General FAQ

  • Summit Detailing is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Our service area includes Findlay Creek, Greely, Manotick, Riverside, Barrhaven, Kanata to Orleans. We come to you, within 1 hour of Ottawa!

  • Use our booking form to make an appointment!

    Alternatively, you can simply call or text us at 613 408 6030, or send us an email summitdetailingottawa@gmail.com.

  • Our mobile detailing unit is equipped to provide on-site auto detailing/cleaning, paint correction, as well as ceramic coatings to protect your cars paint for up to 9 years! Equipped with residue-free clean water, pressure washer, air compressor, commercial steam cleaner, hot water carpet extractor for the most severe salt stains, as well as quiet onboard power to be 100% self contained.

    Additional services include:

    Salt removal
    Extraction/deep stain removal
    Dog hair removal
    Children’s seat steam clean
    3rd row seating
    Odour treatment
    Engine bay cleaning
    Headlight restoration
    Paint decontamination
    Stage 1 paint correction (swirl mark removal)
    Stage 2 paint correction (light scratch removal)
    Top up ceramic (up to 1 year of protection)
    Nano-Ceramic sealant up to 9 years of protection)

  • Not only do we offer the most competitive prices for premium detailing, we pack the added value of saving you travel time! Whether you’re working form home or office, 1 car, or 10 cars, we meticulously detail, rejuvenate your pride and joy while you go about your day! Whether you are protecting your interior or improving all aspects of your exterior from paint correction to state of the art nano-ceramics to provide exceptional hydrophobicity, gloss, shine, and ease of cleaning, the value and resell will shock you!

  • Our mobile detailing unit arrives equipped with a 8’ X 8 canvas tent to protect your car from light to medium rain. Appointments can be rescheduled in case of severe storms.

  • Polishing your car's paint can be done once or twice a year under normal circumstances. However, the frequency depends on factors like:

    1. Condition of the Paint:

      • If your car has light scratches, swirls, or oxidation, polishing might be necessary.

      • If the paint is in good condition, you may only need polishing annually.

    2. Type of Polish Used:

      • Mild polishes (e.g., finishing polishes): Can be used more frequently since they remove minimal clear coat.

      • Aggressive polishes (e.g., compounds): Should be used sparingly to avoid thinning the clear coat over time.

    3. Protection Applied:

      • After polishing, applying a ceramic coating, wax, or sealant can minimize the need for frequent polishing by protecting the paint.

    4. Driving Conditions:

      • If you drive often in harsh conditions (e.g., winter salt, dirt roads), your paint may need more attention.

    5. Thickness of the Clear Coat:

      • Most modern cars have a clear coat that can only handle a limited number of polishes over its lifetime. A paint thickness gauge can be helpful to monitor this.

    For routine maintenance, consider washing and using a quick detailer or spray sealant to keep the paint looking great between polishes.

  • The type of paint protection depends on your needs and how you use your vehicle:

    • Wax or Polymer Sealant: These are ideal for show cars or vehicles where a deep, rich gloss is the priority. They offer great shine but are less durable and typically need reapplication every 4-8 months

    • Here’s a revised version that avoids the implication of scratch resistance:

      Ceramic Coating: For long-term durability and superior protection, ceramic coatings are an excellent choice. They create a hydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and contaminants, helps guard against UV damage, and makes cleaning significantly easier. Unlike waxes or sealants, ceramic coatings provide lasting protection, with options that can last anywhere from 1 to 9 years. Our most popular Summit package also includes protection for your wheels and glass, making rain and storm driving safer and more comfortable.

    If you like to polish your car every year to remove any imperfections, a wax, polymer sealant, or a 1-year ceramic coating is sufficient. This approach gives you flexibility to refresh your car's look annually while still enjoying protection between polishes. For those looking to minimize maintenance and maximize protection, a high-grade ceramic coating is recommended.

  • Is a ceramic coating thicker than clear coat?

    No, a ceramic coating is not thicker than your car’s clear coat.

    • Clear coat thickness: Typically ranges from 30 to 50 microns (about the thickness of a human hair).

    • Ceramic coating thickness: Adds a microscopic layer, usually between 1 to 5 microns, depending on the type and number of layers applied.

    Ceramic coating thickness: Adds a microscopic layer, between 1-5 micron thick. While it’s much thinner than the clear coat, this layer offers impressive protection by creating a durable, hydrophobic surface that helps preserve the paint's finish and makes maintenance easier.

  • Yes, we offer a limited warranty for all ceramic coatings to ensure your satisfaction and protect your investment. However, it’s important to understand what the warranty covers and what it does not.

  • Our warranty covers:

    • The durability of the coating, including its ability to maintain hydrophobic properties.

    • Protection against environmental damage, such as oxidation, UV fading, and chemical etching from contaminants like bird droppings or tree sap.

    • Gloss retention for the duration of the warranty period.

  • The warranty does not cover:

    • Scratches, swirl marks, or chips caused by physical impacts, improper washing techniques, or accidents.

    • Damage caused by neglect, misuse, or improper maintenance (e.g., failing to remove contaminants like bird droppings in a timely manner).

    • Paint imperfections or defects that were present before the ceramic coating was applied.

    • The durability of the coating, including its ability to maintain hydrophobic properties.

    • Protection against environmental damage, such as oxidation, UV fading, and chemical etching from contaminants like bird droppings or tree sap.

    • Gloss retention for the duration of the warranty period.

  • Yes, proper maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid. This includes:

    • Regular washing: We recommend washing your car every 2-4 weeks using safe techniques, such as the two-bucket method or a touchless wash.

    • Annual inspections: You’ll need to bring your vehicle back to us once a year for an inspection and, if necessary, a reapplication of the topcoat to maintain optimal performance.

    • Approved products: Use only the recommended cleaning products and techniques we provide to avoid damaging the coating.

    Failure to follow these maintenance guidelines will void the warranty.

  • If you believe your coating has failed, we’ll inspect your vehicle to determine the cause.

    • If the coating’s hydrophobic properties have diminished despite proper care, we’ll reapply the coating under warranty.

    • If damage is due to improper washing, neglect, or external factors, it will not be covered by the warranty.

    Please note: Ceramic coatings are not scratch-proof. Proper care is essential to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition.