Wondering what people think of the HMA Car Care centers, recently received a gift for $100 dollars worth of services. Wondering how they rank on actually caring and doing things the proper way.

http://www.hmacarcare.com/

Have never pampered my cars before, they never were of much value but now that I own a brain spanking new car I've begun to want to care

 

I've got no experience with these guys, but it's probably better than not cleaning your car at all during the winter months in the Northeast.

From a cursory look at the website, it all seems very generic. We use the best products and are very careful... Nothing specific about microfiber, polishing products, techniques, etc.

Check out these guys for a comparison. They are in the Dallas area only, but it's one of the best professional detailer sites I've seen (plus some great exotic car pics). They go into detail about materials, products and procedures used: http://www.zainomobiledetail.com/150detail.html

 

Good site reference. Guess I should come up with some questions to ask them in person or over the phone prior to deciding to use the service or not.

Any questions you always ask new places providing car detailing services?

 

I would ask them specifically:
What surfaces are they cleaning? How do they go about it?
What brands of products are they using?
Are they using a wax (carnauba) or a sealant (polymer)?
Do the vinyl dressings have petroleum cleaners in them? (they are bad)
What level of gloss are the dressings? (super shiny or natural)
Are they just waxing the paint surface or do they use a polish to remove swirls first?
Do they clay the surface to remove contaminents before waxing?
Do they use microfiber towels?
Are they insured?
Can you both go over the car together beforehand to discuss any issues and to note any pre-existing paint defects. (or lack of any in case they cause one)


There's probably more, but just find out EXACTLY what you are paying for. The more educated you sound the better job they will do.

Hope this helps.

 

It is in Salem, so I assume you are nearby. If you want I would be happy to personally show you how to do your own detailing. See my site for the products I use (although I have used many others in my search for the best).

That Dallas guy has a great idea with the Zaino detail service. Maybe I should go into that business too....if only I had the time, and a garage.

 

I would be interesting in learning more about detailing if you have time.

 

The guy in Dallas runs completely mobile (for all but the major polishing jobs). A friend of mine bought a used M3 and had Mobile Zaino come to the office. They washed, clayed and 3xZaino'ed the exterior and did a full clean and conditioning on the interior. They even brought their own filtered water. It took 3 guys about 1.5 hour.

 

Wow. That is a great business idea. (Unless you live around here anyway)

Inzeos head over to mini2.com new england forums and join in some of our various events around here. Have a look at my carcare page for the things I use (and I'm always trying new ones) but it will have to wait till the spring before I can do any good detailing.