FAQ about our Auto Detail Services
The following are the most frequently asked questions about our Auto Detailing Services.
What is the difference between a Car Wash and an Auto Detail?
This is the most common question and I am glad to answer. Car detailing is a much more thorough, in-depth, version of a regular car wash. A car detail is not only focused on cleaning the car but also reconditioning and restoring the paint when needed. The difference between a car wash and a car detail is unrecognizable. A drive through car wash is faster and cheaper than a detail, however, a total detail will clean and recondition your car to showroom quality. Furthermore, on your interior we will touch every surface including vacuuming, shampooing, stain removal and odor removal as applicable. We have multiple pieces of high value equipment on hand that aids in getting your vehicle back to a superior condition.
Are you licensed or certified in Auto Detailing?
Yes. We are certified both as a Business Entity and as an individual. We hold the designation of IDA Certified Detailer (CD) and Skills Validated (SV). Although not a requirement in this industry, I have taken the steps to provide my customers with the very best confidence in my work by going through The International Detailing Association , which is the leading industry association for professional detailing operators, suppliers, and consultants to the industry. The association is dedicated to promoting the value of professional detailing services, the recognition of professional detailing as a trade, and empowering detailing industry professionals at each stage in their career.
What are the benefits of auto detailing my vehicle?
Auto detailing is probably the best and most valuable maintenance program to your vehicle and keep it looking great. Car detailing is an important process that covers a wide variety of techniques and products which, to get the best results, require considerable skill to apply. Our approach to clean and protect the various surfaces of your vehicle will keep it looking good for years to come!
Why is Ceramic Coating so expensive and what is it? Is it worth the cost?
The biggest benefit of ceramic coating is its effective protection against pollutants and dirt that attack your car’s paint, which make it look older in a relatively short period and can be expensive to fix if left untreated and unprotected. Click this hyperlink to learn even more about the benefits.
What does your Interior Only Detail include?
✅ Full Interior Vacuum
✅ Door Jams, entry panels and all interior sills cleaned and wiped down
✅ All interior plastics cleaned and dressed
✅ Upholstery spot treatment (as needed)
✅ Carpet shampooed and extracted (as needed)
✅ Leather surfaces first cleaned and then dressed or Fabric cleaned if not leather
✅ Air freshener application
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👉🏽 Pet hair removal- $30.00 extra
👉🏽 Ozone treatment for odor elimination- $25.00 extra
Where do you do this?
As we are mobile, we can do our auto detailing at your home or office, as long as our work space is not inhibited by such things as low hanging tree branches, parked cars or anything else that would limit our access. In some cases we may ask for access to power and/or a water connection source. This is case by case.
For Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating Options, our first choice is for your to bring your vehicle to use so that we can optimize the conditions in our residential shop space (garage). Lighting, tools and equipment are critical to guarantee the most superior of results. Contact us for specific concerns so that we can make plan that works for you.
How long does it take to detail my car?
A FULL INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DETAIL, typically requires 3-6 hours depending on the vehicles starting condition. An INTERIOR or EXTERIOR ONLY DETAIL requires only around 2-3 hours. Please allow more time for large pickup trucks and SUVs. We will give you a better timeframe once we complete your pre-cleaning checklist.
When is the most critical time to get my car detailed?
Anytime is the best time! However, don't forget the winter months are the most crucial time to detail due to the rapid changes in temperature, road construction, salt and other elements that are especially hard on your vehicles exterior. While it may seem easy to rationalize that "it's just going to get dirty again", a properly applied sealant is your only defense and it makes it easier to wash off all that harmful grime each time.
How do I pay?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Cash - no Checks accepted. We also accept PayPal and Cash App or traditional cash.
Do you have service packages available if I want my vehicle detailed more often?
Yes, after your first full detailing, we would be happy to design an auto detailing Maintenance Plan specifically for your vehicle with out recommended pricing and interval schedule.
What if it rains right after you detail my car?
We constantly monitor the weather daily with a paid weather service app and if there is inclement weather in the forecast, we will contact you and give you the opportunity to re-schedule.
Do you use harsh chemicals?
No we do not. All of our cleaners and dressings are eco-friendly and we can also use steam cleaning where applicable.
Can you remove bad odors from my car?
In most cases yes we can. It ultimately depends on the strength of the odor and whether or not the smell has deeply effected your HVAC system. We can offer an Ozone treatment as applicable for an additional $25.00 per treatment.
Are you insured for any damages caused by you or your equipment?
Gold Standard Auto Works is fully insured for any damage caused by its workmanship or cleaning materials/equipment. Our cleaning materials are Eco Friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable. We do NOT use bleaches or chlorine and are always extremely careful with our customer's property. We perform a pre-cleaning inspection of the entire vehicle which highlights any pre-existing problem areas (i.e. tears; worn areas; stains which have discolored fabrics, leather or vinyl; dents, scratches, cracked or damaged glass. We always review the vehicles condition with the customer prior to starting any work.
How do I cancel my appointment?
At least 24 hours notice is required to cancel an appointment. However, if you know you cannot make your appointment, that you need to cancel, please call/text and let us know (we must acknowledge the correspondence). Please note there will be an additional fee of $25 for re-scheduling a NO-SHOW, NO-CALL appointment.
Will you clean my trunk, engine bay, truck bed or otherwise closed/locked areas?
Engine cleaning is a standalone option or an upgrade service. We will not clean inside glove boxes, or closed dash/console areas unless they come to us completely empty or we have made prior coordinations. Truck beds with closed or locked bed covers will not be cleaned unless we have made prior coordinations. Any areas listed here that are of concern for your can be addressed during our initial consultation so that both our expectations are set from the beginning.