However, not all car products are the same, just as not all cars are the same. Every car will get passengers form A to B, but there is a big difference between models.
Paint protection, car wax, and car polish are no different. They all give some sort of shine, but that's where the similarities end.
Paint Protection Direct says it is important to educate new and not-so-new car owners on the different paint protection products in the market today - so customers can make an informed decision in choosing the right one for their car.
Paint Protection Direct emphasises a few facts that customers should know - these simple facts will save time, money and paintwork in the long term:
Fact 1: Not all paint protection products are the same
There are may paint protection products that vary in price and quality. However, price alone should not be the deciding factor when buying a product to improve the car's appearance.
The deciding factor is what the customer wants to achieve. A product that protects from bird droppings, UV rays, acid rain, road salt and bug residue is worth a few dollars more to a customer then one that just gives a temporary shine.
Furthermore, different products offer different degrees of lasting shine. A product that offers a long shine, and requires less maintenance, will also be worth a few more dollars.
Most protectants on the market today offer only some or limited amount of protection from the above mentioned elements and most do not offer lasting shine without reapplication (more than 6 months).
Fact 2: Prevention is better than cure, but it is not too late for older cars
Like most things, prevention is better than cure. A good paint protection system should protect the car long-term.
However, if the car is not protected from day one - a good system should be able to improve the car considerably, with a notable difference and also continue to further protect the car from the day it is applied.
Fact 3: Car wax and standard car polish may not be the best solution - new technology may be better for the customer
Car wax and car polish offer great instant shine, but there are a few drawbacks the average consumer may not be aware of. Firstly, car wax is called car wax, because it is simply, and predominantly made of "wax".
Everybody knows that wax also melts with heat. Car wax used on cars is no different. Excess heat on paintwork that has been waxed, results in the wax softening, therefore it loses shine and is more prone to entrapping contaminants.
Waxing is great for show cars, but show cars rarely sit in the hot sun all day, day after day.
Car wax, by its very natural state, does not adhere well to the car (in fact there is little that can adhere well to wax). Similarly, wax will eventually wash off the car - leaving little protection.
Some car wax can also take a top layer of paint off the car - giving it a newer look. Cars have a limited number of layers.
Fact 4: A simple bird dropping can damage paintwork
Most people don’t realise that their cars are being damaged right now. Many people know that UV rays can damage a car’s paintwork - but this can take years. More immediate danger is bird droppings, which can damage paint work within a few days.
Bird droppings come from the digestive system of birds and droppings can contain high levels of acid - acid damages paintwork.
Many people are surprised at the damage of a bird dropping. It often goes unnoticed, but it is clearly seen once pointed out by a trained eye who knows what to look for.
Fact 5: There are good reasons why prestigious car dealers use certain paint protection products
Paint protection from car detailers can be relatively expensive. This is because it adds true value to the buyer (and to the vehicle) - and this is not just a better shine, according to Paint Protection Direct.
A good paint protection application gives an incredible glass shine and maintains the value of the new car. These are the reasons why people are prepared to pay good money for a decent paint protection.
It also means less waxing and easier cleaning of the car when it gets dirty. Saving time and superior paint protection means more savings in the long run.
Fact 6: Professional paint protection is possible at home, without the huge expense dealers charge
Proper paint protection is a little more complicated than simply applying wax - but it is not too complicated that an average person cannot do at home.
A combination of the right products and technique is what makes a good paint protection application a "superior" one.
Paint Protection Direct says it is possible for people to do apply their own premium paint protection, minus the price to achieve the same look - if they are guided in the right direction.
Fact 7: A car's paintwork and appearance will assist in maintaining its value and resale value
A well-maintained car with mirror finish paint, will undoubtedly increase its resale value. Customers will also save time and money now.
A good paint protection on the car means customers save time washing the car, as dirt and grime should wash away easily and no waxing is required to maintain its appearance.
Other important details of car protection
The importance of taking proper care of the car, such as washing and detailing cannot be stressed enough by Paint Protection Direct.
Using reputable detailers and car wash outlets is imperative and simply prevents damage to the car.
The golden rule of thumb is to treat the car paintwork like people would look after their skin. If it's good for skin, it's good for the car and if it won't hurt skin, it won’t damage the car’s paintwork.
A good quality car shampoo is very important as it minimises, (not eliminates) surface scratching from friction when washing.
A good quality soft pile wash sponge or wash mitt is a must. A leather chamois or terry towel to dry of is the answer for streak free drying.
Paint Protection Direct recommends that people do not:
* Wash the car in direct sunlight
* Wash the car in unenclosed areas
* Place the car through brush car wash systems
* Have anything acidic placed on the car to speed up the cleaning.
As the industry demands, lots of car washers are price conscious , however, most are sensible, and if the ramifications of their actions based on price is explained, one soon realises cheap has implications.
Paint Protection is a professional application and surfaces to be protected have to be prepared, hence the reason for attention to detail and know-how, correct use of tools and products.
Cheap car wax and car polishes are not in the same league as paint protection, says Paint Protection Direct.
What are the differences between car protection products?
More than 80% of protectants on the market today are of a limited basic compound/core ingredient, be it wax, teflon, polymer or silicone and is just re-badged, repacked or marketed differently. Most of these products are water solulable, which means they attract water.
The most superior product known through trial and testing, are products with glassplexin.
Glassplexin has the properties of glass. It electromagnetically blends with the paint molecules and becomes part of the paint - unlike other products that simply lie on top.
It is a silicate ion, which has a negative charge and the properties of liquid glass, and is exclusively formulated to prepare, polish, seal and protect the paint finishes.
Glassplexin repels water and therefore repels grime and contaminants.
Glassplexin based products are available in a product called "InfinityGLARE Plus" in Australia.
InfinityGLARE Plus will provide a barrier between the elements and the paint surface, protecting against harmful elements as well as making washing easier. A mirror finish is maintained for years, without waxing.
Paint Protection Direct distributes InfinityGLARE Plus to car dealers, professional detailers and now to the public.