Originally Posted by
Lonnie
Judging by the vast quantity of clear-coat failures I observe on older Wisconsin vehicles, I can conclude they are from three factors:
1) Water-based clear from OEMs do not last forever. With "newer" vehicles now having thinner clears applied to them, this will only exacerbate this "problem".
Why not, they only need to last the life of the new vehicle warranty (like your OEM battery).
2) Car that sit outside 24/7 will be more prone to this than on that is garaged.
3) Most vehicles that have clear-coat failures look like they have not been appearance-maintained to begin with (wash or waxed on a "regular" basis).
Most vehicles are treated as an expendable personal transportation appliance. Some individuals question the need and expense for the exterior care of a leased new-vehicle. They find out when it is turned in and incur added fees.
Last Step Products (LSPs), whether they are coatings, waxes, or sealants provide the vehicle exterior with:
1) Reflective gloss
2) Surface protection from environmental contaminates (UV rays, insect splatter, bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, hard water spotting, iron dust, road tar or striping paint, vandal eggings or graffiti)
3) Hydroscopic water beading
How well an LSP will do this is subjective to the type of LSP a vehicle owner/leasee uses and how often it is applied. Given the neglect of time and expense of such care by most vehicle owners/leasees , is it any wonder why we see so many vehicles in the physical exterior appearance that we all observe. I think it is the main reason why many of you professional detailers now recommend using coatings as THE LSP on vehicles: less need for re-application with longevity of the LSP characteristics listed above, even with its higher initial cost.
On a side note, my introduction to detailing was out of necessity as I viewed car-care as a way to protect and prolong my initial investment in purchasing a new or slightly used vehicle. While personal vehicle appearance can be interpreted by some as being vain or prideful or even flaunting arrogance or prestige, my cars were daily drivers, even if they were nicer sports cars in my younger days. I still view my car cleaning and detailing as being more protecting and maintaining my vehicle investment, even though it had evolved into an enjoyable hobby that I take pride in. I find it gratifying and rewarding to take a very dirty and neglected daily driver and have the owner/leasee be wowed by the end result. But that is me and most individuals see car-care as a waste of time and money OR they wonder why I put so much time and effort into some thing as mundane as "car cleaning". It is, indeed, a fine line between skilled dedication and insanity obsession. That said, the best never comes cheaply or without effort and disciplined commitment.
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