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Cars and rust don’t mix. It’s why people invest so much money in rustproofing their vehicles.

But what is undercoating & rust proofing? What causes a car to rust, and how do you protect yours against it?

This blog has the answers for you.

What Causes A Car To Rust?

In basic terms, it occurs when oxygen and iron come in contact and begin an oxidation process, which develops into rust.

External factors, such as water, snow and humidity, can speed this process up, which is why rust tends to occur more during the wintertime. Other elements, such as road dirt, grime, road salt, and other corrosives, can wear down the waterproof barrier and contribute to the rust’s growth.

Thankfully there are ways to protect your automobile.

Do I Need To Rust Proof My Car?

Absolutely you should consider it. While car paint and car films will protect the vehicle from any damage occurring (including rust), an accident or dent can result in rust developing. The same applies if you have a ceramic coating or 3M paint protection film.

There is also the factor that we live in Alberta, and it’s a province where winters can be brutal, and road salt is practically considered a condiment.

The only time it is not valuable to invest in undercoating or rustproofing is when your vehicle is too old, and therefore not worth the expense, or if the car is already damaged by rust (as the cost itself for the auto body repairs can be expensive).

How Do I Protect My Car from Rust?

There are several different options for drivers, depending on their needs:

Wash & Wax Every Two Weeks

The more often you wash your vehicle, the less likely it will develop the wetness that can create rust. Often people get this done once a month, which gives rust plenty of time to get into the vehicle. It’s best to aim for every two weeks.

Invest in Paint Protection Film, Undercoating and Rust Proofing

Just like a 3M paint protection film, the 3M undercoating works to a similar effect. It prevents rust and corrosion of the vehicle undercarriage, guaranteeing your vehicle is protected during the winter months.

Invest in 3M Undercoating, Rust Proofing & Paint Protection

3M Rust Proofing protects your vehicle panels and wheel wells from rusting better than any other coating on the market today. It is the best piece of protection that you can get for your vehicle.

Drive Carefully & Safely

Avoiding the following can reduce your chances of scratches and dents, therefore, reducing the chances of rust occurring:

Avoid driving over potholes and roads that are under construction
Avoid parking over gutters or watered areas, such as puddles or snow mounts
Do not park close to other cars in the parking lot
Park the car under shade to avoid snow and wet weather

While investing in these options might not seem like it’s worth it, it will be when you avoid rust developing in your vehicle. Repairing rust can be very expensive so add precautions to your cars with these suggestions.

Be sure to treat your vehicle right by contacting the experts at Calgary Paint Protection Film. You can always expect friendly and prompt service. We work around your schedule to provide maximum convenience. Keep your car looking like new, the easy way! Phone: 587-324-1993

One of the best ways for you to protect your vehicle is through the application of a 3M paint protection film. The original use of these films was protection for helicopter rotors. The military had issues with debris and small objects damaging their helicopters and asked 3M to find a solution. Thus, the film we know was born, and it has become a commercial success.

Now, several companies have different versions of the original product, and even 3M has different versions. For example, a less well-known version of the product is available in custom cuts for bicycle frames. This product helps prevent the same damage that pilots face for bicyclists, which is a great boon overall.

The cost of a 3M paint protection film is a variable one. There are several aspects that you must take into account when purchasing this product. These aspects include the size of your application, the type of film you apply, and the vehicle you are installing the product on.

The Cost Aspects of 3M Paint Protection Film

The Size of Application

The size of the application will play the largest role in the price. Some people prefer to protect only the highest risk areas, such as the lip of the hood, fenders and side mirrors. However, there are people who recognize the full value of this product and apply it over every exterior surface of their vehicle.

As a result, the size of the application can vary the cost from $429 to $4,799. Overall, you will have to decide what you consider the best value, and choose a level of coverage that reflects that decision.

The Type of Film

The type of film will also play a role in the cost. Unfortunately, there are indeed inferior versions of the product available at unauthorized dealers. These may look less expensive at first, but when you have to reapply them or replace them frequently, the overall cost may not vary overmuch.

The Vehicle

The vehicle will also play a part in determining the cost. For example, pickup trucks simply have more areas to cover, and the price will be higher as a result. Similarly, the complexity of a vehicle’s exterior can play a role. The electric vehicle brand Tesla is a good example of this. Their cars have a multitude of sensors that you must consider during the film installation, and the price for paint protection film is higher to compensate.

Find Your 3M Paint Protection Film

The best protection for your car is nearby. All you have to do is book an appointment, wait three hours, and your vehicle will have a new lease on life. For such a simple process, not picking up the phone seems barely worth consideration.

A clear bra is another name for a paint protection film. The names are interchangeable, and both of them provide the same primary function, which is to protect your vehicle from small amounts of damage. Typically, you would apply a clear bra to the elements on the front of your cars, such as the bumper, headlights, and detail areas.

However, to truly understand why a clear bra is necessary, you will need to know about a few other things. Firstly, the likelihood that your vehicle will get unsightly scrapes and scratches, and secondly, how easy it is to prevent this damage from occurring. More information is below.

Why You Need a Paint Protection Film

How likely is the damage?

Damage to the front of your vehicle is very likely. Just take a moment to consider it. Firstly, when you drive behind other cars on the road, their tires will naturally throw up rocks, which is also the cause of windshield chips. Additionally, if you live in a crowded urban centre, chances are people will have to perform complicated parking maneuvers near your vehicle, and not everyone is as careful with your car as you would be in the same situation.

How easy is prevention?

The prevention of this type of damage to your car or truck is effortless. All you need to do is find a qualified and licensed 3M paint protection film installer near you, and book an appointment. Then, show up to your appointment and speak with the professionals who can advise you on the best areas to apply the clear bra as well as general maintenance and upkeep tips. However, it is fair to note at this point that the upkeep of your clear bra should be fairly minimal.

How to protect your clear bra?

Protecting your clear bra should involve only one simple step. Don’t tailgate your fellow drivers. Yes, it is really that simple. When you leave the professionals to install your clear bra, it will be smooth and free from any blisters or defects. This process essentially makes the paint protection film a permanent part of your car, and any damage it sustains will not carry through to your vehicle.

How to Find a Paint Protection Film Installer

Finding a paint protection film installer is also relatively simple. At Calgary PPF, we have the tools you are looking for to complete this installation, and we would love to hear from you. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have.

3M paint protection film is a great way to protect your vehicle’s beautiful paint job from unnecessary weathering or damage. It appears as a clear film that is barely visible when installed correctly and can last over a year. However, like most modifications to vehicles, it is best done by professionals who have the tools and equipment necessary for correct installation.

With that being said, learning about the process can still be fun and rewarding. Knowledge is power, after all, and learning more about this product can give you imaginative ways to utilize it in your daily activities. Therefore, you can follow the steps below to understand the process and share the information with friends and family alike.

The Process of 3M Paint Protection Film Installation

The process of 3M paint protection film installation begins with cleaning your vehicle. Proper surface preparation is an essential part of many vehicle enhancements as it allows you to work on a clean surface, free of harmful dust and grime.

After your vehicle is suitably cleaned, prepare two solutions in spray bottles. The first bottle should be mostly water with a few drops of baby shampoo, and the second will be a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol (60%/40%). If you don’t have baby shampoo, don’t worry. Most soaps will act as a surfactant, which is what is important to reduce the surface tension of the water.

Next, it is time for you to remove the protective backing of the paint protection film. During this process, soak the film with your water/ soap solution, and then align it to the desired application area. After you have correctly aligned the piece to the appropriate section, spray under the film with the water/ alcohol solution, which will begin the curing process of the adhesive.

Finally, use the provided squeegee tool and pull away from the centre to remove any air bubbles. Take your time with this step as it is here that you will be finalizing the position of the paint protection film. After the installation, remember not to wash your vehicle for at least 24 hours, which will give the film time to adhere correctly and cure on your car.

Trust the Experts with 3M Paint Protection Film Installation

Now that you understand the process, you should be able to appreciate the difficulty involved in proper application. If you do not have the right amount of each solution or the film is not aligned correctly, you are likely to install an inferior system, which may cause the film to fail prematurely. Therefore, your best option for installing this product is to leave it to the experts as they have the experience, tools, and understanding necessary to complete the job successfully every time.

The cost of car window tinting can vary depending on a variety of choices. However, if you are thinking about tinting your car windows, this will be a helpful guide to set you on the right path.

Considerations Before You Buy

One of the considerations you must make before investing in car window tinting is where the tinting will be applied. Some people like to cover all of their windows, but others only perform the service on their windshield and front door windows. Both options have their pros and cons, but ultimately the decision will be unique to you.

Another consideration for you to make is the level of tinting you will receive. Getting blacked out windows can be illegal in some jurisdictions and you also don’t want to go so light that the effects are minimized. Settling on the right balance of dark to light can be difficult, but checking with your service provider can make the decision a lot easier.

With these considerations in mind, a typical 2-window tinting can cost around $200. For a full package, the price will rise to about $450. However, this is just for a basic package and there are better quality options available for you. A specialty 3M Crystalline Window tint starts at $600 and can go up to $1,700 depending on the number of windows that it is applied too.

Finding the Right Company

Finding the right car window tinting company should come before any of the previous steps. It is important that you find a company with the right experience and knowledge regarding the type of window tinting you want to purchase. Plus, it is a great bonus if they provide you with a loaner vehicle while the car window tinting is applied to your vehicle.

Furthermore, there are several reputable dealers of high-quality and luxury window tinting products, and seeking out these companies can make a big difference to your purchase. Don’t trust secondhand or poor quality materials as they are likely to prematurely fail. This will leave you with a poor aesthetic finish and you will likely have to get the service done again.

Finally, if you are considering purchasing a windshield protection film, you should reconsider. This product is no longer relegated as it once was due to the exuberant cost of installation and the lack of protection it provides. As well, if your windshield is damaged with this protective film installed, the process to repair it will likely damage your windshield further and increase the cost of repair substantially.

One of the hardest parts of owning a vehicle with a matte finish is the maintenance involved. It requires maintenance over and above that of a gloss finish, and can really detract from the aesthetics of your vehicle if not properly maintained.

Luckily, there is a new solution for your matte finish, and it takes the form of a paint protection film. The XPEL Stealth system is a unique product that was specifically designed to protect matte, flat, magno, frosted, and frozen paint colours.

Installed in much the same fashion as traditional paint protection films, this system is applied over a wet vehicle, and smoothed out for an even, smooth finish. This guarantees a quality product that looks beautiful and endures anything you can throw at it.

Plus, it has a variety of other benefits that include:

Benefits of the XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film

One of the key benefits of the XPEL Stealth system is that it has the ability to self-heal. This means that if there are minor scratches or swirl marks from cleaning, the paint protection film can heal itself. All that is required is a little heat and time.

Secondly, the XPEL Stealth coating is easy to apply and can be made for custom applications. Two benefits make this possible. First, the design access program (DAP) that is part of the XPEL experience allows technicians to find the right pattern for your vehicle. Secondly, they can modify it to accentuate the look of your vehicle as you choose. This means you can stylize your flares, splitters, trim, headlights, or whatever else you want to finish with a great-looking matte finish.

Finally, another great benefit of the XPEL stealth system is the ease of maintenance. Rather than the expensive salves and ointments that typically are required for matte-finished cars, a simple wash is enough with this system. Plus, with its sleek, satin finish it will look great even with a little bit of mud on it.

Find Your Authorized Dealer

If you have been considering the best way to protect your satin or matte finish, there is nowhere else to look than the XPEL Stealth coating. Now, all that is left for you to do is to find an authorized dealer. Make sure they carry this brand and that they are sufficiently experienced in the installation of this system.

Next, make sure that they understand what you are expecting. For this, you should have a clear vision of what you want your vehicle to look like, and a plan to make it a reality. This will make the process go smoother for both you and your installation experts, and you will be that much closer to a beautiful satin finish with protection that just won’t quit.

Just like you might think there are no benefits to getting paint protection film in winter, window tints have an array of myths about them too. And it is these misconceptions that deter people from investing in them, despite the fact they could be wrong. It is time to break down these myths and give you the full truth about window tinting in Calgary:

Myth 1 – There is no benefit to getting it for my car

There is this belief that window tinting in Calgary is all about the cosmetic appeal, and there is nothing else to it. Well, that’s not true. In fact, there are many benefits that come with installing window tints in your vehicle, including:

That the films that block more than 99% of UV rays, protecting you and your car’s interior.
The window blocks solar glare and reduces the need for squinting while driving.
It adds a layer of protection for your vehicle and reduces break-in attempts and;
The window tint reduces the amount of heat that builds in your car.

As you can see, there are more benefits to getting a window tint – especially a 3M window tint – than merely looking stylish and cool.

Myth 2 – It will make my vision too dark to see

All window tints come in an array of colors and shades that can work with each driver’s individual needs. But that doesn’t mean that it will impair your vision while driving. Even the darkest tints can be seen through. In many cases, it is like wearing sunglasses – you will get some shade, but it won’t make it too dark to see. In fact, as we mentioned above, it will actually reduce any glare, making it easier to drive.

Myth 3 – It will also its effectiveness over time.

Such is the technological advancements that window films are now more durable and vibrant than ever before. Take, for example, 3M window tint. It is considered the most robust and longest-lasting window tint in the market, ensuring that you can have it on your vehicle for years without any issues. More so, when you go to a paint protection film provider to get your windows tinted, you can get a warranty, meaning your vehicle is protected for as long as you use it.

Myth 4 – Window tints are too expensive

Back in the day, that might have been the case, but not anymore. Nowadays, as the benefits of window tinting in Calgary have become widely known, the prices for these tints have reduced in price. Modern window films last for decades, come with warranties, can be easily removed and replaced with a new film, highlighting the value that comes with it. Just make sure you go to a trusted professional that offers you a decent rate. Super cheap window tints are not the best investment.

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