You just signed the papers, the keys are in your hand, and your brand-new vehicle is sitting outside the dealership gleaming under the lights. It looks perfect, right?

But here’s the harsh reality:

A dealership “car detailer” often does more harm than good.

That’s right — the place you bought your new car from may have already introduced scratches, swirl marks, and paint imperfections before you even pulled out of the lot.

Let’s talk about why this happens and what you should do to protect your new vehicle the right way.

A Dealership “Car Detailer” Is About Speed — Not Quality

Dealerships are not detailing studios. They don’t specialize in paint correction, preservation, or high-end finishing.

Their prep departments are usually focused on speed, not perfection. Vehicles are quickly washed, wiped down, and sent out — often by untrained staff using improper tools.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Dirty wash mitts and reused towels scratch the clear coat
• Harsh chemicals strip any protective layers
• Quick “hand waxes” are applied over contaminated or swirled paint
• Residue is left in trim, vents, and emblems
• Swirl marks and micro-marring appear under sunlight or detail lights

What looks good under fluorescent showroom lighting often reveals a mess once you get it home and into the sun.

You Deserve More Than a Rushed Wipe-Down

You just made one of the biggest purchases of your life — why let the finish be compromised before you even enjoy it?

The truth is, dealership prep is not designed to protect or perfect. It’s just meant to make the car look clean enough to deliver.

But the problem is, new doesn’t mean flawless — and improper dealership handling can leave your paint looking older than it is.

What You Should Do Instead

When buying a new car, you can actually request that the dealership not wash or detail your vehicle before delivery. Some buyers even bring printed “DO NOT WASH” signs to place on the dashboard or windows.

From there, bring the vehicle to a trained professional detailer who will:

• Inspect the paint under proper lighting
• Perform a safe wash and decontamination
• Conduct any necessary paint correction (yes, even on new cars)
• Apply a professional ceramic coating to protect your paint long-term

This ensures your new car starts off with a perfect surface — not one that’s already been scratched or scuffed by improper handling.

Final Thought: Start Right, Stay Protected

Dealerships sell cars. Professional detailers protect them.

If you want your brand-new vehicle to look its best — and stay that way — skip the dealership prep and trust a certified detailer who specializes in paint correction and protection.

Because nothing’s worse than realizing your “brand new” paint job is already damaged — before you even hit 500 miles.