What is detailing?
'Detailing' is predominantly an American term which was introduced to the UK a few years ago. A detail comprises of a comprehensive cleaning of a car where attention to 'detail' is of the paramount where the emphasis is on producing a finish to a very high standard, usually with the aid of machine polishing followed by the application of various glazes, sealants and waxes to produce a radiant glow to the paintwork.


Why do I need a detail?
A detail is beneficial for many reasons. If a car suffers from paint defects such as swirl marks, light scratches or oxidation a detail will, in almost all instances, restore the paint to near perfect condition. This effectively negates the need for a respray. Time is another issue. People simply do not have time to wash their cars let alone maintain them to a high standard with the aid of a polish and wax. A detail is also useful for people wishing to sell a car as a detailed paintwork can quite easily add £££ onto the sale price.


Why do new cars need a detail?
All new cars are cleaned by dealerships before the car is delivered to the customer (known as dealer preparation). On average, around 2-3 hours valeting time is allocated per car which could also involve a complete machine polish. In reality, this simply is not enough time to prepare a car to a high standard and the results often come back negative; poor wash technique resulting in swirl marks and poor machine polishing resulting in micro marring and holograms. A detail will correct these discrepancies as more time is afforded to the car than 2-3 hours. Around 20% of details carried out by Hotwaxxx are on new dealer prepared cars.


Will a detail correct stonechips?
This is a much asked question and the simple answer is no - a detail will not correct stonechips. A stonechip penetrates the clearcoat and paint and will embed into the primer - hence the stonechip. A detail will only be able to correct paintwork where the paint has not been penetrated.


Will a detail correct deep scratches?
In almost all cases, swirl marks and scratches will be completely removed from the paintwork following a detail. However, random deep scratches (more commonly referred to as RDS) can remain in the paintwork following a detail. The reason being a machine polish removes a very small layer of clearcoat (measured in microns). If there is a deep scratch in the clearcoat, it is best to reduce it as far as possible without compromising the clearcoat which will result in paint damage. All machine polishing details undertaken by Hotwaxxx are only carried out after paint depth levels have been measured and recorded using a paint thickness gauge (PTG) so as not to compromise the clearcoat and paint.


How many cars do you detail a week?
I only work weekends and each weekend is dedicated to one car - this allows me to dedicate two full days to one car.


Can I watch you work?
Unfortunately, I do not allow customers to watch me work. The reason being a 6 hour detail can quite easily turn into a 12 hour detail if I am continually occupied with the customer and cannot devote my full attention to the car.


Can you detail a car in the rain?
Yes - I have a large workspace in the form of a covered garage and am able to detail a car come sun, rain or snow.


Do you offer a mobile service?
Unfortunately, I am not mobile which means the customer comes to me. However, I am able to drop customers off to a local bus, metro or train station in West Bromwich where you can venture into Birmingham or Wolverhampton within 20 minutes to enjoy the shops and attractions.


Can I leave a car with you overnight?
I am happy to accommodate a car overnight or even for a few days. The car will be locked in a secure garage on my private premises.


Do you offer an interior valet service?
Unfortunately, I do not offer an interior valet service and only work on exterior bodywork. However, this does include interior door sills and door, bonnet and boot shuts as well as interior glasswork.


What happens if I am unhappy with the detail?
I always advise customers of what can realistically be achieved before I begin any work and set about keeping to that promise. I therefore do not offer a full refund for work carried out. If, under exceptional circumstances I am unable to produce a finish to my high standards, I will offer a part refund according to work carried out at my discretion. As an assurance of workmanship, I have never had to refund a customer and have detailed over a hundred cars over the past 3 years with no complaints.


What payment methods do you accept?
I only accept cash payments and this will only be payable upon completion of work. Upon payment, the customer will be presented with an invoice detailing all work carried out.