Motorcycle & Automobile Q & A Forum

How do I repair a small tear in my car’s faux leather (vinyl) seat?

There are small, inexpensive, relatively easy to use kits available for repairing small tears and holes in vinyl. You can find these kits at auto parts stores and discount stores – as well as hardware and specialty stores. They are all pretty much the same, except for the colors that come in the kit. When you are shopping for the kit, be sure to find one that has as close a match to your vinyl color as possible. The kits all come with various patches to imprint various ‘grains.’ NOTE: be sure to read and follow the kit’s instructions closely, and you’ll get a near perfect match and repair.

How can I remove a melted magnet from my car?

The raw materials which are magnetized could not be melted to your automobile. The temperatures required are too high. If you had a ‘flexible magnet’ on your car, then either the adhesives used in the construction of that or the material it is was made from is sticking to the vehicle. To remove the adhesive, Goo-Gone is excellent. To remove the rubber or vinyl, you will have to heat the area with a heat gun or a hair dryer. Heat it, then use a PLASTIC window scraper to slowly, carefully remove the materials. If there is residue, it is likely adhesive – use Goo-Gone.

How often should I wax my vehicle?

This predominately depends on three things: 1) the type of wax you use 2) the climate in which you operate/store your vehicle 3) whether you garage your vehicle or park outside. Some waxes are extremely hard, and will endure longer, allowing a greater interval between waxes. Most show waxes (wet waxes) do not provide much protection at all, and would have to be reapplied frequently. Sun is very hard on wax, as are detergents and the salts used for icy roads. A good rule of thumb is every two months, but you’ll need to check the condition of the wax for yourself to be sure. When you wet the vehicle’s surface, the water will bead up if the wax is still in good condition.

How can I safely remove road tar from my paint?

Go to your auto parts dealer and get a can of tar remover, also sold as bug and tar remover. Follow the directions for the kind/brand you select, and then be sure to rinse, wash, and then rinse the area again. It’s very effective, and removes such things easily without harming most finishes.

How do I get tree sap off my car/motorcycle?

Use a product that is designed to remove tar and insects from painted finishes to quickly, easily and safely remove tree sap. At your auto parts store ask for Bug & Tar remover. This will make quick work of tree sap also, as well as some adhesives – though it is not recommended for that. If you don’t have time to go to the store and you happen to have some Goo-Gone on hand, that will also work pretty well. After using any products similar to those mentioned above, be sure to flush the area fully with water and wash with a mild soap, then rinse completely again.

How can I remove the old stickers from my license plate?

Most of these are held on with adhesive that is heat sensitive. So you can take a hair dryer and heat the sticker, then just slowly peel it off. Clean away any remaining adhesive with a cloth and some Goo-Gone. If the hair dryer does not remove your sticker, then peel off what you can. Soak the remaining sticker with Goo-Gone and let it set for a few minutes, then remove. When you’re done, rinse the area thoroughly and clean with a mild soap. Use alcohol on the area before applying the new sticker, to ensure that you get good adhesion.