DealerDx,LLc.

Dealership Detail Shop Training

At DealerDx we provide detailed education for the detailing profession. With instruction that goes far beyond just simple demonstrations, we provide training and insight on every aspect of the business. This is not a typical "cookie cutter" detail training class. This is the most comprehensive training program of its kind. This same program has been implemented by BMW of North America and is used to train their network of dealers. Our relationships with other key leaders of the industry, as well as auto manufacturers, have helped us develop the best detail training program available. Our class has attracted students from all over the world from such countries as Argentina, Canada, Mexico, The Philippines, Venezuela, Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Spain. We hope you will have the confidence to be trained by us no matter where you are located.

The topics that we cover in our class are all very in depth and very involved. We do not just "gloss" over anything. We help you understand the subjects and the importance of each one. The subjects covered will give you a better overall understanding of the entire detailing process and help reduce your learning curve and make you an expert detailer very quickly. The detail students learn in a classroom and hands-on environment, Classroom presentations are done with the assistance of learning aids such as pictures, props, demonstrations and explanations of tools and equipment. Hands-on work is done on an actual vehicle to be detailed by the students, and represents typical challenges faced in most detailing situations. To go along with the intensive instruction, the students will receive a detailed training manual and a book of technical articles covering the class subjects, written by Kleen Car that have been published in major trade magazines, as well as our "Buffing with Confidence" DVD.

An overview of our program:

SECTION I

PAINT TECHNOLOGY - an in depth presentation of today's paint systems with the emphasis on basecoat/clear coat applications. Before you can become an expert at buffing the paint, you must know the science behind the paint. Our relationships with Auto manufacturers, paint manufacturers, and paint chemists, give this presentation a true analysis of how vehicles are painted.

The way vehicles are painted at the factory, their preparation and what you need to know.
The stages of application, from anti-corrosive primer to topcoat.
The differences between today's paint systems and the paint systems of years ago and why it is important to understand the differences.
The thickness of the paint system. How to measure it, and determine how much may be removed during the buffing or wet sanding process.
A detailed presentation on clear coat (what you actually buff), the various formulations of clear coat, and how some clear coats react differently to different buffing procedures.
How porous the paint system is and why this can cause problems later on.
The difference between factory and after-market paint systems.
Why all clear coats are not the same and why different buffing techniques must be used on different vehicles.
What actually happens to the clear coat as you are buffing it.

SECTION II

PAINT PROBLEMS - a comprehensive analysis of what affects the paint system after the vehicle leaves the factory. Most things that happen are not good. We teach the students to identify individual paint problems, their severity, and if certain problems can be corrected and/or improved. We will look at pictures of paint problems and ask students to identify what they see. We will look at "real" cars in our lot and identify paint problems and discuss what can or cannot be done.

Environmental damage. How to identify and correct problems such as chemical etching, industrial fallout, water spotting, tree sap, bird droppings, and UV damage.
Problems brought on by age and lack of proper care.
Paint defects on both factory and after-market finishes. We identify and discuss peeling, cracking, discoloration, orange peel, sags, runs, dirt nibs, over spray, and more. We discuss what can and can't be done to correct these problems.
Scratches. The different types, how deep they may be, what can or can't be done to remove them.
Swirl marks. A common problem and mistake made by many detailers. We show how to identify them, and the difference between true swirl marks and spider webbing. We show ways to see them under certain conditions other than direct sunlight, and we not only show how to correctly remove them, but how to prevent them.

SECTION III

CHEMICAL DILUTION AND SAFETY - It is imperative for a detailer to know the chemicals he is working with and their safety. We explain how to read and understand MSDS material, and the proper way to handle and mix chemicals and also label them.

Identification of all chemicals and understanding their use.
What a dilution ratio means, and how to mix and determine how much to use in any size container and get the perfect dilution every time.
The myth that more is better when mixing chemicals. We explain how to "tweak" a mixture for optimum performance and safety.
Cost saving ideas on the prospect of using one chemical for multiple purposes, simply by changing the dilution ratio!
We teach students what makes a good or bad cleaner and how to "interview" a product supplier about what he sells and how effective it may be.
We explain why certain "dangerous" chemicals can be used very safely and effectively as long as you understand 2 key points that we cover in depth.

SECTION IV

EVALUATION AND VEHICLE PREP - Pre detail inspection to identify potential problems before the vehicle is worked on. Wet bay procedures to most effectively conserve time and energy and prep the vehicle for detailing. It's not simply just washing the car!

Engine cleaning. Safe and effective ways to clean the engine compartment without damaging components. We show the proper steps to ensure the protection of sensitive electrical components and the fastest, safest, and most effective way to dress engines.
Efficient ways to do many things at once such as: door jambs, trunk sill, floor mats, tires and wheels, and bug and tar removal.
Wheel cleaning with safe chemicals to ensure spotless wheels with zero damage.
Proper brush selection for effective cleaning without damaging paint and trim.
Acid rain and industrial fallout neutralization and deep cleaning of the paint surface to avoid unnecessary compounding in the detail bay.
The proper and most effective way to wash the vehicle without scratching it and wasting time.
Proper drying techniques.
How to get a car washed and prepped if water usage and runoff is an issue. We teach how a Steam machine can be used to safely and effectively wash a car with zero water runoff in an environmentally safe manner.

SECTION V

INTERIOR DETAILING - Students will learn effective ways to properly clean the interior in a systematic and time efficient manner. We show simple, yet effective procedures to make the interior spotless every time.

Garbage removal before anything else!
Preliminary vacuum and blow out. Fast and efficiently getting the interior to the point of more deep cleaning.
Dash, vent, door panel, and console cleaning with various tools to make the job easier and get into every crack and crevice
The correct sequence of cleaning interior components so not to overlap the same area multiple times, which wastes time.
Streak free window cleaning using the correct cleaners and towels and ways to check your work. The old myths of cleaning windows and why certain things just will not work.
Stain identification and removal methods.
Headliner cleaning. The dos and don'ts.
Upholstery and carpet cleaning and the correct way to use a carpet extractor. Improper use may hurt the interior and damage the machine. We show how to effectively shampoo interiors WITHOUT the use of bulky air dryers afterward.
Steam Cleaning- We have been one of the pioneers in steam cleaning of both the inside and outside of the vehicle. We will show proper steam cleaning techniques which will save time, leave an interior totally dry after about 15 minutes. We show, and you will get to use, the BEST steam machines on the market today and see for yourself why this is the ONLY way to clean an interior.
Leather cleaning and conditioning.
Interior dressing and ways to up-sell this service and make it fast.
Final inspection and what customers most look for with regard to their interiors.

SECTION VI

PAINT REPAIR TECHNIQUES - The bread and butter of a skilled detailer. We explain and demonstrate various corrective procedures to repair defects and blemishes on and in the paint surface to make it look showroom new again. We want you to be an all-star detailer, and to be able to handle and repair any and all paint problems. Because of our small class size, you will have large areas of the vehicle to correct in the class and we get to help and coach you as you are completing the repairs. There is no waiting, no small areas to work on, and we will be there the entire time to make sure you are developing your skills from the very beginning.

Clay. The most important step in exterior detailing. An overlooked and misunderstood procedure that will aid in every buffing process, remove atmospheric pollutants stuck on the paint surface, make the paint feel like glass, and save time. A must for a perfect detail! We found about clay in the early 1990's and have used it on every vehicle ever since. We explain why this is a step that MUST be done on each and every vehicle. We also let you in on a few "secrets" about clay.
Wet-sanding. This is a huge topic in our class and nobody knows more about sanding clear coat than we do. We have written numerous articles on this topic and this is a huge bonus that you get in our class. Students will see first hand what happens to a surface as its being sanded and how effective this can be in scratch and blemish repair. We show the technician ways to safely sand the clear coat and eliminate the problem without the need for costly refinishing. We demonstrate the tool used to measure the paint thickness and how to gage how much clear coat is being sanded off. A great way to add to the bottom line.
Swirl mark removal. This is also a topic unto itself in our class. Swirl marks are very miss-understood by everyone and we go in depth on this topic. We show not only the correct way to remove them, but also ways to prevent swirl marks. We also show the students what the difference is between true "swirl" marks and "spider webbing". Proper identification is crucial in their removal. You will NEVER be scared of a high speed buffer again after knowing how to either prevent swirl marks and how to properly remove them.
Buffing techniques. Many detailers are afraid of a high speed buffer. They know that used incorrectly, this machine can cause damage. However for perfect paint correction and Optimum shine, this is a tool that is critical. We teach the correct and safe way to use any buffing machine and show the most common mistakes detailers make while using them. We show how to hold the machine, how to set it up, and how to correctly buff without splattering of product, and damaging of sensitive trim. We go as far as showing how the product should be laid out on the panel, and how to "catch it" in the buffing pad. This method saves splatter and mess, and clean up time. We also explain why certain trim items and moldings should be taped and covered prior to buffing

These topics are covered in far more detail, and we spend far more time on these critical subjects than any other training company.

SECTION VII

BUFFERS AND PADS - The combination of buffer and pad choice is critical in creating a perfect finish. We go in-depth on buffer choice, pad choice, speed, and the paint type, to determine what should be used. You can't buff every vehicle the same way and get great results every time. We show you why this is true.

Buffers. There is a difference. We show and demonstrate high speed buffers and orbital machines and explain what their uses and capabilities are.
We show every possible buffing pad on the market and what each can do, and more importantly what pads to stay away from.
We show how to properly "catch" polish or compound into the buffing pad to prevent messy splatter and speed up the job.
We explain and demonstrate how to use the "ladder" system and avoid using too many pads. We teach familiarity, combined with speed, chemical and pad choice to be more or less aggressive on a particular paint surface.
We explain when you want to create more heat and friction by buffing, and when it is dangerous, and how to achieve this.
We talk about how pressure is critical while buffing. We will show you and guide "YOUR" buffer over the panel to fully show you how to use the correct pressure while buffing a panel.

SECTION VIII

COMPOUND, POLISH, WAXES - We know how these products are formulated and we explain what they were made to do. We show some raw materials used in the making of these products and how to read the "ingredients" and grade the effectiveness of each. We work with, and have helped develop buffing products with one of the leading companies in the industry. We have one of the best product lines on the market that major auto manufacturers will soon be using at their plants. We know what makes a product easy to use and as effective as possible. We share all those points with you in showing you that a great buffing product will make the detailers' job much easier and the vehicle will look extraordinarily better when completed.

We show how to know what products are just hype and marketing and what products will actually work. We explain key catch words product manufacturer's use in the making of their products and if they mean anything.
We demonstrate how to use only 1 product in each category and perform any paint correction, no matter how bad it may be, and make the finish flawless. There is no need for multiple products within each category.
We explain the 13 criteria that we use when formulating a buffing product and why each needs to be met to have a truly great product. Once you understand these points, you will always be able to identify a great buffing product.
We explain what actually makes water bead. Is it the wax, or other things you do to the paint?
When and how often should you wax the car? It's not so simple and wax is the most unimportant area of concern. Learn why. We also show and explain all the myths about wax.

SECTION IX

FINAL DETAILING - the final details are extremely important for a perfect job. Checking for wax left in cracks and crevices, streaks or smears, perfect wheels, sparking paint and windows, are items that if overlooked, can make the overall job look poor and unprofessional. Students will learn all the quality control checkpoints to ensure a perfect job each and every time.

Seam wipe down. Detailers will learn that opening all the hinged areas such as the doors, hood, trunk, hatch, gas door, and sunroof and a preliminary wipe down will expose areas that potentially could have been missed. We will review how to wipe these areas down first, to ensure that the nooks and crannies are perfect
Wheels. Checking for any reaming water spots or brake dust in wheels is essential. We will review how to examine and wipe down wheels and even out tire dressing to ensure flawless looking wheels
Body wipe down. After the seams and jambs have been wiped, the body of the car should be wiped down with fresh clean towels. We explain the reasons and the importance of this sequence.
Final window cleaning. The windows can be cleaned to end the detail. We will discuss window specific towels that can be used to ensure spot free and streak free glass.
When to dress the tires. Its not when you think. We show a great inventive way to dress tires in a fast and even manner with zero splatter as the car drives away.

The proof that this detail training program is second to none is the finished product! We work on a car in dire need of reconditioning and take it to perfection from start to finish. The final result is a car that looks brand new and will show your customer and potential customers that you are an expert detailer! We know you will learn and become a skilled and knowledgeable detailer with our program. We don't need to hold you here for a week and charge you so much more money. We will teach you all of this and give you the skills and knowledge in just 2 short days! We invite you to call us anytime for a FREE, zero pressure consultation.

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