Frequently Asked Questions

Auto detailing is probably the best and most valuable maintenance program for your vehicle. Car detailing is an important single process that covers a wide variety of techniques and products which, to get the best results, require considerable skill to apply. It is considered an efficient renovation and protection of the various surfaces of a vehicle to keep it working in good condition. 

At least once per year. Detailing has proven to be effective in getting you a better resale/trade-in price.  So, if you are planning on selling/trading your car, make sure to have it detailed within a week of selling/trading it.

It is usually when selling a vehicle that most people consider detailing. But, by that time (an average of 5 years) the vehicle has too much wear and tear to restore it to a like new condition. That’s why we urge our customers to think of auto detailing as a maintenance program the same as changing the fluids, getting a tune-up or rotating the tires. Most people don’t realize that in most cases, it is less expensive to replace the engine than to replace a “factory paint job”! We recommend at least 2 to 5 times a year depending on your driving and car washing habits and how you store your vehicle. Is it parked inside or outside most of the time? Do you wash it every other day or maybe only once a month? How do you wash it? Do you spend so much time in your vehicle that you feel like it’s your home? These are just some of the determining factors that we consider in recommending what maintenance schedule is best for you.

Please take all personal items out of your vehicle.  This avoids the risk of any items getting lost, but more importantly, it allows more time for the cleaning of your car.

Don’t forget the winter months are the most crucial time to detail due to the rapid changes in temperature, road construction, salt and other elements that are especially hard on your vehicle’s exterior. Not to mention that the Magnesium Chloride they are using on the roads these days is proving to be even more harmful than we thought to the exposed surfaces of your car. While it’s easy to rationalize that “it’s just going to get dirty again anyway”, properly applied sealant is your only defense! Plus, it makes it easier to wash off all that harmful grime.

We monitor the weather daily with N.O.A.A. and if there is inclement weather in the forcast, we will contact you and give you the opportunity to re-schedule.

Dirty Details is fully insured for any damage caused by its workmanship or cleaning materials/equipment. Our cleaning materials are Eco Friendly meaning non-toxic, biodegradable, no bleaches or chlorine. We are extremely careful with our customer’s property. We perform a pre-cleaning inspection of the entire vehicle which highlights any pre-existing problem areas (i.e., tears; worn areas; stains which have discolored fabrics, leather or vinyl; dents, scratches, cracked or damaged glass).

Cleaning doesn’t make engines run better, but it can make maintenance easier, since leaks become easier to spot. Also, a dirty engine may run hotter than a clean one and moving parts such as linkages work more smoothly when clean. But ask your mechanic if a cleaner engine is desirable before doing anything.

This depends on the current condition of your car.  A car shines due to light reflecting off its surface. Dirt and nicks reduce shine by absorbing light; scratches in the clearcoat layers don’t absorb light, instead reflecting it in different directions and causing the finish to appear dulled. Since automakers have yet to invent a scratchproof paint, cars over time accumulate minute scratches in their clearcoats from small rocks, sand, acorns, and other sources.

You don’t need to avoid car washes.  However, the best practice is avoid the higher priced washes.  The reason is that the more expensive washes contain waxes and protectants that can conflict with the ceramic finishes.  Also, avoid car washes with brushes that can remove the ceramic finish.