What is a clear coat?

 

A clear coat finish has a base coat of paint that contains the color pigments, and a protective, clear coating of paint on top that adds gloss and protects the color coat from degradation. The top coat of paint will protect the color as long as it is maintained properly and isn't damaged.

An easy way to detect a clear coat is by looking at the buff pad. When polishing or waxing, if the color of the paint is on the applicator, the car does not have a clear coat. If this is the case, a wax and/or paint sealant is vital to protect the color pigments.

 

I thought waxing was no longer necessary?

 

A car's finish is exposed to countless environmental factors: catalytic emissions, bird droppings, acid rain, and airborne salt. If allowed to remain on the surface, they can actually turn into an acid and etch into even the most durable paint finish.

Imagine what would happen if you brushed your teeth only once a year. The buildup could lead to costly repairs and you may never get your teeth looking as good as they did before.

The key to easy car care, is frequent car care. This includes washing and applying protection on a regular basis.

 

How long does a wax last?

 

There is no single answer to how long a car wax and/or paint sealant will last. There are many variables that influence the life of the wax: The type, color and condition of the paint, the amount of contamination the car is exposed to, the number of hours the car is kept outdoors, and the quality and application method of the wax and/or paint sealant.

 

How can I tell if my car needs to be waxed or polished?

 

Here are two tests you can use to evaluate the paint condition:
After washing and drying the car, run your hand lightly along the upper surfaces of the car. The surfaces should feel very smooth. If you detect rough spots or feel drag, the car needs a wax and/or paint sealant.
Spray water on the car. If tight beads appear this means that the paint has the proper amount of protection. If the beads are loose, there is not enough protection on the car, if there are no beads, there is no protection on the car and a wax and/or paint sealant should be applied immediately.

 

What is the difference between polish and waxing/paint sealant?

 

Many manufacturers use the terms "wax" and "polish" interchangeably. Professionals know there is a big difference... and our products are formulated to these demanding specifications.

A pure polish can best be described as a paint conditioner that restores valuable oils to the paint, eliminates fine scratches and creates incredibly high gloss. You'll see a dramatic difference when we use a polish on any car.

Polish can be used frequently. Repeated applications will help create that wet-look, deep gloss shine.

Waxes/paint sealants are designed for durability. Waxes/paint sealants will improve the shine of the paint and remove some oxidation, however their main function is to improve durability and protect the paint.

 

What type of toweling do you use?

 

We use 100% synthetic microfiber towels designed specially for auto detailing. Chamois towels may scratch the car's surface.

 

Why should I get a hand car wash instead of a drive through wash which costs less?

 

If you are using a drive through wash, your car's surface may be exposed to many damaging conditions. These may include: rough brushes that may leave scratches and/or swirl marks on your paint, and harsh chemicals that may break down any protection that your paint has on it. Drive through washes may not do a thorough job at cleaning your car. Drive through washes may also cause damage to moldings, antennas, etc. that the wash facility may not claim any responsibility for. At Mobile-AutoDetailing®, we use a gentle process that will reduce the chance of damage on your paint. Some other advantages of our Full Hand Wash Plus are: we spray down the entire vehicle to remove the loose dirt before we take a mitt to it, we also spray underneath and in the wheel wells, we do a thorough dry (you will not be in the parking lot drying the car by yourself), and we dress your tires so they are shiny and new looking.

 

What about hand car cleaning companies other than Mobile-Auto detailing®?

 

At Mobile-Auto detailing®, our employees receive extensive training before they touch your car! We seek to improve ways of doing things for our clients. We also use superior Meguiars products.

 

What makes Meguiars ® products so good?

 

Mobile-Auto detailing® has been researching through trial and error the very best chemical blends for your car for over five years. And finally we have choosen Meguiars products as the most suitable for all detailing tasks. Please, read short review of Meguiars brand on the right side of this page.

 

When is the best time to do a Fabric Protection on my car?

 

The best time to do a Fabric Protection is:
When your car is brand new.
After a Carpet and/or Seat Shampoo or Total Interior Shampoo and Detailing.
If your seats and/or carpets are in good, clean condition you can do it anytime for extra protection.

 

How often do my leather seats need to be conditioned?

 

Leather seats need special care in order to keep them looking good for years. Becouse of our Arizona sun and weather conditions we recommend every 3 months for our Leather Treatment. If you have a Seat Shampooed, a Leather Treatment afterwards is a must!

 

How often should my engine be shampooed?

 

We recommend an Engine Shampoo twice a year. If you are selling your vehicle or going to be in a car show, an Engine Shampoo is a must!

 

Is there a regular maintenance schedule you could recommend for my car?

 

Yes. The following will outline our recommendations to keep your car looking newer, longer!

 

Full Hand Wash Plus
Once a week (or more depending on weather)

Wash and Vac/Wash and Vac Supreme
Once or twice a month (depending on your situation, family, pets in the vehicle, etc.)

Fabric Protection
Immediately on a new car, after shampooing on all others. Any time extra protection is wanted.

Carpet Shampoo
Whenever the carpet gets dirty and frequently in the winter to avoid permanent salt stains.

Seat Shampoo
Whenever the seats get dirty.

Total Interior Shampoo and Detailing
Usually once or twice a year, depending on the level of desired perfection and your situation, family, pets, in the vehicle, etc.

Wax
Dark painted cars four to five times per year. Light painted cars two to three times per year.

Paint Sealant
Once a year. (note: for added protection, our Wax can be placed on top of our Paint Sealant.)

High Speed Polish
If your car has light to medium scratches and/or oxidation, it needs this service. Note: With proper care it will reduce the chance of needing this service again. Please contact us for more information.

Engine Shampoo
Twice a year or more depending on your level of desired perfection.

Leather Treatment
Every three months or after a seat shampoo.