Auto detailing the newest draw for car maintenance

Move over, traditional car washes, because a new concept in cleaning cars has just been introduced on Saipan for avid vehicle lovers as well as motorists who are very particular with their cars.

Pacific Auto Detailing formally opened its services this week and introduced to the general public—motorists in particular—the concept of auto detailing, a notch above what other automotive shops offer, which is traditional car washing.

General manager Scott Hagen said that what they provide is more than just a car wash.

“It’s in the name—detailing,” he said.

Hagen said he conceived the idea of establishing the business because he saw that the community needs the best service to maintain their vehicles.

“Saipan needs it. CUC water is no good to wash your car,” he said.

He added that the island’s roads are dusty and that most cars, some of them brand new, end up looking decrepit and in bad condition. Also, he said that Saipan seemed to have newer cars on the road, which would need protection from the harsh environment.

Hagen said they started with mobile services at homes and offices two months ago. His staff would visit the houses of the customers and have the car detailing in their places.

“We started with that. We’ll do the detailing in your house on a Saturday,” he said.

His staff also sometimes would pick up the vehicles from the owners’ place and bring them back good as new.

There are several car wash companies on the island but they don’t pay attention to the details, said Hagen.

“In essence, this is a new concept on Saipan and the detailing and the mobile or home service are our strengths over other servicing companies,” he said.

Hagen said his shop offers three different packages and detailing levels to suit the needs of the customers. Pacific Auto Detailing offers Express Detailing, Executive Detailing, and Extreme Detailing.

Express Detailing, only $25 per service, includes washing of exterior, cleaning of wheels, dressing of tires, wiping down of vinyl and leather, glass cleaning, and vacuuming of the car’s interior. Executive Detailing includes the basic detailing plus waxing of the car exterior; Extreme Detailing includes waxing of the car exterior, application of vinyl protectorant and carpet shampoo. Executive Detailing is for only $50 and Extreme Detailing is for only $75 per vehicle.

Hagen said additional charges of $5 is applied to mini-vans, and medium-sized SUVs, while an additional $10 goes for cargo vans and large SUVs.

He assures customers of a very thorough cleaning and detailing of their vehicles, which normally takes 30 minutes to two hours.

So far, the reception of his clients has been overwhelming, Hagen said .

“Every customer that leaves is satisfied and we have a couple of repeat customers already,” he said.