Like any personal possession there does come a time for its upkeep/maintenance.  For a vehicle this holds true from both a mechanical and aesthetic viewpoint. 

The viewpoint of the latter (vehicle aesthetics) is subjective from one vehicle owner to the next. What is meant by this is that while regular car cleaning enhances both the upkeep and personal enjoyment value, it isn't necessary to the overall function of the vehicle compared to maintenance.

To help sway those vehicle owners who don't hold the aesthetic upkeep of their vehicle in high regard, we've created a "cheat sheet" on car washing to help simplify this type of vehicle maintenance to one of potential enjoyment. 

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Our accredited auto-detailing location JREK Autocare has mentioned that on numerous occasions, customers have specifically received detailing services either prior to an appraisal or for private sale and have in turn received better pricing as a result of the detailing services.

Additionally, a recent article in Driving.ca mentioned that detailing services produced an almost 20% increase in the appraisal value of a Honda Civic they used to showcase the benefits of auto-detailing. 

It is clear that auto-detailing services can give your re-sale a "pop" in price at the end of your ownership.  On the other hand, seasonal detailing (paint protection and interior steam-cleaning) will help preserve the aesthetic lifespan of your vehicle and may extend your overall appreciation for your vehicle - lending to owning it longer then otherwise envisioned.        

As an example of the multi-use function of a microfiber, our Accredited Auto-Detailing Location (JREK Autocare) uses them for window, leather and vinyl cleaning, along with rim detailing (dependent on rim coating). 

The one major benefit to using a microfiber over disposable "shop towels" as example is that microfibers can be washed in laundry and re-used multiple times before they ware-out.  

If your thinking about purchasing a package of microfibers cloths, most major department stores carry them or you can purchase through our on-line store. 

In order to restore the vehicle paint to as near original condition, the use of a buffer is required.  A buffer enables the buffing pad and compound (lubricant) to cut-into the clear coat at a fast revolution speed to heat-up the paint surface and correction the paint blemish.

Polishing is typically the final stage in the high-speed process and is applied by buffer at lower speed (not enough to cut-into the clear coat).  The idea is to remove any residual trailings created during the high-speed portion of the buffing process.  This can also double as an "express buff" to correct minor blemishes such as snow brush markings. 

Protection
The analogy of applying sunscreen to your skin in order to reduce the effects of a sunburn can be applied in similar context to paint protection for your vehicle.

Applying either wax or paint sealant to your vehicle paint adds a barrier between the paint surface and the natural elements.  This barrier helps protect the paint from oxidizing and degrading (which can occur over successive winters with no paint protection).

Wax is typically comprised of carnauba (organic based) extracts, which pull the shine out of the vehicle paint.

Paint sealant is a synthetic blend, intended more for longevity over shine.

Have you ever parked your vehicle in a public parking lot and come back from your outing to find a scratch inflicted to your vehicle from someone else?  The easy answer is yes and most people have experienced this over their driving careers.  

Even more troubling is when you go out of your way and park in what you assume is a "low-traffic area" of the parking lot and still receive a third-party scratch and/or door ding.

Scratch level

Depth level of a scratch is a big factor in determining if it can be high-speed buffed out.  Typically, if the scratch isn't deeper than the length of a normal finger nail it should be buff-able.  Secondly, if the scratch appears in an area where the paint is on plastic, this can't be buffed as the high speeds of the pad can melt the portion of the plastic being buffed.

Buffing tools

The adjacent picture is of a Makita high-speed buffer and pads.  (Our accredited auto-detailing location, JREK Autocare uses this specific equipment for their buffing and polishing services.)

Depending on your hands-on experience, tackling scratch removal on a DYI level can be completed.  You'll need a high-speed buffer, pads (wool - higher clear coat cut in and/or more conservative foam pad) and compound (lubrication to assist in the correction process) to complete.

All required buffing products are available in our on-line store.  Remember that scratch removal via high-speed buffing involves heating the specific area of the vehicle paint via high revolutions of the buffing pad to fill in the scratch.

This is a skill developed over numerous hours of practice, burning your paint can happen without the proper knowledge base.


  

Thankfully there is a method to removing the road salt from your vehicle's carpets and mats.  

The downside first - it re-occurs, meaning that after each winter season the road salt will come back.  

The upside - utilizing a steam-cleaner (mix of almost boiling water & carpet shampoo) removes the road salt, but it will leave the carpets damp (even wet for periods in excess of 48 hrs - depending on how heavily salted the area is),  Properly vent area after to prevent mildew.   

So how do I get my hands on a steam-cleaner?

1. Buy one which will cost thousands of dollars (can be used for in-home use as well - check eshine.ca )

2. Rent a portable steam-cleaner from your grocery store, home improvement store (typically not as versatile to get into hard to reach areas)  

3. Have it professionally completed (check jrek.ca)