Wax on Wax off.

Ok, I have your attention. I want to use this opportunity to clear one thing up. Waxing your car, is different than polishing your car. The objective of wax, or a sealant, is to protect your car's paint from the environment. Over time, the sun's rays, combined with other pollutants, can degrade your car's paint. Frequently applying a wax or a paint sealant to your car's paint, will significantly reduce this damage. Polishing, is the process of using a machine polisher along with special abrasives, to enhance or correct the painted surfaces of a car. The polishing process can remove fine to medium scratches in the paint, and make it more reflective. In some cases, both the polishing and the waxing steps are combined, using a specially formulated product applied with an electric polisher. So, next time someone uses the terms 'wax' and 'polish' interchangeably, you can correct them; waxing protects your car's paint, and polishing enhances and corrects.

How Much Time?

The process of an auto detail varies widely, depending on who is doing the detail. The basic concept of an auto detail is that most surfaces of a car are carefully cleaned and protected. This process takes time, and there is no way to rush through the process without cutting corners. A team of very well trained workers with efficient equipment, can expedite the detailing process, but only to a certain degree. Even the most basic detail should take about 45 minutes to an hour. More extensive detailing can take several hours or more, if done properly. Be cautious of anyone who claims to detail your car in a very short amount of time. Usually, this means that steps are skipped in order to expedite the service. The condition of a vehicle can also prolong detail times. A car that is in very good condition can be detailed more quickly than a neglected car. Detailing an automobile is a meticulous process that should be done carefully. Rushing through the detailing process will yield poor results and reduce its value to the customer.

Making Intelligent Decisions.

When choosing a company to detail your automobile, there are few key things to keep in mind. Some in the auto detailing business, are unprofessional, and are only out to make a quick dollar. Operations such as these often lack basic business licenses and insurance. In addition, poor quality products and supplies may be used to detail your automobile, resulting in poor results or damage. The first thing you can do to choose a quality auto detailing provider, is to ask family and friends for recommendations. Usually, someone you know will be able to provide a solid recommendation. If you are not successful in finding a recommended detail company, try searching for one online. Look for companies that have a strong web presence. Blogs and online forums are a good way to locate a reputable company. Next, you can contact the companies you have found online by phone or email, to ask questions. Make sure to ask if they are licensed and insured. Ask what steps they take to conserve water and protect the environment. Also ask them if their own employees will be doing the work, or do the use contractors. The person you interact with should be polite, and be able to answer all of your questions adequately. Once you choose an auto detailing company, they should be able to deliver a quality service conveniently and efficiently. Finding a good auto detailing company, who is able to deliver a quality service, should not be difficult. Use some care, however, to avoid choosing an unprofessional company that you are likely to be disappointed with.

Only Two Gallons?

This topic is related to the previous one; running a more eco-friendly Auto Detailing company. A common question with water conserving wash methods is, "How can you wash my car with only two gallons of water?". A rinse-less wash is a product that allows you to wash a car one panel at a time, and dry, without rinsing. It is very efficient, and if done correctly, will not cause paint damage. The concentrated solution contains polymers, as opposed to soaps and surfactants. The polymers effectively bond to both the cars paint, and the dirt. This creates a bond that allows the dirt to be suspended safely in the wash solution. A quality micro-fiber mitt used to wash the paint, traps much of the suspended dirt in its tiny fibers. The combination of these two technologically advanced products allows you to wash a car with about 1 gallon for the wheels and tires, and 1 to 2 gallons for the actual painted surfaces of the car. This is compared to traditional washing, which can easily use 20 gallons or more of water. Water conserving wash methods, such as rinse-less washes, are here to stay. They are effective, safe, and conserve a precious resource; water.

Going Green

Traditionally, many in the Auto Detailing industry were not focused on being environmentally friendly. Water was used with little regard to it being a limited resource. In addition, the run-off from the washing process was allowed to make its way into storm drains, and eventually our water ways. Many of the products used in the past, were petroleum based and gave off VOC's, or volatile organic compounds. Recently, the operators of eco-conscious Auto Detailing companies realized that they had to change, and do their part to protect the environment. Not only does 'Going Green' protect the environment, but it can also save money and be more efficient. The first step to this process, was to reduce water usage. To accomplish this, water-less and rinse-less washes were developed. A water-less wash is a product that does not use water, but still allows a person to safely wipe the dirt and grime off of an automobile's painted surfaces. A rinse-less wash still uses water, 2-3 gallons per car, but much less than a traditional wash which can use 10 times that amount or more. Both of these great products not only significantly reduced water usage, but also eliminated the run-off into the storm drains. These products do have some limitations, such as a very muddy car, or a car covered with sand and salt. In those situations, a quick rinse with a pressure washer is done, before water efficient products are used. In an effort to reduce the release of VOC's into the environment, water based waxes, polishes, and dressings have appeared in the last few years. These products have performance equal too or better than petroleum based products, without the fumes. Eco-friendly Auto Detailing is here to stay. It is very important that everyone does their part to protect our environment. Companies that continue to waste water and release harmful gases into the air should not be tolerated. Be sure to ask your car care provider about what they are doing to 'Green' their operation.

Why Auto Detailing?

If you read the first article, "What is Auto Detailing", you should now have a general understanding of Auto Detailing. You may be asking yourself, why should I have my car professionally detailed, when I can just go to the car wash. First, having your car washed and getting it detailed are two different services. When your car is properly detailed, every surface on the car is more thoroughly cleaned and protected. Second, more care is taken to use the proper materials and supplies to clean your automobile. Many times car washes use improper or cheap materials, which can result in damage to your car. Having your car professionally detailed can also save you time. A mobile detail company can come to your home or office, to conveniently detail your automobile. Fixed location shops, sometimes offer express detail services that can be done in about an hour, while you wait. Having your car professionally detailed has clear benefits over going to the car wash. Not only will your car look better, it can save you time and be convenient.

What is Auto Detailing?

The term 'Auto Detailing' is a widely used, and often incorrectly understood term. If you ask 10 people what their definition of Auto Detailing is, you will probably get 10 different answers. Because the term is so general, people often are confused when it comes to purchasing Auto Detailing services. Many car care establishments will offer Auto Detailing, yet have very little understanding of what is actually is. The customer ultimately has a bad experience, and their perception of Auto Detailing in general, is a negative one. Based on my knowledge and experience, Auto Detailing is the process of carefully maintaining and preserving the materials that make up an automobile. This process is much more involved than a simple wash of the exterior and a quick vacuum of the interior. A proper Auto Detail requires knowledge of the materials that make up an automobile, and what it takes to properly clean and preserve them. It is very important that the proper materials and products be used during the detailing process. The wrong materials in the hands of an inexperienced person can cause poor results and even damage to the car's materials. One other misconception, is that Auto Detailing is something you do only after a car starts to look bad. This is completely false. It is actually extremely important to have a car regularly detailed from the time it is new. If the surfaces of a car are neglected, they often can not be restored back to like new condition; and if they can it is time consuming and expensive. I hope that this article allows you to better understand what Auto Detailing is, and will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase Auto Detailing services.