Frequently Asked Questions regarding detailing and tour event services.

A selection of commonly asked questions...

F.A.Q's for our detailing services...

What is the difference between polishing and waxing?

Polish is a blend of oils that are absorbed by the paint in the same way your skin would absorb a moisturiser. They also contain micro abrasives that when combined with a machine polisher, break down under heat build up to remove paint defects but offers no protection.

Wax works to protect the finish by forming a thin protective barrier on top of the paintwork. Wax offers no cleaning or corrective abilities.

What type of products or chemicals do you use?

We prefer to use PH neutral and citrus based cleaners. These are far superior and kinder to your vehicle. We avoid using harsh chemicals which will actually cause long term damage (as used by car wash and local 'hand' wash outfits). The products we use are all from reputable high end manufacturers tested and approved around the world. We do not use anything we would not use on our personal vehicles.

What does detailing actually do?

Detailing is the next step in vehicle care. It is a term used (and often misused) to describe the intricate, often obsessive (well, we are at least!) way in which a vehicle is cleaned, enhanced, protected or maintained. It can involve rectifying paint defects that may be present (which could amount to scratches, stains in paintwork for bird lime, water spotting etc) cleaning of plastic, chrome or rubber trims to enhance condition, restoring of faded plastics, cleaning of engine bays, wheels and calipers etc. Basically if it can be seen it should be clean! This can often (dependant upon the client's requirements), take many hours or even days. The aim of detailing is to then preserve or protect the vehicle to ensure its longevity in looking the best it can.

Are there any other benefits to having my vehicle detailed?

Put simply, yes! The detailing of a vehicle not only ensures it is the best it can be, but it enables all future cleaning and detailing works to be done with greater ease for a longer term gain. Also, once your vehicle is detailed this will help to maintain its desirability and value. This can especially be important not only on classic, rare or valuable vehicles but also on modern vehicles too. A professional detail if you are selling your vehicle can often lead to it being more desirable over the competition and you gaining the best price too!

What sort of vehicles do you work on?

We work on a range of vehicles, bikes and boats. From classic cars, modern sports and supercars to the 'everyday' family car. We treat every client and vehicle with the same dedication and respect offering the same quality of service to all.

Are you able to travel to me?

There are many disadvantages to mobile work which can include a lack of suitable facilities, lower quality control and many services cannot be performed outside of our premises. In addition, there is a Health and Safety responsibility not only to the customer, but to the general public and ourselves as well. With that said, certain services can be arranged to be done subject to certain criteria so please get in touch and ask the question.

I have purchased a new vehicle, does it really need detailing?

Absolutely! New vehicles are often subjected to longer term storage in less than ideal conditions, covered in protective plastics which leave sticky residues on surfaces and paint and are most often 'valeted' before delivery to the customer in a less than ideal way, which in itself will have caused damage to the new vehicle. In our experience, a new vehicle is often in need of detailing in order to make it the best it should be. The added advantage is that you know your investment is then protected in the best way it can be from day one, which helps with future detailing and preservation and holding its resale value and desirability.

Are you able to perform alloy wheel, bodywork or paint repairs for me?

We are not a 'smart' repairer or bodyshop and as such do not offer these services. However, we have close links with experienced and established bodyshops and classic vehicle restorers who is more than capable of taking on any work required. In addition we are able to arrange the repair of alloy wheels for you whilst we are in care of your vehicle.

What payment methods do you accept?

We are able to accept payment of cash, by bank transfer or via PayPal transfer. Currently we are not able to accept debit or credit card payments.

F.A.Q's for our tours and events...

What sort of accommodation do you provide?

We aim to provide accommodation to a high standard to suit the group attending the tour. Where possible we prefer to use independent, local hospitality on a regular basis which allows us to maintain a close working relationship with our hosts and provides a personal touch to our tours. Accommodation is booked to suit couples, single travelers and friends who are happy to share where appropriate! We also choose our accommodation with the knowledge that safe parking is essential for all of the vehicles taking part.

Are the tours a competition, a timed event or a race?

No our tours are not designed this way. We want to encourage the participants to enjoy the country they are in and make the most of the driving roads, the scenery, visitor attractions or destinations as organised as part of the tour and of course the hospitality of the people we meet! We encourage them to be a social occasion to enjoy.

Are there any 'track' sessions or opportunities to test my vehicles performance on your tours?

With a custom planned tour, this could be tailored to suit the group if wanting to visit a 'track' or suitable site for this purpose. As open track time is usually limited to certain calendar dates during the year, the availability of this would be determined by the travelling dates, the locations planned for the tour and the availability of a suitable 'track' or location in that area which can accommodate the group. In other words, yes we can arrange this but this would have to be an integral part of a custom planned tour.

What age groups and group types do you cater for?

The tours we organise are open to people of all ages and genders. We often have couples of all ages, single drivers, those who bring an older son or daughter with them and groups can be a combined mix without issue.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size for tours?

Generally, tours are best shared with a group which can range from say four cars up to ten, dependent upon the tour. Tours are usually assumed to have one or two passengers per vehicle, but this can be customised to suit the particular tour, vehicles being used and group in attendance. Solo or two vehicle guided tours are possible as well if required, although these can be a little more expensive than going with a few other vehicles. If in doubt get in touch with your requirements.

Are your tours fully inclusive?

Tours are inclusive of all overnight accommodation and breakfast (as indicated in the tour details), ferry bookings (where required), and access or entrance to additional venues as booked specifically for your tour (Visitor tours of a distillery or castle in Scotland or a show or museum, for example). Some tours may include evening or lunchtime meal packages on some days, again this is dependent upon your particular tour and all details will be given upon organising the booking.

What costs are not included in your tour package?

Fuel, vehicle insurance, road tax, breakdown cover, room service or room tabs and any meals and beverages not included in the tour package (as indicated in the booking details), fines incurred by your vehicle/driver. Additional excursions requested (if not included in the tour cost). It should be assumed that if it is not listed in the tour details you are provided with, it will be an additional cost for the individual.

What type of vehicle can I use?

Our tours can be organsied to suit practically any type of vehicle that you wish to use, within reason. Please bear in mind that the vehicle you choose to travel in can sometimes mean that certain routes are restricted to a particular type of vehicle (ie gravel tracks may not be suitable for an Lamborghini Aventador, or if you have a 1900's Veteran vehicle it may not be practical to cover 1500 miles in four or five days!). Again, as with all our tours we are able to make the tour suit the vehicles in attendance.

Are there any requirements the vehicles used on tour to meet?

All vehicles should have valid insurance, MOT (where required), have valid road tax (where required) and be in a suitable roadworthy condition for the type of tour your attending. All vehicles should also have breakdown recovery relevant for the countries in which the tour passes through. We also recommend having your vehicle serviced or inspected for peace of mind prior to the tour commencing. Remember that some types of tour can increase wear and tear on tyre's and brakes so ensure there is plenty of 'life' on these items!