Historically, Porsche’s paint quality has always been world class. However, over time, your car’s paint is exposed to combinations of dust, dirt, tree sap, bird dropping, water, chemicals plus everything else in the air which can take a toll on the quality of the finish. Of course, the painted surface of any car must be cared for to maintain its outstanding finish. Unfortunately, not all Porsche owners keep up with the maintenance of the exterior finish. Reasons differ, but the most common is just not having the time to do it yourself.
Today, there are many fixed location and mobile professional detailing services that cater to conscientious car owners that want to preserve their cars fine finish. When choosing a detail service business, it is best to get recommendations from someone you trust, your friends, your mechanic, a high quality paint shop or the local PCA (Porsche Club of America) chapter. It is also important to use companies that utilize methods and products that are good for the car, not what’s time expedient or most profitable for them.
Detailing or cleaning and waxing the paint should be done at least four times per year, more if needed or desired. This should include cleaning, claying the surface if it is rough, polishing and waxing. Cleaning and preserving the interior surfaces (especially the leather) is also important. If you are on a budget, pass on the tire treatments, carpet shampoo and other Concours event cleaning and presentation extras.
Every time at the end of your daily drive, always check the painted surfaces and remove any foreign material on the paint. This may save the paint from having a permanent blemish. With the high cost involved to refinish your car or even a panel(s) on your Porsche, it is far better to maintain the paint so it looks great and protects your investment for a long time.
Here are some of our notes and recommendations:
- High speed buffing machines are not recommended.
- Pure Carnauba wax is recommended but it can be difficult to work with.
- Never wash or wax your car in the direct sunlight or on a hot day unless it is garaged.
- Connolly’s hide food is best for pure leather but rarely is most car interiors actually pure leather. Most have a painted surface. Dyed leather is closer to pure leather but is still somewhat impervious to conditioners.
- At times, a leather conditioner will tarnish or stain the lighter color leathers.
- Be careful of interior dressings. They work well for the looks but if you stop utilizing the product, there is a possibility of quickly drying out the vinyl or leather.
- Sheepskins or seat covers are a good idea if the cover gets removed periodically and the seats treated or the covers will dry out the upholstery.
- The sun is probably the worst thing for your cars finish and interior aside from wear.
- We do not recommend paint treatments or sealants. We believe the paint is a living thing that needs to breath. If you seal this surface, you might be causing more harm than good.
Tony Callas & Tom Prine