Whether you're just getting started or you're deep in the detailing game, understanding the different levels of auto detailing can help you elevate your Detail Game but also make things 10x easier when it comes to delivering expectations to clients when discussing expectations for the outcome of their upcoming detail.

At Pal Automotive Specialties, we believe that professional-grade results should be achievable at any skill level. That's why we've broken detailing into 4 tiers based on time, effort, and tools needed.

Let’s dive in 

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Tier 1: Basic Maintenance Detail

Perfect for: Beginners & weekly/monthly upkeep
Goal: Clean exterior + refreshed interior

What’s Included:

• Exterior Hand Wash

• Wheel & Tire Clean

• Basic Interior Vacuum

• Dashboard & Plastic Wipe-Down + Glass

Products You’ll Need:

Exterior Wash:

• PH Balanced Shampoo such as Sudz-Pro by Pal or a 2-in-1 shampoo that adds gloss and protection such as Koch-Chemie Protector Wax

• Non-acid wheel cleaner safe for majority of wheels types such as Wheel-EZE, or I Can't Believe it's not Acid Wheel Cleaner.
  

• Premium Wash Mitt & Drying Towel – Gentle on paint, high absorbency

Interior Care:

• Interior Microfiber Towels

• Vacuum

• All Purpose Cleaner such as Citra-Kleen or 3D APC for interior wipe down
• Glass cleaner such as Glass-EZE or Tru View

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Tier 2: Decontamination & Protection Detail

Perfect for: Monthly cleaning or pre-show prep
Goal: Remove surface contaminants + add lasting shine and protection

What’s Included:

• Tier 1 +

• Chemical & Manual Decontamination (iron remover + clay bar)

• Spray Sealant such as Bead-Pro, TEC Ceramic Spray, or a hand/orbital Polish with a synthetic polish like 3D Speed or Koch-Chemie Micro-Cut

• Engine Bay Clean - Detail brush paired with an all purpose cleaner

• Spot/Stain Removal on Interior - Carpet bomb by P&S is a great product for this

• Pet Hair Removal - Lilly Brushes have been the leader in the pet hair removal tools for the auto detailing industry.

• Tornador Air tool that uses air to agitate fabric and debris from tough to reach areas making debris removal nearly effortless. 

Products You’ll Need:

• Iron/Fallout remover that dissolves embedded contaminants such as Iron-Pro

• Clay Bar Kit – Manual decontamination to smooth paint surface and remove deeply embedded debris in the top surface of the paint. 

• Protection in form of Spray Sealant such as Bead Maker by P&S and/or a polish like 3D Speed or Koch-Chemie Fine Cut Polish – For quick polish and protection

• Citra-Kleen – Safe, industrial strength degreaser and all purpose cleaner

• Air Blower or Towels for Drying

• Detailing Brushes for scrubbing of crevices

Interior Extras:

• Rags to Riches or 3D Towel Kleen– Premium towel rejuvenator to keep your microfiber towels always residue free

• Lilly Pet Hair Removal Brush has a rubber blade that makes pet hair removal a breeze

• Upholstery/fabric brushes for stain removal Max-Shine has a great multi-piece kit

• OEM-finish interior protectant with UV blockers such as Matte-Mist

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Tier 3: Correction & Restoration Detail

Perfect for: Enthusiasts, semi-pros, pros
Goal: Correct paint defects + restore surfaces + Protect

What’s Included:

• Everything from Tiers 1 & 2 +

• Machine Paint Correction (Compounding + Polishing)

• Plastic Trim Restoration

• Glass Polishing (inside & out if needed)

Products You’ll Need:

Paint Correction:

• A DA Polisher such as Rupes or Flex PXE

• A Correcting Compound + Polish like 3D ONE or Koch-Chemie All-in-one

• Assorted Polishing Pads – Cutting, polishing, and finishing pads

Trim Restoration:

• TEC Black Fusion Trim Restore, Shine-EZE by pal an Easy-to-use rubber/vinyl/trim spray

Glass Restoration:

• 3D Glass Polish – Removes water spots & oxidation

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Tier 4: Premium Protection Package

Perfect for: Show cars, weekend warriors, or professional clients
Goal: Lock in your results with long-term coatings

What’s Included:

• Everything from Tiers 1–3 +

• 3–5 Year Ceramic Coating Application

Products You’ll Need:

Prep:

• Panel Prep Wipe from brands such as Gtechniq or Gyeon – Removes oils and polish residue before coating

• Compressed Air or Air Blower or plush high gsm towel– Ensures surface is 100% dry

Protection:

• Professional-Grade Ceramic Coating Kit (e.g., Gtechniq CSL, or Gyeon EVO)          A Ceramic coating will create a bonded layer to the surface of your clearcoat with a hardness rating of 9 (1 lvl down from diamond). This will provide a durable protective layer to the outter most layer of your vehicles paint that will provide multiple years of protection and shine all eliminating the need to yearly or bi-yearly waxing and polishing. 

• G-MAX Graphene Ceramic Spray (by Technician’s Choice) – Easy to use, durable protection that is usually good for between 6-12 months of protection. 

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Final Tips:

• Work in the shade or cool garage

• Use high-quality towels to prevent swirls

• Take your time—each tier builds on the last

• Don’t skip the little things: clean door jambs, apply tire dressing, and use fresh towels!

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