Detailing a car is time consuming, costly, requires more knowledge, tools, and chemicals, so why go to such great lengths to clean a car? The obvious reason is to have a clean car, but besides that what’s the point? One of the most important benefits of detailing a car is the protection that is added to your vehicle. This is done through a proper and thorough detailing process, using the correct tools and products. A proper detail makes your car look new and adds lasting protection while removing contaminates from your paint that if left untreated will cause damage to the clear coat.

Two of the most common contaminates that litter your car’s paint are industrial fallout and brake dust. These microscopic particles wedge into tiny hills and valleys of your paint slowly eating away at the surface. They are also highly abrasive. Even the slightest friction can cause scratching and swirling in the paint. Something as simple as brushing your arm against the door panel could case micro scratches to form. Fortunately, there are products and tools that allow us to remove these and other contaminates from the paint. This prevents damage and enriches the slickness and shine.

Paint decontamination removes harmful particles from your paint. The next step is to add protection. This can come in many forms ranging from a standard wax to a Paint Protection Film (PPF) with ceramic or graphene coating. A full PPF wrap followed by ceramic/graphene coating is the ultimate protection for your vehicle that will last for multiple years, and when installed correctly can cost upwards of $8000. Luckily, car care technology has come a long way in the last decade. Now, products infused with ceramic or graphene provide short term protection to paint with easier application and lower costs.

The products we use to seal and protect also enhance the gloss and repel water, dirt, and other contaminates to block your car from potential harm and keep it looking clean longer. The handoff for easier application and remarkably lower cost is the product’s lifespan. At best, some advertise protection for up to 6 months with a single coat, but realistically the protection is often only effective for 8-12 weeks before losing most of its benefits. With maintenance and frequent application, these are an effective low-cost method to protect your car’s paint and keep it looking clean.

Detailing your car is more than just for show, it has real world benefits and offers real protection. It may take more time and effort, but in the long run it is a necessity to keep your car in great condition.