Consumers are investing more in their vehicles than ever before and maintaining that “new car” look is a top priority. As car ownership costs rise, customers are more focused on protecting the appearance and cleanliness of their vehicles to preserve their resale value. While regular maintenance is essential for a car’s performance, paying attention to its appearance is equally crucial. DOWC’s 360ShieldTM is a suite of products designed to preserve the appearance, value, and cleanliness of a vehicle’s interior and exterior for the duration of the warranty period.
Why Appearance Protection Matters
Vehicle appearance protection services and products have surged in popularity, reflecting the growing awareness among car owners about the importance of keeping their vehicles in top shape. Customers want their vehicles to stay as pristine as possible, not just for aesthetic reasons but also to maintain their resale value. A well-maintained exterior and interior can make a significant difference when it’s time to sell or trade-in a car.
While routine car washes and interior cleaning are necessary, they can only go so far. Traditional cleaning methods lack the long-term effectiveness needed to preserve the vehicle’s appearance and can often require frequent attention. That’s where 360Shield products come in.
Protecting the Exterior: Going Beyond the Traditional
Many dealerships and detail shops offer wax-based products for vehicle protection. These solutions have been around for years and are familiar to many customers. However, while they may offer some protection, they are far from ideal. Wax-based products break down and lose their effectiveness under the daily heat and environmental factors a car faces, such as high temperatures that can reach 150°F. Within just a few months, your customers may find their vehicle unprotected, leaving it vulnerable to damage that can negatively impact its appearance and value.
BodyShieldTM is protection for the exterior from salt and elements that can lead to rust and corrosion. WheelShieldTM offers protection for the wheels on a vehicle that are damaged due to discoloration or flaking of painted surfaces.
To offer more robust protection, dealerships should consider adding ceramic coatings to their F&I portfolio. Ceramic coatings provide a much more durable and long-lasting layer of defense for vehicle exteriors. PaintShieldTM is a ceramic sealant that protects painted surfaces against acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap, industrial fallout, insects, permanent hard water etching, oxidation and weather-induced fading or loss of gloss. By offering ceramic coatings, dealerships can help customers maintain the exterior of their vehicles in a like-new condition, significantly extending the vehicle’s lifespan and resale value.
Interior Protection: A Key Factor in Vehicle Value
The interior of a vehicle is just as important to customers as the exterior when it comes to retaining value. The inside of a car can easily accumulate stains, odors, and color transfers from daily use. These blemishes can be difficult to remove, especially over time, and can significantly reduce the vehicle’s resale value. InteriorShieldTM is protection for interior carpet, fabric, leather, and/or vinyl surfaces that are damaged by weather induced fading or permanent staining due to food, drink, urine, vomit, lipstick, crayons, or oil-based stains.
Interior Anti-Microbial Protection is protection for the interior surfaces of a vehicle that are damaged due to the formation of mold, mildew, and other harmful microbes. Air Quality and Odor Protection offers protection for a vehicle’s climate control system, including the ducts, vents, and/or other components therein, is damaged due to the growth or formation of mold, mildew, and/or other harmful microbes. By including these interior protection options in your F&I offerings, you can provide customers with comprehensive coverage that helps preserve the interior appearance and overall condition of their vehicles.
Big Screens Need Protection Too
In today’s vehicles, touchscreens have become essential for controlling everything from climate settings to navigation. These screens are often the focal point of a car’s interior, making their upkeep just as important as the physical surfaces inside the vehicle. Unfortunately, touchscreens are susceptible to scratches, smudges, and even cracks, which can detract from a vehicle’s value.
ScreenShieldTM protects and strengthens the screens and lenses throughout your drivers’ vehicle and covers the repair or replacement. Not only does this simplify the cleaning process, but it also helps maintain the vehicle’s overall appearance and resale value.
Maximizing Value Retention with Comprehensive Protection
By offering a combination of advanced exterior and interior protection products, dealerships can help customers preserve the long-term value of their vehicles. This comprehensive approach goes beyond simple cosmetic maintenance, providing an effective solution for everyday threats that vehicles face. Whether it’s shielding the exterior from environmental damage or protecting the interior from stains and wear, appearance protection products ensure that vehicles stay in excellent condition throughout their ownership.
Customers who opt for 360Shield gain peace of mind, knowing that their investment is protected and their vehicle’s value is preserved for the future. Not only do these products contribute to the vehicle’s longevity, but they also provide a sense of security for customers who want to ensure that their car retains its “new car” look and feel for as long as possible.
Offering 360Shield is a valuable way for dealerships to enhance their F&I portfolio. These products help customers maintain their vehicles’ exterior and interior, ensuring that their cars remain in pristine condition while retaining maximum resale value. By expanding your F&I offerings to include 360Shield, you provide your customers with the tools they need to protect their investment and enjoy their vehicles for years to come. This not only builds trust and satisfaction but also boosts dealership profitability by meeting the growing demand for long-term vehicle protection solutions.
