Have some car detailing questions?

 WHAT EXACTLY DOES AUTO DETAILING MEAN?

The confusion of “washing” or “car wash” vs. the professional “detailing” of a car is not uncommon. After all, aren’t we just cleaning the car? The answer is not as simple as one would think and requires a detailed explanation. 

When referring to a “car wash,” the general definition or what we think of is a tunnel setup where the vehicle can either drive through or be automatically pulled along a track where brushes, soap and water are applied - think "automatic." Then a drying process usually consists of employees using a towel or a giant blow dryer. The result is a car that at first glance can appear mostly clean for a relatively cheap price.

"Cheap" or “low cost” can sometimes be a positive thing, but why spend tens of thousands of dollars on your vehicle just to give it a cheap cleaning? Do world class athletes eat the cheapest foods and use the cheapest supplements to maintain their form? Of course, not - you shouldn't settle either!

SO, WHAT’S WRONG WITH AN AUTOMATIC CAR WASH?

An automatic car wash can leave scratches and swirls in your paint. We have worked on countless vehicles with damaged paint as a result of the brushes at these automatic car washes. First off, many times the brushes used to scrub your vehicle are not cleaned. If the car that went in before you just got back from a sandy beach vacation, or just has general dirt and grim built up, there will be some sand or dirt left in the brushes that can scratch your paint. In addition, many times the workers at the end use the same towel as the car before to dry your car by hand which means cross-contamination and can leave a residue. Automatic car washes focus on efficiency over quality; meaning, how fast can they get your car out so that the next one can get through.

HOW DOES DETAILING A VEHICLE DIFFER?

For starters, properly trained auto detailers use the method of hand washing instead of an automated system. Here at Auto Shine Detailing we are trained, educated on how to take care of a vehicle. As a detailer we continue daily to train and learn about new methods, products and techniques. Proper procedures along with the right formulas mean your vehicle receives only the best treatment. The goal is to have your car, truck, van or SUV looking as great as it did when you first bought it. Every area of the car is meticulously cleaned, by hand, to ensure quality. Beyond simply washing, auto detailing can include elements of cleaning and restoring the exterior and interior of a vehicle such as:

WHAT IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH AN AUTOMATIC CAR WASH?

Many times, we can fix those scratches before they get worse through a process called Paint Correction or if the scratches and swirl marks are minor, we can do what we call a One Stage Paint Polishing.  We also have a variety of detailing packages to suit your individual needs.  Try our interior shampoo to restore your vehicle back to it’s former glory.  The Georgia sun is strong, so if you’re worried about sun damage from the incredibly hot summer days? Bring your vehicle in for a hand wash and wax sealant. This will help prevent the weather from damaging your paint along with adding a glossy shine. Looking for a simple cleaning? Try our Mini or Light detail packages where we detail your vehicle inside and out. These packages are designed for vehicles that just need a little spruce up to sometimes a bit more.