Frequently Asked Questions
New Vehicle Purchases
Most people assume that a new car does not require any additional protection after being purchased from a dealer - this is absolutely NOT true. Many cars sit on the lot, outside, for quite some time before being sold. Many are also shipped and/or driven from one dealership to another.
On most occasions, new cars do not receive any protection after leaving the factory. It is extremely important that you always bring your new car into us for a free inspection. We will do a walk around of the car with you and recommend a vehicle maintenance program, as well as spot any defects and/or imperfections you may want to have fixed.
Paint Color Choice
Paint color choice is more important than most people realize. Getting your favorite color may be nice to look at when your car is clean, but may be very difficult to keep it that way. Paint choice is pretty simple. The darker the color, the more maintenance it requires.
White, silver, gold, pearl, etc. are easy colors to keep clean the longest. Lighter colors like these will appear less dirty and hide scratches easier.
Blacks, reds, greens, blues, and other darker more vibrant colors will prove more difficult. They often require more frequent detailing and waxing. Imperfections and scratches in these colors of paint will reflect off the surface and be more noticeable.
Interior Colors and Material Choices
Interiors are more of a personal preference. Leather or cloth? Light or dark?
Leather is very easy to clean and looks fantastic, but is delicate and will require conditioning on a regular basis. It does show its natural wear, but the color will fade less rapidly than a cloth interior, and less likely to tear.
Cloth interiors are great for people who may keep the car for a long time, as it is more durable. Cloth is a little easier to maintain and does not retain hot and cold temperatures.
Color depends on the amount of use an interior may see. Light interiors look great and feel cooler, but if you use it a lot, they will get dingy and show more stains and wear.
Dark interiors will hide stains, but may show more dust. They will always clean up beautifully, but do absorb the heat.
What is a clay bar? What is clay removal?
The clay removal process is one of the most important steps when it comes to cleaning and conditioning a vehicle’s exterior.
Over time, your car collects sediment buildup from the road, trees, and industrial fallout from airplanes and large trucks. It may also collect overspray, which is a light dusting of paint particles from a repair or surrounding areas. This causes oxidation of the paint and makes the paint look and feel faded.
It is very simple to tell if your vehicle needs a clay removal. After your vehicle has been washed, run your hand gently over the surface. If it feels sticky and/or rough, like sandpaper, then it is need of a clay bar.
The process is exactly as it sounds. While your vehicle is wet, we use an actual bar of clay, and gently rub the surface of your vehicle. This lifts up and removes the oxidation from the paint without scratching or harming the surface. This will provide a clean, smooth surface for which we can buff and polish the paint. It also works on your windows and plastics.
What does buffing do?
Buffing your car with a high speed buffing machine is a very delicate and crucial process. It requires a soft touch, and a good eye.
There are several different combinations of pads, polishes, and compounds with which to buff. The types of products we use depend on the color, condition, and kind of paint.
This is a two stage process that removes scratches, restores the luster of the color, and provides a deep glossy finish.
Why do you need to wax your car regularly?
Waxing your vehicle is all about maintaining a solid barrier between your car and the elements. A good way to think about wax is to relate it to lotion. Just like putting on sunscreen in the sun, or after a shower, it protects from drying, burning and cracking.
Wax keeps your paint protected from the sun and rain, and keeps it from drying out. Just like changing your oil every three to five thousand miles, you should wax your car every two to three months.
How do I keep my wheels clean?
Rims and tires are the first thing that catches your eye on a car. It is the most expensive cosmetic accessory on any vehicle. Protecting and maintaining them is very important in keeping any car looking great.
The toughest part about keeping your rims looking good is that they are right next to your brakes. This creates two problems, brake dust and heat. Brake dust is extremely corrosive, especially when wet. Combined with the heat created by braking, it can dull, fade and ruin most wheels very quickly.
Again, with everything, it comes down to maintenance. Do not let brake dust build up on the rims. Always have them cleaned regularly, and polished at least twice a year. Chrome, aluminum, and painted rims are more delicate and will require being polished quarterly.
