Buying a new car before you do read these money saving tips

Proper car care is a financially rewarding experience regardless of the age of the vehicle; but for those who are buying a new car I have added some car care tips to help you keep your vehicle looking new and to protect its value at resale time. New car owners should be aware that the resale value of a vehicle depends on two things: mechanical and cosmetic appearance.

Tips to save you money before you buy:

* Do your research on the latest technology before you buy. Especially, when it comes to things like automotive accessories, window tint, vehicle protection systems or paint, fabric, vinyl, leather & rust protection packages.

* Ask the dealership you plan to buy from how much the package will cost prior to making an offer. It is important to note that most automobile dealerships offering accessories, window tint, paint, fabric, vinyl, leather & rust protection packages sell these upgrades, services and installations at a premium price and in most cases do not even perform the work in-house themselves. The work is usually subcontracted to auto detailing shops.

* Call around to professional detail shops who offer the upgrades you want - many times you can get the same product or better for less cost. Find out which detail shop the car dealership sends cars to and call them for pricing.

* The average cost for a paint, fabric, rust and leather/vinyl protection package at a dealership costs between $800-1200 but when you factor in the interest the package ends up costing well over $2000.00. By cutting out the dealership as the middleman and going straight to a professional auto detailer to get the protection package you can save yourself $400-$1200.00.

* If you are offered a warranty of any kind read the fine print. All warranties look great at first sight but once you have a true understanding of them many fail to meet your expectations.

Tips for sale contract:

* Find out where your car will be detailed prior to delivery. Many car dealerships do not perform the detailing in-house. Instead, they subcontract it to professional detailer's. Do your research to find the most reputable detail shop and if the dealership you plan to buy from does not use the detailer of your choice make it a part of the contract. Many people are unaware of the fact that they are paying an administration fee for this service which is to be of the highest standards; yet many of the detail shops fall below this standard and the end result could be costly. A new car must be prepped properly to remove glue from the paint. Adhesive that is left to remain eventually gets baked on by the sun and etches itself into the paint. A skilled professional detailer can provide the best care for your car and ensure that it is prepped, cleaned and that any protection packages you purchase are applied correctly whereas an amateur or low cost detail shop may fail to follow correct procedures or use low grade retail products. For more information about automotive detailing see the following article:Everything you need to know about automotive detailing - Guelph automotive detailing expert Diamond Detailing

Tips for car care:

* New car owner's should always buy extended service or warranty plans. Regular service checks should be performed at approved dealers and maintenance should be followed as per the manufacturers recommendations. It is always wise to keep all receipts and records of maintenance - this is proof to potential buyers that you have taken excellent care of the car and that it is in good mechanical condition.

* Paint touch up stick that matches the paint on the vehicle. You may purchase this at the dealership where you are buying the car or if you are good at making deals you may be able to convince them to throw one in with the sale (but add it to the contact). The paint stick will allow you to touch up small stone chips. Stone chips are the result of a hard impact usually by gravel or other debris on the road which causes the paint to become damaged. In some cases it may become cracked or may actually take a piece of the paint off the car. Left untreated the unprotected spots will collect moisture and will lead to rust or what is better known in this industry as cancer. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep up with the stone chips so that your car does not become damaged. If you are not inclined to do the touch-ups yourself get a professional detailer to do them for you.

* Stone chip guard has become a necessity these days. Modern vehicles seem to have become more prone to stone chips for many reasons including but not limited to the body styles, road debris and the types of automotive paint being used. Scratch proof or stone chip vinyl films are the leading protection method available on the market and can prevent damage caused by scuffs, stones and scratches. Many new cars do come stock with this vinyl film applied to the vulnerable parts of the automobile but for those that don't it is highly recommended that you purchase a kit to protect door handles, fenders, bumper, mirrors, door ledges, hood or other parts that may be susceptible to chips. Most dealerships offer these kits and installation but the buyer should do some research prior to buying. Ask the dealership how much the package will cost prior to making an offer then call around to professional detail shops who offer the service - many times you can get the same product or better for less cost.

* Paint Protection, fabric protection, vinyl /leather protection and rust protection are an absolute must have when it comes to complete automotive protection. Vehicles that are left unprotected will become damaged and in some cases the damage can be quite costly. For more information about protection packages see the following articles:
Guelph Automotive Fabric Protection - Guelph Auto Detailing Expert Diamond Detailing

Guelph Automotive Leather Protection - Guelph Automotive Detailing Expert Diamond Detailing

Guelph Automotive Paint Protection - Guelph Car Detailing Expert Diamond Detailing

Guelph Rust Proofing - Platininum Protection Electronic Rust Modules

Follow manufacturers car wash tips or have a skilled professional detailer perform your car cleaning services to eliminate damage to paint, rims, tires, moldings, plastic...

Chrysler suggests you "Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with clear water…. Avoid using automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s protective finish."

Ford suggests you "Wash the vehicle frequently…rinse the vehicle with clear, cold water…. Do not wash your vehicle with hot water. Also do not wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight or while the body is hot…do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel, or strong detergents…. These can damage your vehicle’s protective coating and paint…. Tire brushes used in automatic car washes may damage the painted finish on your aluminum wheels or wheel covers. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are abrasive."

Mercedes Benz suggests you "Do not use hot water or wash your car in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent…. Thoroughly spray the car with a diffused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake…. If the vehicle has been run through an automatic car wash…re-wipe the recessed sections in the tail lamps…if necessary.

Infinity suggests you "Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap…mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water. Do not use strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gasoline or solvents."

Ferrari suggests you "Make sure that the paintwork is not directly sprayed with a high pressure jet, as damage may result. Wash all the paintwork using…ample quantities of water and a neutral shampoo…. We recommend not having the car washes by [those] automatic washing plants which…employ very aggressive detergents."

General Motors suggests "The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water…. Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives…. High pressure vehicle washes may cause water to enter your vehicle…. Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic vehicle wash that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes."

Season car care tips and maintenance schedule

A vehicle doesn't stand a chance unless it has been professionally treated. Each season brings new challenges but a well protected vehicle has a fighting chance.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

* Wash every 2 weeks
* Exterior detail every 30 days - 90 days
* Vacuum every 2 weeks
* Shampoo and detail interior every 30 - 90 days
* Have paint chips touched up as you notice them
* Seal the paint with wax every 60 - 90 days

FALL & WINTER CAR CARE - Canadian winters can take their toll on your vehicle. Protective barriers applied to your paint, tires, glass, plastic, carpet, upholstery, vinyl, rubber, plastic and metal arm it against salt, sun, gravel,ice and snow.

Regular washing & waxing protects the vehicle's exterior from corrosion, fading, peeling and scratches. If moisture penetrates the paint it will expand and contract from thawing and freezing - weakening the paint. Ultraviolet light and environmental pollution can then penetrate the clear coat. The result is oxidation; a dull or hazy appearance. All colors are susceptible to oxidation but dark color paints are at greater risk because these color pigments tend to absorb more UV than light colors. Oxidation can be fix but it costly. The process involves decontaminating and removing the top layer of paint through a compounding process and high speed polishing. In severe cases wet sanding is required.

Exterior Detailing - To prevent etching, erosion, cracking, fading and corrosion additional exterior detailing should include proper cleaning and protective treatments to tires, paint, rims, wheel wells, chrome, glass, plastic, vinyl and rubber surfaces.

Interior Detailing - Interior detailing reduces damage and erosion that can occur to carpets, vinyl and upholstery. During the winter high levels of moisture are accumulated in the vehicle causing mold and mildew - creating an unhealthy environment and deterioration. Regular shampooing, vacuuming and treatment the various surfaces with protective coatings protect the interior of your car from moisture, salt, allergens and debris.

SPRING & SUMMER CAR CARE is essential in the protection against extreme heat, industrial fallout, acid rain, hail, bird droppings, humidity, road dust, debris, sap, bugs, road paint and road oil. Follow the same schedule as winter to prevent rust, peeling, flaking, cracking, fading, etching and erosion. Special attention should also be given to your leather and vinyl interiors.

Deadly pathogens in your car are a possiblity

A while back we had a client who had spilled raw unprocessed milk for making cheese in his van. The retired gentleman had taken his vehicle to an express detail shop to be cleaned and the odor removed but they failed to complete the task properly so he came to us for our help.

He explained he was living on a pension and the cheese he makes was quite costly to produce - in fact, he could buy it cheaper at the store; but loved making it himself. So he had gone out to a farm bought 4 gallons of milk and on the way home the bucket spilled over. He went on to explain that he was so upset at himself because his hobby had cost him so much. Between having to re-buy the milk, paying the express detail shop for a job that they didn't do right and having to pay us that his batch of cheese had become the most expensive cheese in the world.

We felt badly for him. The express detail shop should have never taken on that project. They are not equipped or knowledgeable enough to deal with a catastrophe like this. Spot shampooing the carpet, spraying it with air freshener and running the air does not resolve anything. The carpets and underlay were full of mold and the smell was beyond words. View the photos to see what the other shop left behind.

This vehicle recon was a huge undertaking. We had to completely gut this van. After removing the carpet it was given several cleanings to eliminate stains and ensure that the milk was completely removed from carpet and underlay. The van itself had to be completely cleaned using a medical grade antibacterial/anti-fungal solution. A three step system was used to decontaminate the contents and the air. The treatment we used is one that is utilized by hospitals to disinfect laundry, food areas and to make surgical rooms sterile. The first step was to decontaminate the empty van including the ac/heat and vent system. This ensures that there is no chance for mold, bacteria or odor regrowth. Once the carpet and freshly cleaned seats had gone through the drying process, they underwent the same decontamination process. Upon completion everything was placed back inside the vehicle, along with the freshly cleaned seats for a final decontamination and then allowed to air out.

We had the vehicle for 3 days, when he came to pick it we showed him the photo's and explained the entire process to him. He was disgusted by what he saw in the pictures, but he was elated by the final result. He couldn't thank us enough and kept insisting that he should pay us more because he had no idea how in depth the process was going to be. We declined his offer and he ended up taking a pile of business cards to hand out to people he knew. "Give trust, and you'll get it double in return" quoted by Kees Kamies

This story appalls me because the other shop had sold him on a service they could not perform. They lacked the equipment, chemicals, knowledge & training therefore they had no business performing this task. Instead of telling him they couldn't do it or refer him to someone that could they took his money. This in itself is a crime but that isn't the worst of it. In doing so, they put this mans' health at risk. Raw milk can carry salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 or listeria. If this milk contained any of these pathogens this man, his wife, grandchildren or anyone else in the van who made contact with it; would have been exposed to deadly pathogens. Something as simple as his grandson rubbing his hands on the carpet; could have transferred deadly bacteria onto his hands and in the event he didn't wash them, he could have transferred them to his mouth, food or another person through contact.

This is a serious issue and one that should be a lesson to all amateur detailers out there. When you are cleaning a car you must factor in the health risks for both the client and yourself. This includes the chemicals & equipment you use, the protection you wear and the process you utilize. Failure to eliminate possible hazards is a risk to your clients that you don't want to take; nor do you want to create a problem.

You must understand chemistry and be knowledgeable about the chemicals you use. Learn what health risks may be associated with them if any, use them as directed, do your research and always wear the necessary protective gear to protect yourself from exposure. A good example would be using ammonia and bleach (although I would hope you wouldn't ever be using these in a car) but if you did, you could be manufacturing a deadly gas that could cause you or your client to have respiratory failure. Certain chemicals may be poisonous to animals and small children. Several chemicals can be potentially dangerous to individuals with allergies and asthma; so keep this in mind to prevent accidents.

A professional detailer must also have the knowledge, training and equipment to deal with everything including bio-hazards. Failure to meet these requirements puts your health and the health of others at risk. Blood borne pathogens can include but are not limited to hepatitis.

Over the years I have been exposed to many toxic, bio-hazardous and potentially dangerous scenarios including toxic substances, mold, bacteria, syringes, blood, vomit, feces, urine and viruses... but because I assume the risk is there, I protect myself as best I can before it is too late. You don't know where a car has been, what mold, bacteria, fungus, toxins and gases exist so you must take precaution.

Detailers who aren't experienced or knowledgeable enough to effectively or safely remove them, should abstain completely and let the real professional detailers do the job. I have a greater respect for people who admit they can't do something than those who take someone's money and wing it. No one wins when you fail and no money is worth jeopardizing your health or that of someone else !

Pro's VS The Joe's

Well my latest blog Amateur poachers a disgrace to the auto detailing industry stirred up quite a buzz. I have received positive feedback from several people, but the one I want to talk about is the one titled pro's detailers vs the jo detailers 1-0. A detailer in Toronto just wanted to say that it was about time someone stood up to expose the truth and begin educating customers. He said the industry needs to be redefined to separate the amateurs from the pro's because all to many times he has seen shops sell themselves as professional detailers with 9 years experience but their workmanship is no more than that of amateur level. He added that time alone does not make you a professional and I must agree.

I too, have met many who think that the time factor alone makes them a professional. In fact, I spoke to one today who is local in the city. These guys took 3 month's training, bought a franchise and now they are pro's. This amazes me; these people who wash cars, do express details or have nothing more than amateur skills to offer, honestly believe they are professional detailers and sell themselves as such. What's worse is the customers buy into it and end up paying these amateurs to damage their cars. This is why consumer education is so important. Clients need to be aware of the potential risks they are taking when they contract unskilled car cleaners and be able to see the difference between what the pseudo pro and a real pro or master can do. Once customers have experienced the difference, see the financial rewards and the long-term outcome of having a real professional care for their car they will never turn back.

I also received other emails from people who just wanted to share their car detailing horror stories. Each one is important and unfortunate. I feel badly for these people but the stories they told are not unlike the ones I hear on a daily basis. Individuals sold them on a valued professional service, took their money only to deliver less than professional results and in many cases their prized possessions were marred.

I should add that some of these people wanted to know the who and where of it all but I'll tell you the same thing I told them - as much as I would like to put a stop to bad business practices I can't name names. It isn't my responsibility to tell you who to avoid. It is ultimately up to the consumer to figure out who is a pro auto detailer and who is a joe detailer. All I can do is recommend other professionals.