Auto Detailing FAQs

How much do you charge?

Please see services page for more information.

What are your hours?

Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - Until
Closed Sundays

How long does this usually take?

On average, a typical detail takes between 3-4 hours to complete.  However, the condition of the vehicle and your expectations play a big role in determining the overall time needed to complete the job.

How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?

Although it is possible to get your car detailed on short notice, it is recommended that appointments be made 7-10 days in advance.  After all, there is only one Detail Guru!

What if the weather forecast calls for rain?

Nothing is more disappointing than driving your freshly-detailed car through an unforeseen rain event!  If rain looms on the horizon, you may want to reschedule.  Regardless, your appointment will be confirmed via phone, e-mail, or text message the day before it is scheduled.  

How often should I have my car detailed?

Great question! 

Some customers appreciate the beauty & comfort of a very clean vehicle.  If you fall into this category, we can schedule a simplified but thorough monthly maintenance detail.

If your vehicle remains outdoors most of the time, environmental exposure can dramatically shorten the life of its interior and exterior components.  In order to protect and extend the life of materials such as paint, rubber, plastics, and upholstery, your vehicle should be detailed 3-4 times per year.  Together, we can a design a detail that will specifically address your car's needs.

If your car is regularly garaged and shows no signs of premature aging or wear, it should be detailed 1-2 times per year.  Thorough cleaning, conditioning, and waxing will ensure its beauty and extend its life.  

In the end, it really depends upon what your expectations are, and what you are willing to invest into the beautification and protection of your car.

Do you offer car washes only?

Yes, but the price is seemingly high unless more than one vehicle is being washed at your location.  If more than one vehicle can be washed during an appointment, the price becomes more affordable.

When done properly, washing is the most important detailing service your vehicle can receive. Knowing this, great effort is made to ensure the thorough removal of dirt and grime (with a keen eye towards keeping protectants and waxes intact).  

Washing should beautify and extend the life of your vehicle.  A Detail Guru car wash does exactly that! 

Is it safe for me to use the tunnel car wash between details?

Tunnel washes use very harsh chemicals to quickly remove dirt and debris from the exterior of your car (and every other vehicle before yours!)  Unfortunately, chemicals alone cannot remove embedded grime, so spinning brushes and wiggling cloths attempt to eliminate the remaining remnants of contamination from the delicate surfaces of your car.

As a consequence, tunnel-type car wash facilities can inflict harsh scour marks and deep scratches upon the exterior of your car, stripping away protective waxes and coatings in the process.  It is best to avoid this type of wash method.

Your best bet?  Call me.  I can tailor-make a schedule & wash process that'll allow trouble-free maintenance of your car.

I just purchased a new car. How soon should I have it detailed?

Unless you purchased an overly-expensive, dealer-applied paint protection program, you should at the minimum have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by me.  I'm up to speed on all the latest & greatest waxes, protectants, and surface coatings. You can't imagine the quality discrepancy (and price is not always an indicator of quality).

A thorough assessment of all vehicle surfaces will be made prior to making a solid recommendation.

What is this "Lifetime Protection" sealant the dealership is trying to sell me? Do you offer something similar?

Yes, I offer the same permanent coatings offered by the dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. These treatments act as a protective barrier, guarding your vehicle against the day to day elements that it will endure over it's lifetime. Please see my Services page for more information and pricing.

My dealership said I should have my car detailed by them. They claim that only they know how to maintain my cars finish. Why should I hire you instead?

Dealerships tend to have a very high turnover rate in their detail departments.  Consequently, they cannot offer the same caliber of experience that I've attained through working over thirty years in the automotive detailing field.  I am a technician in some aspects, and a craftsman in others.  I take pride in my work, and you will undoubtedly notice the difference.

Are you insured?

Yes. I have a one million dollar garage liability policy. I will be happy to provide proof upon request.

Okay, I'm sold, but how does this work. Do I come to you or you to me? 

If I can hookup to your water and electricity (I provide the water hose and electrical extension cords), I can come to you.

I also work from my home, just west of the University of Memphis. I offer free pickup and delivery within the I-240 boundaries, or you can drop your car off on the way to work, and it will be ready for pickup on your way home. I can also provide a shuttle if you are within the I 240 boundaries (and downtown).