What do I say to these people?

M

mborner

New member
I have a 7 year old Honda Accord that I maintain myself. My OCD is out of control, as the car is in absolute concourse condition. I spend considerable amounts of time, blood, sweat, and tears keeping it that way. I'm often stopped by complete strangers and complimented on the car. The questions are always the same. "Dude, what do you wax your car with?" How do I answer that question? Should I just tell them what my LSP is or should I reply "I don't know you, but, I highly doubt you share the same passion as I do about your car and it's unlikely that you would be willing to spend hours and hours of back breaking work to get your car to look like mine, I mean, it's a lot of work"

I don't want to be a jerk or anything but I would feel bad if I told these people what wax I use only for them to try it and be disappointed because they didn't prep right. Or, should I say "I don't know, I have it professionally detailed".

I would love a good answer without sounding like a *rick.
 
I get that too. I just tell 'em that "I think it has [whatever] on it..", but that the wax doesn't really make any difference because the appearance is a matter of how I wash and polish it.



I'll say something to the effect of how each wash takes many hours and the polishing takes a few days, that usually gives them a, uhm...perspective; they aren't too interested in trying to follow in those footsteps.
 
They prob just want a quick and dirty answer. I'd prob give them the product line you use like Zaino, Duragloss etc. Then if they google it they will see the many products these companies offer. I would NEVER give them one of the answers you listed above. No one likes being talked down to which is prob how it will be perceived eventhough you never intended that.



If they start asking 20 Q's give them this web addy.
 
Short and simple: tell 'em it's not the wax, it's the prep.

If they're interested beyond that, then they'll ask the questions you're willing to answer.
 
Satinsilver said:
... I would NEVER give them one of the answers you listed above. No one likes being talked down to which is prob how it will be perceived eventhough you never intended that..
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Fair enough. No complete strangers ever ask me about this stuff, it's always somebody I'm already acquainted with (and those folks know how I am about, well...everything).
 
Well, with a stranger, as long as you're not trying to sell them the product, why not just tell them the name of your LSP? Are you really concerned that they are going to buy the product and be disappointed with the results?
 
Most "car people" don't understand how much goes into getting a car to look as good as yours. There are three aspects of detailing that make a car look great: 1) equipment and tools used; 2) products/chemicals used; and 3) experience and skill in using the first two. Most Autopians will agree the last aspect will separate the good from the exceptional.

When you tell someone that you have 40 hours invested in time plus $3,000 in materials and equipment, most "car people" think you are crazy to do so. So if your're willing to share what it takes to get your car to look that good, be willing to take a bit of a "are you kidding me? That's insane!" response from the adoring "car person". Even if you did tell them that you use Pinnacle Souveran or Dodo SuperNatural and then told them it is $90.00 or $120.00 for 8 ounces of wax, most "car people" cannot justify spending that kind of money (or time) on a car to get it to look "that good".

It would seem most people want the results without spending the resources and effort it takes to attain them. Perfection is NEVER inexpensive or easy.

The reality is, there is no good answer to the inexperienced or I-wanna-look-like-that.

As stated above, some things the average "car person" doesn't understand.

I used to ask the same question "what wax do you use?" to owners of show cars or exceptional cars I'd see in public. Now I've refrased my question to "What did it take to get your car to look that good?"
 
I guess that, as I see it, there's a big difference between: 1) What wax do you use; and 2) How do you keep your car looking so good?



Why answer the latter when you are asked the former?
 
Thanks for the replies. It always makes me feel good when people notice and I'm thankful that other people notice my hard work. It's very satisfying to stand back and look at the fruits of your labor. I'm not a professional, but I spend considerable time on Autopia learning all I can. I know we are the few and most people just don't understand. I guess I'll just try to keep my answers short and sweet.
 
LOL just tell them the truth. I'm opposite people see my vehicles and say "your a detailer?" Lmao I tell them I can't pay myself. I wish I had the time to do my own. someday I guess.
 
Just tell them what polishes and waxes you use , and that you buy them on line , and that you belong to a detailing club [Autopia] , which in fact is the truth.
 
I always tell people: "It's ALOT of work to make my car look the way it does."



That usually sends the people on their way as they continue to gawk in awe!!! Most strangers wont spend the time, money or patience to make their car look Autopian. They think they can go to the local "Brushless" car wash to make it look great or spend an hour washing and waxing the car.



It reminds me of when I was 16 and would wash my car with 1 bucket, Dawn soap and dry it with bath towels. I always thought that the swirls and streaks were in the paint! And i thought that my car was clean and looked great. What ignorance!



If a person asks the right questions, then u give them the right answers!
 
yakky said:
27 coats of turtle wax....
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This is "BEAUTIFUL"



When my brother-in-law asked me what kind of wax do u use, I told him, "Turtle Wax."



If someone asks a stupid question, give them a stupid answer.

If someone wants to learn from u, they will ask u in an intelligent manner.
 
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