FAQs

What is the difference between detailing and a simple car wash?

• While there is 100% a place for automatic car washes and even quick wash stations with employees doing the washing, most of these locations reuse the same brushes on many different cars on all surfaces. So the same brush that got the mud and pebbles out of the wheels on the car before you is scrubbing the side of your door panel and hood, potentially leading to swirl marks and scratches. Touchless car washes are not bad options compared to cheaper contact washes since they prevent the possibility of swirls and scratches. The cons with them consist of harsh chemicals that can eat away at the waxes and sealants meant to protect your paint, they also do not thoroughly clean the vehicle as there is always a thin layer of dirt and road grime left behind since touchless washes can not mechanically remove stubborn deposits. 

Having your vehicle professionally detailed will avoid all of these issues and give you peace of mind knowing your vehicle will come out squeaky clean with no added scratches or swirl marks. By utilizing proven strategies such as the two-bucket wash method, using a pre-rinse prior to a contact wash, using separate brushes for the wheels, working from the top of the vehicle to the bottom, and using a plush microfiber towel to dry, it accomplishes what you intended to do without the risks associated with an automatic car wash. All this is not to say there are no cons with detailing, you have to trust the person detailing the vehicle, carve out a chunk of time the vehicle can not be accessed, and pay a higher price. 

Why are details so expensive?

• There are a few reasons why detailing is so much more expensive than an automatic car wash. The main one is that there is more attention to detail, care, and labor that the detailer has developed to get the best results in the safest and most time-efficient manner. Just as you will pay more for a plumber who has more experience and can get the job done quickly and yield the best results. Other reasons are because of the costs to operate a detailing business, taxes, supply costs, equipment costs, insurance, business licensing, utilities, and most importantly, time. 

When looking at the reality of the situation, detailing is a premium service, it is not something most people NEED to have done. While some could argue that getting that scratch or swirl buffed out is essential, for the most part, it will not change how you go about your daily life. But we can all admit that it is a great feeling to have your vehicle looking the best it possibly can inside and out. At Dean's Auto Detailing and many other shops in Lancaster, PA, we try to keep the prices as low as possible so we can still offer the highest quality of services and simultaneously pay our bills at the end of the day. 

Is it worth it to detail my car?

• Yes, and not just because we want you to schedule a service, all of this you can do on your own to the same effects! Detailing your vehicle will help to preserve its value if you decide to sell it later on. Regular cleanings and applications of protection can help prevent rust formations as well as clearcoat failure. Along with those, since you or the detailer is getting into every crevice of the car, you can spot issues before they get too out of hand, like a small rust formation beginning, a loose bolt, a worn-out belt, worn tires, a cracked weather seal, etc. While detailing is a premium service as mentioned above, keeping your vehicle clean and protected is essential to the longevity of the vehicle and its future value. 

Have a question of your own?

• Email, call, or send a text today! (717) 723-5051 or deansautodetailingllc@gmail.com 

Whether it is a question about our services or if you want some tips or clarification about how to detail your own vehicle, we will try to get back to you within 48 hours at the latest. Thank you for your support!