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What is 'detailing'? Why should I use a professional detailer?
Why can't I do this myself?
Why is it so important to wax? How often should I wax my vehicle? What is the difference between polishes, waxes and
sealants? What is 'claying'? What should I do to keep my vehicle looking sharp? What is 'overspray' and why should I care? What is the best way to care for a convertible top? How should I care for leather seats? How long before a new vehicle should be waxed? Does my vehicle really ride better when it is clean?
A: Detailing
is what the name implies; paying close Attention 2 Detail (the small
things)! Detailing can be defined as
the “Systematic Rejuvenation and Protection of the various parts and
compositions of the vehicle.
Q: Why should I use a professional detailer?
A. Professional
Detailers combine the use of professional quality chemicals, equipment,
knowledge of vehicle surfaces and specific procedures in a systematic order to produce
superior and consistent results.
Detailing is both “art and science”.
Professional Detailers always use filtered/treated water to avoid water
spotting that can become etched into the vehicle’s paint.
Convenience is a major reason busy people have their vehicles
detailed by a professional. In today’s
busy world everyone is short of time. Time is a commodity and everyone can
put a price on their time. People value their time in different ways.
Some professionals bill their time out at $150 per hour so it doesn’t
really make economic sense for them to spend all day detailing their own vehicles. Others would rather have the extra time to
do things they would rather do (spending time with family or participating
in other activities) and still accomplish things that must be done.
A: Waxing
creates a sacrificial barrier between your vehicles finish and the elements
that seek to destroy it. Environmental
pollution, acid rain, rail dust, brake dust, bird droppings, bug spots, tree
sap, paint overspray and the sun’s UV rays all work together to damage your
vehicles finish unless it is protected by wax or paint sealant. A good looking car is worth a lot more at
trade in time so it is well worth the money you spend to keep it in top
condition.
A: This
depends on multiple factors such as: Is
the vehicle garaged? Is the vehicle
regularly hand washed or subjected to drive through car washes or
squirt-a-washes? What type of wax is
used?
On average, if a vehicle is waxed with Carnauba Wax, you
should re-wax every 3 to 6 months or if a vehicle has been treated with a paint
sealant (liquid polymer), it will last 6 months to 1 year. The rule of thumb is, when water stops
beading up, it’s time to wax!
Q: What is the difference between polish, wax and paint
sealants?
A:
Polishes, also known as pre-wax cleaners are formulas of
oils, solvents, water, clays and minerals designed to improve surface gloss and
remove old wax or sealants, minor swirls, compounding haze and light
oxidation. Polishes are gloss-enhancing
cleaners but do not provide protection for your vehicles finish. Therefore, after a vehicle is polished, it
must then be waxed or sealed.
Carnauba Waxes are produced from the leaves of the
Copernica-Cerifera Tree found in Brazil.
Carnaubas are always blended with another form of wax, usually beeswax
or paraffin wax. Blended waxes allow
for easier spreading and provide the beading action we are accustomed to seeing.
Other oils, silicones and solvents are added to the blend to achieve
the deep, rich gloss that Carnauba waxes are known for.
Carnauba starts to melt at 160 degrees F that limit its durability.
As a general rule of thumb, Carnauba Waxes are 50% gone after 45 days,
75% gone after 90 days, and totally gone after 120 days.
Our “Cherry Wax” is a long lasting Carnauba blend wax.
Paint sealants (liquid polymer/synthetic wax/paint
protector) are man-made formulas of polymer, oils and gloss agents designed to
protect painted and clear coated finishes.
Paint sealants are much more durable and long lasting than Carnaubas and
produce a very bright shine and a hard glass-like barrier that offers superior
protection from environmental pollutants.
Some “auto enthusiasts” feel that synthetics produce a “sterile” shine
and prefer the rich luster of a Carnauba and are willing to wax more often to
achieve the look they want and the protection they require. Our STS 2000 Paint Sealant is a very durable
polymeric sealant that offers long lasting protection and a deep crystalline
show car finish.
A:
Overspray is any airborne particle
such as paint, oil, silicone, tar, chemicals or other pollutants that adhere to
a vehicle surface. Paint overspray from
road and bridge construction is the most common type of over spray. On a clean vehicle, overspray
will have a rough feel. Looking at the windshield best checks
this. If you cannot rub off the specks with your finger, it is
most likely overspray and should be removed immediately before it can permanently
adhere finish of the vehicle. Overspray is removed by using detailing clay
and special clay lubricants.
A:
The claying process can be
described as a facial for your vehicles paint.
It deep cleans the pores of the paint removing old wax, sealants,
embedded dirt and pollutants. It levels
the paint’s surface leaving it smooth to the touch. The freshly clayed finish accepts waxing or sealing more readily
that helps it to protect the finish better and longer.
Q: To keep my vehicle looking sharp and well protected, what should I do and how often?
A: Hand
Wash weekly, clayed once or twice a year
as needed, polished annually and waxed or sealed 2 or 3 times per year.
Q: How should I care for my leather seats?
A:
Leather is a natural material and
requires regular care. Leather should
be cleaned and conditioned quarterly.
Q: How should I care for my car’s convertible top?
A:
The
number one concern for convertible tops is acid rain, along with UV rays, smog,
tree sap, bird droppings, salt, tar, dirt, grease and grit. All of these
elements must be removed to keep the fabric and vinyl convertible tops looking
showroom new. We use exclusively RaggTopp products for convertible top care.
RaggTopp Cleaner and RaggTopp Protectant have been thoroughly tested and
endorsed by HAARTZ and R+S, the worlds leading manufacturers of convertible
topping fabric. RaggTopp cleaner safely
removes the toughest soils & stains and will not harm automotive finishes,
chrome, trim glass, vinyl, rubber or plastic windows. RaggTopp is environmentally
friendly, biodegradable and exclusively formulated for fabric and vinyl
convertible tops. The antioxidant formula retards the growth of mildew, too.
RaggTopp Protectant is truly a one-of-a-kind product designed for convertible
tops to repel water and allow the fabric to breathe at the same time. RaggTopp
extends the life and restores the beauty of your top by deepening the color
tones and increasing water repellency with each application. We recommend this treatment quarterly.
Q: Is it true that my new vehicle will not
need to be waxed right away?
A: This may have been true a long time ago, but with the new
modern acrylics and enamels, your new car's finish needs tender care
immediately. Most new cars are treated with a clear-coat finish. Many initial
washing errors result in water spots, setting stains and loss of luster. The
best advice is to trust your car's finish to a professional from the beginning.
Q: Why does my car ride better after I've had my car washed? Am I imagining it?
A: Not
at all! Actually, it's very simple. Dirt and grime collect in the areas around
your car's wheels. Loosening and rinsing the grime give you a smother ride.
It also helps prevent rusting inside the wheel wells - the most difficult
type of rust to stop. In addition, tests show that a properly cleaned and
waxed car has less wind resistance resulting in a smoother ride and improved
fuel economy.
A. University
of Texas found the average garden hose cannot supply proper amounts of water
and water pressure needed and it is important to use the appropriate cleaning
solutions to safely and effectively clean your car.
