Advice please

[Scaf]

I can understand why you are miffed,
to me that is more likely damage caused by the mechanics leaning and rubbing against the car.
They should have special pads to cover the car and protect it from this.
I have just had my Jag detailed and it’s first trip was to the main dealer, I made a point of telling them not to give the car a courtesy wash and pointed out car had just been detailed. Thankfully it came back exactly as delivered.
I would approach them and see what their attitude is.

 

[RussBird82]

Current plan is give it a safe wash on Monday, take photos. Carefully worded email with before and after evidence. Open with a positive, deliver the negative, finish on a positive and see what they come back with. Admit that I should have perhaps mentioned it beforehand (although I shouldn't need to) , and not mention anything about compensation. I was going to call them last night but I thought I'd get too riled up if they get defensive, and in their defence without proof my words are fairy meaningless. I'm not expecting or really after compensation although perhaps taking it into consideration next time I have work done or maybe knocking it off the labour would be a plus. Although I do currently have a load of rusted/broken rivnuts in the boot where it leaked and I removed the floor to check for rust, so if they could sort that out for me I'd gladly call it quits on the deal.

 

[RussBird82]

I can understand why you are miffed,
to me that is more likely damage caused by the mechanics leaning and rubbing against the car.
They should have special pads to cover the car and protect it from this.
I have just had my Jag detailed and it’s first trip was to the main dealer, I made a point of telling them not to give the car a courtesy wash and pointed out car had just been detailed. Thankfully it came back exactly as delivered.
I would approach them and see what their attitude is.

You can buy hangers for these. If you just Google "Do Not Wash" signs it's an extremely common problem amongst the car and detailing community. Courtesy washes should be reserved for the elderly and infirm or outlawed.

 

[CatmanV2]

Current plan is give it a safe wash on Monday, take photos. Carefully worded email with before and after evidence. Open with a positive, deliver the negative, finish on a positive and see what they come back with. Admit that I should have perhaps mentioned it beforehand (although I shouldn't need to) , and not mention anything about compensation. I was going to call them last night but I thought I'd get too riled up if they get defensive, and in their defence without proof my words are fairy meaningless. I'm not expecting or really after compensation although perhaps taking it into consideration next time I have work done or maybe knocking it off the labour would be a plus. Although I do currently have a load of rusted/broken rivnuts in the boot where it leaked and I removed the floor to check for rust, so if they could sort that out for me I'd gladly call it quits on the deal.

Sounds like a good plan

You can buy hangers for these. If you just Google "Do Not Wash" signs it's an extremely common problem amongst the car and detailing community. Courtesy washes should be reserved for the elderly and infirm or outlawed.

Can you now? I might well grab one after my last wash experience, and getting it sorted and coated

C

 

[RussBird82]

Sounds like a good plan



Can you now? I might well grab one after my last wash experience, and getting it sorted and coated

C

On the side of caution I'd probably opt for one with text and images in case there's a language barrier.

Also as mentioned in my initial posts I really don't think these ceramic coatings are all that fantastic. Better off doing a paint decontamination and correction and seal it with a wax. At least then should any scuffs appear you can simply apply a glaze and wax, or buff out and wax if you're up to it. I've gone down the ceramic coating route now so will probably stick with it until the 3yrs is up and then seek an alternative.

 

[conaero]

Ok this is an interesting one being a specialist…I must admit I checked the recent invoices to make sure it wasn’t us, thankfully not.

We have had two issues in the past where owners turn up to collect their car and instantly point to a scuff or dent and say “that wasn’t there”.

The issue is, the cars turn up dirty and are returned valeted…so everything is there to see.

Thankfully, both cases our CCTV proved both these two issues were present upon delivery, with much apologise for the accusation.

I’m not saying things don’t happen. Both Ash and I have clipped a wheel or bumper lower return each on the ramp arm, pushing dead cars on. Both we saw, rectified….problem sorted.

Which regards to leaning marks, yes they do happen. 4200 most noticeable the wing tops are soft and push easily. We check them first, note them….you learn this quickly. The other is the 4200 bonnet. You always drop it and never push it as it bends the skin over the frame.

Regarding freshly detailed cars. As you point out, the quality varies on ceramic product and application. The front wing marking is avoidable but if having a lot of work done, you have to kind of accept this.

As Phil points out, MOT open the doors and bonnet, lean and check the wipers but that’s about it for touching up top.

What I suspect has happened is a combination of a less than superior coating that masks rather than they have mirror polished pre application and the use of some sort of TFR (truck wash) stripping the top coating off.

We have several customers who request not to wash the outside of the car…their choice.

What I would do is go see them face to face, talk to them in a non aggressive manner and you may be surprised.

If it were us, we would take a hit on it so the customer is happy.

 

[CatmanV2]

Also as mentioned in my initial posts I really don't think these ceramic coatings are all that fantastic. Better off doing a paint decontamination and correction and seal it with a wax. At least then should any scuffs appear you can simply apply a glaze and wax, or buff out and wax if you're up to it. I've gone down the ceramic coating route now so will probably stick with it until the 3yrs is up and then seek an alternative.

We'll see. I have a very good relationship with my detailer. And a 3 year warranty. Fingers crossed

C

 

[RussBird82]

Ok this is an interesting one being a specialist…I must admit I checked the recent invoices to make sure it wasn’t us, thankfully not.

We have had two issues in the past where owners turn up to collect their car and instantly point to a scuff or dent and say “that wasn’t there”.

The issue is, the cars turn up dirty and are returned valeted…so everything is there to see.

Thankfully, both cases our CCTV proved both these two issues were present upon delivery, with much apologise for the accusation.

I’m not saying things don’t happen. Both Ash and I have clipped a wheel or bumper lower return each on the ramp arm, pushing dead cars on. Both we saw, rectified….problem sorted.

Which regards to leaning marks, yes they do happen. 4200 most noticeable the wing tops are soft and push easily. We check them first, note them….you learn this quickly. The other is the 4200 bonnet. You always drop it and never push it as it bends the skin over the frame.

Regarding freshly detailed cars. As you point out, the quality varies on ceramic product and application. The front wing marking is avoidable but if having a lot of work done, you have to kind of accept this.

As Phil points out, MOT open the doors and bonnet, lean and check the wipers but that’s about it for touching up top.

What I suspect has happened is a combination of a less than superior coating that masks rather than they have mirror polished pre application and the use of some sort of TFR (truck wash) stripping the top coating off.

We have several customers who request not to wash the outside of the car…their choice.

What I would do is go see them face to face, talk to them in a non aggressive manner and you may be surprised.

If it were us, we would take a hit on it so the customer is happy.

All valid points however the detailer was sending me a wrath of videos and photos (side by side mirror Vs untreated) as the car was being prepped first time round (prior to the coating) so I'm not in any doubt that his workmanship. As for the product he uses AutoBead and he is an Accredited Detailer (whatever that means) but he also uses other products, I think this is just his preferred Go To. I also now use Autobead products as prescribed (per the Warranty, which I never registered - although by all accounts they're worthless anyway) and the car looks fresh as leaving the detailers when I wash it. I do however think that Ceramic coatings in general are a bit of a marketing gimmick as supported by several forum results for "are ceramic coatings worth it?" Etc, which is something I didn't really consider prior to getting it done.

In terms of truck wash although I initially thought the car had been washed, I actually think it's a combination of working on the car and using the nearest cloth/rag to hand to wipe down any marks. You're right though, I should give them an opportunity to put it right, although I genuinely don't want the guys money even though it leaves me out of pocket. Primarily as I don't want to feel like I'm being paid off/paid to f.off.

I'm working all weekend and Monday is the first chance I'll have to see the car in daylight, although the marks by torchlight are no different to direct sunlight. Someone also suggested not washing the car so as to not give them an excuse to say I did it. Although to my mind if I wash it properly the marks will be clear as day to see Vs hidden behind a film of dirt.

 

[conaero]

Sounds like a sensible approach

 

[Scaf]

Sounds like a good plan



Can you now? I might well grab one after my last wash experience, and getting it sorted and coated

C

Do Not Wash Mirror Hanger 5pk https://amzn.eu/d/bceipn1