Detailing "101"

[turbomangt]

Auto Detailing “101”

I’m really surprised by the amount of people that don’t know the difference between a complete detail service and the $39.95 express detail. Most commercial car wash/detail centers promote the express detail because it’s quick and the customer thinks they are getting a bargain. These facilities prey on uneducated customers. Most express details can get done in about 10 minutes, and what you end up getting is more than you bargained for. Normally, the express detail is just a quick wax applied to the finish. Unfortunately, this is how most finishes get scratched and swirled. Once your car goes through the wash cycle, it gets waxed without any regard or attention to contaminants still on your finish. Car washes in themselves do not remove micro particles from the finish; the only sure way to remove them is by claying your car. So what happens is those micro particles get rubbed into the finish while the car gets waxed. Using simple math, that $39.95 price you thought was a great deal, you were in essence paying them $240.00 on hour.

Now take a look at a professional complete detail. (Information supplied is based on what I do in my shop, anywhere you go you must ask about the service performed.)
First your car is hand washed, not machine washed. Hand washes are better for the finish. Next the car gets the clay bar treatment, the only way to ensure all micro particles are removed from the car. Car washed again top remove any clay residue. Then a deep cleaner is used on the finish, either by hand or with a dual action buffer *note (a dual action buffer is more sensitive to the finish, unlike a high speed rotary buffer which can damage paint quickly) At this point the finish is inspected for serious paint defects like scratches, swirls, water spots, and other blemishes. This requires skill to remove these defects without causing further damage to the finish. Once these defects are corrected, a high quality polish is used to enhance and bring out the shine. Final application of a high quality paint sealant protects the finish and lasts up to 6 months, 6 times longer than a wax. Wheel wells, tires and wheels are also cleaned during the wash cycle, wheels are polished, and tires dressed with high quality water based dressing. (Make sure they don’t use a solvent dressing)
The engine is steam cleaned to look like new.

Interior work includes vacuuming and extracting the carpets. (DO NOT LET ANYONE CHEMICALLY CLEAN YOUR CARPET WITH A SHOP VAC) cleaning and conditioning leather, dry cleaning fabric seats, cleaning the dash, vents, door jams, door panels, console, head liner (if needed)all vinyl, plastic, rubber door seals, and dressing all components as needed. Window cleaned and windshield sealed.
Time involved for a complete detail is around 7 hours, expect to pay around $225 for an average size vehicle.