FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Detailing?
Exterior detailing involves cleaning, and either restoring or exceeding the original condition of the surface of the car’s finish, chrome trim, windows, wheels, and tyres, as well as other visible components on a vehicle’s exterior. A wide array of detailing products and techniques are used, based on the vehicle’s surface type and condition. Products include but are not limited to: detergents and acid free degreasers (to break down dirt and soil), detail clay (to remove embedded contaminates), waxes and ceramic coatings (to resurface and then improve reflectivity), as well as a variety of applicators, brushes, and drying towels.
Interior detailing involves a deep cleaning of the whole interior cabin. Vehicle interiors comprise a variety of materials, such as synthetic carpet upholstery, vinyl, leather, various natural fibers, carbon fiber composites, plastics, and others, which necessitates the use of a variety of cleaning techniques and products. Vacuuming is standard, and upholstery stains may be removed using steam cleaning, liquid and foam chemicals, as well as brushes. Additionally, some nonporous surfaces may be polished. A number of products are then used to protect the surfaces from future staining and damage.
Why would a new car need to be detailed?
Unfortunately, car dealerships are more focused on selling cars than making sure they are in top condition for the customer. Dings and rushed repairs at the factory, marring from transport and poor storage conditions and “dealership installed swirls” from poorly equipped “valeting bays” by poorly trained valeting staff.
“Protection packages” such as LifeShine and DiamondBrite are offered at high prices, claiming low maintenance and longevity, but due to the lack of time allowed for the application, the paint may not be properly prepared nor the product applied correctly.
A new car detail should take up to 2 days and uses combinations of machines, compounds and chemicals that work best with the various surfaces of your vehicle.
If you are ordering a new car and are looking to getting it detailed, it is advisable to request that the dealership leaves on the original plastic covers so that it does not get washed or polished prior to its arrival with the detailer.