FAQ's

Q: My local carwash offers detailing at half the prices of most professional detailer services, what is the difference?

A: This is a very good question! First of all the term 'Detailing' has been widly misused in the industry. A true detail consists of meticulous cleaning, professional swirl free polishing and protection of surfaces. Many carwashes simply cover dirt with shiny greasy solvent based dressings. This not only traps the dirt inside but the solvents in many of these dressings actually damage the surfaces. Also, many inexperienced workers will run a hi-speed buffer over your paint causing damage and those ugly swirls on your paint or waxing over deep imbedded dirt. Make sure you ask many questions before allowing anyone to detail your car!.

Q: When I bought my new car, the salesman told me I have a clear coat on my paint and it NEVER needs waxing. Is this true?

A: FALSE. The fact is 'clear coat' is simply part of the paint system used on most cars and trucks manufactured since the early 1990's. This paint process consists of first painting the color (pigmented paint) which goes on flat without any shine, protection or durability. After the color has been added, a clear urethane paint is added to make the finish hard and glossy. Older (pre 1990's and some newer) paints consist of a single stage paint, where the gloss and hardness is mixed with the color (pigment). Today's clear coats simply make the paint look much more translucent with a deeper shine. Fact is both paint systems MUST be waxed or sealed to protect them from the sun, pollution and other harmful elements.

Q: My dealer added a paint sealant and said my car will never need waxing again, is this true?

A: FALSE! This is truly a play on words, meaning that 'sealant ' (which does last longer than wax) still needs to be re-applied every three to six months. Hence the statement "never wax again", simply means sealant rather than wax must be applied again. If you paid the dealer for this coating you will find that the contract requires you to have this re-applied at specified periods, to maintain the warranty. Waxing is a completely safe alternative, but only lasts about a month (spray on wax from a carwash may only last about a week).

Q: Buffing and waxing are the same thing aren't they?

A: Actually no! Waxing is simply a protective element that is applied to the paint surface. While waxing may help add  some shine to the paint, it should not be confused with buffing.   Buffing is a paint correction process that utilizes a hi-speed rotary buffing machine. This process is used to remove superficial scratches, blemishes and fading of a paint surface. The process consists of starting with a 'cutting compound' used to aggressively remove the damaged paint surface. This process is followed by several polishing steps to smooth and restore the finish to a hi-gloss slippery finish. This process is not typically used on well cared for vehicles, as it does remove minute layers of paint. Our full auto detail service includes applying wax or sealant with a dual action machine. This is a non-aggressive means to lightly polish and protect the paint with out leaving 'swirling' marks.

Q: Will steam cleaning my carpets and seats remove all stains?

A: Unfortunately no. While pre-treating and steam extraction  is the most effective cleaning procedure available, some spills (especially any with reddish dyes), can actually damage and dye carpet and upholstery fibers. Once this occurs, these fabrics can be cleaned ,but, color change is permanent unless material is replaced or re-dyed.

Q: How can you detail my car in my driveway, will this make a mess, and how long will it take?

A: Our mobile detail shop on wheels is fully self-contained with soft water, electric generator and even shade canopies. Our professional staff always cleans up the work area when completed. A typical detail can average 3-4 hours.

Q:What Is Car Detail?

A:Car detailing is the process of bringing a vehicle back to the condition it was in when it was new, and ensuring that it stays that way for as long as possible. This is done through meticulously cleaning the vehicle and applying products to protect it from the elements and from wear and tear.

Q:Why Should I Have My Vehicle Detailed?

A:Detailing is one of the best forms of preventative maintenance for your vehicle. In addition to keeping your vehicle looking great on a day-to-day basis. Detailing provides protection from the long-term effects of environmental exposure (ex. Tree Sap, Rail Dust, UV Rays, Acid Rain, Road Salt). Although your new or used vehicle may have been detailed before you purchased it. Many automotive dealerships only use products designed to make the vehicle look good to potential buyers, without providing much lasting protection. Many older vehicles suffer from problems such as unpleasant interior odors, dirty carpets and upholstery, and scratched or oxidized paint. All of these problems and many others can be corrected by detailing. If you are planning to sell your vehicle have it detailed. It's the ideal method to sell it quicker and will often increase the value.

ALL ABOUT AUTO DETAILING CLAY BARS

A: Detailing clay bars are sweeping the car care industry! Formerly reserved for professional detailers and car dealers, clay bars have made their way into the garages of hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers thanks to its ease of use and fantastic results. Detailing Clay is a car care revolution!

Clay Bars were invented in Japan in the late 1980s to remove overspray and minor flaws from freshly painted vehicles at body shops. The preferred (and only) method of dealing with surface imperfections in the states was compounding, which does remove tiny layers of clear coat every time you do it.

When clay bars finally made it to the U.S., it didn’t make waves right away, not even a ripple. That’s because only dealers and body shops were privy to the new technology. It took years for clay bars to trickle down to the car-loving masses but once it did, enthusiasts were hooked. Silky, shiny, clean paint without polishing? You bet!

That’s the magic of detailing clay bars. WHAT IS CLAY?

Clay bars can be natural or synthetic, but most manufacturers produce synthetic clay bars on account of its superior longevity. Basically, clay is a malleable plastic resin. It comes in 2-8 oz. bars and it can be shaped as desired.

WHAT DOES A CLAY BAR DO?

Clay bars have the ability to grab the tiniest of debris and hold onto it as it glides across the paint. Used with the proper lubricant, clay bars are not abrasive and will not affect the paint surface with the exception of cleaning it. Anything that protrudes above the top coat surface will be grabbed by the clay bar and pulled out. The clay lubricant will prevent this debris from scratching the vehicle. Once clayed, the paint will feel remarkably smooth and have the shine that comes with perfectly clean
paint.

Clay pulls out things you can’t see, like industrial fallout, rail dust, and brake dust. Though they are not visible, they feel bumpy or gritty and they may cause patches of paint to appear dull, even after waxing. Even worse, as these contaminants oxidize, they create rust spots within the paint. Once this happens, the oxidation is considerably harder to remove and will most likely take a good bit of paint with it.

Likewise, chrome and coated metal and glass are subject to the same environmental pollutants as the paint. Use clay to clean these surfaces, too. It will not scratch metal or glass!

Clay bars also easily removes tar, sap, overspray, and gum.It’s much safer than corrosive spot cleaners and it leaves the surfaceincredibly smooth.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CLAY LUBRICANT?

Clay lubricant is essential to the performance and safety of clay. It provides the necessary slick surface for clay to glide on. Beware of soapy water as a clay lube because some detergents will cause the clay to deteriorate. Stick with a genuine clay lubricant to get the best performance and longevity from your detailing clay.

On this page, you will find in depth information on the function and application of clay, as well as a long list of clay products that have our stamp of approval. Remember, there is no safer, more effective way to deep clean paint, glass, and metal than detailing clay!

Hope we answered your questions , If not please e-mail us at: michael@sandiego-autodetail.com or call us at 760.822.6363

WE PROUDLY SERVE: SAN DIEGO, CARDIFF, ESCONDIDO, DEL MAR, LA JOLLA, CARLSBAD, POWAY, ENCINITAS, SOLANA BEACH, RANCHO SANTA FE, FAIRBANKS RANCH, CARMEL VALLEY,
SANTA LUZ, OCEANSIDE, LA COSTA AND SCRIPPS RANCH.