Frequently Asked Questions
Throughout our day to day running of our business we find ourselves answering many questions about what it is exactly that differenciates detailing from valeting. With this in mind here are ten of the most common questions.
Why does detailing incur a far increased price hike over valeting?There are two main reasons for this, the first is in the title, which dictates that all surfaces both inside and outside are comprehensively cleaned, cleansed and treated. If it is on display (and even if it isnt) it get restored to what is normally a far higher level of finish than when new.
The second is because detailing involves such processes as multi-stage paint correction, paint sealing, full wheel removal, engine bay overhauls etc.
When your car is valeted it is 99% of the time cleaned on a surface level therefore allowing ground-in dirt to form in the interior and paint imperfections on the outside. Your average valet takes upto maybe 2 hours if your lucky whereas detailing can take upto a week.
It helps being OCD (Obsessive Car Detailer's) in this respect which Alex and I am proud to say we are.
Many are the reasons for having your vehicle treated to a detail. For a start there is the piece of mind that someone with a great deal of knowledge has spent a great amount of time on it.
Next there is the fact that the finish will simply take your breath away. Further to this it is also worth noting that even an entry level detail can last upto six months. When you consider that the average "hand car wash" or as Alex and I prefer to call them "cheap scratches" can cost anything from £10.00 to £20.00 each week or fortnight and for that you only receive more damage and fine scratches.
The final reason for the gap in price is down to the products used which are not available in any shops unless you count internet stores and specialised outlets. Sponges, Blades and acid based cleaning chemicals are the devil's work.
Definately, you see most manufacturer's make vehicles that end up sitting in fields or by docks awaiting allocation to a customer or corporate client. They are therefore coated in a wax that protects them from fallout both natural and industrial not to mention tree sap, bird lime among many other potential hazards.
Normally a vehicle is sprayed with a caustic based multi purpose automotive cleaner which not only fails to remove all traces of the wax but also damages your vehicle. Your car will receive what is known as a PDI(Pre Delivery Inspection) but unfortunately this does'nt always get rid of said waxoyle. Paint is porous and as such is the focus of thousands of tiny imperfections seen only by special computer programs and paint depth meters. The difference between a new car and a new car that has been the subject of a new car detail is staggering!
Paint correction is a process which permanently erradicates scratches from very fine hair width marks right through to very obvious defects.
One thing we constantly find ourselves telling clients is that no two cars will ever be the same and it is for that reason that different approaches to rectify are undertaken. Glazes feature heavily in our "toolkit" which will mask any small to medium inconsistencies, however, glazes are mainly aimed at the darker end of the colour spectrum and so may not be the ideal route to resolving any outstanding paint finish problems.
This is simple. A sealant is a product that after any paint rectification has been carried out is then applied in order to as Alex would say "seal in the goodness". The vehicle is then ready for the application of wax.
This really depends on the colour of the vehicle and your own personal preference. A sealant will give off a "wet look" to the paint whereas a wax application will make the paint look brighter. It really is a choice of what desired effect you wish to create. These two processes can be combined to achieve a truly eyecatching effect which is guaranteed to turn heads.
We accept payment by cash, cheques(with a valid cheque guarantee card) and we are pleased to offer an installment programme which is available with our various care plans.
It really couldnt be easier to make an appointment with us. Simply phone either of our numbers or alternatively send us an email with your name, contact number and if possible a make and model of the vehicle so we can give you an exact price.
We offer a full 100% no obligation quote service so as that you are under no illusions as to the final cost.
At the moment we are a fully self sufficient mobile service covering the whole of the U.K, however, we are in the process of aquiring our own unit so as to be able to carry out larger assignments safe in the knowledge that your aquisition will not be compramised.
We have over time found our dream team of products that we simply would not be without. These include a full array of Chemical Guys, 3M, Zaino and G Techniq glazes, sealants and polishes.
Those of you with german vehicles we offer the full selection of Zymol products at our disposal. For those of you who have the most exacting standards, Swissvax is available to meet your needs. There is a price supplement for all treatments using Swissvax and G Techniq applications. Please phone for more details.