Frequently Asked Questions About Car Detailing Services

Car detailing is a comprehensive process of thoroughly cleaning your vehicle on the inside and out. It means using different tools and products to clean, fix, protect, and maintain the interior and exterior of a car.

Although car detailing and car washing are somewhat similar, the main difference is that detailing includes many steps in order to make the vehicle look as close to factory condition as possible. You can expect your car to look better and be worth more if you pay for professional detailing services.

With regular care and maintenance, you can make this effect last even longer.

Car detailing services can vary greatly depending on the type of package you choose. A typical car detailing service will clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as offer extras like paint correction (polishing) and a protective coatings.

Ultimately, what a car detailing service includes largely depends on the customer’s needs. Some customers may only want a basic wash or polish to remove light scratches or swirl marks, whereas others might want full-blown paint correction to give the paint perfect clarity and reflection. Regardless of which level of service is chosen, the detailer must follow all procedures correctly to ensure the best results.

When it comes to car detailing, the frequency of services may vary depending on a few different factors such as how the vehicle is stored, where it's used and how frequently it's washed. 

Maintaining the cleanliness of your car is essential to its overall longevity. Additionally, regular detailing can help keep dirt, debris, and other particles from settling into hard-to-reach spots in your car which can hold moisture and cause rust.

The vehicle size, condition, and type of service required for a professional car detail are just a few of the variables that affect the price. Depending on the conditions and extras you choose, a basic car detailing package will normally cost between $50 and $150/hr.  Simple exterior cleaning is under $200 while extensive correction and protection packages can exceed $10,000.

Additional high-value services such as ceramic coatings may also be included in some packages, and those prices may vary based on the quality of the product used and the time required to apply the coatings.

When it comes to professional car detailing, many car owners are curious about what exactly goes into the process. By understanding the steps that a professional detailer takes, car owners can ensure that their vehicle is getting the care and attention it needs.

The first step in a professional detailing job is to thoroughly clean all of the car's exterior surfaces, including the wheels and tires. This step entails washing and decontaminating the paint to remove any dirt, debris, or contaminants and leave it with a glossy shine and smooth feel. Additionally, things like clay barring, wet sanding, polishing the paint, and adding protective coatings can all enhanve the results. 

Then, special tools and cleaning products are used to clean the inside of the car to remove debris and odors.  Finally, interior protectants for leather, fabrics and plastics are applied to maintain and preserve those surfaces.    

At Chicago Auto Pros, we use the best-quality products available on the market to ensure that your car is protected and looking its best. Our full-service detailing includes high-quality polishes and cleaners for the outside and inside of the car, plus treatments for the glass, and protectants.

We also use specialized tools such as clay bars and buffers to remove contaminants from paint and surface finishes that are not possible to remove with traditional detergents. Finally, we use only gentle, pH-balanced shampoos for cleaning the fabric upholstery and carpets.

When considering any car detailing service, you need to know what sets them apart from the competition. You should look for a few key components in any detailing service that may make or break the experience:

1. Customer Service: Any reputable detailer will be easily reachable online or by phone. They should take the time to listen to your needs and recommend an appropriate solution. 
2. Experience: Experienced detailers can be invaluable when it comes to properly taking care of your vehicle. An auto detailing shop with many credible reviews and a portfolio of completed projects is a good indicator that they take pride in their work.
3. Attention to Detail: Quality detailing services don’t just provide a "quick wash," but should also have superior attention to detail that is unmatched by other cleaning services. 
4. Cost: The cost of a service is roughly based on the time required to complete the job so you generally get what you pay for. Detailers may offer different packages at different prices to accommodate different budgets. Take the time to describe the resutlts you expect so the detailer can recommend a solution that meets your needs.