General FAQ
Why Meticulous Detail?
You might have wondered at one point how Meticulous Detail differs from other detailing companies or individuals. I could certainly go on and list many reasons why you should choose me, Albert, but I believe my customers have stated the reasons in my Testimonial area; I am all about customer service, and results. The combination of these two things, along with exceeding expectations, is why customers choose Meticulous Detail.
What are the benefits of having your vehicle detailed?
There are, in fact, many benefits to having your vehicle professionally detailed. Outlined below, are a few examples.
Resale/Trade-in Value
Detailing can increase the overall value of your vehicle. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers will feel more comfortable and would be willing to pay more for a car knowing that it has been well maintained. You will also likely sell your car faster, as buyers look for clean vehicles. If you are trading-in your car, dealerships will also offer more for it, as there is less clean-up on their end after acquiring the vehicle.
Protection
The surface of your paint deteriorates over time, leading to unwanted oxidization. Oxidization comes from exposure to outdoor environments, such as inclement weather. By waxing your vehicle, you are putting a layer of protection on the paint to protect it from oxidizing as quickly. When Winter arrives, it is especially important to protect your vehicle from the salt and grime. An unprotected vehicle is more vulnerable to rust!
Appearance
A clean vehicle will be noticed, and will stand out much more than one that is not. A defect-free paint surface, will be more shiny and reflective than one that has scratches. The feel of the paint will be smoother, as all contaminants are lifted from the surface. Appearance also says something about the owner's personality, in that they take pride in their vehicle, keeping it clean.
Respect
Vehicles that are noticeably detailed, when taken in for mechanical work, will gain more respect. The mechanic will certainly take much more care in his work knowing that the car has been properly cared for. In addition, they will also be more careful while performing the service, cautious to leaving tools where they do not belong, to avoid damaging your car.
Maintenance
Any professional detail will include, at the minimum, a layer of protection whether it be a wax or a sealant. This makes the vehicle much easier to maintain on an on-going basis. Bug splatter, tree sap, or bird bombs, will be much easier to remove as the contaminants will not be stuck on the surface of your paint.
Resale/Trade-in Value
Detailing can increase the overall value of your vehicle. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers will feel more comfortable and would be willing to pay more for a car knowing that it has been well maintained. You will also likely sell your car faster, as buyers look for clean vehicles. If you are trading-in your car, dealerships will also offer more for it, as there is less clean-up on their end after acquiring the vehicle.
Protection
The surface of your paint deteriorates over time, leading to unwanted oxidization. Oxidization comes from exposure to outdoor environments, such as inclement weather. By waxing your vehicle, you are putting a layer of protection on the paint to protect it from oxidizing as quickly. When Winter arrives, it is especially important to protect your vehicle from the salt and grime. An unprotected vehicle is more vulnerable to rust!
Appearance
A clean vehicle will be noticed, and will stand out much more than one that is not. A defect-free paint surface, will be more shiny and reflective than one that has scratches. The feel of the paint will be smoother, as all contaminants are lifted from the surface. Appearance also says something about the owner's personality, in that they take pride in their vehicle, keeping it clean.
Respect
Vehicles that are noticeably detailed, when taken in for mechanical work, will gain more respect. The mechanic will certainly take much more care in his work knowing that the car has been properly cared for. In addition, they will also be more careful while performing the service, cautious to leaving tools where they do not belong, to avoid damaging your car.
Maintenance
Any professional detail will include, at the minimum, a layer of protection whether it be a wax or a sealant. This makes the vehicle much easier to maintain on an on-going basis. Bug splatter, tree sap, or bird bombs, will be much easier to remove as the contaminants will not be stuck on the surface of your paint.
What are swirl marks?
Swirl marks are light scratches on the surface of your paint. Sometimes these scratches are microscopic in size and are only visible under natural sunlight or halogen lighting. Some common causes of swirl marks include improper car washing techniques, dragging small particles (such as dust) across the paint surface, wiping a dry surface with a dry cloth, or taking your car through an automated car wash. Swirl marks can be removed by high speed polishing via a machine.
Protect with a wax or a sealant?
Meticulous Detail offers 2 options when it comes to a last step product - a wax or a paint sealant. What is the difference? A wax, typically carnauba based, gives your paint a "warmer" look. The paint will look more deep, and have a "wet look" effect to it. Applied properly, a carnauba wax can offer protection up to 3 months. A paint sealant on the other hand, is typically a synthetic formula made with polymers. It gives the paint a shinier and more reflective finish. A sealant will outlast a wax by several months, and is a very popular choice for daily drivers as durability is much longer, protecting the paint from the environmental elements.
Clay Bar FAQ
What are bonded contaminants?
Bonded contaminants can often be identified as orange or brown dots seen on the surface of the paint on your car. It is most evident on light coloured cars such as silver or white. Bonded contaminants are also known as Industrial Fallout (IFO) or rail dust. IFO occurs when particles from the atmosphere land on an unprotected surface and then embed themselves into the paint. Brake dust is an example of such particles. Rail dust is very similar. It is named as such because it is commonly found on cars that are transported by rail. Metal shavings from the rails attach themselves to the surface of the paint, and if left unattended for long periods of time, begin to rust and show signs of orange and brown.
What is a clay bar, and what can it remove?
Auto detailing clay is an engineered resin compound used to remove contaminants from the surface of your vehicle's paint, glass, and metal. Detailing clay can be natural or synthetic, though most manufacturers utilize synthetic clays. Simply put, it is specifically designed to remove contaminants that washing and polishing cannot. Embedded grains of metal, tree sap, road tar, brake dust, bug remains, and even paint overspray, are some examples of what it can remove.
How do I use clay?
The process of clay bar decontamination is fairly simple, and the first step to get started is getting a clay bar. They are usually sold in kits and can be found at your local automotive store. Automotive clay comes in different grades, but in most cases off-the-shelf kits will do. If you have an issue like paint overspray, you may need a medium grade clay which can be found online or at automotive specialty shops.
The next step is to ensure your car is properly washed and dried. In your clay bar kit, it usually includes a spray lubricant. If it did not, you may use a quick detailer for lubrication. Another option is automotive soap mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Now spray an area of the surface liberally with your lubricant. Make sure the clay is molded into a flat waffer, and put it on the paint. Slide the clay across the paint with the palm of your hand and apply very little pressure. Move the clay back and forth and after a few passes, the paint should feel smooth. Remember to keep lubricating the area, as using clay without lubrication can cause damage to your paint. As you move to other panels on your car, remold the clay to keep a clean surface on the outside. If the clay becomes too dirty, use a new piece. If you drop it, discard it right away as it will have picked up all the dirt from the ground.
The next step is to ensure your car is properly washed and dried. In your clay bar kit, it usually includes a spray lubricant. If it did not, you may use a quick detailer for lubrication. Another option is automotive soap mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Now spray an area of the surface liberally with your lubricant. Make sure the clay is molded into a flat waffer, and put it on the paint. Slide the clay across the paint with the palm of your hand and apply very little pressure. Move the clay back and forth and after a few passes, the paint should feel smooth. Remember to keep lubricating the area, as using clay without lubrication can cause damage to your paint. As you move to other panels on your car, remold the clay to keep a clean surface on the outside. If the clay becomes too dirty, use a new piece. If you drop it, discard it right away as it will have picked up all the dirt from the ground.