FAQs
This section is designed to answer some commonly asked questions. If you have any further questions please feel free to call.
What’s the difference between a normal valeting service and Perfect Car Cares detailing services?
The majority of companies that trade solely under a valeting banner tend to be very basic in their approach to car care, using trade materials and generally spending as little time as possible to complete their work. These types of services are well suited to the car sales industries where time is money and volumes are of priority, but in terms of actual car care, the services leave a lot to be desired. Perfect Car Cares detailing services embrace the actual spirit of car care by using the very best techniques, products and materials attainable, yielding results above and beyond what can be achieved through regular valeting.
Can perfect car care prepare my brand new car for me at the dealership?
Yes and no. In 2011 we decided to no longer carry out new vehicle preparation at dealerships premises due to inadequate working conditions along with horribly unrealistic time restrictions. All new vehicle work can be carried out at our detailing studio in Alfreton, Derbyshire. We also advise you to seriously consider having your vehicle protection package carried out by an independent professional due to the standard of workmanship carried out by the majority of dealerships. Detailers do not have allocated time per vehicle and have the necessary skill to achieve the very best possible results which is something worth bearing in mind. Having said that there are a very small number of dealerships we are comfortable working at as they provide the correct conditions required to produce the standards of work we strive to achieve. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this subject.
What is paintwork correction and does my vehicle need it?
Paintwork correction is the removal of common imperfections within the paint. Oxidation, swirl marks, rain/bird etching, holograming, marring and scratches effect most vehicles old and new, with varying degrees of severity. With the aid of paint thickness gauges and careful rotary polishing techniques Perfect Car Care can safely remove 80% - 99% of imperfections, with dependency on the total paint thickness and general condition to begin with. A good indicator of when a vehicle will need some kind of correction work is when the paintwork begins to feel rough and loses some of its shine. The roughness is bonded contamination and removal of this will generally marr the finish which will always need some form of correction to remove. Another indicator is direct sunlight or halogen lights at petrol stations. These will show the true condition of your paintwork, highlighting any damage and imperfections that can prevent a healthy and deep shine.
Why do I have fine scratches and swirls in my paintwork?
A vehicle's paintwork can be microscopically marked by the lightest of contact, especially softer finishes, so any scrubbing with synthetic sponges or low quality polishing cloths will certainly add visible markings. This damage can be multiplied when the surface is still dirty. Hand and automated car washes use harsh nylon brushes or synthetic sponges that are applied straight to dirty surfaces creating a sandpapering effect, trapping and moving grit particles against the paintwork. This type of damage is the most common and is responsible for the majority of poor finishes found on 90% of cars on the road today.
The key to safe paintwork cleansing is to use the correct techniques and the correct materials. Perfect Car Care consider the cleaning stage the most important to get right, which is why we use specialist products such as lambs wool wash mitts, grit guard buckets and microfiber drying towels to prevent any possibility of damage.
How far do you travel?
Perfect Car Care is based in Alfreton, Derbyshire but have customers throughout the midlands and the south including London, Essex and Kent. We can travel a total of up to 20 miles before a surcharge is introduced. Surcharges are based on miles travelled only and reasonably set. Please email or call for enquiries.
Do you work weekends?
We work seven days a week, so can visit week days or weekends if you prefer.
Do you need water and power supplies?
Our van no longer carries water and electricity supplies as the majority of our work is carried out at our detailing studio. If you require your vehicle to be detailed at your premises then we will require the use of mains electricity and have a water connection point available.
Do you need shelter to work under?
This is dependent on the service required and time needed to complete the work. If no shelter is present and there are adverse weather conditions, other than maintenance washes, treatment services are generally impossible. We can simply rebook you in at the next convenient slot.
How do I book my car in?
We suggest contacting us first via email. This can be more beneficial than an initial phone call as you are less likely to leave out any information that you may have forgotten. This also allows us to discuss your requirements in a little more detail. We can then preliminary book your car in, before finalising via telephone. We can be contacted between the hours of 10 am and 8.30pm, seven days a week. Your booking will require a name, full address and landline telephone number. Please feel free to call if you would prefer to discuss and arrange your booking.
How do I cancel my booking?
A minimum of 48 hour’s notice is required for any cancellation. Any later will incur a cancellation fee with the cost being added to the outstanding work.
Can you supply products?
Perfect Car Care can provide you with a range of products to maintain your vehicles particular finish after our treatments. From washing equipment through to wax maintenance products, we can supply and also discuss with you exactly what is required and the best ways to use them.
What size is my car?
As a rough guide we have compiled a small list to help give you an idea of vehicle sizes
Small - Audi A2, Fiat 500, Lotus Elise, Mazda MX5, Mercedes Benz A-class, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa
Medium - Audi A3, BMW Z4, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda RX8, Porsche Boxster, Seat Leon, Toyota Celica, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf
Large - Audi A4, Aston martin, Bentley Continental, BMW 3 series, FerrariF430, Jaguar XK, Mercedes Benz C-class, Mitsubishi Evo, Porsche 911, Saab 9-3, Subaru Impreza.
Payment methods?
Cash or cheque with guarantee card although we will be able to take card payments shortly.
