I think he just meant before you apply a paint sealant. I never thought about it, but I would actually agree with him on that. Dealerships don't clay a car when they prep it. There is a lot of time for the new paint to collect contaminants during shipping. Ours come across the Pacific ocean from Japan.

 

No, every time before I polish.

 

Rail dust is the WORST.

 

Ok I don't know what it was called, but there is a "sealant" they apply yearly inside and out. When I purchased my IS in Dec. it was an option which of course I declined. However, it came with DING insurance. For 3-5 years if you purchase it they will fix an unlimited number of dings. Now, I have two RXs and they rarely get dinged. However, my IS must wear a sign that says "hit me" because the 3rd day I drove it it got 3 dings. I then bought the insurance, they fixed the dings and put the coatings on. (It also covered the interior and windshield). Now, I notice (1000 miles later) that I have another ding. But for the total cost of the insurance for 5 years I'll have all my dings taken care of. Not too shabby.

 

I worked clay bar and a wax into the deal, as the car had been sitting on the lot for a couple months. Really like the Smokey Granite/black combo. The 3M turned out well--all in all very pleased w/ the car, the $$ deal and the dealership (seattle lexus).

Matt

 

You lucked out. I would take full advantage and have them fix every single ding you can get them to fix The paint sealant or whatever they are putting on your car will not stop the dings, but the ding insurance seems to be worth it since you get a lot of them. It generally would cost about $100 per ding, so make good use of that ding insurance