Car Care Research Guide

Car Care Research Guide Glossary Terms

• Acid Rain
• Acrylic resin
• Alloy wheels
• Capillary action
• Chamois
• Chrome
• Grape Slurpee
• Jackson Pollock
• Lye
• Microfiber
• Pitting
• Polymer
• Swirl marks
• Terry cloth cotton

Car Care Research Guide Glossary Definitions

Acid Rain

Commonly used to mean the deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, fog or dew. The extra acidity in rain comes from the reaction of air pollutants, primarily sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, with water in the air to form strong acids (like sulfuric and nitric acid). The main sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industrial or power-generating plants.

Acrylic resin

A synthetic resin that is resistant to discoloring, moisture and acids. Usually made by polymerization of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, these resins help synthetic waxes get their water repellant and sealing properties.

Alloy wheels

Alloy wheels are any set of wheels made from a non-steel blend of metals. Most alloy wheels from the dealership are cast from aluminum, evident by their moderate shine and noted durability. Alloy wheels are also identified by their lighter weight.

Capillary action

Capillary action is the process by which liquid pulls itself against the force of gravity, thanks to the attraction between molecules. In using touch-up paint, capillary action refers to the spread of the paint throughout a chip or scratch. The science is best reflected in the way the paint is pulled by surface tension to all edges of the affected area without the need to spread the paint yourself.

Chamois

Modern chamois refers to either a synthetic or natural fabric with incredible absorptive capabilities. Natural chamois used to come from the skin of the chamois antelope, but is now more commonly a soft, suede-like sheepskin material. Synthetic chamois mimics the same non-abrasive and absorptive properties of natural chamois with a blend of manmade fibers.

Chrome

Chrome plating is a finishing treatment utilizing a thin, decorative bright layer typically over an underlying nickel plate. The result is a brilliant, mirror-like reflectivity on all kinds of automotive trim. The downside to chrome plating is that the decorative layer can be chipped or peeled off over time.

Grape Slurpee

Slurpee, the "Coolest Drink on Earth," is a heavenly drink found only at 7-11 stores. More than 45 years of history has seen the Slurpee evolve into the nation's premier frozen treat of all seasons. 7-11 sells more than 13 million Slurpees each month.

The Grape Slurpee is one of the more delicious Slurpee flavors, though its deep purple hue and thick syrup content make for a potent potential interior wrecker. Enjoy with caution when motoring. And beware the brain freeze.

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock (1912 -1956) was an influential American artist and a major force in the abstract expressionism movement. Pollock is most well known for his large paintings using drip and splatter techniques. From far away, his work may look like the sidewalk at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Up close, his work has dimension and depth with thick paint clumps and multiple layers of drips and spatters.

Lye

Lye is a caustic substance used in making soaps and cleaners. Sometimes noted as sodium hydroxide, lye is a strong solution frequently found in household products that are harmful to automotive surfaces.

Microfiber

Microfiber cloths are crafted from a new polyester fiber that is extremely fine and closely duplicates the look and feel of natural fibers. Measuring finer than silk, these cloths are the finest manmade materials ever produced. This feel is quite gentle on the paint in a thinner cloth than any terry cotton cloth.

Pitting

Like etching, pitting is a localized type of metal corrosion that causes small cavities or pock marks on your vehicle's surface. When rocks, gravel and other airborne debris smash into your automobile, they can leave pieces behind at the site of the collision. These embedded impurities lead to oxidation, which then causes holes in your finish.

Polymer

A natural or manmade chain of molecules. Common synthetic polymers include polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene.

Swirl marks

Swirl marks are the common term used for the faint, web-like micro-abrasions in the top layer of modern clear coat finishes. Swirl marks are most visible in bright sunlight, as their swirl pattern catches light at many different angles.

Most often caused by using dirty or abrasive materials for car care, swirl marks will accumulate in large numbers over time, further wearing away clear coat layers and dulling the look of the finish. They can be removed with fine polishes that even out the top clear coat, or covered by a layer or two of wax, thus becoming less visible to the eye.

Terry cloth cotton

An absorbent cotton weave consisting of uncut pile on each side. Terry cloth cotton is most common in bath towels and robes. For car care, 100% soft terry cloth cotton is the easiest on your paint-especially if the cloth has been washed a few times with fabric softener.