So you’ve got a new car. Great! But what’s the best way to keep it spick and span over time? Photo: X Auto Detailing.
For Canberra car lovers, a vehicle isn’t just for transport. It’s a creative statement, an extension of their own personality that provides security and freedom. It’s a point of connection, bringing people together to celebrate their passion.
It’s also a pretty big investment.
A proud car owner wants to keep that investment in good condition. But other than a wash and vacuum at home, what’s the best way to ensure your vehicle stays looking like it came straight from the showroom?
A self-professed driving enthusiast, Cindy Qi says the devil is in the details. She’s the proud owner of X Auto Detailing, working daily on the passion projects of other car lovers.
“There are lots of run-of-the-mill detailers who offer cheap waxes and sealants for drivers on a budget,” she says.
“But if you want the very best exterior protection for your car, invest in quality ceramic coating or specialist paint protection film, installed by someone who knows what they’re doing.”
Instead of a thin film like waxes or sealants, ceramic coatings bond to the paint on a chemical level before curing to create a ‘shell’ around your vehicle. They are hydrophobic, meaning they repel almost all liquids, and have a glossy, vibrant finish.
PPFs and ceramic coatings have been around for a while, but the latest technology remains almost invisible and helps them last longer. Photo: X Auto Detailing.
Paint protection films (PPFs) are a great defence against chips, scratches, stains and weather fading. Designed for the long term, they can significantly extend the lifespan of your car’s paint job. Even better, PPFs self heal under heat, so you can effectively erase surface marks just by sitting your car in the sun or treating it to a warm bath.
“It’s also important to prevent water, sun and stain damage inside the car,” Cindy says.
“We use material-specific coatings for vinyl, leather and fabric.
“A good window tint protects the glass from chips and scratches, but it also reduces the UV, glare and heat entering your car, keeping your dashboard and seats in good condition for longer.”
Between visits to a professional, it’s important to wash your car gently using high quality products that won’t cause swirls or abrasions. Don’t fall for cheap pressure washers, sponges or multipurpose detergents. They will likely cause more damage to your exterior than avoiding a wash altogether.
“If you are buying a soap for home, get one that is pH balanced and lathers nicely to lift dirt and grime off the car without scrubbing,” Cindy says.
“And don’t forget to clean your wheels – they’re exposed to a lot on the road and can get damaged easily. Look for a proper wheel cleaner, iron remover and tyre dressing.”
Regular detailing will not only reduce your maintenance costs in the long run, it also keeps the resale value of your vehicle high. X Auto runs a ‘presale’ package to ready a used car for its new owners. Remember, the more untouched your car looks, the more likely it is to sell at a high price.
For more information visit X Auto Detailing.
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