Things Your Car Encounter Daily That Can Damage Its Paint Job

Paint doesn't just give color to your car and make it look like new, but it also protects it from premature rusting and corrosion. This is why it is very important to protect your paint from things that causes premature damage and fades it sooner than it should like ultra-violet rays, chemicals, and natural pollutants. More importantly, car repainting can be expensive! The thing is, sometimes it’s not those things that causing damages on the paint but the car owners mistakes and carelessness.

If you don’t like to spend a huge amount of money trying to fix your car’s paint, then better do a better job at protecting your car’s paint and watch out for these everyday things that could lead to serious paint job damage like nasty blistering and rusting as well as a huge car repair bill.

Splatter Bugs

Splattered flying bugs and car fronts just seem to go together, especially during the summer.  Those dead bugs might appear harmless, but they actually can do serious damage to your vehicle’s paint due to their bodies’ acidity.  Not removed immediately, bug body imprints can actually become etched permanently into the top layers.  Experts advise washing them off right away using a bug and tar remover, soft wash cloth and old-fashioned elbow grease.

Bird Droppings

Parking in a covered lot or a spot with shade is good as it keeps your car away from direct sunlight that can damage your paint job. However, if the shade that you can find is under a tree, forget it. You’d be risking bird droppings and that can be just as damaging. This is why you should have a car cover in your trunk at all times.

Coffee And Soda

People tend to use the roof of their car as a table and puts drinks on it that often lead to spills. Coffee and soda contains acid in them, spilling them on your car’s paint can definitely cause damage. So start kicking this habit from now on.

Sunlight

While you may not have to worry about slippery roads driving which can be dangerous, it’s the heat of your car that you should be worried about when the sun is out. This is why aside from preparing thick towels to place on the seats, and windshield cover, it’s also important to try to park your car in the shade as much as possible and invest in paint protection especially in such a sunny country like Singapore. Unless you’re fine with your car paint blistering and peeling as well as premature fading and cracking of your car interior.

Small Stones And Rocks

You might want to avoid driving on rough roads if possible since small stones or rocks may hit the surface of your ride which can result to scratches. Or if there’s no other route, just drive more carefully.

How Ceramic Coating Paint Protection And Glass Coating Paint Protection Works For Your Car

Paint coatings are relatively new and are one of the up and coming leaders to car detailing in the automobile industry. It serves as an all in one protective layer to a car’s paintwork and UV ray protection is included in its specifications along with many others. It is able to keep your car’s paint looking polished, comparable to that of a showroom standard car and the best thing is that no re-application is required at all as it is highly durable.

So for those of you who treats their car like a prized possession, you may wanna look into paint coating and consider investing in it. There are different kinds of paint coatings but in this article we will talk about ceramic coating and glass coating. This may help you understand this kind of detailing and find that you favor one or the other depending on your car and your needs.

Glass Coating Paint Protection

Glass coating may be best for you if you drive a lot and take your vehicle to a lot of different locations. Though glass coating is pricier compared to ceramic, it is highly durable and shiny. So, even though cost is a huge factor when car owners are seeking car paint protection, you should consider what’s best for your car with your existing lifestyle because it may actually save you more money in the long run.  

1. Longevity

Although no specific time frame has been allotted for glass coating, users and manufacturers claim that it can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending upon natural and man-made conditions. This, they say, reduces, if not entirely eliminates car waxing.

2. Protection

While ceramic coating paint protection and glass coating products may look the same, their structural compositions usually differ. This results to varying characteristics when done to your car. But since both procedure can be performed based on nanotechnology, glass and ceramic coating can properly blend into the paint job, creating a strong and lasting layer of protective shield to the paintwork and surfaces of your car exterior. This also results to better insulation of the paintwork from effects of harsh chemicals and other elements of damage in the environment.

3. Beauty And Convenience

Other people assume that glass coating is the use of material like car windows or windshield, but it’s important to know that it’s not. Glass coating is a form of paint protection. It is performed using a sticky substance made from randomly arranged and transparent compounds. However, unlike ceramic coating, glass coating often bonds to the paintwork quickly. Glass coating is quite strong and easy to apply. Users profess that this product has enhanced the appearance of their vehicles. The superb shine that glass coating provides. This means, not only that it looks better for your car, it also won’t take that much time for the installer to finish so you can enjoy a brand new looking car without too much waiting period.

Ceramic Coating Paint Protection

Ceramic coating is cheaper and takes less time to perform but doesn't last as long. But if your car isn’t used often or isn’t exposed to harsh environment, ceramic coating may do.

1. You’re Guaranteed A Minimum Of 5 Years In Car Paint Protection

Car detailing can be expensive but if it can protect your car for a minimum of 5 years, at least, like ceramic coating can do then it’s worth the money. Ceramic coatings’ key characteristics that makes it so durable are hardness, smoothness and wear resistance. With this kind of protection, then you can keep your car exterior in pristine condition without having to get this same procedure done too often.

2. You Can DIY It

The process of applying ceramic coating to the paint is not a complicated one, and it can be divided into 5 steps. So if you’re a little short on cash, you can save a little on labor fee by doing this yourself. Remember to apply the coating in a dry room or shaded area, at an ambient temperature of 10°C to 35°C.

3. You’ll Get That Mirror Finish That We Can’t Help But Love

It’s one thing to keep your car clean looking and it’s another to make it look like it just got out of the showroom. With ceramic coating you know you’re always driving a sleek and shiny car. Because admit it, there’s something about that mirror finish that just exudes high-end, well-maintained and just overall coolness of the vehicle and you the owner.

4. It Can Even Repel Dirt

People don’t just seek car servicing in Singapore due to engine problems, more often than not it’s due to exterior damage from different kinds of dirt like grease, grime, and bird poop. When left unattended for extended period of time, they can cause serious paint damage on your car. Avoid the stress and unnecessary expenses by keeping your vehicle clean.  Having said that, one of the cool things about ceramic coating is that it is hydrophobic which means it is able to repel water molecules and dirt from the protected surface of your car. Now as a result, there’s less dirt on your car which keeps you from having to take it to car wash too often.

5. It Can Also Be Applied To Other Surfaces Of The Car

If the hydrophobicity didn't impress you, ceramic coating still got more. Aside from your paint job, it can also be applied to and protect other surfaces of your vehicle like windows, gasket, rims, plastics, chromed elements and headlights! Isn't that amazing? You can now basically protect majority of your car exterior which lessens damages on those surfaces resulting to less repairs and saved money.

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Top 5 Benefits Of Investing In Ceramic Coating For Your Car

Top 5 Benefits Of Investing In Ceramic Coating For Your Car

Nowadays, there are a lot of ways to protect your car exterior, and one of them is ceramic coating. This is a liquid polymer that is applied to the vehicle surface. It creates a chemical bond with the paint and establishes a protection and hydrophobic surface. The properties of ceramic coating makes it harder for any contaminants to damage the car paint. Paint coatings are relatively new and are one of the up and coming leaders to car detailing in the automobile industry. It serves as an all in one protective layer to a car’s paintwork and UV ray protection is included in its specifications along with many others. It is able to keep your car’s paint looking polished, comparable to that of a showroom standard car and the best thing is that no re-application is required at all as it is highly durable. With this paint coating in place, you will not need to go through the regular hassle of consistently finding sheltered parking lots or frequent waxing sessions for your car. 

1. You’re Guaranteed A Minimum Of 5 Years In Car Paint Protection

Car detailing can be expensive but if it can protect your car for a minimum of 5 years, at least, like ceramic coating can do then it’s worth the money. Ceramic coatings’ key characteristics that makes it so durable are hardness, smoothness and wear resistance. With this kind of protection, then you can keep your car exterior in pristine condition without having to get this same procedure done too often.

2. You Can DIY It

The process of applying ceramic coating to the paint is not a complicated one, and it can be divided into 5 steps. So if you’re a little short on cash, you can save a little on labor fee by doing this yourself. Remember to apply the coating in a dry room or shaded area, at an ambient temperature of 10°C to 35°C.

Applying ceramic coating to the paint:

Step 1: Before you apply ceramic coating, it is important to carefully degrease the surface.

Step 2: Shake the bottle of degrease product and apply 6-8 drops to a dry satin microfiber wrapped on the applicator. Remember to moisten the microfiber abundantly the first time.

Step 3: Apply the coating crosswise and only once to surfaces no larger than 50×50 cm. Of course, the 50×50 cm is a conventional value. It is important to apply the coating once to a small portion of the surface. This way, we will avoid problems with polishing, which could occur when applying the product to larger elements.

Step 4: The next step is to observe the coating. After about 2 minutes from the application (at about 20°C) its color should begin to change.

The most important task is not to miss the moment when the coating begins to sparkle with colors, the coating should take on the colors of the rainbow. At this moment we can start to polish the surfaces with microfibers (higher temperature shortens the drying time, lower temperature lengthens it). WARNING! Do not allow the coating to dry on the paint.

Step 5: After applying and polishing the first layer, wait for at least 1 hour and repeat steps 2 to 5 (for maximum durability, you should apply 3 layers).

3. You’ll Get That Mirror Finish That We Can’t Help But Love

It’s one thing to keep your car clean looking and it’s another to make it look like it just got out of the showroom. With ceramic coating you know you’re always driving a sleek and shiny car. Because admit it, there’s something about that mirror finish that just exudes high-end, well-maintained and just overall coolness of the vehicle and you the owner.

4. It Can Even Repel Dirt

People don’t just seek car servicing in Singapore due to engine problems, more often than not it’s due to exterior damage from different kinds of dirt like grease, grime, and bird poop. When left unattended for extended period of time, they can cause serious paint damage on your car. Avoid the stress and unnecessary expenses by keeping your vehicle clean.  Having said that, one of the cool things about ceramic coating is that it is hydrophobic which means it is able to repel water molecules and dirt from the protected surface of your car. Now as a result, there’s less dirt on your car which keeps you from having to take it to car wash too often.

5. It Can Also Be Applied To Other Surfaces Of The Car

If the hydrophobicity didn't impress you, ceramic coating still got more. Aside from your paint job, it can also be applied to and protect other surfaces of your vehicle like windows, gasket, rims, plastics, chromed elements and headlights! Isn't that amazing? You can now basically protect majority of your car exterior which lessens damages on those surfaces resulting to less repairs and saved money.

We can’t really help the kind of weather you’ll have in the place you live. Whether you have four seasons or two extreme weathers, all you can do is take extra step to protect your car from these. Paint protection in Singapore’s tropical weather will prevent your paint job from fading fast, it also keeps it from expanding and contracting which results to cracking where water or moist can seep through the cracks and create rust. When it comes to paint protection, there are different ways to do that. You may wanna see if ceramic coating is suitable for your car in your daily lifestyle.

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Why Regular Car Wash Is Important For Your Vehicle

Why Regular Car Wash Is Important For Your Vehicle

There are car owners who wash their car as often as they can while others drag it as long as possible. But is there really a schedule that you should keep up to when it comes to getting a car wash and grooming? Well, it would have to depend on a lot of factors. Do you drive all day every day? Are you a very busy person? Have you been out on a rainy day lately? All cars accumulate dust, dirt, grime, and all sorts of impurities that can affect your car’s exterior as well as interior, but those question above makes all the difference on how frequent should you avail car grooming services.

It’s understandable that it’d be hard to squeeze in car washing everyday if you’re busy, but you should at least do it once a week or every time you get a day off and if you really can’t do it yourself then take advantage of  the car grooming service that are widely available in Singapore. If you drive on poor conditions a lot, like when it’s rainy or on rough roads you have to get it done more often than once a week. Doing so can do you a lot more favor than you’d expect. Still not convinced? Then here are the reasons that will make you take your vehicle to the car wash shop now!

It Will Maintain The Brand New Look That Every Car Owner Loves

Visit a car showroom and take a look around, do you see even a single car look like it had seen better days? Probably no. You might even find it hard to get dusts as you swipe you finger in the exterior. That’s because shiny and clean looking cars are what sells, even pre-owned one! So if you’re planning to put your car back on the market in the future, make sure to keep it pristine looking. Not just cleaning it but investing in paint protection film definitely increases its value which will come in handy if you plan on selling it in the future because this prevents exterior damage while making your car look attractive and brand new even if it’s not!

To Prevent Dirt From Damaging Your Car

We can’t really help the kind of weather you’ll have in the place you live. Whether you have four seasons or two extreme weathers, all you can do is take extra step to protect your car from these. Aside from that, even things like bird dropping, dust and grime can eventually damage your car paint. So aside from paint protection in Singapore’s tropical weather which will prevent your paint job from fading fast, expanding and contracting which results to cracking where water or moist can seep through the cracks and create rust, regular car wash is a must too. Like most things, prevention is better than cure. Don’t let dirt to start damaging your car exterior before you become more proactive when it comes to keeping it clean more often. Repainting can be costly, so if you can do something to avoid doing it too often, wouldn't you do it and save yourself some cash and stress?

Keeping Your Car Clean Ensures Your Safety While On The Road Too

If the rest of the benefits of regular car washing doesn't matter to you, this one should. Driving doesn't seem like a life-threatening activity because you’re essentially just going from one place to another. But the thing is that, car accidents ranked as the 9th leading cause of death in worldwide according to Association for Safe International Road Travel, so you shouldn't take driving too lightly. This is because not a lot of people underestimated the value of running a car check before hitting the road. But also because people underestimate dirt on the windshield alone can affect your visibility while driving which can lead to an accident. Even a problem as simple as this can turn into a seriously dangerous mishap when you’re in the middle of the road, especially a busy one.  This is why it’s important that you take your car on a regular maintenance and car wash to make sure you avoid this.

You Get To Save On Money And Gas

Did you know that a clean car promotes better fuel efficiency? Although there have been earlier statements that dirt particles create an aerodynamic effect similar that of to a golf ball, this simply isn't true. The dirt on your car creates drag, which causes your car to burn more fuel and of course money. Tests have proven that a clean car is 10% more fuel-efficient than the same dirty car.

Maintaining Cleanliness Means Avoiding Illness

Whether you accept it or not, billions of creatures we can’t see lurks around your car like germs and allergens. And that’s even after you just had a car wash, so how much more of you’re the type who hardly ever do car wash and just waits for rain to kind of do the job for you? (I know this sounds ridiculous but people like this truly exist!) Letting dust, dirt or debris accumulate in your vehicle for a long time is not good because your body absorbs that in one form or another. This practically means you’re slowly putting your health in jeopardy especially if you gets sick easily. So if you've had the chronic cough or cold, try taking your car to a detailer more regularly and you’d be amazed how the coughing and sneezing starts to fade away.

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Difference Of Ceramic Coating Paint Protection From Car Glass

Difference Of Ceramic Coating Paint Protection From Car Glass

We can’t really help the kind of weather you’ll have in the place you live. Whether you have four seasons or two extreme weathers, all you can do is take extra step to protect your car from these. Paint protection in Singapore’s tropical weather will prevent your paint job from fading fast, it also keeps it from expanding and contracting which results to cracking where water or moist can seep through the cracks and create rust. When it comes to paint protection, there are different ways to do that. In this article we’re going to talk about two options you can try which are ceramic coating paint protection and car glass.

The problem is, if you’re not as well versed in car grooming, it’s easy to get confused with what option to go for since they may look similar.  In fact, some car owners get tricked by auto detailing and grooming specialist into availing deals that your vehicle may not even need at that moment. To save yourself and your wallet from that, take note on their differences so that you’ll know which suits your car’s needs in the future. 

Ceramic Coating Paint Protection

Another way to protect your car is via paint coatings. Paint coatings are relatively new and are one of the up and coming leaders to car detailing in the automobile industry. It serves as an all in one protective layer to a car’s paintwork and UV ray protection is included in its specifications along with many others. It is able to keep your car’s paint looking polished, comparable to that of a showroom standard car and the best thing is that no re-application is required at all as it is highly durable. With this paint coating in place, you will not need to go through the regular hassle of consistently finding sheltered parking lots or frequent waxing sessions for your car. 

Ceramic coating can be best measured on the Pencil test scale, where it scores above 9H - which is the highest level on the scale used in the coating industry to determine clear coats. In other words, the 9H means that ceramic coating always stays hard if applied and maintained correctly. Ceramic coating is so durable that it can only be removed through abrasion. So you can rest assured that it won’t be damaged by chemicals that waxing or traditional coating can’t stand. Given that harsh chemicals can hardly penetrate ceramic coating, then you won’t have to worry about water or moisture seeping into your paint job and result to oxidation and corrosion.

Glass Coating

Other people assume that glass coating is the use of material like car windows or windshield, but it’s important to know that it’s not. Glass coating is a form of paint protection. It is performed using a sticky substance made from randomly arranged and transparent compounds. While ceramic coating paint protection and glass coating products may look the same, their structural compositions usually differ. This results to varying characteristics when done to your car. But since both procedure can be performed based on nano technology, glass and ceramic coating can properly blend into the paint job, creating a strong and lasting layer of protective shield to the paintwork and surfaces of your car exterior. However, unlike ceramic coating, glass coating often bonds to the paintwork quickly. This then results to better insulation of the paintwork from effects of harsh chemicals and other elements of damage in the environment. Glass coating is quite strong and easy to apply.

So the question remains, which procedure is better for your car? Well, the answer actually depends on where and how your car is used. Ceramic coating is a cheaper and takes less time to perform but doesn't last as long. But if your car isn't used often or isn't exposed to harsh environment, ceramic coating may do. On the other hands, glass coating may be best for you if you drive a lot and take your vehicle to a lot of different locations. Though glass coating is pricier compared to ceramic, it is highly durable and shiny. So, even though cost is a huge factor when car owners are seeking car paint protection, you should consider what’s best for your car with your existing lifestyle because it may actually save you more money in the long run.

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Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Own Car’s Paint Job Without Realizing It

Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Own Car’s Paint Job Without Realizing It

Paint doesn't just give color to your car and make it look like new, but it also protects it from premature rusting and corrosion. This is why it is very important to protect your paint from things that fades it sooner than it should like ultra-violet rays, chemicals, and natural pollutants. More importantly, car repainting can be expensive! The thing is, sometimes it’s not those things that causing damages on the paint but the car owners mistakes and carelessness.

If you don’t like to spend a huge amount of money trying to fix your car’s paint, then better do a better job at protecting your car’s paint before you end up with nasty blistering and rusting as well as a huge car repair bill.

You Don’t Have A Car Cover Ready In Your Trunk

There will be times when you won’t be able to find a covered parking lot. Times like this calls for a car cover but if you don’t have it on hand then you end up getting your car get soaked in the sun. 

You Get Lazy When Looking For A Covered Car Park

Even a warm covered parking lot beats being parked in the sun all day. So whenever there’s an available one, use it. Not only that your interior will stay cool, but your paint job won’t suffer to premature damage either. I know it can be difficult to find a parking spot sometimes let alone a covered one, but this is exactly why you should have a car cover. This way you can be lazy and park at the first spot you find and just whip it out to protect your car paint.

Spraying Water From The Hose Equals Car Wash To You

People don’t just seek car servicing in Singapore due to engine problems, more often than not it’s due to exterior damage from different kinds of dirt like grease, grime, and bird poop. When left unattended for extended period of time, they can cause serious paint damage on your car. Avoid the stress and unnecessary expenses by keeping your vehicle clean. 

You Don’t Think Wiping Your Car Dry Is Necessary

Yes the sun and wind can easily dry your car, but letting your vehicle dry that way will leave unsightly water marks which renders your hard work useless. Use a microfiber towel or preferably a weave drying towel to absorb the water and dry the car.

You Haven’t Discovered Clay Bar Yet

Washing your car with water and car specific cleaning agent is a great way to prevent any dirt from causing damage on the paint. However, even after washing, some contaminants still cling to the paint. To totally get rid of them, using a clay bar is the way to go. Using this product is very easy but time consuming. First, use a good quality auto detailing shampoo to wash the paint and get rid of dirt and grime as much as possible. After that, you can use the clay. Many clay bars in the market come with a lubricant but if it does not, there are products that you can purchase separately. It is extremely important to lubricate the surface first to enable the clay to glide easily across the surface. You’ll know it’s working because the clay gets dirtier as you go because of all the contaminants it’s grabbing.

You Skip Car Waxing

Remember that a good wax will easily last 8 – 10 months on a car that will protect the paint of the car from external elements like scratches, dust, contaminants, and UV rays. To be on a safer side, apply a coat of wax every six months on your car to keep it clean and smooth. 

For Some Reason, You Had Misconceptions About Car Polishing

Polishing is one of the most misunderstood paint care procedures and as a result many individuals skip this important step. Polish is an abrasive compound, which, when worked into the paint using the hand or a polisher, shaves off imperfections of the paint. It levels out the surface and makes it smooth, thereby preparing it for the next step of applying wax or paint sealant. If you wax without polishing the surface first, not only will the paint look dull, but you will also notice that the wax layer will wear off quicker than usual. So ultimately it is a huge waste of your time and resources. Because polish is abrasive as mentioned above, it is important to master polishing techniques especially if you are using a rotary buffer, or you risk burning right through the paint.

You Get Stingy And Forgo Applying A Clear Coat Protector

Most new cars come with a clear coat over the paint layer to keep the car shiny and protected from external elements. The clear coat offers a more glossy finish to the car, and will keep harmful elements like UV rays and dust at bay to protect the paint of the car. Any minor issues can also be buffed out, if the car has a clear coat. However, clear coats are sensitive to scratches and are prone to oxidation. It is still not a substitute for wax and needs to have a wax job to protect the shine of the car.

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What You Should Check Before Trusting Your Car To A Detailer

What You Should Check Before Trusting Your Car To A Detailer

Whether you like it or not, your car is bound to get damaged or look less pleasing at some point. So, despite religiously following your regular maintenance schedule, you will need a car detailing shop that you can trust. You’d want to find one that you’ll stick to whenever you need to have your car serviced. Here’s how you can tell that it’s “the one”.

Location

Well, this isn't exactly a must, but it’s definitely a plus if it’s near your place or the place you work from. This way, you won’t have to go out of your daily route if your need to drop your car to or retrieve it from the shop. Aside from that, this way you can actually check their actual working space because those detailer who couldn't give you a physical address and just offers to pick your car up and deliver it when they’re done just doesn't sound like they’ll do a satisfactory job. You want to be able to easily identify their business, and they shouldn't hesitate if you want to see the products and tools they've brought with them to ensure you’re getting a quality detailing package. 

Time Commitment

If you’re the type who needs to be in a lot of places every day or simply have public transportation, you would want your car to be done in the shortest amount of time. But if the detailer works alone, chances are it will take hours before your vehicle will be ready. You don’t even know if you’ll like the finish work because a tired and rushing worker can make a lot of mistakes or straight up just cut corners on his work. Compare this to a detailing shop with a couple of workers, you’d be more likely to get a high quality detail in probably just an hour.

Are Fully Equipped?

How will a car detailing shop be able to work on any car if they don’t have necessary and appropriate tools to guarantee a professional finish on your car? Sandpaper and spray paint are basic, but they should also be equipped with tools like high-speed buffer. 

They Are Well Experienced And Capable Of Doing Wide Range Of Detailing Work

Car washing won’t be the only detailing work your vehicle will need, especially if your vehicle has been with you for quite some time. So, they should be able to do things like car waxing, polishing, car sealant application, paint protection coating, etc.

Their Services Pricing

Price shopping is normal, but a price that is significantly lower than other detailer in the area is often a reflection of the quality of work you’re going to get. It is truly a situation where you’ll get what you pay for: inexperienced, low-quality products and tools, and not enough time spent to get the job right. For instance, there are detailer won’t touch a paint correction job for less than $500, because polishing is a very time-consuming project and takes a lot of training to get it right. Another thing you should expect from a professional detailer is a request to see your vehicle before finalizing their quote. Don’t expect a detailer to give you the final price over the phone because they need to see the vehicle in person and in the right light to assess if your vehicle has any unique problem areas that may require extra time or equipment.

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Invest In Paint Protection For Your Car Exterior