FAQs














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Where are you located?

Horsepower Alley Auto Detailing is located at:

118 North Union Street

Shenandoah PA 17976

 

Can I just come by and drop my car off?

Due to the personalized nature of our detailing services, we currently only accept new customers via appointment.  If you are unable to keep an appointment for any reason, at least 24 hours advance notice of cancellation is greatly appreciated.

 

How much will it cost to have my vehicle detailed?

Base prices for detailing services are listed under the "Our Services" page of the website.  Minimal upcharges may apply to larger size vehicles (trucks, SUVs, etc.) or vehicles that show greater than average wear.  Since our detailing services are tailored specifically to your vehicle, base prices are also adjusted for any options that you may choose to add to your detail package (e.g, claybar prep, trim care, product substitution, multiple coats, etc.).  If you have any questions at all about the total cost of your detailing services you may contact us for a free estimate.

 

You mention using polishes, waxes, sealants… aren’t they all the same?

No.  Although these terms are often used interchangeably (sometimes, even among detailers!), they refer to very different products.  For our purposes…

Polishes are products with some degree of abrasiveness that are used to remove defects (swirl marks, fine scratches, holograms, etc.) and prepare the paint surface for the application of a protectant.  We prefer to apply polishes via machine to maximize their effectiveness.

Waxes are one form of paint protectant.  They are natural products infused with carnauba - nature's hardest, purest, and clearest wax.  Many enthusiasts and show car owners prefer the deep, “three-dimensional” shine of carnauba waxes for their vehicles.  The downside of using a natural carnauba wax is its lack of durability; under normal conditions, a carnauba wax may only provide several weeks of effective protection for your vehicle's paint.

Sealants are another form of paint protectant.  They are synthetic (man-made) products that are valued for their durability; many of the quality sealants can rival carnauba for depth and shine, and can provide up to six months protection for your vehicle’s finish!

Glazes are products used to enhance your paint's gloss and shine.  Their oils and fillers work by hiding imperfections and enhancing a "wet look" finish.  True glazes have little or no cleaning or protective properties and are often used in conjunction with a polish, wax, or sealant.

We offer a variety of products to ensure a balance of appearance and protection for your paint surface and would be happy to discuss them with you.  The choice is yours!

 

What's a claybar, and what does it do?

Basically, detailing "clay" is an abrasive compound suspended in a soft plastic resin that comes in the shape of a bar.  Proper claybar preparation of a painted surface will remove bonded contaminants such as tar, sap, gum, industrial fallout, rail dust, and brake dust.  Though they are often not visible, these contaminants make the surface feel bumpy or gritty to the touch and can cause your paint to appear dull, even after waxing. Even worse, as they oxidize, they create rust spots within the paint. Once this happens they are considerably harder to remove and will most likely take a good bit of your paint with them. These contaminants are very difficult to wash or polish off, yet clay removes them with ease, leaving the paint surface smooth and clean – perfect for polishing!

Claybar preparation is included with every ShowCar Detail and can be added to any other detail service for an additional cost.  Please inquire if you are interested. 

 

How long will it take to finish my vehicle?

The time required for your detailing service will depend on your vehicle’s condition and the package(s) purchased.  An Express Wash may require only 1-2 hours; a full day or more may be invested into a ShowCar Detail Service with other options.

 

How can I pay for my service?

Cash, money orders, and personal checks are all accepted for payment at this time.  Credit cards are only able to be processed with a valid Paypal account.

 

Does your dog bite?

Yes, Bear has been known to eat small children and attack various other animal species including cats, dogs, rabbits, deer, and groundhogs.  He does accept treats as bribes however.

 

Please contact us if you have any additional questions about your detail service!

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