Reliable Local Mobile Car Detail Services in El Dorado Hills and Folsom
Exterior Detail FAQs
If you are looking into using Recreation Auto Spa for a mobile detail and would like to get more information our exterior detail process, this FAQ page was created to answer some of the more common questions I recieve. If you still have questions or concerns, please send me an email or call/text 916-470-3032.
Q. What is an Exterior Detail?
Exterior auto detailing is a complete and thorough cleaning and at times restorative process for the outside of your car, SUV or truck.
This includes everything from a wash and wax, paint correction and polishing, deep cleaning wheels and tires and leaving window streak free.
My main goals are to enhance your vehicle's appearance, protect the paint from UV and environmental damage, and help you maintain your car or trucks resale value.
Q. Can you remove bird droppings, road tar, tree sap or bugs?
Absolutely, it is crucial to remove bird droppings as soon as possible because they actually can eat into the clear coat and stain the paint. Ceramic coating is very beneficial in protecting against this.
I use special products and tools to break down and gently remove bird droppings, bugs, tar and tree sap without having to scrub aggresively and scratch the paint.
Q. My car stays in my garage and is just dusty can you come clean it without water?
Yes! I have special products and sponges made for doing what we call a rinse-less wash. Contact me for pricing usually this doesn't take too long and can be done as long at there is no heavy bugs or mud needing to be removed.
Q. Will Exterior Detailing remove scratches?
You would want my paint correction service for that. While an exterior detail can help make scratches not quite as noticeable if you choose my wash and seal, a paint correction is needed to properly address scratches and swirls.
If the scratch is very deep trying to remove it could possibly compromise the paint and lead to clear coat failure, in this case a repaint is necessary.
Q. My paint is faded will an exterior detail help it shine again?
My wash and seal might help in some cases. The special sealant applied with my high speed d/a polisher machine can make quite a difference while that service isn't focused on restoring it can help.
My 1 step paint correction will absolutely make a difference given your vehicles clear coat is not compromised enough that I cannot safely polish without removing what little clear is left. Regular sealant application or waxing can help keep your vehicles finish from dulling.
Q. What is a clay bar and what does it do?
Claying is a process that many people have heard of but is often done wrong. This is the use of mechanical or chemical tools and/or products to remove imbedded paint contaminates to leave your paint with that slick glass like feeling.
This is crucial because rough paint catches and causes more dirt and road grime to stick to it as it's essentially roughened up like sand paper and traps dirt in between these imbedded contaminates that can not be removed with washing alone.
Using a clay bar to remove all this and create a slick finish enhances gloss, makes future cleaning a breeze and is necessary for sealants and waxes to properly bond to the paint.
Q. Are there risks with exterior detailing?
DIY or untrained exterior detailing can be extremely risky if not done properly. Using the wrong dilution ratios, products, or techniques can lead to scratches, swirls, or even permanent damage requiring a complete new paint job to fix. It’s very important to be sure your vehicle is serviced by an expert and that they are using high-quality products correctly.
If you are a DIYer and want some advice on how to wash or detail your own car please contact me and I will recommend products and share some of the best methods I have learned to minimize risk and give great results.