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Mothers teams with Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days

by | Oct 2, 2026 | 0 comments

Mothers teams with Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days

Mothers is offering 20 percent off a range of cosmetic products on Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 6 and 7, 2026

Mothers power cone polisher

The Mothers brand of car care products started in 1974 in Southern California.

BY MARK MAYNARD

If your mother says she loves you, check it out. If Mothers car care products say she loves you, scoop up some discounts. The venerable Mothers brand (since 1974) is offering 20 percent off on a range of cosmetic products on Amazon during October’s Prime Big Deal Days. And with the arrival of fall, Mothers also highlights seasonal tips for protecting your vehicle from moisture, road grime, debris, and shorter-daylight driving.

• Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax, 64 oz. (05674) – Deal price $14.39 / Reg Price $17.99.
• Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish, 12 oz. (05212) – Deal price $5.21 / Reg Price $6.52
• Mothers California Gold Instant Detailer, 16 oz. (08216) – Deal price $6.52 / Reg Price $8.15
• Mothers PowerCone 360 Polishing Tool with Quick Swap Bit (05146) – Deal price $20.38 / Reg Price $25.48
A three piece grouping of Mothers hydro clay, ceramic spray and exhaust tip polish

• Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit (07251) – Deal price $18.30 / Reg Price $22.88
• Mothers California Gold Super-Hydro Spray Wax, 24 oz. (05724) – Deal price $11.19 / Reg Price $13.99
• Mothers Exhaust Tip Cleaner & Polish, 8 oz. (05138) – Deal price $8.79 / Reg Price $10.99

• Mothers California Gold Waterless Wash & Wax, 24 oz. (05644) – Deal price $10.62 / Reg Price $13.28
• Mothers Protectant, 16 oz. (05316) – Deal price $11.19 / Reg Price $13.99
• Mothers Back-to-Black Satin Tire Dressing, 16 oz. (06816) – Deal price $11.99 / Reg Price $14.99
• Mothers Foaming Wheel & Tire Cleaner, 1 Gallon (05902) – Deal price $24.08 / Reg Price $30.11
• Mothers Pro-Strength Chrome Wheel Cleaner, 24 oz. (05824) – Deal price $9.59 / Reg Price $11.99

5 Fall Car Care Tips

A young woman leans into cleaning a vehicle headlight lesn

Restoring cloudy or oxidized headlights greatly improves nighttime visibility.

1. Clear away leaves and debris: Remove leaves from around the hood, windshield, trunk, and sunroof drains, which can become clogged and trap moisture.
2. Protect the paint: Rain, moisture, and road grime can build up quickly. A ceramic coating helps protect the finish, makes cleanup easier, and takes only minutes to apply with Mothers.
3. Refresh hazy headlights: Shorter days mean more nighttime driving. Restoring cloudy or oxidized headlights can help keep them clear.
4. Clean wheels and tires: Wet roads and fall debris can leave behind buildup. Regular cleaning and tire dressing help keep wheels and tires looking their best.
5. Keep a quick-clean solution handy: Use a quick detailer or waterless wash to tackle light dust and grime between full washes.

About Mothers

The Mothers brand of car care products started in 1974 in Southern California. It began with a single product—a 4 oz. can of Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish designed to restore and shine alloy wheels. After gaining popularity among local car enthusiasts, the company expanded into paint care with its California Gold Cleaner & Wax, eventually growing into a full line of more than 100 detailing products.

Learn more about Mother’s products here.

 

Cracking Car Codes with AI

by | Mar 11, 2026 | 0 comments

Cracking Car Codes with AI

The artificial intelligence-powered UJS Rocco OBD-II diagnostic tool helps drivers understand fault codes, assess issue severity, and make informed repair decisions

UJS Rocco is an AI-powered OBD-II diagnostic tool designed to help drivers clearly understand fault codes, assess issue severity, and make informed repair decisions. (Photography courtesy of UJS Global of as credited)

UJS Rocco is an AI-powered OBD-II diagnostic tool designed to help drivers clearly understand fault codes, assess issue severity, and make informed repair decisions. (Photography courtesy of UJS Global of as credited)

BY MARK MAYNARD

There are few motoring buzz-kills like that dang “Check Engine” telltale in the gauge array. No matter the owner’s skill level, the yellow illuminated light gives pause. My reaction to these unwelcome alerts: “Grrr, what now?” And what will this fix cost, and how serious is it?

Unless you have a neighbor with a sophisticated (and expensive) diagnostic device, your next call will be to a repair facility. Of course, scheduling that appointment will take time, and how will you really know if the shop’s diagnosis is valid?

Fortunately for motorists with limited mechanical skills, there is a helping hand—and it is not expensive: the UJS Rocco.

This compact artificial intelligence (AI) tool simplifies code diagnosis, assesses issue severity, and supports data-driven repair decisions—without requiring technical expertise.

This decoding capability becomes particularly important in situations like purchasing a used car, maintaining high-mileage vehicles, or preparing for emissions inspections, according to the company.

AI Power

Rocco consists of a scanner for the OBD-II port (as in my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid) and a user-friendly app for Apple or Android. Using artificial intelligence, the app enables immediate access to vehicle data.

Upon plug-in, the Rocco wizard can read and clear codes, and provide live data in several categories, including:

  • Inspection and Maintenance Readiness status;

    Rocco is a two-part smart device. The small scanner plugs into a vehicle’s OBD-II port. And then, using the free smartphone app, the user can scroll through the interface.

    Rocco is a two-part smart device. The small scanner plugs into a vehicle’s OBD-II port. And then, using the free smartphone app, the user can scroll through the interface.

  • Acceleration test;
  • O2 sensor test; trip analysis;
  • Braking tests;
  • Voltage testing.

Knowledge is Power

UJS Global targets motorists with limited car knowledge. Rocco reports give motorists clear guidance before repair shop visits, helping them assess problem severity and avoid overcharging.

For do-it-yourself enthusiasts with more automotive knowledge, Rocco functions as a digital diagnostic assistant, effectively monitoring vehicle health and helping identify emissions-related issues.

Rocco’s quick diagnostic insights are especially valuable for high-mileage and aging vehicles, allowing owners to assess repair urgency efficiently.

Families and new drivers receive simple, clear safety information that builds understanding and confidence in their OBD-II vehicles.

When buying a used car, Rocco instantly uncovers hidden problems. For required smog tests, it allows owners to verify emissions readiness from home before seeking repairs.

User Experience

My neighbor is a retired automotive engineer. He repairs fault-code Porsches that owners sell cheaply, and maintains a small fleet of family cars. He works on my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with 146,000 miles, for which he has solved several hybrid battery issues.

An smartphone app in the hand of a user showing the UJS Rocco app face

The UJS Rocco 2026 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner.

He used the UJS OBD2 to scan his 2017 Ford C-MAX Energi, a plug-in hybrid. He liked Rocco a lot for its ease, especially how the low-voltage battery readout is accessed.

“The scan tool has the voltage function on the start page for immediate reading; there is no need to open other screens or functions,” he said.

“For a Ford C-MAX, this is nice because the OEM 12-volt battery is a weak point in the car. It is seriously under-specified,” he said. “There are so many failures that Ford Motor authorizes many free 12-volt battery replacements for cars out of warranty. So far, I have encountered this problem five or six times on our three family C-MAX cars. And other owners tell me the same thing.”

Bluetooth Dependent

In my neighbor’s experience, the UJS Rocco has one aspect that can be troublesome or just a typical characteristic of using a scan tool via Bluetooth.

“If Bluetooth connectivity is lost or becomes intermittent, as mine did a few minutes ago, then you are blind with respect to OBD-2 functions,” he said. “Next, the UJS app is easy to download, although it may take several minutes to complete the download, as mine did from the Apple store.”

A smart engineering addition to the UJS Rocco is two monitoring lights: one to indicate when it is connected to the 16-pin diagnostic link (a continuous red light) and one to indicate when it is connected to the UJS Rocco app (a flashing green light).

Another UJS diagnostic product, the SafeScan, does not need a Bluetooth connection. It can do most, if not all, of the OBD-2 scan functions and is still a reasonable cost at $25.97.

“Overall, on my first use, these UJS scan tools are a very good value,” said my neighbor.

What is OBD-II?

The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system is integrated into vehicles from 1996 and newer. When a fault occurs in the emissions-related subsystem,  it generates diagnostic trouble codes to notify drivers that something is amiss. OBD-II, or OBD-2, refers to the second generation.

The UJS Rocco costs $39.97, or about $43 with tax, not including shipping. (I found it on Amazon.)

Who is UJS Global?

With its U.S. headquarters in Wyoming, UJS manufactures automotive diagnostic products. “With UJS, you don’t need to be a mechanic to understand your vehicle. Our mission is to deliver better solutions that help drivers identify and fix vehicles.”

For more, visit UJSglobal.

 

LintZapper for my detailing go-bag

by | Feb 27, 2025 | 0 comments

LintZapper for my detailing go-bag

 Booklets of disposable 4-by-3-inch lint sheets are sold in a three-pack for $8.97, not including shipping

BY MARK MAYNARD

An open booklet of 40 LIntZapper sheets

LintZapper 4-by-3-inch sticky sheets.

When I head out to photograph a vehicle for a review on MaynardsGarage.com, I grab my detailing go-bag. In it, I keep several microfiber towels, spritz bottles of quick detailer and glass cleaner, a tape measure, and a multi-tool. I also carried a lint roller until I sampled LintZapper.

It irks me to photograph an interior and see bits of dirt, gravel, and whatever else gets dragged onto the floor mats. A lint roller is good at picking up the big stuff but not so much for getting into crevices. That’s where a sheet of 4-by-3-inch LintZapper excels. I can press it firmly on the stubborn bits and slide it into areas where the roller can’t go.

My car detailing go-bag with a pack of LintZappers, microfiber towels, and cleaners.

My detailing go-bag (Mark Maynard photo)

Car enthusiasts who display their rides at a show can tidy up the interior for the “Clean Car” award.

A pack of LintZapper is lightweight, compact, and much more effective than those tiny travel lint rollers.

LintZapper sheets are sold in a slim booklet of 40 sheets. A three-pack costs $8.97, not including shipping from FurZapper.com.

FurZapper for Home Bliss

The palm-size FurZapper

Use FurZapper in the washer and dryer.

I know many of my car enthusiast friends have furry friends, too. While we seldom complain about picking hairs from clothing, a lint roller is just a part of life. However, the company that makes LintZapper also makes the FurZapper.

This simple disc-like device could smooth uncomfortable relationship discussions about too damn much fur on clothing and bedding.

The FurZapper is made of a flubber-like tacky material. It temporarily grabs onto pet fur or human hair in the washing machine. The palm-size FurZapper is about an inch thick with open dog-paw cutouts.

Toss one into the wash cycle, and FurZapper will gather loose fur and hair. In the rinse cycle, it sends the accumulated fur down the drain. Then, use it again in the dryer cycle, which sends fur to the lint trap.

The company says that FurZapper is small enough to fit between clothing as it tumbles and oscillates. What the FurZapper doesn’t remove, follow-up with a LintZapper.

The FurZapper two-pack for removing pet hair during the washing and drying cycles

The FurZapper two-pack.

The company says the specialized material does not allow any material to stick to it permanently. Nor will FurZapper stick to clothing or the sides of machines. Wipe it off after use; it could last hundreds of washer and dryer cycles.

A two-pack is $15. The company recommends using both when the pet owner has multiple shedders in the household.

Shipping is free over $35, and to help you get to that level, the company sells other fur-grabbing inventions. For example, there is the FurZapper Pet Grooming Glove, $12.99. Or opt for the Ultimate Pet Owner Bundle, $29.99, which includes two FurZappers, one Grooming Glove, and three LintZapper packs.

Learn more about the LintZapper and FurZapper here.

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax

by | Jul 17, 2021 | 0 comments

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax

Here’s how to get the ultimate shine and extreme water-beading protection from Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax 2-part system

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

Ceramic paint protection is the burgeoning new force in automotive-care products. And now, after 10 years on the market as a pricey professionally applied option, the chemistry has moved into the retail DIY market With fresh products by Meguiar’s and other renowned car-care makers. The “hybrid ceramic” derivatives are not as potent or durable for long-term protection, but they are much less expensive. And anybody can use the products to get an award-winning shine.

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax is a two-stage system. (Meguiar’s)

The chemicals in these hybrid-ceramic products do not require an electric polisher for the best results — but a polisher could make the job go faster. And for heavier paint-damage correction, a polisher will be necessary. 

Vehicle prep

 An authentic ceramic coating requires a professional application and will cost around $1,400 for a small car. Such a ceramic coating is low maintenance and long-lasting. Most will have a guarantee for one year and up to 10 years, depending on the product.

The do-it-yourself hybrid ceramic products are a short step into the chemical technology. However, the ease of application, the water beading, and the slick shine will astound first-time users.

 To get the best results from the ceramic products, including those by Meguiar’s, will require some paint-prep work.

“If there already is a wax product on their car, it must be stripped to get the benefit of the new product,” said Mel Craig of The Detailing Pros in Huntington Beach, Calif.

To prepare a vehicle for a new wax or paint treatment, Craig recommends that the car be polished to remove old product layers and then rub down thoroughly with alcohol.

“Ninety percent of a user’s disappointment in the finish is on the user, not the product,” said Craig, who is well known as the car-care expert on the “Wheeler Dealers” on the Discovery channel. 

“Everything that is on the car [old wax products] will dilute the performance of the new product,” Craig said.

I’ve tested four of Meguiar’s hybrid-ceramic products, including the new HybridCeramic Wash & Wax.  

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax

The Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax is a two-step system of two separate liquids: a Hybrid Ceramic Wash and a Hybrid CeramicSiO2 Boost. Meguiar’s explains SiO2 as a polymer matrix of silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, and silicon nitride. The SiO2 Boost additive creates instant and extreme water beading protection, Meguiar’s says. 

To use, mix the two components in a standard bucket. During washing, the foaming action of the ceramic wash works to lift dirt for gentle cleaning, Meguiar’s says. The result is a slick finish on the paint. 

Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax works with other Meguiar’s products, but it was formulated to be used with Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic products. The product line includes those below and the Hybrid Ceramic Quik Clay Kit, $23. 

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax, $19.99, comes with 48 ounces of Hybrid Ceramic Wash and 8 ounces of Hybrid Ceramic SiO2 Boost. That is enough product for approximately 16 washes, Meguiar’s says. Also recommended is its specially engineered Hybrid Wash Mitt, $8.

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Products

Hybrid Ceramic Detailer — $17 for a 26-ounce bottle. The spray-and-wipe formula helps remove light contaminants on the paint. Use this detailer to maintain a finish on a previously applied ceramic coating, Meguiar’s says, or to strengthen any wax or sealant. 

For older vehicles with an unprotected paint finish, clay the paint with Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Quik Clay Kit, $30. The kit includes an 18-ounce spray bottle of detailer, a synthetic clay pad, and a Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel.

Test your vehicle’s paint with the fingertip test on the hood. Little bumps indicate airborne deposits of sap, metallic particles from industrial pollution, and bird fallout. A bumpy surface will not properly reflect a bright shine. To correct, spray a panel with the detailer and follow with the clay pad. Use circular motions and keep the area wet with the detailer. It doesn’t take too many passes for the pad to erase the bumps and buildup.

Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax — $22 for a 26-ounce bottle. As for any liquid car wax, use a clean applicator pad with a thin amount of product to treat one panel at a time. Let the wax cure for 3 to 5 minutes, and then wipe off with a microfiber towel. Meguiar’s sells a Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel three-pack of 16-by-24-inch towels for $8. Because the wax does not haze when dry, it won’t discolor rubber gaskets or plastic trim.

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax — $15 for a 26-ounce spray bottle. After washing and rinsing the vehicle, spray on the Hybrid Ceramic Wax. Follow with a second rinse to help lay down the wax. Next, dry the vehicle as you normally would with a microfiber towel. Meguiar’s recommends its waffle texture Microfiber Water Magnet Drying Towel, $9. 

Buy Meguiar’s products at auto stores, online merchants and Meguiars.com

Spring brings Yokohama Tire’s annual rebate promo

by | Apr 2, 2021 | 0 comments

Spring brings Yokohama Tire’s annual rebate promo

Yokohama Tire’s annual rebate promotion

2 offers will run through May 2, 2021, for $60 or $80 prepaid cards or virtual accounts

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

Yokohama Tire’s annual spring rebate promotion will run through May 2, 2021, and provides tire shoppers with a $60 or $80 Yokohama Visa Prepaid card or a Visa Virtual Account after purchasing a set of four select Yokohama tires.

The list of available tires for the rebate promotion include (Pricing estimates are from TireRack.com:

For the $80 Visa prepaid card or Visa Virtual Account:

ADVAN Apex V601: Yokohama’s ultra-high performance street tire with a Y-rating for speeds up to 186 mph. The grippy rubber formula has a low 280 treadwear rating (UTQG) and it is warranted for up to 25,000 miles or 12,500 miles on staggered fitments. Available in wheel sizes of 17-20 inches. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $150 to $350 per tire. Yokohama also has a 30-day trial satisfaction guarantee.

GEOLANDAR X-CV: An all-season performance tire for luxury sport crossovers and SUVs. It has a reasonably firm treadwear rating of 520 with a limited treadwear rating up to 50,000 miles. The rubber is formulated for a balance of good handling and ride comfort, with all-season capability, even in light snow. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $200- to $300 per tire.

For the $60 Visa prepaid card or Visa Virtual Account:

ADVAN Sport A/S+: An ultra-high-performance all-season tire for sports cars, sporty coupes and luxury sedans. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $150 to $300 per tire.

AVID Ascend GT: A grand touring all-season tire for passenger cars, crossovers and minivans. The rubber recipe is formulated for refined ride and noise comfort with long life and all-season traction, even in light snow. These tires are part of Yokohama’s BluEarth branding, to provide environmentally, human and socially friendly solutions. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $90 to $215 per tire.

AVID Ascend LX: Another choice in Yokohama’s BluEarth line for a standard touring all-season tire, intended for passenger cars, crossovers and minivans. This tire has a very high (hard) 800 treadwear rating (UTQG) and has a warrantee for up to 5 years or 85,000 miles. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $93 to $170 per tire.

GEOLANDAR CV G058: An all-season touring tire for small- and medium-sized crossover SUVs and minivans. Also in the eco-friendly BluEarth line, these tires have a high 740 treadwear rating and a warrantee of for 5 years or up to 65,000 miles. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $133 to $210 per tire.

GEOLANDAR H/T G056: This is an all-season highway tire for trucks, SUVs and full-size vans. It is formulated for on-road, year-round use with all-weather handling and all-season traction, even in light snow. It has a warranty of 5 years or 70,000 miles for P-metric sizes or 5-years/50,000-miles for LT sizes; Half mileage for rear if different size than front. Depending on size and other dimensions, pricing ranges from about $120 to $280 per tire.

The rebates are available at participating Yokohama dealers nationwide and select authorized online dealers. Details of the promotion can be found here.

Hankook Tire tips for National Car Care Month

by | Apr 1, 2021 | 0 comments

Hankook Tire tips for National Car Care Month

With vaccinations increasing and COVID-19 cases declining, Americans are getting back on the road. The latest Gauge Index by Hankook Tire found some interesting statistics (All photos courtesy of  NewsUSA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

You aren’t alone if it seems the daily commute is back to its pre-pandemic crush. With vaccinations increasing and COVID-19 cases declining, Americans are getting back on the road. And with April as National Car Care Month, the latest Gauge Index by Hankook Tire found some interesting statistics.

Among the tiremaker’s survey, it found that 66 percent of Americans are now driving at least a few times per week, which is more than double the 31 percent that drove regularly in April 2020. But despite more drivers on the road, the survey also found that in the last 30 days, 70 percent of Americans haven’t checked their tire pressure, 73 percent haven’t topped up their vehicle fluids and 22 percent haven’t done any car maintenance at all.

To help drivers keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down, Hankook Tire USA offer these five basic maintenance tips:

Check the Tires

Because tire pressure can change significantly as the outside temperature fluctuates, it’s important to check the tire pressure at least once a month to ensure it meets your vehicle’s recommended PSI. Low tire pressure can lead to poor performance, premature and irregular wear, and higher rolling resistance which can impact fuel efficiency. If the tires show any signs of damage, excessive wear or aging, it’s important to have them checked by a reputable service facility to ensure their safety and best performance. It might also be time for tire balancing and wheel alignment.

Spring Cleaning

Get a head start on the car-show season by giving your ride a thorough cleaning, inside and out. In colder climates or for those who have driven to the ski slopes, it’s important to wash off damaging chemicals like road salt that can corrode critical underbody components. A thorough wash, with either a waterless cleaner or a sudsy wash, will benefit the paint, but don’t overlook the wheels and wheel wells to clear away road grime. Interior cleaning will help keep debris from staining carpets and getting into seat adjustment mechanisms, floor vents, cup holders, console storage and window switches.

Under the Hood

Check that your vehicle’s fluids are at the proper levels, such as oil, washer fluid, brake fluid and coolant. And also do an around-vehicle check that all lights are in working order. If unsure about checking or adding fluid, or how to change any lamp bulbs, your local shop can usually administer these services at little expense.

Weekly Shake-Out

Take your vehicle out for a weekly drive to keep the battery charged, fluids circulated and to prevent tires from flat-spotting in the garage on the driveway. This is also a good opportunity to spot mechanical issues that may need further professional attention. Today’s highly electrified vehicles, with battery-sapping computer sensors, can drain a 12-volt cranking battery in two to three weeks if the vehicle is not driven regularly.

Prepare for Potholes

Roads take a beating after a season of inclement weather and with springtime blooms there also will be substantial potholes. The correct driving technique can help prevent damage when encountering potholes: keep plenty of distance between you and the car ahead so as to easily spot potholes. If a pothole impact is inevitable, don’t swerve, but instead safely decrease your speed, take it head-on and slowly roll over the pothole. It is always advisable to check your tires after any measurable pothole impact as it may damage the tire structure and could require replacement.

The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a survey of American’s attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey, conducted Feb. 22-24, 2021, polled 2,732 randomly selected motorists age 18 and older who have a valid U.S. driver’s license.

The latest data from the Hankook Tire Gauge Index can be found at TechAndTread.com.