When it comes to maintaining your vehicle there are many variables to consider.  Things to be considered; age of the vehicle, condition of the paint, how its stored, the color and weather conditions.

All these factors play a crucial role to keep it simple we'll give you it in point form.

• Avoid washing vehicle in direct sunlight or when the surface is hot (especially black vehicles), this can lead to water spots and chemical staining from soaps and other detergents.

• Using a two bucket method is a great option in order to reduce cross contamination and spreading dirt across the panels causing swirls and scratching. Alternatively you can use individual edgeless microfiber towels 1-2 per panel.  

• Do not use the same microfiber wash mit or rag on the wheels as you would the paint as this will introduce scratches to the paint, as the wheels are the dirtiest part of any car.

• Avoid drive through car washes. Anything with brushes will transfer dirt from previous vehicles and will end up causing swirls and scratches on your paint. 

• Touchless car washes in order to be effective use high alkaline soaps which can degrade special coatings like waxes, sealants and ceramic coatings. We always recommend hand washing 

• Avoid using cheap chemicals  as this can lead to chemical burns and damaged interior and exterior. If you're unsure you can check out our recommended stores to purchase from and products we recommend here.

A 1-step correction is like a light polish and shine in one go. It removes light swirl marks, hazing, and minor imperfections — and boosts gloss noticeably.

 Good for:

• Newer vehicles
• Light paint defects
• People who want a solid boost without going too deep

 Think of it like a deep facial scrub — your car looks way better, but not every “scar” disappears.

This is the next level up. First,  a compound is used to cut deeper into the paint and remove deeper swirls, scratches, and oxidation. Then, it's polished smooth to restore that rich, glossy finish.

 Good for:

• Older or neglected paint
• Cars with visible swirl marks, water spots, or dullness
• People looking for a “showroom” or near-perfect finish

Think of it like a full skin treatment with deep exfoliation and polish — much more work, but next-level results.

These are usually followed up with some form of wax or ceramic coating.

  Many products can make your car look glossy — but that doesn’t mean your paint is actually protected. From short-lived spray sealants to durable waxes and professional ceramic coatings, each offers different levels of protection and longevity. Here’s what you need to know before choosing the right one for your vehicle. 

• Made from palm tree leaves, known for rich, deep gloss
• Adds water beading and a warm shine
• Typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks
• Offers light protection against UV, water, and light dirt
• Great for car shows or quick shine-ups

       Best for: Visual appeal and short-term use

• Man-made polymers designed to bond better with your paint
• Offer stronger protection than natural wax
• Lasts around 4 to 6 months, depending on wash frequency and conditions
• Provides a slick, reflective finish and good UV protection
• Easier to apply and remove than traditional wax

 Best for: Daily drivers and longer-term maintenance

• Combines the gloss of carnauba with the durability of polymers
• Offers a balanced look and protection
• Can last up to 6–12 months with proper prep and care
• Resists environmental fallout better than pure wax

 Best for: People who want great shine and decent durability

• Contains SiO2 (silicon dioxide), the same base ingredient as ceramic coatings
• Adds slickness, water repellency, and UV protection
• Typically lasts 2 to 3 months on its own
• Ideal for maintaining a true ceramic coating or boosting gloss temporarily

Best for: Quick protection between full details or as a coating topper, can also be used to boost ceramic coatings.

• Made with SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) or TiO₂ (titanium dioxide), forming a permanent bond with your vehicle’s clear coat
• Creates a hard, invisible layer over the paint that resists dirt, water, UV rays, bird droppings, and light scratches
• Offers real durability, not just shine
• Can last 1 to 5 years, depending on the product and prep
• Requires proper surface preparation and cure time to be effective

The type of protection you get depends on what’s inside the bottle — not just the shine it leaves behind. At VP Mobile Detailing, we carefully choose products based on their ingredients, performance, and how long they actually last — not on hype or packaging.

  As someone who has spent thousands of dollars testing and trying new products. Here's the brands we trust and use

• An innovative brand known for high-performance ceramic coatings and cleaners. Their products are made for people who expect next-level protection and extreme attention to detail.

 Best for serious protection and advanced maintenance.

• A premium brand that combines science with style — known for ceramic coatings, spray sealants, and high-gloss finishes. GYEON is focused on durability, ease of use, and beautiful results.

 Great for customers who want long-lasting shine with minimal upkeep.

• German-engineered products trusted in professional and OEM settings (used by brands like Audi & BMW). Their products are highly effective and safe for even the most delicate finishes.

 Perfect for deep interior and exterior cleaning with precision.

• An American-made brand known for practical, results-driven products like Iron Buster, Bead Maker, and Brake Buster. Trusted by pros across North America.

 Ideal for customers who want great results without unnecessary hype.

• A premium German brand known for professional-grade products used in dealerships, body shops, and detailing studios worldwide. Offers everything from all-purpose cleaners to paint-safe foam and wax.

 Best for balanced, high-quality detailing from prep to protection

• A top-tier, eco-friendly brand known for its ceramic coatings and surface protection. IGL products are built for long-term durability and shine, using high-purity SiO₂ for next-level hydrophobic performance.

 Great for customers who want long-lasting protection and lower maintenance.

• An industry favorite for its sprayable ceramic sealants and coatings. Easy to apply, with solid protection and slickness — ideal for people who want ceramic-like results without the full coating install.

 Best for maintenance or quick upgrades to shine and water-beading.

•  A reliable all-around brand that makes everything from compounds and polishes to cleaners and protectants. Known for being effective, affordable, and eco-friendly.

 Great for daily drivers, routine maintenance, and paint correction.

• A German-made brand focused on high-end polishing and correction work. Used by professionals for removing swirls, scratches, and restoring true gloss.

 Ideal for deep paint correction and prepping before applying protection

Avoid Products From 

• Amor all (Lack of scientific testing lots of cheap fillers that'll damage interiors and exteriors)
• Chemical Guys (Not necessarily all bad products however quality control can be not the best. Typically highly diluted so strength of chemicals aren't the greatest) They do have good wash mits

Carzilla (Calgary)