FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General & Logistics
Do you come to my house?
Yes. We operate a fully-equipped mobile detailing unit and service driveways and workplaces across NKY and Greater Cincinnati. We are entirely self-contained — no water hookup or power outlet needed from you.
How is a 3-gallon wash safe for my paint?
Our rinseless wash system uses Optimum No Rinse — a high-polymer surfactant that encapsulates dirt particles on contact, preventing them from scratching the surface. This method is arguably safer than a traditional wash, which can grind particles into the paint. We use ≤3 gallons per vehicle versus 40–100 gallons at a tunnel wash, with zero runoff into storm drains.
Do you offer quick, cheap washes?
No. We specialize in comprehensive vehicle preservation, ceramic coating, and clinical decontamination. Our minimum service starts at $200. If you’re looking for a quick wash, we’re not the right fit — and that’s okay.
Are you insured?
Yes. K&M Car Care carries full business liability insurance.
Ceramic Coating
What is ceramic coating and how is it different from wax?
Wax is a sacrificial layer that sits on top of your paint and wears off in weeks. Ceramic coating is a SiO² (silicon dioxide) formula that forms a permanent molecular bond with your clear coat — it becomes part of the paint. The result is 9H hardness, hydrophobic water-sheeting, UV protection, and chemical resistance that lasts 2–5 years.
Why does ceramic coating cost $800+?
Because it includes a full day of labor. Before any coating touches your paint, we execute a complete exterior decontamination sequence, then multi-stage paint correction to remove every swirl and scratch (the coating locks in whatever condition the paint is in), then an IPA wipe-down for a chemically clean bonding surface. The coating application itself is the final step of a 6+ hour process. Competitors who charge less often skip the correction — meaning they’re coating over damaged paint.
How long does ceramic coating last?
Professional-grade ceramic coatings last 2–5 years depending on the product, environmental exposure, and maintenance.
Is the dealership’s “ceramic coating” the same thing?
Almost never. Most dealership “ceramic coating” or “paint protection” packages are polymer sealants — not true SiO² ceramic. They charge $500–$1,500 for a product that wears off in months. Ask your dealership for the product data sheet and check for SiO² content.
Mold & Remediation
How do I know if my car has mold?
Common indicators: persistent musty or earthy smell that doesn’t go away with air freshener, visible discoloration or fuzzy growth on seats/carpet/headliner, allergic symptoms that only occur in the vehicle, or a known history of water intrusion. If you’re unsure, contact us for a $150 assessment — we’ll tell you exactly what’s happening.
Can’t I just use bleach or an ozone machine?
Bleach damages automotive fabrics, plastics, and leather — and it doesn’t penetrate to the spore level in porous materials like carpet padding. Consumer ozone machines can reduce odor but don’t address the living colony. Professional remediation requires extraction, enzymatic breakdown, and EPA-registered antimicrobial treatment. We use electrostatic HOCl application — hospital-grade disinfection technology.
Is vehicle mold really a health risk?
Yes. Peer-reviewed research has found respiratory biomarkers in 100% of vehicle dust samples tested, and the enclosed cabin concentrates exposure. Aspergillus and Stachybotrys (black mold) species can cause allergic reactions, respiratory distress, and exacerbate asthma. The Ohio River Valley’s humidity makes vehicles in our region particularly susceptible.
Do you handle blood or bodily fluid cleanup?
Yes. Our bio-hazard remediation protocol follows OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards — full PPE, proper waste disposal, enzymatic protein digestion, and EPA-registered sporicidal disinfection. Contact us directly — these jobs are handled with complete confidentiality.