Clean Getaway
Ziebart in Winamac Keeps Vehicles in Tip-top Shape
Writer / Lois Tomaszewski
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
If your vehicle is your baby, Manager Mike Owens and his crew at Ziebart in Winamac can help keep your pride and joy shining bright.
People want to keep their vehicles in good condition, Owens says.
At Ziebart, vehicle owners can pick from a list of services that extend the life of their vehicle. Those services include detailing, rustproofing, undercoating, pickup truck bed liners, window tinting and window chip repair, paint correction and protection, among other services.
Service is not limited to cars and pickup trucks. The shop can work on semis, motorcycles and boats too.
Winter, unpaved roads and driving in general can take a toll on vehicles. Ice melt can corrode a vehicle from underneath. Grime left too long can ruin the finish on the exterior. Tough trucks can get scratched when hauling items or doing other tasks.
One of the services provided is bed liners for pickup trucks. Ziebart uses Rhino Linings, a spray-on bed liner that results in nonskid coating that bonds directly to the truck bed. This treatment is airtight, abrasion and impact resistant, and protects against rust and corrosion.
To keep a vehicle in excellent condition, it should be washed once every two weeks. Owens says this is especially important in winter so salt and road grime can be cleaned off before it can cause damage to the finish. There is a service available that provides a ceramic-like finish on vehicles, eliminating the need for frequent washing. This process carries a seven-year guarantee.
Customers can also purchase the Ziebart Z-Shield Paint Protection Film. This clear film is applied to the exterior of the car, wrapping around mirrors and bumpers. It does not damage the exterior color and protects the car from damage from stones, bugs and bird droppings.
The shop also offers WeatherTech floor mats and liners. Other accessories include bed liners, bed covers and bug shields.
Ziebart is a national chain founded in 1959. The Winamac store is owned by Steve Dobson. It is one of more than 1,200 service centers in 36 countries, according to the corporate website.
I worked for Dobson Ford for 11 years as a detailer, Owens says.
He was named the manager of Ziebart Winamac in September of 2018 when the franchise was bought by Dobson and opened for business. Owens supervises and works alongside a crew of five.
That is where he learned to detail vehicles. Detailing simply means doing a deep cleaning on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. At the detailing stations inside the clean and orderly shop, a variety of vacuum attachments ensure that all areas are given the Ziebart touch. That same attention is given to a vehicles leather seats with leather conditioner that prevents changes in color and texture.
The deep cleaning that happens to the exterior of the vehicle is a multistep process. Owens explains that the vehicle is shampooed, and then a claying process is applied. This mix of soap and clay forms a layer on the exterior. When it is rinsed off, it takes off road tar and contaminants from the finish. After it is done, the finish is smooth to the touch.
There are advantages to coming to Winamac for the Ziebart services. There are other locations throughout the state, but the small-town service in Winamac is what brings people to the door, Owens says. His customers come from Pulaski, Fulton, Starke, White and Cass counties.
People like coming here, he says. There is that small-town vibe.
An important component of that small-town vibe involves how Owens and his crew focus on customer service.
I believe in doing the job right, to the best of my abilities, he explains. We care about the customers vehicle. We treat it like our own.
Ziebart is located at 93 East Galbreath Drive in Winamac, behind Dobson Ford. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 574-946-3300 or visit ziebart.com.
