Inspired wash bucket packed with supplies

The American Shine Co., based in Lancaster, Calif., understands the do-it-yourselfer and markets its products for "the lazy man." But being able to wheel around a five-gallon bucket of suds or to scoot around the vehicle when detailing saves on back muscles and, really, is just working smart.

The Ultimate Wash System sells for $110 but contains $150 in cleaning products, all available separately on the company's Web site.


Included are:

• Five-gallon bucket with bail and screw-on lid, which allows a bucket of water to be transported to a car show.
  
  
• Five-wheel dolly that clamps onto the bucket with two locking wheels to prevent rolling on inclines.
  
  
• Covered foam seat pad or kneepad, which also stows in the bucket.
  
  
• Plastic screenlike grit guard to keep the wash scrubber from dipping into the dirt at the bottom of the bucket.
  
  
• Two microfiber cleaning cloths, one microfiber wax applicator, one sheepskin wash pad and one microfiber Shammy Drying Towel, which the company claims can wipe a whole car in three minutes. I found it to be the most absorbent drying towel I've used.
  
  
• One 16-ounce bottle of Carnauba Car Wash, a 16-ounce bottle of mirror shine Carnauba Car Wax and a fire hose nozzle.

I also tried the 16-ounce spray pump bottle of Super Shine Tire Dressing, also for vinyl and plastic, $9.24. It contains no grease, oil or alcohol and works well on all three surfaces.

Orders and information: 877-777-4463, or www.americanshine.com; pricing does not include freight charge or tax.

HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING

Hyundai Motor America has released a sketch of the new Elantra Touring, a five-door compact that will available in spring 2008 as a 2009 model.

It will be powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and will have a sport-tuned suspension and steering. It also will debut Hyundai's first USB port, a standard auxiliary jack for digital music players and standard XM satellite radio.

Standard safety features will include electronic stability control with traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and six air bags, including side curtain air bags and active front head restraints.

Hyundai asserts Elantra Touring will have the most interior volume - passenger space plus cargo space - of any five-door in its class, which includes the Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber and Mazda3.

The new model will be revealed at the Los Angeles auto show in November and there will be a modified version shown at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show in October in Las Vegas.

SMOKE SMELL BE GONE

A friend just sold her low-mileage, late-model Honda Accord for $1,000 less than Blue Book value because she was a smoker and the car smelled of cigarette smoke.

She chose not to have the car professionally fumigated and took the loss, but a dose of Non-Smoke may have given her more negotiating power.

A spray of the ultra-dry Non-Smoke changes the molecular structure of offensive odors to neutralize them, the company claims. The recipe contains four times the active ingredients found in most other air freshener sprays.

The fragrance fades in a few hours, leaving the interior smelling fresh and clean.

The formula is safe for all vehicle interiors and also helps eliminate odors from boats when they are taken out of storage.

A 12-ounce spray can is $14, plus shipping and handling. Orders and information: www.dakotaproducts.com or 888-368-2166.

PAIN IN THE NECK?

Seat belts save lives. However, for many drivers, this safety device can cut uncomfortably across the chest or chafe the neck, a reason given by many for not using their seat belt.

To provide comfort while driving and avoid the possible cost of a "Click it or Ticket" violation, Master Design Seatbelt Adjuster can give some breathing room.

The non-intrusive plastic clip snaps permanently in place on the lap belt. Slip the shoulder strap under the front tongue of the clip and slide the clip to a point where the strap is away from the neck and chest. This will be most welcome on long trips.

The Seatbelt Adjuster has been crash tested to meet U.S. government regulations and is appropriate for adults and children weighing more than 80 pounds.

The Seatbelt Adjuster is available at large discount and automotive stores. Suggested retail is $4 for a package of two. Information: www.seatbeltadjuster.com or 800-667-4954.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com