Question to ask a professional Detailer

[Drake]

I have a new black Chrysler 300 that seems to already have swirls, probably put on by the dealer. Not too happy with the dealer for many things, but that aside, I would like to get the swirls out. Have been reading a lot, and decided
that I do not have the expertise, elbow power, or a power machine to do this myself, so I am going to have it professionally looked after. I have been to one detailer and he apparently does something called a four stage procedure. I think my hearing aid battery was going dead-- did he say he was going to sand the car?
Can someone please explain what a four stage procedure is.
Any other questions to ask him or another detailer would be appreciated.
Once the car is back to square one, it will be Mequiar's from there on in.
Thank you for your help.

[Superior Shine]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

First thing first - DO YOUR HOMEWORK! This forum is a nice start.

Understand there are no standards in the auto detailing industry. Anybody can go down to the local auto parts and buy a can of wax and POOF they are a detailer. It isn't even safe to go to the dealer to have your car detailed most of the time either!

Sanding a car down to remove swirls might be a red flag. Sanding a car down to perfect the finish is done but it rarely is done to remove swirls.

Surf the auto detailing forums, ask allot of questions, get referances and cross your fingers.

[Drake]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

Well, I think I am trying to DO MY HOMEWORK!. Can't really see the point in asking the same question on several different forums, when Meguir people here seem to know their stuff.

[Murr1525]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

You would certainly want to look at their work, in the direct SUN. Ask for what exact products they use, what each step is for. If your car has only minor/medium swirls really, even words like cutting and compounding are red flags, or at least yellow.

Just like there are no set standards, there is no set vocabulary. So find out what each step does, not what name they call it. If a step seems espeacially strong or abrasive - like sanding - that would be another flag.

One option would be if anyone on the forum here lives near you, you would be at least getting a detailer with some knowledge and good products. And yo ucould probably help out and learn with them as well.

[the other pc]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

Hi Drake, to MOL!

...Surf the auto detailing forums, ask allot of questions, get referances and cross your fingers.

I’ll add one more to that list, drive out here and have Joe detail it. He does awesome work. Plus, you can go to Disneyland and stuff.

Well, if a 3000 mile drive each way is a bit impractical I think what Joe said about there being no standards is an important starting point. That means that no two shops are likely to give you exactly the same story. So when they throw out a term like “four stage procedure” you should expect them to explain exactly what that is and why it’s appropriate for your car.

If they aren’t willing to take the time to explain their process or they try to make you feel like you shouldn’t be asking then you know to cross them off the list immediately.

Like Joe and Murr said, the fact that they brought up sanding is a huge warning sign. Sanding paint is a lot like gardening with a bulldozer. Sometimes you need to do it, but only in very severe situations. Unless your paint is in very poor condition it’s way too much. If these guys do it on most or all cars you’ll want to avoid them like the plague.

Come to think of it, any shop that wants to treat all cars alike should be avoided. Every car and every customer’s needs are unique. A good shop will examine your car and listen to your wishes before deciding how best to proceed. Then they will explain what they think is the best path forward so you can decide if it’s right for you.


PC.

[Drake]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

Thanks people. The car is definitely not bad, just some swirls in the hood and trunk where the dealer must have buffed it. I know nothing about this stuff, but the sanding thing bothered me. He does come recommended by the body shop where my wife's car was repaired after a minor accident, and the shop did an excellent job, and if they recommend the detailer, I do believe them.
That said, I will go back and with a little knowledge, ask him to explain these steps, and why he is planning to sand the paint on a new car. I will also ask to see some of his work.
Thanks for your help.

[kboxer]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

Depending on where you are in NY I would gladly look at it for you. I am in Northeast PA. I havent seen too many body shops that do a nice finish due to the fact they do volume. At least in my area. They say they wish they had the time.

[TH0001]

Re: Question to ask a professional Detailer

Go to autopia.org, and post for a detailer in the Newyork section. Thats your best bet for getting a quality detailer.