I went to Cobblestone for a car wash about a month ago. While there, I asked about some faded spots on the roof of my car. The guy immediately pointed out that I have "oxidation" on my roof, and that if I got the "Complete Buff and Wax" these spots would disappear. I was skeptical, and gave him a quizzical look. He motioned for another guy to walk over, who inspected the roof, and backed up the plan of "buffing this out". Then he said if I got a "Prepaid detail card" ($119.99) that I would get an ultimate wash today for free. Okay. It was the end of the day, and there wasn't a lot of time - he told me to come back any day for the detail.
That day was today. After I pull into the car wash area, I tell the attendant that I have a "Prepaid detail card". I point out this "oxidation" on the roof, and he looks a little puzzled. He tells me this is "clear coat damage", and that it probably won't "buff out". I decided to go ahead with the exterior detailing and full-service car wash anyway (I mean, I already bought it). He says it will take 1.5 hours.
45 min later, they call my name and say the car is ready. The roof spots, of course, look just as they always have. They pulled my car into the gas station area, and by the time I took a brief look around the car, the attendant was gone. It seems like they rushed this job. I found a few places of wax residue on the outside that I had to wipe with a microfiber cloth. Also, the dashboard looks like it was wiped haphazardly, with several places blatantly missed.
What I learned:
1. Cobblestone is cool for the $5 express wash. But these guys aren't serious about detailing or full-service car washes.
2. Do your own research. I should have talked to some car-savvy friends about these spots on my roof, rather than leave it to someone who's only goal was to sell me something right away.
3. Don't get a prepaid detail card. The attendants don't seem as eager to serve you when you aren't making a new purchase. Also, it complicates things because the person who sold you the prepaid card might promise something that can't be delivered when you return.