Krown Nepean

I was in and out in 20 minutes and the woman at the front desk said that I'll receive annual reminders about getting it touched up. My partner was about 15 minutes late for his car's appointment because he was stuck in traffic, and as I was there I gave them updates on his arrival time. They were very understanding and the owner said they'd keep it open until he got there so he wouldn't have to reschedule. I think it's safe to say we're both happy customers.

The rust proofing agent used is a truly a five-star product, especially when it comes to penetrating deep into every seem and corner of the car's body and chassis - and even creep upwards inside doors and inner panels during warm summer months. Our Audi 4000 S has been through practically every winter since being registered in 1984, with no rust penetrating the sheet metal anywhere, and with each and every chassis bolt opening without brute force applied. We do contribute this still strong and solid body and suspension to the effect of annual rust proofing.

To fully protect the underside of the car, I do however admit that I cover the first annual layer of Krown applied during late summer with another heavier, layer of a European wax-based product, then have Krown re-spray just before the winter. Although Krown insists that their product would never fully wash off during the slush and salt-season, this way, I am sure it really doesn't happen (although it may be my German engineering mind-set that's behind this approach).

All else is not only the result of a high-quality product - the best out of a comparative testing series we conducted for a magazine on several vehicles a few years ago - but the thoroughness in which the application is done at Cotter's Autobody in Ottawa. Also being a body shop, the people know just where and how to spray all the different makes and models of cars out there. This makes for a great difference. And should they still miss a spot - nobody is completely perfect - they have been more than eager to re-spray.

Overall, I would highly recommend this facility (as I would other Krown outlets across the area) at any time.

Just one hint to the company headquarters of Krown: Think about offering a modular treatment, with a high-end service then applying different products (or viscosities of the same agent) across individual parts of the car body. I am sure customers would pay a little extra for a better protection of their 'second largest investment' on wheels. Currently, I still either cover the underside of my car with a second layer of wax myself, or I quickly invest in taking it to a second facility using a heavier product for the floor and wheel-wells, once it has been treated with Krown. How about if I could just do a one-stop-shopping, or rust-proofing, instead?

In any case, "krowning" your vehicle still seems to be an essential step towards keeping it for years to come - even and especially for classics (yes, even a summer-classic can rust once dust collected inside the doors and frame-rails starts to actively collect moisture).

Good Luck, and drive safely,

Wolfhard Geile.