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The Local Detailers
Common Questions

Frequently asked questions.

Straight answers on booking, pricing, services and our two Calgary locations.

Booking

How do I book an appointment?

Book online any time through our ServiceVIN scheduler — pick your vehicle size, service and a real opening on our live calendar. No account or sign-up required.

Do you offer mobile detailing?

We work out of our two Calgary SE studios rather than on-site, so we can control water, power, lighting and shop conditions for consistent results — bring your vehicle to us.

How far in advance should I book?

Basic details are often available within a few days. PPF, ceramic coating and multi-stage correction typically need more lead time — book early if you're planning around an event or season change.

What if I need to reschedule?

Give us a call as early as you can. Openings on PPF and ceramic coating days fill quickly, so more notice means an easier rebook.

What are your hours?

We're open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours can vary by location and around holidays, so we recommend booking an appointment online to guarantee a time.

Do you service fleet vehicles?

Yes — we'd be happy to design a custom package for your fleet vehicles.

Corporate & fleet booking →

Detailing

What's the difference between a Basic and a Showroom detail?

Basic details cover the core wash, vacuum and wipe-down. Showroom details add deep cleaning, shampoo, steam and — on the exterior side — clay and polish work for a noticeably more refined finish.

How long does a detail take?

A Basic Interior or Exterior Detail usually takes under two hours. Full Showroom packages and multi-stage correction can run half a day or longer depending on vehicle size and condition.

Do you detail trucks and SUVs?

Yes. Every package is priced by vehicle size — sedan, SUV, truck or van/minivan — and we regularly work on daily drivers, family SUVs and work trucks alongside enthusiast and exotic vehicles.

Do you use harsh chemicals?

No — we only use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products across every service.

I want to sell my car, should I get it detailed?

If you want to sell your car quickly and get good value out of it, then you should absolutely get it detailed. First impressions matter — a clean car is easier to sell and more appealing to potential buyers.

Which package should I get? →
What package do you recommend if I want to sell my car?

The Full Showroom Detail is our most popular pick for sellers — it covers everything buyers will see in your listing photos: interior, exterior and engine bay.

Read more →

Interior

Can you remove pet hair from my seats and carpet?

Yes — pet hair removal is available as an add-on to any interior service. Heavier pet hair or shedding may take extra time, which we'll flag before starting.

Can you remove stains from my seats or carpet?

Most food, drink and mud stains lift significantly with our shampoo and steam process. Older, set-in or dye-based stains may lighten rather than disappear completely — we'll be upfront about what to expect.

Paint Correction

What is paint correction?

Paint correction is a controlled machine-polishing process that levels the clear coat to reduce swirl marks, light scratches and oxidation, restoring gloss and clarity before any protection is applied.

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Does paint correction remove all scratches?

No. Correction removes marks that live in the clear coat — swirls, light scratches, oxidation. Scratches that reach the base coat or metal typically need touch-up paint or body work, not polishing.

Ceramic Coating

How long does ceramic coating last?

We offer 2-year and 5-year ceramic coating packages. Both cover painted surfaces and exterior glass — the coating you choose depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle and how it's maintained.

Does ceramic coating prevent rock chips?

No — ceramic coating is a hard, glossy, hydrophobic layer that resists contamination and UV fading, but it doesn't add meaningful physical thickness. Rock chip and impact protection is what PPF is for.

Does my car need paint correction before ceramic coating?

Coating locks in whatever the paint looks like underneath it, so existing swirls or oxidation will still show through. Both our ceramic packages start from a Showroom Exterior Detail; heavier correction is worth adding on older or higher-mileage paint.

PPF

Ceramic coating vs. PPF — which one do I need?

Ceramic coating protects gloss, UV resistance and ease of cleaning. PPF (paint protection film) is a physical layer that absorbs rock chips and road debris impact. They solve different problems and are often used together.

Read more →
How long does PPF installation take?

A Basic or Essentials front-end package is typically a same-day install. Full-vehicle or Ultimate coverage takes longer — we'll confirm a realistic timeline based on your vehicle and package when you book.

What PPF film do you use?

Our installers use 3M or SunTek film depending on the vehicle and package, backed by The Local Detailer's own 10-year PPF warranty on installation.

Tint

Is window tint legal in Alberta?

Alberta prohibits aftermarket tint film on the windshield and the windows immediately to the left and right of the driver, except under an approved medical exemption. Tint is generally permitted on rear-seat windows and the rear windshield.

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Will window tint help with summer heat in my car?

Quality film reduces solar heat and glare coming through tinted glass, which helps cabin comfort and reduces UV exposure on interior materials — how much depends on the film you choose.

Pricing

Why isn't every price listed online?

Detailing packages are priced up front by vehicle size. PPF, ceramic coating and correction depend on paint condition and coverage, so we quote those after a quick look or a few photos — never a mystery number at pickup.

Do you price match?

We price around the work involved rather than matching quotes from other shops — happy to explain exactly what's included so you can compare properly.

Locations

Which location should I book?

You don't need to choose up front. Book your service and ServiceVIN will guide you to the right studio — 46 Ave handles the full lineup including PPF, ceramic and tint, while 36 Ave focuses on fast, dependable detailing.

Do both locations offer PPF and ceramic coating?

PPF, ceramic coating and complex paint correction currently run through our 46 Ave studio. 36 Ave is focused on detailing — basic interior, basic exterior and maintenance washes.

Aftercare

How soon can I wash my car after ceramic coating?

Give the coating a curing window before its first wash — we'll confirm the exact timeframe for your product at pickup — and use a pH-neutral, coating-safe wash after that to protect the finish.

How do I maintain PPF after installation?

Hand wash or touchless wash where possible, avoid abrasive brushes at automatic car washes, and address any edge lifting or debris promptly so it doesn't get worse under the film.

Ready When You Are

Bring us your vehicle. We'll take it from there.

Book detailing online in a couple of minutes, or send us a few photos for a specialty PPF, ceramic or correction quote.

Calgary, Alberta

Two Shops. One standard.

Not sure which one fits your service? You don't need to choose — book what you need and we'll guide you to the right Shop.

Inside The Local Detailers' 46 Ave SE studio bay

The Local Detailer – 46 Ave

911B 46 Ave SE, Calgary AB T2G 2A5

  • Interior & exterior detailing
  • Full detail packages
  • Ceramic coating (2-year & 5-year)
  • Paint protection film (PPF)
View this location
Vehicles parked inside The Local Detailers' 36 Ave SE studio bay

The Local Detailers – 36 Ave

412B 36 Ave SE, Calgary AB T2G 1W4

  • Basic interior detailing
  • Basic exterior detailing
  • Maintenance wash
  • Interior touch-up detailing
View this location
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