By Debbie Adams
Dr. Auto Spa has opened in Vinton. President and CEO “Doc” Aaron Taylor lists their
specialties as premium detailing, paint corrections, ceramic coatings, industrial coatings, window
tinting, PPF (rock chip prevention) Clear wraps, and more. The business is located on 4th Street in Vinton next to the Vinton Pawn Shop.
Taylor is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Virginia Western, and Liberty University
where he received his degree in Business Management.
Coincidentally, he and Vinton Town Councilman Keith Liles both worked at The Roanoke
Times in 2005 where Taylor was sales manager.
“Aaron was always looking for business opportunities and ways to make extra money,” Liles
says. “I mentioned that he could detail my car. Aaron did a fabulous job and others at work
wanted their cars done, too!”
Not only did Taylor find a side business – but one he fell in love with.
In 2014 he went to Pittsburgh for training at the Detail King Training Institute and became an
authorized licensee (the only one in the area) – one of the best decisions he has made. In January
2017, he made detailing vehicles into a full-time job.
“Aaron started his own mobile car washing business and then moved into a brick-and-mortar,”
Liles said. “Recently, the location he was renting (in Troutville) was needed for another business
to expand. I knew the Pawn Shop had the back building that was almost identical to what Aaron
was using. And here he is!”
Some renovations were required as the building had been used primarily for storage. A few more
are planned such as moving his metal carport in front of the garage doors.
“Aaron has brought this business to heights I never knew possible for a detailing business,” Liles
added. “He’s very driven and ‘detailed’ in what he does. Aaron is the perfect example that
dedication, determination, and hard work do pay off!”
“Doc” is a nickname clients have given him, which he has found “pretty neat” since the theme of
Dr. Auto Spa involves “bringing a vehicle back to life. Everyone loves a clean car.” He says
many even believe that “clean cars drive better.”
Taylor says that he offers a variety of services because every vehicle and client is different, and
he likes to meet their needs. His customers come from all over the Roanoke Valley, Lynchburg,
Bedford, and even West Virginia.
He often hears customers say, “My car didn’t look this good when I bought it from the
dealership.”
Taylor says that his most requested service is probably ceramic coating, although many people
are not familiar with the process, which has been used in Asia for many years. The coating is a
liquid glass resin applied by hand which provides a barrier between the car’s clear coat and the
environment. The process is said to affect the cosmetic look of a vehicle by preserving paint for
up to seven years and provides protection against bugs, road salt, bird droppings and more.
Many new car owners choose to apply ceramic coating to make maintaining their vehicles easier.
It takes a full day to apply the coating and curing overnight for the process.
He notes that many people think you don’t need to do anything to maintain a new car, but that’s
not the case; in fact, sun exposure can have detrimental effects from which a car needs
protection.
Taylor has two part-time employees and plans on hiring a third soon. He enjoys doing much of
the work himself.
Dr. Auto Spa is open from 9 to 5 Tuesdays through Fridays, by appointment on Saturday, and is
closed on Sundays and Mondays. He also offers a VIP mobile service program.
For more information, an estimate, or to arrange an appointment, you can email Dr. Auto Spa at
detail@draspa.com, call or text 540-227-0599, and visit the website at https://www.draspa.com.
Dr. Auto Spa also has a great Facebook page with videos of detailing and application of ceramic
coatings.
