What Is The Trim Of A Vehicle And How Can You Find Yours
Most people seek a specific make and model when shopping for a car and look up used vehicle values based on the same criteria before selling. The one variable missing from this equation is car trim. Whether youre buying or selling, the trim level can influence the final price tag by affecting the actual and perceived value of a vehicle.
Apply Wax With A Power Buffer Dont Remove It With One
A power buffer is a great way to get professional results, but its important to know how to use one properly. Often, people make the mistake of removing wax and polish with a buffer, but this can lead to an uneven finish and swirls in the clear coat.
Instead, you should apply wax with a power buffer, before removing with a soft, dry cloth. By covering the buffer pad in wax, youll prevent the machine from burning the paint layer and end up with a thin and evenly distributed coat of wax.
How To Read Tire Size
- Maintaining Your Vehicle
- XX
Installing the right tires on your vehicle is important to the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. Your tire choice should reflect the conditions in which you drive and your preferences for vehicle response and handling. You should understand what tire size is right for your vehicle to be able to make the right choice when it’s time to buy tires.
Thankfully, determining the correct tire size for your vehicle is fairly simple. All the information you need is immediately available either in the ownerâs manual for your vehicle or somewhere within the vehicle itself. If you already know your tire size and would like to find the right Bridgestone tire for your vehicle, visit our Tire Catalog.
While actual, physical measurements like width and diameter are factors in finding the right tire size, there are additional details you should consider. Things like load index and speed rating are also integral to finding the correct tires.
Don’t Miss: What To Use To Clean Car Windows
Car Trims Make A Difference In Resale Value
A few years down the road, if you plan to sell your new car or trade it in for another new vehicle, you may wonder whether certain car trim and option packages deliver more in resale dollars. Air conditioning and sunroofs are pluses and usually worth spending the extra money, especially in warm climates. Leather seats add a touch of luxury and offer durability.
However, keep in mind that vehicles loaded with high-end trim levels and options typically depreciate more and faster than vehicles with fewer bells and whistles. The decline in car value starts when you drive your new car off of the lot. New cars lose as much as 20% of their value in the first 30 days. Also, used car buyers are not as focused on high-tech advances and premium perks as are new car buyers.
Buy the car that meets your needs and makes you happy. If you are concerned about maintaining resale value, look for vehicle makes and models that have a history of dependable service and low maintenance costs. Spending more on safety features such as pedestrian detection or automatic emergency braking might avoid a severe accident or even save a life.
Using Steel Wool To Clean Aluminum
Very fine steel wool can be used for extremely difficult cases. ;This can scratch your paint so using tape like 3M Scotch Blue will be helpful.;;
Use very fine steel wool which is grade 00 and is used for polishing metal. ;You can get slightly less fine wool for more difficult cases.;Many users on auto detailing discussion boards recommend using steel wool, especially on aluminum.
Steel wool might cause shiny chrome to haze up if you use too much pressure so test on a hidden area if you can.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Dirty Leather Car Seats
Lessons From Our Experts
The base price is a bust. Dont be enticed by a base model. Dealerships often have just one on the lot to attract customers with its lower price. When shopping for a Ford F-150, a Honda CR-V, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and a Subaru Forester, none of the dealerships I visited had the least expensive version of the base trim available. Before heading to showrooms, consumers should go to carmaker websites to study various trim levels, option packages, and accessories to see whats standard and how much added features cost. Use Consumer Reports online recommendations of the best version to get, which include a list of the features you must have and those that would be nice to have but arent deal breakers, Linkov says. It will impose some discipline on your search and help you stay within your budget.
Dont pay for features you dont want . Ray Ayala, the CR member who recently bought a new SUV, says he saved money by insisting he didnt want the sunroof that came with the package that included a navigation system, which he did want. The salesman told me he would give me the sunroof for free and ended up charging me for the next trim level down, he says. I didnt realize he could do that.
Start shopping below your budget.;Always make sure you have a few thousand dollars in your budget on top of the purchase price, because there will likely be more costs to consider.
Determination Of Your Cars Trim:
There is an easiest way to find the original sales invoice of the car along with the ownerâs manual. In the given manual, there is a document which should have a listed trim value. Some models of the car also come with the trim designation emblem or decal on the back portion but it is only becoming very less common. If you canât able to determine the trim for the particular car, it is better visiting the official website of the manufacturer and use the VIN decoder in order to get this information and also different available options in the vehicle. There are also the specialized online tools available to provide you such an amazing opportunity to enter your VIN number of the vehicle in order to get the actual trim information and value of your vehicle. It is highly suggested to get the fairly basic trim details in order to determine the final price of your vehicle.
Also Check: How To Buff Out Scratches On Your Car
An Understandable Definition Of This Oft
If youre like most car buyers, youve spent a substantial amount of time deciding which model you want to buy, and in your research, youve come across information on trims for that vehicle whatever that means.
The term trim is frequently used by automotive websites and salespeople but is rarely explained to the average shopper. Heres what you need to know to make an educated decision on your next car purchase.
Researching Your First Car? Read these useful tips for first-time car buyers
Finding Your Car’s Vehicle Identification Number
Also Check: When Can Kids Face Forward In Car Seat
What Trim Is My Car: How Do I Find Out The Trim Of My Car
Now that we have shed some light on the differences of trim levels, options, and packages, we are ready to find out what trim is my car. Here are some of the ways you can find out the trim of your car.;
- From the original invoice or window sticker.
You can find out the trim of your car by checking the original invoice or window sticker given to you when you purchased your car. You might see the trim listed on the invoice along with other details of your car. It is important that whenever you purchase a car or even parts or components of a car, you need to keep the original invoice and receipts because you will need it later on.
- ;From the cars owners manual.;
Checking the owners manual; can also help you find out the trim of your car. It is usually written on the manuals cover.;
- It can be found on the vehicle itself.
The cars trim level is sometimes branded on its back or side. You may see it as an emblem, lettering, or decal on the side or on the back of the car.;
- Using the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN.
- Through a diagnostic health check.;
If for some reason, you cant find the original invoice or the owners manual of your car, you can visit a repair shop and ask for a diagnostic health check. By doing so, you will be able to get your vehicle identification number and your cars trim level. It is one sure way of getting an answer to the question, what trim is my car?
How Car Trim Levels Make A Difference In Price
Car trim levels raise the cost of a vehicle from its base price. As ConsumerReports.org observes, auto manufacturers and dealerships have been offering higher trim levels for decades. However, the organization’s car experts have calculated that for some models, including the Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan, the Honda CR-V, and the Ford F-150 pickup truck, trim levels have doubled during the past 15 years. Manufacturers generally reap more profits from higher trim levels, the organization notes.
Car buyers may experience “sticker shock” when comparing prices of base models and their top trim levels. A 2019 Kia Sorento front-wheel-drive SUV starts at $25,990, but higher trim levels push the price to $44,690. At almost $45,000, that Kia Sorento carries a higher sticker price than the 2019 Lexus RX 350, a top-rated luxury SUV that sports an MSRP starting at $43,670.
If you hear people refer to a car as a “stripped-down model,” they’re referring to a base model. If they talk about a vehicle that’s “fully loaded,” they’re referring to the highest trim level available. A vehicleâs Monroney sticker shows the items in the trim package and the amount of the increase from the base model price. New car dealers must attach a Monroney sticker to each car they offer for sale.
Read Also: How Much Does A Car Inspection Cost
No Luck Here’s How To Find Your Vehicle’s Tire Size
If you’re still not sure of trim level, you can still find the correct Original Equipment tire size for the vehicle, as specified by the manufacturer. Just look for the tire information placard, which will tell you the OE tire sizes and the recommended tire inflation pressures.
If you have a newer car, look for this placard on the “B-pillar,” which is the driver’s side doorjamb. For vehicles that do not have a B-pillar, the placard should be attached to the rear edge of the driver’s door, unless it’s too narrow — in this case it should be placed on an inward-facing surface next to the drivers seat.
In older vehicles, placards can also be found in other locations:
- The driver-side door or doorjamb
- Rear passenger doorjamb of Ford sedans
- Fuel filler door
- Glove box or center console door
- The engine compartment
Are Options And Packages The Same
Yes and no. Sometimes you can cherry-pick the features in an options package from a list of stand-alone options. That is, you may be able to add heated seats as a stand-alone option without taking the heated steering wheel and heated washer nozzles also found in the all-weather package. Usually, the package price will be less than adding all the items individually.
Read Also: How A Car Engine Works
What Are Car Trims
Car trims are really levels of standard content for a particular model. The 2021 Ford Escape, for example, has four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Generally, as you move up through the grades, the standard features grow in number and some of them in quality.
Adaptive cruise control isnt available in the Escape S, for example. It is optional in the SE and SEL. And, its standard in the Titanium grade. The S has 17-inch steel wheels. The SE has nicer 17-inch aluminum wheels. Standard on the SEL is 18-inch aluminum wheels, and Titanium comes with 19-inch aluminum wheels.
Adding to the role trim levels play in buying a new car, each step up in content is reflected by a bump in the manufacturers suggested retail price . For example, the 2021 Escape S begins at $25,555, while the SE has a base price of $27,035.
The trim level determines any new cars standard features and base price .
Brush The Carpet First
Another great tip to get rid of annoying bits is to brush the carpet with a stiff nylon brush. This will agitate the carpet fibres, making it easier to remove the bits with a vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to rub too hard, however, as this could damage the upholstery and lead to fraying. Our Upholstery and Carpet Cleaner has a brush attached to make this easy.
Also Check: What Oil Do I Use For My Car
Rolls Royce / Ferrari
Interior color details will either be in the owner’s manual or the window sticker that came with the car. Your local Rolls / Ferrari dealer will be able to decode your VIN for you as well. 3rd party VIN decoders are very inconsistent with RR/Ferrari details, so it’s best to call your dealer’s parts or service department and ask.
Benefits To The Process
Youre finished cleaning, possibly restoring, and sealing your trim and molding. Your car is likely shining and prepared for a drive to your local Cars and Coffee; or prepared for a nice wax. While you enjoy a job well done, consider some of the benefits of this added detailing you completed.
- Your vehicles appearance now has a more finished, striking look, as the paint and trim has a beautiful contrast once again.
- Functional trim and molding can more efficiently resist liquids and in some cases, seal areas from road noise.
- Wax and other cleaners are less likely to affect or dry on your trim; removal being even easier if it does happen.
- Money saved on trim replacement can be used on those new summer tires youve been wanting all winter!
Whether you are a master detail, first-time owner or maintaining your daily driver protecting your vehicles functional and aesthetic details will always be important. Proper upkeep will maintain your comfort level while driving and compliment a healthy resale factor. There are few things sweeter than walking out to a ride that is showroom-clean on a Saturday morning.
Good luck with your next wash and detail job!
If you appreciate what we do on The Art of Cleanliness, you should consider:
Recommended Reading: How To Protect Car From Hail
Why Do I Need To Know The Trim Of My Car
You probably now have an idea on how to know what trim is your car. But there might be some people who ask, why do I need to know what trim is my car? For one, if you are planning to sell your car, you will have to get all the information and the specific details about it. Maybe knowing your cars trim level can help you sell your car for the most money.
If your car is due for a repair, it is best that you and your technician know the cars trim level before performing any repairs. Cars that have different trim levels could also mean that they can have different parts and different sized parts. The technicians need to be aware of it so they can verify the cars trim level before they purchase the parts or start to repair it. This is necessary especially if the said car was involved in an accident or in a collision.;;
The trim level of the car needs to be identified and verified first so the technicians can begin to diagnose the components that need to be repaired or replaced. They can do this by identifying the trouble codes and through other tests. If the problems are identified, they can proceed to order and purchase the needed replacement parts. This way, the repairs will be done accurately since not all models have the same parts and knowing the cars trim level ensures that the right part or component will be used.;
