Category Archives: The Machine

The Machine

Wizards wants to celebrate 25 years with you!

Check this out,
Wizards is celebrating their 25th Anniversary! 2011 marks Wizards Products 25th year of producing high quality finishing products.
To celebrate, they would like to say thanks to their loyal customers by offering a great promotion in their Online Store — all year long! From now until the end of the year, spend $25 or more in Wizards Online Store on the 25th day of the month and receive free shipping on your order.* Just use coupon code “25YEARS” in your shopping cart to receive the free shipping discount!
The first time this promotion will be offered is tomorrow — Tuesday, January 25th, so get your orders ready!
The Machine

Stabilize your Fuel, especially during periods of storage

The question we are most commonly asked is, “Why do we need to stabilize fuel?”     So, We have done lots of research to find the answer….
Overtime and more commonly with the use of ethanol based fuels
gum, Carbon and varnish deposits will modify how gas and diesel burn, this results in Incomplete combustion, which not only wastes fuel, but it also causes a buildup of harmful carbon deposits that further reduce engine efficiency and tougher starting.
Recently while digging into this topic we have heard a lot of people talking about Star Tron as a great fuel additive enzyme treatment.
The enzyme package breaks down fuel sludge and allows water to be dispersed throughout the fuel as sub-micron sized droplets that can be eliminated as the engine operates while also cleaning the entire fuel delivery system. Contaminants are either safely burned off or filtered out, and fuel chemistry is stabilized for long-term storage.
Why is it so important to stabilize fuel during periods of storage?
Diesel fuel and gasoline are not formulated to be stored for more than 90 days. After this period of time they begin to oxidize, forming sludge, varnish, gum and other harmful deposits. The ability of the fuel to burn properly is diminished as its chemical components start to break down. Once hydrocarbon fuels deteriorate, the process of cleaning and rejuvenating them is extremely expensive. No one wants that bill when spring time finally rolls around… Preventing gum and varnish buildup is critical for good gasoline performance. This is especially important in E-10 fuel, where the introduction of ethanol into the fuel delivery system may cause old gums and varnish to break off tank walls and contaminate the fuel.
We also learned that Star Tron is not affected by and does not affect any fuel treatment that may already be in use. There is no possibility of any negative chemical interaction. It is formulated for use in all 2 and 4-cycle gasoline engines and in all diesel engines.
Star Tron uses its enzyme technology to maintain fuel quality and slow the deterioration of fuel components. Gasoline or Diesel fuel treated with Star Tron has a shelf life in excess of two years.
So, to sum it up, treat your fuel before storing your bike, car, lawn mower, whatever, this way when you do start it up that initial time you will have no problems and more importantly no expensive service bill as you have to pay to have your carb or injectors cleaned out….
UPDATE, we received this question from Victoria and Rollin from Spectro Oils has given us some info to share;
“Is it okay to use it when you ride your bike a few times during the winter? Or only when sitting it away for a few months at a time? I didn’t know about fuel stablizers i often wondered though about additives for the fuel tank. Thanks for this article! As always you ladies Rock!”

“It’s ok to operate your bike with fuel stabilizer in it. It won’t cause any problems, and is perfectly ok to do.
With the current 10% ethanol/ gas mix that’s mandated by our government, it’s a good idea to use a fuel stabilizer / additive such as Spectro Fuel conditioner year round. It will counteract the negative effects of ethanol, keep your fuel system clean and prevent rust and corrosion. The government is proposing moving to E15 (15% ethanol) which will only make the situation worse.”      Thanks to Victoria for sending in the question and to Rollin for helping out!
The Machine

Mustang Tripper FastbackTM

Mustang does it again, a great looking seat with all the comfort needed built in.
Mustang’s one-piece Tripper FastbackTM design offers a super clean, custom style.
Cut low and sleek, this seat provides good back support for the driver.  Smoothly tapered in the back, the Tripper FastbackTM still gives passenger comfort for “tripping” around town.
Mustang’s One-Piece Tripper FastbackTM is priced right at only $339; models are available to fit Road King, FLHT, FLHX and FLTR 1997-up.
Mustang offers a full line of replacements seats for Harley-Davidson® and Metric Cruisers, all proudly handcrafted in the USA.  For more info, visit MustangSeats.com or call 800-243-1392.
The Machine

Ladies and Gentleman,……. Start your snowblowers!

Much of us are dealing with a few inches or even a few feet of snow this week and the emails have been coming in on how to properly get the snow blower started. Here is a great video we found showcasing the proper starting procedure. Note you may have a different model that what is in the video, but the general idea is the same. If you find yourself with a snowblower that refuses to start, call your local sales or repair shop for help in trouble shooting.  Now, get out there and move that snow!

The Machine

The BAD Economy Buster” Bling Bike Hunt

Sent to us from VT race girl, Valerie Thompson here is your chance to land the keys to a Sucker Punch Sally’s Sled!
Valerie tells us the Purpose of “The BAD Economy” Bling Bike Hunt is multifold.  First, to take responsibility for improving things ourselves and not rely solely on the government; second, to dramatically increase foot traffic over the holidays and into the New Year for participating merchants, and three to have some great fun doing it.
The BAD Economy Buster” Bling Bike Hunt goes like this:
◦The keys to a custom motorcycle built by none other than World Renowned Sucker Punch Sally’s of Scottsdale, Arizona will be hidden no later than February 1, 2011- somewhere in the Great State of Arizona.  The value of the motorcycle will be approximately $35K+
Weekly clues as to its whereabouts will be distributed through participating merchant stores.
Clues (via website access ID’s) will be distributed each week for 9 weeks beginning February 1, 2011. A new clue will be posted weekly on the ‘bikerhunt.com’ website for 9 weeks.
Be sure to check out the website www.bikerhunt.com for all the info on how you could end up winning the set of keys to the SPS bike!
The Machine

Fuel-Efficient Auto Shopping?

If you find yourself in the market for a vechile with better fuel mileage this year be sure to read this for some great info available to you.
It’s never been easier to put a fuel-efficient auto on your shopping list.  New government data released recently shows that automakers are offering more models that run on alternative fuels and use less gasoline.
“The good news for consumers is that competition among automakers is driving progress.  Auto manufacturers are racing each other to bring fuel-efficient autos to market,” said Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  “When it comes to determining the success of energy-efficient technologies, consumers are in the driver’s seat.  As automakers, our job is to develop and introduce vehicles that run on alternative fuels or deploy energy saving technologies.”
In the federal government’s new 2011 Fuel Economy Guide, (available at  www.fueleconomy.gov ) more than 160 models are listed that achieve high mileage, in excess of 30 mpg (highway).  This guide offers special online search functions for “advanced technology” vehicles that run on alternative fuels, including biofuels, compressed natural gas, clean diesel and electricity.
In addition to new types of powertrains that operate on alternative fuels, automakers are manufacturing gasoline engines with a range of fuel-sipping technologies such as start/stop systems, cylinder deactivation and 6-speed automatic transmissions.  However, the government guide does not list all these technologies, so consumers should ask their dealer about options when seeking a new vehicle.
The number of high-mileage vehicles on sale will continue to grow in coming months as automakers introduce new 2011 models.  As many as a dozen new conventional hybrids will be available to consumers, and several types of electric vehicles will enter the marketplace later in the year.
The Machine

New Years Safe Driving

Can you believe 2010 is coming to an end?  All of a sudden New Year’s Eve is here and it’s that time to remember all the good things from the past year and ring in the new year with style and celebration. Most of you will be heading out to a favorite restaurant or bar, or even to a friend’s house for festive drinks. All of us here at Garage-Girls want to remind you  this night day can be the most dangerous for drivers due to increased traffic, the potential for bad weather and higher risk of drunk drivers on the road. 

Here are some New Year’s Eve safety tips to consider before driving: 


1. Say “no” to drinking and driving 
Every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Be smart and plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking at a holiday gathering. Take a cab, stay at a friend’s house or designate a sober driver. Some bars and restaurants offer safe rides home as a service to patrons during the holidays. 



2. Be a cautious, yet defensive driver 
Even if you’re not drinking at your New Year celebration, you need to be extra aware of what’s going on around you when you drive. If you spot someone whom you suspect of driving under the influence, call the police and give them the license plate number. You might save multiple lives by being proactive and thinking of the safety of yourself and others. 



3. Prepare your vehicle for cold weather 
Want to know important holiday safety tips when hitting the road? Have your car checked to ensure it’s prepared for winter driving. The battery and brakes are two essential things to have checked. Make sure tires are properly inflated so they provide the best traction possible. Also make sure your engine coolant and windshield washer fluid is full. 



4. Check the weather before heading out 
Cold weather can bring snow and rain that is traitorous to drive through, especially on New Year’s Eve. Before you drive, take time to remove any snow and ice from your vehicle, including the mirrors and lights. If the weather is particularly bad, you may want to cancel your plans or simply leave earlier or later. If you do decide to drive during bad weather, make sure you have a charged cell phone handy, and either let people know when, where and how you are traveling, or have a passenger with you for additional safety in numbers. 



5. Make an emergency driving kit. 
Should the worst happen, be prepared by having a winter driving kit in your car. It’s best if the kit includes a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter), a small snow shovel, a snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries, window washer solvent, an ice scraper, a cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, a blanket, warning devices (flares or triangles), drinking water and extra clothes.

The Machine

Dealing with the dreaded Road Salt………

If there is anything that drives a car enthusiast crazy during the winter months it’s road salt….  It’s so nasty, does terrible things to our vechicles and looks so disgusting when it dries and leaves that gross white film all over.  Road salt is something that needs to be removed from your vehicle as often as possible and if you live in an area where salt is frequently used to improve road conditions, you know how difficult it can be to keep your car clean. Unfortunately, this is not something that is done regularly, and vehicle owners are constantly surprised when spring rolls around and suddenly they see spots of rust or other damage where a pristine paint job appeared only a few months earlier. The reason for this is fairly simple. Salt—particularly the salt that is used on roadways—is a caustic substance that can eat away at other substances over time. If salt is left on a car, or even on the upholstery of a car, there is going to be noticeable damage.
Though cleaning is not something that anyone really looks forward to, removing road salt is important and anyone can do it with just a little time. Properly removing all the road salt that seems to accumulate on your car during the winter months is easy if you simply use these guidelines.
•Exterior. Probably the single easiest task when it comes to cleaning your car. During the winter months you want to keep an eye out for ways to work smarter, not harder. Take advantage of those automatic car washes. They will remove a vast majority of the road salt from your exterior. The best part of this is that you won’t run the risk of hypothermia when cleaning! On average you should get your car washed within three days of any salting to cut down the risk of rust and paint damage. Doing this is also going to help protect your undercarriage and wheels, since many automatic car washes also get these portions of the vehicle at the same time. Be sure to do this when the weather is abve freezing temps though, washing and letting the left over water freeze on the vechicle can do it’s own amount of damage. If you have a garage you can piull into after a wash, that is the best scenerio.
•Leather Upholstery. If you have leather upholstery, you’ll want to clean them regularly during the winter months to remove any road salt that has come in contact with the seats. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose salt and grime. Use some leather cleaning solution (similar to the kind used for soft leather boots and shoes) and a soft white cloth to apply it. Rub gently but firmly until any stains are removed. Apply a leather protectant similar to the ones used for leather boots or shoes. Allow your leather upholstery to dry, keeping it warm enough to dry and not freeze.
•Fabric Upholstery. The best way to clean road salt from fabric upholstery is similar to what you do for leather. Dry brush all the loose gunk off the seats. Simply lift the floor mats up and out. For the ground-in junk, use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Apply it to your upholstery with a sponge and wipe away. The vinegar is going to simply dissolve the ground-in junk and clean the stain at the same time.
So take a few extra minutes every now and then during these winter months to keep your driver  looking it’s best, and will protect your investment for years down the road!
The Machine

Last Minute Motorcycle gifts

Hey all you procrastinators, just today we have received over 7 emails from people asking what to get for their husband/BF for their motorcycle.  While this is a great idea ( a little last minute) but still great, our best advise is go for the gift card. Sure we know it’s not as personal as picking something out, BUT with so many different model motorcycles out you risk getting the wrong part, such as an exhaust or shock for the wrong model bike or wrong year. This will only leave you with a hassle when it comes to returning for the right one. Most shops will charge you a restocking fee or worse they might not even take it back.  Save yourself from frustration or picking out something that isn’t even going to fit to begin with and grab the gift card. Just get creative with the wrapping!