Automotive Excellence, Inc.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Setting the standard since 1985



AUTO DETAILING

Your Detailing Questions
What exactly does the word detailing refer to?
Why can't I do this myself?
I was told these clear coat finishes didn't need special care.  Do they?
I see some automatic car washes offer "clear coat" application during the rinse cycle.  Is this the clear coat that's on the car already?
When I purchased my car, I bought the appearance package offered at the dealership.  Will this last the life of the car?
Is fabric protectant a good idea?
What can you do for my leather seats?
Why should I worry, I lease my car?
What about acid rain?
What about road and bridge paint?
What is the reason for engine steam cleaning?
How is the paint sealant applied?
What are some of the services offered?
How do I know if I need more than a paint sealant application to renew the finish on my vehicle?
Do you have a 24-hour key drop?

 

THE FOLLOWING ANSWERS ARE PROVIDED AS A GENERAL AND PRACTICAL GUIDE.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN ATTORNEY FOR SPECIFIC LEGAL ADVICE.


What exactly does the word detailing refer to?

Detailing refers to the entire subject of automotive appearance care.  From bumper to bumper, inside and out, even under the hood.

Why can't I do this myself?
You can.  There is no secret to this.  We offer these services as an alternative to the time and equipment investment required.

I was told these clear coat finishes didn't need special care.  Do they?
Yes.  The clear coat finish provides protection of the color that is under it from fading, chalking and damage from sunlight.  In order to keep that new car luster and shine, periodic protection is required.

I see some automatic car washes offer "clear coat" application during the rinse cycle.  Is this the clear coat that's on the car already?
No.  The clearcoat finish on your vehicle is actual paint, applied on the assembly line at the factory.  What they are calling clearcoat is a water soluble finish wax.

When I purchased my car, I bought the appearance package offered at the dealership.  Will this last the life of the car?
No, nothing lasts forever.  That is why you are asked to return at certain intervals to have it re-applied.

Is fabric protectant a good idea?
Y
es, when applied over clean fabric seats, door panels and mats, it helps resist stains, making clean up easier.

What can you do for my leather seats?
T
here are excellent professional products we use to clean and condition leather.

Why should I worry, I lease my car?
Many of our customers have us perform some detail services prior to the inspection required when turning the vehicle in at the end of the lease, helping to assure a fair appraisal.

What about acid rain?
D
epending on the severity, acid rain can be permanent.  Professional paint sealant can afford a certain amount of protection from the ravages of environmental fallout, or acid rain.  We have the ability to minimize the damage of acid rain.  Such damage, though, requires a separate estimate.

What about road and bridge paint?
M
any finishes used on roadways and bridges are catalyzed, and become rather difficult to remove.  Like acid rain, this type of damage requires a separate estimate and restoration procedure.

What is the reason for engine steam cleaning?
E
ngines are most efficient when they run at the prescribed temperatures designed by the manufacturer.  Oily residue attracts dirt, which in turn adds to a less efficient engine.  Also, radiators and condensers, being right up front behind the grille, encounter road grime, leaves and dirt, causing inefficient cooling ability.

How is the paint sealant applied?
Paint sealant is applied using a semi-orbital polishing machine.  Applied to a clean finish, it seals the topcoat, affording protection from the elements and making washing easier.

What are some of the services offered?
We offer discrete services, such as interior steam cleaning with or without fabric protection, leather treatment, engine steam cleaning, hand washing, vacuuming, exterior paint sealant and machine polishing for severe problems.  Some services have been combined in categories, which represent true savings.

How do I know if I need more than a paint sealant application to renew the finish on my vehicle?
Acid rain damage, paint residue, heavy oxidation are good indicators that your vehicles finish needs more than an exterior detail can provide.  Call for an evaluation appointment.  There is no cost to you for this.

Do you have a 24-hour key drop?
Y
es.  We have a secure 24-hour key drop.  It is well lit at night and quite easy to find on the southeast corner of our building.  You may use one of our key drop envelopes located at the key drop site, or to save time you can print a key drop form from our web site, and simply place it an envelope with your keys.


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Automotive Excellence is a trademark of Automotive Excellence, Inc.
All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or service marks of of their respective companies.
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Automotive Excellence, Inc. respects your right to privacy.

Last updates:  Thursday, December 20, 2007.


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