Recently I took my car to a 3M Car Care facility in Gurgaon for minor scratch removal & surface refinement and interior enrichment. Contented with the job, I decided to talk to Ninad Gadgil, vice-president, Automotive Aftermarkets, 3M Transportation Division, 3M India, to understand more about the company’s car care products and how a car’s life can be prolonged using the company’s treatments. Excerpts:
Please tell us about 3M India?
3M India, the Indian arm of 3M Corporation, is the first company to have introduced organised car care services in the country called the 3M Car Care. We are currently present in over 1,200 dealerships across the country and have dozens of stores spread across cities.
Can a user prolong his car’s life using the 3M treatment?
Bad roads, pollution, dust and poor quality fuel mean that, in today’s age, the average car life in metro cities has gotten reduced to 4-5 years. However, using our services, one can prolong a car’s life to seven years or more. For example, you can get the shine back on your car with the 3M Exterior treatment—our one-time treatment helps you undo the defacing effects of the rust, scratches, dents, peeled paint and protect its outer body for a continued shine. Further, we have specialised solutions such as 3M Exterior Beautification treatment, 3M Minor Scratch Removal and 3M Surface Enhancement treatment. As far as interiors are concerned, we have a special conditioning treatment that is given to the carpets, upholstery, vinyl and plastic/rubber surfaces, leaving the inside of your car clean and hygienic.
Ideally, how old a car should be when it goes for first such treatment?
We recommend that customers buy a 3M package as soon as they purchase their car. (Keep in mind that car-owners are predisposed to spending on a new car rather than spending on the maintenance of a car that is a few years old.) We have various 3M packages that customers can choose from.
What is primary reason that I should be interested in a 3M Car Care treatment?
While the reasons are many—such as your car will keep looking new for years and years—one should keep in mind that, in most cases, getting a 3M treatment will ensure that your car gets a better resale value when you finally decide to sell it.
Do you also disinfect cars?
Yes, our GermKleen treatment makes sure you get rid of 99% bacteria and get complete interior cleaning. Then our AC Vent Disinfection removes the foul smell from the car AC vents and keeps the car smelling fresh.
Do you also provide mechanical services?
Yes, we have solutions for overhauling car engines, and boosting its power, performance and fuel-efficiency. In fact, our solutions are proven to keep emissions low, too.