Commonly asked Auto Detailing and Reconditioning questions and answers

Q: Why should I have my car detailed instead of bringing it to the car wash?
A: Automatic car washes are unsafe for your car's paint. They use harsh chemicals that strip the wax and protection from your car, and the brushes will cause scratches in your car's paint called "car wash marks" or swirls.

Q: Why should I bother having my car detailed if I am selling it?
A: You don't get a second chance to make a first impression! Showing a clean, well detailed vehicle to a potential buyer will speak volumes about you, and show that the car was taken care of and not cosmetically neglected.
You can also add hundreds of dollars to the value of your car by having it properly detailed before you sell it. According to Kelly Blue Book, the front-runner in used car values, all cars have substantial differences in value between cosmetically flawed and cosmetically sound.  

Q: Is IMAGE AUTO DETAIL insured?

A: Yes, we are fully insured and bonded by Travelers supplied by USAA

Q: What does IMAGE AUTO DETAIL do to protect the paint on my vehicle?
A: We use a two-coat procedure, where the 1st coat is a polish and the second coat consists of pure carnuba wax. This enhances the shine and durability of the wax.  

Q: How long does a wax job last?
A: Typically, between 2-4 months (compared to many other waxes that last 1-2 months!). We suggest a wax every 3 months.

Q: How should I wash my car in between waxing?
A: We offer affordable wash maintenance programs in between waxing, but if you'd prefer to do it yourself, we strongly suggest using detergents that are made to help keep wax on vehicles -- no dish detergents! Only use a clean, wool mitt or micro fiber sponge and always chamois dry your vehicle.

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 widely 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! This is simply one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly stated ‘facts’, detailers see. 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) that goes on flat without any shine, protection or durability. After the color has been added, 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. See also the question about paint sealants.

Q: My dealer added a paint sealant and said my car will never need waxing again, is this true?
A: Once again FALSE! This is one of the biggest marketing hypes we have ever seen! This is truly a play on word, meaning that 'sealant ' (which does last longer than wax) still needs to be re-applied every three to six months. Hence the statement “never waxes 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). IMAGE AUTO DETAIL uses a top of the line polymer paint sealant that will last approx. 6 months.

Q: Buffing and waxing is 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 high 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. Several polishing steps to smooth and restore the finish to a hi-gloss slippery finish follow this process.

Q: Will steam cleaning my carpets and seats remove all stains?
A: Unfortunately no. While pre-treating and steam extraction (part of our service) 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: Are touch less car washes okay for my car?
A: No, the chemicals in touch less car wash are even harsher and will put your paint at risk.

Q: Why do I need wax or a polymer sealant on my car?
A: Wax and sealants are the only way to protect your vehicle's finish. Rain, acid rain, snow, sunlight, bugs, tar, road grime, pollen, and bird droppings can all eat through your paint. Keeping your car well protected will reduce the chances of these elements harming your car, while providing a glossy finish and shine. Having your car waxed or sealed is no less important than changing your oil.

Q: My car's paint has a clear coat - do I still need wax?
A: Yes!

Q: My car is new. Do I still need it detailed?
A: Absolutely! New cars have usually been sitting on the lot or have been in transit for months before you drive away with them. New car dealerships rarely carry out full details on new vehicles, so there is a plethora of contaminants in your car's paint. Having your new car detailed will start you off on the right foot and ensure there is a proper layer of wax or sealant on the paint.

Q: Can I have my car polished but not waxed?
A: Polishing your car is what brings out the depth, gloss and shine for that "wet look" that most car enthusiasts crave. However, polishing adds no protection to your vehicle and in fact, usually strips any previous coat of wax on the paint. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that the car is waxed or synthetically sealed after polishing to "lock in" the polish and protect your car, yielding long lasting protection and shine.

50 reasons to visit IMAGE AUTO DETAIL for your vehicle reconditioning

Itemized task list for - EXECUTIVE DETAIL SERVICE

1.      Entire vehicle is inspected to determine paint condition and any problem areas

2.      All personal belongings are bagged and set to the side for later return

3.      A preliminary interior vacuum is performed to remove all major debris

4.      Floor mats are removed, spot treated, shampooed, and extracted

5.      Engine and all door and trunk jambs are treated with appropriate cleaners

6.      Front bumper and grill are treated with bug cleaner and/or other appropriate cleaners

7.      Engine, Jambs, front bumper and grill cleaners are gently agitated with a boars hair brush and then rinsed clean

8.      Entire vehicle is then pre rinsed with warm water via pressure washer to loosen all road grime and dirt

9.      Entire vehicle is hand washed with soft micro fiber sponges and boars hair brushes using a custom developed conditioning car wash shampoo

10.  Entire vehicle is then rinsed free of all debris and shampoo

11.  Wheels are then treated with a environment friendly wheel cleaner (safe for all types of wheels: no white stains or spots)  to loosen stubborn brake dust

12.  Wheel wells and Tires are then sprayed with special degreasing agents to loosen all debris and road tar

13.  Wheel wells, Tires, and wheels are then agitated with appropriate brushes and sponges, then rinsed to remove all debris and cleaners

14.  Vehicle is inspected for any remaining road tar or stubborn debris that may not have been removed during wash process and areas are handled accordingly

15.  Entire vehicle is then rinsed again then dried with a soft synthetic chamois

16.  Vehicle is moved to interior bay where windows, trunk, doors, and hood are all opened for complete access to all components

17.  The trunk or cargo area is addressed first, all jambs, seals, and trim pieces are cleaned with appropriate cleaners

18.  Spare tire area is vacuumed, cleaned and dressed, including the spare tire itself

19.  Trunk or cargo area is then vacuumed, shampooed, and extracted

20.  All seals and trim pieces are dressed and odor eliminator is applied

21.  The interior area is addressed next by moving seats forward

22.  all vents,nooks, and crevices are brushed and purged with pressured air to remove all debris

23.  Headliner is spot treated and cleaned with a mild fabric cleaner, then extracted

24.  Door jambs, door seals, and window seals are wiped clean using appropriate cleaners

25.  Dash, center console, air vents, door panels, steering wheel, sills and all trim pieces are cleaned with appropriate cleaners, brushes, micro fiber towels, and q-tips

26.  Seats are then addressed and vacuumed, cloth is spot treated, shampooed, and extracted: Leather is cleaned with a ph balanced conditioning cleaner

27.  All seat tracks, belts, and trim pieces are cleaned with appropriate cleaners

28.  Entire interior is vacuumed with a three inch upholstery and a crevice attachment

29.  Carpets are then addressed, spot treated, shampooed, and extracted, then intricately brushed for detail leaving them soil free and dry

30.  Odor eliminator is applied throughout the vehicle along with desired scent

31.  The Dash, center console, door panels and any other plastic or vinyl components are treated with conditioner, leaving them looking better than new and protecting them from UV rays

32.  All leather including seats are treated separately with an enhancing leather conditioner to replace natural moisture to prevent cracking and to leave the leather looking better than new

33.  All seals are treated to enrich there look and prevent them from cracking

34.  All wood trim is treated with a wood polish, to make them glow

35.  All interior windows, sunroofs, visor mirrors, rearview mirrors, and any other glass surfaces are cleaned to a streak free finish

36.  The exterior of the car is now addressed starting with the engine bay, All components have already been cleaned so we inspect to look for any water which is blown dry, entire engine compartment is wiped down insuring that all components are dry and debris free

37.  All rubber seals, hoses, belts, and other plastic components are treated with a 100% engine safe matte finish dressing, making it look as if it just rolled off a truck, not like it was smeared with a dust collecting jelly. Did I mention 100% safe? No check engine lights when you leave.

38.  Wheel wells are then treated with undercoating spray shine(light spots are painted gloss black)leaving them looking as if the car has never been driven, this also protects from future road debris build up

39.  Now for the part that makes it shine, first we do a clay bar treatment on all of the painted sections of the vehicle to remove any contaminates that could not be removed during the washing process-i.e. over spray, fall out, and other harsh debris.

40.  Oxidation and most scratches are then removed a High Speed Rotary Polisher(Buffer) the appropriate pad(wool or foam) and the appropriate compound or polish

41.  The paint is then polished using either a High Speed Rotary or a Dual Action Polisher with a less aggressive pad and a finer polish leaving the paint deep and rich.

42.  A sealer wax would then be applied with a Dual Action Polisher with a finishing pad then buffed by hand to leave the paint with a glossy showroom shine

43.  In some cases extra protection is requested and we would apply a polymer paint sealant with Teflon giving a showroom shine along with up to 6 months of protection, this also makes future car washing an easier task to perform

44.  The entire vehicle is gone over with a fine toothed comb, actually a fine boars hair brush and a plush micro fiber towel to removed any wax residue from door jambs, body joints, and emblems or anywhere that may need to be brushed out, the paint is hand buffed with the micro fiber towel leaving it dust free and showroom quality

45.  All bumpers, door handles and any other exterior trim is treated, dressed, and/or condition to make it better than new

46.  All glass, mirrors, and lights are cleaned to a streak free finish, double checking the interior glass

47.  All the tires are dressed with a sling free custom formulate dressing, leaving them glossy and new looking

48.  Wheels are then polished along with any exterior chrome

49.  The entire vehicle is then ready for the “Final Inspection” any areas that need attending to are addressed as needed

50.  Personal belongings bag is returned to vehicle and protective floor mats are placed in the front of the car for delivery or pick up