by Gabrielle DeSantis

We all love to keep our cars clean and shiny, investing in car care products as we keep up with all the maintenance. But today we’re talking about investing in car care stocks, as now could be a great time to do it. Before jumping in I’ll preface that I’m not a stock trader nor a financial advisor, so if you choose to invest and this all blows up, don’t come crying to me. It’s your fault for listening to some guy on the internet.

Graph of Global Car Cleaning Market Value From 2017-2028 | Grand View Research

The logic behind investing in car care products

People are buying new cars faster than ever before, with more options to finance and more loans being taken out. And with that comes a sense of pride in keeping that new car clean. Some people would just go to a car wash, but even if people don’t always wash their own cars, that car wash still has to buy cleaning products from somewhere.

And while this is focused more on car cleaning chemicals, to help improve that new car shine, new cars also need motor oils and coolants. So the term “car care chemicals” refers to pretty much any fluid you’re putting into the machine.

Now, let’s talk numbers: right now, the Global Car Care Product market is valued at $10.36 billion (with a B). And over the next eight years, it’s projected to grow 4.3% annually. Do the math, that means that by 2028, car care products will be worth over $14 billion dollars. And even that number could rise if cars are bought at a more exponential rate.

Now is also the better time to buy, as the stock prices aren’t as expensive as they were in 2019. Covid-19 drastically impacted demand, which caused stock values to stoop, but as everyone is getting out again, the companies making car care products are expected to grow back to where they were and beyond. But speaking of companies, who should you invest in?

Who should you invest in?

3M Logo and Investing Stocks
3M Logo and Stocks | Thiago Prudencio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The information compiled has come from two different sources, MarketWatch and Grand View Research. For that reason, we’ll list the car care cleaning product manufacturers that overlap between these sources. The biggest name in car care products listed on both sites is 3M. Yes, the 3M that made the roll of duct tape sitting in your cabinet.

Their prices now sit around $200 (as of August 4th, 2021). Tetrosyl and Turtle Wax are also listed on both sites, though their stock prices aren’t available.

Other key contenders include gas stations, such as Shell, BP, Chevron, and ExxonMobil. Chevron is the most expensive, with $101 per share, and BP is the cheapest at around $20 per share. The only concern is that, with growing electric car popularity, big oil might be in big trouble. If they want to keep up, they’ll have to either go all-in on car cleaning products or begin providing electricity instead of gasoline at their pumps.

Where can you learn more about investing in car care products?

Washing A Volkswagen Bus
Washing A Volkswagen Bus | Photo Media via Getty Images

Not a question I ever thought I’d ask, as this isn’t a topic I ever thought I’d write about. But I prefaced at the beginning that I’m not an expert, just the messenger. If you’d like to learn more, purchase this Absolute Report about the Global Car Care Market… for over $3,000. That’s right, this is serious investing, so if you’re into detailed reports, and have $3,000 lying around, then by all means take a look.

If you’re just a casual investor or looking to learn more about how all this economic nonsense works, then you may want to keep digging and consult an expert. While the long-term growth is promising, there’s no telling where the market will be in the next 10 years.

RELATED: As Used Car Prices Surge It Might Be Time to Invest in Car Maintenance

The post Is Now the Time to Invest in Car Care Products? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster is the newest and coolest supercar to hit the streets. Except it hasn’t actually hit the streets yet. While Aston Martin has been slowly dropping hints this week, it sounds like the big reveal is upon us.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster reveal is upon us

The Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster Supercar | Aston Martin

It isn’t a surprise that the Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster has been hyped up by Aston Martin quite a bit. By glancing at the website, Aston Martin has quite a few catchphrases for the supercar. “Otherworldy performance” coupled with “power of the gods” are just two main phrases. “An incredibly special car with an equally remarkable name. One that immediately evokes connotations of power and honor, of being chosen by the Gods,” the brand said.

Beyond that, Aston Martin is only making 150 of the brand’s first-ever hypercar and has no plans to make more. The Aston Martin Valkyrie has an open underfloor to maximize downforce. The body is made entirely from carbon fiber and has the trademark Aston Martin grille.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is also as close to being a Formula 1 car as possible, without being restricted to being on track. Aston Martin used Red Bull Racing technology to make this possible.

Get a look at the Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster Supercar
The Aston Martin Valkyrie | Aston Martin

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the more luxurious car shows to exist. One could even say it is the Super Bowl of car shows. This year, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and you won’t want to miss the first look at the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

According to a press release, Aston Martin will also be showcasing the Aston Martin Valhalla at the event. In addition, the brand will be showcasing the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 Team as the brand has returned to the sport after 60 years. The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition will also be making an appearance at the show.

Aston Martin has been keeping much of the reveal under wraps. However, you can watch a live stream of the event on the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance website next weekend.

The official James Bond car brand is back and ready to party

Aston Martin might have been asleep for a few years, but the brand is awake again with the journey back to F1 and the new cars in the lineup. The only image released so far of the Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster is the one linked above. It is a dark image but depicts the Valkyrie Roadster with an exciting door design and the classic grille. For now, fans of the brand must wait until the official reveal.

There is also some sort of James Bond 50th anniversary planned. So basically, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be a full-on Aston Martin, Formula 1, James Bond party. Don’t miss it. The live stream, at least.

RELATED: Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen Belonging to Ferdinand Porsche up for Auction

The post The Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster Supercar Will Be at the Super Bowl of Car Shows appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to shopping for a 4WD SUV, you’ve got a few options to choose from. Among those options are SUVs like the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. While both 4WD SUVs have a solid reputation for going off the beaten path, odds are you aren’t planning on buying both. The good news is that we’re here to help you determine which 4WD SUV is the better pick for you. 

Both 4WD SUVs have a reputation for going off-road

2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

There’s no beating around the bush here. Both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro have a reputation for going off-road. After all, that’s what both SUVs are designed to do. In fact, the new Ford Bronco comes stocked with off-road-ready features, including an exclusive Terrain Management System with seven driver-selectable G.O.A.T. Modes. 

This year’s Bronco can also be had with a Trail Toolbox, which includes a suite of off-road technologies such as Trail Control for low-speed trail driving, Trail Turn Assist, and Trail One-Pedal Drive. According to Ford, the 2021 Ford Bronco delivers a “thrilling off-road experience when equipped with such features.”

The 2021 Ford Bronco isn’t the only 4WD SUV that’s capable of conquering the trails either. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is designed for off-roading and, according to U.S. News & World Report, shines when doing so. Though, that shouldn’t be too surprising. After all, the 4Runner TRD Pro comes equipped with TRD-tuned FOX high-performance shocks, TRD-tuned front springs, part-time 4WD, a locking rear differential, multi-terrain select, hill start assist control, and crawl control.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offers more choices than the 4Runner

A 2021 Ford Bronco with the roof off
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

While both 4WD SUVs come well-equipped for a day at the trails, it’s important to note that when it comes to personalizing your new SUV, the Ford Bronco offers more options than its Toyota competition. 

Not only is it available as a two and four-door SUV, but it can also be had with your pick of engine under the hood. However, if it’s a 4WD SUV that you’re after, Kelley Blue Book reports that you’ve got two engine options to choose from: a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. The Bronco also offers two transmission options: a seven-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Unfortunately for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, the pickings are pretty slim when it comes to body styles and engine options. In fact, this 4WD SUV is only available with four doors. Unlike the Ford Bronco, it doesn’t offer a removable top or doors either. And when it comes to engine choices? The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro offers one choice and one choice only: a 4.0-liter V6 engine that comes paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is more reliable

A white 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro crawling up a rockface
2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | Toyota

What the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro does have going for it is its reputation for being one of the most reliable SUVs on the market. In fact, Consumer Reports gave this year’s model a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Such a high rating isn’t that unusual for the 4Runner either. More often than not, the organization has given the 4Runner a four or five out of five reliability rating.

Unfortunately for the 2021 Ford Bronco, its score was significantly lower. While the 4Runner earned high marks in terms of predicted reliability, this year’s all-new Bronco did not. Instead, Consumer Reports gave it a two out of five rating. 

Which 4WD SUV is the better option?

Shopping for a 4WD SUV doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro make for great picks. However, if you value options and are after that open-air experience? Then the new Ford Bronco is likely a good fit for you. But if you find yourself lusting after the 4Runner TRD Pro? Know that it has a solid reputation for reliability, which is far more important than a long list of available options for many.

RELATED: These New Cars Are Being Sold for Over List Price, Here’s What You Should Buy Instead

The post 2021 Ford Bronco vs. 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Which 4WD SUV Is the Better Pick? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most new cars today come with a push-button start ignition, which completely replaces the need for turning a traditional key to start the car. A push-button start adds some convenience and security as the key fob needs to be inside the car in order for the driver to start it. But what if you want to install a push-button start ignition in an older car?

Why would you want a push-button start ignition in your car?

A Lexus NX push-button start | Wikimedia Commons

A push-button start will add some new technology to your aging vehicle. But above all else, it will also give you the convenience of leaving your key in your purse or pocket and not having to rummage through anything to find it. Instead by converting your car to a push-button ignition, you’ll be able to start the vehicle as long as you’re within certain proximity via a low-frequency transmitter.

How much does it cost to convert your car to a push-button start ignition?

Converting your older car to a push-button start ignition is relatively cheap if you do it yourself. According to Vehicle Jack, most push-button start kits currently in the market will cost anywhere from $25 to $150 depending on the type of kit you use. If you would rather have a professional install the kit for you, then you can expect to pay around $100 or more depending on the shop’s labor rates.

Installing a push-button start kit

A push-button start ignition kit
A push-button start ignition kit | Amazon

Installing a push-button starter is not too difficult as long as you have the proper tools. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the kit as different kits will have different installation procedures. Most of the tools that you will need to install any kit will include:

  • Multimeter
  • Wire stripper
  • Soldering Iron
  • Electrical tape
  • 10mm wrench
  • Screwdriver

To install the actual kit, here is a list of the general steps that Vehicle Jack noted:

  1. Remove the steering column cover
  2. Use the multimeter to check the ignition harness voltage by putting the right pin on the harness and the left pin on a grounding point. Turn the key in the ignition to test the voltage.
  3. Mark all of the ignition wires that you’ll need to work with using the supplied wiring diagram. Start the car and note the voltage on the multimeter.
  4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal using the 10mm wrench.
  5. Remove some of the insulation from the wires using the wire stripper.
  6. Use the instructions in the kit to locate and connect the corresponding wires from the kit to the ignition wires on the car.
  7. Locate the brake switch wire and connect the ring transponder to it to complete the connection.
  8. Connect both systems with the transponder.
  9. Be sure to check that the ignition system works as intended.
  10. Put the steering column cover and wires back in their places.

A push-button start system is convenient, but it has its disadvantages

Push-button ignition in Fisker Karma
Push-button ignition in Fisker Karma | Wikimedia Commons

While that process is relatively simple, if you’re used to working with wiring, you must keep in mind that there are disadvantages to installing a push-button start in your car. First, if you lose the key fob, then you won’t be able to get into the car and you’ll need to seek professional assistance. Also, if the fob itself runs out of battery, then you’ll need to get it replaced before you’re able to start the car again.

If neither of these disadvantages is enough to deter you from setting up a push-button start system in your car, then you can enjoy the new technology that it brings. Also, you won’t have to worry about fishing for your car key in a purse or pocket any more.

RELATED: What Does the ‘Brake Hold’ Button Do in a Car?

The post How to Install a Push Button Start Ignition on an Older Car appeared first on MotorBiscuit.