When a distinctive-looking vehicle catches Geoff Coutu’s eye as it travels Nanaimo’s streets, he can likely tell you if it’s “one of his.”
Coutu works in Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln’s AutoSmile division, specializing not only in vehicle wraps, window tints and paint protection, but also after-market features like Katzkin automotive leather and heated seats.
“Tint is what got me into the industry, and it just grew from there,” says Coutu, who enjoys the diversity of the work and the innovations he provides vehicle owners.
Paint protection film – While typically applied to a newer vehicle, this covering protects vehicle paint from damage such as flying rocks, so can be especially important for those doing a lot of highway or logging road driving. “Properly cared for, the paint protection film has a 10-year warranty,” Coutu says, noting that while slightly older vehicles can also benefit, any small paint chips should be touched up with paint and clear-coat before adding the film.
Window tint – Boasting a lifetime warranty, window tint is about more than looks. Available in different shades, tint offers both interior heat reduction, which can keep the vehicle more comfortable, and UV protection, to prevent the fading of leather interiors.
Colour wrap – Driving around town, you might notice a vehicle sporting a unique, matte black finish; another seems to change colour when the sunlight hits it just right. Beyond these distinctive finishes, vinyl colour wrap can also offer that just-right colour that wasn’t available from the factory; sometimes the wraps simply allow a company to colour-match their brand colour.
“It’s a less expensive alternative to painting vehicles,” Coutu explains.
Katzkin automotive leather – Leather seats offer a luxury look and feel that cloth can’t always provide, but if they just weren’t available when you purchased your new car, Katzkin may be the solution. The professionally installed factory-fit after-market product replaces cloth seats with leather for an upgrade you can drive off the lot.
Heated seats – If you’re adding leather, an in-seat heating system might also be well worth the investment, especially for those chilly West Coast mornings!
Regardless of your upgrade, the best results come from an attention to detail.
Instead of wrap kits, for example, AutoSmile uses only large vinyl rolls, cut in-house with a plotter using specialized software, allowing them to customize the application to your specifications. “It makes us a little more unique.”
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Serving Nanaimo and the central Island, Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln is the region’s premier retailer of new and pre-owned Fords and Lincolns. A multiple Best of the City, recipient, Steve Marshall’s dedicated sales staff and technicians are committed to making your vehicle experience fun and easy.