs, including dent removal labor, labor to remove and install replacement parts, any needed replacement parts, painting costs like materials and labor, and sales tax. The number and severity of dents, coupled with other damage like broken glass and other components like chrome, can add up to high dollar amounts. As a general guideline, the newer the vehicle, the more advisable it is to repair it to retain its value and making it easier to sell. Hail damage may also cause safety concerns that need to be addressed. Some people may decide not to repair hail damage, especially if they only have liability insurance, but not repairing damage requires careful consideration. If you submit the claim to your insurance and then choose to pocket the insurance company's damage check, you may have to pay down the car loan. The resale value of the vehicle is also reduced. Hail damage repair can be quite complex, potentially affecting many areas of the car body with dozens of dents and other damage. How Is Hail Damage Repaired? Conventional hail repair includes filling in dents and repainting panels that aren't heavily damaged. Some panels need to be replaced if they are heavily dented, and other components like chrome and glass may need replacement as well. Paintless dent repair, known by some as PDR, is possible if the hail didn't damage the paint. Dents are carefully fixed through metalworking through this cost-effective method. Paintless dent repair is typically priced by the number of dents and their width and depth. Larger dents and a higher dent count increase the dent repair cost, sometimes significantly. Technicians often need to remove and install vehicle components to access the metal to make repairs. For example, door upholstery may need to be removed to fix dents. If paintless dent repair isn't an option for part or all of the repair, body panels will need additional work like filling in dents, repainting, or replacement. Costs for labor and materials will go up as well. Once properly repaired, hail-damaged cars retain their resale value, especially with paintless dent repair methods that preserve the original finish. How Do You Buy and Sell a Hail-Damaged Vehicle? Hail-damaged cars can be purchased for a steep discount, especially after a large storm that created a swath of damage. Repairing the damage may exceed the expected profit from selling a vehicle as-is. Buying a hail-damaged car, especially with the intent to repair, can be a tricky undertaking. Assessing hail damage requires a lot of research. Dent repair difficulty varies depending on size, placement, access to the panel, and whether new parts or paint is needed. It's best to request a repair estimate when purchasing a hail-damaged vehicle. If a vehicle's damage exceeds its value, it will be totaled and a salvage title issued. Buyers will get a reasonable price but will have to make repairs or live with cosmetic damage that will detract from future value. How Does Hail Damage Affect an Automobile Loan? Vehicles financed or leased usually must be fixed to protect the collateral's value for the lienholder. Finance or leasing companies often must approve how car owners use the claims payout, and some insurance companies cut checks directly to the repair shop. Typically those who decide to pocket insurance money rather than fix damage are outright owners with no lease or loan. Financing the purchase of a hail-damaged vehicle may be tricky, and insurers likely won't cover existing damage and may deduct this from any future accident claim. It's best to notify lenders and insurance agents of the damage upfront to make sure you have proper financing and insurance coverage. Is Hail Damage Reported to CARFAX and Similar Services? Hail damage typically won't appear on CARFAX and other car report services because it isn't structural in nature or the result of a collision. CARFAX reports protect consumers from purchasing vehicles with fraudulent or undocumented past or prior accidents or losses but are not always comprehensive. Not all car repair services are required to report work done. Insurance companies and car collision centers may report hail damage. Car owners can purchase a CARFAX report and request corrections like hail damage reported as structural damage. Ensuring the report is correct will protect car owners from issues should they choose to trade in or sell at a later point. Hail damage that exceeds the vehicle's value will result in the car being reported as totaled, much like those with extensive collision damage. Insurance companies will pay out the vehicle's actual value and not the amount owed on a loan, creating potential negative equity. Some insurance companies offer gap policies covering the gap between payoff value and the loan amount if the loan exceeds the car's value. Contact Rydell Auto Body and Glass If you have any questions about hail damage, contact Rydell Auto Body and Glass. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to give you options for handling hail damage that meets your needs. Paintless dent repair is also available as an option, so stop by and talk to us today about your hail-damaged vehicle. At Rydell, our ASE-certified technicians have over 100 years of combined experience in high-quality repairs. We believe in our work and offer a lifetime guarantee on all work we complete on your vehicle.

Car Roof with Hail Damage

Can hail damage be completely repaired?

Discovering that hail has caused extensive damage to the exterior of your car can put a serious damper on your day. At Rydell Auto Group, we understand how frustrating it can be to have unsightly pockmarks ruin the finish of your favorite ride. A hail storm doesn't last forever though, and the damage done to your car doesn't have to stick around, either. Learn about your options for repairing hail damage to your vehicle. more Repairing Hail Damage Most hail damage can be repaired by skilled technicians who understand how to restore your vehicle's body to its former state. While some do-it-yourself repair methods do exist, they're often unreliable, can sometimes cause even more damage, and can significantly affect your car's resale value. Taking your vehicle to an auto shop to have the job done promptly and properly by a professional is worth the cost to fix your car. Plus, insurance might cover some or all of the expense. Technicians can use several methods to repair dents, dings, and scratches from hail, depending on the size and type of the damage. Filler and Glazing Image via Flickr by pasa47 via CC BY 2.0 If you emerge from your home after a hail storm unscathed but discover your car is marked with blemishes ranging from small to medium-sized indents, you can take it to a professional mechanic for filler and glazing. After just a few simple steps, your car's finish will look good as new. First, the technician will sand down all the damaged areas to remove the paint. Then, the technician will apply a filler to each dent and sand the area down again for smoothness. If necessary, they might also apply a glaze putty to the surface, followed by another round of sanding. Once those steps are complete, the repaired area will be painted to match the rest of the body. Body Panel Replacement Major hail storms can cause significant damage to a vehicle that is not properly protected by a garage or sturdy car cover. If the damage from a hail storm is so severe that your vehicle more closely resembles the moon than a car, you might need to take more drastic measures to fix it. Your mechanic's only option might be to remove and replace entire body panels. If panel replacement is your best bet, the technician will order the appropriate parts and panels, which might include a new hood, roof, or windshield. This process can be time-consuming while you wait for the panels to arrive. Panel replacement and the labor and body paint required to get the job done can also be expensive. The technician will then remove the old panels and bolt on and paint the new ones for a completely restored look. Heat Repair If you have an older car and the dents from hail damage are small, heat repair using an oxyacetylene torch can be a very reliable method. Most technicians don't recommend it for newer cars, however, which tend to have thin exterior metals that can't withstand heat repair as well. With this method, the technician will move the oxyacetylene torch in a spiral motion to heat the metal surrounding the dent, slowly working toward the middle of the insult. The heat will raise the metal slightly. As the temperature of the metal cools, the raised areas will smooth out to form a nice, flat surface. Next, the technician will feather edge the paint before adding a primer. Lastly, they'll apply a new coat of paint that will disguise any evidence that your car came into harm's way. Paintless Dent Repair Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a cost-effective and fast way to repair hail damage, particularly if the dents are small. Plus, the method doesn't require the use of harmful chemicals. All of the damage is repaired from the inside out. Depending on the extent of the damage, paintless dent repair can often be completed in one day. When performing paintless dent repair, your auto technician must remove the affected panels and headlights to gain access to the other side of the dent. Then, the technician will use a set of specialized dent removal tools to gently push each dent out from behind the car's body panels. The technicians that perform paintless dent repair are typically skilled professionals who understand how to apply the appropriate amount of slow pressure to repair a dent. The end result is a car with no evidence of a barrage of hail. Insurance Coverage The cost of repairing major hail damage can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. If you're concerned about how much these hail damage repair techniques might set you back, don't worry. Car insurance companies label hail damage as a comprehensive claim. You should have protection even if your liability coverage is set at its minimum. A hail damage claim shouldn't cause your premium payments to increase, either. Always check with your local agent first to verify whether it's worth filing a claim for hail damage repair. If your car insurance deductible is $500 or less, it could be well worth filing the claim. If you do decide to use insurance to help cover the costs of repair, you will need to take clear photos to document your vehicle's damage. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the hail storm. This step helps ensure you not only avoid issues with the insurance company but can also schedule an appointment with a body shop sooner rather than later. Storm clouds might bring hail to ruin your day — and your car's paint job. If you get stuck in a hail storm and are left with a car covered in pits and craters, know that you have several options for repair. At Rydell Auto Group, we can help you assess each technique and select the method that's most appropriate for the amount of damage and your wallet. If your car has suffered hail damage, drop us a line, and we'll help restore your vehicle to its former self.

Old fashioned green and white theater sign that says Fargo

7 Best Hotels With Water Parks in Fargo

Want to add some budget-friendly fun to your next Fargo vacation? Choose a hotel with a water park for your stay in Fargo as a way to keep travel costs lower without sacrificing fun. It's a way for everyone to have a blast and make some special memories. You can plan a day or two around splashing in the water instead of spending extra to visit local attractions. Or, you can take advantage of the water park amenities during your down time to unwind at the end of the day. more ClubHouse Hotel & Suites Image via Flickr by Thomas Hawk The ClubHouse Hotel & Suites made the list of best hotels with water parks for its vibrant decor and whimsical pool area. It's a family- and pet-friendly hotel. The decor combines elegant neutral hues with playful pops of color to create a warm and inviting feeling from the moment you enter the lobby. Amenities like free WiFi and complementary breakfast enhance the experience. The water park pool area welcomes children and adults with a brightly lit space and two pools. The adult pool area offers classic style at the side of the children's pool area. The children's pool is decorated with a whimsical theme. It includes a spiraling red waterslide that deposits kids into the pool after they pop out of a huge green frog's mouth. A mushroom fountain sprays water over the center of the pool, and brightly colored seats offer a comfortable place for adults to chat while the kids play. Holiday Inn Fargo, an IHG Hotel The Holiday Inn Fargo, an IHG Hotel features an elegant lobby and classically styled rooms. The decor is largely done in charming neutral tones. However, the water park area unleashes the fun and whimsy with its pirate theme and vibrant colors. Places to grab a bite to eat in the facility include a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. Kids can climb through the pirate ships and slide into the cool blue water of the pool. Palm tree decor surrounds one end of the pool and an abundance of tables provide places to sit and relax. Poolside rooms are available for families that want easy access to the water park play area. Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites presents guests with a welcoming western-themed decor and an elaborate water park pool area. A hot tub and whirlpool are located in the Beaver Dam Water Playland area. This offers a way to soothe muscles after a workout in the complementary fitness center. Guests are also offered complementary breakfast in this smoke-free hotel. Features in the water park area include a rope and floats for crossing the pool and barrel fountains that spray water on swimmers. The play area also has two water slides. One is smaller to accommodate young children and the other is designed to accommodate bigger kids and adults. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Fargo Medical Center La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Fargo Medical Center is conveniently located close to Hector International Airport as well as several other venues. Guests can easily access Bonanzaville, the zoo, and numerous museums. Then, the fun-filled days can be wrapped up at the hotel in a hot tub or a splash in the pool. This destination has one of the simpler pool play areas, with tables and seating around the pool and a corkscrew slide that drops off into the deeper end of the pool. Four fountains in the shallower end spray water on kids who are cooling off in the water for an extra touch of fun. Additionally, guests enjoy free WiFi and complementary breakfast in this pet-friendly hotel. Expressway Suites Expressway Suites offers a mini water park for kids and an adjoining spa area. The water park features a meandering water slide to level up the fun for kids. Guests also enjoy cooling off under an umbrella fountain that splashes water on those bold enough to pass below. Expressway Suites also offers a free book area and free videos to help keep kids entertained. This hotel also offers free WiFi and a free Continental breakfast buffet to get the day started. A fitness area is available to enjoy a workout session, and guests also have access to a laundry area to use while staying at the facility. Days Inn by Wyndham Fargo/Casselton The Days Inn by Wyndham Fargo/Casselton offers guests access to a large indoor water park. Two pools are available in the lighthouse-themed water park area. Colorful water slides grace each pool and guests can splash around in the water while enjoying a game of basketball. Guests at the Days inn by Wyndham Fargo/Casselton have access to a fitness area and a laundry area. Additionally, WiFi and continental breakfast are provided at no extra charge. Two nearby golf courses are available for guests to visit, and there's also a nearby winery, a zoo, and a children's museum. An RV parking area is also provided by this hotel. Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo is a business hotel that's also family friendly. A luxurious lobby, bar area, and dining area greet guests when entering the facility. The open floor plan gives the lobby a spacious, comfortable vibe. The rooms are big enough to move around and relax or work. A coffee shop is also available for guests who want to relax at a table with a hot or iced beverage. The water park area features an umbrella-style fountain and a massive corkscrew water slide for splashing and cooling off in the pool. For guests who want to warm up instead of cooling off, there's a hot tub beside the indoor pool. Additionally, a poolside bar provides another place in the hotel to grab a refreshing drink or snack. Contact Rydell Cars Thank you for checking out this list of hotels with water parks in Fargo from Rydell Auto Group. We would love to hear about it if you've found a new favorite hotel on the list.  Additionally, if we missed one of your favorites, be sure to let us know so we can update our list of favorites.

Overlook at lake for fishing with tree branches hanging over it

6 Fishing Spots in East Grand Forks, MN

Getting out in nature to go fishing is easy to do in the East Grand Forks, Minnesota, area. Whether you want to go fly fishing on a river, cast a line from the shores of a lake, or take a boat out to a hidden island for deep water fishing, check out these six awesome fishing spots. more Red River State Recreation Area Image via Flickr by Tony Webster Right on the edge of East Grand Forks and on the banks of the Red River of the North and Red Lake Rivers, you'll find the Red River State Recreation Area. This greenway features hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, a 113-site campground, and plenty of waterways to fish and boat from. The area is surrounded by forest and prairie land and is home to a variety of wildlife, bird, and fish species. Not only can you catch favorites such as channel catfish, smallmouth, and largemouth bass, but this riverine ecosystem is also home to lake sturgeon, northern pike, black crappie, walleye, and a variety of lake trout. If you enjoy ice fishing during the winter months, Upper Red Lake is the perfect spot for walleye. Please keep in mind that the Lower Red Lake area is tribal waters and you'll need to hire a local tribal Chippewa guide to fish in this area. Larimore Dam and Recreational Area Pack up the family and your fishing gear and head about 30 miles west of East Grand Forks to Larimore Dam and Recreational Area. This family-friendly recreation area features nature trails to explore, bicycle paths, and a 144-site campground. Kids of all ages can enjoy playing baseball, sand volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes. There's even a nine-hole golf course and a 26-acre arboretum. Of course, fishing takes the spotlight here. Behind the dam, which is 66-feet high, the pool covers 72 acres where you can fish from shore, the pier, or you can launch a nonmotorized boat to fish the deeper parts of the pool. Try your hand at fishing for walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, bullheads, and perch. During the winter you can go sledding or snowshoe along the trails surrounding the pool, and you can go ice fishing with other locals who enjoy this winter sport. Ryan Park Pond Just 6 miles from town in North Dakota, you and the kids can go fishing at Ryan Park Pond. This is a great place for kids to learn how to fish from the numerous piers scattered around the 3-acre pond. With a maximum depth of 16 feet, you can catch favorites such as bluegill, crappie, panfish, perch, northern pike, and largemouth bass. After a couple of hours of fishing, take a hike on the trail surrounding the pond, and then have lunch at one of the picnic areas./p> Turtle River State Park Just 23 miles west of East Grand Forks is the 784-acre Turtle River State Park. This stunning park has over 12 miles of hiking trails that take you through hardwood, deciduous, and conifer forests. Many of the trails meandering along the Turtle River where anglers can fly fish for stocked rainbow and brown trout as well as northern pike. If you forgot your fishing gear, you can borrow some from the rangers at the park office. Plan on spending a few quiet days at turtle River State Park by camping or renting a cabin that has electricity, flushing toilets, and hot water showers. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and as you wander the trails you'll notice beautiful stone bridges and log buildings. The park is open year-round and the visitor center hosts special events throughout the year including fishing derbies. Sign up for one of these fishing denies and see how well you do at catching trout. Buffalo River State Park Plan a couple of days to go fishing at Buffalo River State Park about 90 miles south of East Grand Forks. Enjoy visiting a vast prairie with grouse, bobolinks, prairie chickens, and upland sandpipers. Bring your fishing gear and fish along the shores of the Buffalo River where you can catch smallmouth bass and stocked brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can also catch perch, channel catfish, and sunfish, bluegill, and northern pike. You can either wade fish to get to deeper holes, take a kayak, or canoe and drift down the Buffalo River. Bring your RV and camp at one of the 44 drive-through sites that have water, electricity, and a fire ring. Showers and toilets are available for all campers. Icelandic State Park Head north about 88 miles towards the Canadian border to fish at Icelandic State Park. One of the highlights of this 912-acre park  is Lake Renwick as well as the historical buildings found in the Pioneer Heritage Center. The center hosts seasonal events that show you what homesteading life was like in North Dakota in the 1800s. Before or after a day of fishing, walk through the Gunlogson Nature Preserve and stroll along the Tongue River looking for bird species such as the pileated woodpecker and western wood-pewee. Anglers enjoy fishing for northern pike, bluegill, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye, and tiger muskie. Kids will enjoy swimming in the lake and there's a concession stand near the swimming beach. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards, so you can explore the lake and fish the deeper waters in the center of the lake. Stay for a few days at one of the campgrounds or rent one of the three rustic log cabins. If you decide to stay in the town of Pembina, you'll find charming hotels and nice little places to eat like the Blue Fox Coffeehouse or the Bean and Brush. What Are Your Favorite Fishing Spots? We hope you were able to catch some fish at these awesome fishing spots near East Grand Forks. What was your personal best? Where is your favorite place to fish? Did we miss a hidden fishing hole that you'd like to let us know about? If so, drop us a line and we'll add it to our list.

ATV off-roading heading downhill with Jeep flag in foreground /><figcaption>Image via <a href=

How To Clean an ATV or UTV

A considerable percentage of the fun one has with an ATV or UTV is to get up close and personal with mud, whether you're riding or sliding through it or getting stuck. Although it can be tempting to only wash the mud off yourself after an off-road adventure, you should make time to clean your vehicle as well. Apart from the fact that a muddy vehicle isn't nice to look at, leaving your ATV or UTV muddy can cause all kinds of issues that can range from ugly stains to rust to engine contamination. Here's a short guide you can follow to ensure that your off-road vehicle remains in mint condition. If you have any questions or want a professional clean for your ATV or UTV, get in touch with our specialty detail center. more Schedule Detailing Chat With an Expert Tools for Washing Your ATV or UTV Image via Flickr by blmcalifornia Although washing your ATV or UTV may require some time and effort, it's fortunately not an expensive exercise. You can get your vehicle sparkling clean with just a few basic tools. Here's a list of essential items you'll need: Cleaning Products Many different ATV/UTV cleaning products on the market are specifically designed for these types of vehicles. You want to look for a mild cleaning product that's tough enough to clean the mud and dirt from your vehicle while also not being so corrosive that it damages the paintwork or mechanics. Also, search for a cleaning product that contains surface-release additives, as this will repel mud and dirt on your next off-road trip and keep your vehicle cleaner for longer. Conversely, you can apply a protectant after the wash, which also repels dirt and adds a protective barrier. For tougher-to-clean areas, such as the chain and sprockets, you can use a degreaser. You can also invest in special cleaning products for other components, such as a fabric cleaner for the seat belts or a tire cleaner to get rid of the stubborn grime on your tires. Also, use the correct cleaning product if you have a polycarbonate windshield, since a normal window cleaner will damage it. Scrub Brush There are tight corners and difficult-to-reach spots in an ATV or UTV that you may not be able to access by hand. Make your life easier by investing in a long-handled scrub brush you can use to clean such places. Ensure that you opt for a brush with soft bristles so that you don't damage the paintwork or sensitive components. Microfiber Towels or Washing Mitt Opt for a microfiber towel or a washing mitt to wash your ATV or UTV, as it will get rid of the dirt without damaging the paintwork. You can also use a microfiber towel for drying off your vehicle since this type of towel is good at absorbing water and will get rid of any residual dirt. Drying your vehicle with a microfiber towel will also prevent water streaks. In addition, these towels are safe to use on plastics and won't cause any scratch marks. Pressure Washer A pressure washer is a great tool for dislodging the mud and dirt clods from your vehicle as a first step before you give it a wash. The force of the pressure washer will also get water into difficult-to-reach spots, where it will moisten and soften caked-on dirt. You want to be careful with the settings you choose, as a too-powerful water blast can damage your radiator fins, plastics, and any decals or graphics. Plastic Scraper A plastic scraper will come in handy when you're trying to get rid of stubborn dirt without damaging the paintwork on your ATV or UTV. How To Clean Your ATV/UTV Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that you clean your off-road vehicle properly: 1. Hose Down the Vehicle The first step you can take is to try to soften the caked-on mud on your vehicle by hosing it down with a normal garden hose. At this point, you can use a plastic scraper to get rid of some mud as this will lessen the time you need to use the pressure washer on your vehicle. 2. Apply a Pressure Washer Once you've allowed your off-road vehicle to soak for a bit so the mud can get softer, it's time to apply a pressure washer so you can blast off the remaining mud and dirt. Try to avoid sensitive areas, such as the intake and exhaust, electronics, and any decals on your vehicle. It may be a good idea to use a heavier setting for tougher areas such as the tires, wheel wells, and the underside of the fenders and chassis. You can then use a lower setting with less pressure to wash down areas where there are wires and connections, engine parts, and plastics. 3. Wash the Vehicle Now that you've managed to get rid of the big cakes of mud and the worst dirt and grime, you can wash the vehicle with your cleaning solution of choice. An effective and easy way to apply the detergent is by using a foam cannon, which you can attach to your garden hose or pressure washer. After you've sprayed the cleaning foam onto your vehicle, wait for a few minutes before washing to allow for the cleaning agent to soak into leftover mud and grimy areas. 4. Rinse and Dry After you've washed the vehicle, you can rinse it off with a hose or a pressure washer. You'll then want to dry your vehicle to combat rust and prevent unsightly water spots and streaks. If you have a leaf blower, you can blow your vehicle to get rid of most of the wetness. Next, use a microfiber towel to give the vehicle a quick wipe, which will remove any last bits of dirt and mud and make your ATV or UTV look as good as new. Get Your ATV or UTV Cleaned in Grand Forks There you have it! Taking care of your ATV or UTV doesn't have to involve hours of hard labor. By following these few easy steps that Rydell Auto Group has provided, you'll enjoy many years of happy off-roading with your ATV or UTV. Contact us if you have any questions or need help getting your ATV or UTV cleaned in Grand Forks!

Dad drives speed boat with wife next to him and to kids at front of the boat smiling

How To Clean Your Boat

Boat owners like to joke that their boat is a hole in the water they pour money into, but you won't find many boat owners willing to give away their prized watercraft. Instead, they take meticulous care of their investment because they love the days spent cruising the lakes, angling for fish, or towing friends and family behind on skis and tubes. Still, most boat owners didn't buy their boats with the knowledge of how to clean them properly. They learned how by talking to other boat owners and reading how-to articles on cleaning boats, like this one, or they turn to trusted professionals to clean and detail their boats. Read on for tips on how to get your prized possession cleaned up and protected, and get in touch if you require boat detailing in Grand Forks. more Schedule Detailing Chat With an Expert Boat Carpet Cleaning Image via Flickr by Yamaha WaterCraft The carpet of your boat might take the most abuse of any area on your boat. Passengers climb in and out from beaches, river beds, and docks, tracking dirt and debris with them. You probably have some form of Astroturf installed as your "carpet" rather than the pile carpet material you might find in a living room. Water can ruin a regular carpet, but the synthetic plastic of Astroturf resists water damage and mildew. You do need to clean your carpet periodically, though. If you have a pressure washer, you should hose down your boat carpet after every trip. After a particularly filthy trip, say a weekend fishing tournament, you may want to get a deep clean. You've probably dripped fish slime and bait everywhere. Power washing the carpet with a professional cleaner will help keep your carpet looking like new. Cleaning the Livewell Your livewell keeps the fish alive and well while you continue fishing, but leaving it uncleaned can result in a smelly breeding ground for bacteria. You don't want to use strong chemicals like bleach, as they can harm the fish — and you, if you decide to eat what you keep. Baking soda and water can clean and remove those fishy odors without the harmful side effects. You want to clean your livewell filters too. Bilge Cleaning The bilge area in your boat can harbor some of the worst dirt, grime, sludge, and oil residue. This build-up presents a challenge for most boat owners, but don't fret. You can find non-toxic cleaners that break down grease and grime without having to put in the dreaded elbow grease. You should rinse out your boat's bilge area after every use and use a commercial cleaner as often as necessary. Console and Glass Cleaning Your boat's console and windshield constantly get wet from spray and rain. When the water dries, you may get unsightly water spots. A simple window cleaner will clean these areas, leaving them looking like new with minimal effort. Cleaning the Seats When you power-wash the carpet, you should power-wash the seats too. The next step takes time and effort. Let the seats dry, and then apply a vinyl shampoo and conditioner. This application will help protect your vinyl seats from cracking and fading due to sun exposure. Cleaning the Hull The hull of your boat takes a beating as it crashes through waves, runs up on beaches, and bounces off of docks. Washing your boat hull after every trip will help. Regular deep cleans with professional cleaners designed for your boat hull's material will keep your boat shiny and new, counteracting the damage that exposure to sun and water can inflict. Some boats can benefit from gel coats, too. These gel coats provide a protective barrier against the elements, like wax does for your car. The application process depends on the product you purchase. Be sure to find one that suits your ability and fits into your schedule. You don't want to be up late at night applying a coat of wax because you bought a product that takes too long to apply. Engine Cleaning Your engine powers your boat. In addition to keeping it in tip-top running condition, you want to clean it up so it looks nice and new too. Dish soap and warm water will clean most gas or oil spills, and a scrub brush will help with any mold or mildew stains. Trailer Cleaning Every boat owner should take proper care of the trailer that carries their boat to and from the lake. Washing your trailer should be a priority. Take care of the tires, too, as exposure to the sun can result in cracking and a possible blow-out. You probably have a winch to help you pull the boat onto the trailer. If so, be sure to keep the rope or chain clean. Oiling the gears and chain can help preserve the metal and prevent rust. Have a Professional Detail Your Boat We often take our cars, trucks, and SUVs to a professional detailer to keep them looking pristine and new. Did you know you can have your boat detailed too? At the Rydell Car Wash and Detail Center, our specialty detail center has experience detailing all types of watercraft. Whether you have a jet ski, bass boat, or speed boat, our expert detailers have the knowledge, equipment, and cleaning solutions to restore and rejuvenate your boat. We have Express options for under $100 and deluxe packages that cost less than $200. A quick conversation with our detail center will determine which option will give you the best results. In most cases, we can detail your boat and trailer while you wait. We have a deluxe detail lounge where you can relax, munch on complimentary snacks and drinks, watch television, or grab one of our iPad tablets and surf the net. No matter what size boat you have, our technicians can handle the job. If you don't want to wait, you can drop your boat off, and we'll contact you when we've completed the task. Schedule Boat Detailing in Grand Forks We'll take the time to clean the inside of your boat, hitting all the hot spots. We also get into those hard-to-reach places where dirt and grime collect. We have various detail packages, from simple wash and cleaning options to deep cleaning and waxing deals. You can contact one of our detail technicians to discuss the different options and find a package that fits your needs and budget, or you can schedule your detail appointment online.

Auto detailing expert finishing detailing on red truck

What Does Detailing a Truck Mean?

Photo by Zac Nielson on Unsplash When you're truck needs a thorough clean, truck detailing is the way to go. Truck detailing includes a deep clean of your truck's interior, exterior, engine, and undercarriage. Regularly detailing your truck can keep it looking and running great for years to come. more The Benefits of Detailing Your Truck Your truck gets a lot of wear and tear. Whether you drive a pickup, a box truck, or a long-haul semi, regular detailing can help your truck stay at its best. Here are just a few of the benefits of truck detailing: Exterior Paint Preservation A regular wash at home may remove most of the dirt, but a good detailer will remove even the most stubborn road grime. Exterior detailing keeps your truck free from debris that can scratch and ruin your paint job. After a thorough washing, your detailer will cover your car with a high-performing wax to make your car shine like new. Wax also adds a layer of protection from harmful UV rays and road chemicals. A Comfortable Interior No matter how much time you spend in your truck, a clean, fresh cabin makes every drive better. An interior detail will remove dirt, dust, and odors. Your truck cabin will look and smell as good as the day you drove it off the lot. Better Resale Value A truck that is visually appealing and clean is much more enticing to buyers. Regular detailing helps preserve the value of your truck, enabling you to sell at a better price. Extended Upholstery Life A lot of dirt and odors can accumulate in your truck's upholstery. Professional detailers can make your seats look and smell like new by removing dirt, debris, stubborn stains, and odors. Many detailers also offer stain protection for fabric seats. If you have leather upholstery,  your detailer can apply leather protectant to prevent your leather from drying out and fading in sunlight. Headlight Restoration Over time, road debris, sunlight, and pollution can cause your headlights to become discolored and hazy. Old, oxidized headlights can reduce your visibility at night by up to 50%. Headlight restoration is a cost-effective alternative to replacement. Restoration also keeps you safe when driving at night by allowing you to see better and be more visible to others. Undercarriage Protection Salt and road grime can build up on the undercarriage of your truck. If left there, these chemicals can corrode your undercarriage, leading to costly repairs. Professional detailing will clean away corrosive salt and dirt, leaving your truck clean and protected from damage. Engine Protection When you think of getting your truck detailed, you may not think about the engine. Getting your engine degreased during a detail is an effective way to protect your engine from costly repairs. Engine degreasing makes it easier to find minor leaks, allowing you to make repairs before bigger, more expensive problems arise. Removing oil and grease from the engine can also extend the life of plastic parts, drive belts, and rubber hoses. Oil and grease will corrode these parts over time. Keeping your plastic and rubber parts clean can help you avoid costly repairs or a possible breakdown. After degreasing, many detailers add a protectant to hoses, belts, and plastic parts to prevent corrosion. If you maintain your work truck by yourself, getting under the hood can leave you greasy and dirty. Degreasing your engine can help you see engine parts better and keep you clean while you work. Gravel, leaves, twigs, and grit can build up in your engine over time and clog air intake valves. Cleaning built-up debris from your engine helps improve your truck's operation and extend the life of engine parts. Although it may be tempting to degrease your engine yourself, it may be a job best left to the professionals. A professional detailer knows how to degrease an engine without damaging sensitive electronics under the hood. Services Included in Truck Detailing The specific services including in your truck detail will vary depending on price and the type of truck you drive. As a general rule, semi-trucks and extremely dirty detailing jobs are more expensive because they require more time to complete. No matter what kind of truck you drive, professional detailing includes many of the following services. Interior Truck Detailing Vacuum upholstery, carpets, and mats. Shampoo and deep clean upholstery, carpets, and mats. Clean and condition leather seats and trim. Stain guard fabric seats. Clean windows, windshield, and interior mirrors. Blow out all gauges, vents, and knobs. Clean and dry door jambs. Deep clean all cup holders, storage bins, glove boxes, and door pockets. Deodorize cabin. Clean and add a layer of protectant to the console, dashboard, and steering wheel. Sanitize interior surfaces. Run an ozone machine in your truck cab to remove stubborn odors, bacteria, and mold spores. Exterior Truck Detailing Apply pre-cleaner to remove bugs and tree sap. Wash truck, including the bed, trailer, back frame, fuel tanks, exhaust pipes, and mudflaps. Use a clay bar to remove stubborn grime from truck paint. Buff paint with a buffing compound to remove minor scratches and paint oxidation. Apply wax with a polisher to protect your paint. Scrub tires and wheel wells. Apply tire dressing to prevent corrosion and cracking of tires. Polish chrome or aluminum parts. Clean undercarriage. Clean and degrease engine. Before you take your truck in for detailing, be sure to remove all of your personal belongings. Remove items from your glove box, center console, and storage boxes if you want those areas cleaned as well. Schedule Truck Detailing in Grand Forks, ND Your truck works as hard as you do. Schedule a professional detail to keep your truck looking great and running well. We have same-day appointments available for emergency detail work, or you can schedule a detailing appointment at your convenience. Customers in Grand Forks can also take advantage of our truck pickup and delivery. Got questions? Chat with one of our detailing experts and get the answers you need today.

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