Auto Glass Repair FAQ

By Top of The Line

Why Become a Windshield Repair Technician?

There are literally hundreds of windshields that need rock chip repairs in your immediate area. By becoming part of the growing billion dollar windshield repair industry you can earn unlimited income, at little or no cost to your customer! Insurance companies are pushing for repair over replacement, to save money and time.

The face of the auto glass industry is changing, and windshield repair is becoming bigger than ever. As customers are educated on the benefits of repairing vs replacement, the potential customer base continues to grow and business opportunities continue to rise!

What Makes your System Different from Others?

Simplicity! American Windshield Repair Systems contain just what you need for superior windshield repairs. Our high quality repair system is affordable, easy to use, and designed to perform perfect repairs every time. We also offer a 30-day, money back guarantee!

What is the "Key" to a Quality Repair?

The bridge assembly is the most important part of your repair system. The American Bridge System design is easy to use, compact and very effective on all types of chip repairs. This special design provides the perfect amount of vacuum during the repair process, which eliminates the need for pumps and hoses. Constructed of stainless steel, brass and aluminum parts, the American Bridge System will last lifetime!

How Much do I have to Invest?

A great aspect of the auto glass repair industry is low overhead! You don't need a store front, and you don't need a lot of equipment. Mobile glass repair service is extremely popular, and gives you access to a vast customer base. This type of mobility is no more expensive than a tank of gas, and provides an invaluable service for your customers.

How Do I Obtain a Business License?

Most people don't realize how inexpensive and easy it is to get a business license. In many states you can obtain a license online, or simply contact your local chamber of commerce.

Does Windshield Repair Require Expensive, or Lengthy Training?

There are many repair supply companies that offer expensive training programs. We've tried to keep it simple. Your American Deluxe Repair System contains a comprehensive video and technical manual which explain in detail, the entire repair process. They also include a business guide explaining proper invoicing, bookkeeping, billing of insurance companies, etc.

Is Insurance Billing Complicated?

It's actually quite simple. Our comprehensive business guide walks you, step-by-step, through the collection process.

Do Insurance Claims Raise My Customer's Rates?

In most states, insurance companies encourage glass "repair" over costly windshield replacement. Auto glass damage is covered under the comprehensive portion of auto insurance, and most insurance companies will pay for repairs, even if your customer has a $500 deductible! If you have concerns about coverage for a customer, contact the policyholder's insurance agent to verify coverage and to guarantee payment.

Is the Damage Still Visible After a Repair? 

A rock chip, ding or small crack repair will never be cosmetically "perfect," but if performed properly, it's virtually invisible from the outside. Damaged areas can often be seen from the inside of the vehicle to varying degrees. Customers should be informed if the damaged area is in the line of vision. It's also important to explain that the true purpose of windshield repair is to restore glass integrity and prevent further cracking.

"Introduction to Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)"

If you have been thinking about adding another profit center to your operation, paintless dent repair (PDR) should definitely be on your list of possibilities.

The advantages are many and the disadvantages are few. The first and primary advantage that comes to mind is the fact that you are already in an auto-related industry with an established clientele that already trusts your work. To drop another auto-related profit center like PDR into your existing operation will be quite easy. In addition, offering PDR will attract a broader new customer base that will benefit both your PDR and auto glass business.

What is paintless dent repair?
PDR is a method of removing small dents and dings from the painted sheet metal panels of a vehicle using a specialized set of tools and techniques to carefully "massage" out the damage without affecting the paint. PDR techniques are typically limited to repairs in which there has been no damage to the paint. However, some PDR technicians also offer professional paint touch-up (yet another profit center) for those dings that involve small paint chips. PDR eliminates the need for expensive and time consuming traditional auto body work for small dents that almost every car has experienced. We've all seen them, those small dings resulting from the impact of a wayward shopping cart or carelessly opened door in a parking lot. And, as Michael Stroud, sales manager for Rightlook.com in San Diego, California points out, "A good hail storm can wreak havoc on a dealer's lot full of cars--can you say, 'gold mine?!?'"

The Advantages of a Paintless Dent Repair Business
Let's talk about some of the many advantages of PDR.

• No product cost: Unlike your current operation, product cost is virtually non-existent. Yes, there is an initial investment in tools and training, but once in operation, there are no supplies that need replacing.
• High profit potential: An experienced technician can execute a $100 repair in about 10-20 minutes--you do the math.
• Ground floor opportunity: Although PDR has been around for several years, the average car owner on the street is not yet familiar with it. Yet the average car owner can also probably point out to you every ding on his or her late model car. Imagine the customer's reaction when you indicate that you can remove most of those for a fraction of the cost and inconvenience of traditional auto body work.
• Potential customers are everywhere! Just as in glass work, you have a huge potential customer base that includes new and used car dealerships, auto auctions, rental car agencies, insurance agencies, car washes, detail shops, body shops, and, of course, retail.
• Ease of operation: PDR can easily be added to your current operation. If you are mobile, the space requirements for a set of PDR tools is minimal. Thus, no worries about having to purchase a new or larger vehicle. On the other hand, if you operate a fixed location, no need to add a new bay for PDR; the work can be done right where you usually do your glass work. And best of all, whether you are fixed or mobile, you have a captive audience. For a vehicle that is already in for glass work, it takes just a moment to walk around it to inspect for dents and dings. Better yet, it takes just one more moment to say to the customer, "By the way, I noticed a couple of dings on the driver door. We can take care of that for you right now."
• Low start-up costs: PDR training and equipment will cost $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the quality of the equipment and how much training is actually included. Comparing this expense to start-up costs in other businesses, even the high end of the range is certainly a minimal amount to spend, especially when you consider the profit potential of a well-run PDR operation.
• An easy sell: You are offering the customer an option that costs about one quarter that of traditional auto body work. Plus PDR takes from a few minutes for a small repair to about an hour for multiple repairs. Compare this time requirement to the several days that a traditional body shop requires to effect even the smallest repair. Today's consumer is concerned mainly with two things: convenience and saving money. The greater of the two is convenience, and with PDR, you can offer both.

The Disadvantages of a Paintless Dent Repair Business
Now the disadvantages.
Well, there's really only one, which centers around the fact that PDR techniques involve a certain amount of finesse. Because of this, it is not wise to simply purchase some PDR tools and a training manual and try to do it on your own. Instead, you really need to have extensive hands-on training from a qualified professional PDR trainer. And, yes, this puts your start-up cost at the more expensive end of the scale mentioned earlier.

Also, you can expect to spend one to three weeks in training with a high-quality training provider. Furthermore, this finesse can really only be developed through extensive practice. Therefore, it is strongly recommended, even after extensive hands-on training, that the new PDR technician practice several hundred repairs at, for example, a junk yard or low-end used car lot.

In the case of the latter, offer the work for free. Get in there and practice your new skill until you are competent and confident enough to go into any large car dealer and do a great job. This may seem like an extensive commitment to a new profit center, but remember the profit potential. More importantly, remember that you have a leg up on the person who has never been in the auto service industry. Since you have experience in this industry, you already possess many of the qualities necessary for success with PDR (e.g., mechanical inclination, sales ability, determination to succeed). Nonetheless, you may want to consider having a dedicated employee devote full-time effort to learning PDR so that your glass business does not suffer while you add PDR to it.

Tools and Training
As you research PDR training providers, you will find that there are a number of options available. In choosing a PDR training outfit, Mike Stroud from Rightlook.com makes the following recommendations:

Don't be misled by the promise of an extensive or highly specialized tool set. A common misconception regarding PDR equipment is that, the more tools you have, the more dents you can repair. In fact, a skilled PDR technician uses less than ten tools for 80% of all repairs, despite the fact that many PDR training outfits will offer expensive kits with dozens of tools. Most companies buy their tools from one of three manufacturers. The bottom line is, the tools are basically the same, so focus on the quality of the training you will receive.

The best training is in a setting that provides a low trainer-trainee ratio with extensive supervised practice and the opportunity to work extensively on real cars. Length of training should be two or more weeks for the proper amount of supervised practice. Beware the training company that says, "OK! You're ready to go make some money!" As mentioned, earlier, extensive individual practice is needed even after the training experience.

Be sure that the training outfit will provide you with extensive marketing information and advertising ideas. It's great to have a new skill, but if you are not educated on how to market that skill, you might as well not have it. Although you are probably already familiar with basic marketing and advertising techniques, it is essential to learn special tips and tricks that are particular to the PDR business--and there are many.

Finally, look for a company that will provide you with continuing technical support far beyond your initial training foundation, because you will have questions when you get back home and apply your new skill. A good provider will have regular technical updates, phone support, and may even invite you to return to the training facility to sit in on a future class, if you feel it's necessary.

The bottom line is that, given the proper investment of time and effort, paintless dent repair offers a tremendous potential as an added profit center to the established glass-related business.

"Automobile Convertible Top Care"

Article Written by Prentice St. Clair

There are over five million automobiles on the road today that are equipped with convertible tops. Every major automotive manufacturer has at least one convertible in its line. Yet most car care professionals are not aware of any standard operating procedure for the care and maintenance of convertible tops.

For detailers, this is a relatively inexpensive and simple way to increase the average per-vehicle revenue. It can bring in a completely new market by offering such service to new and used automobile dealers as well.

It's funny how we in the auto appearance care industry spend so much time and effort convincing our customers that the vehicle surfaces need to be protected: wax or sealant on the paint, leather conditioner, and liquid repellant on the fabric and carpeting. Nonetheless very little attention is given to convertible tops, which account for at least 25% of the exterior surface of a vehicle.

When you think about it, the convertible top is simply a piece of cloth or vinyl that is up against everything that the environment can throw at it. Of course, manufacturers of convertible tops are aware of this and thus use high-grade and heavy-gauge materials for the convertible top. Nonetheless, anything that we can do to provide extra protection to that material will help it last all the longer.

Equipped with a bit of knowledge, the proper chemicals, and the right procedure, most operators find that convertible top care is rather simple and can be quite profitable.

Types of Convertible Tops

There are two main types of convertible tops. The difference is due to the material used, either fabric or vinyl.

One type is the classic top constructed with cloth as the covering material. This material looks and feels like canvas, but is actually woven of fibers that are either synthetic, like acrylic, polyester, olefin, or a synthetic and cotton blend. These fabrics are actually breathable but are made water repellant by a chemical treatment process used during manufacturing. The original repellency breaks down with time and exposure to the elements.

The other type of convertible top is made of thick vinyl. Vinyl is a plastic product composed mostly of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and made flexible with the addition of plasticizers. The vinyl top may look like a canvas material, but upon close inspection, you can see that the "canvas" is simply an impression stamped into the vinyl when it is manufactured. It is normal for the plasticizers to gradually dry out over time, causing the material to crack and eventually split. With proper care, however, this process can be slowed significantly.

Both types of tops are faced with a myriad of potential contamination sources, including acid rain, heat, ultraviolet rays, smog, tree sap, bird droppings, salt, tar, dirt, grease, grit, and mold. A consistent finding in my research on care of convertible tops is the importance of regular and proper cleaning, which helps to remove the contaminants that can damage the material, as well as regular application of an appropriate protectant, which helps to prevent the contaminants from reaching the material in the first place.

So what Should We Do?

First, it's important, as always, to use the right chemical for the surface of concern. We don't usually use degreaser on the vehicle's paint and we don't use wax to protect leather seats. By the same token, we should use appropriate cleaning and protecting products for the material that makes up the convertible top.

Why is this so important? Automobile manufacturers are receiving warranty claims from owners of convertibles that have disintegrated prematurely. Often this can be attributed to an unwitting car care professional or vehicle owner who uses strong solvents or other harsh cleaners on a regular basis to keep the convertible material clean. Unfortunately, such harsh cleanings tend to break down the material and the stitching that holds the swaths of material together.

I have personally heard of detailers using a bathroom cleaner commonly employed for removing mold stains from tile grout. Unfortunately, the main ingredient in this cleaner is bleach, which is highly corrosive in nature, especially when used in the concentrations in which it is typically sold over-the-counter. Cloth stitching on a convertible top is not nearly as durable as grout and will break down quickly when exposed repeatedly to products containing strong concentrations of bleach.

The fact of the matter is, use of anything other than cleaners designed specifically for convertible tops can cause damage to the material. Even with a milder multi-purpose cleaner, such damage might be minimal, but the concern is the cumulative effect of repeated cleanings with inappropriate chemicals the might lead to the breakdown of the material or the stitching.

So what do we use? To find answers to this question, I did some research. First, there is the owner's manual. Most newer vehicles with convertible tops contain care instructions that are surprisingly complete. However, most vehicle owners never bother to check out these instructions. Moreover, older owner's manuals were written before the development of a new set of chemicals for the maintenance of convertible tops and thus offer information that contradicts that provided by newer manuals. I also checked out the information and recommendations of some of the leading manufacturers of the materials that make up the convertible tops.

I found out that there are, indeed, products designed specifically for the cleaning of convertible tops and similar materials like truck tonneau covers. Companies like The Haartz Corporation, which makes the material for virtually all convertible tops, and Roll-n-Lock�, a manufacturer of truck tonneau covers, recommend using RAGGTOPP Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner.

Additionally, convertible tops need protection just like the paint, leather, or carpeting needs. Once again, it is critical to use a product specifically designed for convertible tops and approved by the manufacturer. The original equipment manufacturers (OEM) that I spoke with recommend RAGGTOPP Fabric Protectant. This product uses a fluorocarbon repelling system that bonds with the fabric and repel liquid and dirt while at the same time providing ultraviolet protection. It does not contain silicone, Freon, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), all of which are recognized to cause harm to the fabric with repeated applications.

On vinyl tops, a fluorocarbon repelling chemical is not necessary simply because vinyl is not porous. Instead, use an approved product that protects and beautifies the top. The OEM companies recommend using RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant, which contains the highly effective Ciba ultraviolet blockers that help reduce the cumulative effect of sunlight exposure. It will also enhance the beauty of the top with a dressing effect. RAGGTOPP Vinyl Protectant does not contain silicone, petroleum solvents, or CFCs, all of which can have a negative impact on the vinyl material.

Moreover, none of the RAGGTOPP products are harmful to paint, glass, chrome or plastic windows. That way, you don't have to worry about overspray or run-off onto the other parts of the vehicle as you proceed with the treatment process described above. Once you've got the right chemicals for cleaning and protecting convertible tops, the process is quite simple.

Initial Treatment: New Vehicle

Before even getting the vehicle wet, vacuum the convertible top using an upholstery brush to pick up any loose dirt or dust. Next, wet down the top thoroughly and mist it evenly with RAGGTOPP Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner. If necessary, the cleaner can be lightly agitated using a soft nylon brush.

Rinse the top thoroughly and until all foam from the cleaner dissipates. Allow the top to dry completely. This can be accomplished by simply parking the vehicle in direct sunlight. If this is not possible, you may use forced air from a hair dryer or air mover to assist in speeding up the drying process. Once the top is thoroughly dry, apply the appropriate RAGGTOPP� Protectant (Vinyl or Fabric) evenly across the entire exposed fabric surface in three light coats, allowing the product to dry 10 minutes or so between coats.

This service will take no more than an hour and can take quite a bit less than an hour depending on drying times. It is reasonable to charge a wholesale rate of $50-100 per vehicle. Retail service can easily fetch $100-200 dollars on a standard vehicle. These charges are quite reasonable when compared to the cost of replacing a convertible top.

Reconditioning Treatment: Used Vehicle

If the convertible top is on an older vehicle or has not been appropriately cared for, the top will need to be rejuvenated before adding protection. Simply put, the longer the top has gone without appropriate maintenance, the more attention it will need.

The cleaning process is best done in the shade to assure that the cleaner does not dry out before you have a chance to rinse it off. On a fabric top, start by thoroughly vacuuming the top with an upholstery brush. Then thoroughly wet down the top. Spray it with RAGGTOPP Vinyl and Fabric Cleaner. If the top is heavily soiled, you may want to let the cleaner dwell for up to 15 minutes, but make sure it doesn�t dry out. Then scrub it gently but thoroughly with a soft nylon brush, using a circular or back-and-forth crisscross motion. Rinse the top thoroughly and until all foam from the cleaner dissipates.

Multiple cleanings using the process above may be necessary to remove as much of the accumulated soil as possible, especially for tops that are several years old. The best way to make sure the top is completely clean before applying protectant is to allow it to dry and visually inspect.

A special case is mold, which grows on the dirt and other foreign material that lingers on the top when it is not regularly cleaned. Detailers who are not familiar with the proper care of convertibles often resort to using strong de-molding cleaners that can damage the top and other vehicle surfaces. In the case of stubborn stains such as mold, special procedures may be necessary. For example, Haartz has some specific suggestions available at www.haartz.com.

After all of the cleaning is done, allow the top to dry completely, again by parking the vehicle in direct sunlight or using a hair dryer or air mover. Once the top is thoroughly dry, apply RAGGTOPP Protectant (Vinyl or Fabric) evenly across the entire exposed fabric surface. It may be necessary to use up to two times the number of coats recommended for a new top. It's better to apply light coats, allowing ten minutes or so of sun-drying time between coats.

This entire process may take from one to two hours, depending on drying times. Wholesale charges range from $75-150 per vehicle. Retail convertible top reconditioning service can easily fetch $150-250 dollars on a standard vehicle. These charges are quite reasonable when compared to the cost of replacing a convertible top.

Post-Treatment Regular Maintenance

Once the initial treatment is complete, it's important to follow-up with regular re-treatment to keep the convertible top looking great and protected for years to come. Vinyl tops should be properly cleaned and re-treated every four to six weeks for maximum protection. Likewise, fabric tops should be cleaned and retreated every three to six months. Re-treatment on both tops can be accomplished by using the procedures outlined in the "Reconditioning Treatment" section above.

Between formal treatments, standard carwashing is acceptable and advisable. Although most automatic carwashes are safe for convertible tops, those using barrel brushes should be avoided. Nonetheless, hand-washing will ensure the least amount of cumulative wear-and-tear on the convertible top.

The more often a convertible top is treated, the easier each treatment process is. Your pricing schedule for regular convertible top maintenance should reflect this. For example, fabric top maintenance every three months should cost at least $100 per treatment. Of course, if you are performing the top treatment as part of a regular detail, you may want to discount the sum of the individual services (detail and top care) into a package price that still reflects the added value of the top care service.

Marketing Convertible Top Treatment

For the used car manager or dealer who carries many convertibles, you can demonstrate the effectiveness of the convertible rejuvenation procedure described earlier by treating one-half of a used convertible top on the lot. The results will sell themselves. If the individual is not interested in a demonstration, talk about the improved appearance of the treated convertible top, and about the fact that they can then tell their customers that the top has been treated with a protectant for added durability.

For the new car dealer, the advantages of initial protection packages are clear. Most dealerships are already selling sealant and interior protection packages for outrageously marked-up prices. Why not do the same with convertible tops?

With retail sales, consider the notion that many convertible top owners may be more appearance conscious than other automobile owners. Thus, it should be easier to sell them on the necessity of regular care both from a standpoint of appearance as well as preservation.

Any sales pitch, regardless of the target, should mention the fact that replacing a convertible top costs anywhere from $2000-8000 dollars. So why not protect that investment with regular care, which will also keep the convertible top looking good through the years?

Summary

It should be clear by now that convertible top maintenance is a golden opportunity for the professional detailer and allows you to take advantage of a virtually untapped market. Target markets include both new and used dealerships as well as retail customers. The process of cleaning and protecting convertible top material is rather simple but must include the use of chemicals that are approved by the manufacturer to avoid unnecessary damage to the material.

Microfiber Towels Defined

By Rob Regan

from Towel Pros

What is Microfiber?

The term, microfiber/micro-fiber/micro fiber, is frequently used to describe a number of different types of materials. Are they all created the same? No. From the weave to the edging, microfiber takes on many different characteristics and forms. The following paragraphs and illustrations are for education purposes only. Making you more knowledgeable about what microfiber is and what it does will make you a better consumer. Education is power!

Microfiber are ultra-fine yarns. Comparatively, it is two times finer than silk and 30 times finer than cotton and 100 times finer than a human hair! Also, it is 1/100 (0.1-0.3denier) that of a human hair and its special wedge shaped fibers lead to the excellent absorbent and draining power.

Microfiber is a man-made yarn that combines two basic fibers: The primary component is polyester and the other component is polyamide (nylon). These two polymers are used during the spinning process and are initially melted in a machine called an extruder, and then they are combined together. However, since they are completely two different materials and do not tend to combine together very well, the nylon component moves to the outside of the fiber with the polyester component forming the core of the fiber.

How does it work?
If you have chance to look at a cross section of the fiber, you will find the polyester core is solid with many lobes extending outside it. Between these lobes there is a single strand of polyamide fiber nestled in them. The nylon also will have many small continuous fibers and is locating between two polyester lobes.

These oil and water-attracting polymer fibers are woven into masses of tiny loops. These loops form hook-like claws that act as scrubbers, lifting away dirt particles and trapping them within the weave. This is where these towels get their scratch-free reputation.

Care Tips
Simply wet the towel with clean water and wring as dry as possible.
Never use any type of FABRIC SOFTENER!!
These are lint free cloths. It is best to wash microfiber cloths with non-linting items. They are machine washable, and resist wrinkles. You can wash them with any soap or detergent.

We recommend mild detergents (Woolite), or a Microfiber restorer. A little vinegar once in a while will help break down and remove waxes. They can be dried naturally or put in any dryer. Due to their 'attracting nature', it is advised to keep them in bags, sealed plastic boxes, or other areas where air and dust will not contaminate them. Another tip is to color coordinate your towels. This makes training and consistency much easier. Use one color for glass, one for wax/polish removal, and one for grunge work like wheels, bumpers, etc.

All of us have read seen TV shows, and heard horror stories about acid rain. Unfortunately most information regarding acid rain and automotive paint finishes is at least slightly incorrect or, in some cases, totally wrong. Let' s set the record straight and clear away all the old wives' tales about acid rain. With that accomplished, you should be able to explain to your customers what it' s all about.

WHAT IS ACID RAIN?

Manufacturing plants, power-generating plants, internal combustion engines, jet engines, etc. all produce sulfuric dioxides, which are released in their exhaust fumes. Smog, well known in major cities, contains these chemicals. When smog settles on a surface such as an automobile fender it is known as industrial fallout, or IFO. When ozone, water and heat are applied to IFO it becomes acid rain, right on the paint' s surface.

You may ask, "Don' t catalytic converters on our cars get rid of sulfuric emissions?" Only partially . Whatever changes the converter accomplishes in the sulfuric compounds are reversed by the effect of ozone and water.

Nitric oxides are additional acid rain components. The nitrics were originally thought to be a large part of the problem. However, recent data have shown they are not a real contributor to acid rain problems on vehicle paint finishes . there are, of course, exceptions.

While all manufacturing plants contribute to the nationwide pollution problem, one type stands out as an example of a sever localized producer of acidic contaminates . paper or pulp mills. These mills use an acidic process to break down wood fiber. A major portion of the acid compounds utilized is nitric acid. The nitric acids combine with other acids emanating from the process to create a mini acid-rain belt in the area around the facility.

When the emitted acids combine with particulate matter and then settle on an automobile finish, severe acid etching may take place in a very short period of time.

As a result of this localized pollution problem, many paper mills have a car wash on site so employees can remove the acid compounds from their vehicles at the end of their work shift. Others contract with a quality local car wash to clean their employees' vehicles.

A far worse emission is hydrazine. This extremely active acid is a component of jet fuel. So a vehicle parked regularly around a major airport or in high-usage flight paths will be subjected to hydrazine acids on its painted surfaces. Hydrazine is extremely reactive to oxidizers such as ozone.

An oxidizer is any compound that spontaneously emits oxygen either at room temperature or under slight heating. Many chemical compounds react vigorously at ambient temperatures as the oxidizing process takes place. Hydrazine, due to its molecular chain of hydrogen and nitrogen atoms, reacts violently, eating at any surface where it is concentrated. Any of us who took basic chemistry in high school or college remembers our instructor' s caution: "Always add the acid to the water . never, never add the water to the acid!"

So what' s that have to do with acid getting on a car' s paint?

Here's what is so important to our understanding of acid rain and protecting the paint and reducing or eliminating its effect on the paint film.

1. When acid rain lands on the paint film surface, it does no damage! That' s right; it does not hurt it one bit! However..
2. The water evaporates from the paint film, leaving behind dry concentrates of the acid compounds, hydrazine etc. We now have a dioxide, or dry substance of the compound. The vehicle is subjected to water in the form of dew, rain, and the like. The acids are no longer dry. Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Oxygen is an oxidizer. Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen, an oxidizer.
3. The acid compounds start penetrating into the paint film and concentrating more and more each time the vehicle gets wet with plain water. Each time, these acid compounds eat away more of the paint' s resin system, the former and binder of the paint system. If you look at a highly- magnified cut-away of a base/clear-coat paint system, it resembles a sponge. The resin system is what holds the sponge together That is why acid rain damage is seen as an etch or pit. Part of the system has been corrosively eaten away.

Let's now put all of this into perspective:

• Acids are generated by our industrial processes, whether in California, New Hampshire or Montreal.
• These acids mainly cause paint damage when they concentrate and are re-exposed to water, ozone and heat.
• Simply rinsing a vehicle with deionized water or tap water activates the acid concentrates.
• The acid concentrates eat away the paint, creating discoloring, etches, and pits, which most consumers and even car care professionals think are water spots.

WEATHER

"El Niño" pumps warm, moist air into its area. If conditions are in sync with the jet stream, it pulls more warm, moist air out of the gulf right up through the center of the United States and Canada. Current projections by some weather observers are for 1997 to produce an El Ni&ntildeo pattern. Acid rain may very well be extremely active this year; resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in paint damage.

As "El Niño" travels, it picks up industrial pollutants and generates acid rain. El Ni&ntildeo causes quick, short warm rains as well as heavy storms, The quick warm rains are more of a problem because:

1. They deposit the acid-laden rain on vehicles that have warm or hot surfaces.
2. Since the vehicles are warm or hot, the paint film is softer and more porous and allows the acids to penetrate into the film or lock onto it.
3. The water quickly evaporates, leaving the acid in a concentrated form.
4. It rains again and the process starts all over but in a more concentrated form.
5. All the dark colored cars start showing "water spots" and then discolored spots as the acid rain progressively etches and pits. Eventually even the white and light colored cars start to show the same damage.
6. Everybody gets mad at the automobile manufacturers and paint suppliers because they think the damage results from poor paint.
7. Everybody is wrong -- there is nothing wrong with the paint -- they just don't know what's happening.
8. You do-now! But what do you do about it?
9. Saving the paint from the dreaded acid rain is really very simple, and everyone can do it.
10. Automobile manufacturers use transit coating or a white plastic sheet to protect the vehicle during transportation against the damaging effects of environmental pollutants. But what can we do once the protective covering is removed? Read on, there is an answer.

HOW TO SAVE YOUR PAINT FINISH

1. Have the paint "decontaminated" with an approved chemical system. It is a simple washing process, performed by trained certified professionals. It does absolutely no good to buff, polish, wax or paint-seal a vehicle that has been exposed to acid rain. Remember, the paint is like a sponge. The acids enter the sponge and are concentrated. Every time the vehicle gets wet, some moisture penetrates the sponge and reactivates them. The acids must be removed or, like that pink rabbit banging away at his drum, they'll just keep going and going, eating away at the paint.
2. Once the paint has been decontaminated, have a high quality polymer paint sealant properly and professionally applied. Quality products contain polymers, co-polymers and amino functional resins. These components are heat and detergent resistant, and anti-corrosive. In other words, they fight off the effects of corrosives such as acid rain, the acid in bird droppings and industrial pollutants found in IFO.
3. Have your vehicle washed at least once a week. Regular washing is perhaps the most effective deterrent (when combined with a quality polymer paint sealant) against acid rain.
4. Remember: A little more time and a few more cents spent on regular maintenance of you vehicle could save you thousands of dollars later.

Submitted By
Anthony Flammia
of Gia's Mobile Detailing of Long Island

and

Jim Fitzpatrick
Master Franchisee of PRONTO WASH USA
State of California

Eco Friendly Detailing

As you see today every time you turn on the TV, read a newspaper, or see some type of publication talking about "Going Green" or eco-friendly? Going green encompasses many things and is such a widely used term today. Simply said it is the idea of living a sustainable, eco friendly lifestyle that has a minimal impact on the environment. The Detailing Industry environmental impact is typically focused on water conservation and controlling run-off / discharge. In an effort to help educate the Detailing Industry, this is the first of several articles. Future articles will address specific education opportunities, the most common questions detailers have and the solutions.

Rules & Regulations are in place, and evolving:
The clean water simple definition for us to know is that it was originally termed the Federal Water Pollution act of 1972 and was later amended to the Clean Water Act in 1977. It defined the laws where the main objective was to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters. These laws also allowed the Environmental Protection agency or better know as the EPA, the right to set and enforce the appropriate standards.

Washing the Car:
With these laws in place car washes and professional detailers had to ensure that the water is drained or recaptured to the appropriate place or recycle or re-use the water. For the car wash industry this was easier than for the traditional detailers. Car washes were able to avail themselves with having more efficient equipment, such as computer controlled systems, high pressure nozzles, and pumps that minimize water usage.

Washing a car at home may use in the neighborhood of 80 to 140 gallons of water versus a commercial car wash averages less than 45 gallons of water usage.

For detailers today the most common ways to recapture the water is by using a portable wash mat, wash boom, sand or wash berm, or a simple triangle shaped "puddle scoop" hooked up to a water discharge pump to collect the water and prevent running into the storm drain. (See E.P.A. Link) The professional detailer would simply pump the water into a reclaim tank and properly dispose of it.

There is no clear data in this research that approximate how much water an individual detailer uses but it could range from anywhere from 10 to upwards of 90 gallons of water for a single car! In the United States and Canada, there are more than 230 million cars and light trucks, and at one point or another-as frequently as weekly-they are all washed.

A 1999 survey by the International Carwash Association found that 44.5% of Americans prefer home washing as a method of vehicle care. Furthermore, at least 75% of all cars are washed at home one or more times a year.

How to handle run off and discharge?
Many City, State and Counties have their own Best Management Practices that are available. In order to avoid costly code enforcement fines, they must be followed.
What is the difference between a sanitary sewer and a storm sewer?

• Sanitary sewer- are a series of underground pipes that take sewage from bathrooms, kitchens, sinks, and other means of plumbing to a wastewater treatment. Most fixed based detail location require a discharge permit, and require installation of a clarifier or separator that will remove solids from the water, prior to discharge. Check with your local governmental authorities to clarify and determine what type of permit (if any) is need for your jurisdiction.
• Storm sewer or "storm drain ditches" are designed to carry the runoff and other drainages in underground pipes or open ditches and are discharged untreated into streams, river, lakes and other surface body of waters.

Detailers are never allowed to discharge into the Storm Drain system, and will result in significant code violations and fines.

Comment on Eco Friendly Products:
Currently today in the Professional detailing and car washing industry there is a constant "buzz" as to what product or products are the best to properly clean and detail your vehicle.

First and foremost is the hot topic on using a Biodegradable soap which by definition is that the soap will break down over time and does not necessarily guarantee it is better for plants, animal or the environment.

Some of the biodegradable soaps which are still being used are still toxic to fish and other aquatic species because they have cleaners that may harm fish by destroying the external mucus layers that protect them from bacteria and parasites which also may cause damage to the fish's gills.

Bottom line is try to use soaps that are labeled non-toxic, phosphate free, and that are vegetable- or citrus-based is the best choice.

Lastly, no matter what products or chemicals you are using, if you are not capturing your run off, the contaminants coming off the car you have detailed, brake dust, rail dust, road grime, grease, etc., are far worse for the environment than most soaps used to remove them from the car.

A "waterless" option:

Another eco friendly choice is waterless car wash products. These products have been on the market for quite some time and are increasing efficiency and in popularity.

"Waterless" is a misleading label. Products in this category are water based, so it would be like saying coca cola is a "waterless" drink. It is the low level consumption of water that yields the name, for lack of a better categorization.

Some of the waterless car wash contains wetting agents, lubricants, and protectants. This allows the car to be cleaned, and if used properly, cleaned without scratching, while using around one quarter a gallon of water. It also provides a great shine and leaves a layer of protection that will bead water and prevent color fading by shielding UV Rays.

Emerging technology today seen in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries the technology is slowly trickling to the United States.

Washing cars with less than � gallon of water utilizing a waterless car wash with a polymer based lubricant, using micro-fiber towels with unique hand crafted methodology and further combining low -pressure atominization has been an effective method to deliver quality results and achieve environmental requirements.

Washing and detailing cars this way has opened many doors for entrepreneurs who are able to open up independent businesses or franchises in a traditional mall or corporate office parks allowing high volume of cars in a retail setting with higher ticket pricing adding convenience to the customer as well as promoting eco-friendly practices.

Other detailers who chose to use a high pressure wash system usually are shut out of these profitable retail and corporate locations due to the water restrictions and possible runoff.

It has been seen that extremely dirty cars are an issue for any type of car washing method. Operating in cold weather environments also present challenges for this waterless or near waterless technology.

Their has been other methods that are still being tested at various levels throughout the industry by the use washing the exterior (in addition to using it in the interior) by the means of a high pressure steam.

Most recently some of the machines on the market have its own reservoir of water that can wash up to 15 vehicles with 5 gallons of water converted into steam powered by propane, kerosene, diesel or electric. Some of these propane models are completely mobile and can easily be setup anywhere to effectively clean a vehicle inside and out

Anthony has personally tested and consulted on numerous machines and believes that this technology is emerging for washing cars for the future.

The machine is effective in colder climates for melting snow and removing heavier dirt buildup on vehicles that need the extra time spent on them to prepare for an eco friendly wash.

Another unit as tested by Kevin Farrell of Kleen Car Automotive most recently attaches to an external water source and is also powered by propane as well can reach up to 100 PSI and has no battery source for ignition. As proven it can be very effective in the use of cleaning and interior as well as washing the exterior in combination with a waterless wash or no rinse product.

How to clean rims and wheel wheels of a vehicle with a low water consumption waterless method is another issue raised by detailers, and will be explored in future articles. It can be done with a hand method and low atominization but it is more labor intensive. High pressure steam may be the answer?

The technology with steam is still being developed for the United States for car washing and detailing.

Steam is a prominent way of cleaning in European countries as seen in various researches about this subject.

Jim and Anthony will address other specific Eco Detailing opportunities in future upcoming articles on mobileworks and of course please visit the "eco-friendly detailing forum" as well to post any comments or issues.

Please let us know what priority opportunities you would like us to focus on and please don't hesitate to contact Anthony at anthony@giasmobile.com or Jim Fitzpatrick at prontowash@msn.com anytime. Good Luck!

Submitted By
Anthony Flammia
of Gia's Mobile Detailing of Long Island

and

Jim Fitzpatrick
Master Franchisee of PRONTO WASH USA
State of California

and

Yvan Lacroix
Franchisor, Repare-Brise Inc.
Québec, Canada

There are a number of important reasons to Go Green with your business. The most significant being that preserving the world’s natural resources is the responsibility of every individual at work and at home. People should be the highest priority in our life, but we all need a place to live, and we all want to pass it on to future generations.

Additional reasons for your business to GO Green in Eco Detailing?

• Setting a positive example for employees which boosts morale and company loyalty
• Gaining a competitive advantage by differentiating yourself as an Eco Detailer
• Improving efficiency and potentially lowering operating costs
• Provides a cleaner and healthier work environment
• It's the right thing to do for you and the environment, and your family
• Places you in compliance with the law

The primary objective of this article is to be a Green Enabler... Think of this as a journey, not a destination as well as a good education for your self and your employees think about why it is important to Go Green, and these ideas may provide a roadmap to greenify your business. This can be an incremental process as there will be easily attainable action steps and more advanced requirements. It is impossible to say how far along the green path any business should travel, but a focused and educated effort can have a meaningful impact. Any step towards a greener more responsible work ethic is one in the right direction

There has never been a more appropriate time to Go Green in Eco Detailing. Being mobile or a fixed location it is equally important! Its value is recognized more so now that ever before. For those interested, we can work together to collaborate and achieve results together.

Get Educated! Get Involved!
One of the primary requirements is you have to go out and put energy towards getting informed. Just like you did when you developed skills in paint correction or high speed buffing, you will need to understand, and be able to communicate with your relevant customer base, and a good deal of this is knowledge at the local level.

Does your City have a Building Green Program, who else is going green, etc? Read, get involved, go to meetings, do your internet research on eco-friendly, meet people!

Let your intentions be known in your community, other like minded individuals will help and encourage you and confident that you will get numerous referrals as a result.

Water Conservation!
In our business, water conservation is the biggest win in terms of conservation and recognition of your efforts. First, you need to understand just how much water you are using. So start measuring, on Monday, put a precise amount of water in your tank. When you run out, divide that by number of cars and you have the average water per car. Now that you have a benchmark, you can seek to reduce the amount of water used in your business.

With proper training and a repeatable / reliable systematic process, you can achieve the maximum outcome with the lowest level of water. There are many innovative products available (and the list gets longer every day). The most radical is to go waterless, while some waterless products are far from environmentally friendly, may are, and provide excellent results. The better ones are water based, yes "waterless" uses water, just like Coca Cola does, and a car can be cleaned with less than a pint of water

Another innovative product is Optimum No Rinse, with more being developed by Optimum as well it, requires only 1-2 gallons of water to wash a car as it does not contain soapy surfactants to wash away and there are even Franchises that are built around the principle the "waterless" business models.

In countries where water shortages are common there are many of these franchises, and they are quite successful, and they have a satisfied and loyal customer base Or, switch to steam to achieve great results while reducing water and chemical usage in washing your car or cleaning the interior as well with steam.

Steam is not only efficient, but also is a great way to impress customers, and with its reduced use of chemicals it will improve your working environment and overall operating costs as well.

When considering waterless and rinse less products there is also a large savings to be had in time. For the mobile operator not needing to deploy the affluent capture mat is a considerable labor savings in itself. Still want to improve, use deionized water that can help reduce water and dry time as it will not spot. In detailing we must also keep in mind that washing the car is but one small step in the process, and if one can save time and resources it’s also a smart business decision.

You can also look outside the washing of the car. If you are a fixed based detail shop, you can collect the rainwater, and use that to water your plants and landscape. Mobile detail operators can hookup a drain or capture system in the ceiling vent of the trailer and direct the water into their water tank for your next day’s work.

Outside irrigation solutions can significantly cut water usage. The same would go for your home residential efforts to conserve water. And, make sure you tell a couple friends what you have learned so that they might benefit and participate. More info at www.bewaterwise.com

Water conservation can reduce related emissions & pollutions. Water related energy consumes 19% of California’s electricity, 30% of Natural Gas, 88 billion gallons of diesel fuel. Source: 2005 CA Energy Commission Report from SF Gate.com 4.20.07 For mobile operators reducing water also means less weight to carry around, a good fuel savings

Control Water Run Off and Prevent Discharge!
Federal EPA is pushing states to "clean up" their acts by requiring enforcement of regulations of the Clean Water Act. Reducing water usage is great but when you must use water it is imperative to contain the run off.

Detailers must keep in mind that they are not only rinsing water down the drain but also the chemicals that were used and hazardous waste from the car. Storm drains are just that, for storms, and they should only carry water, most discharge directly into lakes and rivers.

For a fixed location it’s also important to make sure that the drain you are using is connected to the sewer system (where waste gets treated) and not to the storm drains. For mobile operators make sure that you empty your reclaim tank often (no need to carry around that extra weight) and to a location where the waste will get treated.

Equipment
Contact your supplier, and let them know that it is important to you that they begin to offer equipment that is green or at least greener that what you have. Get a new or modify your existing pressure washer to use less water, and make sure your hoses and fittings are free of leaks. Maybe a biodiesel generator is part of our future. If you have a fixed base shop, buy Energy Star appliances; Have a free energy survey done on your shop. Consider solar panels for your business there are many tax incentives as well as aggressive rebate programs that can cut your cost in half for the purchase and installation of the units. If you wash towels on site, use a front load washer to reduce water usage.

Eco-friendly towels are emerging see www.towelpros.com for further info.

Summer gas prices may force the decision, but if you reduce the amount of water you need to carry, then you can also reduce the size of the vehicle or trailer you will need to get your job done.

Additionally, try to carry only the supplies you need for the day. There is no way you will go through a gallon of rough compound in a day, but that weight with all the other dead weight contributes to excessive fuel consumption. Put your rig on a diet, and if you have a van and a trailer try to schedule days where only the supplies in the van are needed, and leave the trailer at home (it deserves a holiday once and a while).

It's very important to capture all of our waste liquids, but negotiate with your waste disposal facility to be able to empty your waste water tank more frequently, have them charge on a per gallon basis and not a per dumping basis. That way you are not paying the as to haul your waste.

Until they get a Hybrid that is reasonable in both function and cost, seek to lower the gas mileage. Still not satisfied, then plant trees to offset you carbon emissions. Here is a Calculator, and you can give a tax deductable donation, and this site will plant 17 trees; Green Fleet. You can drive 55, have your tires at proper inflation levels and plan your mobile route to minimize drive time and gas usage. UPS Trucks have software to eliminate the amount of lefts they take which reduces idle time.

Products
If you have to use products, green choices are now available that have the same if not improved efficiency over the historically chemically-laden traditional products. These plant, polymer and nano technology product offerings are taking the place of petroleum based chemicals and offer the cleaning power combined with environmental safety.

Coconut and citrus are popular plant based formulations as cleaning agents. Polymer based technology cross links molecules and nano technology uses small particles to perform both cleaning and surface protection. These can be used for exterior and interior detailing.

Marketing
Capture Customer's Emails: Take the time to capture the customer's emails which will eliminate your paper marketing waste and allow you to facilitate a 1 to 1 and 2 way relationship with customers. Instead of marketing and sending out postcards wasting paper, consider an online newsletter to compliment your website and to further brand your valuable business.

1% for the Planet: Join Patagonia and other thought leaders www.onepercentfortheplanet.org . Even simpler, donate $1 of every tip to a green organization; suggest to make it local to be more meaningful.

Get Public relations; Get recognized for your efforts: Go wash the Mayor’s car at City Hall before a meeting, or invite them to your shop or car wash. Contact the local newspaper, introduce yourself and offer a free Wash to demonstrate your Eco Detailing. Get creative, and make a big splash. Get involved in the City's Education & Outreach programs. They will invite you to City Events where you can set up a booth and talk to residents. Write a Monthly Column for the Newspaper, publish an e newsletter and put on your Website. Attend local Green & Eco Events, hand out Marketing Materials and introduce your self. Start an eco-friendly blog for your business.

Also free PR with numerous press release websites that can tell your company story to the world by submitting a press release ( www.1888pressrelease.com ) or a paid one which is more effective (www.prweb.com) to get the word out even more.

Regulation and Code Compliance
Be an industry leader. Meet and or exceed the local and federal regulations, and then climb a tall tree and make sure everyone knows about it.

MSDS Sheets: Material and Safety Data Sheets. It is a requirement that all businesses have them on site or on their mobile unit with the appropriate Hazardous Communication plan and safety & health plan.

You should not only carry them, but look at them and read them. Choose chemicals that are low in toxicity and Biodegradable to help limit customer and employee exposure. Proper labeling. Make sure they are VOC Compliant (Volatile Organic Compounds). Don’t know how to read an MSDS Sheet or identify VOC’s ? … ask your supplier to educate you or visit www.osha.gov for a complete description on how to interpret and read the MSDS sheet.

Drinking Water
In this business, you work up a thirst. Get yourself a reusable drinking vessel, and stop using bottled water. Tap water is required to be safe, and costs 1,000 times less than bottled water Bottle Facts…

Lighting
Focus on opportunities in lighting in your energy audit. Seek to introduce CFL lights wherever appropriate. Use your Detail lights only when necessary, and turn off lights when not in use. The industry needs a solution to deliver the good light we need to perform our services, yet decrease the energy. Contact your supplier, keep your eyes and ears open, and let people know when you have identified an improvement.

Try to detail outside as much as possible in a cool shaded location and use the ambient light as much as possible to you advantage while your shop lights are off.

Energy
If a fixed base location, ask for an energy audit from your local Utility. Seek to add natural light when ever possible. Change your light bulbs. Use CFL bulbs in your non detailing areas.

Partner with Companies that share your Go Green Passion
Target other businesses that are trying to Go Green. Many drive to work, and some even have fleets of vehicles you can Eco Detail.

Banking: Wachovia comes to mind for their efforts in achieving sustainability. Bank on Sustainability. Or, choose a local Credit Union or Community Bank that can offer local solutions, consistent with your Eco Detailing business.

Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle
This is the mantra … Perhaps you are already doing this, but there is an opportunity to do more than recycle returnable bottles and loose change.

Other
Contact your equipment and product supplier. Let them know that Eco Detailing is important to you, and challenge them to find you Eco Detailing Products and Solutions

Thank you for your time and interest, there is more to come on Eco Detailing …