Frequently Asked Car Detailing Questions | Critical Details | St Albans

What is production detailing?

When a detailing business focuses on quantity over quality, corners are often cut. A lot of detailers do not clean behind license plates or wax a car's windows and wheels. This allows production detailers to complete more cars per day and at a lower cost. These businesses can offer discount detailing rates because they are only cleaning and protecting a portion of your car.

How long does it take to properly wash a car?

To properly wash a car's tires, wheels, wheel wells, paint and exterior glass, takes approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on level of contamination and size of car. Two hours may seem like a long time, compared to the mere minutes spent at a drive through car wash. However the time and money needed to correct the damage induced by the automated car wash can be expensive often costing hundreds of dollars. Taking the extra time to properly wash a car using the 2 bucket method and dry using premium microfiber towels is well worth the money saved that would otherwise be spent fixing unnecessary wash induced damage.

How long does it take to properly detail a car?

The first time a car is properly detailed it will take longer than follow up maintenance details. Extra steps must be taken to safely decontaminate the car's surfaces to prevent future damage. It is recommended that all first time clients, at a minimum, have their exterior paint and glass clayed before a paint sealant or wax is applied. The claying process generally takes 1 to 2 hours depending on level of contamination and size of the car. On average a complete interior and exterior detail will take approximately: small car 10 hours, fullsize car 12 hours and oversized car 14 hours.

What is the two bucket wash method?

The two bucket wash method consists of a wash bucket and rinse bucket. both the wash and rinse five gallon buckets are equipped with a grit guard. The grit guard helps release debris from the wash media and keep it separated at the bottom of the bucket. This method of washing virtually eliminates any chance of wash induced damage.

What is a rinseless wash?

A rinseless wash is a type of car washing which does not require running water. Rinseless washing not only conserves water but it allows cars to be washed during winter months. Since running water is not required cars can easily be washed using warm water in a heated garage, even when the outside temperature is below freezing.

How do I know if my wash media is paint safe?

More often than not, improper wash media and drying media are used during car washing. Wash mitts, sponges and microfiber towels are all examples of potentially safe wash media. To determine if your washing and drying media are paint safe they must pass the CD scratch test. Take the washing or drying media in question and rub it on the back of a CD, if it does not scratch the CD then it is safe to use on your car's paint.

How often should i get my car completely detailed?

I recommend 3 to 4 times a year depending on the conditions your car sees on a daily basis. Some determining factors in how often a car should be detailed are: Is the car garage kept? Is the car a daily driver or a weekend driver? Is the car driven in the winter and exposed to road salt? All of these factors directly affect the number of yearly details necessary to keep your car protected from the elements and looking its best. A car should, at a minimum, be detailed 2 times a year. One of these details should occur after winter to remove road salt in order to reduce corrosion and another detail before winter to protect the car through the harsh winter months. With proper detailing you can ensure your car will look its best and maintain its resale value down the road.

What are the benefits of paint correction?

Paint correction removes swirl marks, light scratches and water spots, while significantly increasing paint reflections and gloss. Paint correction only needs to be performed every 1 to 2 years depending greatly upon washing methods. If proper washing techniques and products are used the car's paint will remain blemish free for a long time to come.

What do i need to detail my own car?

With so much information available at our fingertips today with the internet it is easy to find out which products and tools are the best. However the time necessary to master proper detailing techniques can easily run into the hundreds of hours. The best thing to do is start simple, by mastering proper washing techniques using 2 buckets equipped with grit guards. Equally important is proper drying techniques, It is a good idea to use quick detailer to minimize towel friction on car surfaces. All of the supplies necessary to perform a proper car wash can be purchased for approximately $100.