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How Often Should You Detail Your Car?

Auto detailing services are more than just a car wash and interior wipe-down. It focuses on providing in-depth attention to the cleanliness of the car’s interior and exterior, which can include improving the quality and longevity of the vehicle by maintaining the paint.

Generally, professional auto detailing should happen once a year, but this can vary depending on the condition of your car.

While thorough cleaning is an important part of auto detail, some car owners overlook exterior paint maintenance. This may be because you don’t need to get paint maintenance every time you get an auto detailing job. But it’s essential to keep your car looking new and fresh.

Let’s review common auto paint maintenance and how often you should do it.

Paint Correction

Paint correction is the process of restoring the clear coat to the original finish. Keep in mind that if your paint has chips or large defects on the surface, some paint repair and refinishing may be required.

The paint correction is generally the same: Damage removal with a buffing compound of all painted surfaces, polishing to create a smooth surface, and then adding a durable top coat protectant like wax, sealants, or ceramic coating.

Paint correction should only be done as necessary. It doesn’t need to be part of every car detailing, but it may be a good idea to evaluate if it’s needed.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a popular paint protection option. Depending on the brand used, ceramic coating can last anywhere between 2-10 years. The lifespan can also change based on the conditions and maintenance of the car. Once the ceramic coating has worn down, it’s time to add a new layer.

A quality ceramic coating gives your vehicle a glossy finish while also repelling dirt, oil, dust, and road grime. This can help maintain the overall appearance of your car’s paint.

Helpful tip: Paint correction should be done before doing ceramic coating. This helps ensure your ceramic coating gives you the best results.

Scratch Removal

In-depth auto detailing often includes scratch removal, which is done on an as-needed basis. Paint correction may help with light scratches, but deep scratches may need the expertise of an auto body repair shop to fix them.

Taking care of scratches will save you a headache down the road. Scratches can start to form rust which can eventually attack the integrity of the vehicles metal panels.

Dent Removal

Technically, dent removal doesn’t fall under the auto detailing category, but it does impact the vehicle’s appearance and can even affect the paint. Often your vehicle will get minor dents from incidents like hail damage.

You should get dent removal as soon as you notice the damage, but you may put it off. When you get your car detailed, it may be a good time to inquire about removing the dents.

Need Car Detailing Services Near Lancaster, PA?

At Bumpers Etc. Auto Body and Collision, your concerns are our biggest priority. Our paint maintenance, ceramic coating, and professional auto detailing will help make your vehicle look brand new.

Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 866-938-4942. We look forward to providing quality service to your vehicle.

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