Question 1

What exactly is auto detailing?

Accepted Answer

Auto detailing is the art of restoring a car to like-new condition. Far beyond a simple wash. We deeply clean the interior and exterior, correct paint imperfections, and protect every surface with professional-grade products. It's methodical work that can take a full day, but the result is visible for months.

Question 2

What's the difference between a standard wash and a full detail?

Accepted Answer

A standard wash rinses the surface. Detailing transforms the vehicle. Detailing includes paint decontamination, micro-scratch correction, thorough interior cleaning (leather, fabrics, plastics) and long-lasting protection. Where a wash lasts a few days, a full detail preserves the look for months.

Question 3

How much does a detailing service cost at Recarma?

Accepted Answer

Our services start at $80 for a targeted treatment and scale up depending on vehicle size and scope of work. The final price depends on the initial condition and services chosen (paint correction, ceramic coating, odor treatment, etc.). The easiest way: use our online booking tool. It calculates your estimate in real time as you build your service.

Question 4

Where are you located and who do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our studio is in Pont-Rouge, 20 minutes southwest of Quebec City. We welcome clients from across Capitale-Nationale, the South Shore, and beyond. Most find the trip worth it. If you'd rather not drive, we also offer pickup and delivery on request.

Question 5

Why only one vehicle per day at Recarma?

Accepted Answer

Because it's a deliberate choice. Careful detailing takes time: decontamination, polishing, protection layers, drying between coats. By treating only one vehicle per day, we guarantee every detail gets the attention it deserves. No shortcuts to squeeze in a second appointment. It's our signature.

Question 6

How long does a detailing session take?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the services chosen, it varies from 2-3 hours for a targeted service to a full day for a complete detail (interior + exterior + paint correction). Ceramic treatments also require drying time. Since we block a full day per vehicle, you don't need to worry about timing. We take the time it takes.

Question 7

What is ceramic coating and why apply it?

Accepted Answer

A semi-permanent coating that bonds to the paint to protect against water, UV, chemical contaminants and some micro-scratches. Unlike wax which lasts a few weeks, a professional ceramic coating protects your vehicle for 2 to 5 years. It also makes maintenance easier: dirt adheres less and washes off more easily.

Question 8

Is paint correction needed before ceramic coating?

Accepted Answer

Highly recommended. Ceramic seals the paint as-is, so any swirls or micro-scratches will be locked under the protection for years. A prior correction (polish) restores the original gloss and guarantees the best result. For a brand-new vehicle in perfect condition, decontamination may be enough.

Question 9

Do you accept all types of vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes: compact cars, sedans, SUVs, trucks, exotics, electric vehicles. Pricing adjusts to size (S/M/L/XL) in our booking tool. For motorcycles, boats, or RVs, email us first: those are custom services we haven't put online yet.

Question 10

My vehicle is brand new. Is detailing really worth it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. It's actually the best moment. New vehicles often come out with paint defects invisible at purchase (swirls, transport micro-scratches) that the dealer doesn't correct. A correction followed by ceramic coating right after purchase preserves the original condition for years and maintains higher resale value.

Question 11

I want to sell my car. Can detailing really increase its value?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It's the highest-return investment before a sale. A full detail can justify $1,500 to $3,000 more in negotiation, because buyers perceive a well-cared-for vehicle. On a 2005 Yaris we recently worked on, we went from an estimated $1,500 to $3,500 after detailing. Same mechanics, same mileage. Just a transformed vehicle.

Question 12

Does winter road salt really damage my paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, road salt is the number one enemy of car bodies in Quebec. It accelerates corrosion, attacks rubber seals, and accumulates in the undercarriage. A thorough wash at the start and end of winter, combined with paint protection, drastically reduces this damage. For Capitale-Nationale and the North Shore where salt is used heavily, it's nearly essential.

Question 13

Can you eliminate persistent odors in the cabin?

Accepted Answer

Yes: pet, smoke, spilled food, sports gear, we handle it all. Our process combines a deep shampoo of fabrics and carpets, ventilation system cleaning, and ozone finishing which neutralizes odor molecules rather than masking them. For extreme cases (chronic smoke, accidents), a second session may be needed.

Question 14

Can you restore yellowed or oxidized headlights?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's one of detailing's "small miracles". Through progressive sanding followed by polishing and a UV sealant, we remove the oxidized layer and restore original clarity. The result is immediate and improves safety too. Clear headlights light up the night significantly better.

Question 15

Are there any damages that detailing can't fix?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we'd rather be upfront about it. Detailing can transform paint, restore leather, neutralize odors. But it doesn't perform miracles on advanced rust, cracked clear coat, dents, or deep paint chips. Those require specialized body work. We always do an honest assessment at the start of the session: if we see a service won't deliver the expected result, we tell you before starting.

Question 16

How often should I detail my car per year?

Accepted Answer

For optimal maintenance in Quebec: twice a year. A full detail in spring to erase winter's marks, and an intensive exterior cleaning in fall before salt returns. If you have ceramic coating, you can stretch the interval a bit. For daily pollution (sap, droppings), a quick wash between sessions is enough.

Question 17

How do I maintain my car between detailing sessions?

Accepted Answer

Use the two-bucket method for hand washes (one soapy bucket, one clean rinse bucket) and microfiber mitts to avoid swirl marks. Avoid automatic car wash rollers: they scratch paint without mercy. In winter, rinse the undercarriage with warm water after every big salt storm. And clean off tree sap or bird droppings as fast as possible before they bond.

Question 18

What is your booking and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Booking is fully online with a card deposit. You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before the service. Outside that window, the deposit is non-refundable to cover the blocked slot. Since we only treat one vehicle per day, we can't fill it at the last minute.

Question 19

What are your payment methods and deposit policy?

Accepted Answer

Online deposit at booking time via secure Stripe payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay). The balance is paid on-site on appointment day, by card or Interac. You receive your invoice by email automatically.

Question 20

Are you insured against damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we carry commercial liability insurance covering any damage that might occur during the service. That said, such cases are extremely rare: our methods and products are designed to be safe on all surfaces. Before each session, we do a quick walk-around with you to note the initial condition. Full transparency.

Question 21

Do you offer pickup and delivery service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by appointment and subject to availability. We pick up your vehicle at your home or office, and bring it back once the service is done. It's an add-on you can include during online booking. Convenient if you work far from Pont-Rouge or simply don't want to make the trip.

Everything you need to know about detailing

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