FAQ • Start Here

X Detailing FAQ: Your Guide to Calgary’s Best Car Care

Quick answers to the most common questions—from Detailing to PPF, Coatings, Polishing, Tint, PDR, Rust Protection, and more. Use the category chips to jump straight to what you need. When you’re ready, book online in seconds.

⭐ 5-Star Google Rated Certified XPEL Installer Local • Family-Owned

Booking & General

How do I book an appointment? +
Hit Book Online, choose your service & date, add any add-ons, and confirm. Prefer to talk? Call us and we’ll get you scheduled.
How long does an appointment take? +
Most Detailing services take 3–8 hours. Polish/Correction or PPF can run 1–3 days depending on scope. We’ll confirm your timing at booking.
Do you offer mobile detailing? +
Yes (May–August). Weather-dependent. Book early—slots go fast.
What’s included in a full detail?+
Interior deep clean (vacuum, carpets, plastics, leather), exterior wash & decontamination, windows, dressing, and finishing touches. Add-ons like pet hair, engine bay, and ozone available.
How often should I detail my car?+
2–3× per year keeps things fresh. Heavy commuters/pet owners may prefer quarterly.
Can you remove scratches without repainting?+
Light swirls & minor scratches are handled in Polish/Correction. Deep cuts through clearcoat may need paint work.

Polish & Paint Correction

Wax vs. Polish—what’s the difference?+
Polish uses abrasives to level defects (swirls/haze). Wax/Sealant adds protection and gloss but doesn’t remove defects. Many customers do correction → Ceramic Coating for long-term gloss & easy washing.
How many stages do I need?+
Light swirls: 1-step. Moderate defects: 2-step (cut + finish). We inspect paint and recommend the best value on arrival.

Ceramic Coatings

What does a ceramic coating do?+
Adds a durable, hydrophobic layer for easy washing, deep gloss, and chemical resistance. It doesn’t stop rock chips (that’s PPF) but keeps paint looking glossy for years.
Can I coat over swirls?+
We highly recommend polish/correction first. Coatings lock in the finish—good or bad.

Paint Protection Film (PPF)

What areas should I protect in Calgary?+
Minimum Full Front (bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors). Highway drivers or higher-end vehicles often add rockers/A-pillars or go Full Vehicle for maximum ROI against gravel & winter grit.
Does PPF yellow or peel?+
Premium films (like XPEL) resist yellowing and carry long warranties. Proper prep + install is everything—we stand behind ours.
PPF + Ceramic—together?+
Perfect combo: PPF for impact protection + coating for slickness & easy cleaning (on top of PPF and the rest of the paint).

Window Tint

Is ceramic tint worth it?+
Yes—IR/heat rejection is noticeably better, cabin stays cooler, and electronics/GPS remain happy.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

Will PDR affect my paint?+
No. PDR preserves factory paint—no repainting. Ideal for small dents, hail, and door dings.

Undercoating / Rust Protection

Do I need rust protection in Calgary?+
With winter salt, grime, and gravel—yes. Undercoating helps stop corrosion and keeps hardware from seizing.

Rock Chips / Touch-Ups

Can you fix chips before coating or PPF?+
Yes—light touch-ups or spot repairs first, then protect with PPF and/or Ceramic for long-term results.

Ready for clearer answers and a showroom finish?

Welcome to X Detailing, Calgary’s premier car detailing house! Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a daily commuter, or just someone who wants their ride to turn heads, we’ve got the answers to all your questions. From the importance of detailing to booking your appointment and beyond, this FAQ is designed to convince you that X Detailing is the choice for keeping your vehicle in showroom shape (yes, year round in our state of the art shop or at your doorstep with our mobile service (May to August).

Table of Contents

Why X Detailing? The Basics You Need to Know

We’re not just another detailing shop—we’re your car’s new best friend. At X Detailing, we combine cutting-edge technology, premium products, and a team obsessed with perfection to deliver results that blow the competition away. Our in-shop services run year-round in a climate-controlled facility behind Northside Toyota, ensuring flawless finishes no matter the weather. Plus, from April to September, our mobile detailing brings the magic right to your driveway. With over 400+ 5-star reviews and 2,000+ happy clients, we’ve redefined car care in Calgary. Ready to experience the X difference?
Detailing isn’t just a car wash—it’s a full-on restoration mission. Think of it as a spa day for your vehicle, where we meticulously clean, protect, and enhance every inch to keep it looking as close to showroom condition as possible. From interior deep cleans to exterior paint correction and ceramic coatings, X Detailing ensures your car stays stunning, functional, and valuable.
Detailing isn’t just about looks—it’s about winning. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
  • Boosts Car Value: A well-maintained ride fetches top dollar when it’s time to sell.
  • Restores Functionality: Clean engines run cooler, and clear headlights improve safety.
  • Slashes Insurance Costs: Some insurers offer lower premiums for pristine vehicles.
  • Maximizes Resale Rate: Stand out in Calgary’s crowded car market with a spotless interior and exterior.
  • Shields Against Damage: UV rays, rust, cracks, and road grime don’t stand a chance against our protective coatings.
  • Preserves Paint: Keep that factory-fresh shine intact for years.
  • Secures Your Investment: Your car’s a big deal—detailing keeps it that way.
Think your brand-new ride is immune? Think again. Even fresh-off-the-lot cars pick up shipping grime, rail dust, and dealership wash swirl marks within months. While they don’t need a full overhaul right away, after six months—or sooner in Calgary’s harsh winters—X Detailing’s services will keep that new-car vibe alive. Chat with us for a tailored plan!
Absolute perfection? Tough to promise. But X Detailing can seriously slow down the aging process. We zap oxidation, banish stains, and protect against interior wear and exterior clear-coat damage. Your car won’t just look good—it’ll feel like it’s ready to roll off the lot again.

Our Services: What Services do we Offer?

We’ve got the full arsenal to transform your vehicle:
  • Cleaning/Washing: Hand washes and full-service interior/exterior scrubs.
  • Paint Correction: Say goodbye to scratches, swirls, and dullness.
  • Waxing: Affordable protection with a glossy finish.
  • Polishing: Next-level shine that turns heads.
  • Ceramic Coatings: Long-lasting, hardcore paint protection (up to 8 years!).
  • Repair & Restoration: Headlights, engines, and minor paint touch-ups.
  • Inspection: We spot issues before they become problems.
  • Glazing: Hide imperfections like a pro.
Plus, our A La Carte menu lets you customize—focus on pet hair removal, leather conditioning, or whatever your car craves.
Washing is like a quick shower—detailing is a full-body makeover. At X Detailing, we go beyond surface dirt with bug/tar removal, rim treatments, carpet shampooing, and protective coatings. It’s not just clean—it’s preserved, restored, and built to last Calgary’s brutal seasons.
Waxing isn’t the whole show—it’s a star player. It’s a budget-friendly way to cover minor scratches and wear while shielding paint from sun damage. X Detailing’s premium wax keeps your car glossy and protected for months.
  • Waxing: Affordable protection with a smooth, shiny finish (8-12 months).
  • Polishing: Boosts gloss by removing imperfections—think of it as paint’s glow-up.
  • Paint Sealants: Deep shine and correction for damaged paint, lasting longer than wax.
Need all three? We’ve got packages that stack them for insane results.
Absolutely. Our ceramic coatings and paint protection films (PPF) create an invisible shield against UV rays, rock chips, and road salt. Renew them with us at scheduled intervals, and your paint stays pristine.
Yep! We use glazing to mask swirl marks, spider webbing, and light scratches, giving your car a flawless finish. It’s just one piece of our detailing puzzle.
  • Light Scratches: We compound and polish them out.
  • Mid-Level Scratches: Wet sanding handles clear-coat damage.
  • Deep Scratches: If it’s through the paint, repainting’s the only fix—but we’ll assess it honestly.
Pet hair’s no match for us. Our specialized air systems and hands-on techniques hunt down every strand, leaving your interior fur-free. Add it to your package!
  • Headlights: $99.99 add-on—crystal-clear visibility restored.
  • Engine Bay: $99.99 add-on—clean, cool-running, and ready to impress.

Scheduling Your X Detailing Experience

It’s easy:
  1. Hit the “Book Online” button on our site.
  2. Pick your service (in-shop or mobile), date, and time.
  3. Or call us at (403) 604-7967.

Our Address is 4312 Macleod Trail Calgary AB

We are located in the same building as Music Centre Canada (entry to the left of the building).

We’re often booked solid, but call us—if there’s a slot, we’ll squeeze you in!
Half to full day (3-8 hours), depending on services. If it’s a bigger job like a polish or paint protection films, it can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days depending on the scope of the job.
  • In-Shop: Monday-Sunday 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Twice a year (think oil change timing) keeps your car in peak shape. Heavy commuters or pet owners might want quarterly visits. Our monthly membership program’s a fan favorite for year-round freshness—ask us about it!
  • Wax 2-3 times a year for solid protection. Pair it with a clay bar treatment (we’ve got you covered) to strip grime. Polishing? Once or twice annually for that mirror-like shine.
In-Person: Cash or card at drop-off/pick-up. You can settle up after the job is done.
 
Cash, debit, and credit card options (Visa, Mastercard, and even American Express aka AMEX are accepted).
  • We get it – life happens. Cancel 24 hours in advance and you’re fine without any charges.
  • Cancel Less than 24 Hours notice? We’ll charge a $50 cancelation fee prior to your next appointment.
 
Respect our time, and we’ll respect yours.

Day of Appointment: What to Expect

Booking: Name, contact, service package, and add-ons.
On the Day: Drop off your car and keys with our team and we will take it from here.
Do I Need to Be There?
  • Nope, drop and go!
  • Tire Dressing: A glossy shine that makes tires pop and protects against cracking.
  • Interior Conditioning: A protective sheen for leather and plastics—think “new car” vibes that last.
Our Knock-Out solution doesn’t mask odors—it destroys them. Sulfides, cigarette smoke, pet stinks? Gone. Fresh scents stay untouched for a clean, inviting cabin.

After Your Appointment: Keeping the Magic Alive

Keep that X Detailing glow:
  • Tidy Up: Trash bag in the car, quick cleanups after trips.
  • Spot Clean: Hit spills fast to avoid stains.
  • Mats: Use ‘em—protect carpets, simplify vacuuming.
  • No Food: Skip eating inside to dodge crumbs.
  • Vacuum: Weekly dust-busting keeps it fresh.
  • Sun Protection: Reflectors shield your dash from UV fade.
  • Touch Test: Run your hand over the paint post-wash. Roughness = wax time.
  • Water Test: Spray it down. Tight beads = good protection; loose or no beads = wax ASAP.
    • Wax: 8-12 months with proper care.
    • Ceramic Coatings: 1-5 years of hardcore protection, depending on the product you have chosen at the time of install (chemically bonded, hydrophobic, and tougher than Calgary winters).
No magic here—if a rock chips your coating, it won’t fix itself. But pair it with self-healing PPF, and minor scratches vanish with heat. Ask us about our combo packages!
Depends on your ride and package:
  • Interior starts at $150, exterior at $179.
  • Full details from $225-$379.
  • Paint correction + coatings? A few hundred more. Check our site or call for a custom quote!
Hell yes. It’s an investment in longevity, resale value, and pure driving joy. X Detailing doesn’t just clean—we elevate your car to legend status.

Ready to Roll with X Detailing?

Your car deserves the best, and X Detailing delivers year-round in-shop or mobile from May to August. Calgary’s weather is brutal, but we’re tougher. Book now and see why we’re the talk of the town:
Don’t settle for average. Let X Detailing turn your ride into a masterpiece. Your car will thank you!