Car Wash Damaging Ceramic Coatings or Is It? Selling More Coatings Made Easy. Episode #924
About this episode
A deep dive into the impact of car washes on ceramic coatings, this episode explores the misconceptions and challenges surrounding ceramic coatings in the detailing industry. The hosts discuss a real-world scenario where a car wash owner blamed coatings for water spots, emphasizing the importance of accountability and proper education in the detailing community. They also touch on marketing strategies for ceramic coatings, the significance of organized service packages, and the need for detailers to understand their products and effectively communicate their benefits to customers.
In this conversation, Marshall and Nick discuss the evolution and challenges of ceramic coatings in the detailing industry. They explore accountability in the car wash sector, the importance of quality products, and the need for customer education.
The discussion also covers practical tips for trim care, the debate on undercoating services, and the significance of organized packaging in selling detailing services. They emphasize the necessity of investing in quality equipment and the importance of maintaining customer relationships for business growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Backstory
03:04 The Challenges of Ceramic Coatings
06:05 Accountability in the Car Wash Industry
08:52 Understanding Ceramic Coatings
11:43 The Importance of Proper Maintenance
14:50 Off-Label Uses and Product Recommendations
27:19 Managing Dog Hair and Detailing Techniques
29:21 The Importance of Lifts in Detailing
34:23 Understanding Undercoating and Its Benefits
38:56 Evaluating Add-Ons for Your Detailing Business
43:19 Maximizing Profitability with Ceramic Coatings
50:41 Organizing Packages for Better Sales
ceramic coatings
"she was blaming ceramic coatings and she was blaming them for having water spots said well we don't have it except on some of these cars..."
Ceramic coatings are special protective layers you can put on a car's paint. They help keep the car shiny and protect it from things like dirt and water spots.
Ceramic coatings are a type of liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle to provide protection against environmental contaminants and enhance shine. They create a chemical bond with the vehicle's paint, making it more resistant to scratches, UV rays, and water spots.
graphene
"...here they use graphene all over their stuff there's..."
Graphene is a super-strong material made of carbon that can be used in car products to make them last longer and resist damage.
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. In automotive applications, graphene is used in coatings and materials to enhance durability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear.
Carnauba wax
"...that's what you used to tell us about that Carnuba wax lava that was before there and now we're in the same..."
Carnauba wax is a type of wax made from a plant that helps make cars shiny and protects the paint. It's often used in car cleaning products to give a nice finish.
Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the Carnauba palm, often used in automotive waxes for its ability to provide a high-gloss finish and protection against environmental elements.
chemical burn
"...we see more and more chemical burn probably now than we ever have and let's be honest we see that because of social media now there's more people on social media..."
Chemical burn is when strong cleaning products damage the surface of your car. It can ruin the paint or other materials if the products are too strong or not used correctly.
Chemical burn refers to damage caused to a car's surfaces, such as paint or trim, due to harsh cleaning chemicals. This can happen if the chemicals are not properly diluted or if they are left on the surface for too long.
Ford Bronco
"...or a Bronco plastic they're just so porous then you can get to things that just aren't that porous..."
The Ford Bronco is an SUV made by Ford that is built for off-road driving. It has a strong reputation for being tough and capable in rough conditions.
The Ford Bronco is a series of SUVs produced by Ford, known for their off-road capabilities and rugged design. The Bronco has a storied history and has been reintroduced in recent years with modern features.
Jeep Wrangler
"...ou could you could dump a whole 50 mil on a Jeep Wrangler plastic or a Bronco plastic they're just so porou..."
Fiat Uno
"makeup and part of what makes stack and Uno together a little different is the high heat tha..."
The Fiat Uno is a small car that was made by the Italian company Fiat, starting in the 1980s. It's known for being easy to drive and not too expensive, which is why many people like it for getting around town.
The Fiat Uno is a compact car that was first introduced in the 1980s and is known for its practicality and efficiency. It has been a popular choice in various markets due to its affordability and ease of use, making it a significant model in Fiat's lineup. The Uno is often discussed for its unique design and role in urban mobility.
ultra dress
"...my response to him that's something I learned a long time ago was take take ultra dress now I would dilute it way down..."
Ultra dress is a product used to make tires look shiny and new. It helps protect the tires and makes them look good.
Ultra dress is a type of tire dressing used to enhance the appearance of tires and trim. It typically contains polymers that help protect surfaces and provide a glossy finish.
tire shine
"...remind us what is inside of tire shine silicone I don't have any silicone in my dressing..."
Tire shine is a spray that makes tires look shiny and helps protect them from damage. It keeps them looking good and can prevent wear.
Tire shine is a product applied to tires to give them a glossy finish and protect them from cracking and fading. It often contains silicone or polymers for this purpose.
Twin Busch
"...I have a lift here at the shop it's a twin bush lift if anybody I don't even know it's a German company I'm not sure..."
Twin Busch is a company from Germany that makes lifts for cars. They are popular because they have a lot of experts who can help if you need assistance with their products.
Twin Busch is a German company that specializes in automotive lifts and garage equipment. They are known for their quality products and have a distribution center that makes their equipment accessible to customers in various regions.
four-post lift
"...there's mention like four pole lift mechanics yes four post lift some PPF guys love big four post lifts that you can drive on a whole ramp..."
A four-post lift is a machine that lifts cars off the ground using four vertical supports. It's often used in repair shops to make it easier to work on cars.
A four-post lift is a type of vehicle lift that has four posts, allowing the vehicle to be driven onto ramps and lifted securely. It's commonly used in transmission shops and for general service work.
two-post lift
"...most mechanic shops do two posts where they have the the two legs that come out on each side and they're just two and it just kind of hangs in the middle..."
A two-post lift is a machine that lifts cars using two vertical supports. It's often used in places like oil change shops to help mechanics work on the car's underside.
A two-post lift is a vehicle lift that has two vertical posts and is commonly used for general maintenance tasks like oil changes and brake work. The vehicle is lifted from the chassis, allowing easy access to the underside.
scissor lift
"...most detailers you're gonna be looking at just a scissor lift...I have a scissor lift that's what I have so you just drive on it and it can lift up..."
A scissor lift is a tool that lifts cars up so you can work on them without bending over or lying on the ground. It's shaped like a pair of scissors that opens and closes to raise the car higher.
A scissor lift is a type of lift that raises a vehicle vertically using a crisscrossing mechanism, allowing for easy access to the underside of the car. It's particularly useful in automotive detailing and repairs to save the technician's back and provide better access to hard-to-reach areas.
undercoding
"...undercoding trucks undercoding cars you know we're talking about doing more business up in Canada it's a big concern there so undercoding is a big deal..."
Undercoding is a way to protect the bottom of cars and trucks from rust. It involves spraying a special coating that helps keep the metal safe from water and salt, which can cause damage over time.
Undercoding refers to the application of protective coatings to the undercarriage of vehicles to prevent rust and corrosion, especially in areas prone to exposure to moisture and road salt. This process is particularly important in regions with harsh winters or where vehicles are exposed to salt on the roads.
wheel coatings
"...but you know wheel coatings is definitely a lot"
Wheel coatings are special products that you put on your car's wheels to keep them looking nice and clean. They help protect the wheels from dirt and rust.
Wheel coatings are protective layers applied to wheels to enhance their appearance and protect against dirt, brake dust, and corrosion. They can help maintain the finish of the wheels and make cleaning easier.
caliper
"...you can get to the caliper coat that there's a lot of I mean it's a good point to bring up..."
The caliper is a part of the braking system that helps stop the car by squeezing the brake pads against the wheels. It's important for making sure your car can slow down safely.
A caliper is a crucial component of a disc brake system that houses the brake pads and pistons. It applies pressure to the brake pads against the brake rotor to slow down or stop the vehicle.
add-ons
"...we're talking about add-ons and if I should get this ramp and we'll under coatings do that but if I'm only really adding a couple grand per month sure..."
Add-ons are extra things you can buy for your car when you purchase it. They can make your car nicer or give you more protection, but they usually cost more money.
Add-ons refer to additional features or services that can be included with a vehicle purchase, often at an extra cost. These can include things like extended warranties, upgraded sound systems, or cosmetic enhancements.
undercoating
"...I completely understand that we're not from there right which we don't sure I mean but I think under coating is valuable..."
Undercoating is a special coating put on the bottom of cars to protect them from rust and damage. It's especially useful in places where there's a lot of salt on the roads in winter.
Undercoating is a protective layer applied to the underside of a vehicle to prevent rust and corrosion, especially in areas prone to moisture and salt exposure. It can extend the life of the vehicle's body and components.
PPF
"you know we're seeing more and more PPF shops be honest about this which is good"
PPF is a special clear film that you put on a car's paint to keep it safe from scratches and damage. It's like a protective layer that helps the car look good for longer.
PPF stands for Paint Protection Film, a clear film applied to a vehicle's exterior to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other damage. It's popular among car enthusiasts and owners who want to maintain their vehicle's appearance.
Morgan Six Plus
"... I mentioned one three and five year or you know six plus month with no paint polishing and I mean it was ..."
The Morgan Plus Six is a fancy sports car made by a British company called Morgan. It looks like a classic car but has modern features and a powerful engine, making it both stylish and fast.
The Morgan Plus Six is a modern interpretation of the classic British sports car, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary performance. Launched in 2018, it features a powerful engine and a lightweight design, making it a standout in the luxury sports car market. The Plus Six is often discussed for its unique blend of heritage and modern technology.
Porsche
"like Ferraris and Porsches and whatever they go what's your price it said the same price as a midsize SUV"
Porsche is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes high-performance sports cars, like the 911.
Porsche is a German manufacturer renowned for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the iconic 911 model.
Ferrari
"like Ferraris and Porsches and whatever they go what's your price it said the same price as a midsize SUV"
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes fast and expensive sports cars.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and racing heritage.
F-250
"somebody rolls in with an F 250 somebody rolls in with an excursion somebody rolls in with the Lincoln Navigator am I having a conversation about some upcharging"
The Ford F-250 is a strong truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for jobs like construction.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and rugged performance, often used for work and heavy-duty applications.
upcharging
"somebody rolls in with an F 250 somebody rolls in with an excursion somebody rolls in with the Lincoln Navigator am I having a conversation about some upcharging"
Upcharging means asking for more money for extra features or services on a product, like a car.
Upcharging refers to the practice of charging a higher price for additional features or services beyond the standard offering.
Ford Excursion
"somebody rolls in with an F 250 somebody rolls in with an excursion somebody rolls in with the Lincoln Navigator am I having a conversation about some upcharging"
The Ford Excursion is a big SUV that has a lot of space inside, making it good for families and towing things.
The Ford Excursion is a large SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful performance, often favored for family travel and towing.
Lincoln Navigator
"... an excursion somebody rolls in with the Lincoln Navigator am I having a conversation about some upcharging..."
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.