Frequently Asked Questions

Its common to have questions regarding detailing processes and expectations you should have when we are going to work on your car. Its to your advantage to be as educated as possible!

When you run your car through the local $8 wash tunnel you are putting it at risk for a very harsh treatment. Massive swirling brushes contaminated with whoever's mud-bogger was ahead of your car, harsh chemicals and treatments that have negative effects on the surface of your clear coat and the grand finale, someone at the other end with day-old, terry-cloth towels eager to scratch your clear coat. Your car is worth so much more than that!

Your Investment + Your Time.

Professional detailing is the most effective way of preserving the investment you've made in a vehicle (next to regular scheduled maintenance). It is a fact that clean cars are regarded with more prestige from onlookers, with higher trade-in value from dealerships and provoke service shops to take extra consideration when repairing your vehicle.

Our services provide you with a way to retain your vehicle's value and will alleviate the burden of having to set aside time to clean your car and allows you to focus on work, family, and your personal life.

What is "detailing?"

Detailing is a general term used to define a meticulous "face lift" process for your car's paint, engine and interior/upholstery. Detailing will give your car a brand new look on the inside and outside, increase its value and add satisfaction to your commute. Paint correction will remove haze and swirl marks with machine polishing, making reflections brilliant and flawless. Interior detailing will remove stains, odors, dust and debris, as well as soften and rejuvenate leather surfaces to a supple/rich feeling. Engine Detailing removes years of road dust, grime + grease and protects the engine from future deterioration from sediment.

How long does detailing take?

The duration of the job is based on the condition of the car and your expectations of the results. Detailing service might require anywhere from 4-40 hours to properly recondition the your vehicle to meet your expectations for daily use or award-winning, concours show-car finish.

What is a clear bra?

Clear paint protection film, widely known as a 'clear bra' is the most effective resistance to bug impacts and rock chips. A clear bra is a transparent polyurethane applied to the your vehicle's front bumper, side mirrors and leading edge of the hood and fenders. The clear bra is custom cut to be nearly invisible in most lighting, contoured to your vehicle's body lines and comes with unique 'self healing' properties so that when impacts, swirls or minor scratches occur, the material can be heated with hot water or even direct sunlight and the imperfection will vanish. Edge lines are hardly visible unless you are truly looking for them. Most often onlookers don't notice the clear bra until you point it out to them. We do offer full fender/hood wraps if the line is a concern. If you're on the fence about having a clear bra installed, this video will quickly help you come to realize how necessary paint protection film is.

What's the difference between wax and polishing?

Our high quality Wax and Synthetic Sealants are products which offer protection to clearcoat from atmospheric contamination, IE: rain/snow, airborne debris, dust, bird droppings, pollen, etc. They DO NOT in any way reduce the effect of swirls or scratches in clearcoat. A high-quality sealant will last roughly 6 months, a high quality carnuba wax will last about 2 months. Opti Coating is a permanent protection which chemically binds to the paint of your car, click here for more information on Opti Coat. The series of photos below show the before and after effects of paint correction from Machine Polishing. Now look at the sun's glare on your car: Do you notice the swirls or "spider webs" from improper washing or snow brushes? We can remove those swirls, making the paint brilliant and glossy, then top the paint with a protective sealant to prevent UV and other environmental damage.

What is a clay bar?

Clay bars are a soft, malleable putty that decontaminate the paint. The clay glides over the paint surface removing embedded impurities like tree sap, brake dust, road paint and pollen that traditional hand washing techniques simply have no effect on. Once these impurities are removed, the car is properly prepped for polishing or waxing and will have a much smoother finish across the surface that you can actually FEEL! Look at the image below to see how much dirt the clay bar picks up in just a few short swipes. Not many local detailers take the time to perform this crucial step.

What is headlight restoration?

Restoring your headlights adds luster to the front end of your vehicle and helps you see clearly when driving at night. The process includes removing environmental oxidation from UV exposure and polishing the lens covers until they are flawless and clear.

What is a neglected fee?

A neglected fee is a $50 charge added to the original quote if the vehicle's interior is in such condition as to require intense deep cleaning or an excessive amount of work to remove large quantities of: animal hair, blood or vomit, deeply penetrated mud, dirt, oil or food stains and reversing the effects of smoke damage. This charge may incur at our discretion and will be discussed prior to commencing any work. Most vehicles DO NOT incur this charge, it is reserved for extreme cases.

How much is a clear bra?

The price for a clear bra in Pittsburgh, PA depends on the make and model of the car, age of the vehicle, the paint color, and how many surfaces you want it to fit. Call TSS today and we can give you a free estimate.

What's the difference between ceramic coating and a car wax?

A ceramic coating is a permanent sealant that will last forever, while a wax will have to be reapplied every one to three months. Also, our ceramic coating in Pittsburgh, PA has a hardened finish that prevents scratches during the washing process. Call TSS today for a free estimate.

Can you paint your calipers?

Yes. We offer caliper painting in Pittsburgh, PA to enhance the look of your vehicle in limitless color options. Call TSS today for a free estimate.

How do I restore my headlights?

Restoring your headlights adds luster to the front end of your vehicle and helps you see clearly when driving at night. The process to restore them includes removing environmental oxidation from UV exposure and polishing the lens covers until they are flawless and clear. Call TSS today for a free estimate or for paint protection in Pittsburgh, PA.

Where can I get my car wrapped?

TSS Auto Finishing offers a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes for you to customize your car. Call us today for car wrapping or paint protection in Pittsburgh, PA.

How do I get a dent out of my car?

TSS Auto Finishing offers paintless dent repair. Call today for a free estimate or for paint protection in Pittsburgh, PA.

How do I get a scratch out of my car?

TSS Auto Finishing offers scratch repair. We will custom match the car color and repair the scratch. Call today for a free estimate or for paint protection in Pittsburgh, PA.

Who is the best auto detailer in Pittsburgh?

Offering a wide array of services, TSS Auto Finishing is the best auto detailer in Pittsburgh. If you need ceramic coating or paint protection in Pittsburgh, PA, be sure to visit our website or call today for more information.

Who offers the best paint protection service in Pittsburgh?

TSS Auto Finishing offers the best paint protection in Pittsburgh, PA. If you need auto detailing, be sure to visit our website or call today for more information.

How do I blackout my chrome?

TSS Auto Finishing offers chrome wrapping. Should you need chrome wrapping or ceramic coating in Pittsburgh, PA, call today for a free estimate.