Everything you need to know about automotive detailing - Guelph automotive detailing expert Diamond Detailing
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Get the details on car care
Kelley Blue Book, Automotive Experts, Automobile Dealerships and Appraisers all agree that the best car care comes from a professional automotive detailing technician. While regular do-it-yourself cleaning helps prevent a build-up of debris, it does not preserve the value of the vehicle unless the person is knowledgeable and experienced in automotive detailing. Professional detailers are trained to treat and protect every surface of the car without causing damage. Inexperienced detailers and do-it-yourselfers may be faced with hard and expensive lessons because they lack the proper knowledge, skills, chemicals, equipment, experience and training.
A client who places their vehicle in the hands of someone calling themselves a professional detailer trusts them with their investment. It is an intelligent decision on their behalf to preserve the re-sale value and life-span of their vehicle. The client's decisions are well thought out and therefore should meet their expectations. They want to get the most money out of the automobile when they sell it; they want to have many years of enjoyable driving, want to prevent unnecessary body repairs and paint work. Used car owners can benefit when they sell a vehicle by restoring and rejuvenating the appearance. New or used it doesn't matter. For most people this is the second largest investment they will make. As a detailing technician you are responsible to live up to those expectations by combining your accumulated skills, knowledge, experience and training.
Understanding the distinction between the different types of car care services is essential. There is a huge difference between the services and each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. By educating yourself about each type of service you become more knowledgeable about the industry. It helps to improve industry standards because you know what is expected from you as a detailing technician vs. a car wash attendant and helps you to effectively communicate this to your clients.
Car Washes - Are a quick and economical cleaning solution but can end up costing the client money in the future. The cloths, brushes, rollers, heaters and chemicals can all cause damage to the vehicles surfaces. Touchless car washes do in fact cause surface damage. Tiny scratches, spider-web effects, erosion and corrosion are just a few of the different types of damage that can occur. Paint surface damage is common among commercial car washes and do-it-yourself washes. A vehicle needs to be properly prepared before applying waxes, sealants and protective coatings. Because these facilities are unable to provide the proper preparation they are in fact sealing in the dirt, debris and impurities right into the paint. These environmental elements etch the surface of the paint allowing corrosion and erosion to set in. Sprays on coatings are not distributed evenly and therefore leave the vehicle unprotected in areas. Shampoo is often not washed off properly and can stain and oxidize paint.
Express Auto Detailing - Express automotive detailing does not fall into the same category as full service or professional automotive detailing. It is a quick spruce up usually taking only 15-30 minutes. It is cost effective but it does not return the vehicle back to showroom condition. It is a quick serve, appearance care service meaning that it enhances the appearance somewhat but it does not protect the various surfaces to sustain the value or life of the vehicle. They are not designed, trained or equipped to handle heavy interior cleaning or extensive exterior care.
Full Service Automotive Detailing - Many full service automotive detailing centers do provide basic to more advanced cleaning and protection. Many detailers who provide this service also call themselves professional detailers - which they are not. It is easy to ascertain that the services they provide fall short of a professional detailer. These individuals do not yet have the knowledge, training and education. They have not fully developed their skills, do not have the years of experience behind them that it takes to become a professional or in some cases they do but they do not pay attention to detail, or provide quality workmanship. Perhaps they do not allot enough time, have not found proven systems for protection, do not use quality chemicals or equipment. They may even fall short of industry standard or customer commitment. Pricing is cheaper than a professional detailer because the overall quality is poorer. For the consumer who can not afford quality this is probably the best route to take. Some protection is offered but the buyer is getting what they pay for - substandard work. The standards are lower than that of a true professional detailing technician and often go unrecognized by automotive experts.
Professional Automotive Detailing - As stated earlier the benefits of professional automotive detailing to the consumer are plentiful. Professional automotive detailing is the art and science of extensive reconditioning of a vehicle's interior and exterior surfaces to prevent damage that depreciates the value of a vehicle. It restores, maintains and protects to help preserve the value and lifespan of the automobile. A professional detailing technician possesses the knowledge and experience - they are trained in the art of complete automotive detailing. Professionals only use high quality chemicals, equipment and protective coatings that go beyond industry standards. They are committed to customers, educate clients, understand that no detail is too small and take the time the need to achieve perfection. It is highly recognized in the automotive industry as a means to preventative maintenance and the best solution to preserving the value of a vehicle. A well maintained vehicle not only saves money it also nets more at re-sale time.
THE ART & SCIENCE OF PROFESSIONAL AUTO DETAILING
Professional automotive detailing can be defined as the systematic rejuvenation and protection of the various surfaces of a vehicle. Systematic procedures means that a series of steps or actions must be followed in a specific order. An automotive detailing business is only as good as its procedures and the employee's ability to follow them. These systematic procedures create efficient and effective results. Without these procedures the quality of work is compromised.
What is a professional automotive detailer?
A professional automotive detailer is not something you become over night. It is a title that you earn. Many may call themselves professionals but fall short of the title.It takes several years of experience, hard work, knowledge and training before you can even consider yourself as a professional detailer. In the end it comes down to quality workmanship. It is the clients who decide if you possess the skills you claim. The detailer who strives to be at the top of the industry never stops the learning process. They educate themselves in the "science" aspects of detailing by attending seminars, workshops, and conventions; maintaining memberships in professional detailing organizations, and scouring through industry trade magazines. And, of course, we constantly experiment with new products and equipment in an effort to fine-tune procedures.
What does a detailer do?
Understanding what a detailer does depends on your definition of detailing. If your definition includes the word systematic then you are constantly balancing efficiency and effectiveness to yield high quality services. Just knowing that a successful detailer must be systematic is not enough. Efficiency & effectiveness are two very important factors. Efficiency is the measure of quickness of the procedure whereas effectiveness is a measure of how well the procedure works. Anyone can wash and wax a vehicle but to the inexperienced detailer the task could take all day. Because, a professional detailer is systematic they are able to complete the job in less time and render a product that is cleaner and protected better.
An auto detailer combines knowledge, experience, training, equipment, industry standards, customer requirements and chemicals into systematic procedures that produce high quality workmanship.To help project a basic understanding of what a professional detailer needs to know analyze the following definitions.
What a professioanl detailer needs to know?
Putting knowledge to work
* Knowledge of vehicle surfaces - An automotive detailer must understand the surface composition in order to protect and rejuvenate it. A vehicle is made up of dozens of surfaces (paint, exterior trim, wheels, carpet, seating, interior trim, etc.), each one has a number of possible compositions (paint can be polyurethane, lacquer, enamel, clear-coat/base-coat, conventional).Knowledge of vehicle surfaces prevents further damage to the surface.
* Industry standard means that what is expected from a professional detailer - standards of excellence.
* Equipment refers to the tools used in the automotive detailing industry such as vacuums, air compressors, polishers, power washers, air tools etc. Each detail shop has its own preference as to which type of equipment it utilizes.
* Chemicals used for automotive detailing are cleaning and protection agents specifically designed for use in automobiles. The various surfaces on a vehicle differ and therefore require products designed to handle problems on each surface. A detailer must an understanding of the chemicals and how to properly apply them to the surfaces.
* Rejuvenation refers to the procedures that we use to return the vehicle at or close to showroom condition. These procedures range from maintaining a collector's vehicle, to re-vitalizing the dirtiest vehicles.
* Protection refers to the procedures that we use to help the vehicle stay looking new after we leave. Once we have completed the rejuvenation process we then apply protection that, for example, keep the paint from oxidizing, keep the leather from drying, and keep the tires black.
* A professional detailer must be able to preserve original warranties, such as clear coat and corrosion warranties.
* Think about thickness of your paint in fractions of a micron 1/1000mm
* Identify the least aggressive tools and materials and be able to follow the steps that will effectively complete the repair
* Accurately identify problems on the paint surface and be able to restore the finish
* Identify interior surfaces and affectively clean, protect and solve problems
With this knowledge we have a way of communicating and educating the public about what a professional detailer does.
Your car detailing shop could be putting your vehicle in danger
Educate yourself - Be Aware - Be Selective
Consumer education is vital when it comes proper auto care. Customers should be given the facts and information - A well informed client can make intelligent decisions based on their knowledge and understanding. A consumer has the right to know about the products, procedures and services offered.
Cheaper isn't an option when it comes to car detailing
Lower prices = low quality car care
Chemicals: The chemicals used will be low-grade or retail products. These products do not provide adequate protection or meet the special requirements of your car. Each car is different - what is good for a Cadillac is not good for a Mercedes. Products which state that they are good for all vehicles is simply a selling tool that benefits the company not the consumer. The end result it damage to your vehicle. You may not see it at first because it begins on a microscopic level over time the damage spreads and can cause serious destruction to the surfaces.
Equipment: The equipment used to clean your car is as important as the chemicals. Retail or low grade equipment does not perform well and may end up doing more harm than good.
Training, education & knowledge: A Master Detailer or true professional is trained to use the mildest method to effectively correct, restore or enhance the condition of your vehicle. This means the chemicals, procedure and equipment used will vary from car to car and depend on the situation at hand. If the most gentle technique does not work they will try another method. Sometimes this may take several steps but they will never use anything that will harm the surface including force, poorly maintained equipment / tools, or chemicals. An untrained amateur on the other hand all too often resorts to using harsh chemicals and equipment to cut
Bad detailing practices used by some detailing shops
THEY MAY CALL THEMSELVES PROFESSIONALS THEIR ACTIONS SAY AMATEUR
Poor auto detailing proceedures
Guelph isn't alone when it comes to poor auto detailing proceedures
- Boat Detailing: There are too many detailers out there cleaning boats with car cleaning products. A boat is not the same and requires chemicals designed for its surfaces. Car cleaning chemicals will ruin the gel coat of a boat. Specialized chemicals must be used on boat glass, teak and other surfaces to prevent damage.
- Carpet dye: All too often we see detail shops applying carpet dye to unclean carpets. The majority of people who apply carpet dye do not prep the area properly or apply the dye evenly. Carpets must be cleaned properly prior to any dye application. When left dirty the dye can not adhere to the fibers meaning that it will wear away in those dirty areas and will look patchy. Carpet dye is not permanent it is a temporary solution. Carpet dye will wear away in time and will need to be redone to even the color out again. The other problem we see is too much dye being used causing the carpet to completely harden up as if it were frozen. It may look great but if loses its plush texture when applied incorrectly.
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Carpet shampooing and upholstery cleaning: Some shops are pressure washing the interiors of the car. This means the cars are being soaked. This is this a dangerous practice when used as a regular cleaning procedure. It can cause many problems such as water infiltrating electrical wiring and can cause fires. The second problem this creates is that a pressure washer can actually impact the dirt further down in the fibers. In a case where there is salt deposits this causes the salt to get trapped in the padding below and it will begin to eat away at the metal floor. The third problem is that if the water is not completely extracted and the carpets dried it will cause mold and mildew making it an unhealthy environment. Lastly a pressure washer can harm, weaken and remove the fibers.
In extreme cases pressure washing may need be performed but these are done on spots and not used as a cleaning method throughout the car. Should a detailer find it necessary to do this they do so with extreme care. If the carpets or seats are not thoroughly dry by the time the clients picks up the vehicle the detailer will give one of the following instructions:
1.Leave the vehicle running with the heat on and a window cracked open until the carpets and seats are dry
2.Leave the windows open a bit in the summer months providing it is not too humid - if it is they will tell you to turn the heat on
3.Ask you to leave the vehicle in their shop overnight until it is completely dry.
If you've picked up your car from a shop and the seats or carpets are still soaking wet and you've be given no instruction or warning about it this is a good sign that proper care has not been taken. Proper cleaning techniques for carpets and upholstery should include both hand shampooing / extraction by a professional grade extractor (not a shop vac) and steam cleaning. - Clear Coating Engines: Some shops choose to clear coat the engines with clear spray paint. It's not an unacceptable practice if it is performed correctly. In order to do this the car must be masked off and no other cars car be present in the shop (if they are they too need to be masked). Failure to properly mask the car will result in overspray landing on the painted surfaces of the car, the tires, chrome and windows. Overspray creates an unsightly texture that is rough to the tough and often visible to the eye. On tires and chrome it can turn color making it highly visible and can discolor the surface. On windshields it can decrease windshield visibility. Engines today are encased with a lot of plastic and do not require permanent protection from corrosion therefore it is a procedure that you can do without. It is not worth the problems associated with it when done poorly including mechanical problems. Overspray removal is costly!
- Convertible roof cleaning - Here is another horrifying thing we've seen over and over. Improper cleaning of cloth and vinyl convertible roofs will result in cracking, yellowing, discoloration, and weakening of the material.
- Dressing gas petal, brake petal, steering wheel and gear shift - Insurance companies frown upon detail shops who apply greasy or oily dressings to gas petals, brake petals, steering wheels and gear shifts. This is a dangerous practice that could result in personal injury. A greasy petal or steering wheel reduces the ability to be in control the mechanism at all times. Your foot could easily slip off the petal or you could lose grip of the wheel or shifter. Diamond Detailing abides by strict industry standards. We never use greasy dressings or leave slippery residue on petals, steering wheels or gear shifters.
- Dressing the Engine: The decision by some shops to us tire dressing which is solvent based to dress the engine is a poor one. It is flammable and can cause fires. Dressings used on engines should be water based - enough said.
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Fabric, paint, vinyl, leather and rust protection applications: When purchasing fabric, paint, vinyl, leather and rust protection packages we urge you to be selective on the type of protection that is offered, find out who will apply them, the procedures for the application and the warranty offered. Whether you are buying the protection package from a car dealership or a detail shop read the fine print, do your research and ask questions.
There are only a few manufacturers that make these protection products and we have used each of them. In our professional opinion Platinum Protection is the only brand that we recommend. There are several reasons for this:
*Platinum Protection offers the highest caliber of protection
*Offers the best warranty
*Lives up to the warranty
*The product performs as promised
*The company is well established
*The company offers comprehensive training to authorized Platinum Protection dealers
*No other product preps the vehicle properly before applying the product. Platinum Paint Protection is a 4 step system that ensures the paint is fully decontaminated prior to the application of the paint protection.
*Unlike other products the results are long lasting
Let's set the brand aside for a moment and talk about other problems that consumers must watch for when buying protection packages. The first thing consumers need to be aware of is that car dealerships who offer these packages when you buy a car from them do so at a premium price. The second is who is applying the protection. Many car dealerships perform this service in-house while the remaining send them to a detail shop. Either way there are some negative factors to consider.
If the protection is not being applied as per the manufacturers directions it will not perform as it should:
Paint protection: When paint protection is applied the car must go through a 4 step procedure to decontaminate the paint. Failure to do so means the contaminants will remain sealed into the surface. This is a huge problem and we see too much of it. Industrial fallout, brake dust, rail dust and other debris can cause corrosion leaving them in the paint defeats the purpose of paint protection and could in fact add to problems. Paint protection needs to be applied evenly to give complete protection. Many people apply it by hand this doesn't provide a uniform distribution and can therefore leave unprotected areas. The second largest problem we see is that the paint protection is not being applied to all the painted surfaces. It is only being applied to the hood, trunk and sometimes the sides. It seems that shops are not applying taking it right down to the bottom of the vehicle. This leaves the car unprotected from the moldings down leaving the car to be attacked by tar, road paint, brake dust, salt, snow or other materials that could etch, stain or cause corrosion.
Buyer Beware : There is a local shop who is putting Turtle Wax on vehicles and selling it as paint protection. This is not paint protection! It's up to you to do your research!
Fabric Protection: The biggest problem with fabric protection is that the carpet and upholstery are not being cleaned at all or cleaned poorly prior to the application. If dirt is left behind the fabric protection does not bind properly with the fibers - it binds to the dirt. When it binds to dirt it does not provide protection and when you have your car vacuumed or shampooed your fabric protection goes with it. Another typical problem we see is that the fabric protection is being applied only to the mat and not the rest of the carpet the other way around. We have had a lot of clients who have purchased their protection at the dealership when they purchased the car come in with permanent stains or stains that are very difficult to remove because they didn't receive the all over protection they paid for.
Vinyl / Leather Protection: The main problem we see here is poor quality product not performing as promised and poor application. Again many times the leather & vinyl protection is not being applied to all the leather and vinyl components of the car. It is being applied to seats, door panels and steering wheels leaving the rest unprotected.
Rust Protection Modules: People who buy catholic protection systems should be aware that these systems have limitations and work best when the vehicle is submersed in water. New technology has introduced superior rust protection systems. These double anode systems combine both an Impressed Current and Sacrificial Anode. Using a small amount of current from your vehicle's battery the rust module causes negatively charged "free electrons" to be drawn to the Sacrificial Anodes by means of Impressed Current. In simple terms, this remarkable technology causes corrosion to occur on the Anodes instead of elsewhere on your vehicle. However even with the best technology there can be problems. If the installation is not done correctly the rust module will not work properly.
The biggest problem of all is warranty. Read the fine print. Most people think think the warranty looks fabulous until they have a claim. Too many of these companies are playing roulette. They are selling the warranties for protection that will fail. The mentality of it all is that the owner of the vehicle will sell the car before damage occurs. When it does many of the companies are not standing behind the customer. This is why we prefer Platinum Protection it is a no non-sense warranty and the company stands behind the performance of the product. If damage does occur for any reason they will fix or replace it.
It is always better to purchase vehicle protection packages from professional detailers who are competent to do the job. It costs less and the job will be performed right. - Floor Mats: Some detail shops are placing newspaper on the floor as floor mats. Not only does this look unprofessional it performs horribly and can cause damage. If the carpets are wet or damp the ink in the newspaper will bleed into the carpet causing stains that could be permanent. If you have visited an amateur shop like this who has used newspaper instead of professional floor mats you may want to reconsider your detailing choices.
- Headliner cleaning: Headliners must be cleaned carefully to avoid damage. The majority of damage we have seen is due to over wetting the headliner. When this happens the headliner will stretch causing it to sag and it may become discolored.
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Interior Cleaning: The interior of a car is composed of many different materials and surfaces. Each make and model may require different chemicals. The 2nd worse practice we have heard to date is that of spraying engine degreaser inside the car on vinyl, leather and plastic as a cleaning agent. The problem here is that this chemical is not designed for these surfaces. It is too harsh and will deteriorate surface finishes and can strip away color. In addition it dries out the vinyl and can cause discoloration or cracking.
Another goodies but definitely a no no is cleaning leather seats with solvent. If you've ever had solvent on your hands you quickly learned just how drying it could be when your skin turned white or your hands felt tight. Your skin is alive now imagine what that would do to a skin that isn't alive and producing natural oils.
Now get ready for the worst! Wheel acid on leather seats is a definite no no. Not only does it completely dry them out and ruin the texture it strips off the color. A local shop has used this practice on at least 2 separate occasions. How do we know - because the clients came to us to fix them. That's scary! If it happened once I wouldn't bother mentioning it and we could assume it was a mishap of grabbing the wrong bottle but 2x causes us some concern as to what is going on out there. - Rims Cleaning: It is a common practice among detail shops to use wheel acid to clean the brake dust, rust and road grime from the rims. We prefer to use safer and milder methods to clean rims but have used acid in the past when it was absolutely necessary. Acid is corrosive and it can etch the surface. It can only be applied to certain types of rims otherwise it will destroy them. Acid this corrosive must be used with extreme care and can never be left on to dry, applied in the sun or placed on pitted rims. Wheel acid will also discolor the tires if it is sprayed on them. But it comes as no surprise when we see vehicles that have been subject to abuse and misuse of wheel acid. The reason for the damage is lack of knowledge, care, failure to follow manufacturers directions, poor technique and cutting corners. This type of damage is very costly and in most cases it means replacement.
- Seat belt strap cleaning - The strap of seat belt should never be cleaned. Insurance companies advise against it because it can deteriorate the fibers and therefore weaken the strap. If a seat belt failed in the case of an emergency because it was cleaned the detail shop could be liable. Diamond Detailing abides by strict industry standards by refusing to clean seat belt straps regardless of their appearance as we do not want to be the cause of any injury.
- Swirl marks in paint: Swirl marks are a huge problem in the automotive detailing industry that is not limited to amateurs. A lot of good detailers who are professionals can leave swirl marks. The difference between a Professional and a Master detailer is that the Master detailer has the training , knowledge, equipment, chemicals and experience to effectively remove them - not hide them. Hiding swirl marks with silicone wax and fillers is a common practice among the novice buffer. This is a temporary measure that covers the problem. Given the length of time it takes for the wax to reveal what is underneath the detailer can then shift the blame to the car owner giving them the excuse that it is the result of poor car care. If the swirl marks are present the day after you pick the car up this may be the result of the detailer not being able to see the swirl marks at the time he delivered the car due to weather conditions or other circumstances and a reputable detailer will fix it properly.
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Tar / Sap Removal: We've just about seen it all when it comes to tar and sap removal. Tar and sap should never be approached in a forceful or harsh manner. It is stubborn but it requires the gentlest touch. In cases where the car does not have paint protection it may eat through the clear coat. This is why it pays to have paint protection. It helps to protect the painted finish from destruction.
Do's and Don't of sap/tar/bug/road paint removal:
* Don't try to scratch sap and tar off with your fingernails. You will scratch your paint and possible take a piece of paint of with it.
* Don't use brake fluid to remove it
* Don't use gasoline or kerosene
* Don't use anything abrasive such as steel wool, scotch pads, sand paper...
* Don't try to pry it off with a knife, nail file, key or anything else
* Don't rub the mark hard, go lightly and try to avoid touching the paint surrounding the mark
* Do use a professional grade sap remover or tar remover
* Do use a soft cloth
* Do take your time - have patience
Improper techniques used for tar, sap, bug and road paint removal will damage the surrounding paint, leaving a multitude of scratches behind that are highly visible and can permanently damage the painted surface beyond repair. - Trunk cleaning - As of lately we are seeing more and more water soaked trunks. This is a huge problem that can cause a car to become a sick car. Someone in the city is high pressure washing the trunks and using a shop vac to extract the water. The problem is they are not allowing the carpet in the trunk to dry nor are they sucking the water out that falls down by the spare tire. This results is a horrible odor caused from the mold and bacteria. We have opened up trunk compartments that are completely filled with black mold. The mold spores travel throughout the car including the air system. This means that the driver of the vehicle is breathing in spores. For a person who suffers from allergies, asthma or bronchial problems this is very dangerous. Decontaminating cars that have been subjected to mold is a lengthy process that is expensive.
- Upholstered door panel cleaning: We always feel so bad for clients when they have had a bad experience at another shop. Door panels are not cheap, it can be difficult to find replacements, repairs are costly and it greatly depreciates the value of the vehicle if left unfixed. The major cause of door panel damage is high pressure washing or use of too much water when cleaning. When the door panels become saturated they will sag or the material can pull away from the adhesive. It can also cause electrical problems with power switches and speakers.
- Window cleaning - Cleaning the windows on a car seems like an easy enough task but we have seen some atrocious things done to automotive glass such as staining and etching caused by the use of improper chemicals like wheel acid and multipurpose cleaner.
- Window Tint - Many shops who offer window tint do offer leading brands like Llumar and Madico but there are others who mislead customers by telling them they sell a product which is a sister company of these brands - this is not true. One example is a company in Guelph who is selling Diamond Window Films and telling clients it is a sister company of Llumar. It isn't a sister company of Llumar nor does Llumar manufacturer under any other brand name. Don't be fooled or misled when it comes to window tint. If it doesn't say Llumar or Madico on the box - it isn't. A poor decision can be unsightly as it can turn purple, bubble and peel the result is costly. Prevent shoddy workmanship by choosing a tint centre with qualified window tint installers.
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Window Tint repairs: We have seen several clients now who've come in to have their window tint replaced. The original shop they had it installed at did shoddy workmanship and used poor quality window film but this is not why they wanted us to perform a new window film installation. These people had taken their cars back to the shop who installed the window after seeing an unacceptable amount of dirt in it. The customers wanted the shop to repair it and were left with a nightmare. The shop took a razor blade and cut out the areas of the film where debris had gotten stuck and colored it in with a black marker. Some of these clients didn't even bother to put up a fight and the ones who did got no customer satisfaction.
It is understandable that some dirt or dust may get trapped in the film. It is impossible to not have some. The only way to prevent this from happening is to perform a window tint in a sealed lab that is 100% free of airborne contaminants. This is impractical and couldn't be done in a cost effective manner so the window tinting industry has set a standard of allowable debris. The acceptable amount of debris is 10%. Given this measure it really is up to the window tint installer as to whether they feel the tint should be replaced when the amount of debris is within that measure. However if an object like a tiny piece of paper towel is trapped which is very noticeable a reputable installer replace the tint.
With this being said replacement for this type of problem is the only solution. It is unprofessional to cut out the piece being affected and color over it or stick another piece of tint in the hole. The same applies to bubbles in the tint.
We hope you've found this list to be informative. Diamond Detailing firmly believes in educating the public about the dangers of placing a car in the hands of an untrained professional. We want clients to get the best car care for their money. Our intent is to educate clients and get them to investigate. It is up the consumer to do the research, expose these shops and to decide if you want to avoid shops using these practices!
How to choose a professional detailer
Quality isn't expensive it's priceless
Contracting a car care specialist isn't an easy task. Many call themselves professionals but do not stand up industry standards and lack customer commitment. When contracting the services of a professional detailer approach it no differently than if you were hiring a contractor for your house. A vehicle is the second largest investment for most people therefore you don't want amateurs performing work on it. You want true professional. Your car care guardian should be committed to customer satisfaction, education and a superior craftsman.* Educate yourself - Gain as much information and knowledge as you can about car care prior to consulting any auto detailing services.
* Ask around town - Inquire with friends, family, co-workers and automotive dealerships to find out who is the best automotive detailer in or close to town. Automotive dealerships are your best bet - they are in the business and know the value of a fine detailer.
* Ask questions - Once you have expanded your knowledge you will be able to ask questions. Find out what options are available to you, ask what the differences are between their service and the competitors, ask about their customer satisfaction policy, prices, the benefits and how they define themselves as a professional.
* View a car before and after - Ask the detailer if you may see a car prior to being detailed and again after the work has been completed. Do not go by photos. Ask to see the real deal. It may be a little time consuming because you will have to go to the shop twice but it is well worth it.
* Ask for references - Don't be afraid to ask a detailer prior to contracting them for several references. If they are unwilling to provide any - stay clear. A true professional has excellent references and is more than willing to provide them upon request.
* Follow through - Before committing to any services follow through on the references. Ask the reference if they were satisfied with the work performed, what type of service they purchased, if they have had any problems - if so, was it rectified in a timely and favorable way. Ask when the work was performed - if it was just performed ask if you can see it.
* Make a decision - It's now time to make an intelligent decision based on your knowledge. Remember, basing your decision on pricing alone is not enough. Auto detailing is protection for your asset. In general, prices reflect the quality of work
Season car care tips and maintenance schedule
Your vehicle doesn't stand a chance - Protect it from the elements
A vehicle doesn't stand a chance unless it has been professionally treated. Each season brings new challenges but a well protected vehicle has a fighting chance.PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
* Wash every 2 weeks
* Exterior detail every 30 days - 90 days
* Vacuum every 2 weeks
* Shampoo and detail interior every 30 - 90 days
* Have paint chips touched up as you notice them
* Seal the paint with wax every 60 - 90 days
FALL & WINTER CAR CARE - Canadian winters can take their toll on your vehicle. Protective barriers applied to your paint, tires, glass, plastic, carpet, upholstery, vinyl, rubber, plastic and metal arm it against salt, sun, gravel,ice and snow.
Regular washing & waxing protects the vehicle's exterior from corrosion, fading, peeling and scratches. If moisture penetrates the paint it will expand and contract from thawing and freezing - weakening the paint. Ultraviolet light and environmental pollution can then penetrate the clear coat. The result is oxidation; a dull or hazy appearance. All colors are susceptible to oxidation but dark color paints are at greater risk because these color pigments tend to absorb more UV than light colors. Oxidation can be fix but it costly. The process involves decontaminating and removing the top layer of paint through a compounding process and high speed polishing. In severe cases wet sanding is required.
Exterior Detailing - To prevent etching, erosion, cracking, fading and corrosion additional exterior detailing should include proper cleaning and protective treatments to tires, paint, rims, wheel wells, chrome, glass, plastic, vinyl and rubber surfaces.
Interior Detailing - Interior detailing reduces damage and erosion that can occur to carpets, vinyl and upholstery. During the winter high levels of moisture are accumulated in the vehicle causing mold and mildew - creating an unhealthy environment and deterioration. Regular shampooing, vacuuming and treatment the various surfaces with protective coatings protect the interior of your car from moisture, salt, allergens and debris.
SPRING & SUMMER CAR CARE is essential in the protection against extreme heat, industrial fallout,acid rain,hail,bird droppings,humidity,road dust,debris,sap,bugs,road paint and road oil. Follow the same schedule as winter to prevent rust, peeling, flaking, cracking, fading, etching and erosion. Special attention should also be given to your leather and vinyl interiors.
The best paint protection
The latest technology for automotive paint protection has arrived. Platinum Paint Protection is the most effective and affordable paint protection system available on the market.Platinum Paint Protection is a proven paint protection system that is safe for all makes of vehicles.
Most manufacturers' limited warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship. Damage caused by environmental elements such as tree sap, acid rain, bird droppings, salt and ultraviolet rays are normally not the responsibility of the manufacturer. For instance, acid rain beads on a painted surface, then dries, leaving behind a permanently etched ring. Platinum Paint Protection utilizes a Teflon* hydrocarbon resin combined with a multi-step application system which maintains the new showroom shine of your vehicle's paint finish. *Teflon Reg'd TM of E.I. DuPONT DeNEMOURS & CO.
Benefits of Platinum Paint Protection:
* Platinum Protection Warranty is superior to that of any other manufacturers warranty.
* The Platinum Paint Protection forms an invisible barrier that protects against acid rain, industrial fallout, salt, ultraviolet rays, rain, snow, sap, tar, road paint and bird droppings
* Platinum Paint sealant prevents oxidation and fading
* Platinum Paint Sealant reduces the need for frequent waxing
* Enhances and protects clear coat
* Will not change the color of your paint
* Penetrates the paint keeping it looking new
* Brings piece of mind to vehicle owners
* Helps preserve the appearance of your automobile and longevity
* Helps to reduce the onset of corrosion
* Affordable protection for your vehicle. Perfect for people who lease or to protect the re-sale value of car
* Quick and simple to apply - no mess!
* Suitable for new and used vehicles
* Safe on all exterior automotive paints
* Ask Dealer for Warranty Details
The Best Leather Protection
Spills, stains, normal wear and tear are unavoidable and lead to the early aging of the vehicle's interior. Platinum Leather/Vinyl Protection penetrates and conditions, providing a breathable barrier for your interior. Treated surfaces are resistant to ultraviolet color fading, cracking, moisture absorption and mildew. Platinum retains the interior's natural texture and appearance, preserving the trade-in or re-sale value of your vehicle.See why high-end automobile dealerships and intelligent consumers prefer Platinum Leather Protection and Platinum Vinyl Protection as their primary automotive interior protection system.
Benefits of Platinum Leather/Vinyl Protection:
* Platinum Protection Warranty is superior to that of any other manufacturers warranty.
* The Platinum Leather Protection Package allows for easy clean-ups
* Protects against permanent stains, fading, cracking and peeling, mildew and moisture absorption
* Will not change the color or texture of your leather
* Penetrates and conditions, providing a breathable barrier for your interior
* Brings piece of mind to vehicle owners with children and pets
* Proves complete protection against damage and reduces the need for frequent leather and vinyl conditioning
* Helps preserve the appearance of your automobile and the longevity of your vehicle
* Affordable protection for your vehicle. Perfect for people who lease or to protect the re-sale value of car
* Quick and simple to apply - no mess!
* Suitable for new and used vehicles
* No chemical odor
* Safe on vinyl and leather interiors
* Ask Dealer for Warranty Details
The ultimate in Rust Prevention
Nature's elements begin their attack as soon as your vehicle rolls off the assembly line. Rail dust, road salt, acid rain, industrial fallout, moisture and salt water all work to shorten the life of your vehicle, corroding the body, weakening the structure and deteriorating the appearance. The result is a drastically reduced trade-in or re-sale value.Platinum Electronic Rust Protection Modules
combine both Impressed Current and Sacrificial Anode Technology, which far exceeds the limitations of Cathodic Protection systems. Using a small amount of current from your vehicle's battery the Platinum PCM causes negatively charged "free electrons" to be drawn to the Sacrificial Anodes by means of Impressed Current. In simple terms, this remarkable technology causes corrosion to occur on the Anodes instead of elsewhere on your vehicle.
See why high-end automobile dealerships are saying to conventional rust undercoating and spray-on rust coatings and choosing the Platinum Electronic Corrosion Module as their primary rust protection method.
Benefits of Platinum Electronic Corrosion Modules:
* Platinum Protection Warranty is superior to that of any other manufacturers warranty.
* Platinum Rust Modules are a clean and efficient way to protect your vehicle from corrosion without harming your environment
* Proves complete protection against rust without the need for additional annual conventional spray-on rust coatings .
* Helps preserve the appearance of your automobile and longevity
* Affordable and transferable from vehicle to vehicle. Perfect for people who lease or when you want to sell your car.
* Quick and simple to install - no mess!
* Protects both the interior and exterior of the car - conventional rust proofing only protect the outside
* Helps to control rust that has already started by preventing it from spreading
* Suitable for new and used vehicles
* The Sacrificial Anodes give customers visual proof that the system is working
* Platinum Protection electronic rust inhibitor is the only system to successfully combine both Impressed Current and Sacrificial Anode technologies
* No chemical odor or dripping
* Ask Dealer for Warranty Details
Fabric Protection you can count on
Spills, stains are unavoidable but they do cause permanent damage to a vehicle's interior. Platinum Fabric Protection penetrates into each individual fiber creating an invisible barrier to repel spills, stains and UV fading. Treated surfaces are resistant to ultraviolet color fading, cracking, moisture absorption and mildew. Platinum retains the interior's natural texture and appearance, preserving the trade-in or re-sale value of your vehicle.High-end automobile dealerships and intelligent consumers choose Platinum Fabric Protection over the competition because:
* Platinum Protection Warranty is superior to that of any other manufacturers warranty.
* The Platinum Fabric Protection Package allows for easy clean-ups of automotive upholstery
* Protects against permanent stains, fading, mildew and moisture absorption
* Will not change the color or texture of your fabric upholstery
* Penetrates each fiber creating an invisible barrier
* Brings piece of mind to vehicle owners with children and pets
* Helps preserve the appearance of your automobile and longevity
* Affordable protection for your vehicle. Perfect for people who lease or to protect the re-sale value of a car
* Quick and simple to apply - no mess!
* Suitable for new and used vehicles
* No chemical odor
* Does not transfer to clothing
* Safe on all fabric interiors
* * (Ask Dealer for Warranty Details)
Diamond Detailing Automotive Reconditioning Technician
- Diamond Detailing Automotive Reconditioning Technician
- Quality isn't expensive it's priceless.Diamond Detailing Guelph's finest Automotive Reconditioning Technician offers complete auto detailing services. Diamond Detailing Automotive Reconditioning Technician Romeo Styles is renowned for his automotive detailing skills. It's no wonder why this is Ontario's preferred source for domestic and luxury import detailing.
Visit the website for a list of services and educational information.
by Diamond_Detailing
Diamond Detailing A.R.T Automotive Reconditioning Technician is owned and operated by Romeo Styles a professional and Master auto detailing expert in Guelph,... more »
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