Frequently Asked Questions

Auto detailing is a comprehensive cleaning, restoration, and finishing process that goes far beyond a regular car wash. We meticulously clean both the interior and exterior of your vehicle, addressing every surface with specialized products and techniques to restore it to like-new condition.

Our detailing services include paint correction, ceramic coating, deep interior cleaning, leather conditioning, engine bay cleaning, and much more depending on the package selected.

The duration varies depending on the package and your vehicle's condition:

• Basic Full Detail: 2-3 hours
• Standard Full Detail: 3-4 hours
• Executive Full Detail: 4-6 hours
• Premium Full Detail: 5-7 hours
• Showroom Full Detail: 1-2 days

These are estimates. Heavily soiled vehicles or those requiring extensive paint correction may take longer.

We proudly serve the Greater Pittsburgh area, including:

• Pittsburgh Area (our home base)
• Fox Chapel
• Sewickley Heights
• Upper St. Clair
• And surrounding communities within 50 miles

As a mobile service, we come directly to your home, office, or preferred location!

We are primarily a mobile detailing service, which means we bring our professional equipment and expertise directly to you. This saves you time and provides maximum convenience.

We offer mobile detailing services, coming directly to our customers! We service the Pittsburgh area and surrounding communities. For specialty services requiring controlled environments (like multi-day paint correction), arrangements can be made.

Our pricing varies based on vehicle size and package selected:

Full Detail Packages (Compact / Midsize / SUV-Truck / XL):

• Basic Full Detail: $95 / $110 / $125 / $140
• Standard Full Detail: $145 / $175 / $205 / $235
• Executive Full Detail: $225 / $270 / $315 / $360
• Premium Full Detail: $325 / $395 / $465 / $545
• Showroom Full Detail: $495 / $595 / $695 / $795

Exterior-Only Packages (Compact / Midsize / SUV-Truck / XL):

• Basic Exterior Wash & Dry: $85 / $95 / $110 / $125
• Standard Exterior: $125 / $145 / $165 / $185
• Executive Exterior: $175 / $205 / $235 / $265
• Premium Exterior: $245 / $290 / $335 / $380
• Paint Correction: $325 / $395 / $465 / $545
• Armor Exterior: $495 / $595 / $695 / $795

Interior-Only Packages (Compact / Midsize / SUV-Truck / XL):

• Basic Interior: $55 / $65 / $75 / $85
• Standard Interior: $95 / $115 / $135 / $155
• Executive Interior: $145 / $175 / $205 / $235
• Premium Interior: $195 / $235 / $275 / $315

Specialty Services:

• Motorcycles: Road Ready $85–$105, Chrome & Shine $145–$185, Show Bike $245–$295, Seasonal Prep $125–$155
• Fleet & Commercial: Starter (2–4 vehicles) $75–$95 each, Standard (5–9) $65–$85 each, Premium (10+) $55–$75 each with monthly minimums
• Aircraft: Exterior Wash & Dry from $295, Interior from $225, Full Detail from $650, with larger aircraft priced by type
• Memberships: Essential $95/mo, Premium $145/mo, Ultimate $185/mo

Ceramic coating add-on is +$250 on any full-detail package. Common add-ons: Headlight Restoration $65, Engine Bay Detail $75, Odor/Ozone Treatment $60, Pet Hair Removal $45–$75, Clay Bar $45. Protection tiers: Basic Spray Wax (included, 2-3 weeks), Butter Wax (+$75, 4–8 weeks, warm carnauba, hand-applied), Blacklight (+$95, glaze + optical enhancement, premium result), Jet Seal (+$125, 12+ months synthetic, significantly more durable), Blacklight + Jet Seal combined (+$185, full refinement + long-term protection), and Ceramic Coating (separate service with existing pricing).

Use our Quote Calculator for an instant estimate, or contact us for a custom quote.

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:

• Cash
• Credit/Debit Cards (via Square)
• Apple Pay & Google Pay
• Venmo & Cash App
• Checks (for commercial accounts)

A $30 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment, which is applied toward your final total.

Yes! We regularly offer special promotions:

• Spring Into Summer: Book a full detail in April or May and receive 30% off your next exterior wash in July
• Marine Season Opener: April and May only, 15% off all marine detail packages
• Fleet First Look: First fleet vehicle 10% off for new fleet clients only
• Refer & Ride: Refer a friend who books and pays and receive 30% off your next exterior wash
• Monthly Memberships: Ongoing maintenance pricing starts at $95/month

Learn more about our Referral & Rewards Program.

We understand plans change. Here's our cancellation policy:

• More than 48 hours notice: Full refund of deposit
• 24-48 hours notice: 50% deposit refunded or credit toward future service
• Less than 24 hours: Deposit is non-refundable (but can be applied to a rescheduled appointment within 30 days)

We'll always work with you in case of emergencies. Just give us a call at (412) 752-8684.

Each package builds on the previous one with more comprehensive services:

• Basic Full Detail: Wash, vacuum, wipe-down, windows, tires, and air freshener
• Standard Full Detail: Basic package plus leather conditioning
• Executive Full Detail: Standard package plus deep interior cleaning and shampoo
• Premium Full Detail: Executive package plus clay bar and paint sealant
• Showroom Full Detail: Two-stage paint correction, engine cleaning, and full restoration finish

View detailed comparisons on our Services Page.

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with your vehicle's paint, creating a protective layer that lasts 2-5+ years (depending on the quality).

Benefits:

• Extreme hydrophobic properties (water beads and slides off)
• Protection against UV damage, oxidation, and chemical stains
• Easier to clean and maintain
• Enhanced gloss and depth of color
• Scratch resistance (not scratch-proof, but more resistant)

If you want long-term protection and plan to keep your vehicle for years, ceramic coating is an excellent investment.

Yes! Paint correction is our specialty. We can remove or significantly reduce:

• Swirl marks and holograms
• Light to moderate scratches
• Water spots and etching
• Oxidation and fading
• Buffer trails from improper detailing

Our Showroom Full Detail includes paint correction for light swirls, and dedicated paint correction services are also available. Deep scratches that penetrate through the clear coat may not be fully removable without repainting.

Absolutely! We detail all types of vehicles:

• Motorcycles: Road Ready $85–$105, Chrome & Shine $145–$185, Show Bike $245–$295, Seasonal Prep $125–$155
• RVs & Motorhomes: Exterior Wash & Dry from $295 (up to 25ft); Full RV Detail (interior + exterior) from $475–$775; 40ft+ call for quote
• Boats & Yachts: Marine detailing — Exterior Wash & Dry from $85 (Jet Ski/PWC) to $265 (29–35ft); Exterior Wash + Wax from $135–$475; Full Marine Detail (interior + exterior) from $375–$625; 36ft+ call for quote
• Aircraft: Exterior Wash & Dry from $295, Interior from $225, Full Detail from $650; larger aircraft and helicopters quoted by type
• Mechanical Services: Basic Diagnostic $50, Advanced Diagnostic $100, labor rate $75/hr; brake, suspension, mirror, glass, fluid, and battery labor available
• Commercial Vehicles: Starter, Standard, and Premium fleet plans from $55–$95 per vehicle with monthly minimums
• Specialty: Tractors, semis, buses, vans, and more

Contact us for a custom quote on specialty vehicles.

Yes! We offer a Custom Package Builder where you can select exactly the services you want. Popular add-ons include:

• Pet hair removal
• Headlight restoration
• Engine bay detailing
• Odor elimination
• Leather conditioning
• Undercarriage wash

Build your custom package online or discuss your needs with us directly.

Booking is easy! You have three options:

• Online Booking: Use our Live Booking Calendar
• Phone: Call or text (412) 752-8684
• Email: NazirEl@handsdetailshop.com

A $30 deposit secures your time slot. We'll send appointment confirmation and reminder via text/email.

We bring everything we need! All we require is:

• Access to electricity: Standard 110V outlet within 50 feet
• Water access: Outdoor spigot/hose connection (or we can bring our own water tank for an additional fee)
• Parking space: Driveway, parking lot, or similar flat surface

For locations without water access, let us know in advance and we'll bring our own supply.

No, you don't need to be present the entire time. Many customers:

• Go about their day at home while we work
• Continue working in their home office
• Leave for errands and return when we're done

We just need someone available at the start to hand over keys and at the end for payment and walkthrough. We'll text/call when we're finished.

We monitor weather forecasts closely. If rain is expected:

• We'll contact you 24 hours in advance to discuss rescheduling
• Light rain? Interior-only services can still be performed
• We can work in covered areas (garage, carport) when available
• No fees for weather-related rescheduling

Your satisfaction and the quality of our work come first, so we'll never rush a detail due to weather.

Our monthly maintenance plans keep regularly driven vehicles clean on a recurring schedule:

• Essential Maintain: $95/month, once monthly service
• Premium Maintain: $145/month, biweekly service
• Ultimate Maintain: $185/month, biweekly service

Benefits:

• Scheduled recurring detailing visits
• Priority booking
• Maintenance-focused service between major details
• Premium and Ultimate require a one-time restoration before enrollment
• 30-day cancellation notice required

Learn more on our Membership Page.

Earn rewards by referring friends and family:

• You Get: $25 credit per successful referral
• They Get: 15% off their first service
• No Limit: Refer as many people as you want

Reward Tiers:

• 🥉 Bronze (3 referrals): Additional perks unlocked
• 🥈 Silver (5 referrals): Exclusive benefits
• 🥇 Gold (10+ referrals): VIP status & premium rewards

Details on our Rewards Page.

Yes! Gift certificates make perfect gifts for any occasion:

• Available in any denomination ($50, $100, $150, $250, or custom)
• Digital delivery via email (instant) or physical card by mail
• Never expire
• Can be applied to any service or package

Purchase on our Gift Certificates Page.