What is a Clay bar?

What is a clay Bar?

    Adding a clay bar package to your next detail can help protect the paint of your car and make your car look the best it can. The overall purpose of a clay bar is to remove embedded contaminants from your vehicle. This includes the vehicle's paint, windows, trim, and wheels. A regular wash of your vehicle is unable to remove the containment that clay can. Clay bars work to grab ahold of containments that become stuck or embedded in your vehicle. Clay bars easily remove containments such as water spots, brake dust, metal, over-spray, tar, sap, and more. 

When to add a clay bar service?

     If the surface of your vehicle feels rough after washing, it means you have embedded contaminants on your paint. If left alone those contaminants will begin to destroy the exterior of your vehicle. Another reason to get your vehicle clayed is if you become a victim of paint overspray. If this happens taking your vehicle to someone that is experienced with clay is essential. 

Clay bar services should be utilized a couple times a year, to ensure your paint does not become damaged due to embedded particles. However, clay bar services do not cause any damage to your vehicle so it can be utilized as often as wanted. 

Clay bar services may be required more often if you live or work in areas with heavy road traffic or high levels of pollution. Clay bar services are also a good idea if you are trying to sell your car.

Even brand-new vehicles have already been exposed to containments, so getting your new car clay barred upon acquiring your vehicle is important, along with following up with a good wax or sealant to prevent further contaminants. 

How much will it cost me?

    On Average, you can expect to pay $50-$75 for this service. 

Important to consider:

    The most important thing to consider when choosing your clay bar service is where you go. When performed properly, clay bars cause no damage to vehicles. But inexperienced detailers can damage your vehicle due lack of knowledge and experience. When performed improperly your vehicle can suffer from scratches, swirls, and burning of the clear coat. 

    Another important consideration is the state of your vehicle. A clay bar service should never be performed if your vehicle shows signs of peeling paint. If your paint is peeling a clay bar will grab a strong grip and further strip the paint off your vehicle. 

(Feel free to leave a comment if you have additional questions or would like to add information you feel has been left out in this post.)