Ceramic Coating
Absolutely! Applying a ceramic coating to your brand new car is one of the best ways to protect its factory-fresh appearance. Even brand new cars can benefit from ceramic coating as it provides a strong protective layer against environmental contaminants and UV rays. This coating not only preserves the paint’s gloss and depth but also makes cleaning easier and less frequent. Protecting your new car from the start can extend the life and beauty of its exterior significantly, ensuring it continues to look its best for years to come.
Choosing the right ceramic coating depends on your vehicle's usage and your personal preferences. We're here to help guide you through the decision process. As a general rule of thumb, if your vehicle sees heavy use, encounters frequent environmental exposure, or you desire the longest-lasting protection, investing in a higher-level ceramic coating is beneficial. Conversely, if your vehicle is primarily garage-kept and rarely driven, a high-grade coating might not be the most cost-effective option. We'll work with you to assess your specific needs and recommend the best ceramic coating to match your vehicle’s lifestyle and usage.
The longevity of our ceramic coatings depends on the specific level you choose. We offer three levels of coating designed to last between 3 and 10 years. The durability of each option varies, but with proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your coating. Regardless of which coating you select, we provide detailed guidance on how to properly maintain it to ensure you get the most out of your investment, potentially even exceeding the expected lifespan.
Caring for your car after applying a ceramic coating is simpler than you might expect. There's no need for a collection of expensive, specialized products. Instead, you can maintain your coating with straightforward, basic products. We will guide you through selecting the right products and teach you the recommended techniques to care for your coated vehicle. The process is much easier than anticipated, ensuring your car remains in top condition with minimal effort.
We generally advise against using automatic car washes, whether your vehicle has a ceramic coating or not. Automatic washes can be harsh on your car's exterior, potentially leading to scratches or damage to the finish. However, if using an automatic car wash is your only option, we can guide you on the best practices to minimize potential harm. We'll provide tips on selecting gentler wash options and maintaining your coating’s integrity while using these facilities.
At American Detail, we provide comprehensive ceramic coating coverage that includes the full body, wheel faces, plastic trims, headlights, taillights, and the front windshield. This extensive coverage is standard with all of our packages, ensuring every critical exterior surface is protected. For those looking for even more thorough protection, we offer an upgraded option that includes removing the wheels to coat the inner barrels, as well as the brake and suspension components, providing an extra layer of care and durability to these often overlooked areas.
No, Ceramic coating significantly enhances your vehicle's appearance and provides strong protection against acidic substances and environmental factors like UV rays and dirt. However, it is not designed to prevent physical damages such as deep scratches or rock chips. For more robust protection against these types of damage, we offer other services such as Paint Protection Film (PPF) which is specifically engineered to absorb impacts and resist scratching, effectively shielding your paint from physical abrasions.
Yes, we can apply a ceramic coating to your leather upholstery to enhance its appearance and provide a layer of protection. However, it's important to consider that while the coating will make your leather look fantastic and easier to clean, it also creates a barrier that prevents you from moisturizing the leather. This could lead to reduced flexibility and potential premature aging of the leather over time. We recommend considering both the pros and cons before deciding to ceramic coat your leather upholstery.
Paint Correction
Paint correction is a meticulous detailing process that involves removing a few microns of the clearcoat to unveil a fresh, unblemished layer. If you were to look at scratches on a car's paint under a microscope, you would see a landscape of peaks and valleys. During paint correction, we effectively "mow down" these peaks to level them with the valleys, creating a smooth and even surface. This process can typically be performed multiple times over the lifespan of a vehicle, depending on the extent of wear and the level of perfection desired.
Determining the need for paint correction often depends on closely inspecting the paint's surface under adequate lighting. Even brand-new cars can require some level of paint correction due to imperfections from the manufacturing or delivery process. To assess your car’s paint, look at the reflections of bright lights on the surface from various angles. If you notice any swirls, scratches, or inconsistencies in the reflection, these are indicators that paint correction is necessary. The extent of correction needed can vary, and we can help determine the appropriate level of treatment to ensure a flawless finish.
The paint correction process begins with ensuring the vehicle is flawlessly clean. Any dirt or debris could affect the outcome, so we meticulously wash and dry the car to prepare the surface. Next, we use a paint gauge to measure the thickness of the clearcoat. This helps us determine how much material we have to work with, ensuring we don't compromise the paint's future integrity. To protect sensitive areas and avoid any mess during the correction, we apply masking tape around trims, lights, and other non-paint surfaces.
With the car prepared, we tailor the correction process to your vehicle's specific needs, selecting the appropriate combination of machines, speed settings, pad types, pressure levels, and compounds or polishes. Each paint job requires a different approach, allowing us to achieve the best results while preserving the paint's quality for future corrections.
Your car is brand new to you, but it has likely gone through a lot before arriving in your hands. It may have been stored in rail or shipping yards for months, exposed to elements like rain or snow, which can lead to dirt accumulation and water spots. Upon reaching the dealership, your car was probably cleaned using their standard, often less gentle, automatic wash system. This process can introduce micro swirls and other minor abrasions to the paint. Before applying Paint Protection Film (PPF) or ceramic coatings, which can magnify any surface imperfections, it’s crucial to correct these issues. A paint correction ensures your brand new car truly looks its best, providing a perfect canvas for any additional protective treatments.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Your paint is only brand new once. Paint Protection Film (PPF) serves as a powerful defense, preserving your vehicle's original paintwork from various types of damage such as stone chips, scratches, and chemical stains. By applying PPF, you're not just protecting your car's aesthetic appeal; you're also safeguarding its value. The film acts as a sacrificial layer that can absorb impacts and resist wear, keeping your paint pristine—just as it was when new. This preventive measure is especially crucial if you want to maintain the car's condition for future resale or simply enjoy a flawless finish for years to come.
XPEL warranties Paint Protection Film to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for ten (10) years from the date of purchase. Covered defects include: yellowing, staining, cracking, blistering and delaminating. This warranty does not extend coverage to damage caused by normal wear and tear, road debris impact, accidents, collisions or intentional damage of any kind.
The best time to have Paint Protection Film installed is as soon as possible, ideally when the car is still new or before it sustains any damage. Installing PPF early helps to ensure that the paint remains in pristine condition, free from scratches, chips, and other wear that can occur from daily driving. By protecting the paint early on, you maximize the protective benefits of PPF, keeping your vehicle looking newer for longer and maintaining its aesthetic and resale value.
You'll know it's time to remove the Paint Protection Film when you notice signs of natural degradation such as yellowing or cracking. Alternatively, you might decide to remove the film if it has absorbed a significant amount of damage (like scratches or chips) to the point where it affects the overall appearance of your car. When you feel that the PPF no longer presents your vehicle at its best, or it's visibly aged, it's a good indicator that it’s time for removal and potentially a new application to restore that brand-new look.
No, you do not have to cover the entire car with Paint Protection Film. Many vehicle owners choose to apply PPF only to the most vulnerable areas such as the front bumper, hood, mirrors, and fenders. These areas are most susceptible to damage from road debris, rocks, and other abrasive elements. Covering these key parts can significantly protect your car from common damages. However, if you are looking for comprehensive protection, applying PPF to the entire vehicle is also an option. We can tailor the coverage to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Detailing
Professional hand detailing offers several advantages over automated cleaning methods. Firstly, it allows for meticulous attention to detail. Skilled technicians can assess and address areas of your car that machines often miss or can't adequately clean, such as small crevices and intricate trim pieces. Secondly, hand detailing is gentler on your car’s paint and interior compared to the rough brushes and harsh chemicals used in many automatic car washes. This method ensures that every part of your vehicle is treated with care, preserving the quality and longevity of your paint and interior materials. Lastly, professional detailers use high-quality products and techniques tailored to your vehicle’s specific needs, providing a level of customization and care that you simply can’t get from an automatic wash.
The right exterior detailing service for your vehicle depends on several factors, including the current condition of your car, how you use it, and your personal preferences for vehicle maintenance. If your car is relatively new and in good condition, a basic detailing service might suffice to maintain its appearance and protect its surface. This usually includes a wash, wax, and basic paint protection.
However, if your vehicle has been exposed to harsh conditions, has visible paint imperfections, or hasn't been detailed in a long time, you might benefit from more comprehensive services such as paint correction or a protective ceramic coating. For those looking for long-term protection against environmental elements and a stunning glossy finish, applying a ceramic coating or Paint Protection Film (PPF) would be ideal. We can help assess your vehicle's needs and recommend the best detailing services to keep it looking pristine and well-protected.
Iron Decon Treatment is a specialized detailing process designed to remove iron particles and other metallic contaminants embedded in the paint of your vehicle. These particles often come from brake dust or industrial fallout and can adhere to the surface, sometimes even embedding themselves into the clear coat. If left untreated, these contaminants can cause oxidation and rust spots, which degrade the paint's appearance and integrity.
The treatment involves applying a chemical product that reacts with the iron particles, turning them into a soluble compound that can be easily washed away. This process not only cleans the paint more thoroughly than regular washing but also helps to prepare the surface for further detailing steps like polishing or applying protective coatings. Iron Decon Treatment is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your vehicle's paint, especially in areas with heavy industrial pollution or for cars that are frequently exposed to brake dust from heavy braking.
Clay Bar Treatment is a detailing process used to remove surface contaminants from a vehicle's paint, glass, and metal surfaces that regular washing can't remove. This treatment involves the use of a clay bar, a malleable, resin-based compound that effectively picks up and removes tiny particles like tar, tree sap, bug residue, and industrial fallout embedded in the surface of your car.
During the process, the clay bar is gently glided across the lubricated surface of the vehicle. As it moves, the clay traps and lifts off contaminants, leaving behind a smoother and cleaner surface. This treatment is crucial for preparing the paint for polishing or the application of waxes, sealants, or coatings, as it ensures that these products can adhere properly and perform at their best. Clay Bar Treatment enhances the overall look of your vehicle by restoring a smooth, reflective finish to the paint.
Tint
At American Detail, we offer two types of high-quality window tints from XPEL to cater to different needs, budgets, and preferences. The XPEL Prime CS film is a great choice if you're looking for quality and value. It provides excellent UV protection and heat reduction at a more affordable price point. For those seeking top-of-the-line performance, we carry the XPEL Prime XR Plus, which offers superior heat rejection thanks to its advanced ceramic particle technology. This premium option also provides maximum UV protection and enhances comfort by reducing infrared heat, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize the ultimate in performance and comfort from their window tint.
After installing window tint, it's important to allow it to fully dry and cure. Rolling down your windows too soon can cause the tint film to shift or develop bubbles, as the adhesive used under the tint isn't fully set. This curing process typically takes about three days, depending on the specific type of film and the weather conditions, as humidity and temperature can affect drying times. By waiting the recommended three days, you ensure that the film adheres properly to the glass, providing a smooth, clean look and optimal performance from your new window tint.
Our tint warranty is designed to offer comprehensive protection and peace of mind. It is a lifetime warranty that is also transferrable, making it a valuable addition should you decide to sell your vehicle. The warranty covers any defects in manufacturing as well as any errors made during the installation process. This includes issues such as peeling, bubbling, cracking, or discoloration of the tint film. If any of these problems arise from manufacturer defects or installation mistakes, the tint will be replaced at no additional cost to you, ensuring your vehicle always looks its best and performs as expected.
General
American Detail distinguishes itself by being a locally owned and operated business, not a franchise. This independence allows us to forge personal connections and provide services tailored to each client's needs. We focus on quality over quantity, ensuring each vehicle and its owner receive individual attention and the highest level of respect.
Choosing American Detail means opting for a team that is deeply committed to achieving the best results for your car. Our in-house approach to all services means we never subcontract work, maintaining strict control over every aspect of our operations to ensure consistency and top-notch quality.
Moreover, our team is composed of passionate car enthusiasts. This passion is reflected in every detail of our work and drives us to deliver exceptional care. Our stable team allows for familiar faces at each visit, fostering strong, trusting relationships with our clients. This consistency is key to the high standards and reliability we're known for. Choose American Detail for unmatched expertise and dedicated service, where we treat your vehicle as if it were our own.
Yes, we are fully insured.
All American Detail technicians are required to pass the Certified Detailer Test administered by the International Detailing Association. American Detail is trained annually at SEMA and we train with the Detail Mafia. American Detail uses the best products available and we are certified to install Opti-Coat Pro, Ceramic Pro and Gtechniq. Technology is always changing and we at American Detail constantly maintain a pulse on the latest products available in the automotive industry. Our network of knowledgeable detailers reaches all over the world. Our research into the latest products and methods gives us the advantage to provide your vehicle with the care it deserves.
We handle this on a case-by-case basis, but ideally you would have someone follow you to our shop when you go to drop-off your vehicle.
No. At American Detail , we believe every car deserves proper care and protection. Our customer base has a wide range of vehicles including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Toyota, Nissan etc. Our primary showcase focuses on exotics and luxuries, but we provide services for the daily driver as well. We pride ourselves for being the first choice when it comes to being the premier auto detailing salon in Houston, TX.
Let’s face it, a car is a not an investment. It is a liability. Over time, natural wear and tear as well as adverse affects from mother nature can take a toll on your vehicle. With our protection and preservation services, paint and body damage can be prevented and your vehicle will be able to maintain a constant state of perfection while providing you with peace of mind, ease of maintenance and retain value.