Most car owners get this wrong 🏁
There are 2 types of car owners: people who are interested in detailing and people who couldn't care less about a shiny car.
Both groups share a common misconception, though.
They think that detailing is only about making your car look and feel clean and glossy.
The truth is, it isn't only about looks.
I would argue that it's a form of preventative maintenance, just like changing your fluids.
If you don't protect your vehicle, it will fail prematurely.
I'm talking about all the different surfaces - your paint, leather, plastic trim, etc.
Ignoring this will cause these things to wear out early.
Think of it this way:
You change your oil regularly to avoid a blown engine.
Fixing that will cost you thousands, so instead, you spend $30 for fresh oil.
Well, protecting your paint job with a sealant or ceramic coating is the exact same thing.
Just like replacing an engine, repainting your car will cost you thousands.
Unfortunately, I'm learning this lesson the hard way.
Our Tacoma started life as a work truck that was used as a tool to get a job done.
I wouldn't be surprised if it had never seen a coat of wax before I came along.
It's also been parked outside its whole life.
And while I've tried my best to make up for lost time and take better care of its exterior, the battle has been lost.
The clearcoat is blistering and even flaking off in some areas.
I thought it was just on the fender flares, which seems pretty common on these trucks - no biggy.
I can take them off and respray them myself.
But yesterday, I found the paint on the roof blistering.
It's only a matter of time before the rest of the truck follows suit.
She's cooked.
Is it worth painting a truck with 340,000 kms? Do I leave it alone and call it "patina"? Or is it time to let it go?
It's a tough call, and as of now, I'm not sure what we're going to do.
