Cochran Academy
Are you passionate about cars and looking to turn that passion into a profitable business? Join us at Cochran Auto Detailing for Cochran Academy, an intensive two-day workshop designed specifically for entrepreneurs eager to launch or elevate their auto detailing business. This event is set for July 13th and 14th, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and is a must-attend for anyone serious about mastering the art of auto detailing.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you're at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to enhance your existing auto detailing operation, Cochran Academy offers an unrivaled opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Under the guidance of Ben Cochran, the owner and founder of Cochran Auto Detailing (CAD), and other industry experts, this workshop is tailored to provide comprehensive training in both foundational and advanced auto detailing techniques.
What Will You Learn?
Over two action-packed days, you'll gain in-depth insights into:
Starting and Scaling Your Business: Learn the A to Z of setting up and growing your auto detailing business in today’s competitive market.
Advanced Paint Correction: Dive deep into techniques that can restore and rejuvenate car paint, making old and worn vehicles look brand new.
Ceramic Coating Applications: Get hands-on training in one of the most sought-after skills in the auto detailing industry. Ceramic coatings provide a long-lasting shine and superior protection against environmental hazards.
Who Should Register?
Aspiring Entrepreneurs: If you're ready to start your journey in the lucrative field of auto detailing, there’s no better launchpad than Cochran Academy.
Existing Business Owners: Elevate your service offerings by mastering advanced techniques that can set your business apart from the competition.
Skilled Professionals: Enhance your skills and knowledge in specialized areas like paint correction and ceramic coatings to deliver unparalleled service quality.
High School Students: Explore a potential career path!
Networking and Beyond
Apart from training, Cochran Academy offers fantastic networking opportunities. Connect with fellow detailing enthusiasts, share experiences, and build relationships that can support your business growth. Learn from the experiences of others and gain insights into what works in different markets and scenarios.
Why Register Now?
Seats for Cochran Academy are limited, and with the intense interest in such specialized training, they’re expected to fill up fast. By registering, you ensure your spot and take a significant step towards transforming your auto detailing passion into a thriving business.
Don't miss this chance to push your entrepreneurial dreams into the fast lane. Reserve your spot at Cochran Academy today and set the course for success in the auto detailing industry.
Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Click here to register for Cochran Academy and drive your entrepreneurial journey to success!
Understanding Window Tint Options: A Guide to Upgrading Your Car
At Cochran, we're proud to offer top-quality window tint options from SunTek Window Films, a trusted partner for many years. SunTek is renowned for manufacturing superior window films and Paint Protection Film. Let's delve into the three window film options we offer: Carbon Dyed, Ceramic, and Evolve Ceramic IR, and explore their unique benefits.
Window Tint Options:
Carbon Dyed Film:
Description: An advancement over metalized films, this tint incorporates carbon particles, offering a distinctive matte finish and superior heat rejection without interfering with cell signals.
Advantages: Economical yet effective, this option provides enhanced heat rejection and a sleek look without compromising signal quality.
Ceramic Film:
Description: Ceramic particles are used in this film to maximize heat, glare, and UV rejection while maintaining excellent visibility.
Advantages: A mid-grade film that excels in heat rejection and optical clarity, offering a balanced blend of performance and aesthetics.
Evolve Ceramic IR:
Description: This premium option includes all the benefits of the Ceramic Film but with enhanced features, such as the highest heat resistance (94%), superior optical clarity, minimal low angle haze, and excellent scratch resistance.
Advantages: The ultimate choice for those seeking the best in performance, visibility, and durability.
Understanding Heat Rejection:
Heat rejection percentages are determined by a standardized test where a tinted car's interior temperature is initially set, then the time taken to reach a specific higher temperature under sunlight is measured. This data is used to calculate the heat rejection efficiency.
Tint Percentage and State Regulations:
The tint percentage represents the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) through the windows. Regulations vary by state; for instance, Massachusetts allows a VLT of 35%. Due to existing slight tints in factory glass, a slightly higher film percentage (usually 40% or 45%) is installed to comply with legal standards. Despite the laws, quality tints can significantly enhance visibility, akin to wearing high-quality polarized sunglasses, by offering better polarization and brightness.
Scheduling Your Tint Service:
While you can wait for your car during the tinting process, we recommend dropping it off, especially for full coupes, sedans, or SUVs. This approach allows our experts to focus on delivering perfect results without rush. Sometimes, factors like car cleanliness or specific model challenges may extend the process. Additionally, temperature changes can affect the tinting shortly after application, and having the car onsite allows for immediate corrections if needed.
Consider treating your tinting appointment like a standard car service – drop off your vehicle, and we'll notify you once it's perfectly finished and ready for pickup!
At Cochran, we're committed to providing you with the best window tinting solutions, ensuring quality, compliance, and satisfaction with every service.
Why are details so expensive? Can’t I just wash my car myself?
In the realm of auto detailing, prices have seen a significant increase over the years, prompting many to wonder if the cost is worth it, or if they’d be able to achieve similar results on their own. Let's delve into the key factors contributing to this trend and what makes bringing your vehicle in for a detail so vastly different from what can be done at home.
What used to be a $175 service in 2005 has now jumped to around $400. Why have prices increased so much?
Rising Costs Across the Board: The cost of running an auto detailing business has surged due to various factors. From the increased prices of labor and detailing products to elevated expenses for utilities, marketing, websites, electricity, and rent, the overall overhead has spiked.
Evolution of Labor Costs: The landscape of the auto detailing industry has shifted over the past 5-10 years. Previously considered a temporary or summer job, detailing has transformed into a full-fledged career. The goal is to establish a reputable standard in auto detailing, dent removal, and window tinting, treating these services as professions. Certified professionals now populate the workforce, reducing turnover rates and justifying increased wages. In order to compensate skilled employees appropriately, prices for detailing services have inevitably risen. Our goal is to be the most reputable leader in auto detailing, dent removal, and window tinting through impeccable quality of work and customer service. We aim to elevate the image and respect for these services as a profession, providing great value for every dollar you spend.
Technological Advancements: The vehicles we detail have evolved, incorporating advanced technologies. Unlike in the past, detailed work can't be rushed. With the intricate technology integrated into modern vehicles, a more cautious approach is necessary to prevent potential damage. This demands time and precision, influencing the overall cost of detailing.
Paint Correction and Technological Innovations: The scope of paint correction has expanded significantly. While it was once primarily a domain of body shops, today's detailers employ cutting-edge technology like durable dual-action polish and diminishing cream compounds. Advances in paint technology have made corrections more attainable, albeit with the trade-off of thinner and softer paints. To ensure the longevity of the customer's paint, the application of ceramic coatings has become essential.
Profitability: Like any business, detailing companies operate to make a profit. If the bottom line is not met, costs must be adjusted accordingly. The increased complexity of the detailing process, coupled with the need to retain skilled professionals, necessitates a reevaluation of pricing structures to ensure profitability.
In conclusion, the upward trajectory of auto detailing costs is a multifaceted issue. As the industry continues to evolve, so too must the services offered, taking into account the increased expertise required, technological advancements, and the pursuit of profitability. Understanding these factors helps clients appreciate the value and quality they receive when opting for professional auto detailing services.
So, is it something you can just do yourself? Probably not.
Shops like Cochran Auto Detailing are staffed by experienced professionals who stay up-to-date on the latest trends, techniques, and more in the industry. Additionally, we utilize a plethora of tools that are designed to get results. These tools are expensive, and not things that would make sense to purchase yourself, unless you plan to start your own detail business.
Most importantly, a detail is so much more than just a wash. Maintenance washes are great and can be done yourself, but they likely won’t leave you saying “WOW, my car didn’t even look this good when I drove it off of the dealership lot for the first time!”
My car isn’t brand new any more, is it too late to get it ceramic coated or to protect it with Paint Protection film?
The short answer is no, clear coats don't last forever, but they are resilient. Most of the time, you can restore older clear coats to a like-new or even better condition. While this process requires hours of labor, it can be achieved through a procedure known as paint correction.
Paint Correction: Paint correction is an essential auto detailing process that addresses issues like hazing, minor scratches, marring, swirl marks, and other imperfections on your vehicle's clear coat. Specialized machines and polishing compounds are used to gently eliminate microscopic layers of clear coat until the surface becomes smooth again.
The duration of the paint correction process can vary significantly, ranging from 2 to 20 hours or even longer. Several factors influence the time it takes:
1. Size of the Vehicle: Larger vehicles naturally require more time to correct the paint.
2. Color of the Vehicle: The color can play a role as well. Some colors, like black, tend to accentuate blemishes, while lighter colors may not reveal them as easily, especially under certain lighting conditions. You may save time and money by requesting corrections for imperfections only visible in specific lighting conditions.
3. Age of the Vehicle: The older your vehicle, the more time-consuming the correction process can be. Factors such as multiple washes, prolonged sun exposure, and frequent car washes over the years can add to the correction time.
4. Condition of the Vehicle: Neglecting to protect your vehicle, like leaving bird droppings on the paint for extended periods, can significantly increase the labor involved in paint correction.
5. Clear Coat Hardness: Clear coats vary in hardness, with some being softer and others harder. Nevertheless, all clear coats are correctable. Older vehicles with single-stage paint from the '90s might have oxidation and fading issues that can be challenging to repair. Even if they are repairable, the shine may not last long without applying a ceramic coating for UV protection.
6. Shape of the Vehicle: This doesn't refer to the vehicle's condition but rather its physical shape. Some vehicles have intricate curves and crevices that are difficult to reach and correct. For instance, a Jeep Grand Cherokee will generally require less time for correction than a Chevy Corvette due to the Corvette's challenging-to-reach areas.
After correcting the paint, it's crucial not to skip the next step: applying paint protection film or a ceramic coating. Neglecting this is akin to raking leaves before a hurricane but not clearing them away.
In the case of major chips and scratches, it's advisable to consult with professionals like us before deciding to have any repainting done. They can assess the damage and suggest the best course of action to maintain your vehicle's appearance.
Why should I choose Cochran Auto Detailing?
This is tough to answer without sounding boastful, but here goes! Below I will give you a few reasons why we feel you should choose Cochran Auto Detailing over any other shop.
Professionalism: We have integrated many items to make your experience at Cochran’s top notch. From our initial communication you will see how organized we are. Upon booking, you will get a text saying thank you for booking as well as a confirmation text 2 days prior to your appointment. Throughout the transaction you will receive multiple texts/emails with the status of your vehicle from “we have your vehicle” to “your vehicle is ready to be picked up!”
Aside from our technology, we have also added systems designed to make sure your experience is second to none. When you drop off your vehicle, we will review any specific concerns that you may have and want addressed. Upon completion, we will walk out and review your vehicle with you.
Friendliness: you will alway receive service with a smile here! And Usually a good laugh too!
Experience: We have been in this industry for over 25 years. We have seen it all, and have the answers to all of you detailing/tinting/coating/paint protection questions.
Partnering With The Best: We stay informed on the newest products and technologies to stay current in a constantly evolving industry. We have also partnered up with amazing vendors and providers to make sure we are using the best, longest lasting, safest and highest quality products on the market.
Continuing education: We travel annually to trainings and conventions to make sure we have the best techniques and processes. Paint correction, PPF, tint, and ceramic coatings.
Equipment: Computer cut tint and PPF software and plotter, Rupes polishers, Thermax steam extractors, Pressure washers. We have all the right tools!
At our weekly staff meetings, Ben always concludes by saying that “We are not just trying to get a customer to come back, we want to make sure that they never even consider going anywhere else because they were treated politely, fairly, with the utmost respect and service.” Ultimately, you will feel the relationship forming the minute you step into our shop.
4 Misconceptions About Ceramic Coatings
Navigating the world of automotive care and protection can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the buzz surrounding ceramic coatings. In an age where technology and innovation reign supreme, the promise of a long-lasting, glossy shield for your beloved vehicle sounds incredibly appealing. But as with any trend, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. In this blog post, we'll unravel the myths and truths surrounding ceramic coatings, shedding light on what they truly offer and what they might not. From debunking dealership claims to understanding the science behind coatings and their maintenance, join us as we embark on a journey through the world of ceramic coatings and discover the realities that every car enthusiast should know.
Dealerships apply ceramic coatings: This may be true in rare cases but a ceramic coating needs to be installed by a trained professional. There are many professionals that detail cars at dealerships, however most of the time (practically all the time) ceramic coating installations are subcontracted to a detail shop. If a dealership says they install ceramic coatings in house, it is likely just a longer lasting paint sealant, not a coating. The companies that work with dealerships sell a paint warranty, not a coating. The price and the installation time reflect that fact that the majority of people that purchase the paint warranty will NOT submit a claim if they have a paint chemical stain or fading. The fine print in those contacts state that they are void if there is prolonged exposure to any issue. Meaning if a leaf from a tree sits on your paint long enough for the acids to etch themselves in the clearcoat, then it was exposed too long and not covered. Unfortunately, it’s all a gimmick and sales pitch that will only add one dollar to your monthly payment. It’s a no brainer right! Wrong! Don’t waste your money unless you intend on using that warranty to it’s fullest.
Ceramic Coatings are so durable, the will prevent any serious scratches: Unfortunately, this is not the case. The 2 main reasons why anyone would get a ceramic coating are because they make your car stay cleaner longer, and make it super easy to clean once it does gets dirty. Clear coats are porous and etched leaving ridges that dirt and stick into and get caught in. when you apply a coating, it fills all of those etchings, leave a perfectly flat, hard and level surface making it very difficult for dirt the stay on the car. Although professional installed ceramic coatings to receive a hardness rating of up to 12H+, they are not bulletproof. It will definitely minimize minor swirling, and fine scratches making your vehicle look newer for longer.
I will barely need to wash my car once a coating is installed: Not the case either. Coating makes vehicles easier to clean, and you will definitely need to wash it less. You will enjoy washing your car because it becomes so easy!
I can just go to the car wash after I get my car coated: There are two ways to clean a car. Mechanical and Chemical. Mechanical is what something touches your vehicle and chemical and when you spray chemicals to loosen the dirty and rinse away with water. A Mechanical car wash (brushes) will bring swirls back to your vehicles paint finish over time. This includes soft cloth car washes as well. Just picture the 1985 rusty vehicle that went throught car wash right before your car and not all this particles are not caught in those cloths for your vehicle! A chemical car what uses extremely potent chemicals to losen dirt and rinse away with water. The potent chemical can slowly deteriorate your paints coating lessening the longevity. Although car wash technology has come a long way, I don’t recommend constant washes through a car wash. Living in New England, it is unrealistic to think your will NEVER use a car wash. We recommend to use car washes sparingly, hand wash yourself, or bring it to us for a maintenance wash! Your first one is free when you get a ceramic coating package at Cochran’s!
The best coatings have the longest warranty: Most professional coating are great. They have been tested and tested and meet the highest standards. In my opinion, the years on a warranty are based on the company holding the warranties marketing plan. There are 5-10 year warranties on most professionally installed coatings. The truth is that a professionally installed coating will never just fall off the car. It is all about after-care. We say that your ceramic coating will last 3-10 years based on how you take care of it. But I believe they last even longer if you take good care of it. I am talking about the paint, not wheels or plastic. Those need to be reapplied after a year or so.
As the curtain falls on our exploration of ceramic coatings, we hope that you feel armed with a wealth of knowledge that can guide you in making informed decisions about our vehicle's protection. Remember, while ceramic coatings offer remarkable benefits, they are not magical shields that defy all odds. By separating myths from realities and embracing the proper care routines, we can prolong the lustrous appearance of our vehicles and ensure their resilience against the challenges of the road. So, whether you're a car aficionado seeking the best for your prized possession or simply someone looking to make sense of the hype, let this guide serve as your beacon of clarity in the world of ceramic coatings and book your appointment when you’re ready!
5 Ways To Keep Your Car Looking Newer For Longer
There’s nothing like the feeling of driving off of the lot with a new car! Whether it’s brand new, or new to you, I’ll go out on a limb and say that you likely want to keep it looking as good as it did when you bought it as possible. At Cochran Auto Detailing, we’re here to help. Here are my five top tips for keeping your vehicle looking new for as long as you possibly can!
Maintenance Washes: Seriously, this is the one tip you do NOT want to skip. Keeping up with proper interim washes is key to your car looking newer for longer.
Apply a Ceramic Coating: This is the exact reason people apply a ceramic coating. After applying a coating, your car will stay cleaner longer, and be easy to clean when the time comes. Although a coating makes your vehicle more durable, it doesn’t protect it from major scratching. If maintained properly with washes, you vehicle will will look brand new for years to come.
Details: We recommended one to two details a year, especially if you have never had a ceramic coating. If you did have a ceramic coating installed, we recommend an interior package twice a year. With this package, we will thoroughly wash and review your exterior as well as 3 month coating protection!
Paint Protection Film: Ever been driving, heard a little bang of something being kicked up and hitting your car, and panicking? Most of us know the feeling. Nearly invisible yet strong enough to protect high-impact areas, PPF will protect your car during highway travel, city living, and bumps and drops. Rocks, stones & gravel, bug acid bird droppings, and tree sap salt and chemicals.
Window Tinting: You’ve likely never thought of window tinting as a protection for your vehicle, but it is! The best in optical clarity, heat, and UV protection will help prevent the sun from damaging your interior while keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter!
We do it all - book an appointment or as us anything here!
Why You Should Tint Your Windows (Beyond Just Looking Cool)
Sure, window tint looks great but did you know that it does more than just improve the look of your vehicle? The three main benefits of getting your windows tinted at Cochran Auto Detailing are:
Assists with heat rejection: Keep your vehicle cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter!
UV Protection: Our products with 99% or greater UV protection (300-380nm) have been awarded The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.
Optical clarity: When sitting in the vehicle and looking out you will notice a huge difference in clarity and vibrance. Having your windows professionally tinted is like putting on an expensive pair of sunglasses, but you don’t have to remember to grab them every time you leave the house.
Convinced yet? Book an appointment: https://www.cochranautodetailing.com/contact
How Often Should I Have My Vehicle Detailed And Why?
There are many different variables that make this question difficult to answer. Generally speaking, I think that everyone should have their car professionally detailed 1 or 2 times a year. Before answering this question, you should ask yourself the following questions:
How many miles do I put on my car a year?
How many people/kids be in my car regularly?
Am I more concerned about the interior or the exterior of my car?
How long do I Plan on keeping my car?
What color is my car
Is exterior protection important to me?
At Cochran Auto Detailing we have formulated our packages based on years and years of experience in what our customer base is looking for. We no longer offer an interior-only or exterior-only package. With every package we have, both interior and exterior get touched. This is because most customers favor one, the other, or both. So we created a package that will clean both; however, some packages focus more on one or the other.
So, what are your options? Let’s dive in:
Our signature detail package is for the customer that drives frequently and puts a good amount of miles on their car. We recommend this 1 or 2 times a year. With this package, you may want to consider a signature plus package which includes an 18-24 month ceramic coating
Our Exterior package is designed for a customer that is more focused on their exterior than their interior or who is the only person in their car most of the time. Usually, just the driver's area a soiled. The Exterior package some with a quick vacuum and wipe down.
Our interior package is designed for the customer that is constantly in and out of their car and uses it frequently. The interior package comes with a thorough exterior wash and 3-month protection.
Ceramic Coating Vs Paint Protection Film: Which One Is Right For Me?
One of the most common questions that we get at Cochran Auto Detailing is this: “What is the difference between a coating and paint protection film, and which one is right for me?” Simply put, a ceramic coating is a nanoscopic paint treatment that's applied in liquid form, but cures to form a hard layer over your vehicle's paint. Most paint clear coat looks flat to the naked eye, but has grooves and valleys at the nano level that can catch dirt, road grime, tree pitch, etc. Waxes and sealants fill those grooves and valleys to leave a smooth surface that dirt can’t grab onto. Unfortunately, due to climate, maintenance and sealant make up, the products only last 2 weeks (most waxes) to 7 months (some sealants). Also, they do not improve the hardness and durability of your clear coat enough to say it is a benefit.
Ceramic coating does the same thing as a wax or sealant, but lasts much longer (professional coatings, professionally installed) and has a much harder finish. This adds significant durability to your paint. Because of this, your vehicle will stay cleaner longer, and is much easier to clean when the time comes. OH, and did you know that you can ceramic coat the leather and fabric in the interior of your vehicle as well?
Paint Protection Film is completely different, although is has some of the same benefits as Ceramic coatings. Paint protection film is a thermoplastic urethane often self-healing film applied to painted surfaces of a new or used car in order to protect the paint stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions. Although PPF is very costly to install on an entire vehicle it is the best options for durabilty. To be more cost effective, many customers install PPF to the front of their vehicles and the ceramic coat the entire vehicle (coating on top of PPF). This give you durability protection to the front facing panels to protect for road rash and stone chips from highway driving and also give your a harder more durable clear coat to slow down your paint’s aging. This can be done because a PPF’d panel looks the exact same as a non PPF’d panel. New PPF technology make it so clear that you can install PPF to any painted surface and ceramic coating to every surface. so , which is the right option for you? That all depends on the following:
How long to plan on keeping your vehicle?
What is your budget?
What are your major concerns when it comes to your vehicles exterior (and interior)?
How often do you get your vehicle detailed?
Do you like to wash your car yourself?
Do you know why detailers are apprehensive about car washes (even touchless)
Stop by during business hours and we will ask you these questions to come up with the package for you!
What To Consider When Choosing A Reliable Auto Detailer
Auto detailers are a dime a dozen so how do you go about choosing someone that you can trust? Sure, reviews are a great place to start, but there’s so much more than goes into it than that. After all, vehicles are expensive so you should only trust yours with the best. Keep reading for six factors to consider when deciding where to go for your next detail.
Experience:
All detailers have to start somewhere; however, experience is key, especially when it comes to different paint systems, wheel metals, interior finishes, and other variables that make every car a little different. While a newer detailer with cheaper prices might be fine for a quick clean on a standard, daily driver, you should definitely consider the detailer’s level of experience and think about paying a little more for more of it.
Reputation:
Talk to friends and look online to find someone that is reliable, dependable, and has a history of getting the job completed on time.
Cost:
I would never recommend that anyone go to the least expensive detailer. This only means that they are a high-production shop and have to complete cars rapidly, or they need to cut corners to keep up. The reason why many detailers have raised their prices is to elevate the industry as a whole to maintain employee satisfaction, as well as overall service quality. Good detail shops keep good employees that will do the job right by charging a little more and paying their staff what they deserve.
Setting expectations:
Make sure you are able to review the vehicle with the company to point out specifics. Ie: a stain, a scratch, etc. That way the company can set your expectations appropriately. When you come to pick up your car, there are no surprises. The company should take time to review your car upon delivery and answer any questions you may have. If they don’t have enough time for this, it’s likely a cheaper, high-production shop (like I mentioned in the point above) that you probably shouldn’t waste your time with.
Shop:
Stop by the shop and check it out. At Cochran Auto Detailing, we love visitors! Is the shop clean and organized? Are the staff nice and willing to answer questions? Keep in mind that during the day it is very difficult to keep a shop clean; however, you can absolutely get an overall feel just by swinging by, meeting the staff, and getting your questions answered.
Apples to Apples:
It is very important to make sure that you are comparing companies that do the same service. Some companies rely on high-production and use inexpensive products that are not specifically meant for the surface they are cleaning. For example, if you use an all-purpose cleaner on leather it will pull out the natural oils of the leather over time - yikes. In this case, a reliable shop like Cochran Auto Detailing would use a leather-specific cleaner that is PH balanced to leave the oils and not dry them out.
Is Paint Protection Film Right For Me?
What is Paint Protection Film, or PPF?
Exactly what you think it is! Nearly invisible yet strong enough to protect high-impact areas, paint protection films shield your car during highway travel, city living, and bumps and drops. Rocks, stones & gravel, bug acid bird droppings, tree saps, salt, and chemicals can all take their toll on your vehicle’s finish and sanity. Keep your vehicle looking new for years to come by wrapping it in a virtually invisible protective shield. We take the extra steps to remove emblems and trim pieces to recess and wrap the film making it as seamless as possible. Custom installs are also available!
So, is it right for me?
Yes - PPF is a great choice for any vehicle! Ever drive behind a sander and worry about getting pelted? What about door dings? Dead bugs? These are things that most, if not all, vehicle owners can relate to, and Paint Protection Film removes the worry from these situations, and more. Not to mention, it’s nearly invisible!
Paint protection film has come a long way since the 80s when it would turn yellow and look horrible in a few years after installation. This new resin technology holds up against the harshest of weather and driving conditions. At Cochran Auto Detailing, we use SunTek®products. Their “Reaction” product is a PPF innovation that integrates the super hydrophobicity1 of a ceramic coating with premium, self-healing paint protection film. This advanced two-in-one construction helps to keep your finish looking like it rarely sees the road with its impressive protective benefits. “Reaction” stands up to flying gravel, salt, grit, and more. It has self-healing properties. Its noticeably clear finish shows an intense gloss with no orange peel appearance. This trailblazing PPF utilizes Eastman Tetrashield™ protective resin system technology, trusted by some OEMs for their finishes.
Ready to learn more and book your installation appointment? Click here!
Four Reasons Why Ceramic Coating Should Be A No-Brainer For Every Vehicle Owner
Believe me, being in this business for as long as I have, “snake oil” products have crossed my path. Ceramic Coatings are legit. They do what they say, last as long as they’re advertised to, and add longevity to one of your biggest investments. So, what exactly is ceramic coating and how does it work? We use CQuartz products, the best on the market, and their description is pretty much as good as it gets:
”CQuartz Finest Reserve harnesses the power of advanced nanotechnology. Each silica (quartz) atom has multiple fluorocarbon molecular bonds, which create a high-density 3D structural coating matrix. Once bonded to the surface of your paint, CQuartz Finest Reserve not only protects the gloss and depth created by your professionally accredited CarPro installer, it actually enhances it! Once cured, CQuartz Finest Reserve forms a dense, durable coating that protects the paint and retains a high gloss for years to come!”
Okay…cool, right? So, should you invest in Ceramic Coating? The answer is more than likely yes - here are four reasons why every vehicle owner should seriously consider Ceramic Coating.
Ease of maintenance: Coating makes washing your car a piece of cake! Water and dirt just fall off.
Your vehicle will stay cleaner for longer: Coatings fill in the porous bumps and microscopic waves on your vehicle's clear coat, leaving a flat, hard finish that is very difficult for dirt to stick to.
No “non-coverage” interval: Usually when you get your car detailed, we apply a 5-8 month protective wax or sealant. If you only get your car detailed once or twice a year, there will be a time when there is no protection on your paint. That’s not the case if you’ve invested in a Ceramic Coat.
Re-sale value: When it is time to sell or trade your vehicle, you will definitely get top dollar if you add a ceramic coating and maintain it. Not only is it a value add, but the vehicle itself will simply be in better shape than it would have been otherwise.
The science of ceramic coating is constantly changing, but you can rest assured that Cochran Auto Detailing is always at the forefront of the latest and greatest products and techniques. Learn more about our Ceramic Coating services by clicking here.
Our Story | How Cochran Auto Detailing Started
Ben Cochran started Cochran Auto Detailing as a way to make people smile - that’s what drives him and how his business was born.
Cochran Auto Detailing started back in 1995 in my father’s garage. At the time, I worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield as an assistant. I would randomly bring home other employees' cars home for the night, clean them and bring them back to work in the morning. The enjoyment I received from their happiness and being impressed was addicting. It was better than any feeling I had working at my “corporate” job. I ended up becoming really focused on being a self-employed entrepreneur.
I built up a big enough clientele that where I was making more money at night in the garage than I was at my job. Being young, the idea of “employee benefits” didn’t mean much to me because I was more focused on a career, self-employment, and being happy than a 401K and health insurance.
I worked out an agreement with another detail shop that I would work/manage his location 4 days a week, but the other 3 days, I could do my own stuff as long as I only promoted business and brought in cars from outside the 5-mile radius. We incorporated in 2005 and have built our clientele over the last 25+ years to be where we are now.
Ultimately, I chose to use my last, Cochran, in the name of the shop, because I have always felt that if a person is confident enough to put their name on their business, they will stand behind it 100%.