Expert: Bob - 1/13/2010

Question
Hi - similar question to another one I read on this site, but I heard an interesting answer for th car dealer and wanted to check its validitiy. We just purchased a new Volvo XC-90 with black metallic paint. The dealer added the Cilajet treatment option as well. Looked great off the lot. One month later, we washed it (by hand) for the first time, just some soap and water, and noticed that there are swirl marks all over the black paint. The dealer's response to this was that this is the case for all metallic paints - they show what appear to be swirl marks due to the aluminum, etc. in the metallic paint. Is this valid? Fact is, they are still there. I think they are from the buffing they did prior to the cilajet application. What should I demand of them as a remedy? Many thanks for any advice.  

Answer
The swirl marks are from a buffer. The treatment that they gave you covered the swirls by using a product that had a lot of oils in it. This oils got into the swirls, flattening them out to the visible eye until you removed it by washing the SUV.
Find a "Professional Detailer" or "Professional Body Shop" that knows how to remove swirl marks and get an estimate. Take this to the dealer and let him know that this is unacceptable and if they don't correct the problem you will go to someone that will correct the problem and they will be paying for the correction. You paid top dollar you should get top dollar service not BS.

I hope this helps

Bob