Stanhome World Philippines first-ever Operators Conference

STANHOME WORLD PHILIPPINES OPERATORS CONFERENCE

Stanhome World Philippines (SWP) continues to make strides in the local direct selling market by opening new service centers in Metro Manila and in Northern Luzon, bringing the total number to 16 branches nationwide. SWP also held its first Operators Conference at the Manila Peninsula Hotel with SWP executives, operators, its beneficiary Virlanie Foundation and Home Care Ambassador Carmina Villarroel and guests gracing the occasion. SWP President Ina Quiogue revealed the company’s new products, sales incentives and future plans at the Conference. Above, the Stanhome World Philippines Sales team, led by Regional Sales and Operations Managers Yell Carreon (extreme left) and Minoy Jocson (4th from right), celebrate the event with (L-R), SWP Human Resources Manager Analyn Carmona, SWP Marikina Service Center Operator Irene Kimpo, SWP Novaliches Service Center Operator Elmer Kimpo, SWP Home Care Ambassador Carmina Villaroel, Stanhome World Research & Development Project Leader Vanina Paganelli, Virlanie Volunteer Anne Prikhodko, Virlanie Fundraising and Communications Manager Jenny Rodil and Virlanie Executive Director Alwin de Leon.

Carmina Villaroel, Stanhome Home Care Ambassador, was the special guest at the first Stanhome World Philippines (SWP) Operators Conference held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel recently. At the event, Carmina shared her personal home care secrets and talked about the importance of using high-quality home care products for the family. Above, SWP Regional Sales and Operations Managers Minoy Jocson and Yell Carreon present their brand ambassador with a congratulatory bouquet.

No Screen Bigger Than Theater

"No screen bigger than theater." 

Is it true? How about the movie houses' screens--the 3D one, a plasma TV or a projector? Aren't they bigger than theater? If you have seen a play even once or an avid play-goer you'll agree with this tagline. If you haven't watched any play, continue reading this blog or research furthermore.

Literally and figuratively, theater is really the biggest screen ever made. Physically, theater stages and backdrops can be so enormous depending on the set-up the director wants. It can be a tiny spot, a platform, a car, a roof,  forest, the sea, the entire theater or whatever it is that a creative, wild, crazy and genius mind can imagine. Figuratively, it is the biggest screen because the shows or scenes are extended beyond the actors and the stage. Some plays are made to be interactive and require audience participation. Theatre plays depict the unusual stories and tackles personal to social to universal issues. They are obra maestras that are always available to the public's eyes. People behind these works create them for the world to see, to feel and to experience. They are not the typical mainstream stories, they are intellectual and substantial. Thus, may cost more than an ordinary film does. Yet, no matter how much a ticket will cost, there are still many people who watch plays. They really look out for the latest shows, be it locally-produced or an internationally-acclaimed ones.

Like these people, I also developed the love for Theatre. I owe it to my Alma Mater and to the curriculum given by my course. I always love dramas, plays, presentations and operas since I was young. I have a great inclination to stages... I love being on the stage and every action that's taking place on it. In my early semesters in college, my subjects would require students to watch at least one play per semester. The first play I watched was called Shadows of the Reef, directed by world renowned Filipino director Anton Diaz. It was a right timing and opportunity for me to experience a breath-taking, world-class play. The story was inspired by the Muro Ami, a dangerous and illegal fishing technique done by many local fishermen. Everything about it was so splendid-- the music, the actors, the storyline, the conversations, the settings, the props and the entire production. It even had a good ending: a huge net fell on the audiences' heads and we were caught up like schools of fish... our participation in the play became more than just viewers, we became whole with the play.

After that play, my love for theater plays grew bigger. I watched every play shown in UP and I always found myself internalizing too much or embracing the characters' emotions even more. Now that I already graduated, I still find chances to watch plays whenever my schedule and my budget allow me to. The latest play I watched was the stage adaptation of National Artist Lino Brocka's film BONA. It was PETA's opening show for its 45th season and was staged to "pay homage to one of the treasures of Philippine cinema, a National Artist who was one of PETA’s founders, to an actress who defined Filipino films, and to Coco Martin’s essential acting lineage."

Photo by: XaiReen Rose (https://www.facebook.com/xyreen)

This adaption directed by Soxie Topacio featured Eugene Domingo as Bona (the fan turned fanatic), Edgar Allan Guzman as Gino (the aspiring, trying-hard, womanizer, gigolo actor), BJ Forbes a.k.a. Tolits, Phil Noble, Joey Paras, Raffy Tejada, Jef Henson-Dee and many more. The play ran from August 24 to September 23, 2012. 

He is GINO... he is... yes, handsome and hot but a selfish man. Surely, you'd like to hate him for being like that. Photo courtesy: XaiReen Rose (https://www.facebook.com/xyreen)

I watched the play with my elementary friends and bought our tickets for Php 800.00 each. It's worth it because we sat near the stage and saw the actions up-close plus PETA is a very intimate theatre so the price is okay. Most of the actors played their roles very well and you can see and feel that their talent is genuine. 

Behind the scene: You can buy souvenirs at the theatre and some also provide photobooths

Stanhome World product purchases to benefit Virlanie Foundation

Stanhome World Philippines will help raise funds for the education and upkeep of street children under the care of the Virlanie Foundation, a non-government organization concerned with children’s welfare.

The No. 1 direct selling homecare company in the European Union has made Virlanie the beneficiary of its September promo that allocates a portion of its product sales for the Foundation.

Ina Quiogue, Stanhome World Philippines president said that a portion of every purchase of its home care and family care products – First-Mate Gel Disinfectant, Honey Cream Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion, Hugs and Kisses Sweet Burst Cologne and Hand Repair Treatment Gel– for the whole month of September will go to the Stanhome-Virlanie Fundraising Project.

Stanhome World, based in Paris, France and a member of the French-owned beauty group Yves Rocher, is passionately dedicated here and abroad to women’s well-being and concerns such as a high-quality home, healthy children and a cared for family.

Virlanie founded by Frenchman Dominique Lemay reaches out to abandoned, abused, neglected and orphaned street children and is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2012.

Quiogue said Stanhome World Philippines chose to support Virlanie not just because of its French origins but because like the foundation, SWP avidly pushes for children’s rights. “Wherever it is in the world, Stanhome World supports charities whose thrust is to help children. Because of that commitment our products are carefully designed and formulated with family and environmental health in mind.”

 Both Virlanie Foundation and Stanhome World Philippines have come to the Philippines to change lives, and will pursue its commitment to build a better world today for a child’s brighter tomorrow, Quiogue added.For information on how to help and give to Virlanie 

Foundation Inc., visit the Virlanie Foundation Inc. website www.virlanie.org/who-we-are, or go to Stanhome World’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/StanhomeWorldPhilippines.

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About Stanhome World and Stanhome World Philippines

Stanhome World is an internationally established brand based in Europe. Considered the #1 Direct-Selling Home Care Company in the European Union, Stanhome World is part of the Groupe Yves Rocher group of companies. It carries two (2) successful and fast-growing brands: STANHOME, an extensive line of high-quality and innovative products for home and family strengthened by over 80 years of experience, and KIOTIS, a luxury beauty line boasting of essential oil-based products that serve to boost both beauty and well-being. After years of expanding in other international markets, Stanhome World brings their topnotch work to Asia, with the Philippines as its first home. Stanhome World Philippines boasts of the same quality care brought by its global counterparts, utilizing high European standards to help benefit Filipino families all over the nation.

Rainy Day Safety Tips to take with you on the road

Whatever the season, safe driving is always the No.1 concern of motorists. However, the rainy season is when motorists have to be most careful and vigilant. Here are some ways to make sure that you’ll be driving safe on wet and slippery streets.

Make sure your car is in good shape.

Check your wipers, brakes, brake lights, tire quality and tire pressure. Visibility is a two-way thing in motoring. Make sure your vehicle is readily visible to other motorists, especially in heavy downpours. Be vigilant about the small details.

Drive through familiar places.

Go through routes that you know very well, and those that you know do not get flooded often. As a general rule, if your vehicle gets submerged to about half the wheel’s height or higher, don’t go through the water. Also remember that some seemingly harmless puddles can be hiding a chasm of a pothole that could do damage to your car.

Drive defensively.

Driving in the rain easily equates to defensive driving. Slow down and always be aware of the cars around you. Track the car in front of you and maintain proper distance. Don’t slam on the brakes, as that could make you skid and slip on the road.

Always have an emergency kit.

Whether it be medicine and bandages, or the right tools to solve quick car problems, emergency kits go a long way in tricky situations. A change of clothes, toiletries, and even some food provisions stashed in your vehicle could help lighten up a hassle too.

 

Use proper tires.

Getting the right type of tires for the season is a basic necessity never to be ignored. Get a tire with good traction and that can brake well on wet surfaces. Look for models that are specifically designed for rainy weather. MICHELIN tires are a good fit for driving conditions that calls for durable and reliable tires for a safe ride. The leading brand in tire technology, MICHELIN offers a vast range of tire models that cater to every need and deliver top standards in safety, fuel efficiency and long-lasting tires. Visit www.michelin.com.ph for more information.

New Underwater Data Cable Connects Four Countries

Several telecommunications companies—Japan’s NTT, the Philippines’ PLDT, Singapore’s StarHub and Telecom Malaysia—have worked together to build the Asia Submarine-cable Express (ASE), the fastest data cable in the continent.

The 7,800-km ASE, located under the sea, can transmit data at 40 gigabits per second (40Gbps). This speed is as fast as downloading an HD movie in only two seconds.

ASE is three milliseconds faster than other connections that link Tokyo and Singapore. With this speed, thousands of computer-based business deals can be done very quickly.

Through the new cable, banks and financial groups would be able to respond faster to changes in the market. Many financial decisions nowadays are done through computer programs. Ralph Silva of Silva Research Network says that transmitting data just a millisecond faster than others can really make or break a group’s investment.

Engineers also made sure the ASE’s path is straight enough to lessen data transmission time to 65 milliseconds.

Hiroyuki Matsumoto, senior director of network services at NTT, says they also planned for natural disasters before laying out the cables.  Many underwater cables were damaged by earthquakes in Japan in 2011 and earthquakes in Taiwan in 2006. Telecom companies had to send remote-controlled robots 2,500 meters under the sea to fix these connections.

Matsumoto said they avoided placing the cable near the Taiwan area, where earthquakes happen more often and placed ASE near the Philippines instead, where it would be safer from damage.

The company PLDT announced that the ASE is the largest undersea cable system in the country. It is also the first cable directly connecting Japan and the Philippines.

Source: Rarejob

Fresh breath can be your best charm offensive

Bad breath may ruin one’s social life. Imagine meeting someone for the first time who gets a whiff of unpleasant breath. He or she might avoid eye contact with you in a conversation, or worse, might even leave the room all together. If you have bad breath, consider all first impressions a big failure before they even start.

According to microbiologists, bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. When you eat, food is broken down for proper digestion. Bacteria react to the protein found in food and produces a sulfurous compound that gives breath a rotten smell. Other dental problems, like cavities and gum disease, also cause bad breath.

Unfortunately, you can never tell when you have bad breath. Like the snorer who can’t hear himself snore, you aren’t easily aware of how your own breath smells.

So how can you be 100% sure what your breath smells like? Here are some ways to find out:

•         Wipe the back of your tongue with a clean cotton ball or use unflavored and unwaxed dental floss to clean your back teeth. Wait a few minutes, then smell the cotton ball or the dental floss. The scent you get should give you an idea of what your own breath smells like.

•         Do you often have a “bad taste in the mouth?” Regardless of whether you ate something foul or not, this can be an indication that you might have bad breath.

•         The best way to find out for sure is to ask a good friend, a family member or even your dentist. It’s better to learn the bitter truth upfront than to offend others unknowingly.

Fighting and preventing bad breath requires practicing proper dental hygiene. These days, simply brushing teeth regularly is not enough. You need to make sure that your entire mouth -- teeth and gums included – is well protected.

Stanhome World, the No. 1 Direct-Selling Home Care Company in the European Union, introduces FRESH IT Peppermint Refreshing Mouthwash. Not only does it reach the parts of your mouth that a regular toothbrush cannot reach, FRESH IT is also specially formulated to eliminate 99.999% of oral bacteria. With a double-acting solution that protects both teeth and gums, Stanhome’s new product helps prevent Gingivitis, or a case of swollen and sensitive gums. FRESH IT is also enriched with a peppermint flavour that offers minty fresh breath all day long.

Remember, good hygiene and fresh breath always brings a boost of confidence. Using an effective mouthwash like FRESH IT means you no longer have to worry about offending people without knowing it. FRESH IT ensures that you can carry on worry-free conversations, even in close-up moments.

For more information about FRESH IT and Stanhome World Philippines, visit the Stanhome World Philippines Facebook Fan Page, email feedback@stanhomeworldph.com or contact 091-STANHOME (0917-8264663). Stanhome FRESH IT is now available through the Stanhome World Independent Supervisors (SIS).

About Stanhome World and Stanhome World Philippines

Stanhome World is an internationally established brand based in Europe. The No. 1 Direct Selling Home Care Company in the European Union, Stanhome World is part the Groupe Yves Rocher group of companies. It carries two (2) successful and fast-growing brands: STANHOME, an extensive line of high-quality and innovative products for home and family strengthened by over 80 years of experience, and KIOTIS, a luxury beauty line boasting of essential oil-based products that serve to boost both beauty and well-being. After years of expanding in other international markets, Stanhome World brings their topnotch work to Asia, with the Philippines as its first home. Stanhome World Philippines boasts of the same quality care brought by its global counterparts, utilizing high European standards to help benefit Filipino families all over the nation

3M revolutionizes floor and surface stripping with “green” pads that need no chemicals

True or False?  The fastest, easiest and cheapest way to remove floor wax and finish residues from floors is to use floor stripping chemicals. The answer? Maybe. But many popular stripping agents can actually be harmful to human health and the environment because of their strong chemical content. Many of the ingredients believed to help improve our quality of life could in fact threaten our environment. Exposure to chemicals in general -- whether through the skin or the respiratory tract could result in health conditions or diseases over time.

Called Scotch-Brite Surface Preparation Pads (SPP), the revolutionary floor pads require only water, no chemicals, to strip floor surfaces such as PVC tiles, marble, laminated wood and polished concrete, among others. A product of 3M’s Greenovation (short for "green innovation"), the SPP floor pad can deliver the same results as other pads that require chemicals at much less cost.

Usually, industrial stripping is a long process where the area has to be cleared out, protective clothing and gear worn by cleaners, chemicals spread and applied on the floor, and floors repeatedly rinsed to remove chemical residue. Thus, the stripping of wide spaces such as supermarkets, hotel lobbies, and conference halls can be time-consuming and often has to be done at night also because of the chemical stench that can have possible ill effects on health if continuously inhaled. But because the 3M SPP can produce the same results using only water or any neutral detergent, the material costs for stripping, long labor hours, and even the process of a floor overhaul are reduced. There is no need to purchase additional chemical strippers. Any worker or volunteer can do the job as the use of the floor pads does not need advanced or special training.

Here’s an even more pleasant surprise. Another factor that makes the 3M SPP unique is that it’s three times more aggressive and six times more durable than other stripping pads at only 2% of the cost. Without the need for using chemicals, the SPP can cover a wider floor space faster and easier for less! Best of all, this new 3M Greenovation is safer for both humans and the environment. For more information about 3M SPP, visit www.3M.com/ph. Because of the urgent need to protect the environment and provide safe products for human use, 3M has introduced a revolutionary stripping pad that does not need chemicals to prepare floors for  polishing. 

New MICHELIN tire technology helped make London’s public bus system safer

Michelin, the pioneering brand in electronic tire development, made London’s public bus transits safe and ready for the summer Olympics crowd, with tires equipped with Michelin’s latest innovation in tire technology. Called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chips, the new technology allows for quick, safe and efficient evaluation of tire conditions.

The new “communicating” tires provide a breakthrough solution to improving road safety. Combining the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and RFID chips installed in the tire, the device helps check the tire pressure and conditions and link to a data processing system. After seven years of thorough testing and research plus thousands of manufactured chips that validate test phases, the technology was introduced to 85% of London’s city buses in time for the 30^th Olympic Games.

The small RFID chips require no batteries and instead are activated by the radio waves it receives during scanning. The users may input their own data and update them as well. It can last longer than the tire itself, shave time in vehicle maintenance and provide cost-efficient vehicle operations.

With Michelin’s “communicating” tires, the transit operators only need to use an electronic reader that automatically gathers information about the tire’s condition and history. Now, instead of physical check-ups that may be dangerous to the operators, a more reliable system of monitoring tire conditions guarantee that the passenger vehicle tires will last longer, be more accurately traceable, reduce fuel consumption and avoid the need for frequent and costly replacements.

The Michelin Group: A major player in the British urban transport system

The figures speak for themselves. With 33,000 buses covered by service contracts (representing 80% of the country’s bus market) and a 100% market share for four of the five largest British bus transport companies and a 50% share for the fifth, Michelin is eminently qualified to provide bus fleets with end-to-end tire management solutions. 

What’s more, 85% of all London buses are fitted with MICHELIN tires. More than just buses, these highly original vehicles – with their bright red color so well-liked by tourists – play both a symbolic and an indispensable role in urban mobility and at the same time are rightly considered to be one of the city’s cultural assets.

                                 

About Michelin (www.michelin.com)

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. Michelin employs 115,000 people, has sales organizations in more than 170 countries and operates 69 production sites in 18 countries throughout five continents. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases and offers electronic mobility support services, on ViaMichelin.com. Research and innovation development is being taken care of in technology centres in Asia, Europe and North America.

3M Philippines showcases eco-solutions for electronics industry

3M Philippines unveiled a wide array of eco-solutions to enhance safety and efficiency in the semiconductor and electronics industry at the 9^th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE) held at the SMX Convention Center last June.

The convention highlighted products and services for electrical power equipment,  communication electronics, consumer electronics, software and semiconductor products. Representatives of over 170 technology companies attended the convention organized by the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI).

At the convention, SEIPI President Ernesto Santiago said the semiconductor industry will play a major role in addressing the challenge of the looming energy crisis brought about by the rising demand for electricity from buildings and industry. “Semiconductors are key in reducing global power consumption. 30% reduction of that consumption is now possible with efficient brushless motors and smart sensor systems that help reduce water and energy consumption. We are now gearing towards carbon neutrality.”

Elsa Enriquez, Marketing Manager for 3M Electronics Solutions Division said that 3M is aware of the worldwide green trend, which is why it has introduced its Static Management Program composed of product, software and service solutions that allow companies to monitor their production processes from end to end and in real time. The program directly helps the electronics industry  by continually developing solutions to address current demand.

Elsa Enriquez, Marketing Manager for 3M Electronics Solutions Division said that 3M is aware of the worldwide green trend, which is why it has introduced its Static Management Program composed of product, software and service solutions that allow companies to monitor their production processes from end to end and in real time, thereby increasing their output and reducing waste. The program directly helps the electronics industry  by providing  advanced solutions to address current demand.

Enriquez also said 3M has products for the semiconductor industry that highlight the science of precise, safe and sustainable solutions for today’s demanding electronics needs. “The result is savings in processes, quality improvements and higher yields. These in turn result in more dependable products, fewer end-user complaints and reduced manual testing time for manufacturers,” Enriquez concluded.

Meanwhile, Jun Chua, Division Manager for Electronics Markets Materials also showcased his division’s broad range of specialized solutions for the electronics industry at the PSECE 2012. This consisted of adhesives, tapes, abrasives and coatings as well as green technologies that help reduce waste production, power consumption and total cost of ownership.

Chua stressed that 3M chemicals used by the electrical and electronic equipment industry are free from hazardous substances. “3M strictly conforms to environmental standards to safeguard operating procedures and processes,” he said.

As example, Chua cited 3M Novec™ Engineered Fluids, one of the products under his division that have zero ozone depletion and low global warming potential. It has an outstanding environmental and safety profile, is nonflammable and is used in an increasing number of critical electronics applications.

3M Philippines participated in PSECE 2012 as an exhibitor showcasing not only their electronics portfolio but also their products from industrial adhesives and tapes, occupational health and environmental safety; and purification divisions.

Keep clothes clean and dry in the rain

Don’t let the gloomy weather get to you. The rainy season, which is in full swing, often brings a lot of worries along with thunder and storms.  Rain has a way of affecting everything in our lives, including the clothes we wear.

Not letting damp laundry dry completely make garments smell foul and musty. Worse, the moisture in the clothes can be breeding places for bacteria, which can cause allergies and other ailments.

Luckily, Stanhome World, the No. 1 Direct-Selling company in the European Union, is committed to finding simple solutions to save everyday problems like rainy season laundry. Here are some easy tips that will ensure your laundry smells fresh and clean no matter what the weather.

1.     Make sure you use clean water to wash your clothes.

2.     Always apply soap or detergent evenly on the fabric.

3.     Rinse clothes thoroughly, until soap bubbles are no longer visible.

4.     Use fabric conditioner to make sure your clothes stay soft and sweet-smelling.

5.     Hang laundry indoors to make sure the clothes don’t get rained on.

6.     Iron clothes as soon as you can. Don’t bundle them up for a long time or they might lose the freshness of their just washed scent.

To really make sure your clothes are safe for rainy days, try PRIME-WASH Fresh Bloom and SANI-SOFT, Stanhome World’s new laundry offerings that will work to keep your garments clean and fresh no matter what the weather.

PRIME-WASH Fresh Bloom is a new variant of Stanhome’s laundry detergent, PRIME-WASH Classic. Along with having PRIME-WASH’s ability to keep clothes clean and germ-free, Fresh Bloom has a sweet floral scent that can be a breath of fresh air during rainy days.

SANI-SOFT Antibacterial Fabric Conditioner softens fabrics and helps reduce wrinkles better than regular detergents. It’s specially formulated to be safe for your family, with antibacterial ingredients that fight germs and a fragrance that minimizes risk of allergies. Plus, SANI-SOFT retains freshness even when laundry is dried indoors, making it perfect for the rainy season.

For more information about PRIME-WASH Fresh Bloom and SANI-SOFT, visit the Stanhome World Philippines Facebook Fan Page, email feedback@stanhomeworldph.com or contact 091-STANHOME (0917-8264663). Both new products are now available through the Stanhome World Independent Supervisors (SIS) or at Stanhome World Service Centers in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Batangas, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan City and Kidapawan.

Urban Bazaar 2012 rocks Power Plant Mall August 17-19

Fashion bloggers bring style and glam to the metro

Fashion-savvy urbanites, rejoice! The long-awaited Urban Bazaar 2012 is back with exciting offerings of chic trends styled by the coolest fashion bloggers in town.

The popular Power Plant Mall event will make the Rockwell Tent come alive on the weekend of August 17-19 when blogger superstars Laureen Uy of breakmystyle.com, Camille Co of itscamille.com, Dominique Tiu of konichiwear.com, Vern Enciso of vernenciso.com, Cheyser Pedregosa of thewalkingrecessionista.com and Ava Te of artsyfartsyava.blogspot.com walk their talk, fashion-wise.

Here’s the deal. These fashion-forward femmes will each create their distinct fashion styles from the merchandise sold at the Urban Bazaar on August 17. The stylized outfits will then be displayed onsite throughout the Blogger Weekend. Shoppers get the chance to win their favourite look via a raffle.

The entrance fee entitles each shopper to one raffle stub which they can drop in a bin intended for the different fashion looks. If their name gets picked from the bin where they dropped their stub, they win the total fashion package. Students get a 50% discount on the entrance fee just by showing their school ID.

Among the bazaar participants asre popular shoe lines CMG and So!Fab, e-boutique CoExist (by Camille Co) and Stylebreak (by Laureen Uy). Race car driver and designer extraordinaire Mark Bumgarner will also showcase the latest fashion from his fashion line, Cocobum.

Boys will have fun at Urban Bazaar as much as the girls. There’s a men’s lounge featuring Toys for the Boys where the gents can play games on Playstation 3 and Xbox for free, courtesy of Datablitz.

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/PowerPlantMall. Or call 898-1702.

Anti-Aging Car Care Tips for your Car

 A car is the second most valuable investment next to homes. Its purchase and maintenance cost can be quite overwhelming, that’s why it’s important to be knowledgeable and innovative in making the car efficient and in good condition over the long haul.

 3M Car Care offers tips to make your car look and run smoothly for as long as possible:

1.   During the break-in period (the first 1,600 km), keep your speed under 88 kph or to the speed recommended by the manufacturer.

2.   Do not race your car’s engine during start-up as it will wear out your engine; accelerate slowly when you drive. Shift to neutral at red lights.

3.   Keep an auto log where you can record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice your gas mileage changing for the worse, have your car checked. It may be an early warning sign that something is wrong with it.

4.   Check tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires can greatly reduce fuel economy and lead to excessive tire wear. The correct tire pressure also will guard against tire blowouts and provide a safer ride.

5.   Check the oil. Oil keeps the engine lubricated, reduces friction and makes everything run efficiently. Change the oil every 3000 miles or three months for maximum performance and extended engine life.

6.   Maintain your car’s fluid levels. It can add thousands of miles to the life of the car. Locate the washer fluid and coolant containers under the hood and check their levels. Make sure they’re OK, especially if you regularly travel long distances or are planning a road-trip.

7.   Always park in the shade when you can. If you can’t, use a car shade to protect your car’s interiors. The sun’s rays are harmful to leather fittings, some upholstery and other gizmos inside your car. They also break down your car’s paint and cause it to fade.

8.   Vacuum and sponge car interiors when you wash your car. Get rid of abrasive dirt particles and soda spills which can be corrosive. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe dust off the dashboard, door interiors and dash gauges.

9.   Rust-proof and protect your car’s under-chassis from floods and other causes that create rust. Invest in some matching touch-up paint or bring your car to a detailer so you can touch up minor nicks before rust has a chance to form.

10.  Do the work. Give your car a good bath with 3M™ Car Care Auto Shampoo and remove dirt and grime without removing wax protection.  Wash & dry vehicle with 3M™ PN1052 Super Absorbent Car Wipe to protect its surface.

11.  Clean wheels and tires with 3M™ Wheel & Tire Cleaner to remove brake dust and highway grime.

12.   Restore black plastic bumpers, door handles and tires to brand new finish with 3M™ Tire Restorer. Just spray on and wipe off for a deep black luster.

13.   Remove surface scratches with 3M™ Swirl Mark Remover in sachet. This new product reduces swirl marks and scuffs in the paint like magic.  For deeper scratches use 3M™ Scratch Remover in 8 oz bottle. It actually removes surface scratches quickly and easily and doesn’t just fill them in with wax. 

14.  Give the car a good protective coat of 3M™ Performance Finish Synthetic Wax.  This innovative synthetic wax, which chemically bonds with clear coat finishes, keeps the car’s finish looking good through up to 15 to 20 washes. It’s simple to apply and doesn’t haze. Just wipe on and wipe off in minutes with 3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth (PN 39016) and don’t worry; it won’t leave a residue left in the cracks and crevices.

15.  Get the glass clean inside and out with 3M™ Glass Cleaner. It has a unique vertical cling that prevents drips and is safe to use on glass, plastic, chrome, metal and painted surfaces.

16   Protect the upholstery with 3M™ Leather and Vinyl Restorer, which revives the natural sheen and soft feel of the factory finish.

17.   For quick detailing or touch up of exterior surfaces, use 3M™ Quick Wax which can treat an entire vehicle in a just a few minutes.  This can be applied wet (after washing vehicle with 3M™ Car Care Auto Shampoo) or dry.  Spray on wax and wipe dry with 3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth (PN 39016).

With these simple do-it-yourself maintenance projects and just a few hours’ investment, you can make your car look years younger, use it longer, and improve its value.