Auto detailing has become highly specialized. New Image Auto Detail owners Brian and Shannon Leach have adapted throughout more than 30 years in the industry to provide professional vehicle detailing in an ever-changing landscape for customers in the Powell River area.
“Difficult problems exist more now than before, including contamination on paint surfaces such as scratching, fading, road paint, road tar, liquid de-icer marks and mould, to name a few,” explains Brian. “I’ve had about 14 vehicles in the last three weeks covered in tree sap, as well as serious scratching from owners who received misinformation on how to remove it.”
Professional detailing by New Image preserves and restores vehicles to like-new condition, according to Brian. Ready-to-go packages suit any vehicle/budget needs and custom or regular maintenance packages are available.
“Our central location is great for our drop-off emergency cleanup service, too; we can clean spills that arise from dropped coffee, pop or groceries, and disinfect and dry them,” says Brian. “We do our best to accommodate customers when it happens and have them on their way in less than an hour.”
New Image is one of only a handful of shops in BC using a 338-degree dry vapour steamer/extractor, which is new cleaning technology and equipment.
According to the manufacturer, the dry vapour unit cleans, disinfects and kills up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria on seats, carpets, leather, vinyl and in air ducting systems, as well as common-touch surfaces such as the dash, steering wheel, door handles and seat belts.
“This is achieved without cleaning products, which is perfect for allergy and chemical sensitivity; it is also effective against mould, mildew, food spills, dog odour and smoke,” explains Brian. “We have a new 338-degree Disinfectant Package that disinfects all common-touch surfaces, which can be added to most other cleaning packages, or a customer can choose to just have the disinfectant package.”
Cleaning and disinfecting engines due to rodent infiltration has become a regular task at New Image, mainly due to corn and soy products being used to make plastics, hoses and insulation for vehicles, which attracts vermin.
“It’s a specialty we offer and a major issue I’ve been dealing with a lot lately,” adds Brian. “Not many detailers have the knowledge base to deal with this kind of problem, but we do.”
The shop also provides seat and paint repair or re-dying services.
Brian says services available at New Image can dramatically increase the value of a vehicle, if an owner is considering selling one.
“We can positively affect the sale and help people benefit financially,” explains Brian.
To keep vehicles in their best condition, Brian recommends a full detail once or twice per year.
“We also have a wash and vacuum package for our customers’ convenience, to help keep the vehicle clean every month or two,” he says.
Brian began his journey in the auto detailing field in 1989 after moving to Powell River from Ontario. A short-term position at Wildwood Motors eventually led to a long-term career, and to becoming a business owner with Shannon, who was born and raised in Powell River and handles the office administration.
After gaining four years of experience at the Wildwood shop, Brian and Shannon left town to open their first business in Vancouver, and then another in Maple Ridge. The couple returned to Powell River three years later.
New Image opened at 6984 Alberni Street in May of 2000. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the business is offering specials at newimageautodetail.ca and facebook.com/niadpr.
“We have enjoyed these 20 years of taking care of cleaning and protection needs for Powell River cars, boats, RVs and motorcycles,” says Leach. “We’re looking forward to many more.”
For more information, call 604.485.0092 or email brian@newimageautodetail.ca.
