DIY Car DetailingWelcome to DIY Car Detailing and some words from your host. When it comes to the cosmetic care of your car, meaning auto detailing, you have 3 basic choices:
Of course as an auto detailing professional like myself, I would naturally want you to hire me for some expert mobile car detailing. I realize this is not for everyone, and many consider doing it themselves. For this reason I will apply my own personal experiences that come from the world of professional car detailing, as well as life in general to this moment of thought.  The two biggest questions you must ask yourself as a starting point are these:
Trade-OffsIt seems I am forever having to weigh the pros and cons of any situation in trying to make a decision. Just like you, I also wish this was not the case, but there are many trade-off's to consider when contemplating DIY car detailing. Let me help in taking you down this road of discovery as I lay out some questions of concern that you may not have considered; for there are numerous variables to consider that I have simplified into the following headings. What is Your Time WorthWe are all familiar with the adage of "Time is money." My experience has shown that people tend to forget to apply this to their own time. Let me give you a few examples:
I call this the Costco mentality; meaning, how can I get more stuff for my money. I have no problem with being frugal and valuing your money, but I often see people get so focused on saving a buck, they lose sight of the real objective, and end up short changing their lives and time all in the name of saving money.  The same mentality is often applied to the area of car care and detailing services. Just like people that will spend a couple hours in their driveway washing their car, just so they can save $15.00 at the car wash; all justified by people who claim they can do a better job. I doubt it... Let's Examine the DetailsLet me break this down for you if indeed you really are trying to decide between DIY car detailing or hiring a true professional. The following is a list of what is in store for your if you decide to take matters into your own hands:
Working Hard, Not SmartYes, I would put this under the category of working hard, not smart. I would also put it under the category of not putting a value on your time. There is a difference between a mentality of scarcity, which means you become hyper-focused on the actual dollar amount of any purchase, and that of prosperity, where you focus on true value creation. I am all about value creation and do this in the form of my auto detailing services; which leads to the second critical area. Delivering the ResultsYou have to ask yourself what is the end goal in mind and can you deliver these type of results if you do it yourself:
Cars are made up of so many materials; inside and out. Do you think you really have the skills to get the kind of results you want when it comes to the many materials you will encounter along the way of your DIY car detailing venture?
The list gets long and comprehensive doesn't it? Which is why I say shop value, not price with your choice between doing it yourself, and hiring out for some car detailing services. Shop around, ask questions, become an informed customer by educating yourself in advance so you know the right questions to ask. It is for this very reason I have added so much additional information on my site; I believe an informed customer makes for a better customer. So look around and become that informed customer and I look forward to applying my expertise on your car some day and creating true value with my car detailing services. The Final ConclusionIf you ultimately decide on going down the DIY car detailing road then take note, for I have added much information on this site, as well as my other site of Best Auto Detailing Tips.com, for the DIY-er. I show you actual products I use professionally to achieve superior results. Just look to the navigation bar in the left column of this site, for the area labeled as the DIY Section. Serving Orange County, CA and the people for over twenty years!Home | About Darren | About This Site | Contact Me Back to Auto Fetish FAQ from DIY Car Detailing Back to Expert Mobile Car Detailing Home from DIY Car Detailing |
What People are Saying
I have been using Darren’s professional detail services, Auto Fetish Detail, for close to 15 years now and continue to do so. Darren has taught me and my staff just what real detailing is. Darren is incredibly meticulous and attentive to details. Whenever I have a customer who demands the best, I tell them to call Darren at Auto Fetish. I can always tell when Darren has detailed a car because the level of quality is like no other! He is not the cheapest guy in town, but you can’t beat the quality!
Ron Erickson
President, Exclusive Motors
Placentia, CA
I have known and used Darren's services for 20+ years. I own Xlnt Tint of Anaheim inc. and see many cars every day. When we have a particular customer that needs top notch service, there is nobody else I would trust but Darren! He is very meticulous, and knowledgeable. If you are in need of someone who will take their time but most importantly bring over 20 years of hands on knowledge, this is the company for you.
Mike Schuch
President, Xlnt Tint
Anaheim, CA
"Wow! Now that is what my car paint is supposed to look like; I can't believe what a difference you made! This is exactly what needed to be done, thank you!"
Mike N.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
"I took a leap of faith by picking someone on the Internet to detail my bosses boat! I wasn't disappointed! Darren was professional, punctual, and very easy to deal with, and best of all, he did a FANTASTIC JOB! I couldn't have been happier. We will definitely be a repeat customer!!"
Samantha
Maxim Security Systems
Corona, CA
"We have seen the work of other detailers in removing various forms of vinyl car decals and vehicle wraps. Often we have to spend additional hours due to the incomplete removal of old graphics, before we can apply new graphics. Save yourself time and aggravation by calling Darren first and have it done right the first time around; this is the way it should be done!"
Tim Cecil
President, Sign Pros
Brea, CA
"Good job, good service, good follow-up!"
H. Barstow
Anaheim Hills, CA
"I just wanted to let you know that it was a pleasure meeting you on Saturday. You are a true professional and I find it very comforting to know that there are still people out there that take pride in what they do. "
M. Poris
Playa Del Rey, CA
My initial conversation with Darren at Auto Fetish Detail consisted of what his services would provide. Darren did exactly what he described to me and more. Darren detailed parts of the car that never crossed my mind to clean. Darren was promptly at the time, place and date we had agreed upon. Darren’s professional service and meticulous efforts made my car look better than the day I took delivery from the dealer. It was a great experience to deal with Darren and his professional service and work ethics.
Ron Marquez
President, Aquarian Drumheads
Anaheim Hills, CA
"Darren-you have and do continue to produce AMAZING results time and time again, over the last 17 years or so that you have been doing our cars we have never once been disappointed in the least bit. Thank you for always being consistent and reliable!"
Chandler E.
Yorba Linda, CA
"Darren- just wanted to let you know how great my Escalade looks each time you service it. Of course I love the convenience of your services, but what I really love is the quality of work! My husband and I have used other detail services in the past, but none of them spent the time you do on our cars. My husband has a critical eye and has remarked on numerous occasions regarding the quality of your work. With two teenagers and a regular carpool schedule, it is amazing how great the Escalade keeps on looking thanks to you!"
M. Goerlitz
Laguna Beach, CA
"Darren-you treat my cars as though they were yours; thank you!"
Tanya B.
Yorba Linda, CA
"Detail day is my favorite day of the month-I just love the way you make my cars look Darren!"
Theresa D.
Newport Coast, CA
I have generally used other mobile detail services in the past and continue to do so for what I call a normal detail job. But I met Darren through Exclusive Motors as we share the same building. My wife uses the Suburban to run our 3 kids around and it gets very dirty in the process. The carpeting and seating was extremely bad and I thought I was going to have to replace both the carpeting and seating. I told Darren the other detailers in the past were not able to get the carpet and leather very clean. I was floored when I saw the results Darren was able to get! I tell people all the time that I have never paid so much for a detail, but that I have never had such an amazing job either! I send Darren to all my customers who simply demand the best, as Darren is the best!
Craig Haller
President, Exclusive SUV
Placentia, CA
"Darren-your service makes this one area of my life stress free; you do what you say and do so consistently!"
Mike B.
Anaheim Hills, CA
"Darren- whether I send you to my
house or business, I know I can trust
you to take care of business-
thank you!"
David K.
San Clemente, CA
"I swear my Ferrari has never look better; you do amazing work!"
Brian S.
Corona Del Mar, CA
"I wish I could afford you
every week; the cars look so good
when you have done them!"
Griffin W.
Placentia, CA
"My house cleaners don't do
as good a job as you Darren-
will you teach them what clean really is."
Maurice O.
Anaheim Hills, CA
"Darren-
My Mustang has never looked better; you did a fabulous job!
My daughter noticed how much time you spent detailing the Mustang today (something she normally would never be aware of) and asked how much it costs, I told her it is expensive and said I use Darren because he is the best detailer I have ever used.
Darren you do exactly what you say you are going to do, and do so every time!
I use you Darren because you conduct business exactly as I do!
Thanks again!"
D. Reilly
President - CSBA
Orange, CA
"Thank you Darren....
you saved me a "bucket" of money by removing and not replacing
those deteriorated side moldings on my 2005 Chevy truck
and my truck looks new again!"
Steve G.
Anaheim, CA
Darren- I just wanted to call and let you know what a terrific job you did on my motorhome. I really appreciate the effort you put into all the many details of the job! It looks better than the day I picked it up brand new!
J.R. Maurer
Vice Chairman, Thompson National Properties, LLC
Irvine, CA
"I asked Darren to detail my boat like it was his own, and he definitely did! Fantastic job Darren, the boat looks great! I would recommend you to anyone! Thanks for the fast and great service."
Yale Smith
President-Maxim Security Systems
Corona, CA
"The Teton looks fabulous. Thanks for being so responsive and for the great job! Looking forward to seeing you when it's detail time on the cars."
D. Dukes
CEO-Simon Foundation for Education and Housing
Newport Beach, CA
I used Darren to take off a vehicle wrap on a Ford Econoline van of ours. Darren showed up on time and did a great job removing not only the decals but all the residue that was left from the glue. If you need a vehicle wrap taken off, give Darren a call.
Jake Duehring
Marketing/Product Development
Felt Bicycles
Irvine, CA