Detailing FAQ
Why is Car Detailing a necessity?
Your car accumulates numerous particles that can harm the finish. Pollutants, mud, salt, dirt, sand, bugs, tar, rain, sun, etc. are extremely harmful to the paint. Detailing leaves microscopic layers of fine wax particles that provide a deep shine and forming a clear chemical bond that protects the paint and its original clear coat. Detailing guarantees longevity to the paint and retains the value of the vehicle. Professional detailing is not just a luxury it is an investment that has become a necessity!
Why is Car Detailing even more a necessity in Dubai and the UAE?
The climate in the UAE is potentially the most hostile and destructive to car care and maintenance. The year round high temperatures combined with the high levels of humidity and dust creates the most damaging conditions for almost every part of your car. Detailing your car regularly allows you to protect your investment in your car by maintaining the paintwork and the overall appearance of the car. Ultimately the choice is yours but the difference between the resale price of vehicles that are regularly detailed and therefore maintained and those that are not is considerable and each owner should be aware of the impact of this particularly in the UAE region where deterioration takes place quicker and is more severe.
What is the difference between Car Detailing and Washing?
Washing removes loose contaminants, dirt and grime. Detailing removes blemishes, oxidation and etching marks that are caused when contaminants penetrate the surface. Rub your hand across an upper surface. If it is rough, you need to detail your car. It prevents the paint and its clear coat from deteriorating. Retain the value of your car; have it washed & detailed by one of our technicians this week.
What is Clay Bar?
Clay bars are used to remove embedded contaminants from painted surfaces. With today’s soft paints, any contaminants that sit on your paint can quickly become embedded. These contaminants aren’t easily removed, even by washing or waxing. If you can feel bumps in the paint after washing and drying or waxing, chances are you’ll need to have it clayed first. We provide claying as an add-on service – please see our rates and services tab on the website.
Can I Wax my Car too often?
Today’s paints ARE softer and thinner than previous years. In other words, you can never wax too often – just as long as the plastic or rubber part of the car does not get any waxes on them.
What about those 20 Dhs Car Washes?
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Many of those car washes use mechanical brushes, which can damage your paint surface. In some places, the water is recycled, meaning your car is getting the same water applied to the cars that have used the facility before you. While filters can catch small particulates, they can’t filter out the dissolved salt from winter use, or all those hoards of other nasty chemicals.
What causes Swirl Marks?
Swirl marks are actually microscopic scratches in the finish. They are essentially scratches that have been put into the top layer of the paint. These scratches then act as tiny prisms, bending the light and creating a dull rainbow effect. These are often caused by the use of a buffer with the wrong type of polishing pad and/or wax/polish. Automatic car washes also can cause swirls, especially on clear coat paints. Another culprit is hand application or removal of product using a harsh material, or pads and cloths that have picked up micro abrasives from falling on the ground or improper storage. To avoid swirls, thoroughly wash all dirt particles from your finish before applying polish or wax. And always use a micro fiber towel, because its nap draws any contaminants on the surface up into the towel instead of letting them scratch the sensitive paint.
Tell me about Oxidation
Most modern car finishes consist of a base coating that contains the colour, topped with a protective clear coat that is designed to keep the pigmented paint from oxidizing. This outer clear coat adds UV protection that helps prevent the sun’s rays from drying out the base paint. Oxidation was an obvious problem ten years ago because you quickly saw the colour fade. Now that the outer layer is usually clear, oxidation is less obvious, yet it still occurs. The sun dries out top paint layers and natural oils are lost. If these oils aren’t replaced, the paint oxidizes and the surface gradually becomes duller and duller. Even more than yesterday’s paints, today’s clear coat finishes look faded whenever the surface becomes contaminated by airborne pollution, acid rain, industrial fallout, and countless other factors. If the contamination isn’t removed frequently, it reduces the reflective quality of the finish until it looks dull and lifeless. If the contamination is left on the car for some time, it can begin to etch into the thin clear coat paint layer and expose the base coat to direct UV rays and even greater damage. Once the clear coat protection is gone, the car usually requires costly repainting.
Tell me about Water Spots
Water Spots derive from several sources: car wash, sprinkler system, acid rain, etc. The good news is that all water spots are restorable if they were contaminated recently. However, if left on your car for some time, it can damage the clear coat and cut through the paint. A waxed and sealed car has a better chance of repelling water spots. Though, it is not a permanent solution.
Will it hurt the Paint or the Clear Coat if the car is detailied regularly?
Absolutely not! In fact, it will actually enhance the quality of the paint. It is recommended that all cars, regardless of make and model, should be detailed professionally once every 6 to 9 months – depending upon driving and parking conditions. However, if an amateur detailer performs the detailing job, the likelihood of paint deterioration and damaged molding is possible.
What does detailing do to Clear Coat Finnish?
Let’s first define Clear Coat Finish: today’s modern Finish consists of a dull layer of paint called a Base Coat. It provides the colour on your car. Over this base, a clear layer of paint is applied. This is called a Clear Coat. It provides the shine and protection. The result is a two-layer painted surface known as a “Clear Coat Finish”. When the Clear Coat Finish becomes dull, it requires special attention. The application of high quality polish and wax will ensure that the Clear Coat Finnish retains its original appearnace.
What is the difference between Paint Sealant and Wax?
Paint sealant forms a clear chemical bond that protects the finish of the vehicle and maintains that new car appearance. It is guaranteed to keep its shine for at least one whole year with proper maintenance. Waxes leave microscopic layers of fine wax particles providing deep shine and protection. With regular maintenance and care, the deep shine can last between 9 to 12 months depending upon the quality of the wax.
What is the difference between Polishing and Waxing?
Polishing is designed to bring out the gloss and waxing is for protection. Polishing is what makes the wet-look, deep gloss possible, especially effective on dark-colored cars. How long a wax lasts depends on a variety of factors such as the environment and how the surface is prepared
How often do I need to Polish or Wax my car?
It depends on the environmental elements your car typically endures. If your vehicle is kept garaged on a daily basis, then a polish or wax can last as long as six to nine months. If your car is kept outdoors under harsh conditions, then it will need to be waxed more often. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend that a light colorued car be polished and waxed at least every 6 to 12 months. Dark colorued cars on the other hand, will usually require more frequent and specialized attention.
What is a Sealer and Glaze?
When applied before waxing, a sealer and glaze helps hide minor scratches, spider webbing, swirl marks and other surface imperfections. It enhances clarity and shine, while giving darker coloured paints that deep, wet look. If left unprotected, a sealer and glaze will not last long. It therefore needs an immediate coating of protective wax to truly have long lasting benefit.
Why can't I use Household Detergents to clean my Car?
Household cleaners like dishwashing detergent are specifically designed to dissolve grease. Because wax is essentially a grease, household cleaners will remove your car’s waxes finish; leaving you with little shine and no protection. Also, some household detergents have micro-fine abrasive in them. These can permanently scratch your car’s surface. Always use a premium quality, commercial liquid car wash. They are formulated to dissolve dirt and grime without removing your car’s beautiful wax finish.