What Is A Mobile Car Wash? – Virginia Beach, VA

Mobile car washes are a type of wash that can travel to different locations to perform a plethora of services a mobile auto detailer can provide.  There are several advantages to its cause, and it is a myth that just because it is transportable it means that the jobs they can carry out are limited.  The vans and trucks that go to conduct each duty are typically stocked with all the cleaners, accessories, towels and tools needed to execute even the most daunting projects.

 

 

“More importantly, mobile car washes deliver just a taste of the wealth of tasks professionals can handle.  Often times a wash can lend itself to educating customers on what else can be done to service their automobile to make it look and run magnificently”

 

What Is A Mobile Car Wash Used For?

Most people that use a mobile car wash do so as a result of their busy schedule.  In several cases, appointments can be made in advance, and detailing companies can have several washes lined up in a day.  Additionally, they represent a method to have increased involvement with the customer, as it is more of a one on one scenario.  They are a matter of convenience, and occasionally a car owner will need a specific request taken care of where it is better suited to travel to them, as opposed to moving their vehicle.  More importantly, mobile car washes deliver just a taste of the wealth of tasks professionals can handle.  Often times a wash can lend itself to educating customers on what else can be done to service their automobile to make it look and run magnificently.

What Can They Accomplish?

Since mobile car washes have the ability to move to numerous locations, some individuals incorrectly assume that they cannot provide the full array of detailing that dealerships offer.  This is not the case, as mobile car washes frequently include the choice to clean tires, the interior, the engine, and windows.  In fact there are only a select few operations that absolutely necessitate that the vehicle is serviced at the original detailing location.  Another advantageous aspect is that it can reach a wider radius in town, so that a larger group of people can prosper from their capabilities.

Mobile Washes Are Flexible

It is a huge positive that mobile car washes can be ‘set up’ and ‘taken down’ quickly so they can move to get to the next customer.  That said, this does not mean tasks are carried out with less attention to detail.  Mobile washes are just a means to an end to allow customers a different platform to get issues with the vehicle addressed.  Each appointment takes as long as it needs to, meaning washing, vacuuming, polishing and more are done in a full session, and not hurried or rushed irresponsibly.  Additionally, since a large share of detailing tools can be moved with ease, the scale of the job performed can still be grand while not comprising the quality of the service.

Conclusion

Mobile car washes deliver a practical way to get your ride up to par and should always demonstrate how maintaining a steady and disciplined auto detailing routine will add value and luxury.  They are a stepping stone to a broader array of beneficial projects that can be applied to your vehicle through expertise and experience.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/what-is-a-mobile-car-wash/

What Do Auto Detailers Use On Tires? – Sioux Falls, SD

Tire dressings are the additives and cleaners pro detailers use on tires to prevent early aging and enhance their appearance to better represent the vehicle.  Even though the amount of protection they can provide is limited, as all tires need replacement due to warn down treads, it is still a popular and noble cause for car enthusiasts.  What is placed on tires varies depending on each detailers philosophy and unique way of working, but there are a few mainstays that are universal in this field.

 

 

“Known as the higher end of cleaners, solvent based dressings create a shiny, wet look on tires.  This detergent is also called silicone or oil based mixtures.  The silicone helps in damp areas because it repels moisture efficiently”

 

Water Based Cleaner

The most frequently used type of detergent, water based sprays emphasize UV protection from the sun’s rays.  People often wonder why water based liquids are coveted more frequently if they are less effective, but since there is no oil involved it does not matter if excess mist gets on the paint.  In the event that this occurs, it can be wiped off in seconds.  This is not true of solvents, that contain harmful chemicals that can disturb the finish.  Overall, beauty is in the eye of the beholder as to which solution to use, but water based are more foolproof.  They are not as strong but can be worthwhile in relatively small time periods.  Auto detailers offer them as a budget conscious choice for consumers. 

Oil Based Dressings

Known as the higher end of cleaners, solvent based dressings create a shiny, wet look on tires.  This detergent is also called silicone or oil based mixtures.  The silicone helps in damp areas because it repels moisture efficiently.  In addition, because it is ‘greasier’ each tire has a dark black reflection to them.  Oil based dressings are applied by body shops when customers want to highlight their wheels more noticeably. 

Polymer Sealant

Sealant additives with patented polymers are introduced to tires because it enhances their performance by making them less susceptible to damage.  Because they bond so well with rubber, sling is minimal.  Sling is the debris that flies up onto the vehicle at high speeds.  Polymer sealants are also wielded by experts because they prevent a tire from drying and cracking.  This can cause fading and makes tires appear weathered and old.

Soft Bristled Brushes

Brushes with gentle bristles are used because they do not scrape the rubber when applying and fills in grooves with ease.  Qualified technicians systematically circle the tire with the bristles, guaranteeing that no crack in the rubber is left unchecked. 

Grout Sponges

These sponges are put to use by detailers due to their ability to get into tight areas and incorporate a thin edge for precise application.  Some customers specifically request sponges as opposed to bristles if they are seeking a specific type of dressing. 

Conclusion

To properly ‘dress’ your tires it is integral to partake in the service of advanced auto detailing.  Believe it or not there are wrong ways to service your wheels, and incorrect application will cause debris to fly up on the body.  Professional auto detailers can extend the tread’s life and promise it shines regardless of the environment it is driven in.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/what-do-auto-detailers-use-on-tires/

How Often To Do Paint Corrections? – Tacoma, WA

‘Paint correction’ is a scary phrase to car owners because it is one of the most expensive money pits you can endure.  There are a lot of moving parts as to how frequently this process should take place, with make, model, age of vehicle, and most importantly, how much damage the paint has incurred being relevant.  Even still, there is a mental checklist you can abide by that will help in letting you know how often you should have restoration performed by experienced auto detailers.  So what are some factors that determine the time frame at which correction is necessary?

 

“If your vehicle is always parked in a shaded or covered region, this will buy you months of time before paint correction is required.  This is because the most common cause for a car’s finish needing to be addressed is due to oxidation.  Oxidation is oxygen and heat based, meaning the more direct sunlight and UV rays that hit the metal, the faster it will deteriorate its properties”

 

How Much Is Your Car Exposed?

If your vehicle is always parked in a shaded or covered region, this will buy you months of time before paint correction is required.  This is because the most common cause for a car’s finish needing to be addressed is due to oxidation.  Oxidation is oxygen and heat based, meaning the more direct sunlight and UV rays that hit the metal, the faster it will deteriorate its properties.  Having a garage or awning usually means that correction should be done once every year or two, however if your automobile resides in blistering heat with limited protection, you may need a solution every few months.

Are You Washing And Drying Your Car Improperly?

Heavy swirl marks and spider web shaped imprints means that your vehicle is not being washed or buffed correctly.  Assuming you go through the car wash regularly, or routinely use a dry mit or rag to clean the clear coat, paint correction will have to be conducted often.  The film layer on a car is very fragile to rough fabrics and sponges.  Obviously they will not dent the exterior, but tiny scratches will form each time the metal is wiped in the wrong fashion.  Besides its outward appearance, scrapes are bad for an automobile because they deflect light by scattering it and causing the dirt to illuminate, and not the paint.  This is why scratched cars always look dusty and old.

What Environment Does Your Car Reside In?

Besides just harsh light, terrain will determine when paint correction must be delivered immediately.  Dusty, unforgiving regions like deserts and high traffic areas will ding and scratch your finish constantly.  If you drive in these areas with regularity, going past the 6 month mark before having the paint corrected is playing with fire.  The reason urgency is always mentioned in the same breath as paint correction is because scratching makes the hood and body more susceptible to moisture penetration.  This causes rust and speeds up the oxidation process.  Remember, if left untouched for too long, oxidation will force you to repaint the whole car.

Conclusion

The most foolproof solution to extending the life of each paint correction is to go to an experienced auto detailer and give them the keys, so to speak, on restoring your finish.  Each trained technician can give years of luster to the clear coat, and bond the finish so well that oxidation will not occur for a long period of time.  Most owners cannot afford to get correction done as much as it is needed, so having it taken care of right the first time is wise.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/how-often-to-do-paint-corrections/

How Do You Remove Car Wax From Plastic Trim? – Providence, RI

If you ever notice a chalky, ‘film’ like substance on your plastic trim, you have experienced a car wax spill.  These white blotches are a time sensitive issue, since the longer the wax rests, the more stubborn it will be to remove.  Luckily there are a few inexpensive ways to eradicate this substance from affected areas to make sure the plastic does not fade or lose its smoothness.  But first it is necessary to mention a few solutions to avoid in this process.

 

 

“Buffing over car wax that has rested will solve nothing, and in fact can damage your clear coat.  The white marks will remain and all that will have been accomplished is weakening the protective layer on your car’s body”

 

Do Not Go Through A Car Wash

The second we see anything on our vehicle that does not belong there, our gut instinct as an owner is to get the car rinsed.  The same is true of trim, but it is a feeling that should be ignored.  Spraying water on a sealant will do very little to compromise its integrity, since one of its primary purposes is to fight moisture.  Even if you power wash wax, white residue is still present afterward.

Do Not Add A Heat Component

Since wax can disperse using a hair dryer on items indoors, most think the same action can be used on plastic trim.  This is not the case whatsoever because the plastic will melt, especially with powerful heat sources.  Additionally, trim is fragile and should not have its surface manipulated by unpredictable temperatures.

Do Not Buff The Problem

Buffing over car wax that has rested will solve nothing, and in fact can damage your clear coat.  The white marks will remain and all that will have been accomplished is weakening the protective layer on your car’s body.

Methylated Spirit Is Strong

Methylated spirit is denatured alcohol that is an ingredient in several over the counter cleaners.  Only a few drops are needed on a soft applicator pad to rid your trim of wax.  If you choose to use this poisonous solution, it is essential that you clean your hands with soap and water right after you are done with it.

Rubber To The Rescue!

One of the most talked about auto detailing urban legends on the internet, rubber has the incredible capability of making wax disintegrate on plastic trim.  It is also easy to handle since it fits snugly between two fingers.

Brushes With Gentle Bristles

If you have a larger than usual car wax spill, a soft bristled brush is your ticket to resolving the issue.  Rub the brush in calculated circles, being careful not to move the wax to unaffected areas of the trim.  If the wax has sealed in hard to reach places, a toothbrush can work quickly to disrupt its components.

Conclusion

The best way to remove car wax from plastic trim is to have an auto body trained professional treat it with attention and care.  It is a worthy investment to use detailing because these experts are exceptionally trained and knowledgeable on how to service other areas of your car to promise it is running on all cylinders, while maintaining a new car aesthetic.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/how-do-you-remove-car-wax-from-plastic-trim/

How Do You Remove Car Wax From Plastic Bumpers? – Columbia, SC

If you have ever tried applying car wax, you have likely noticed it is a difficult task to perform perfectly.  It is not advisable to have wax touch plastic surfaces because its pores will be adversely affected causing the structure to wilt.  When wax is on plastic it typically appears white and is extremely noticeable, hence its removal being prudent.

Soft Bristled Brushes

Detailers use brushes that have gentle bristles to lift car wax.  Not only are they effective in this task, they do not leave extensive residue to clean up.  Toothbrushes can also be handy for this job if the spot you are treating is very small.  Regardless of the size of the wax spill, the technique remains the same in that small concentric circles should be rubbed with a medium amount of pressure.  It is always advantageous to start in a tiny area and gradually increase the radius so you do not spread the wax by mistake.

 

“Denatured alcohol is an agent found in several cleaners, and is occasionally referred to as methylated spirit on the bottle.  To take care of car wax using this solution, dab just a dime size of the liquid into a rag and lightly rub on the covered space”

 

Use A Rubber Eraser

Perhaps the most budget friendly solution to any car detailing job, utilizing a simple rubber eraser can eliminate excess car wax.  By rubbing just as you would erasing a line of text, spots will disappear in seconds.  The rubber works by quickly breaking up the sealant and flicking it off of the bumper with force.

Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol is an agent found in several cleaners, and is occasionally referred to as methylated spirit on the bottle.  To take care of car wax using this solution, dab just a dime size of the liquid into a rag and lightly rub on the covered space.  Of note is that denatured alcohol should be used as a last resort only if you do not have a brush or eraser, since it is the most risky of all methods.  The alcohol itself will dissolve the wax causing it to dissipate rapidly.  Methylated spirit is poisonous, so a thorough washing of the hands is in order after its use.

What Should NOT Be Used To Remove Car Wax From Plastic?

When something needs to be serviced on an automobile, owners tend to want to get creative, but this is not a good decision for plastic components.  For starters, heat should not be a source to lift wax residue.  All this will do is disperse the paste and create a mess.  Additionally, buffing the problematic region will only widen how much surface area of the plastic is being ruined.  Finally, simply pressure washing the spot is not successful because it will not penetrate the compound.  Remember, wax is a sealant, and as such, is repelling water on purpose.  Moisture will cause the wax spot to fade momentarily, but it does not eliminate the substance.

Conclusion

In addition to easily removing car wax from your plastic bumper, qualified technicians are at your beck and call to handle any automotive need that requires attention.  With a focus on customer service and detailing with a smile, trained auto detailers are the key to the integrity of your ride remaining consistent for months and years.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/how-do-you-remove-car-wax-from-plastic-bumpers/

Best Way Remove Car Paint Oxidation – Charleston, WV

If your vehicle has been routinely exposed for years, it stands to reason that your paint finish has experienced oxidation.  This breakdown of the compounds in paint makes finishes look dull and lifeless.  If not taken care of, it will eventually render the paint worthless and require a brand new coat.  This is obviously not ideal since the job comes with a high price tag.  There are ways, however, to remove oxidation and at minimum buy you some time before a complete overhaul is necessary.  This is done through the process of paint correction, and there are a few steps to this exercise.

Give Your Car A Bath

Even though this task will not remove oxidation, it will aid in its success by clearing the metal for correcting compounds.  From top to bottom, use a pressure washer to push away debris and have the surface be as smooth as possible.  This will help the paint bond, which is essential in combating oxidation.

 

“Oxidation removal is a two tiered process, the first being the addition of compounds, and the second being the use of a sealant.  The coat waxes place over rubbing and polishing compounds prevent oxidation from spreading if you aren’t able to successfully remove every troublesome area”

 

Rubbing Compound Vs. Polishing Compounds

Opinions vary on the best ways to eradicate spots caused by exposure, but one aspect that is not up for debate are which compounds should be incorporated.  Detailers will tell you that extensively oxidized areas require a rubbing compound, or ‘heavy’ correcting compound.  It is basically the industry standard in the paint restoration field.  Using an orbital machine, the substance should be spun on the entire car, with special attention to oxidized spots.  Areas that do not appear damaged must be buffed over as well to ensure the finish is solidly consistent.  If you are only trying to get rid of small amounts of oxidation, a ‘correcting’ polish can be used alone.  This should be rubbed the same way as the heavy compound, and uses ingredients that are rust resistant.  To get rid of as much oxidation as possible, going through heavy correcting compound, to correcting polish, to a finishing polish is most beneficial.

Seal With A Wax

Oxidation removal is a two tiered process, the first being the addition of compounds, and the second being the use of a sealant.  The coat waxes place over rubbing and polishing compounds prevent oxidation from spreading if you aren’t able to successfully remove every troublesome area.

Don’t Forget Your Headlights!

Headlights are defenseless from the sun’s rays as well, and as such, can become just as oxidized as the finish, if not more so.  If you do not have access to appropriate cleaners that removes the ‘film’ UV light creates, use a toothpaste that has baking soda as its prominent ingredient.  This works by dispersing the oxidized residue, causing the headlight to appear clear and healthy again.  Toothpaste, or a beam restoration cleaner, should be rubbed in with an applicator pad, and then cleared with a soft microfiber towel.

Conclusion

In actuality, the best way to remove car paint oxidation is taking advantage of the experienced hand extended to you by professional auto detailers.  With access to top shelf compounds and cleaners, and an eye for detail, there is no rival to their solid expertise.  Using auto body enthusiasts guarantees the job is done right.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/best-way-remove-car-paint-oxidation/

What Does Paint Correction Mean? – Milwaukee, WI

In order to understand what paint correction is, it must be differentiated from a total paint job itself.  The latter is a complete overhaul of the car, painting the exterior as if it were going to be delivered to a dealership.  Correction on the other hand is more spot check driven, but that does not mean it isn’t occasionally extensive.  Paint correction is the process of solving a myriad of problems on the finish.  It can cost a bundle, but almost always isn’t as pricey as a complete paint job unless the highest quality compounds are used.  But what does this exercise encompass?

 

“Foreign agents and the sun’s UV rays are the cause of most oxidation.  Paint correction’s role in eliminating this issue is through various compounds that attempt to bring back its natural appearance”

 

Removing Oxidized Spotting

Restoring paint frequently includes treating patches on the car that have experienced oxidation.  These areas look brown or gray and are essentially the ‘death’ of the paint.  Foreign agents and the sun’s UV rays are the cause of most oxidation.  Paint correction’s role in eliminating this issue is through various compounds that attempt to bring back its natural appearance.  It should be mentioned however that advanced stages of oxidation will require more than standard correction.

Eliminating Buffing Mistakes

Paint correction is also a fancy way of performing touch ups on the hood and body that ‘hide’ mistakes in buffing and polishing from someone that was inexperienced.  These swipe lines are called ‘swirl marks’ and make the car appear as if it has gone through a car wash but never got fully rinsed.  Before it is properly buffed out by an orbital device, the swirls look like smudge marks and uneven lines.

Correcting ‘Dry’ Wiping

If you have ever rubbed your car with a dry, rough surface, you have likely been directly responsible for scratching the clear coat.  This is particularly a problem when moisture-free buffing pads are moving at high speeds, disrupting the paint and sometimes leaving deep scrapes.  Through paint restoration, these tiny crevices are filled in and sealed over to make a seamless finish.  You can tell if your paint could use some correcting if on your fingertips the body of the car does not feel glossy.  Dry wipes also make the car look dirtier since dust inhabits the small slivers. 

Removing Contaminants

Impurities are stubborn and frustrating because they hurt a car’s aesthetic while also changing the integrity of the paint.  Paint correcting services use a clay bar to get deeply penetrated particles that can cause moisture problems, and eventually, rust.  Applying polishing compounds should not even be done unless contaminants have been eliminated entirely.

Conclusion

At its core, paint correction is a task that gives each car a facelift and promotes a healthy shine.  Even more important than its outward sparkle is the fact that it is sealed and can ward off oxidation and debris in the future.  The job itself is very rewarding, but only if conducted by professionals whose expertise lie in the application of specific chemical compounds.  Not being knowledgeable in placing them on an automobile can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage, causing the whole paint surface needing to be redone from scratch.

Original article taken from The Detailing Syndicate https://detailingsyndicate.com/what-does-paint-correction-mean/