How to Find a Vancouver Auto Detailer Near Me

Vehicle owners around Vancouver turn to professional auto detailers when the situation requires it. Especially when their car gets damaged in an accident or when the interior needs thorough cleaning after a messy road trip.

A few car maintenance jobs are DIY in nature, but detailing isn't one of them. It's not impossible, but it takes a lot of time and expertise - two things you probably don't have in abundance.

Moreover, there's more to detailing than aesthetics; it protects the car's paint job and interior surfaces from wear and tear.

Now, if you're fixated on detailing your vehicle yourself, this article isn't for you. But, on the other hand, if you're looking for a reputable Vancouver auto detailer, then read on.

Ask for Vancouver Auto Detailing Recommendations

It wouldn't take a while to find a handful of car detailing services near you. But, how do you know which one to choose?

Word of mouth is often the best form of advertising, especially when it comes to services like these. Personal referrals from friends and relatives who have used a particular service in the past are always good options. If you don't know anyone that can refer you, search for reviews online or ask around at your local car wash.

Search for Online Presence of the Auto Detailer

A Vancouver auto detailer doesn't need to have an outstanding web presence, but it can't hurt either. Even if they don't invest much in online marketing, an auto detailer's website is often the first place where customers will look for information.

If you're fortunate enough to find several good reviews on that company's services and products, then that might be all you need. But, even if a company's website looks good and has a lot of positive feedback from satisfied customers, you'll need to investigate how those reviews were obtained.

Another thing to look out for is an online scheduling system that you can use to book your appointment. This will come in handy as more details unfold about what they can offer you.

Inquire About Services

The next step is to call a few auto detailing companies in your area and ask them a few questions. Again, it would be best if you could get a hold of a supervisor or manager so that they can provide you with important information on their services, rates, payment options, etc.

Depending on how satisfied you are with the answers you receive, you might want to take the next step and visit their business location. This will give you a chance to see what their shop looks like and, if you're lucky, meet some of the staff.

Go into detail when asking about what their services include. Also, inquire about the products they use and if they're environmentally friendly. Make sure to ask about the company's cancellation policy if you change your mind for any reason.

Some detailers also offer car detailing packages. If you're interested in one of those, ask about what's included so that you're not paying extra for services you don't need. Of course, hiring a regular detailer is also an option, and they'll probably provide more than just exterior cleaning.

If it turns out that they use water-based cleaners, ask if the soapy residue left on your car's surface can cause damage in any way. If you want environmentally friendly service, you'll want to avoid paint-based detailing products.

Look for a Certified Vancouver Auto Detailer for Professional-Grade Coatings?

If you're looking for a Vancouver auto detailer that offers professional-grade coatings, then you'll want to find one that's certified. If they're certified, it means that they have undergone extensive training and have been proven to be experts in this type of service.

Not all detailers offer this service, and not all cars need professional-grade protection. But if you've decided to invest in one, it's important to find a detailer that knows what they're doing.

The detailing service you choose will ultimately depend on your needs and budget, but it's never a good idea to try to haggle with an unproven detailer. Auto detailing isn't like getting your car cleaned at the local car wash. Auto detailing makes a big difference in the appearance and value of your vehicle, so it's best to work with certified pros.

Get an Estimate and Compare Prices

After you've asked all the questions you can think of, it's time to get estimates from at least three different detailers. Detailing a car can be expensive, but the cost will vary depending on the services you need.

It's best if your budget can handle the most expensive option. But it might be smarter to shop around for good prices, especially if you have a car that doesn't need much work.

When you get an estimate, make sure to ask about the basics like mileage limitations, turnaround time and how they will reach you in case of any changes.

Turnaround Time

Most Vancouver auto detailers offer a turnaround time of three to seven days. However, if you need your car sooner than that, you might be able to find a detailer that offers a rush service for an extra fee.

But one thing you must understand about auto detailing is that it takes time to get the best results. It's not like getting your car washed at a drive-thru. So, if you're in a hurry, you might want to reconsider the entire process.

Get Everything in Writing

Once you've chosen a detailer, getting everything in writing is important. This includes the services that will be performed, the products used, and the price. Also, ensure that the document states that the detailer is insured and has a liability waiver if any damage is done to your car.

This will protect you if something goes wrong and the detailer refuses to take responsibility. It's also good to have them sign it to avoid any confusion.

How To Choose The Right Windshield Protective Film

You paid a lot of money for your car.  It is one of your biggest assets –or liabilities –depending on how well you take care of it.  As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Why not prevent wear and damage on your vehicle before it takes place?

There are many things you can do to keep your car looking great and protect it from damage.  One of the most effective and economical actions you can take is to invest in windshield protection film.

Is Windshield Protective Film Right for You?

If you drive a car on a regular basis, you should consider windshield protective film.  If you have a special, exotic or expensive car, you should consider protecting your investment.  Many of us purchase screen protectors for our mobile devices.  Your vehicle is much more expensive, and deserves at least the same protection as your phone. 

Windshield protective film is just as important for your every day commute vehicle as it is for the special car that you only bring out on nice days.  Many of us have a ‘dream car’ - if you are lucky enough to own your dream vehicle, you will want to protect your prize!

Windshield Protection Film Can Keep You Safe

A damaged windshield is a safety hazard.  Cracks or chips in the windshield can reduce visibility out of the windshield, reducing your ability to see and avoid accidents.  Windshield protection film can reduce the chances that your windshield will shatter in collisions or due to weather events, such as hail.  It can prevent cracks chips resulting from flying rocks and other debris. 

We have all driven by a large truck and know the dangers of gravel and materials that can fall off of a large vehicle.  This is especially true in a vehicle lower to the ground, such as a sports car.  Prevent accidents and help keep yourself safe with windshield protective film.

Even if your windshield is intact, it is allowing another form of damage into your car  - Ultraviolet (UV) rays.  Vancouver gets a lot of rain, but don’t let the weather fool you – UV rays can still cause harm, even when it’s cloudy outside. 

Long exposure to UV light can cause skin burns and long-term health problems.  It can also damage the interior of your car.  You can protect yourself, your passengers and your car interior from UV damage with windshield protection film, which blocks out 99% of harmful UV light. You wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.  Give your car some sun glasses!

Windshield Protection Can Save You Money

It is expensive to replace a windshield.  Windshields are six times less likely to break when they have a protective film, compared to unprotected windshields.  Rocks, hail and other environmental factors can chip, crack or shatter your windshield, creating extra expense.  You can be fined for driving with a damaged windshield.  Avoid brushes with the law, and save yourself money by getting professional windshield protective film on your vehicle.

Windshields today offer more than just protection from the elements.  They often contain advanced features and technology.  Newer and luxury vehicles often have sensors connected in the windshield that send information to other systems in the car.  If you have to replace the windshield, you may also need to reinstall or recalibrate the sensors.  This increases the cost of windshield installation. 

For imported or exotic cars, it may take weeks to order and receive a new windshield, as they are often not kept in stock, or are made specially for the vehicle.  Having windshield protection film will increase your windshield’s life and delay costly replacements.  It will also help you to know when it is time to replace the windshield before the integrity of your shield reaches a crisis point.

Windshield Protection Film Keeps Your Car Beautiful

Your paint job may not have a scratch, but if your windshield has a crack or a chip, it will ruin the sleek look of your car.  Just as you would protect your paint job, you want to protect your windshield to keep your car looking its best, reduce the cost of repairs, and protect its resale value.  Car enthusiasts know how important it is to maintain your vehicle, both inside and out.

Enjoy the Mountains Worry Free!

We all know the Sea to Sky Highway is a beautiful drive, but car lovers sometimes avoid mountain routes to reduce damage to their cars.  With windshield protection film, you can confidently take your care anywhere and not worry about damage from rocks or other debris that are part of the mountain driving experience.

Will a protective film change the colour of my windows?

Unlike a window tint, windshield protective film is clear.  You can have all the protection offered by a window tint, without changing the look of your windows, or reducing visibility on cloudy days or at night.  You and your passengers will benefit from the same UV protection tinted windows provide, all with no drawbacks. 

Should I Install Windshield Protection Film Myself?

No!  Professional installation is necessary to ensure a quality product.  The windshield must be cleaned property to ensure no dirt is trapped under the film.  The film must be heated to the correct temperature so it adheres properly to the glass. 

Incorrect installation can lead to imperfections in the film, reducing visibility and negatively impacting the look of your vehicle.  Professional installation is typically accompanied with a warranty for the work, so you can be confident that if there are problems, you can get them fixed without additional costs. 

I Want Windshield Protective Film.  What do I do next?

There are many professional protective film installers in Vancouver.  Ensure you are using a company that uses a high-quality product that meets your needs.  Do your homework and choose one that uses quality products, excellent service, and a warranty. 

Beware that installing protective film is not the same as the paint protection process – ensure you are using a company that trains their workers specifically in windshield protective film installation. 

Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Car from the Sun and Heat

 Just like you need sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin during the harsh summer months, your car also needs protection from heat and the sun’s damaging rays.

Cars, SUVs, pickups, and other rides take a serious beating in the summer months whether they’re sitting in the parking lot at the mall or parked at the beach until the sun goes down.

Vehicles can roast in extreme heat from morning till night while you’re either at work or when you’re watching your kids at a soccer game.

There’s nothing worse than getting into a car after it’s been sitting in the sun all day long. The first thing you do is flip on the A/C to get cool. However, the sun may have already toasted the interior as well as the exterior. Be smart and be alert as to the damages the sun can cause and try to be proactive to keep these issues at bay.

No questions about it, heat – even on just an average warm day – can certainly ruin the inside and outside of any car — from its dashboards to A/C belts.

Protecting Your Vehicle

So, this summer is ahead of the game and protects your car from becoming destroyed due to the sun's intense UVA and UVB rays.

Here are 10 easy ways to keep your car, SUV, truck, or pickup looking great moving forward:

1.     Dashboard Protection: Do protect your dashboards with a dashboard mat that can be placed across from end to end to keep the sun from beating down on them. And while you’re at it, use a protectant on dashboards with a UVA/UVB block that can be applied when needed.

2.     Do Proper Checks: Have all hoses, belts, and the battery, checked regularly as these can all wear with time, as well as disintegrate from the heat which can be brutal. Follow recommendations by your vehicle's manufacturer.

3.     Install Tinted Glass: Have tinted glass installed on all windows to deflect the sun from entering and heating the interior. Tinted glass can also help block the sun while driving; think of it as sunglasses for your vehicle. Tinted glass can keep the interior of a vehicle cooler because it’s blocking out the sun.

4.     Add Paint Protection Films: Think about having paint protection film applied by a professional to ward off the heat and protect your vehicle's paint from drying out. Paint protection also helps to keep your car from fading because it has sunscreens that block out any harmful rays.

5.     Get Covered: It doesn’t hurt to invest in a good car cover to keep your car cool and protected from the sun if you don’t have a garage at home or work. The heavier the better as it will keep the car protected and from getting too hot inside and outside. A car bra for the front end is also a proactive way to keep the car cool and protected from the sun. Car mats can also fade from the sun and get trashed from water, sand, and other summer activities. Buy inexpensive mats for the summer months to protect the better ones you can put back when the cooler climes return. Do park in the shade whenever and wherever you can to keep it from getting too hot inside and outside. Be sure to crack windows open slightly when you plan to be someplace for long periods.

6.     Tire Protection: All wheels and tires need sun protection, too, as they can get extremely hot and dry out from the elements. Tires also need to be filled regularly with air as heat can deflate them after time. Check with the car’s manufacturer for the best levels for your vehicle before adding air.

7.     Proper Fluid Levels: Have all brake fluids, windshield fluids, and other car fluids checked to make sure they’re at their proper levels. Don’t let any levels dip below the manufacture’s recommendations or you could have engine trouble when you least expect it. Another important fluid is the engine’s coolant; have a professional inspect the overflow reservoir regularly for sufficient coolant levels. Also, check on oil and filters to make sure they are clean; these should be changed out between every 5,000 and 7,500  miles.

8.     Keep it Clean: Just washing, waxing, and getting your car detailed can aid in keeping it clean and the paint protected. If you do it yourself, buy something that has a sealant in it as an ingredient to keep the sun’s rays from frying the exterior paint.

9.     Convertible Care: If you have a convertible/ragtop you can buy special products to spray the top without changing its colour and to protect it from UVA/ UVB rays. There are specially formulated sprays for convertibles and ragtops to help keep it from fading out and possibly tearing. Cover seats with canvas or buy seat covers to keep them cool and from fading or drying out.

10.  Pay Attention to Seats: An excellent way to keep leather seats looking their best and safe from summer elements is to make sure they are waxed and buffed to the max. There are all kinds of leather sprays and conditioners with sun protection to keep your seats looking like they did the first time you sat in them. Check with the manufacturer of the vehicle before doing any kind of application and/or do a test sample on a place that isn’t visible before you begin.

Last Thoughts

By following these tips, you should be able to keep your vehicle looking its best and at the same time protecting it from the heat and the sun all summer long. Who knows, perhaps your vehicle won’t need to be replaced for years to come if you take proper care of it!

If you need to schedule an auto detailing for your vehicle, give Tiago’s Auto Spa a call. We are Vancouver’s premier detailing service, offering in-depth interior and exterior services.