Product Review: 3M Scratch Removal System

All of us have some sort of issue with scratches on our cars. If you have tried some of those liquid scratch removers with no success then try this:

The 3M scratch removal system, yes it's a little bit pricy but it really does work and well.

There are several steps and applicators involved, make sure the car is washed before starting the process.
First step is to sand the scratched area with the 3000 grit abrasive square included.
Second, add some rubbing compound from the packet to the purple compounding pad attached to your drill. Swirl the compound into the scratch with the drill running (Velcro drill bit adapter is included)
Third, using the black polishing pad with some scratch remover paste swirl it through the scratch again using your drill.
Last step is to polish the area with a soft clean rag.
Here are the results on a fairly deep scratch, tested on a 2010 Dark Grey Corolla.

95% of the scratch has completely disappeared. Although if you look really closely the deepest part of the scratch (just to the bottom of the door handle) is still slightly visible. Although that area was extremely deep. I did also try the same 3M scratch removal system on surface scratches and I was 100% satisfied, after the buffing I couldn't see the scratches, they had completely disappeared.

My first use of the 3M scratch removal system on a dark blue coloured Honda paint turned out a better result, even the deep scratches on that colour disappeared. Either way this is an excellent scratch removal system. The results will vary depending on the colour and manufacturer of the paint.

Overall I think that this is the best scratch removal system out there for the general public. I give it a 9/10 for as close to a perfect product as one can possible buy at the local automotive store. The main disadvantage is it's price between $25 and $30, it's not cheap compared to the competition.
Oh and in case anyone from 3M is reading this, a little more scratch remover product in the package would be nice.

2015 Mazda 2 revealed

A very nice improvement to the original 2 design. Nothing revolutionary as far as design is concerned, from this point the new 2 has a hint of the previous Ford Ka. Mazda is partially owned by Ford so the designed may have been influenced by previous sketches.


The 2015 Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) will go on sale globally sometime in the fourth quarter of this year according to carscoops.com
The new 2 will benefit from all the lightweight and efficient SkyActiv technologies, this includes engines, transmissions, body, and chassis.
The new 2 versus the outgoing model grows to 4,060 millimeters, it's 160 mm longer, 25 mm taller (now 1,500 mm) and most importantly it rides on a 2,570-mm wheelbase, up 80 mm. The longer wheelbase and increased headroom provides more rear seat leg space, as much as for a 6-foot-2 passenger.
Depending on the market, the 2015 Mazda2 will be offered with up to three engines at launch:
SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter
100PS (99hp) 1.5-liter gasoline units, and the
105PS (102hp) SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter diesel
All engines can be matched to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

"The next Mazda2 will be offered with two 1.5L Skyactiv gas engines in Canada. The difference between the two boils down to the exhaust manifold. The base 102-hp engine uses a four-into-one system. The up-level engine earns the Skyactiv four-into-two-into-one header. Mazda did not say much horsepower this will add, but somewhere around 115 would seem fair. The header also promotes mid-range torque."
The suspension setup will be front struts and a torsion beam rear axle.
 
"The biggest changes are the increased body rigidity and the torsion beam’s mounting point. It has been raised and now sits a full 35 mm higher than the Volkswagen Polo, which is considered the best of the subcompacts at this point. The advantage is simple — the higher mounting point allows the wheel to rise and fall in a vertical plane, which kept the P185/65R16 tires and its contact patch uniform and planted. This made a big difference when the Mazda2 was pushed to the limit, as the back-end remained stable even when trailing-braking through a corner — many cars feel as though the back-end is about to step out of line under these conditions."

If you would like to read the full articles here are the links, driving.ca: http://driving.ca/mazda/mazda2/reviews/road-test/2015-mazda2-promises-to-be-a-strong-subcompact-contender
Loads of pictures at carscoops.com: http://www.carscoops.com/2014/07/new-2015-mazda2-officially-breaks-cover.html 

2015 Honda Fit starting @ $14,495, FREE 6 year warranty

2015 Honda Fit goes on sale September 15, 2014 here in Canada. According to the press release in the Montreal Metro paper today it will include for a limited time a 6 year warranty for free (instead of the 3). The extended warranty is included for FREE to purchases made up to October 31, 2014.

2015-2016 SUBARU XV changes and the "Zombie" recall

The 2015 Subaru XV is it a car is it an SUV? One thing it is - very practical. It's looks are not really my style especially the rear square-angular stop lights.



Was it does have going for it is the amazing AWD system that Subaru is well known for. Good amount of ground clearance for winter driving without the SUV flip-flop handling. (Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard with a wish-bone suspension in the rear.) As well a decent amount of cargo room with 632L and 1470L with the back seats folded.
Another bonus is the new 2.0L engine which uses a timing chain and not a timing belt as in the 2.5L engine. Those of you who have been reading by previous articles will know how much I despise the timing belt on the 2.5L engine and the cost of changing it around $1200!
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque. power delivered to the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system. The engine can be mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. Consumption with the manual will be 23//30 mpg (8.9/6.7 L/100km) and 25//33 mpg (8.2/6.0 L/100km) with the CVT transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) rated at around 9.9 seconds for the CVT transmission.
The XV hybrid system consists of the existing 2.0L engine combined with an electric motor. The hybrid system will produce 161 hp and 193 lb-ft (262 Nm) of torque. Resulting in a consumption of  29/33 mpg (6.9/6.0 L/100km), not that great compared to other hybrid systems. The reason, most probably is the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive which is always working.

Here are the full specifications on the XV in metric: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebSiteID=282&WebPageID=18737&Range=XV%20Crosstrek&ModelYear=2014
Here are  the full specifications on the XV in imperial: http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/xv-crosstrek/models-specs.html

Rumor has it that Subaru will be bringing a Turbo-Diesel engine to North America sometime in 2015-2016.
Link for rumor: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/144638-turbo-diesel-crosstrek-coming-to-america-in-2015/
The Turbo version of the Subaru XV is said to be starting at $28,700 US (approx. $32,995 CDN) versus the $26,400 US ($29,995 CDN) price of the Hybrid.
Link:http://previewnewcars.com/2015-subaru-crosstrek-turbo-hybrid-systems/

Recall:
Currently Subaru is recalling the XV for starting itself, this has come to be known as the "Zombie Car"
As it turns out, certain Subaru models may randomly start their own engines. The issue is confined to select models equipped with an automatic or CVT and the company's optional Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. If the RES key fob is dropped, it could "randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button."
"Vehicles affected include the 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback with an automatic or CVT, 2012-2013 Impreza with the CVT, and 2013 XV Crosstrek with CVT (shown), all equipped with the Audiovox RES accessory. Likewise, certain 2013 Legacy and Outbacks may have received replacement RES fobs that could be affected. All told, 47,419 vehicles are included in the recall."
Link: http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/subaru-issues-recall-over-cars-that-may-start-themselves/

Product Review -- GENERAL G-MAX AS-03 Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire

Just back from summer vacation. Drove around 1200 km on these beauties, the GENERAL G-MAX AS-03 tires. These are pictures of the tires with around 6000 km use on them.

Here is my take on these tires - they are the best all-season tires I have ever driven on. Handling, handling, handling is way above what my Bridgestone Turanza EL470 tires (on the other car currently) deliver. Ride comfort is above average for a high performance sport tire. They were also tested in heavy rain, got caught on the road from Montreal to Toronto in a heavy thunderstorm downpour. The tires sloshed through the water with ease, no hydroplaning whatsoever. The only complaint I have is the relatively higher than average noise level of the tire with the windows open. Another bonus as with most new tires is that they have a tire replacement monitor imbedded in the tread, as in the first picture. This will let you know when it's time to change them.
These tires will not be tested in the snow, here in Quebec we are required to have dedicated snow tires, which is a good thing.
Bought these tires at my local Canadian Tire store, the reason, they offer a 5 year road hazard warranty cross country for about $25 total for all four tires. If they can't fix the tire they will replace it, I highly recommended this road hazard warranty at a very low cost. At first I was a little hesitant in buying these tires because they are built in Mexico rather than Germany. (General and Gislaved tires are a division of Continental tires.) Those fears have been put to rest now, I highly recommend these tires for anyone who does not want to pay overinflated prices for Michelins. Yes they are still considered the best but they are too pricy for the performance. (No bang for the buck)

Here are some links if you would like to read more about these tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=G-MAX+AS-03&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=145WR7GMAS03XL&tab=Sizes

TireRack.com - Testing Value-Priced Ultra High Performance All-Season
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=173

TireRack.com Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire Survey Results
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=UHPAS

In case you are interested these G-Max tires are on sale now at CanadianTire. Almost 40% lower than what I paid for them: http://tires.canadiantire.ca/en/tires/performance-tires/product/2081667P/general-tire-g-max-as-03/0072119/
Awesome buy, unfortunately there is no tire size match for my other car. At this price I would have replaced my stock Bridgestone Turanza EL 470 with these and put the Bridgestones for sale on Kijiji.

Had a set of Bridgestone Potenza tires before on another car which were really good. Not bashing Bridgestone, the Turanzas are really bad, I'm not alone, take a look.
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComments.jsp?additionalComments=y&commentStatus=P&tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Turanza+EL470&tirePageLocQty=