Detailing FAQ
What are some of the benefits of detailing?
Detailing doesn’t just look good and feel great, it helps to improve the longevity of your vehicle’s interior and exterior, and it maintains the resale value of your car. Your exterior will be more protected against the elements, and the interior of your vehicle will retain that unused look — so if you ever choose to put your car on the market, you’ll be able to earn more money back for your investment.
Beyond that, applying wax to the exterior of your vehicle will hinder rust from forming on its body, which can be an eyesore, and it can deter potential buyers, should you opt to sell your car. A standard car wash won’t protect the body of your vehicle, and it can actually harm the clear coat on its body — while handwashing, drying, and waxing will improve its protection.
If you opt to have us clean the engine of your vehicle, your engine is also less likely to incur damage. Your engine will be less likely to leak or release exhaust with a thorough cleaning, and it will be far easier to identify the source of these issues, should they occur.
How does detailing differ from a normal cleaning?
Detailing is superior to traditional cleaning, for both the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
Taking your car into the carwash still helps to protect your vehicle from damage that can incur from the environment, since it will clear away much of the debris that can linger and damage your car. For instance, if you’ve been out on the roads while mag-chloride (the chemical that is sprayed on roads to resist snow and ice accumulation) your car will benefit from regular cleanings. However, your vehicle isn’t protected against these elements when you take it out on the road again. Handwashing and waxing your car provides protection against harmful chemicals, debris, and precipitation which would otherwise cause wear and tear, so your exterior will outlast the most trying conditions and adverse weather.
If you’re simply having the interior of your vehicle cleaned out and vacuumed, you’ll also miss out on a few benefits. Deep cleaning with a steam cleaner will lift out existing stains, and it will remove the odors of your vehicle. If you have stained seats, for instance, then a simple vacuuming won’t do anything to clean those areas. Or, if you have a vehicle that is plagued with animal dander, and an odor that won’t go away, vacuuming likely won’t be thorough enough to get rid of those issues. As we mentioned, we deep clean upholstery with steam cleaning and stain removers, which will help to remove set-in stains and any grime that is deep within the fibers of your upholstery.
How much does detailing cost?
Detailing can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the amount of cleaning necessary. For larger vehicles, older vehicles, and vehicles that have significant amounts of dirt and grime, you can expect to pay an amount on the higher end of that spectrum. For smaller, newer, cleaner cars, service will cost less. If you’re curious about the cost of detailing for your car, simply reach out to us!
How often should I have my car detailed?
While you’re certainly welcome to have your car detailed as often as you’d like, it’s usually best to have your vehicle cared for every couple of years. If, for instance, you are constantly spending time on roads with mag-chloride, or if you have pups or kids in your car, you may want to have it detailed every year to keep it in its best shape. If your car is simply sitting in the garage for most of the year, on the other hand, then you won’t need to have it detailed very often.
Keep an eye out for signs that your auto is enduring wear and tear. Look for rust around the edges of the body components of your car. Also, keep a keen eye out for stains that can accumulate, and be wary of dander that can set into the fibers of your upholstery. Also, if your vehicle is beginning to smell a bit off, then it may be time to bring it in for a deep cleaning.
How long will my detailing appointment take?
It depends. Detailing your vehicle may be very simple if you’ve kept it well-maintained. However, if you have significant stains and a strange odor, or if you’ve put your car through weather that has left its exterior coated with grime, your detailing will take more time. Most detailing can be completed in about an hour, although you should set aside more time if your vehicle will require additional services (like engine cleaning, upholstery repair, or stain removal). Again, if you’re curious about your specific vehicle, you can simply reach out to us for an estimate of how long your service will take.
