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Swirl Marks on Your Car

Written by admin on . Posted in car detail, paint, paint restoration, restoration, Uncategorized. No Comments on Swirl Marks on Your Car

In certain lighting, you may notice swirl marks, spider webbing, and other tiny imperfections in your car’s paint. What causes this, and what can you do to fix it? Learn more about swirl marks on your car and why it happens.

How To Spot It

How well you see swirl marks depend on a few factors. For example, the color of your car. In dark colors, the marks show up more frequently, while lighter colors reflect more light and it’s harder to see any imperfections. You will mainly see these marks on areas that are flat, like the trunk, hood, and roof. Yet, in darker colored cars, these show up on doors and fenders too. And don’t let the swirl marks title fool you. They’re not always a circular area. In fact, swirl marks can be in any shape at all. 

Why Does This Happen?

Swirl marks come from different sources, but here are some of the more common reasons.

  • Buffing or polishing with the wrong type of pad
  • Using harsh paint cleaners or polishing compounds
  • Using a dirty chamois or towels and applicators containing polyester threads
  • Wiping dirt or dust off your car with a dry towel
  • Using a dirty car duster
  • Not rinsing your sponge often enough when washing
  • Driving through an automated car wash that uses brushes and other wipers
  • Failure to rinse your car completely before washing
  • Not thoroughly washing your car before drying
  • Placing a dirty cover over your car

How To Remove Them

Once you get these marks on your car’s paint, there is just one way to remove them. They must be machine polished out, AKA paint correction. 

Got Swirls? Let Us Fix It

Noticing swirl marks and imperfections on your car? Call us to find out how we make your car’s paintwork glossy and free of imperfections. 

What Is Ceramic Coating and Why You Should Get It

Written by Michael Paul on . Posted in car detail, paint, paint restoration, restoration, Uncategorized. No Comments on What Is Ceramic Coating and Why You Should Get It

You want your car or truck to look great and maintain that brand-new presence like when it came off of the showroom floor. You may have heard about ceramic coating. But what is it, what does it do, and why should you invest in it? Here are some answers to help you decide for yourself.

orange sports car

What Is Ceramic Coating?

It’s a nano-ceramic polymer coating that reacts with your car or truck’s clear coat finish to form a thicker coating and second layer for extra protection. It provides UV protection, is very weather-resistant, and resists acid rain and normal wear. In fact, it’s so durable that ceramic coatings are often used in the aerospace industry.

What Ceramic Coating Protects Against

These are the things your manufacturer warranty doesn’t cover, but a ceramic coat protects against.

  • Corrosion
  • Acid rain
  • Road de-icing materials
  • Bird droppings
  • Hard water spots
  • Tree sap
  • UV damage
  • Insects
  • Paint overspray from road work
  • Aerosol spray paint

Oxidation, chemical stains, and etching are other variables protected with a ceramic coating.

According to J.D. Power:

That long-lasting protection is the main reason car owners choose a ceramic coating over the other options. Essentially a hard shell, a ceramic coating will prevent water stains, road grime, bird droppings, and other substances from reaching and harming the paint. With a quick rinse, they’ll simply slide right off.

And that brings us to an interesting word: hydrophobic. Typically, anything related to “phobic” has a negative connotation, but in this case it’s all positive. A ceramic coating will create a hydrophobic layer that essentially repels water, meaning mineral deposits and dirt have less opportunity to damage the paint surface.

How Long Does It Last?

Our ceramic coating comes with a fully-insured two year warranty, but independent laboratory tests show it lasts far beyond the two years of warranty coverage.

Minimal Maintenance

While you still need to keep your car detailed and as clean as possible, a ceramic coating makes all of that easier. Not only that, but you don’t have to wax every few months. If this layer of protection interests you, call us – your local ceramic coating professionals at 850-248-2270. 

Benefits of Interior Car Detailing

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Most people may just see the outside of your car. But interior detailing is just as important. From maintenance detailing to an intensive interior detail – here are a few reasons why it’s important to keep the inside just as clean as the outside. 

What’s Involved

Here is what we do when you book an intensive interior cleaning.

  • Thorough vacuum
  • Air purge
  • Pet hair removal
  • Interior surface scrub
  • Stain treatment
  • Hot water carpet extraction
  • Deep upholstery and carpet shampoo
  • Headliner cleaning
  • Leather coating or upholstery fabric guard

Why It Matters

Here are a few of the benefits of interior car detailing

Avoid Health Problems

That’s right, you’re in an environment closed off from fresh air. Dirt, dust, pet hair, and other irritants can affect your health – especially if you have allergies. You wouldn’t want to breathe that in while in a closed off room in your home. So why do it in your ride?

Remove Stains

Stains happen to the best of us, no matter how careful you are. No matter what kind of material you have (leather or upholstery), an intensive interior detail includes leather coating or upholstery fabric guard to help prevent stains before they happen.

Odor Removal

Pets, smoking, or just regular use can cause unwanted scents in your car’s interior. A detail ensures a fresher smelling car. And with an intensive interior detail, we use an air purge machine that takes out all the odors you don’t want. 

Better Safety

Dirty windows and mirrors make it hard to see. Especially in the Florida sun, where the glare can be blinding. 

Keep Your Value

Let’s face it, a dirty car is something that decreases its value. Even if you don’t plan to sell, you still want it to retain its value. Dirt and debris wears down your car’s surface areas and upholstery so they don’t last as long or look as good.

We Keep Your Interior Looking Great

Whether you have a maintenance detail or an intensive interior detail, we keep your car’s interior looking great. Call us to schedule or to ask more about what we can do. 850-248-2270.

Paint Decontamination

Written by admin on . Posted in car detail, paint, paint restoration, restoration, Uncategorized. No Comments on Paint Decontamination

Just like people, our vehicles are in a polluted environment. Over time, this affects your car’s paint. What is paint decontamination, and how does your car get contaminated in the first place?

How Is Your Paint Contaminated?

Even in the cleanest air, there are natural contaminants like tree sap, bird droppings, and insect residue. Your car’s paint is also exposed to things like brake dust, industrial pollution, and hard water from sprinkler systems. And while it seems that just a simple wash would remove things, that’s not always the solution.

What Do Contaminants Do To Your Paint?

No matter how much you clean your car yourself, these contaminants can remain. This causes your car’s paint to lose its shine and lustre. The paint becomes lifeless and dull, and one way to check is to run your hands along your car’s hood while it’s wet. If you feel a rough surface, then you have contaminated paint. The contamination looks different in different colors. A white car will sometimes show orange spots, and these are iron deposits. On darker colored cars, tar spots in black or brown are often evident.

How Can You Fix It?

Washing alone is not enough. Our decontamination process starts with a two-bucket wash system to gently hand-shampoo away any sand, debris, or loose dirt. This reduces the introduction of marring and micro-scratches.

Second, a clay bar is then used to remove bonded surface contaminants. A common misconception is that once a vehicle has been washed, it is clean. While it may be clean to the naked eye, the surface is often still embedded with dirt and covered with stubborn contaminants. These contaminants settle on your car’s paint and become “bonded” after baking in the sun. And we all know how strong the Florida sun is, and how much damage it can do.

The next process is a machine polish to smooth out the micro-scratches, spider-webbing, and swirl marks. 

After all correction has taken place, it is time to seal up the vehicle’s paint to protect it from further scratching. Waxes and sealants are used to maintain a protective layer on your paint. 

Want your car’s paint looking glossy? Call us at 850-248-2270, and ask about our paint enhancement service.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy – and Your Car Clean

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We love our pets, and it’s been proven that many vehicle owners choose the type of car or truck that caters to their pets. Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe and happy – and having a cleaner vehicle.

Seat Protection

Your dog’s nails can be rough on both leather and cloth seats. If you regularly take your canine friend for rides, it is a good idea to invest in a cover made specifically for dogs. These often serve multiple purposes. Some act like a bucket somewhat – they curve to help keep your dog safely in the backseat, and protect your seats. Many are even waterproof in case there is an accident.

Seat Barriers and Seatbelts 

If you do not want that type of seat protection, do consider choosing some kind of barrier if your dog is not crated. This keeps them out of the front seat, and keeps you driving safer. 

And for added protection, harnesses are available that act as a seatbelt for your furry friend. Many allow for easy control, and the dog can sit or lie down without being hindered. Yet, the harness keeps them (and you) safer in case of an accident. 

Hydration Is Important

If you’re going to be on the road for a while, keep in mind that your dog needs water. You can’t always stop just anywhere, so make sure you have plenty on hand. There are many that are perfect for travelers, and these keep the spillage down so you don’t have to worry about that mess.

Ramps

If you have a dog that is a senior pup or one with mobility issues, a ramp helps the both of you. Little dogs can be picked up, but it’s harder with a large dog. You want to find something sturdy that doesn’t shake when your dog walks on it. Some are somewhat expensive, but they’re a good investment. They help your dog get in and out, and save yourself from a backache. 

Keeping It Clean

If you take your dog on trips, then you know that pet hair, slobber, and unwanted scents can become a part of your vehicle. Need your interior looking new? We can make it look as good as before. We remove pet hair, clean the entire interior, and make it smell nice and clean. Call us to learn more about cleaning your interior  – and exterior too! 

Ask about our intensive interior cleaning for added TLC. 

Car Detailing? You Might Be Surprised How Long It’s Been Around

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When you think of car detailing, you might think it’s a somewhat current thing. But you also might be surprised at how long it’s been around. 

When you think of car detailing, you might think it’s a somewhat current thing. But you also might be surprised at how long it’s been around. 

As early as the 1800s people wanted a nice ride. Even horse-drawn carriages were cleaned to perfection. In fact, a rudimentary type of wax was created from animal fat. And keep in mind that this was 100 years before the inception of motor vehicles.

In the 1900s there were cars, but typically only the very wealthy had them. Simoniz not only created a wax for the job, but they also made a car cleaner which became hugely popular. The name? They called it “simonizing” your car! You’ve probably heard of that yourself. In 1944, the Turtle Wax company came along and added to the detailing innovations. As the 1900s progressed, we’ve seen great progress with stellar products made just for cleaning your car – both professionally and at home. 

The 2000s is when car detailing really took off. Microfiber technologies became a helpful thing, as well as tools like CeramiClear for UV rays, salt, and rain paint degradation. A huge thing came about in 2007. This was the nanotechnology polymer coatings. These are the wipe-on, walk away clear paint sealants. They protect paint from outside elements like mentioned above – UV rays, salt, and acid rain. 

Auto detailing has a rich history with innovative products to maintain your vehicle’s like-new look. Let us take it to the next level with an auto detail at Pro-Clean. 

Top Reasons to Get Your Vehicle Detailed

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You’re probably already aware of a few of the ways a car detail benefits you. Here are some more you may not have thought of. These showcase the true value of a professional auto detailing job.

Maintain Car Value

Most of us know that as soon as you drive off of the car lot, your car depreciates. Don’t lose more value in your car by not keeping it maintained. Whether you’re looking to sell or trade it in down the road, keeping it looking brand new helps maintain its value.

Minimizes Allergens

If you’ve noticed pollen on your car’s exterior, you have allergens inside as well. Even if you have leather seats, the carpet and floor mats also trap dust, pollen, and other allergens. Having these professionally cleaned allows you to breathe easier and more healthy.

Keeps Up On Preventative Care

Your car’s paint job is a major investment, so it is imperative to protect it. With an auto detail, it helps keep the paint in better shape. But even more important, a clear coat and wax work to seal the paint, protecting your car’s paint.

A Cleaner Car Feels Better

There’s no research that we know of on this, but a cleaner car feels cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Not only that, but clean seats and carpet just seem to make you feel better when you drive. And even the most careful of drivers may track in mud, dirt, pollen, and other things that make your car dirty inside. A detail job removes all that, and makes your car sparkling clean inside and outside. 

Make a Good First Impression

Some say that first impressions are everything. Whether you want to meet a client or pick up a date, a dirty car just won’t do. A car that looks brand new sets the tone for how you are perceived and creates an impression of someone who cares about all the little details.

It’s Convenient and Easy

All you have to do is to drop your car off and pick it up in a few hours. We even have valet service where we come get your car. Just ask for details when you call to book your professional auto detailing service at Pro-Clean.

What Really Goes into a Car Detail?

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You like to take care of your car and want it to look its best. A car detail helps do that for you. But what really goes into a car detail job? Do you have an idea of what all is done when you drop your car off to us? Here are a few of the things we do that are different from a traditional car wash.

Exterior Detailing

We remove all the dirt on your vehicle by allowing the soap to foam and soften it. 

Wheels are cleaned entirely. What this means is that the entire wheel gets TLC. From lug nuts to brake calipers – everything is cleaned thoroughly. 

Now that the dirt has softened, we use microfiber cloths and mitts to wash and dry your car to its pristine condition. Sometimes a clay bar is needed to take out minor imperfections like paint swirls, oxidation, or scratches. This is something you’ll want to mention when you book your detail.

Now, the outside is waxed to add shine to your clean car. We also clean the glass and exterior rubber.

Interior Detailing

Now comes the part of the car you ride in every day. All of your upholstery is vacuumed and shampooed so the stains and dirt are gone. For those with leather seats, we condition the leather and make sure they’re clean and protected. 

Every inch of interior glass and plastic is cleaned and polished to a new look.

Other Options

Of course, there are always other options you can choose. For example, if your headlight housing is cloudy, we can fix that. Extra deodorizing? That too! Call us for all that we take care of in making your car look its best