Frequently asked questions.

what’s the difference between “car wash” “Car Care” “car Detailing”?

Car Wash is a quick and basic cleaning service focused on removing surface dirt, dust, and grime from a vehicle’s exterior.

Car Care or Auto Care involves a more comprehensive approach to maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and condition. It typically includes an exterior wash, waxing or paint protection, tire and rim cleaning, and basic interior services such as: vacuuming and wiping down surfaces. The goal of “Car Care” is to preserve the vehicle’s finish prevent long-term damage from environmental elements, and maintain a clean, presentable look both inside and out.

Car Detailing or Auto Detailing is a meticulous and comprehensive process designed to restore and protect a vehicle to its original condition or like-new as close as possible. It involves in-depth cleaning, polishing, paint correction, and preservation, of both the interior and exterior. Exterior detailing includes processes such as paint decontamination, polishing to remove swirl marks or light scratches, and application of protective coatings like wax or ceramic glass coating. Interior detailing focuses on thoroughly cleaning and condition all surfaces, including vacuuming, steam cleaning, leather treatment, and stain removal. Detailing not only enhances the vehicle appearance but also helps extend its lifespan, longevity, and resale value by maintaining its overall condition.

How long does an average auto detailing takes?

A full car detail, which includes both interior and exterior services, typically take between 2-6 hours, depending on the vehicle’s size, condition, and level of detail required.

Interior Detailing can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the interior condition

Exterior Detailing can take 2 to 4 hours for a well maintained vehicle

What are the breakdown of Auto detailing?

Exterior Detailing:

Pre-Wash Inspection: (15-30 minutes) - Evaluate the vehicle's condition and plan the best approach for detailing.

Rinse and Pre-Wash: (30-60 minutes) - Loosen dirt, debris and road grime.

Contact Wash: (60-90 minutes) - Remove dirt, debris and road grime.

Wheels and Tires: (30-60 minutes) - Clean and treat wheels, tires, and wheel wells.

Clay Bar Decontamination: (30-60 minutes) - Removes stubborn contaminants from the paint surface that regular washing is unable to eliminate. These particles embed themselves into the clear coat and can leave the surface feeling rough.

Polishing/Paint Correction: (1-2 hours) - Address scratches, swirl marks, and other defects.

Wax or Sealant: (30-60 minutes) - Apply a protective coating to the paint.

Glass and Trim Detailing: (30-60 minutes) - Clean and dress the windows, trim, and mirrors.

Air Pressure Blowout: (30-60 minutes) - To quickly and efficiently eliminate water from hard to reach areas, ensuring no water is left behind to create a water spot.

Interior Detailing:

Vacuuming: (30-90 minutes) - Thoroughly vacuum all areas, including carpets, seats, and the dashboard.

Dashboard and Console: (30-60 minutes) - Clean and dress the dashboard, console, and vents.

Seat Clean and Condition: (30-60 minutes) - Clean and treat fabric or leather seats.

Fabric Seat Extraction: (30-60 minutes) - Agitate and extract loose dirt and debris.

Windows: (30-60 minutes) - Clean interior glass to remove smudges and dust.

Detailing Door Panels: (30-60 minutes) - Clean and treat door panels.

Carpet Extraction: (30-60 minutes) - Agitate and extract loose dirt and debris.

Additional Factors Affecting Timing:

Vehicle Condition: A dirty or heavily soiled vehicle will require more time and effort.

what is etching and what causes it?

In auto detailing, etching refers to permanent or semi-permanent marks or indentations left on the vehicle’s paint surface. These marks are often caused by corrosive substances that chemically react with the clear coat or paint layer. Etching can appear as spots, rings, or dull patches and may be shallow or deep, depending on the severity of the exposure.

Common Causes of Etching:

Bird Droppings - Highly acidic, especially if left under the sun. Can "burn" into the clear coat if not cleaned off quickly.

Bug Splatter - Contains enzymes and acids that degrade paint over time.

Tree Sap - Can harden and chemically bond with the clear coat. Difficult to remove if left too long.

Hard Water Spots - Mineral deposits (like calcium or magnesium) can etch when baked in the sun. These look like cloudy or ring-like stains.

Acid Rain - Pollutants in rainwater can cause pitting and erosion when dried on the surface.

Improper Washing Techniques - Using harsh chemicals or strong degreasers without proper dilution can also cause etching.

How to Prevent Etching?

Wash off contaminants quickly (especially bird droppings or bug splatter).

Apply a good-quality wax, sealant, or ceramic coating for protection.

how many layers are on a vehicle paint?

  1. E-coat (Electroplating): This is a thin layer applied to the metal body of the car before the other layers are applied. It helps to protect against corrosion and provides a good base for the primer. 

  2. Primer: The primer layer helps to level out any imperfections in the metal surface and provides a smooth surface for the base coat to adhere to. It also helps to protect against rust and corrosion. 

  3. Base Coat: This is the color layer of the paint. It provides the actual color of the car. 

  4. Clear Coat: The clear coat is a transparent layer that protects the base coat from UV rays, scratches, and other damage. It also adds a glossy finish to the paint job. 

What’s the Difference Between 3M Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coating?

PPF is a clear film that protects against scratches, rock chips, and physical impact, while ceramic coating is a liquid layer that offers chemical protection, hydrophobicity, and shine. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Key Differences

  • Material

    • PPF: Thick polyurethane film

    • Ceramic Coating: Nano-ceramic liquid

  • Protection Type

    • PPF: Physical (impacts, chips, scratches)

    • Ceramic: Chemical (UV rays, bird droppings, stains)

  • Gloss & Shine

    • PPF: Subtle shine (or matte if preferred)

    • Ceramic: Deep, high-gloss enhancement

  • Self-Healing

    • PPF: ✅ Yes (heat-activated)

    • Ceramic: ❌ No

  • Water Repellency

    • PPF: Moderate

    • Ceramic: Excellent (water beads and rolls off)

  • Lifespan

    • PPF: 5–10 years

    • Ceramic: 2–5 years

  • Cost

    • PPF: Higher – starts at ฿30,000+

    • Ceramic: Moderate – starts at ฿10,000+

Best of Both Worlds

You don’t have to choose just one. Many customers apply PPF to high-impact zones and ceramic coating to the full car — even over the PPF — for maximum protection and stunning shine.

What is ceramic coating, and is it better than waxing??

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to your car's paint that chemically bonds with the surface, creating a long-lasting, glossy, and hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer.
Compared to wax:

  • Lasts much longer (1–5 years vs. a few weeks or months)

  • More resistant to UV rays, chemicals, bird droppings, and contaminants

  • Easier to clean and maintain

How long does wax or sealant protection last?

  • Carnauba Wax: Up to 3 months

  • Liquid Wax 3 to 6 months

  • Spray Wax: 1 to 2 months
    Regular washing, sunlight exposure, and weather can shorten the lifespan, so reapplication is recommended to maintain protection.

What is paint correction, and do I need it?


Paint correction is the process of removing surface imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and dullness from your paint using machine polishing tools and compounds.
You might need it if your car’s paint looks:

  • Dull or faded

  • Scratched under sunlight

  • Covered in swirl marks from improper washing

It's ideal before applying a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating for the best shine and protection.