Question 1

Are you fully mobile?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we come to you. We operate as a fully mobile vehicle appearance specialist across Warwickshire and selected surrounding areas. We bring our own water supply and all equipment. We do require access to a standard power socket (13 amp) for our machine polishers and equipment — most customers use an outdoor socket or run an extension cable from inside. You simply need to provide a space to work, access to a power point, and access to your vehicle.

Question 2

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Warwickshire-wide including Rugby, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Southam, Solihull, Balsall Common and the surrounding areas. We also cover selected high-value surrounding areas — contact us to confirm coverage for your location.

Question 3

Do I need to provide water or power?

Accepted Answer

We carry our own water tank, so you do not need to provide water. We do require access to a standard 13 amp power socket for our equipment — most customers use an outdoor socket or run a short extension cable from inside the house. If you are unsure about power access at your location, just let us know when booking and we can discuss options.

Question 4

How do I book or get a quote?

Accepted Answer

We are quote-led rather than instant-booking. Fill in our quick quote form on the website, send us a WhatsApp message on 07818 514079, or call us directly. We respond fast and will give you a fair, transparent quote for your specific vehicle and requirements.

Question 5

How long does a Deep Clean take?

Accepted Answer

The time depends on vehicle size, condition and the work required. We will give you a realistic estimate with your quote. A Deep Clean is recommended when your vehicle needs a thorough reset; we assess its condition before recommending a first visit.

Question 6

What is the difference between valeting and detailing?

Accepted Answer

Valeting focuses on cleaning — removing dirt, grime, staining and restoring the vehicle to a clean, fresh condition. Detailing goes further — it involves machine polishing to correct paint defects (swirls, scratches, haze), followed by protection such as wax, sealants or ceramic coatings. Both are important. A Deep Clean is the usual first step for maintenance; exterior detailing packages include their own preparation.

Question 7

What is paint correction?

Accepted Answer

Paint correction is the process of removing paint defects — swirl marks, fine scratches, water spots, buffer trails and haze — using machine polishers and specialist compounds. The result is dramatically improved paint clarity and gloss. We offer three levels of correction: Enhancement Detail, Refined Correction Package and Flawless Finish Package.

Question 8

What is ceramic coating and how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your vehicle's paint surface, creating a durable protective layer. It provides hydrophobic properties (water beads and sheets off), UV protection, enhanced gloss and resistance to contamination. Depending on the coating and maintenance, we offer one-, three- and five-year options, with the chosen product and care requirements confirmed in your quote.

Question 9

Do you offer a guarantee on SMART repairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer a lifetime ownership guarantee on our SMART repairs. This means that as long as you own the vehicle, we stand behind our repair work. If a covered repair fails due to our workmanship, we will put it right at no charge.

Question 10

How do I get a SMART repair quote?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to send us photos via WhatsApp on 07818 514079. We can often give you an estimate range from photos alone. For a confirmed quote, we may need to inspect the vehicle in person.

Question 11

What products do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use premium, professional-grade products from leading detailing brands. We select the best products for each specific task rather than being tied to a single brand. All our cleaning agents, polishes, coatings and protectants are chosen for professional performance, safety and results.

Question 12

Is the Deep Clean really the recommended first visit?

Accepted Answer

A Deep Clean is recommended when your vehicle needs a thorough reset before regular maintenance. Maintenance Plus may suit a first visit when the vehicle is already in fair condition. We assess what is needed before recommending a package, and exterior detailing packages include their own preparation.

Question 13

Do you work on all vehicle types?

Accepted Answer

We work on cars, SUVs, 4x4s, vans and light commercial vehicles. We treat every vehicle with the same high standard regardless of age, value or condition. Whether it is a daily driver or a cherished prestige vehicle, we take pride in every result.

Question 14

Can you remove tar and bitumen from car paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes — tar and bitumen removal is a standard part of the decontamination stage in our Deep Clean, and it happens before any correction or coating work. Bitumen thrown up from fresh road surfacing is not water-soluble, so washing will not shift it. We soften it with a dedicated tar remover, lift it away safely, then clay the panel to draw out anything still bonded and re-protect the area afterwards. If the tar has baked on long enough to etch the clear coat, the mark underneath may also need machine polishing — we will tell you honestly from photos.

Question 15

Can you remove paint overspray or a paint spill from my car?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes — and usually without any respraying. Fine overspray from nearby spraying or decorating work is normally removed with clay and controlled decontamination, which shears the dried paint specks off without abrading the clear coat. Heavier spills may also need machine polishing where the paint has etched. Please do not attempt it with thinners, acetone or a blade — those cause far worse damage than the overspray itself. Send us clear photos and we will tell you honestly what can be removed and whether anything underneath needs correcting.

Question 16

Is ceramic coating worth it?

Accepted Answer

For most people who plan to keep their car a few years, yes. A coating gives you a hard, hydrophobic layer that takes the everyday punishment instead of your clear coat — UV, bird droppings, road salt and tree sap — so the paint stays glossier for longer and every wash becomes far quicker. Where it is not worth it is on paint that is already heavily swirled: coating over defects simply locks them in, so correction should come first. We will tell you honestly which camp your car is in.

Question 17

Can ceramic coating stop scratches?

Accepted Answer

No, and we would be wary of anyone who says otherwise. A ceramic coating adds a hard sacrificial layer that resists light wash marring and chemical etching, but it will not stop stone chips, key scratches or careless contact. Think of it as serious protection against everyday wear, not armour plating.

Question 18

How long does a ceramic coating take to cure?

Accepted Answer

Curing times depend on the coating and application conditions. We confirm the shelter requirements, when the vehicle can get wet and when it can first be washed for the exact product used. Follow the aftercare supplied with your coating; our maintenance valets are designed to be coating-safe.

Question 19

How long does paint correction take?

Accepted Answer

An Enhancement Detail (single-stage polish) is typically a full day. A Refined Correction Package usually takes a day to a day and a half, and our Flawless Finish Package is normally two full days — 14 to 20+ hours of work. Correction cannot be rushed without compromising the result, so we give you a realistic timeframe when quoting rather than an optimistic one.

Question 20

Can you remove scratches without respraying?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. If a scratch has not gone through the clear coat, machine polishing can usually remove or dramatically reduce it. A good test is running a fingernail across it — if your nail catches, it is likely too deep to polish out entirely. In that case a colour-matched SMART repair is usually the answer rather than a full respray. Send us photos and we will tell you honestly which applies.

Question 21

Will paint correction damage my paint?

Accepted Answer

Not when it is done properly. Machine polishing removes a very small amount of clear coat, which is why we check paint depth before starting and use the least aggressive combination that achieves the result. The risk comes from over-polishing or unskilled use of a machine — which is exactly why we measure first and work in controlled stages.

Question 22

How do SMART repairs work?

Accepted Answer

SMART stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technology. Rather than respraying a whole panel, we repair just the damaged area: the area is cleaned and prepared, any filler or primer work is done, the paint is colour-matched to your vehicle's exact code, then applied and blended into the surrounding paint before being lacquered and machine polished. The result sits seamlessly within the original panel, and it is done at your home in a single visit in most cases.

Question 23

How long does a SMART repair take?

Accepted Answer

Most repairs are completed in a single visit, typically a few hours depending on the size and type of damage. Larger or multiple areas can take longer, and we will tell you the expected time when we quote from your photos.

Question 24

Can you detail electric cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we detail EVs and hybrids regularly, including cars like the Porsche Taycan and Audi Q8 e-tron. Because we are fully self-contained and carry our own water and equipment, with access to a standard power socket, there is no need to use your charging supply. We take the usual sensible precautions around high-voltage components when cleaning engine bays and underbonnet areas.

Question 25

Do you detail caravans and motorhomes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare and ceramic coat caravans and motorhomes as well as cars — large flat panels take a lot of UV and suffer badly from black streaking, so a coating makes a real difference to how easily they wash. Pricing depends on size and condition, so send us a few photos for an honest quote.

Question 26

Do you work on vans and commercial vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work on vans and light commercial vehicles as well as cars and SUVs. Presentation matters if your vehicle carries your business name, and we treat it to exactly the same standard as any prestige car.

Question 27

Can you remove dog and pet hair?

Accepted Answer

Yes — pet hair removal is one of the most common things we are asked for. Embedded hair in carpets, boot linings and upholstery needs specialist tools rather than a vacuum alone, and it is included as part of our Deep Clean. For heavily affected vehicles we will flag it when quoting as it adds time.

Question 28

Can you remove smells like smoke or damp from a car?

Accepted Answer

We assess and clean the source of the odour first. Smoke, damp and mould work is quoted for the condition of the vehicle. Ozone is an optional add-on where suitable, carried out in an unoccupied vehicle followed by ventilation before use. Persistent damp or leaks may need fixing to prevent the smell returning.

Question 29

Can you remove mould from a car interior?

Accepted Answer

Send photos so we can assess the affected materials and quote for specialist cleaning. We clean the source first and discuss whether an ozone add-on is suitable. The vehicle remains unoccupied during treatment and is ventilated afterwards. Any leak or persistent damp also needs addressing to prevent the problem returning.

Question 30

Can you clean leather seats safely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leather is cleaned with pH-appropriate products and soft agitation, then conditioned to keep it supple and UV-protected. We avoid the harsh all-purpose cleaners and silicone dressings that dry leather out and leave a greasy shine.

Question 31

What if it rains on the day of my booking?

Accepted Answer

Light rain is not usually a problem for washing and interior work. Machine polishing and ceramic coating do need shelter and the right conditions to be done properly, so if you have a garage or carport that is ideal. If not, we will look at the forecast with you and rearrange rather than compromise the result — we would rather move a booking than do the job badly.

Question 32

Do I need to be at home while you work?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. We need access to your vehicle and an outdoor power socket, but plenty of customers leave us to it while they are at work or out. We will agree the arrangements when you book.

Question 33

Can you come to my workplace?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a lot of our work is done in workplace car parks. We just need permission from whoever manages the site, enough space to work around the vehicle safely, and access to a standard socket.

Question 34

How often should I have my car valeted?

Accepted Answer

For most cars, a maintenance valet every 4 to 8 weeks keeps things on top, with a Deep Clean once or twice a year as a reset. If your car is ceramic coated it stays cleaner for longer and maintenance washing becomes quicker. Cars kept outside, parked under trees or doing high motorway mileage benefit from more frequent attention.

Question 35

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due on completion unless we have agreed otherwise in advance. We accept bank transfer and cash. We do not hold card details on file.

Question 36

Is Blue Horizon Detailing insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we carry appropriate public liability insurance, and details are available on request. We also document any pre-existing damage with you before starting so there is no ambiguity later.

Question 37

Can you detail matte or satin paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is treated completely differently to gloss paint. Matte and satin finishes must never be polished or waxed in the conventional sense — doing so creates shiny patches that cannot be undone. We use matte-specific products that clean and protect without adding gloss.

Question 38

Do you look after private car collections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer scheduled care for private collections — classics, supercars, weekend cars, daily drivers and stored vehicles kept to one consistent standard on an agreed rotation. Every visit happens at your home, garage or private storage, so nothing is ever driven away or put on a transporter. There is no minimum collection size and no contract.

Question 39

How should a car that is stored or rarely driven be looked after?

Accepted Answer

Differently to a daily driver. Stored cars still collect airborne dust, and pulling a cover over a dusty car is a common cause of fine scratching on garage-kept paintwork. Leather and trim dry out, damp garages encourage mould in carpets and on soft tops, and brake dust left on wheels bakes on harder over time. A gentle maintenance clean between uses is far better than an infrequent heavy wash.

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