The Importance of Decontamination Washes: How To Preserve Your Vehicles Paint (or Ceramic Coating)
Washing your vehicle is important for it’s everyday care, but even regular washing can only do so much.
Ceramic coatings and paint both have very small pores that can get clogged with contaminants (dirt, dust, road grime, brake dust, tar, industrial fallout, etc…). If they’re left on or not washed off properly, then you can end up with paint that looks dull, less glossy or is etched or stained. Or, if your vehicle is ceramic coated, this can shorten the lifespan and/or damage it.
Iron Removers aggressively break down iron particles, creating a chemical reaction with the product, turning purple. If iron particles are left untreated, they can embed into paint and rust, causing discoloration to the surface.
A decontamination wash can help prevent damage, which is why it should be a regular part of car care.
Decontamination Wash - What is it?
A decontamination, or decon wash, is a deep clean that removes different harmful contaminants that naturally build up on your exterior. It’s more aggressive than your everyday washing routine would be.
It’s a thorough wash that tackles every part of your exterior, and depending on the condition of your vehicle, sometimes it include iron removers, tar removers, and a clay bar. To seal and protect it until your next visit, a protective sealant or ceramic coating should also be applied after.
This decon wash will bring back a clean, refreshed look but it can help prevent paint damages to the exterior.
What If Your Vehicle Is Ceramic Coated?
Yes! Ceramic coatings make caring for your car easier and add protection, but they still need some maintenance. Along with your regular washing, a decon wash helps make sure your coating is working its best.
If your vehicle is coated, contaminants are less likely to directly harm your paint. But, aftercare neglect can degrade the coating, meaning a loss of protection effectiveness.
This would also lead to a shorter lifespan, and you should want to get the most out of your coating.
Decontamination also helps the hydrophobic part of it (allows water to bead and roll off the surface). This means easier to wash and your vehicle stays cleaner for longer!
When you visit us and invest in a SB3 Coating, we want to make sure your coating stays in good condition/covered under its warranty. This is why we do the decontamination portion for you.
At the end of the process, instead of a our regular sealant or a ceramic coating, we use SB3 Maintain. This product is designed to work with any professional ceramic coating. Unlike some other ceramic coating brands, this maintenance product is NOT a “topper” (reapplying more coating). This is to maintain peak performance and add more slickness.
Even with the bit of maintenance needed, ceramic coated cars are still easier to maintain than uncoated cars. It’s just maintained in a specific way!
How Often Should A Car Be Decontaminated?
Ceramic coated or not, we recommend your vehicle is decontaminated at least twice a year. If you vehicle sees a lot of dirt, mud or frequents harsh road conditions (like winter roads in Alberta), more than twice could be needed.
If you’re not sure what is best for your vehicle, contact a professional detailer who can help with guidance on your specific plan.
Don’t overlook this important part of car care! If you want to restore shine and prevent damage, get in touch with us.
SINDICATE AUTO SALON
RED DEER, ALBERTA
