Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I have my car detailed instead of bringing it to the car wash?
 

A: Automatic car washes are unsafe for your car's paint. They use harsh chemicals that strip the car of its wax.  The brushes will cause scratches in your car's paint called "marring" or swirls. Not only does it take the protection away from your car but it damages your paint.


Q: Why should I bother having my car detailed if I am selling it?
 

A: You don't get a second chance to make a first impression! Showing a clean, well detailed vehicle to a potential buyer will speak for itself.  It also shows that the car was taken care of and not cosmetically neglected. Having a clean detailed car can also add hundreds of dollars to the value of your car. According to Kelly Blue Book, the front-runner in used car values, the following cars have substantial differences in value between cosmetically flawed and cosmetically sound. This data was collected in April of 2005, and all vehicles have been compared with the same relative features and mileages (40,000 mi).


Q: What does Sully's Detailing do to protect the paint on my vehicle? 

A: We use a three-coat procedure, the 1st coat is a polish, the second coat is a top of the line paint sealant, and third is a pure carnuba wax. This enhances the shine and durability of the wax.

Q: How long does a wax job last?
 

A: Wax last anywhere between 4-8 week, but at Sully's Detailing we use nothing but high quality products. Since we use 3 levels of protection and high quality wax it will last 4-6 months.

Q: How should I wash my car in between waxing?

 

A: We offer affordable wash maintenance programs in between waxing, but if you'd prefer to do it yourself, we strongly suggest using car wash/wax soap.  They are made to help keep wax on vehicles -- no dish detergents! Only use a clean, wool mitt and always use a microfiber towel to dry your vehicle.


Q: My local carwash offers detailing at half the prices of most professional detailer services, what is the difference?
 

A: This is a very good question! First of all the term "Detailing" has been widely misused in the industry. A true detail consists of meticulous cleaning; professional swirl free polishing and protection of surfaces. Many carwashes simply cover dirt with shiny greasy solvent-based dressings. This not only traps the dirt inside but the solvents in many of these dressings actually damage the paint on your vehicle. Also, many inexperienced workers will run a hi-speed buffer over your paint causing damage and those ugly swirls and halograms all over your paint or  they will wax over deep imbedded dirt. Having an inexperienced person detailing your vehicle is never a good idea.  It will cost you alot of money correcting there mistakes in the long run.

Q: When I bought my new car, the salesman told me I have a clear coat on my paint and it NEVER needs waxing. Is this true?
 

A: WRONG! The fact is 'clear coat' is simply part of the paint system used on most cars and trucks manufactured since the early 1990's. This paint process consists of first painting the color that goes on flat without any shine, protection or durability. After the color has been added, clear urethane paint is added to make the finish hard and glossy. Older (pre 1990's and some newer) paints consist of a single stage paint, where the gloss and hardness is mixed with the color. Today’s clear coats simply make the paint look much more translucent with a deeper shine. Fact is, both paint systems MUST be waxed or sealed to protect them from the sun, pollution and other harmful elements.  If you do not wax your car, the sun and elements of nature will eat away at your clear coat and cause oxidation.  This lowers the value of your vehicle tremendously.


Q: My dealer added a paint sealant and said my car will never need waxing again, is this true?
 

A: WRONG! This is one of the biggest marketing hypes we have ever seen! Paint Sealant last longer then wax.  Instead of having to be re-applied every 4-8 weeks you apply it to your vehicle every 4-6 months. Yes you never have to "wax" your vehicle again but you still have to apply the paint sealant every 4-6months.  If you paid the dealer for this coating you will find that the contract requires you to have this re-applied at specified periods to maintain the warranty. Waxing is a completely safe alternative, but only lasts about a month (spray on wax from a carwash may only last about a week). Sully's Detailing only uses a top of the line polymer paint sealant that will last 4-6 months.


Q: Buffing and waxing is the same thing aren't they?
 

A: Actually no! Waxing is simply a protective element that is applied to the paint surface. While waxing may help add some shine to the paint, it should not be confused with buffing. Buffing is a paint correction process that utilizes a hi-speed rotary buffing machine. This process is used to remove superficial scratches, blemishes, swirl marks, and fading of a paint surface. The process consists of starting with a "compound" used to aggressively remove the damaged paint surface. After you apply the compund there are a series of polishes you apply to smooth and restore the finish to a hi-gloss finish.


Q: Why do I need wax or a polymer sealant on my car?
 

A: Wax and sealants are the only way to protect your vehicle's finish. Rain, acid rain, snow, sunlight, bugs, tar, road grime, pollen, and bird droppings can all eat through your paints clear coat. Keeping your car well protected will reduce the chances of these elements harming your vehicle.  not only does it protect your vehicle but it will give it a high gloss finish and shine. Having your car waxed or sealed is no less important than changing your oil.


Q: My car's paint has a clear coat - do I still need wax?
 

A: Yes!


Q: My car is new. Do I still need it detailed?
 

A: Absolutely! New cars have been sitting on the lot or have been in transit for months before you drive away with them. New car dealerships rarely carry out full details on new vehicles, so there are many contaminants in your car's paint. Having your new car detailed will start you off on the right foot and ensure that that cars paint is properly sealed and waxed.

Q: Can I have my car polished but not waxed?
 

A: Polishing your car is what brings out the depth, gloss and shine this is what gives you that "wet look" that most car enthusiasts crave. Polishing adds no protection to your vehicle and strips any previous coat of wax on the paint. This is why it is an absolute must to have you vehicle waxed or synthetically sealed after polishing to "lock in" the polish and protect your vehicle.

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