We hear a lot of the same questions from customers who are considering a professional detail for the first time. Here are honest answers to the most common ones.
What exactly is car detailing — and how is it different from a car wash?
A car wash cleans the surface. Car detailing restores the vehicle, inside and out, to the best condition it can be in — often close to showroom standard.
A professional detail involves:
- Deep cleaning of the interior (vacuuming all surfaces, shampooing seats and carpet, cleaning vents, dashboard, door trims, and all plastics)
- Full exterior wash using professional equipment and technique
- Paint decontamination (removing bonded contaminants a normal wash can't shift)
- Paintwork polishing (machine correction of scratches and swirl marks)
- Application of paint protection (wax, sealant, or ceramic coating)
- Window cleaning inside and out, including seals and frames
- Tyre and wheel dressing
The level of work depends on the package. An "essential" or basic detail covers the fundamentals; a full "pro" detail includes machine correction and paint restoration.
How long does a detail take?
It depends on the vehicle size and the package:
- Essential detail (exterior wash, interior vacuum and wipe): 2–3 hours
- Elevated detail (adds steam cleaning, shampoo, engine bay): 4–5 hours
- Pro detail (full machine polish and correction): 6–8 hours or more
Larger vehicles like SUVs, 4WDs, and vans take longer than sedans. Heavily neglected vehicles also take more time.
Is it worth it?
Yes — for several reasons.
Resale value: A well-maintained, detailed vehicle sells for significantly more than a neglected one. One good detail before selling a car often returns two to three times its cost in sale price.
Protection: Paint correction and quality protective coatings slow down future deterioration. UV protection, for example, prevents the paint oxidation and clear coat failure that's common in Queensland's harsh sun.
Driving experience: There's a genuine mental benefit to spending time in a clean, fresh-smelling vehicle. And for businesses with fleet vehicles, a clean fleet presents a professional image to customers.
Longevity: Regular detailing extends the life of the interior — preventing leather from cracking, fabric from staining permanently, and plastics from becoming brittle and faded.
How often should I get my car detailed?
For most passenger vehicles: a full detail every 6–12 months, with a basic wash and interior clean every 4–6 weeks.
For fleet vehicles in commercial use: the answer depends on what the vehicles are exposed to. Vehicles operating in dusty or dirty environments, or ones customer-facing (transport, tourism, tradespeople), benefit from monthly or fortnightly professional cleans.
Do you come to me, or do I have to bring the car somewhere?
Aussie Gleam is fully mobile — we come to your home, office, or worksite anywhere in Southeast Queensland. You don't need to drop the car off or arrange pick-up. We bring all our own equipment, water supply, and power.
Will detailing remove scratches?
It depends on the depth of the scratch. A machine polish can remove or significantly reduce surface scratches (scratches within the clear coat layer). Deeper scratches that have penetrated to the base coat or primer cannot be fully removed by polishing and require a respray.
A good rule of thumb: if you run your fingernail across the scratch and can feel it catch, it's likely beyond what polishing alone can fix. If the scratch is barely visible when you look at it side-on, polishing can probably eliminate it.
Can you detail brand new cars?
Yes — and it's actually highly recommended. New cars from dealerships often have swirl marks and minor imperfections from the factory and transport process. A new car detail includes paint decontamination, a light polish to address factory imperfections, and application of a quality protective coating before the vehicle is subjected to road use.
Starting with paint protection on a new car dramatically reduces future maintenance requirements.
What's a ceramic coating — is it worth it?
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the paint surface that chemically bonds and forms a semi-permanent protective layer. It provides:
- Hydrophobic protection — water beads off the surface, reducing water spots and making the car easier to clean
- UV protection — slows oxidation and paint fade
- Chemical resistance — better protection against bird droppings, tree sap, and road chemicals
- Gloss enhancement — a noticeable depth and shine improvement
A quality ceramic coating costs more than wax or sealant but lasts 2–5 years rather than months. For Queensland conditions (intense UV, coastal salt air), it's a worthwhile investment, particularly for newer vehicles or ones you intend to keep long-term.
Do you detail commercial vehicles and fleets?
Yes — commercial fleet cleaning is one of Aussie Gleam's core services. We service fleets of all types: trucks, vans, utes, buses, coaches, caravans, and mixed fleets. We work around your schedule to minimise downtime, and offer fortnightly or monthly contract pricing for regular fleet maintenance.
Fleet cleaning pricing starts from $70 per vehicle for a standard wash and clean, with discounts for fleet size and frequency.
Have a question that's not answered here? Get in touch with the Aussie Gleam team at aussiegleam.com or call 0479 070 056. We're happy to give you honest advice on what your vehicle needs.