You have a number of options for your car detailing needs in Fairfax and surrounding areas, and you should do some research to find the best auto detailing shop for your vehicles.

Different Types Auto Detailing Companies

At Automotive Protection Services, we offer a full range of car detailing services at our centrally located shop on Draper Drive, Fairfax. e encourage our clients to compare our automotive detailing service with other shops in the area. In practice, we do not consider a carwash or a mobile detailing service to be true competition for our automotive detailing shop.  Carwashes and mobile detailing services tend to focus on the convenience of service and price, as opposed to quality and craftsmanship.

Here are some of the top things to consider as you’re looking for a high-quality auto detailing specialist.

Different Types of Detailing

Detailing is a broad term that can include different services that offer differing levels of protection for your vehicle, make sure you are clear about what is being offered. For example:

Exterior Detailing

• Ceramic coating
• Exterior wax and polish
• Paint correction
• Claybar dirt removal

Interior Detailing

• Vacuum and cleaning of interior surfaces
• Deep clean including carpet shampoo and upholstery

Specialist Services

If you require certain specialty services, such as paint touch-ups, paint sealant, or headlight restoration, make sure you find a professional who can handle all of these.

How Long to Plan to Keep Your Vehicle?

A professional detailing shop should ask about your plans for the vehicle so that they can recommend an appropriate service for your needs. If you plan to drive your car or truck until the wheels drop off the investment in protecting your car or truck is a wise choice. If you are preparing the vehicle for sale a good quality detailing can increase the value of your vehicle by as much as 15% according to Car Wise.

Detailing Classic Cars and High End Vehicles

If you own a specialist vehicle, such as a classic car or high-end truck, that you want to keep in peak condition, be sure to ask about the experience of the people providing the detailing services.

Older cars and classic vehicles require special care based on the paint technology used at the time these vehicles were manufactured. Modern vehicles have multiple layers of paint, that require special consideration—make sure the shop you choose can explain the important consideration for your particular vehicle.

The Convenience of a One-Stop-Shop

Your time is a valuable commodity—no one wants to be running around to different places if at all possible. If you are considering car detailing, consider the other areas of protection that could be completed at the same time, for example:

Rust Remediation and Undercoating

Rust is still an issue for many cars and trucks—HotCars.com highlighted 15 of the worst cars in their 2020 blog. In Virginia, dry sodium chloride is VDOT’s primary snow-removal. Salt is sometimes mixed with sand before it is applied to the road, all of which can attack the body of your vehicle. Rust remediation and undercoating can make a significant difference to the life of your vehicle.

Truck Spray in Bedliners

While you are considering protecting the outside of your truck, how about the bed? Adding a spray-in bedliner can sharpen that rugged look and protect against ding, scrapes, and rust.

Window Tinting and Paint Protection Film

To go the whole way consider adding paint protection film to protect the pristine look of your paint, and window tinting can protect the interior of your vehicle from sun damage. Plus it looks cool…

ASP offers a full range of automotive protection services—and the one-stop-shop solution to save you time.

Consider Reputation and Reviews

Check reviews when considering car detailing services, as you simply cannot afford to put your vehicle’s care into the hands of someone who does not have a solid track record.

For example, if you’re looking for the best Fairfax detailing shop, it would be a good idea to look for reviews on Google, Yelp, or other review sites. Checking the shop’s website and Facebook page is also a good way to get information on their reputation, as you can see what kind of feedback they’re getting from clients.

Working to Your Schedule

Does your chosen shop work with your schedule? Look beyond open and closed hours—ask about early/late drop off too. APS also offers a courtesy ride up to 5 miles to get you to your home, office, or local metro station.

Make life easy for yourself—choose a detailing shop that works with your schedule!

Car Detailing Prices

Last but not least, you’ll want to check prices. But be sure to compare apples with apples. Are you looking for a quick (cheap) wash and wax? Or are you looking for professional detailing that includes the right preparation for your paint and long-term protection for your vehicle? At the end of the day, the old adage is true—you get what you pay for.

For more on how to find the best possible car detailing company in Fairfax, or to learn about any of our car detailing, paint protection, or other automotive services, speak to the pros at Automotive Protection Services today.