Frequently Asked Questions
- “Is detailing a car the same as washing it like they do at the hand car wash?”
- Answer- No it’s more than just a wash, it’s bringing the best out of the paintwork and interior, call it a deep clean and polish if you like but without causing any swirl marks and scratches using clean water and clean materials.
- “How long does it take to detail a car?”
- Answer- It can take anything up to two days or in some cases where the car is very bad three days but the results are definitely noticeable straight away after a detail.
- “Once I get my car detailed will it stay shiny and protected?”
- Answer -It all depends on how you wash the car and what with, once the sealant or coating is applied to the car to protect it if you wash the car with an acid based product you will strip all the sealant off the car leaving it unprotected. If you wash the car with a sponge or use things like chamois leather you will scratch the car and eventually make it look dull and it will lose its shine.
- “Can I wash the car myself or do I get it washed at the hand car wash?”
- Answer- You can wash it yourself if you are able to, N.P Detailing will give you aftercare instructions on the best way to wash the car without scratching it. Or if you wish at your discretion you can take it to a hand carwash outfit but be prepared as they will undo all the work which has been done. N.P Detailing do maintenance washes at affordable prices to help keep your car looking good check out the link.
- “Will I have to go and buy expensive products to keep my car looking good?”
- Answer- Not at all, you don’t need to spend lots on products but there are products out there which can keep your car looking good. If you by cheap products don’t expect them to give you a great finish or one that last. Ask us for recommendations on products and aftercare advice.
- ” Why does it cost more to do a large car compared to a small car?”
- Answer- Simple answer the bigger the vehicle the more time and product will be spent on correcting the paint work other factors include the age of the vehicle as they can have years of contaminants imbedded in the paintwork and interior. The older the vehicle the more defects it may have which will take time to correct.
- “Does cleaning the engine cause harm to it?”
- Answer- If it’s not done correctly then yes it can cause issues with the engine not starting. And electrical problems we take care on detailing engine bays and never use pressure washers; everything we do is done by hand. We cover up any sensitive electrical parts to stop water getting to the components. Not had an issue so far as taking care is our priority.
- “Why do people get their cars and motorcycles detailed?”
- Answer – Over time they start to look dull and aged, detailing brings back the shine and makes the car look fresh again this increases the value of the car and its condition
- “What do I need to do before I drop my car off?”
- Answer- Make sure you take your valuables and other items you will need from it and the car will need to be emptied inside if you’re having the interior done.
- “Why does a detail cost more than a normal clean or valet?”
- Answer- It costs more as when you detail a car or bike you are effectively flattening the lacquer on the paint work which has all the minor swirl mark and scratches. This leaves the car with a high level of shine and the paint feeling very smooth like glass. Detailing also involves adding protection to the paintwork. The time taken is a lot more than a conventional wash or valet but the end results are far superior.
- “What can I expect after having my car detailed?”
- Answer- You will notice that the paintwork is very smooth; the shine will be much more intense on the paintwork. Also water will bead off the car, the vehicle will get less dirty than before due to the protection on the car. The interior will look and smell fresh; the engine bay will be cleaner with a nice sheen to it. Other people will notice your vehicle and how it shines.
- “I own a motorcycle how can it be detailed?”
- Answer- Yes it’s different to a car in size and shape but the tank and body panels can be treated in the same way as cars. As for the components they are cleaned and degreased then the protection is applied so not only does your bike look great but it’s protected from the elements.
- “How long does the protection last on the car or bike?”
- Answer- We use two different types of protection or sealants one which lasts up to 12 months and one which can last up to 3 years. But the longer lasting sealant can be applied to cars and some parts of a motorcycle. It all depends on what you use to wash the vehicle with after as acid based products strip the protection.
- “I own a standard car which I have had for years is it worth me getting it detailed?”
- Answer- Of course you can if it’s your pride and joy then it’s ours too, we will do everything to make sure it looks fresh and shiny, some companies would only do high end sports cars we will detail anything as we pride ourselves on making customers happy. We have had cars which are nearly 30 years old and the customer after seeing their car has fallen in love with it all over again.
- “Can machine polishing get rid of all scratches?”
- Answer – The answer is no and the reason is that machine polishing flattens the clear coat on the paintwork so eliminates the scratch. If the scratch is deeper than the clear coat or lacquer then it can’t be polished out.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact us and we can assist you and we will try our best to answer them!