Fall Car Care Playbook: Detail Now, Protect for Winter (Fairfax 2025)

Why late August–September is the sweet spot

• Summer fallout is corrosive: bug acids, tree sap, UV, brake dust — if you seal it in, you seal in damage.
• Coatings bond better on a clean, corrected surface: a proper complete detail preps the paint so ceramic actually grips.
• Underbody protection before salt: get undercoating on before the first brine trucks hit Northern Virginia roads.

The 3-Step Plan (One Visit at APS)

1) Deep Clean & Decon (Detailing)

We strip bonded contaminants, revive plastics, shampoo fabrics, and polish paint to remove haze and swirls. That “like-new” look isn’t magic — it’s prep. Start here:

Exterior & Interior Detailing in Fairfax

2) Lock It In (Ceramic Coating)

A pro ceramic adds gloss, slickness, and chemical resistance. Water sheets off, wash time drops, and the finish stays newer, longer. We offer elite pro coatings (e.g., IGL Kenzo) applied over machine-polished paint:

Ceramic Coating — Fairfax

3) Guard the Underside (Undercoating)

Road brine and salt attack frames, brake lines, welds, and pinch seams. Undercoating provides a durable barrier so winter doesn’t win. If your vehicle is over 4 years old, we’ll inspect for existing rust and perform Rust Remediation first — then undercoat for long-term protection.

Protection Services Overview

What to book (by vehicle & goals)

FAQs

How long does it take?

Most detail + ceramic is a same-day to overnight process. Undercoating typically adds a day, depending on remediation needs. We can bundle to minimize downtime.

Can I do just one of the steps?

Yes. Each step stands alone — but doing them in order (Detail → Ceramic → Undercoating) gives the best long-term value.

What about window tint for heat & glare?

Tint pairs perfectly with ceramic for comfort and UV defense. Ask us about premium heat-rejection films if you commute in the sun.