As a former franchisor of mobile auto detailing trailers and mobile car wash trucks throughout North America, I worked hard to turn my once small business and one-man operation into a business that would make the E-Myth author Michael Gerber quite proud. I created manuals to do the work, and a franchise-able concept.

At that time I read every book on auto detailing I could find. Including one, which I’d very much like to recommend in case you are considering starting such a business of your own someday – the name of the book I want to recommend to you, and one I have long enjoyed myself is:

“Auto Detailing for Show and Profit,” by David H. Jacobs, Jr., Motorbooks International Publishers and Wholesalers Inc., Osceola, WI, (1986), pp. 84, ISBN: 0-87938-216-3.

The book has chapters on the “detailing basics” and supplies needed, and even tools of the trade required. Learn how to clean engine areas, car interiors, exterior, and types of paint. Learn about the types of waxes, applying hand wax or using a buffer. Learn how to finish the job to perfection, and even painting inside the engine compartment. This book is perfect for the auto detailer just starting out or for a classic car buff, who likes to buy and sell, or just win at car shows.

Now then, most auto detailers learn from doing, or they shadow another expert auto detailing individual for many weeks to get the hang of it. Then, they may go off on their own, or work as a continued apprenticed. In my many years in the business, I’ve often watched new auto detailers destroy several customer’s cars over the course of 4 to 6 months, and ruin the paint.

It’s very important that those in the profession do the best they can, so they don’t give auto detailing a bad name. Sometimes that requires both street smart, and book reading. There are very few really good auto detailing instruction manuals out there, although there are a few on the Internet. This particular book is more than adequate, and it is one I would highly recommend to anybody who is serious about the car detailing industry.

Once you learn the tricks of the trade so to speak, what works, and won’t, then you can begin to get a feel for which types of products you like the best, and fit your particular style of detailing. And this book is a very good place to start. Please consider all this.

Top ten winter cars that can help you get through the upcoming sleet and snow may surprise you. If you are someone that drives in snowy winter conditions you already know the importance of having a vehicle that can get you through the weather safely.

In fact, your very life can depend on the car that gets you through the snow.

I grew up and learned to drive in Minnesota and I know the importance of having a vehicle that can get your through the deep snow. The car you drive through in-climate weather determines whether you arrive at your destination or get stuck for hours on end.

It’s no fun to be stuck in the cold wintry weather so let’s review the top 10 winter cars:

Suzuki Sx4

This crossover costs around $17,000. This all-wheel drive and its 4 cylinder engine will hold 5 passengers. Because of the 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) function, this vehicle will carry you safely through the snowy winters.

Kia Sportage

This crossover SUV runs around $18,500. Here you have a reasonable inexpensive all-wheel drive that helps hold traction. The Sportage has heated front seats to warm you up during the winters as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This SUV carries 5 passengers.

Ford Fusion AWD

This 4 door all-wheel drive will set you back about $20,000. The all-wheel drive works well on slippery roadways. It boasts a 6 speed transmission and 18″ aluminum wheels and high performance tires as well as agile handling.

Subaru Impreza

Here is a 4 door hatchback which will cost around $17,500. It has a 4 cylinder Subaru Box engine with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control helps to keep this vehicle square on the ground through rough, snowy weather.

Mazda CX7

This sporty looking crossover will cost you around $21,900. It has 5 speed automatic transmissions with 161 horsepower and front wheel drive. In addition it has Dynamic Stability Control to help the vehicle stay solid on the roadway.

BMW 328ix

This 4 door sedan will run around $36,600. With BMW you get one of the most comfortable rides with the one of the safest structures in the auto industry. Brake drying and brake stand-by features added to Dynamic Traction Control will keep this baby safe on the road.

Subaru Forester XT

This premium SUV costs about $27,095. With its turbo charged Subaru Boxer engine has 224 horsepower. In addition it has 8.9 ground clearances which helps get through the snowy conditions more easily.

Acura MDX

With around $42,930 you can own this luxury SUV. It has a V-TEC V-6 engine with 300 horsepower and comfortable 7 passenger seating. Its super handling all-wheel drive and performance breaking will help get you through any weather conditions.

Mercedes E-Class Sedan

This 4-door sedan begins at $50,490. It holds a direct injected V-6 engine and twin turbo V-8 makes this car both smooth and green-smart. The suspension boasts of a more comfortable ride as well as adjusts the damping in accordance to the road making this sedan safe for winter conditions.

Audi A6 4.2

For starting at around $50,575 you can own this classy car. This car has direct injection and super charging that allows the engine to maximize full power at almost any speed. It has an all-wheel drive system self-locking center differential to allow the car to hug the road, even in unfavorable weather.

Creative auto maker Mercedes Benz have built some of the most amazing cars and SUVs in the world. Mercedes Benz automobiles are found all over the globe including every continent. These cars are absolutely luxurious and stylish. More importantly, these cars were very well built and designed to be driven on all types or terrains and at slow or fast speeds. Keeping a Mercedes on the road is very easy with its many safety features and computerized stability control systems. It’s no wonder you can find a Mercedes everywhere you go!

Some of the more important features on a Mercedes are often overlooked. Sport suspension and sport brakes are some of the greatest features on a Mercedes besides its powerful engines and transmissions. Cross drilled rotors, Brembo brake calipers, and ceramic brake pads are designed for hard stopping as well as fast driving stops. These brakes hold up very well and are a bit of overkill if you ask me. Brakes help you stop, but sport suspension with sport brakes, this will keep you hugging curves at high speeds and have your vehicle as aero-dynamic as possible. These are very nice features when driving fast on mountains or on icy roads.

Some of the computerized systems on a Mercedes Benz are very intelligent. They are capable of warning you when the brakes are worn, services are needed, engine oil needs to be changed, and may even help assist stability of your brakes and steering. These cars can sense the road conditions and reduce engine speed or pulsate the brakes to maintain control of the car. Many of these safety features are designed to even help you in case of an accident by using advanced airbag systems and rollover protection systems. Just the safety features alone are good reasons to own a Mercedes Benz.

All of these engine, suspension, brake and safety systems are great but do require maintenance. A Mercedes Benz car’s best friend is always the auto mechanic that works on it. The mechanic checks out the brakes, changes the oil and even does necessary repairs to keep these machines running optimal. The car will even warn the driver and the mechanic when a system is malfunctioning or a service is needed.

Keeping these cars well maintained will ensure the Mercedes will stay on the road for a long time. Mercedes Benz have a long lifespan between maintenance intervals. Designed for lots of driving, Mercedes Benz keeps the driver happy with it’s comfortable smooth ride, it’s ice cold air conditioning and it’s comfortable leather interior cockpit. Truly some of the finest cars made in the world, Mercedes Benz is one of the most amazing cars and SUVs in the world.