Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. What is ceramic coating?
    1. Ceramic coatings form a semi permanent bond to paint, glass, wheels, plastic, leather and countless other surfaces creating an extremely durable stain resistant sacrificial layer of protection that keeps surfaces looking their best for years. The hydrophobic nature of the coatings means dirt and grime doesn’t  stick, have self cleaning properties and the hardness of the coatings are semi scratch resistant.
  2. How does a ceramic coating affect the look of my vehicle’s paint?
    1. The coating itself is like adding an additional clear coat layer that will enhance the depth and shine of your vehicle’s paint. The process with the recommended paint correction will completely transform the depth and gloss of your paint finish.   
  3. Can you apply a ceramic coating over paint defects?
    1. Yes. If durability is your only concern and don’t care what the surface looks like we can apply a ceramic coating over imperfect finishes. This will lock in the defects for the lifetime of the coating.
  4. Can you apply PPF over Ceramic or Ceramic coatings over PPF?
    1. The proper way to achieve the best results is to first correct the factory finish then apply the paint protection film on the high impact areas and then apply a ceramic coating made especially for the paint protection film that will allow the film to retain its self healing properties and get the benefits of the hydrophobic ceramic coatings.  Most new PPF is infused with a ceramic coating already and this process will only increase its ability to shed water and staining.
  5. Do you ceramic coat carpets?
    1. Yes we offer stain resistant carpet and fabric treatments to interiors.  Either in our interior protection package or an add on service to our full interior detailing service.
  6. Do you ceramic coat the leather in vehicles?
    1. Yes. We offer durable leather coatings in our interior protection package and as an add on service to full interiors.
  7. Do you ceramic coat wheels?
    1. Yes. We offer extremely durable heat resistant wheel coatings in our new vehicle protection packages to the wheel faces and offer wheel removal to apply ceramic coatings to the wheels inside and out as well brake calipers.
  8. Do you ceramic coat brake calipers?
    1. Yes. We apply extremely durable heat resistant brake caliper coatings as an add on service to new vehicle protection packages and as an add on service. 
  9. Is there additional protection for door jambs?
    1. Yes. We can polish and apply durable sealants and coatings to door jambs.
  10. Can you ceramic coat plastic trim?
    1. Yes. Our new vehicle protection packages include plastic coatings and we offer plastic coatings as an add on service.
  11. What are the benefits of ceramic coating the glass?
    1. Drastically improved visibility during winter driving and ease of washing and glass cleaning.  Windshield wipers are barely required at freeway speeds.
  12. What are the benefits of ceramic coating?
    1. Ceramic coatings are an extremely durable hydrophobic stain and UV resistant sacrificial layer that dirt and grime doesn’t stick too offering years of protection. 
  13. How long does the Ceramic Coating last?
    1. Most quality coatings last between 1-10  years and this greatly depends on usage and maintenance.
  14. Is Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coating the same?
    1. No, paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are two different types of automotive protection. PPF is a clear, thin, and durable film that is applied directly to the paint of a vehicle. It acts as a protective barrier against scratches and minor impacts, as well as UV rays and other environmental elements. Ceramic coating, on the other hand, is a liquid that is applied to the vehicle’s paint to create a permanent layer of protection. Ceramic coating helps protect the paint from scratches and other environmental elements, as well as helps to keep the paint looking shiny and new. Both PPF and ceramic coating are great options for protecting your vehicle and its paint.
  1. What is Paint Correction?
    1. The art of removing defects in your vehicle’s paint creating a shine beyond your expectations.  Our highly skilled technicians have decades of experience and use only the finest polishing pads and compounds sourced from around the world. With the use of mild abrasives we polish away years of swirls, spider webbing, car wash scratches and neglect.
  2. Why is paint correction performed before ceramic coating?
    1. We always recommend perfecting the paint and removing factory defects before applying our durable ceramic coatings.  Any defects including swirls, spider webbing, surface marring and sanding marks that remain in the paint will be locked in under the ceramic coating and will remain visible for the lifetime of the coating. Future removal of the defects would require paint correction and removal of the coating. New vehicles come with sanding marks from the assembly line as well as handling marks from vehicle shipment, pre delivery inspection and dealership washing and drying. Also vehicles these days can spend months in outdoor environments waiting for completion with parts delays and are covered in industrial fallout and hard water staining that all must be repaired before applying a ceramic coating.  Vehicles on dealership lots are subject to less than desirable washing and drying by third party fleet mobile washers that use unfiltered water and grungy towels creating a host of other surface imperfections. 
  1. How do I properly maintain and wash my car after a paint correction and coating detail?
    1. We highly recommend you wash your own car using the two bucket, grit guard and foam cannon using delicate soaps, wash mitts and towels. As well as a ceramic maintenance detail every 6-12 months to flush the coating clean as well as hydrate and or apply an additional layer of ceramic.  We offer delicate hand wash service if you are unable to. Some coating manufacturers suggest the less expensive touch less washes in a pinch as they are generally safer than brushes.
  2. Why do you recommend an annual ceramic coating maintenance detail?
    1. The coating and vehicle still need to be washed and maintained. The coatings are self cleaning and resilient to staining and defects. So you will experience a stain resistant effect that requires less frequent maintenance.  However as dirt and grime builds up your coating will become clogged and lose some of its ability to shed water thus reducing the hydrophobic nature.  With our coating maintenance Level 1 detail we will flush the surface and re-apply a coating topper or additional layer of ceramic in our Level 2 coating maintenance thus adding to the lifespan of your coating.  
  3. How often should I have my car detailed?
    1. Usage is a big consideration when creating a custom tailored detailing schedule. For daily driven cars we suggest a service every 3 months and for weekend cars once a year.
  1. Paint Protection Film or Ceramic Coating?
    1. Typically we like to apply PPF to the high impact areas and then add our durable ceramic coatings over the entire vehicle. Both products have their purpose, pluses and drawbacks. Paint Protection Film is extremely durable and resistant to nicks, chips and scratches. However they can be expensive, somewhat visible and have limitations to what can be covered. For a seamless look we prefer to cover full panels and especially those high impact areas like front bumpers, grills and lower rocker panels and rear tire splash guards. Ceramic Coatings can be applied to virtually any surface and offer stain, uv, and scratch resistant properties. Coatings enhance the surface and are virtually invisible.  However they offer very little protection from nicks, chips and scratches.  We are able to coat plastic, wheels, calipers, door jambs and interiors.
  1. What is Paint Protection Film?
    1. Paint Protection Film, PPF or Clear Bra is a highly durable film that is applied to the high impact areas of your vehicle to protect against rock chips, rash and scratches. The film is almost invisible and typically lasts from 5-10 years depending on care and usage.
  2. Can you apply PPF over Ceramic or Ceramic coatings over PPF?
    1. The proper way to achieve the best results is to first correct the factory finish then apply the paint protection film on the high impact areas and then apply a ceramic coating made especially for the paint protection film that will allow the film to retain its self healing properties and get the benefits of the hydrophobic ceramic coatings.  Most new PPF is infused with a ceramic coating already and this process will only increase its ability to shed water and staining.
  1. Do you repair wheels?
    1. We can repair most curb rashed and discolored old wheels for a fraction of the cost of new in under 48 hours. We can also powder coat your wheels a different color for a unique look. 
  2. Do you remove decals?
    1. We can remove decals and factory emblems to transform the look of your car.
  3. I have a rock chip, can you touch-up the paint?
    1. Yes. We offer paint touch up that will reduce the visibility and seal the exposed area from the elements.
  4. Do you remove broken glass from the vehicle interior?
    1. Yes.  We can remove seats and trim to access hidden debris throughout the interior of your vehicle. 
  5. Do you treat the plastics?
    1. Yes. Our exterior packages include a plastic treatment. Our new vehicle protection packages include applying a ceramic coating to plastics and we can upgrade any exterior service to a durable plastic ceramic coating. 
  6. Can you install a screen protector?
    1. Yes. We install durable scratch and wear resistant screen protectors. 
  7. Do you detail the undercarriage?
    1. Yes. We can raise your vehicle, remove the wheels & tires and deep clean the undercarriage of your vehicle to flush away road salts and years of dirt grime and oil leaks.  
  8. I have water spots, can you remove them?
    1. We can remove most hard water staining from your vehicle’s paint and glass and apply a durable ceramic coating to help prevent future water staining.
  9. Do you wet sand vehicles?
    1. We offer wet sanding services as needed to remove debris and defects and orange peel from re sprayed panels.  
  10. Do you resurface headlights?
    1. Yes. We can restore most headlights while you wait and we apply a durable ceramic coating that will make your headlights look great.  Typically lasts 1-3 years and the service is a fraction of the cost of new.
  11. Do you clean convertible tops?
    1. Yes. We offer convertible top treatments for all different types of materials that are stain, UV and water resistant. 
  12. Do you clean engines?
    1. We are the only facility in the area that is permitted to safely clean and detail engines and undercarriages through our 3 stage oil, grease and water separator.  The runoff must be collected and treated by a waste collector and treated properly. The city of Santa Rosa inspects our collection system every 6 months to ensure we aren’t sending unwanted chemicals and grease to the water treatment facility. This is the most environmentally safe option.    
  13. Do you offer hand pinstriping?
    1. We offer hand painted pinstriping from a standard two stripe to a fully customized layout that will completely change the look of your vehicle and stand out from the crowd. 
  14. Do you offer leather upgrades?
    1. Yes. We offer factory quality leather upgrades for most vehicles and can customize the stitching, piping and add suede and alcantara and even get you a customized steering wheel to match.
  15. Can you remove old failing pinstriping?
    1. Yes. We can remove most vinyl and hand painted pinstriping.
  1. Do you clay bar the vehicle?
    1. All of our exterior detailing packages include a clay bar process that removes contaminants from paint and glass surfaces that will eventually cause permanent damage.  We also offer an iron removing liquid decontamination process. 
  2. Can you polish the glass?
    1. Yes. We offer glass polishing and glass coatings.  The polishing process will remove contaminants, oxidation and light water spotting that will drastically improve visibility and the coating will make driving in rain a breeze.
  3. Do you perform exterior only detailing?
    1. Yes.  We offer multiple levels of exterior detailing from a hand wash, clay car and paint sealant to multi step paint correction and extremely durable ceramic coatings. 
  4. Do you use a foam cannon?
    1. Yes. All of our exterior packages include the use of a foam cannon that deep clean and reduce the risk of surface marring by first removing harmful debris and sediment.  
  5. Do you clean the windows?
    1. Yes. All of our packages include window cleaning inside and out.
  6. Do you clean inside the fenders?
    1. Yes. All of our exterior packages include fender well cleaning and treatment.
  7. Do you clean under the car?
    1. Yes. We are the only legally compliant facility in the area that is permitted to clean and detail engines and undercarriages with our 3 stage grease and water separator and water treatment.  Our undercarriage detailing services can be added to any exterior detailing package. 
  8. Can you remove swirl marks?
    1. Yes. We offer paint correction that removes unsightly swirls and defects in our correction and coating packages. 
  9. How much does a detail cost?
    1. Our express detailing packages start at $200 for a small car and go up to $7500 for full correction, paint protection film and durable ceramic coatings.
  10. How long does a detail take?
    1. Most packages are completed on the same day and our correction and coating packages can take up to a week to complete.
  11. Will the scratches come back?
    1. Waxes, polishes and sealants may temporarily fill and hide surface defects like scratches, swirls and spider webbing and in time will wear away revealing unsightly defects. Our correction and coatings packages will permanently remove scratches and swirls and through proper maintenance techniques you won’t re-create new ones.
  12. Do you offer a mobile service?
    1. We do not offer a mobile service as it is not cost effective to haul everything needed to perform the service and collect the water run off as it is not legal or environmentally safe to send water run off to the storm drains and creeks.  In some rare cases we are called upon to detail exotics on location of car shows and filming scenarios but we are limited to light cleaning and detailing.  We also offer flat bed towing services that might be the best option for your exotic.
  13. Do you offer a car wash service?
    1. Yes. Our interior detailing packages include a dry vacuuming that will remove most pet hair. Extreme cases will require additional time and charges. 
  1. Do you remove dog hair?
    1. Yes. Our interior detailing packages include a dry vacuuming that will remove most pet hair. Extreme cases will require additional time and charges. 
  2. Can you shampoo my carpets?
    1. Yes. Our full interior detailing service includes a shampoo and a PH balanced hot water extraction that removes harmful mold and allergens leaving your vehicle fresh and clean without the use of toxic chemicals and residues. 
  3. Do you remove odors from vehicles?
    1. We can remove most odors from vehicles through deep cleaning, treatments and or carpet and fabric replacement.
  4. Is there additional protection for door jambs?
    1. Yes. We can polish and apply durable sealants and coatings to door jambs.
  5. Do you offer interior cleaning?
    1. Yes. We offer two levels of interior detailing and new vehicle interior protection packages to suit your vehicle’s age and condition.  
  6. My carpets don’t look dirty, why should I have them extracted?
    1. Carpet extraction neutralizes harmful mold and allergens deep within the carpet. Our shampoo and PH balanced hot water extraction leaves a natural chemical and residue free surface.  
  7. Can you clean my headliner?
    1. Yes.  Headliners offer unique challenges depending on the type of material, Our full interior detailing includes a delicate dry cleaning process and in some cases we can dry vapor steam clean as needed for stain removal. 
  8. Do you apply interior dressings?
    1. No. We prefer to clean and leave most interior surfaces natural. Most interior dressings leave an oily residue that attracts dust and dirt and also can off gas and fog up your windows.  We treat the leather surfaces with leather conditioners that absorb into the leather and leave a very natural finish.
  9. When will my interior be dry after a full interior detail?
    1. We do our best to get the carpet and upholstery as dry as possible before you pick up your car with heated dryers and fans. If any moisture remains we suggest leaving the floor mats out and parking the car inside your garage with a window cracked if possible. If you are concerned we suggest leaving the car with us overnight for additional drying time. 
  10. Can you replace my air cabin filter?
    1. Yes. We utilize only OEM cabin filters and suggest replacing them yearly and with our full interior detailing package.
  11. Is the trunk of my vehicle cleaned during an interior service?
    1. Yes. We offer two levels of interior detailing packages to suit your vehicle’s age and condition. Both include cleaning of the trunk space.
  1. Where are you located?
    1. Santa Rosa, CA. On Cleveland Ave, one block south of Dick’s Sporting Goods & The Coddingtown Mall. 
  2. What are your hours?
    1. Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm
    2. Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm
  3. Are you open on the weekends?
    1. We are happy to announce our new schedule! Starting Saturday March 4th, 2023 Auto Sport Detailing will be open seven days a week!
  1. Do you provide estimates?
    1. Yes, we offer in-person estimates for all services. 
  2. Do I need to schedule an appointment for an estimate?
    1. No, visit our location anytime Monday through Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm for an accurate estimate on desired services.
  1. Do you detail boats?
    1. Yes. We offer boat detailing packages and ceramic coatings packages to suit all kinds of lake boats and personal watercraft.
  2. How long does a boat detail take?
    1. We will need your boat for 1-7 days depending on the service and condition.
  3. How much does it cost?
    1. Boat size and condition varies greatly and so does our pricing. Typically a exterior and interior detailing service starts at $2,000.00 for an average condition 21’ boat.  This includes a thorough washing, polishing, gelcoat sealant, trailer wash and spray sealant and a deep cleaning of all of the interior of the boat.  This service typically takes us 2-3 days to complete.  Adding Ceramic Coating typically adds around $2000.00 for two layers on the gelcoat and 2 layers on the windshield. 
  4. Can you remove algae?
    1. Yes. We can raise your boat off of the trailer and clean the bottom as needed.  Typically we add this service to an exterior detailing service and adds $500-1000.00
  5. Why should I Ceramic Coat my Boat?
    1. Boats finishes are porous in nature and subject sun, weather and water induced fading and oxidation.  Water splashes all over your boat and the sun bakes these spots into the surface. When we pull the boat out of the water these spots are  already set in and stubborn to remove and require frequent polishing and waxing which can yellow the gelcoat to point where wet sanding is required to remove.  The Ceramic Coating fills in the porous gel coat creating a smooth hydrophobic stain resistant surface that usually only requires the use of a boat specific detail spray after each use. 
  6. How long does the Ceramic Coating last?
    1. Most quality coatings last between 1-10  years and this greatly depends on usage and maintenance.
  7. What parts of the boat can you apply a ceramic coating to?
    1. Virtually all interior and exterior surfaces can benefit from a ceramic coating like Gelcoat, Glass, Interior Vinyl, Seadeck, Carpet, Towers, Trailer and Wheels. 
  8.   What is the benefit of coating the trailer?
    1. Easier wipedown and increased UV and stain resistance.
  9. Do you apply vinyl conditioners or dressings to interior vinyl?
    1. We prefer to clean and leave vinyl natural or apply a durable stain resistant ceramic coating. Most vinyl treatments tend to be slippery and offer little to no benefit against the elements.  Most use them to brighten the surface and hide dirt, these treatments also attract dirt and dust. We like things to be clean and natural.
  10.  How do you clean the sea deck?
    1. We use special cleaning agents, delicate agitation and hot water extraction or steam clean and power wash where applicable.  
  1. Do you detail Motorcycles?
    1. Yes. We offer motorcycle detailing packages and ceramic coatings packages to suit all kinds of motorcycles.
  1. Do you detail classic vehicles?
    1. Yes. We absolutely detail precious classic automobiles using the finest products and precision skills.  Every vehicle finish is different and this requires knowledge of products and techniques to achieve the absolute best results while maintaining the integrity of the material and finishes of your vehicle.
  1. Do you detail exotic vehicles?
    1. Yes. We absolutely detail precious exotic automobiles using the finest products and precision skills.  Every vehicle finish is different and this requires knowledge of products and techniques to achieve the absolute best results while maintaining the integrity of the material and finishes of your vehicle. 
  2. Do you offer a mobile service for exotic cars?
    1. Typically we prefer the vehicle to come to us where we can work in a controlled environment where we can guarantee our working conditions. In rare instances we travel on location for car shows or museums where vehicles are on display.  Please contact our staff for an estimate and to make special arrangements. 
  3. Can you arrange transportation of my Exotic?
    1. Yes.  We work with a locally owned and operated flat tow service and can arrange pick up and delivery by flatbed tow truck.    
  1. When can I drop off my car?
    1. Drop off is between 730 am – 830 am.  We also offer night drop, early morning drop and you’re welcome to drop off the day before your appointment and we will keep your vehicle inside of our shop.
  2. When can I pick up my car?
    1. Pick up is generally between 430-530 pm and we also offer after hour pick up as well as next day pick up.
  3. Do you offer a pick up and delivery service?
    1. Yes we offer a local pickup and delivery service that starts at $45.00
  4. Do you have loaner cars?
    1. We do not offer loaner cars but we have a working relationship with Enterprise rentals on Cleveland Ave and they offer our customers a discount and we strongly suggest pre booking your rental.
  5. Do you offer a shuttle service?
    1. We do not have a shuttle service but we will happily order you a ride through Uber and add the fee to your invoice.
  6. Can I leave my vehicle overnight?
    1. Yes. We can keep your vehicle overnight inside of our shop if you would like to drop off the day before or pick up the following day.
  1. Do you work on all kinds of cars?
    1. Yes we have worked on everything from the Tillamook Baby Loaf cheese volkswagen bus to 7 figure custom built show cars.
  2. Can I customize my service?
    1. Yes. Our menu and add ons offer the flexibility to customize a detailing package that’s just right for you and your car.
  3. What separates Auto Sport Detailing from other detail shops?
    1. We are a local family owned and operated detailing shop that was bred from our family’s all indoor exotic car sales facility that opened in 1982. It was here that we developed a passion and our process for restoring fine automobiles to their absolute best look and feel.  We have spent decades perfecting the detailing process and creating custom tailored detailing packages to suit every vehicle and their driver.  We work with only the finest products and tools and offer the most comprehensive detailing packages and options.  We are much more than a detailing shop.  We are passionate about the automotive industry and only employ the most qualified detailing technicians. We offer the most environmentally safe water runoff filtration and use only biodegradable products and recyclable materials.  When required we only outsource the best of local providers for paintwork, upholstery and use only OEM parts supplied by local dealers.  We are committed to community and keeping our local area thriving.   We use the finest brand new towels and polishing pads when performing paint correction and ceramic coating packages. We color code our towels and launder them on site by usage to eliminate cross contamination of chemicals and contaminants.  
  4. Do you just clean and detail cars?
    1. We are much more than a detailing shop. We transform vehicles and offer so  more from wheel refinishing and powdercoating to leather upgrades, window tint, paint protection film, emblem removal, black out packages and new vehicle protection packages to suit every vehicle and its owner. We also provide water remediation, mold, smoke, glass debris odor removal, and biohazard cleanup for car accidents.  We work with all insurance companies and local body shops to get your vehicle back looking and feeling its absolute best.   
  5. Can you bring my older car back to life?
    1. Yes. We absolutely can.  We specialize in transformation services, we can replace worn out leather bolsters, repair burns nick and tears in leather we can replace your carpet and upholstery. We can re spray and refinish bumpers and trim, we offer paint correction services and deep cleaning and detailing for even the most challenging projects. 
  6. Do you offer mechanical services?
    1. No. We offer all types of cosmetic replacements and upgrades and do not offer mechanical services. We can happily refer you to a qualified local provider.