Environmental protection
 

Hi, I recently bought a Mazda Tribute and was suckered into getting the "Environmental protection package" which consists of some heavy-duty scotch guard on the upolstry, some miracle no-crack vinyl treatment and some kind of extra clear coat on the exterior. It guarantees no fading/staining/cracking for 5 years. At the time I thought it might be a good idea as I do not currently have a garage to park it in so it sits out on the street. The salesman said it was essentially a "permanent wax". I was just wondering if I should follow any special care instructions when washing the exterior. So far I have been taking it to the self service brushless car washes. I usually skip the wax cycle. One of these days I might actually go buy some equipment to give it a more tender, personal washing but I'm not quite sure how the extra clear coat will affect things - if at all.

Thanks!

RE: Environmental protection
 

I am not really sure about ideas on how to and what to use to clean the car itself.. I am sure someone knows..

BUT on a recent post about a Mazda 3, an owner described the paint on the car and how it is chipping all over etc because of something like metal that flew onto the car when it was parked somewhere maybe around a contruction site or something...

Thank goodness you got this package.. I definitly would! Anything could happen to the paint, especially the time we are in now...

If you dont mind me asking, how much was this package?
I bought my car used and I wasn't offered that but I would have definitly gotten it!

[sm=gears.gif]

RE: Environmental protection
 

Looks like it was $635 for 5 year coverage. From the signup form:

Paint protection: protects against weather induced fading, loss of gloss, permanent hard water etching, industrial fallout, bird droppings, tree sap and acid rain
Fabric protection: protects against fading and permanent staining caused by food, drink, and oil-based stains through normal use.
Vynyl/leather protection: same as fabric.

And it is "renewable for life" although I immagine they only cover new cars since damage may have already been done to used cars. It is administered by Cal-Tex protective Coatings Inc. (http://www.ctpc.com/) Of course if something DOES happen I kind of wonder how easy it will be to file a claim but I guess that is the nature of insurance. It does not however cover damages "caused by civil disturbance, riots, war, acts of war, acts of God, government seizure or destruction..." :)

RE: Environmental protection
 

The entire environment is an act of GOD, so why are acts of GOD not covered? The way insurance companies act today they may try and claim anything that happens as an act of GOD. Do not let them get away with that kind of crap.