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Looking to get a detail on your electric car in Toronto? Read on to learn more about charging ports, screens, sensors, and paint protection before your visit.If you own an electric vehicle in Toronto and would like to get a detail done on it, rest assured that the process of getting one is quite similar to a conventional gas powered vehicle. Washing, vacuuming, interior detail and paint treatment are all the same. However, there are just a few things that need to be considered due to the differences between electric and gas powered cars.
Let's talk about them here.
Keep Charging Ports Dry and Sealed Up Tight
It should be noted that your charging ports are designed to protect against rain and snow, so there is no reason that your charging ports should be damaged by an exterior wash. That being said, you may wish to make mention of your port location to your detailer and ensure that the door to the port is completely closed before starting the exterior detailing process. The key here is that a closed, properly functioning port does its job effectively.
During Toronto's winter season, it is not uncommon to experience road salt, slush, and freeze/thaw cycles that may cause rubber seals to become stiffer and begin to crack, and you should make mention of any existing cracks to the port door to your detailer.
Cameras and Sensors Need Maintenance, Not Protection from Them
Typically, electric cars have more cameras and sensors than the average gasoline car, including parking cameras as well as driver assist sensors that are integrated into bumpers and mirrors. These items should be maintained like any other part of the outside of the car; however, the technique is different. A detailer who is experienced with EVs will not use high pressure sprays right into the sensor housing but will hand dry that area instead.
Right Interior Screen Products Required
Many modern EVs have a central touch screen that controls all the functions of the car, and so the correct use of the products becomes critical here compared to the use on a typical dash. The glass cleaners that have ammonia as an ingredient can cause damage to the screen's anti-glare coating. Detailing of any part of your EV should include the right screen-safe ammonia-free products applied using a microfiber cloth.
It is recommended to check with your detailer on what kind of products he uses on screens in case you have an especially large center screen on your EV.
Piano Black Trim Reveals All Marks
In many of the electric vehicles on the market, piano black trim is part of the signature interior, but it is among the most difficult surfaces to clean thoroughly. These surfaces reveal fingerprints, dust, and swirl marks far more easily than matte or textured trim, and proper cleaning technique involves cleaning the surface with a soft microfiber towel, with only mild pressure applied using the appropriate interior cleaner; never using a dry towel, as this will cause fine scratches by dragging dirt across the surface.
The piano black trim surface is often what catches people's eyes as being rushed through the process, as swirl marks reflect the light in standard interior lighting conditions. Properly cleaning the piano black trim is an important touch that will make all the difference to the finish of the interior.
Synthetic Upholstery Has Unique Cleaning Properties from Leather
The upholstery used in most EVs consists of vegan leather or other synthetic upholstery materials, which last long and are easy to clean. However, these materials are not conditioned with leather conditioners like regular leather would be, and using the wrong type of products could result in the formation of a layer of residue. The detailer, being aware of the difference, will use a cleaner designed specifically for synthetic surfaces, rather than leather ones.
This is because the synthetic upholstery does not require conditioning oils, thus the use of leather cleaners will more often result in the creation of a greasy residue rather than protecting the surface.
Storage Areas Can Be Overlooked
Underfloor compartments and front trunks tend to accumulate dust and debris, and yet they are the storage spaces most frequently neglected during detail jobs. While it is a given that these spaces will be cleaned by the detailer, if you would like them to be attended to specifically, it is best to bring this up when booking the job, because there are detailers who automatically clean a frunk just like they would clean any regular glove box.
EV Wheels Are No Exception to Routine Maintenance
EVs have no special needs when it comes to their wheels. It is mostly about weight. Electric cars are usually heavier than gasoline-powered ones because of the batteries. It can lead to increased accumulation of brake dust and road dirt on some models of electric cars. But it can be easily dealt with regular wheel cleaning solutions.
Winter salt used on the roads in Toronto is harsh on wheels whether you drive a gasoline car or an electric one. Thus, EV drivers will have the same problems with wheel buildup during winter seasons.
Safe Washing Practices In Relation To The Battery Pack
The contemporary electric vehicles have been constructed in such a way that they can tolerate being washed externally, including areas beneath the vehicle, where the battery packs are located. These vehicles have been made in such a way that they do not let moisture into any of their parts. A good detailer will also refrain from directing jets of water straight at charging ports, regardless of it being an EV or not.
This is a commonly misunderstood concept among the owners of electric vehicles, and there is no need to use specialized equipment for this purpose.
Paint Protection Functions Just As Well
Ceramic coatings and paint protection work just as well on EV paint as on any other type of car. In fact, for owners of EV vehicles that plan on keeping them for multiple years, it may be even more advantageous to get a long-lasting form of protection, because it cuts down on paint correction frequency and helps keep your car looking fresh while requiring less maintenance. Ceramics from ALPHASHINE include coating on paint, wheels, trims and headlights, there are multiple packages according to the level of protection and longevity desired, and all packages involve a comprehensive exterior wash prior to the procedure.
Scheduling a Detail for Your EV in Toronto
The process of detailing an electric vehicle has many things in common with the process of detailing any other type of car; all of the important factors, technique, proper product application, attention to detail - they all remain the same. There are only some minor differences, nothing fundamental. Full interior detailing, exterior detailing, valet pick-up from various parts of Toronto are available from ALPHASHINE.
You can book an appointment for your EV by selecting ALPHASHINE's interior or exterior detailing service, or by considering their ceramic coating service. You can book through online, or reach them traditionally at 647-249-2960.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to clean the underbody of an EV, where the battery pack is installed?
Yes, the battery packs are protected from water. The cautious detailer does not spray the high-pressure water at charging parts and ports – just regular procedure, not EV-specific. - What products are recommended for cleaning the touchscreen on an EV?
It is recommended to use products that are ammonia-free and safe for the screen. Glass cleaners will gradually degrade the anti-glare coating of the screen. - Can the piano black trim be affected when detailing a car?
It may be damaged through the formation of swirl marks if dried with a cloth. Application of the right interior cleaner using a gentle microfiber cloth will prevent such problems. - Should I get a ceramic coating service on my electric cars?
Yes, the coating will react in the same way as it would on any other car because of the same durability against UV rays and environmental contaminants
. - Does ALPHASHINE provide detailing services for electric cars in Toronto?
Yes, ALPHASHINE provides details on EVs just like on any other car as their detailers know how to make the little tweaks necessary around cameras, screens, and interior surfaces.
