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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What is auto detailing and why does my car need it?
Auto detailing is a series of extensive steps and procedures that are performed to bring a vehicle to look like brand new showroom condition or as close as possible. It is also a way to maintain and protect a vehicle to keep it looking & feeling "newer" longer. Problem corrections like removing swirl marks, scratches, oxidation and interior stains are also a part of the detailing process.

For most people, an automobile is their 2nd largest investment after their home. Doesn't it make sense to protect and maintain it? Detailing prolongs the condition of your car. This proves that detailing is not an expense, it's an investment. Your vehicle is constantly subjected to harmful conditions such as road debris, salt, dirt, mud, industrial fallout and of course the worst of them all....the long Maine winter. Most of the time people are too busy to care for their vehicles regularly. They work long hours, have to take care of their kids, run a business, take care of the house or whatever else keeps them busy. They don't have 3 hours to wash and wax their vehicle, let alone do a full detail on it. We give this time back to you by coming to your location and caring for your vehicle at a very minimal price when compared to what you get out of it in return.


How can detailing help me get more money when I sell my car or trade it in?

More often than not, a person sells a vehicle and doesn't get what they should of for it. One of the reasons is because the dealer or private buyer can talk them down based on the "looks" of the car and how it was maintained. If the owner had just taken a little extra time to care for the car while owning it by washing and detailing regularly, they probably could have gotten more for the sale or trade in. Without putting a vehicle on a lift and checking all of the mechanical components, people usually estimate a vehicle's value based on the overall "appearance" of the car and how good it looks. Detailing will glorify the appearance of your vehicle to help you get top dollar for resale or trade in.


How can I make an appointment?
You can either call us or email us. Our toll free phone number is 1-866-925-2349 or 207-232-4109. Our email address is detail@fivestarmycar.com


So, you come to my location?
Yes! No more leaving your vehicle at the detail shop all day and trying to find another car to drive around. We offer you a professional detailing service with the convenience of you not having to leave your location. Just give us a call and we'll come to you. Whether if that's at your home or not. If it's possible to detail a vehicle at that location, we'll do it.

Some people actually prefer to drop their vehicle off and pick it up when done, or have us come pick up their vehicle and bring it back when done because they have something going on at home. While we don't normally do this, we can if this is what you prefer.


Do you bring your own water & electricity?
Yes. We are a fully "self contained" on site mobile washing & detailing company. We hold 60 gallons of water on board our detail truck along with our own generator which provides our power supply. We will not need to use your water or electricity. However, we can use your electricity or water supply if you prefer us not to run a generator at your location.


Do you guarantee your work?
Absolutely. If you are not satisfied with any of our services provided to you, please let us know and we will make it right for you. If you notice something wearing away sooner than normal or something we missed, we will come back and fix it for free and throw in a FREE Express Car Wash.


What is the difference between Carnauba Wax and Paint Sealant ("M-Guard" 6 Month Paint Sealant)?
Carnauba Wax is derived from a palm tree called the Brazilian Tree of Life. Carnauba Wax provides maximum shine for your paint finish but does not last as long as a Paint Sealant . Carnauba Wax will last anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on the conditions it is subjected to. Carnauba Wax is the most common form of wax used today. If applied properly, a Carnauba Wax will give your paint a deep brilliant mirror finish shine. If you have a fresh coat of Carnauba Wax on your vehicle, it's impossible not to notice it.

Paint Sealant is a synthetic sealant that bonds to your vehicle's paint forming a "protective shell" between your paint finish and the environment. It also lasts alot longer than Carnauba Wax. If applied correctly, a Paint Sealant could last anywhere from 6-12 months. Paint Sealant will not give your vehicle that "wet" look like a Carnauba Wax will. Paint Sealant still gives your paint an amazing shine but it is a more subtle shine. The best way to describe the shine you get from a Paint Sealant is a "hard as glass look" while offering the best protection possible. Paint Sealant is mand made and based on pure car care science. It is designed to provide your vehicle's paint finish with optimum protection while giving it an attractive long lasting shine at the same time.


What is the difference between Waxing and Polishing?
Waxing actually adds a layer of wax to your vehicles paint finish. Wax is normally applied after polishing and makes your paint shine while offering moderate protection from the environmental and harmful elements. Wax can be applied by hand or with a machine polisher. Best results are yielded when applied correctly and removed with a machine polisher.

Polishing is done before waxing your vehicle and after any compound is applied. Unlike wax, Polish contains minor abrasives and chemicals that help remove swirl marks, scratches and oxidation. Polish dramatically improves the appearance of the vehicle's paint finish. Polish can be applied by hand but better results are acheived when applied with a machine polisher.


Is it OK to take my vehicle to drive thru car wash?
Not if you care about the finish of your vehicle. Yes, these drive thru car washes are a great convenience for people on the go who want a quick clean but they should only be used as a last resort. The brushes that are used at these places have been used on dozens if not hundreds of vehicles before yours and are filled with dirt from previous vehicles. These places are designed for conveniance, not quality. The automatic rotating brushes that you see in the drive thru tunnels are covered in dirt and grime from previous vehicles. They do more damage to your finish than they do good. Have you wondered why you notice swirl marks throughout your paint finish after driving through one of these places? We don't mean to talk down about automatic car washes. They are convenient and are probably a good choice for someone who doesn't care that much about swirl marks or small scratches. Usually our customers are people who care about the condition of their vehicle and already know this. That is why they either wash and detail at home, or call us!


Besides regular detailing and washing, what else can I do to keep my vehicle in great shape?
If you want to keep your vehicle in the best shape possible while owning it we recommend you think twice everytime you park your vehicle or leave it somewhere. Here are some things you can do to lower your chances of your car getting into trouble that can easily be avoided.

When you go to the store, park further away from the entrance where there are less vehicles. Yes it's further away, but not it's not that far. It will probably only take you an extra 10 seconds to get inside. Those extra 10 seconds can save you years of dents and dings that are usually acquired in busy parking lots. "Distant parking" will greatly minimize the chances of most vehicle damage that usually occurs in parking lots and you'll also get a little exercise at the same time! Stay away from other vehicles as much as you can. Most people don't care if they hit the side of your vehicle with their door or back into your vehicle while leaving. So be an odd ball and park where no one else parks! This is how we park whenever we go out in public. It pays!

Another thing you should avoid is parking under trees. While parking under the shade of a tree on a hot day might seem like a good idea at first, it is not. Trees constantly drip sap (pitch) which will land on your vehicle if you are parked below. Sap (Pitch) is very harmful to your paint and can be very difficult to remove.

We recommend you not park next to light poles because birds like to hang out on top of them. We all know the little surprises birds leave for us on our vehicles. Bird dropppings are very acidic and can be very harmful to your paint finish. If you find bird droppings on your vehicle you should wash them off as quickly as possible.


Still have more questions? Give us a call at 1-866-925-2349 or 207-232-4109 or send us an email at detail@fivestarmycar.com

This page will continue to be updated regularly as more common questions arise.

©2008 FIVE STAR DETAIL
detail@fivestarmycar.com
1-866-925-2349 or 207-232-4109