“Black is not a color choice, it is a part-time job.” This I was told back in 2007 after I bought my Toyota Avalon. Living in Iowa, on a short gravel road, I was constantly hand washing this beautiful automobile. For four years, I fought the good fight. Many hours applying multiple coats of paint sealant, constant two bucket hand washing. All to try to keep swirls at bay. Finally, I surrendered, bought an unlimited monthly pass at a local car wash and settled for clean. Swirl upon swirl. Year after year. My Avalon looked “ok” from a distance. A swirled mess up close, in the sun.
Moving to Michigan, I left the daily drive on a gravel road behind. Could I get some semblance of my original Avalon beauty back? Could I offer it some protection? After all, my 12-year-old Toyota had only 167,000 miles on it. I keep automobiles until they give up on me. I would like to see it last 20+ years.
At Blue Wave in Norton Shores, I was told the exterior could be brought back to life. As good as the day I drove it home from the dealership… or better. We discussed a one step polish and applying of ceramic coating, but that doesn’t remove quite all blemishes. Being a black car, and desiring it be as close to perfect as possible, we went with a full paint correction and then the ceramic coating. A little added cost, but so worth it! They also fixed some door nicks and road rash. And of course some interior love.
The ceramic coating does not make the paint bullet proof, but adds some protection. No more automatic car washes for my Avalon. She will constantly receive the reasonably priced hand washes at Blue Wave to remain as swirl free as possible.
Next week my wife’s Avalon will be going in for similar care.
