Frequently Asked Questions

Professional ceramic coating at ACR Detailing ranges from $499 to $1,500+ depending on vehicle size, paint condition, and coating tier. Most vehicles require paint correction before coating, which affects the final price. We provide free assessments and custom quotes — call (647) 963-5524 to book.

Yes, especially for new or high-value vehicles. PPF is the only product that physically absorbs rock chips, road debris, and scratches before they reach your paint. Modern PPF is self-healing — light scratches disappear with heat from the sun. It typically lasts 5 to 10 years and can save thousands in paint repair costs over the life of your vehicle.

A professionally applied ceramic coating lasts 2 to 5 years depending on the product tier and how well the vehicle is maintained. Entry-level coatings offer 1 to 2 years of protection, while premium multi-layer coatings can last 5+ years. Regular hand washing and annual maintenance details help maximize longevity.

Ceramic coating protects against chemical and environmental damage — UV rays, bird droppings, water spots, and oxidation. It creates a hydrophobic surface that makes your car easier to clean. PPF protects against physical damage — rock chips, scratches, and road debris. Many clients combine both: PPF on high-impact areas and ceramic coating over the entire vehicle for complete protection.

Yes, for interior and exterior detailing. Our mobile setup is self-contained — we bring water, power, and pro-grade tools to your driveway, garage, or parking lot across Scarborough, Toronto, and the eastern GTA. The services that still require an in-shop visit are ceramic coating, PPF installation, and multi-stage paint correction, because those need a controlled, dust-free environment with proper lighting. Call (647) 963-5524 to confirm what we can do on-site at your location.

A basic interior and exterior detail takes 3 to 4 hours. A full premium detail with clay bar treatment, paint decontamination, and leather conditioning takes 5 to 7 hours. Ceramic coating requires 1 to 2 full days (including cure time). PPF installation takes 4 to 8 hours depending on coverage. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when you book.

In Ontario, the front windshield must allow at least 70% of light through (only a tint strip at the top is permitted). Front side windows must also allow at least 70% light transmission. There are no restrictions on rear side windows or the rear windshield — you can go as dark as you like. At ACR Detailing, we ensure all tint installations comply with Ontario regulations.

Avoid washing your vehicle for the first 7 days after application while the coating cures. After that, wash regularly using the two-bucket method with a pH-neutral car shampoo. Avoid automatic car washes with spinning brushes. Use a microfiber drying towel — never let the car air dry. An annual maintenance detail helps remove any bonded contaminants and keeps the coating performing at its best.

XPEL Ultimate Plus and SunTek Reaction are the two films we install most often at ACR Detailing, and both are excellent choices. XPEL has a slightly stronger self-healing top coat and a longer warranty (10 years). SunTek Reaction is a hair more pliable on complex curves, which can help on intricate panels. Both resist yellowing, both self-heal, and both carry strong manufacturer warranties. The right choice depends more on the installer than the brand — and we can quote either during your consultation.

Yes. Teslas are one of the most common vehicles we ceramic coat at ACR Detailing. Tesla paint is notoriously soft and thin from the factory, which makes ceramic coating (and often PPF on the front end) particularly worthwhile. We coat Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X regularly. The process is the same as any other vehicle: decontamination, paint correction, then multi-layer coating application. Most Teslas get the Gold or Platinum tier plus paint protection film on the front bumper, hood, and fenders.

We price based on the work required, not on competitor quotes. If another Scarborough shop has quoted you a lower price, there is almost always a reason — thinner prep, skipped paint correction, entry-level product instead of premium, or no warranty. We will happily explain what our quote includes line by line, and you can decide if the difference is worth it. We have never lost a customer who understood exactly what they were paying for.

For Scarborough winters, we recommend a thorough hand wash every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent salt and road film from accumulating. After particularly heavy salt days (post-storm), a quick rinse (no soap) within 48 hours is enough to protect the coating. Skip automatic car washes — the brushes introduce swirl marks even on coated paint. A mid-winter professional maintenance wash is also a good idea if you run highway miles daily.

Yes, and it's often a smart pre-return move if your lease is ending in the next 6 months. A properly executed paint correction can remove swirls, light scratches, and water spots that might otherwise trigger wear-and-tear charges from the dealer at lease return. We can give you an honest assessment — if the defects are too deep for correction to fix, we'll tell you upfront rather than charging for work that won't pass the lease inspection.

Yes. Engine bay cleaning is available as an add-on to our full detail packages or as a standalone service. We use a controlled-steam and low-pressure process that safely cleans around sensitive electronics, connectors, and sensors — never a high-pressure hose. Modern engine bays are designed to handle some water, but professional cleaning protects sensors and wiring. We also apply an engine trim dressing at the end to restore the factory look.

No. The tint film is applied only to the interior surface of the glass and is thin enough that it does not interfere with rear-view cameras, parking sensors, or driver-assistance systems. For panoramic roofs, some vehicles have rear-view systems that look through the rear windshield — we confirm the tint percentage works with your specific vehicle before installation.

For larger jobs (full-vehicle PPF, Platinum ceramic packages, multi-service combos over $2,000), we can discuss a payment split. We're an owner-operated shop and we work with our customers directly — call (647) 963-5524 to discuss options. We accept credit cards, debit, e-transfer, and cash.

Our most common new-car package is: paint protection film on the full front end (bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, door edges), ceramic coating on the entire vehicle, and ceramic window tint. This combination physically blocks rock chips where they happen most, chemically resists salt and contamination across every painted panel, and keeps the interior cool and UV-protected. It's the package we'd choose for our own vehicle, and we'll walk you through pricing during your consultation.

Most scratches in the clear coat — meaning you can't feel a distinct ridge when running a fingernail across them — can be fully removed through multi-stage paint correction. Scratches that have penetrated through to the base coat or primer cannot be polished out and require touch-up paint or full panel repair. We'll assess each scratch individually under proper lighting and give you an honest opinion before starting any work.