As a car owner, you want to keep your vehicle looking its best while ensuring its longevity and value. With so much information available, it's easy to find advice that seems helpful but might do more harm than good. At So Cleen Detailing, we’ve heard countless myths about car detailing that can lead to costly mistakes and less-than-perfect results. In this post, we’re setting the record straight by debunking some of the most common detailing myths. Whether you're a car enthusiast or want to take better care of your vehicle, understanding the truth behind these misconceptions can make all the difference. Let's dive in and separate fact from fiction!
First one up - Dish soap is good enough to wash your car!
Many think that dish soap is a good option for cleaning your car, although some professionals use dish soap (in moderation) this option can cause some real damage to your vehicle's clear coat or protection. Dish soap is chemically created to strip dirt, food, etc. from your dishes, and although this is helpful on dishes it's not very good on your paint! If it's used in certain cases and not frequently then it can do some great work stripping your paint and then applying a ceramic coating or another type of sealant but using this on its own without following up with a neutral soap or sealant to build up the protection that was removed, then this could be a huge mistake!
Waxing once a year is good enough!
While this might be an ok path to take if it's a vehicle that hardly sees the elements and is primarily garage-kept - for the rest of the population it is never enough! Waxing is an entry-level type of sealant for your paint and can be easily broken down by the sun, rain, and daily abuse a vehicle goes through driving every day. Most waxes aren't strong enough to even get through the chemicals used in a tunnel car wash let alone a whole year of daily driving. It's best to wax your vehicle multiple times a year or have your car professionally decontaminated and prepped for ceramic coating application which will last a minimum of 12 months up to 5+ years.
Detailing your vehicle is just for aesthetics!
Yes, detailing does help keep your vehicle shiny glossy, and looking amazing BUT there are so many other advantages to getting your vehicle detailed that it's more than just an impact on the appearance. Getting your vehicle frequently detailed ensures your exterior is cleaned properly and then protected by either a spray wax or a ceramic sealant to ensure your paint isn't deteriorating prematurely and is always ready to take on the elements. As for the interior, getting your vehicle detailed ensures dirty, sand and film get removed, cleaned & protected so your plastics will last a long time and your fabrics stay clean and able to survive the long term!
Any scratch can be removed with just a simple buffing!
While most scratches can be removed with buffing/polishing some are deeper and will need some more professional skill or techniques to handle. Not every scratch is created equally so having a professional address will allow you to get the best results. Some scratches are small or superficial and can be addressed with just a simple pad and compound. Some others might be deeper and will need sanding sheets and a little more experience to tackle properly. Not every scratch can be removed but having a professional handle with give you the best results you can expect!
All car wash soaps are the same!
This might be one of the biggest misconceptions that needs to be addressed! As a professional detailer we have a variety of options when it comes to soaps. We have soaps that are low PH, PH neutral, PH balanced and high PH for various situations. Some soaps are great for removing traffic film or bugs, others are meant to be strong enough for dirt and grime but safe enough for ceramic coatings to ensure it doesn't break down the coating quickly. The quality is also an aspect to consider because some soaps are made with low quality raw materials and can be damaging to the environment while others are made with high quality ingredients that will be biodegradable and good for the environment.
I have leather seats - I don't need to do anything special!
Another myth worthy of debunking! Leather is a porous material and absolutely requires specific care to ensure its long-term life! Having your leather seats deep cleaned and regularly cleaned is very important as well as ensuring you use a good quality conditioner after cleaning the dirt to ensure that the material is hydrated and protected from any external factor whether it be normal wear and tear from friction on your seats to UV damage from the sun or dirt that could affect it.
Automatic car washes are the same thing as hand washing!
The top myth that absolutely needs debunking! Automatic car washes use chemicals on either end of the PH scale to ensure they can remove dirt in a "touchless" manner. Using these chemicals breakdown your clear coat and leave your vehicles paint open to sun damage and deterioration. Going to an auto car wash might be the answer on a limited schedule but to use this way as a regular normal way to wash your car will have lasting effects! it's always a good choice to have a detailer take care of this for you or to hand wash your vehicle yourself to ensure you are using the right products and techniques to care for your vehicle.
By debunking these common car detailing myths, we hope to empower you with the knowledge to make better decisions for your vehicle's care. Accurate information is essential for maintaining your car’s appearance, protecting its value, and ensuring its longevity. Remember, professional detailing services can provide the expertise and quality care your car deserves. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at So Cleen Detailing. We’re here to help you keep your car in pristine condition. Have any myths or experiences you’d like to share? Drop a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading, and happy detailing!
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