Extras?
#1
01-13-2012, 05:09 PM
Extras?
I put a deposit on a new Q5 this week that should arrive in a few days. I did not opt for any of the additional protective coatings for the interior and exterior, etc. that they offer you when you are filling out the paperwork. I have always heard that they are not really necessary. What are your thoughts? Are some of them recommended? Is there a thread on this somewhere? Thanks for any insight!
#2
01-30-2012, 05:55 PM
I think anything that would protect the front facing paint would be a good idea, if only to protect from rocks and debris on the road. I have an 04 A4, and have noticed that there's a few dings in the paint, but really only facing the front.
There are aftermarket clear vinyl wraps you can get put on, for a price though. But they would protect against debris and flying rocks from other cars.
Again though, it's something you can consider after you get the 5er.
There are aftermarket clear vinyl wraps you can get put on, for a price though. But they would protect against debris and flying rocks from other cars.
Again though, it's something you can consider after you get the 5er.
#3
02-09-2012, 11:28 AM
If you do decide to get the protective film / rock chip film, you could either:
Realistically;
I have noticed that the life span of the film (ex: 3M Scotchguard) is practically the same as the life span of the front of your car being rock chip free.
In the end, aesthetically your car will 'look good' longer without film than with it. Film will give your car the slight colour difference on the places it is fixed on, without film your Audi will have minor visible rockchips after 1-2 winter driving seasons.
ex:
1. Purchase it from 3M (or another supplier) who will cut the template for your car and attempt to install it yourself. This is not easy.
2. Ask a number of body-shops or detailing shops to do it for you. It is a service many of them provide.
Realistically;
I have noticed that the life span of the film (ex: 3M Scotchguard) is practically the same as the life span of the front of your car being rock chip free.
If your Audi has film on the front, overtime some rocks end up piercing the film and either leaving a small hole or flap in the film. These, over time, can get bigger in size due to washing and weather.
In the end, aesthetically your car will 'look good' longer without film than with it. Film will give your car the slight colour difference on the places it is fixed on, without film your Audi will have minor visible rockchips after 1-2 winter driving seasons.
ex:
Cost of film for front bumper:
~$300-$500
vs.
Cost of repainting from bumper to OEM colour with burn-in correction:
~$300-$500
#5
02-25-2012, 09:31 PM
3M venture Shield or expel
I did the complete custom 3M Venture shield wrap on our 2012 A3. I have also used it on other cars (just not the complete wrap).
After 3 years with the front done on our last car with zero punctures, scrapes, fading, or any other issues, I decided it was worth doing the entire car for our A3 (especially at the $40k + price point). And yes, you do have to maintain your car as if it was the very expensive purchase you made (wash, wax regularly).
Even if you dont want to spend alot of $$$, at least do the front. Should be around $400, but find a specialist, DO NOT get this done by just anyone. Vinyl Wrap Companies, or your local tune shops are great places to start looking. On the 3M site (paint protection film) you can look up 3M cert. installers.
Though 3M is what I prefer, expel has the better warranty. Again, look for a well qualified shop, because this is what really matters as they will usually stand behind the install and product.
After 3 years with the front done on our last car with zero punctures, scrapes, fading, or any other issues, I decided it was worth doing the entire car for our A3 (especially at the $40k + price point). And yes, you do have to maintain your car as if it was the very expensive purchase you made (wash, wax regularly).
Even if you dont want to spend alot of $$$, at least do the front. Should be around $400, but find a specialist, DO NOT get this done by just anyone. Vinyl Wrap Companies, or your local tune shops are great places to start looking. On the 3M site (paint protection film) you can look up 3M cert. installers.
Though 3M is what I prefer, expel has the better warranty. Again, look for a well qualified shop, because this is what really matters as they will usually stand behind the install and product.
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