Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our car detailing services? Find answers to common questions about our packages, mobile detailing process, and what to expect. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly and we'll be happy to help.
General Detailing Questions
What is car detailing?
Car detailing is a thorough cleaning, restoration, and protection process that goes far beyond a regular car wash. It involves intensive cleaning of both the interior and exterior, including paint correction, polishing, waxing or ceramic coating, deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery, leather conditioning, and protective treatments. Professional detailing restores your vehicle to like-new condition while protecting it from future wear and environmental damage.
How often should I get my car detailed?
For regular maintenance, we recommend a basic detail every 2-4 weeks to keep your vehicle looking its best. A premium or ultimate detail should be done 6-8 times per year, depending on your driving conditions and how you use your vehicle. If you frequently transport pets, children, or work in dusty conditions, more frequent detailing may be beneficial. Seasonal detailing before summer and winter is also popular to protect against harsh weather conditions.
What's the difference between a car wash and detailing?
A car wash focuses on quickly removing surface dirt and grime, typically taking 5-10 minutes. Professional detailing is a comprehensive process that can take 3-8 hours depending on the package. Detailing includes paint correction, scratch removal, deep cleaning of every surface, extraction of embedded dirt from upholstery, leather conditioning, protective coatings, and meticulous attention to areas a car wash never touches like door jambs, vents, console crevices, and wheel wells.
Will detailing remove scratches and swirl marks?
Yes, our paint correction process can remove or significantly reduce light to moderate scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation. This is included in our Ultimate detail packages. We use multi-stage polishing with professional-grade compounds and polishers to restore paint clarity and depth. However, deep scratches that have penetrated through the clear coat to the base paint or primer may require touch-up paint or professional repainting.
Is mobile detailing as good as a shop detail?
Absolutely! Our mobile setup includes all the same professional equipment, products, and techniques used in traditional detailing shops. We bring everything needed-water supply, power generators, pressure washers, extractors, polishers, and premium products directly to your location. The advantage of mobile detailing is convenience and personalized service, without sacrificing quality. Many customers prefer mobile detailing because they can be present during the process and see exactly what we're doing.
Service-Specific Questions
What's included in your interior detailing?
Our interior detailing includes thorough vacuuming of all surfaces including seats, carpets, floor mats, and trunk area. We clean and condition all leather surfaces, extract carpets and cloth upholstery to remove embedded dirt and stains, clean all plastic and vinyl surfaces, detail the dashboard and center console, clean door panels and pockets, clean all glass inside and out, address vents and crevices, and apply protective treatments to prevent future wear. Our Premium and Ultimate packages include steam cleaning for chemical-free sanitization.
How long does ceramic coating last?
Professional ceramic coating typically lasts 1-7+ years depending on the product quality, application method, and how well you maintain your vehicle. We offer different ceramic coating options with varying durability levels. Ceramic coating creates a permanent bond with your paint that provides hydrophobic properties, UV protection, chemical resistance, and enhanced gloss. Unlike traditional wax that lasts a few months, ceramic coating is a long-term investment in your vehicle's protection and appearance.
Can you remove pet hair from my car?
Yes! Pet hair removal is one of our specialties. We use a combination of specialized tools including compressed air tornado tools, rubber brushes, drill brush attachments, and powerful vacuums to remove even the most stubborn pet hair from seats, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas. For vehicles with heavy pet hair, we may use static brushes and fabric rakes. Our extraction process also lifts embedded hair from upholstery fibers. Many customers are amazed at how thoroughly we can remove pet hair they thought was permanent.
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is a multi-stage process that removes imperfections from your vehicle's paint surface, including swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation, water spots, and etching. We use professional-grade polishing compounds and dual-action or rotary polishers to level the clear coat and restore the paint's original clarity and depth. This process is essential before applying ceramic coating to ensure a flawless finish. Paint correction is included in our Ultimate detail package.
Do you clean engine bays?
Yes, engine bay cleaning is available as an add-on service. We carefully clean and degrease your engine compartment, removing built-up grime, oil residue, and dirt. We protect sensitive electrical components during the cleaning process and apply protective dressings to hoses, plastic covers, and rubber components to restore their appearance and prevent cracking. A clean engine bay not only looks better but also makes it easier to spot leaks or mechanical issues.
Can you remove smoke odor from my car?
Yes, we offer odor elimination services including ozone treatment for stubborn smoke odors. Our process includes deep cleaning all interior surfaces where smoke residue accumulates, extraction of carpets and upholstery, cleaning of vents and air circulation systems, and application of professional odor neutralizers. For severe cases, we use ozone generators that eliminate odors at the molecular level. Most smoke odors can be completely eliminated with our comprehensive treatment, though severe cases may require multiple sessions.
Pricing & Packages
How much does car detailing cost?
Our detailing packages range from $150 for our Basic Detail to $400 for our Ultimate Detail. The Basic Detail ($150) includes essential interior and exterior cleaning perfect for regular maintenance. Our Premium Detail ($250) adds deep cleaning with extraction, leather conditioning, ceramic wax, and decontamination. The Ultimate Detail ($400) includes everything plus paint correction, clay bar treatment, and polishing. Additional services like ceramic coating, odor removal, and PPF removal are priced separately based on vehicle size and condition.
Do you offer package discounts?
While our packages are already competitively priced for the comprehensive services included, we occasionally offer seasonal promotions and discounts for repeat customers. We also offer loyalty programs for customers who schedule regular maintenance details. Contact us to ask about current promotions or multi-vehicle discounts if you need multiple cars detailed.
What determines the final price?
Our package prices ($150, $250, $400) are fixed for standard sedans and SUVs. The final price may vary based on vehicle size and any additional services you choose such as ceramic coating, ozone treatment, or PPF removal. We provide transparent quotes before beginning work so there are no surprises.
Do you require a deposit?
For standard detailing packages, we typically do not require a deposit and you can pay after the service is completed. However, for premium add-on services like ceramic coating or extensive paint correction that require ordering specific products or blocking out extended time, we may request a deposit to secure your appointment. We accept cash, credit cards, and digital payment methods for your convenience.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards are available for any amount and make the perfect gift for car enthusiasts, busy professionals, or anyone who loves a clean vehicle. Our gift cards can be applied toward any of our detailing packages or add-on services. They're ideal for birthdays, holidays, Father's Day, or corporate gifts. Contact us to purchase a gift card—we can provide physical cards or digital gift certificates that can be emailed directly to the recipient.
Mobile Service & Scheduling
What areas do you serve?
We proudly provide mobile detailing services throughout Ponchatoula, Hammond, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, and the entire Northshore region including Tangipahoa Parish and St. Tammany Parish. We bring our fully-equipped mobile setup directly to your home, office, or preferred location. If you're outside our primary service area, contact us to discuss availability—we may be able to accommodate your location with advance scheduling.
How long does detailing take?
Detailing time varies by package and vehicle condition. Our Basic Detail typically takes 1.5-3 hours, Premium Detail takes 3-5 hours, and Ultimate Detail can take 4-6 hours or more depending on paint condition. We never rush the process to ensure quality results. When you schedule, we'll provide an estimated timeframe. You don't need to be present during the entire service—many customers appreciate being able to continue their day at home or work while we detail their vehicle.
Do I need to provide water or electricity?
No, we bring everything needed! Our mobile setup includes onboard water tanks and power generators, so we're completely self-sufficient. You don't need to provide water, electricity, or any supplies. Just provide us with a suitable location to work—typically a driveway, parking lot, or any area with adequate space around your vehicle. This convenience is one of the main advantages of our mobile detailing service.
Product & Process Questions
What products do you use?
We only use professional-grade detailing products from trusted brands in the industry. For ceramic coatings, we use products with proven durability and performance. Our interior cleaning products are pH-balanced and safe for all surfaces including leather, vinyl, plastic, and fabric. We use iron removers, decontamination products, and clay bars to prepare paint surfaces. All our products are chosen for their effectiveness and safety for your vehicle's finishes. If you have specific product preferences or concerns about certain chemicals, we're happy to discuss our product selection.
Is detailing safe for my car's paint?
Yes, when done by trained professionals using proper techniques and products, detailing is completely safe and actually protects your paint. We use pH-neutral soaps, soft microfiber towels, and the two-bucket wash method to prevent scratching. Our paint correction process uses carefully controlled polishing that removes only microscopic amounts of clear coat to eliminate imperfections. We never use harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes, or automated systems that could damage your finish.
What is the two-bucket wash method?
The two-bucket wash method is a professional technique that prevents scratches during washing. One bucket contains soapy water for washing, while the second bucket contains clean rinse water. After washing each section of the vehicle, we rinse the wash mitt in the clean water bucket before reloading it with soap. This prevents dirt and contaminants from being transferred back onto your paint, significantly reducing the risk of swirl marks and scratches that can occur with improper washing techniques.
How do I maintain my car after detailing?
To maintain your detailed vehicle, wash it regularly using proper techniques—ideally the two-bucket method with pH-neutral soap and microfiber towels. Avoid automatic car washes with harsh brushes. Park in shade when possible to protect against UV damage. For ceramic coated vehicles, use pH-neutral maintenance washes and avoid waxes or sealants. Vacuum your interior weekly and address spills immediately. We provide care instructions specific to your package and any protective coatings applied. Regular maintenance details every 2-4 weeks will keep your vehicle looking its best.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Now that you know what to expect, it's time to transform your vehicle. Choose your package and schedule your mobile detailing service today. Serving Ponchatoula and the Northshore.