Serving The San Francisco Bay Area

A mobile auto detail is a service where professional detailers come to your preferred location to clean and restore the interior and/or exterior of your vehicle. It is more thorough than a car wash and includes treatments that protect your vehicle from damage.

An interior detail involves a deep vacuum and cleaning of the car's upholstery and carpets. It includes using clean microfiber towels on door panels, center consoles, and steering wheels, gentle detail brushes in crevices, and high-quality cleaners. Conditioners and protectants are applied to surfaces and upholstery, and a two-step process with tint-safe window cleaners is used. Door jams are also cleaned to ensure the car feels clean from the moment you open the door.

An exterior mobile detail includes a pre-rinse treatment to loosen contaminants from the paint surfaces, followed by a full and gentle wash on the paint, trim, windows, and tires/wheels. Distilled water and premium 'rinseless' polymers are used to lift off dirt, ensuring a clean appearance. Distilled water does not leave water spots. The process may also involve spot decontamination using a clay bar and the application of a high-grade ceramic paint sealant, leaving the car looking shiny and well-protected.

Tipping for car detailing is appreciated but not obligatory. If you are satisfied with the service, a tip can be a nice way to show your appreciation for the detailer's work. The amount is typically based on the level of service and your personal preference (anywhere between 20-30%. is common).

Car detailing is often more expensive than a standard car wash because it involves a thorough cleaning and restoration process using specialized techniques, tools, and high-quality products. Detailers are trained professionals who invest time and effort to protect your vehicle from damage and enhance its appearance. A good one has spent countless hours learning which products to use, when, and which will be harmful to your particular situation. The cost also reflects the level of detail and care provided, which can vary based on the service level chosen.

When you book a mobile auto detail service, expect the detailer to arrive on time and ready to work at your preferred location. They should inform you if they need access to water, electricity, or a building/garage at the time of booking. Expect them to use only clean, high-quality microfiber towels, detail brushes, and other professional-grade tools. The detailer will use minimum-viable processes and chemicals to achieve the desired state ('more' is not 'better'). Your car will be much improved, though not perfectly clean ('perfection' is impossible and even showroom quality work require special and extreme conditions). Your car will look incredible.

The time it takes to detail a car can vary depending on the level of service and the condition of the vehicle. Generally for interior + exterior service, it can take anywhere from 1.5-3 hours for a basic detail to 4-7++ hours for more comprehensive services like a Premium or Luxury detail.

Yes, detailing is beneficial for your car. It provides a thorough cleaning and restoration of both the interior and exterior, helping to protect the vehicle from damage such as industrial fallout, UV rays, and hard water. Regular detailing can maintain the car's appearance, prolong its lifespan, and potentially enhance its resale value (by making it look well-maintained and appealing to potential buyers). It removes dirt, stains, and minor scratches, and applies protective treatments, which can improve the car's overall condition. A well-detailed car gives the impression of being cared for, which can justify a higher asking price.

It's generally recommended to get your car professionally detailed every 4-6 months. An exterior detail, for example, will include a special polymer sealant protectant that helps maintain the car's clean condition for a bit longer than traditional waxes. Beyond that, ceramic coating your exterior paint (and windows!), helps make maintenance washes a breeze, and with regular care, can last 3-5 years. In the long run, this becomes more cost-effective and much better for your paint than big jobs (e.g. Luxury's 1/2-step polishing) every 6-12 months. To be clear, you do not want to polish your car every six months - there's only so much clear coat above the vehicle's paint, and once it's gone... it's gone.

In general, Marina Auto Detail does not require deposit upon booking a detail job. We commit to the scheduled day/time/quote shared during booking. However, as a small business, when a client cancels (or simply no-shows), it is Marina Auto Detail that is left without an opportunity to work that day/time. We are also flexible to your life circumstances, and totally understand that things can come up unexpectedly. Our Cancellation Policy is quite simple: if cancelling more than 72 hours ahead scheduled job there is no penalty. If cancelling within 72 hours of scheduled job, we kindly ask that you process 50% of the quoted cost. For example, if you were quoted $360, and you cancel within three (3) days of scheduled job, you will be charged $180.