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Keeping your car clean inside and out keeps it looking good, protects its value, and makes your drive more enjoyable when you get behind the wheel! Here are 5 ways to help you cruise into 2018 taking better care of your ride.
Resolution #1. Wash Your Car The Right Way
The traditional drive through car washes hit your vehicle with abrasive brushes, dirt, and contaminants from the filthy vehicles that drove in before you. Yes they're quick and cheap, but you're risking body damage, paint scratches, and over time swirls will develop in your paint requiring a buff and polish. Light colored cars can get away with it, but defects on darker colors will be more obvious.
Solution
The best type of wash is a hand wash; but a safe alternative for a quick and cheap clean is a go to a touch free car wash facility. The clean isn't as thorough but they are effective at clearing off winter dirt and grime, and limiting risks. If you do prefer a better, thorough clean and prefer us to do it, check out our Mobile Wash & Wax Package here.
Resolution #2. Remove Paint Contaminants ASAP
Anything you see stuck on your vehicle needs to be removed as soon as possible. Most contaminants such as bird droppings and tree sap are acidic and burn through paint and can cause permanant damage. Over time they eat away at your clear coat and will require a costly repair. Also, be careful and make sure you use a proper cleaner and technique. Bird droppings and sap can contain abrasive contaminants that will scratch your paint if removed incorrectly.
Solution
Bird droppings can be removed with a damp paper towel. Dab ( do not rub!) the area with the paper towel until the area is clean. Make sure you keep the area damp.
Sap takes a little more effort. Rubbing alcohol is effective at removing sap, but can take some time, and a lot of elbow grease; espcially if the sap has been stuck on for a while and has cured. An easier solution would be our special Sap Remover, which is great at removing stubborn sap along with other contaminants. If you would like to try it out, contact us for a bottle! (info@chrisautodetail.com)
Resolution #3. Protect Your Paint Regularly
Wax is to paint, as oil is to engine. If you regularly protect your paint you lessen chances of your paint being damaged from contaminants, washes will be easier, and your vehicle will have a consistent shine.
There are three ways to protect your paint: Waxes, Sealants, and Cermic Coatings.
Wax - The "wax" you receive at your traditional car washes is not the type of wax that will give your paint the durable shine and protection you want. Real waxes need to be rubbed into the paint, cured, and hand buffed to a glossy shine. Waxes are usually made with caranauba, and is the most affordable paint protection on the list. Carnauba waxes usually last up to 8 weeks.
Sealant - Last longer (up to 6 months), which makes them great options if you're more of the passive type when it somes to maintaining your vehicle. Because of the durability of sealants, they are popular for winter paint protection. More pricey than waxes, but more convenient.
Ceramic Coatings - Newer paint protection technology that protects paint for up to two years. Cermic coatings also protect glass, vinyl, plastic, and rubber. Cermaic coatings are the most time consuming and costs the mosts. But if you are the set it and leave it type, this is a great option.
*The main difference between the three is price and durability of paint protection. There will not be much when it comes to the level of shine*
FYI! We use our 100% Natural Carnauba paste wax for our Signature Detail. This stuff is great. It cleans the paint, fills light scratches, and results in great shine and paint protection.
Solution
To make your life easier, book a Signature Detail and get a FREE Mobile Wash and Wax at a later date. That's two wax treatments to get your 2018 paint protection regime started off right. You must mention this deal at the time of booking to receive your free mobile wash and wax. You can purchase your detail here.
If you're the DIY type and wash and wax your car yourself, our wax is available for purchase here.
Resolution #4. No More French Fries In Between Seats
How many times have you lost things such as money, documents, or your cell phone in between your seats? It's way too easy for items to get dropped and forgotten. It can also be a pain to retrieve dropped items.
Solution
Our seat gap fillers prevent all types of junk from falling in between your seats. They also have a little pocket for storing items. Check them out here!
Resolution #5. Maintain The Look & Cleanliness Of Your Ride!
Your car is valuable possesion. Maintain the look, preserve its value, and you'll get more enjoyment out of it.
Solution
We will give you continous car care tips , news, and promotions to help you maintain the look of your ride. If you have any questions, concerns or comments feel free to get in touch with us. Happy New Year!
Drive Safe,
Chris