Preservation Over Perfection: A Mustang Lesson

This isn’t a story about a Mustang… but we’re using one as the example anyway.

A client of mine recently picked up a 2022 Ford Mustang convertible. He asked me to meet him and basically said: “I don’t know what to do with this.”

I took a good look at the paint. Sure, there were noticeable micro-scratches up close, but nothing catastrophic. Most detailers would’ve immediately started selling him on paint correction and machine polishing. But here’s the reality: it’s a Ford Mustang. Based on the way the paint beaded water, I had a strong suspicion it already had a ceramic coating at some point. The micro-scratches? Likely caused by someone who sort of knew how to wash a car but didn’t nail the technique.

Here’s the thing: the car still looked fantastic. The client himself told me he was “100% happy” with it. That’s what matters most—not whether I could chase the last 1% of perfection.

So instead of trying to erase every swirl and scratch, I told him: drive it, enjoy it, and revisit in a year or next season. If he still wanted to “perfect” it later, we’d talk then. But for now? Preservation beats obsession.

And that scratch on the left rear quarter panel? Leave it. Fixing it would require buffing the entire panel, which could actually make things look worse if there’s already a ceramic layer present. Sometimes the smartest move is to not touch it at all.

Focus on the protections that actually make a difference. The convertible top, for example, can wear out quickly if it’s constantly exposed to sun and grime, so keeping it clean and treated helps it last longer. Leather seats get the same treatment—they’re exposed to UV and heat every time you drive with the top down, so a good routine of conditioning and protection keeps them from drying or fading. And for minor paint chips, it’s better to take care of them early before they get worse. Little steps like these preserve the car’s look and let you enjoy it without obsessing over every tiny scratch.

At the end of the day, chasing “perfection” is a rabbit hole. Real car care is about preserving what you’ve got, protecting against the elements, and keeping your ride enjoyable. Drive it. Protect it. Love it. That’s preservation over perfection.