6 Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Detailing

Curious about the process of auto detailing? This guide will provide you with answers to the most frequently asked questions about having it done.

If you're new to the idea of auto detailing, you're probably suffering from a few misconceptions. They might even be two of the most common we hear: the idea that detailing is only for luxury cars and the idea that you may as well wash your car at home for cheaper.

The truth is, car detailing isn't an expensive service only for those with vintage autos! Instead, detailing is a great way to protect your ride and get more enjoyment out of every drive.



Wondering what to expect from the auto detailing process? Let's take a look at the answers to a few common questions we get from people reaching out for their first detailing.

1. Why Should I Get Auto Detailing?

Detailing can do much more than improve the look of your car. Here are a few reasons to consider getting your car detailed:

2. What Kinds of Services Are Included?

There's a wide range of services that fall under the umbrella of car detailing. Depending on the auto detailer you work with and the package you choose, certain services may not be on offer. However, here's a general list of services you can get with car detailing:

• Vacuuming the carpets, floor mats, upholstery, and trunk/cargo area
• Shampooing the carpets, floor mats, and upholstery
• Cleaning the windows
• Cleaning all hard surfaces, including vinyl and plastic
• Deodorizing all interior fabrics
• Cleaning the door jambs
• Washing the vehicle's exterior
• Cleaning the wheels, wheel wells, rims, tires, chrome trim, and bumpers
• Polishing, waxing, and/or sealing the paint

Most detailers will offer several packages depending on your needs, and you can also call to request custom car detailing.

3. How Long Does Auto Detailing Take?

The answer to this question will often depend on your chosen detailer as well as your preferred package. It will also depend on the condition of your car.

A quick interior detail of a relatively clean car, for example, may take under two hours. A comprehensive interior and exterior detail of a vehicle in poor condition, on the other hand, could take two days or more.

Your detailer will often be able to give you a time estimate based on your chosen package and the state of your ride.

4. What Supplies Do Detailers Use?

If you're concerned about the quality of the supplies used on your car, you might wonder what products most detailers will have on hand. The specifics and brands may depend from company to company, but most experts will use the following auto detailing supplies.

• Microfiber cloths
• A vacuum cleaner with special attachments for nooks and crannies
• Soft-bristle brushes that are gentle on paint
• All-purpose cleaner for a car's exterior
• Upholstery cleaner
• Leather cleaner
• Fabric shampoo
• Class cleaner
• Compressed air

Professional detailers use high-quality supplies, and they'll often have industry-leading brands you may not have on hand at home.

5. Can I Do It Myself?

If you've ever washed a car by hand, you might be wondering, "Can't I just detail my own car?"

Technically, the answer is "yes," but there's more to it than you might think! While you can spend your time looking up tutorials on cleaning every inch of your car and spend your money buying products you'll only use for a single purpose, you can easily save that time, money, and effort by trusting a professional to do it instead.

More important is the fact that experts are experienced in protecting the cars they detail. It's easier than you'd think to damage the coating of your car, use the wrong cleaner and ruin your expensive leather seats, or forget essential areas like the underbody or headlights.

To make sure everything gets done right the first time, trust an auto detailer with the job.

6. How Much Will It Cost?

We appreciate that many customers want to know the flat cost of detailing, but it's impossible to give a "one-size-fits-all" answer to this question. There are often too many variables in play, from the condition of each part of the car to the chosen detailing package.

However, keep in mind that any reputable company should give you an estimate up front, with no hidden charges to worry about. If they can't, they may be able to quote you their hourly rate and estimate how long the job will take them.

Trust Us for Auto Detailing

When you're ready to get professional auto detailing, trust the experienced team at Ultimate Film Solutions.

Our experts are proud to help customers throughout the greater Sacramento area get a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable ride. With a range of packages to choose from, including custom detailing, it's easy to clean all or part of your vehicle as needed. To learn more, contact us today for a free online estimate or give us a call at (916) 384-7565 for a speedier response.