Detailers strive for automotive perfection
These guys go way beyond washing windows and tires

By Chuck Martin, Gannett News Service

Originally Published July 31, 2005

Like new: Calvin Cross, owner of Calvin's Auto Laundry, checks the shine on his 1983 Mercedes at the downtown Cincinnati shop. Cross details cars and says his pet peeve is a dirty trunk. (Photo: Gannett News Service)

The devil is in the details.

Calvin Cross despises a dirty car trunk. Joe Tomasulo hates it when the top edge of the car window never seems to get clean.

That dust that collects in your air conditioning vents? Ugh! That's the pet peeve of Earl Gross.

Gross and these other two very particular men are in the right business: They "detail" cars.

To be clear, auto "detailing" usually does not include detail painting. It does include car care chores such as vacuuming and cleaning the trunk, washing the top edge of windows and brushing out that pesky vent dust.

If you hire a qualified auto detailer, he or she should super-clean your car, from washing the carpet to hand washing and waxing the exterior. Some detailers even steam-clean the engine.

"My best definition of detailing is renewing the car to the best condition it can be without a paint job," says Tomasulo.

"We all know the American public is suffering from a poverty of time," says Mark Thorsby, executive director of the International Carwash Association in Chicago.

The auto-detail industry is experiencing annual double-digit growth, he says, not just due to time-pressed consumers, but because many people own their vehicles longer. Despite their autos' ages, they want their rides to look sharp.

An auto detail can cost $100 to $200, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle.

Detailers know what you’re thinking: With a garden hose, a bucket of suds and a brush, anyone can super-clean their car at home, right? And for a lot less money.

But most car owners won’t bother, detailers say, because they don’t have time to detail their cars properly.

For a basic job, detailers say they’ll spend two to three hours scrubbing, rubbing, and polishing.

Tomasulo, Cross and Gross, who all do business in the Cincinati area, say they serve at least three types of customers:

“I think it reduces stress,” says Cross. “You can have a bad day at work, but then get into that clean car and turn on the music and the AC. Then get on the highway, and you’re free.”

What to ask the detailer

• Exactly what services do I get?

• What if I don't want all the services (such as steam-cleaning the engine) included in the basic price? Will you give me a price break?

• Do you treat or remove stains from the carpet and upholstery? Does that cost extra?

• How long will the detailers work on my vehicle?

• What kind of cleaning materials do you use?

• If an employee accidentally damages my vehicle, will you cover the repair costs?

• Can I see a detailed vehicle or talk to a happy customer?

Cleaning tips for do-it-yourselfers

• Wash your car once a week to maintain its finish.

• Don’t wash your car when the body is hot. It speeds drying, which may leave soap spots or deposits.

• Rinse all surfaces thoroughly to remove loose dirt before washing.

• Don’t use household products such as hand soap, dishwashing detergent or glass cleaner on the paint. They can strip off protective wax.

• Use a mild car wash product (available at auto supply and other stores).

Source: Consumer Reports