When you entrust your car to a professional auto detailing shop for paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coating, or window tinting services, installer expertise is a top priority. However, what many drivers fail to consider until they have already dropped off their vehicle is whether or not the facility is safe and secure. 

Whether you’re servicing an exotic car or your daily driver, take no chances with your investment by choosing a detailing shop that specializes in paint protection as well as protecting your vehicle itself.  Here is what to look for before you schedule your next service. 

Choose a Detailer With Monitored Security

From attempted break-ins to natural disasters, the safety of your vehicle will depend on how quickly the detailing shop can respond to the incident. 

At ATD, our facility is equipped with 24/7 professional monitoring, staffed by a live security team ready to respond to potential threats at any hour of the day or night. We also record and retain security footage so that clients are able to present their auto insurance company with direct evidence of any claims. 

Whether you plan to have your car at the shop for several days or just hours, it’s a good idea to ask your detailer about security measures and protocols for addressing incidents. A robust security plan is evidence that your vehicle is in good hands. 

Get Safe After-Hours Drop Off

Life doesn’t always stick to business hours, and many drivers rely on the convenience of after-hours drop off to fit maintenance into their busy schedules. Before you toss your keys into a mail slot and Uber away, however, make sure you’re comfortable with the shop’s procedures. 

ATD’s secure drop-off system allows you to leave scheduled vehicles on the premises after hours. We guard your keys and monitor your vehicle throughout the night, so protection begins the moment you’re on the lot. 

Ensure Facilities are Climate-Controlled

Over time, ordinary environmental hazards can take a toll on your paint. Regardless of the length of your service appointment, look for a shop with facilities to protect your vehicle from:

• UV exposure
• Temperature fluctuations
• Acid rain
• Dust and debris

An enclosed, climate-controlled environment not only protects your car from the elements, but it’s also integral to long-lasting paint protection. 

The environment where PPF and ceramic coatings are applied plays a critical role in the quality of the results. Before you schedule services, make sure that your facility has the ability to prevent dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations from interfering with application and curing processes. Properly applied paint protection should last many years, so ensure that you get the most from your investment. 

Put Your Paint Protection in Good Hands

As you look for an automotive detailer with excellent customer reviews and brand- certified installers, don’t forget to add safety into your list of considerations.

At ATD Detailing, we pride ourselves on being so much more than world-class paint protection. Get the services you need to keep your vehicle looking showroom-ready, backed by state-of-the-art security for your peace of mind. 

The COVID-19 pandemic sent a ripple effect through global manufacturing. For auto enthusiasts, the changes it caused to the new car market have been drastic and lasting. The average cost of new cars has increased by nearly 30% since 2020, and while prices have begun to stabilize, there’s no sign of a return to the baseline.

Changes to the automotive market aren’t just limited to increased costs — the way we shop for and buy new cars seems forever changed, too. If you’re considering a new vehicle purchase, here’s what you need to know to take advantage of the new normal.

The Post-Covid Automotive Market

Labor and raw materials shortages created overwhelming backlogs for car manufacturers during the pandemic. Inventory issues aside, lockdowns made the traditional method of shopping for new cars obsolete. Rather than spend a weekend visiting showroom floors, interacting directly with salespeople, and negotiating prices, the car buying process went largely digital.

While this new way of choosing your next vehicle may require some additional patience as you wait for delivery, it affords savvy shoppers more flexibility and customization than ever before.

Preorders Are the New Normal for New Cars

Pandemic inventory struggles have taught us to plan ahead. In fact, nearly half of consumers report that they plan to preorder their next new vehicle.

Manufacturers’ online preordering systems have made it easier than ever to browse virtual showrooms and explore options for making your new vehicle your own. Though the current market has come with higher prices and (sometimes long) wait times for delivery, it’s also introduced advantages for both buyers and manufacturers.

Manufacturers Are More Profitable Than Ever

The popularity of preordering has eliminated a great deal of friction for automotive manufacturers. Virtual showrooms reduce overhead and lessen the need for sales staff. Assembling vehicles to order and delivering them directly prevents dealerships from having to maintain inventory on a lot or transport bulk orders from state to state hoping they match with potential buyers.

Perhaps the most controversial difference in this new system is that it removes the opportunity to negotiate — a win for shoppers who hate haggling, but a source of frustration for those who like to come in below sticker price.

Navigating the New Car Market

Custom orders for vehicles used to be relatively rare, but now around 60% of potential buyers say they plan to customize their next vehicle. Here are some tips for using the preordering process to get the car of your dreams.

Take Advantage of Customization Options

It’s not just about paint, rims, and interiors. Many manufacturers are offering special features that focus on safety, comfort, and convenience.

As you browse inventory and explore manufacturers’ online shopping tools, think about the features that matter most to you, like:

• Park assist systems
• Backup cameras
• Dual airbags
• Keyless entry
• Hands-free phone control

Schedule Paint Protection and Window Tinting

While you wait for your preorder to be delivered, take advantage of this window of opportunity to schedule PPF installation, ceramic coating, or window tinting. No one wants to wait weeks or months for their new vehicle only to discover that their detailing shop is fully booked.

Plan your paint protection around your delivery date so that you can preserve your pristine paint job and worry less about scuffs and scratches on the road.

Use Preordering to Budget Better

With the rising cost of new vehicles, it’s not always possible to get all of the services you want at once. The low-pressure environment of online ordering allows shoppers to make more informed decisions and pre-plan for the added cost of paint protection.

If you want to preserve the value of your preorder while being mindful of your budget, the detailing experts at ATD are here to help you understand which services are right for you and your new car.

Did you know that the automotive enthusiasts at ATD are also passionate about boat maintenance? The shine and protection that ceramic coating offers your car can also benefit your boat. 

Boat ownership takes work, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. If you would like to enjoy your time on the water with less rubbing, scrubbing, and waxing, ceramic may be right for you. Here’s what you need to know about how ceramic coating works with gelcoat to make boat maintenance less of a hassle. 

What Does a Boat’s Gelcoat Do?

Gelcoat is a glossy layer of resin that acts as the last line of defense for your boat’s fiberglass hull. Not only does it keep your craft looking shiny and attractive, but it also prevents water from penetrating and causing expensive damage. 

As long as there are no cracks or chips, gelcoats guard the hull against caustic chemicals, corrosion, and UV radiation. If your coating becomes compromised, however, deterioration can happen fast. 

Whether you’re docked in the lake, marina, or garage, gelcoats require maintenance. Dirt and grime that isn’t regularly removed from your boat’s surface will weaken your coating and require aggressive cleaning to remove. Gelcoats also require regular waxing to function optimally — a time-consuming labor of love for boat owners. 

How Does Ceramic Coating Work with Gelcoat?

In much the same way that ceramic coating can be applied over PPF to better shield your car from common road hazards, it can also top off gelcoat for an added layer of protection. 

Ceramic’s thin layer of very rigid nanoglass cures to form a permanent chemical bond with the existing coating that won’t warp or peel. When properly applied, it creates a smooth, hydrophobic surface that reflects light and repels dirt. 

Protect Your Boat

Many boat owners are drawn to ceramic coating for its brilliant shine, but the benefits are much more than aesthetic. Top your boat’s gelcoat with ceramic to:

• Ward off UV damage
• Keep water on the right side of your hull
• Resist corrosion
• Repel grime and pollutants 

Clean Your Boat Faster with Ceramic

Putting an extra layer of protection between your gelcoat and environmental hazards pays dividends when it comes to regular maintenance. 

Ceramic non-stick quality makes it much easier to remove dirt and debris without labor-intensive (and potentially damaging) scrubbing. It also reduces the need for waxing, simplifying upkeep to ensure that more of your time is spent enjoying your boat. 

Choose Quality Ceramic Coating

Not all ceramic coating is created equal. ATD relies on eco-friendly and water-way safe formulations that protect your boat as well as the environment. 

Choose an installer that uses premium, marine-grade products that are formulated to withstand harsh temperatures, salinity, and hard water to keep your craft looking and functioning its best.  

 

Auto enthusiasts are well aware of all the benefits of ceramic coating for their cars, but did you know that it can also help maintain the condition of your boat?

A high-quality professionally applied marine ceramic coating not only preserves and protects your boat’s exterior, it also adds an eye-catching shine that will make you the envy of the marina. Check out some of the top benefits of protecting your watercraft with ceramic. 

Protect your boat from corrosion.

Whether you set sail in fresh or saltwater, minerals, oil, pollutants, and debris can take a toll on your boat’s finish. 

Ceramic coatings create a barrier between the exterior of your watercraft and any caustic materials you might encounter. As your factory-applied exterior wears over time, your boat’s surface can become more porous and susceptible to mildew and corrosion.  Ceramic’s hydrophobic polymers add a water-resistant layer that prevents damage over time. 

Block harmful UV rays.

Sunshine is the key ingredient of a beautiful day on the water, but it can cause your boat’s exterior to deteriorate, crack, and fade. 

Boats that are stored outside are particularly prone to oxidizing if they are left unprotected. Eventually, damage from UV radiation and acid rain can penetrate your finish and lead to rust and corrosion. 

Marine ceramic coating offers 360-degree protection from direct sunlight as well as harsh rays reflected off the water’s surface.  

Make your boat easier to clean.

Professionally installed ceramic coatings bond with your boat’s surface to form a non-porous layer that repels dirt and grime. The same hydrophobic qualities that ward off corrosives also make cleaning your watercraft easier and more enjoyable.

 

Scraping and scrubbing are not only labor intensive, they shorten the life of your boat’s finish. A marine ceramic coating encourages algae, barnacles, and waste to release easily so you can use a lighter touch for cleaning. 

Keep that like-new shine.

Over time, exposure to radiation and caustic substances can give your watercraft’s outer surface a dull, cloudy look that diminishes its perceived value.

Ceramic coatings give your craft a pristine outer coating that reflects light uniformly for a brilliant shine. Investing in this protective layer enhances your ownership experience while preserving your boat’s resale value should you decide to sell. 

Saltwater Boat Ceramic Coating

Saltwater contains electrolytes, or dissolved ions, that are corrosive to metal and other materials. Boats that remained docked in saltwater for extended periods of time rely on an intact outer coating to keep structures safe from damage. 

A ceramic coating is a powerful line of defense against rust and decay from sea water. 

Freshwater Boat Ceramic Coating

Though lakes and rivers don’t have the harsh salinity of ocean water, they leave boats exposed to mud, silt, algae, and animal waste. 

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent dirt and debris from doing damage to your craft’s exterior. Ceramic coating is fantastic for repelling the grime commonly found in freshwater. 

Choose the right ceramic coating for your boat

Protect your investment by choosing a professional ceramic installer that relies on high-quality marine-grade products. Special considerations for boats include:

• Eco-friendly and water-way safe formulations
• Protection against direct and reflected sunlight
• The ability to stand up to prolonged exposure to salt and hard water

Talk to your installer about your plans for docking or storing your boat to determine your best option for keeping its exterior protected and luminous for years to come. 

 

Let ATD Detailing help you avoid these mistakes!

 

The car shopping and buying process can be overwhelming and time consuming for even the most seasoned car buyers. Most folks focus on the vehicle options, packages, warranty, and financing. While these are some of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new car, what about protecting the new car?

If protecting your investment is a goal or priority it really should be something you discuss with your local vehicle protection specialists BEFORE you sign for the purchase or agree to a purchase price. Here at ATD Detailing we often work with our clients before they order or purchase a new vehicle.

 

We schedule a consultation to discuss the vehicle our client is considering, we talk specifically about the make, model and color and how the client intends to use or store the vehicle. Then we discuss protection options and pricing here at ATD Detailing so the client leaves with a personalized estimate for the vehicle they are shopping for. They can use this information when negotiating purchase price to be sure the protection budget and the purchase price budget stay within the client’s comfort level.

This ensures once the client pulls off the lot with the new vehicle, they know what to expect for aftermarket protection cost and are not a victim of sticker shock or having to sacrifice protection due to budget restraints.

You should always consider protection and after market additions or modifications when deciding what your budget is for a new car. This way you can work with local experts in those fields and end up with all the options you desire and not exceed budget plans for the new vehicle.

Not having the aftermarket protection services scheduled ahead of taking delivery of a new car is another common mistake car buyers make. Working with a trusted automotive protection expert to schedule your service appointment as close to your anticipated delivery date or purchase date as possible is key, but this does take some preparation and planning. This ensures you are bringing them a vehicle that is truly in “new condition” keeping the prep cost low and avoiding rock chip damage or topcoat damage from poor washing techniques or exposure to harmful contaminants. Ideally, you would line up your service appointment within a week or two of taking delivery of a new vehicle. This will limit the exposure and drive time before dropping off for protection services to be performed.

Waiting until you have the new vehicle to do your research, price shopping and finding a company you trust to partner with for automotive protection services can lead to added costs and delayed scheduling with those qualified facilities. Most reputable paint protection specialists that focus on quality keep a booked schedule and have repeat clients they work with on a regular basis. They are usually booking appointments 6-8 weeks out leaving you exposed to rock chip damage or may result in additional prep costs because by the time you can get the vehicle in for service it is no longer in a “new condition” for the purpose of paint correction or film and coating application.

 

If you are currently considering the purchase of a new vehicle and want to explore the paint protection products and services here at ATD Detailing give us a call today to set up a consultation.

 

We are more than happy to have you visit our facility in person to learn more about what we can offer you and discuss the scheduling process if your goal is to protect the vehicle soon after purchase.

“A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.”

– H. Stanely Judd

If you need help creating a road map to achieve your automotive or marine protection goals email Abby or Bryan with ATD Detailing today to set up a consultation. We are your trusted paint protection specialist and have over 10 years’ experience in the industry. We look forward to serving you!

 

[email protected]

919-760-6420

https://atddetailingnc.com/contact-us/