Helpful Info For Customers: Conversations I Have With Clients Prior To Booking Or Detail

I have frequently had conversations about these topics.  In the process of booking a detail, the car has other needs, or my client wants to make other aesthetic enhancements beyond the scope of detailing.  I typically suggest it is better to get this (activities which other people are touching your car) out of the way before I detail.  I also often have clients who may not be fully aware of what they can do maintenance wise, that can get the most out of their detail service.  The following is based off of recent conversations I have had with my clients.

Modifications And Cosmetic Repairs

Modifications include new wheels, glass repair/replacement.  Even with new tires I would offer this recommendation.  Get it done beforehand.  Two reasons why I make this suggestion.  I would like to detail the new wheels, that often include adding long term protection.  But also, there is always a risk in regard to other people damaging not only the wheel area but other parts of the car.  Typically, the concern is not what the average person would consider major damage, but for enthusiasts micro marring or a random scratch is a big deal.  I would rather this happen before I polish versus after the fact.

Maintenance Work

The same principle applies to dealerships or auto repair shops.  At the very least it is an opportunity for me to fix or improve damage caused prior to me applying a ceramic coating or any other detailing, versus the other way around.

Bodywork involving repaints need time for out-gassing.  There needs to be time for the paint solvents to fully evaporate.  Solvent pop is a consequence of this not happening.  These are little bubbles in the paint that form when the solvents are trapped.  Many customers do not realize this.  I encourage clients to ask the manager at the bodyshop the duration needed prior to applying any protection.

Personal Maintenance

Understanding ease of maintenance in washing does not mean doing no maintenance.  You or someone must wash your car.  Just because you wash your car every week doesn’t mean you are helping your cause.  If you are washing your car in a way that leaves swirls (small scratches) that you want removed, your lack of a desire to change your methods will lead to the damage immediately reappearing.  I do not want my clients to be back to square one with respect to their paint looking rough.  If you do not change what got you here, you will do more damage.  That can mean a conversation about this not being a good service for you.