What are some common myths and misconceptions about car detailing?

This is too funny....

I typed below into Skynet and the first link it brought up was a link to my bio on Autogeek

car detailing myths mike phillips


First search result

Mike Phillips Bio


The second search results was a link to my books....

Mike Phillips Detailing Books


:laughing:


I was searching to see if I had anything written on the topic so I included my first and last name. This always helps me to find stuff I've written but cannot find.


:dunno:
 
The term "Full Detail" lots of variables there.
Maybe the idea that if you can buy it in a box store it's a bad product
 
The words “polish” and “wax” are not interchangeable.

Definition of the word “glaze”

Pressed for time but those two always stand out.
 
Coatings are force fields.

Synthetic clay is more effective than clay

Quick Detailer=waterless wash

Just ones off the top of my head
 
"Waxing" a car (i.e. applying a sealant you picked up from the Walmart auto aisle) will not remove all the swirls and scratches from paint and make it look new.
 
Just thought of another one, so I'm going to toss this grenade in the room and then quickly run away...

If one layer of an LSP is good, lots of layers MUST be better!
 
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Bob
 
That compounding and polishing surely can’t take that long!? (When quoting out a time to a customer or telling the wife you’ll be in the garage ALL DAY!).

The “Full Detail” as Billy mentioned

That people (both clients and detailers) should be receiving/delivering show car details to daily drivers even though majority of customers don’t know the different between a swirl and a squirrel

That you absolutely must use 2(or is it 5 now?) buckets to wash or you’re a hack as if there’s not 100’s of ways to “skin a cat.”
 
Use two paper towels for cleaning glass; one wet and one dry. It will not leave any streaks.
The truth is it will leave streaks as well as scratches.
 
Not a "myth", or even a surprise, but I grew up in the early '70's watching grown men use dish soap, an old T-shirt, and a dried up piece of cowhide to wash and dry their cars.

And of course, always in the hottest and most direct sun conditions to be found.

But, these men always seemed proud of their work, and discussed it in great detail over many beers.

Ahh..... memories. :cool:
 
“it still beads water,
so you know its protecting!”


:bolt:

Bob
 
PaulMys said:
Not a "myth", or even a surprise, but I grew up in the early '70's watching grown men use dish soap, an old T-shirt, and a dried up piece of cowhide to wash and dry their cars.

And of course, always in the hottest and most direct sun conditions to be found.

But, these men always seemed proud of their work, and discussed it in great detail over many beers.

Ahh..... memories. :cool:
Click to expand...

That’s how I started this passion when I was a kid in the 70s. Old bath towels were perfect for removing Dupont polish or Rain Dance wax. I never used dish soap. Dupont No. 7 was my go to soap along with a large sponge.
 
Mike Phillips said:
What are some common myths and misconceptions about car detailing?
Click to expand...
That it is easy.

I don't do it for money but I've worked on a ton of vehicle's. When people hear how much it costs to have a car detailed they usually think it is a lot of money (it is). But then I explain that the fastest you'd be able to work a panel is about 30 minutes and there are at least 10 panels on a car. That is 5 hours right there. Not to mention 30 minutes for a wash, perhaps claying and then applying a sealant. I'd say a simple detail is 5-10 hours on average.
 
There is a myth that some special skills are needed. Techniques required are not special, just proper, optimal and precise. Deviating from any of those three techniques in your method will usually not end well. It is not like playing sports where talent is required. Just knowledge, experience and hard work is the only thing required. The biggest klutz on the court or field can be an excellent detailer with proper training and the right products.
 
UncleDavy said:
That’s how I started this passion when I was a kid in the 70s. Old bath towels were perfect for removing Dupont polish or Rain Dance wax. I never used dish soap. Dupont No. 7 was my go to soap along with a large sponge.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. I'm not THAT old (despite what my kids say), but I helped out my Dad by washing with an old t-shirt, dish soap and drying with a ratty old terry cloth towel my mom didn't want in the house any more. I didn't improve my products or process until much later when I was on my own and owning my second car before I graduated to a dedicated car shampoo and a synthetic chamois. My dad thought I was being extravagant. These days he just mumbles and shakes his head when he sees what I go through....
 
•Speaking of myths and misconceptions...

-While searching through the annals of
“The History of Car Detailing”...I doubt,
very seriously, that there can be chronicled
a more maligned car detailing product than
Armor All® Protectant, ("by cracky")!!


Bob
 
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