In order to best answer your questions, we have divided our FAQ section into categories:
Can you change my oil right, without the high pressure sales tactics?
Q: I wash my car at home using a garden hose. Lately, the finish looks dull and marked. What could be wrong?
A: Washing your car at home is extremely harmful to the finish since University of Texas proved that a single home hand-wash can leave scratches in the finish as deep as 1/10 of the paint's total thickness. Also, the average garden hose cannot supply enough water and water pressure with the detergent action to avoid damaging a car's finish.
This important study concluded that automobile owners should avoid washing their cars at home. Only a professional car wash can provide the proper amounts of water and water pressure needed with the appropriate cleaning solutions to safely and effectively clean your car.
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Q: How can I keep my whitewall tires looking like whitewalls?
A: Don't use scouring pads to clean whitewalls. They deteriorate the whitewall surface. Let the professional staff at Cornhusker Auto Wash maintain your whitewalls without damaging your expensive rims without special whitewall cleaner and just the right amount of water pressure.
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Q: Does it really help a car's value to keep its finish looking new?
A: Yes! Appearance is the first thing that people look for in a used car. If a car's finish turns buyers off, it's virtually impossible to get a good price- no matter how well the car runs. A car which is noticeably rusted, dull and spotty will sell for significantly less than the same car with a showroom finish. Proper care of the car's appearance will definitely pay off at trade-in time!
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Q: Is it true that my new car shouldn't be washed or waxed for a certain period of time?
A: This may have been true a long time ago, but with the new modern acrylics and enamels, your new car's finish needs tender care immediately.
Be careful to wash your car properly. Most new cars are treated with a clear-coat finish. It's important that you exercise extreme care when washing your car yourself. Many initial washing errors result in water spots, setting stains and loss of luster. Without the benefit of protective coating layers that your car will receive over the years, mistakes made during the first few washes may not be correctable. The best advice is to trust your car's finish to a professional from the beginning
Should you decide to wax your car, use a wax that's compatible with your paint. Check your owner's manual and the wax's label for instructions. Cornhusker Auto Wash has the right wax for your vehicle-Just ask us for our help.
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Q: How often should I have my car washed?
A: It depends. If your car is exposed to corrosive materials like salt, sand, chemical fallout and road grime so your vehicle should be washed often. The same goes for vehicles in areas with high humidity. Moisture attracts contaminants and promotes a variety of chemical reactions that can destroy your car's finish. Frequent washing is essential to the life of your car's chrome and painted surfaces.
In seasons or climates less conducive to corrosion, a wash every two weeks or so is adequate. In areas with acid rain, a wash every ten days is advised. Of course, these estimates may vary depending upon whether your car is kept in a garage or out in the elements.
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Q: Periodically, I notice a layer of residue on my car's finish. Is it from the atmosphere? Is it harmful?
A: What you are referring to is particles that come from areas of heavy traffic. They are gritty, abrasive substances coming off tires as they wear. Also, chemicals from diesel smoke and other emissions in the atmosphere settle on your car's surface. If this residue isn't removed immediately, permanent damage to the finish can result. Paint overspray from road lining, bridge painting, or house painting may be on the surface of your car as well. Let us look at it and suggest the best approach to remove the particles.
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Q: Why does my car ride better after I've had my car washed? Am I imagining it?
A: Not at all! Actually, it's very simple. Dirt and grime collect in the areas around your car's wheels. The concentrated spray at professional car washes loosens and rinses the grime, giving you a smother ride. The spray also helps prevent rusting inside the wheel wells the most difficult type of rust to stop. In addition, tests show that a properly cleaned and waxed car has less wind resistance resulting in a smoother ride and improved fuel economy.
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Q: When should I wash off insect residue?
A: As soon as possible, especially if the car is new. Insect residue and bird droppings form acids that immediately start to eat away a car's clear-coat finish.
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Q: What is the major cause of rust?
A: Rust is simply the oxidation of untreated metal surfaces when they contact the elements. Moisture is the main cause of rust. Since dirt attracts and traps moisture, a dirty car is the instigator of almost all car rust, especially in those hidden areas behind the chrome and trim. Cornhusker Auto Wash has the equipment and know-how to effectively reach all those hard-to-reach places and remove corrosion-producing grime before damage is done.
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Q: What can I do to remove the tar that occasionally gets on my car?
A: Tar and certain oils used on roads require extremely strong solvents to remove. Naturally, we cannot use these solvents when we wash your car since just a few washes with such strong chemicals could harm your car's finish. We have excellent tar solvents and we would be happy to provide our expertise to return your car to its new car finish.
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Q: Lately, my windshield smears when I run my wipers. What am I doing wrong?
A: Perhaps you haven't changed your wiper blades recently. Most manufacturers recommend installing new blades every three months. This will prevent wearing and smearing, which impairs your vision and creates a dangerous driving condition. Our Lube Shop can assist you and fit the proper blades specifically designed for your vehicle
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Q: Isn't rain a natural, cost-effective car
wash?
A: No! Rain and snow contain atmospheric contaminates that eat away the finish of vehicles. After contamination falls on a car, the water evaporates, but the particulates remains. Concentrated by sunlight, these pollutants can become so strong that it will eat through the finish, ruining the vehicle's paint and appearance.
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Q: If my car has a high-gloss "clear coat" finish, do I still need to wax it?
A: Yes! Most new cars have a high-gloss clear coat finish which is easily damaged from atmospheric elements. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, salt, and road wear and tear also damage cars. Wax is an effective and efficient way to shine and protect a car's finish. Wax your car every six months. More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black or white because these colors are more susceptible to contaminants and UV rays which deteriorate the clear-coat finish.
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Q: Aren't hand washings safer for my car and the environment?
A: No! Dirt that collects in wash water, sponges and chamois will scratch the paint. Hand washings use nearly twice the amount of water than professional car washes. The cleaning solutions that Cornhusker Auto Wash uses are biodegradable and safe for the environment. We also provide just the right amount of high-pressure water which cleans cars better and faster.
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Q: What kind of car wash will do a good job of cleaning my car?
A: Most professional full-service car washes will effectively clean your car without damaging it There are several kinds of professional car washes using variations of touch less, semi-touch less, cloth or brush methods of cleaning. In any case, high-pressure water and detergents are used to remove dirt and other potentially damaging particles from your car's finish, wheel wells and undercarriage. A final fresh water rinse leaves cars spot-free. Blowers or towel-drying remove excess water from the car. Cornhusker auto wash is a soft cloth system that depends on environmentally friendly soaps and waxes, without the need of harmful acids and harsh chemicals to get the car clean without leaving that "filmy look."
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Q: What if I don't have the time or money to wash and wax my car regularly?
A: You can't afford not to protect your investment! Cornhusker Auto Wash offers safe, fast, high-quality washes at affordable prices.
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Q: Can you change my oil right, without the high pressure sales tactics?
A: Our professional staff at Cornhusker Express Lube has up to date technology for your specific vehicle and only do the services that you want us to do. We provide information on which services are due or needed and you decide. Regardless, we can do most services that the dealer can do at a greater savings to you and in less that ½ the time.
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Lube Shop Questions
Q: Can you change my oil right, without the high pressure sales tactics?
A: Our professional staff at Cornhusker Express Lube has up to date technology for your specific vehicle and only do the services that you want us to do. We provide information on which services are due or needed and you decide. Regardless, we can do most services that the dealer can do at a greater savings to you and in less that ½ the time.
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Q: I use a different oil than Quaker State. Do you have other oils on hand?
A: Yes, we carry bottled oil including Valvoline, Castrol, Mobil One and Rotella. There is a slight up charge for other brands because we do not "feature" those oils and can not get the same prices that bulk sellers can.
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Q: My dealer says I need to go back to them for oil changes. Why?
A: Seldom, do you have to go back to the dealer for oil changes or routine maintenance unless they give them to you for free. Occasionally, the auto manufacturer does not release the part numbers needed to service your vehicle until the vehicle reaches 1 year old. We have software available to match your vehicles OEM and rarely have problems getting what you need to service your vehicle.
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Q: Do you have the needed information to show me what services need to be performed to keep my warranty from being voided?
A: Yes, Cornhusker Express Lube can give you the information you need to keep your vehicle up to date based on the manufacturer's guidelines.
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Q: What other mechanical work do you do?
A: We provide professional installation of brakes, rotors, struts, starters, alternators, and thermostats. We also provide check engine light diagnosis to let you know what your vehicle computer is telling you that there is something wrong. We may not be able to fix it, but we can tell you what the light means at a fraction of what the dealer will charge you just to diagnose the problem.
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Q: Is your work guaranteed?
A: Yes. We only use the best parts available for your service work and all our labor is guaranteed.
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Window Tinting Questions
Q: What does the percentages of visible light transmission (VLT) mean to me?
A: Many states have laws governing how dark of tint you can put on. For example, Nebraska does not allow any tint darker than 35%VLT on the front drivers and passenger window. This means that we can not install tint that allows less than 35% of the natural light into the front seat area. The darker the tint, the lower the number of VLT. WE DO NOT TINT ILLEGALLY SO DO NOT ASK US TO.
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Q:My vehicle is registered in another state other than Nebraska. Can I put tint on that is not Nebraska legal?
A: We do not recommend that you tint darker than you legally should. We have waivers that must be signed if you intend to tint your vehicle based on other State's laws other than Nebraska's. However, if you end up registering your vehicle in Nebraska, or you really intend to, you must abide by Nebraska Window tinting laws. We are not responsible for your future decision making.
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Q:Does window tinting increase the value of my vehicle?
A: Yes. When you add a quality after-market window film like SunGard the value of your vehicle will be increased because you cared enough to customize your vehicle.
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Q:What do you do for the "dot matrix?"
A: Most cars have a black ceramic "frit" edge on the rear back window. This "frit" is built into the glass to help reduce heat deterioration to the silicon sealant used to put the glass in place. Sometimes this ceramic edge is straight and flat; sometimes it will have a dotted edge. These black ceramic dots are quite thick on some cars and prevent the film from sticking to the area between the dots. This results in a whitish looking strip trimming the glass, especially the upper part of the glass. Typically, this isn't very noticeable; however, some cars have a wide band of raised dots trimming the top of the rear window that pronounces the whitish look. We offer three (2) options to help reduce the "whitish" look:
1. Glue stick the film to the dots at no additional charge (no Guarantee) or:
2. Cover the dot matrix, from the outside, with a high performance vinylstrip that blackens the matrix area and is less of a visual imperfection. This heat resistant strip blends with the existing blackened edges. The cost is $30 with no guarantee.
We do not sand or scrape the dot matrix off like some other installers charge to do. The Daimond Warranty DOES NOT cover flaws in the matrix tint.
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Q:Do you use that film that turns purple over time?
A: Absolutely NOT! We use SunGard's top of the line lifetime film that will never turn purple. Our films are metalized and contain only the premier colorization products. If you would like more information on our film, please go to www.sdi-sungard.com
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Q:What if my dog scratches my windows film?
A: We are a SunGard Diamond Dealer. This designation enables us to include in our tint work a warranty that allows us to replace film that has been vandalized or scratched at not cost to you. Of course, this warranty applies to all Lifetime film purchases. Please see our store for details.
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Q:What if I do not have my warranty paperwork and/or my paid receipt?
A: We will do all we can to help you get copies of your paperwork. SunGard requires copies of original paperwork for warranty work to be processed. Without the necessary documentation, SunGard will not honor your warranty. Always keep your warranty paperwork in a safe place, regardless of what state you are residing in.
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Q:I have satellite radio and use my cell phone in my car. Do you have film that lets me keep getting reception from satellites and towers?
A: Yes. SunGard makes a window film specifically for this application. See us for the details of the installation of Quartz lifetime film so no reception is interfered with.
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Q:Do you install any graphics?
A: Yes. We install rear window graphics & decals. We can get just about any decal or graphic you want and we will even install them for you if you already have the product. Please visit with our installer for the details and pricing.
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Q:What is this VentureShield application?
A: VentureShield was developed to replace vinyl bras to prevent rock ships on the front impact areas of your vehicle. This space age flexible material will protect the front of your vehicle from sand, gravel, and some road debris. Paint chips are virtually eliminated from occurring to the front impact areas of your vehicle. This product will save you hundreds of dollars for repainting the front of your vehicle due to rock chips. See us for the details or visit www.ventureshield.net
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Q:I see you do remote starters and alarm systems. Are they good ones?
A: Absolutely. We install SCYTEK Electronic starters and alarm systems that have a lifetime warranty. You will have years of trouble-free operation from SCYTEK-We guarantee it! Go to www.scytek.net for more info on these reliable products.
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Express Services Questions
Q: What is the difference between express services and detailing?
A: Quality is not any different. You decide which individual services you want and we price those out for you individually. If it is detailing you want, we package many express services together to provide you with value in your needs to help you save money. All of our express serives are guaranteed and if it is not right, we will make it right. No appointment is necessary for express services and can be offered under the wash of your choice.
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Detailing Questions
Q: What is detailing?
A: Our professional detail staff takes pain-staking measures to deep clean the nooks and crannies of your vehicle to return the vehicle to the condition that is nearest to when you purchased the vehicle. We may not be able to make it new again, but, we can restore it the near new using our detailing processes. When we detail a vehicle, it should look like what those used vehicles look like on a reputable dealers' used car lot – Fresh and new looking.
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Do I need an appointment?
A: We recommend that you set up an appointment, especially if you want it done on Friday or Saturday. Keep in mind that we are very "detail" orientated when we are detailing vehicles so it will take from 2-4 hours to complete our quality detailing job. Most customers drop the vehicle off in the morning and pick it up after school or work in the afternoon. We do provide rides for customers in the Bellevue area and nearby communities.
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Q: I am selling my vehicle. Should I detail it before I sell or trade it?
A: Absolutely. A detailed vehicle will bring a higher retail value if you are selling it yourself and your vehicle will have "enhanced curb appeal" any other vehicles that are for sale like yours. If you plan on trading the vehicle in for a new one, make sure it is completely detailed before the dealer prices it out. Most dealers devalue the trade for "reconditioning costs"" up to and exceeding $500. A completely detailed vehicle will increase your trade in value of your vehicle.
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Q: What is compounding?
A: When your vehicle begins to look dull and scratched from using those self serve foam brushes or plastic drive- through brush washes, compounding will be necessary to remove or lighten those visable clear coat scratches. Compounding ads a third step to the exterior detail and is essential if you want your car to look as new as you can. Ask our detail staff to look at your vehicle and give you an estimate on the compounding. Our normal 2-step exterior detail does not include any compounding, wet sanding, paint touch up, etc.
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Q: My car has a terrible odor. Can you get the smell out?
A: First, you need to eliminate the source of the odor. It could be a smoker's vehicle, filthy carpets, or soiled seats. An interior detail is the best place to start. You may have to add a foam headliner shampoo ($25 and up) to eliminate the source of the odors from the fabric liner. After the interior complete, most odors are eliminated. However, some vehicles may need an Ozone Shock Treatment to eliminate the smell.
Ozone Shock Treatment uses an ozone generator, producing high levels of pure ozone, to cleanse indoor air. Ozone Shock Treatment eliminates or greatly reduces indoor air quality problems including mold, fungus, yeast, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, smoke, chemical smells, pet odors, and many other common odors. Cornhusker Auto Wash's Ozone Shock Treatment ensures the safety of our technicians and — most importantly — the safety of you and your family.
Ozone Shock Treatment is the only complete therapy for many common types of vehicle air pollution. Mechanical cleaning of heating and air conditioning ducts can help to some extent, but often its main effect is simply to stir up dust that was formerly trapped in the ducts, causing it to be dispersed throughout the vehicle when the climate control is switched back on. The only cleaning solution that can reach all parts of your vehicle, including the air you breathe, is one that works through the air itself. The only airborne cleaning technique that can effectively combat the full spectrum of odors, germs, toxic chemicals, and other indoor air pollution - then quickly disperse leaving no tell-tale odor of its own behind — is ozone.
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Q: I heard you can have a New Car Protection Package done to my new vehicle. Is it the same as what the new car dealer is going to do?
A: Yes, with one exception. The dealer provides you with a national warranty and we can only provide you with a Cornhusker Auto Wash warranty. Please check our prices before you have the package done — You will be pleasantly surprised at the savings you will experience only if the national warranty is not needed.
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