Terms A to Z
- Add-on
- An extra you can add to a package. NOVA's add-ons are the engine bay detail and spot buffing.
- Ceramic coating
- A hard, long-lasting protective layer bonded to paint after polishing. We don't offer it.
- Clay bar
- A clay tool used to lift bonded contamination from paint. We don't sell clay bar treatment as a separate service.
- Decontamination (paint)
- Removing contamination that washing leaves bonded to the paint, such as tar, sap residue or iron particles. It cleans the surface; it does not polish or remove scratches. Part of Elite Restoration.
- Detail vs wash
- A wash removes loose dirt. A detail is a careful, surface-by-surface clean, inside and out, done by hand.
- Dye transfer
- Color from clothing, usually new denim, that rubs onto light seats. Easier to remove while fresh.
- Engine bay detail
- Cleaning a cool engine bay with the air intake and exposed electrical parts covered, using low-pressure water, steam or wipe-down. On EVs it means a wipe-down of the front trunk and visible plastic covers.
- Extraction (hot-water)
- Spraying hot water into carpet or cloth and vacuuming it back out to lift dirt and many stains. Leaves fabric damp for several hours.
- Front trunk (frunk)
- The storage space under the hood of many EVs. We clean it like the interior.
- Hand wash
- Washing the car by hand with mitts and towels instead of machine brushes.
- Paint correction
- Machine polishing whole panels or the whole car in several steps to remove swirls and scratches. We don't offer full paint correction.
- Paint protection film (PPF)
- A clear film applied over paint to resist chips. We don't install it.
- Paint sealant
- A synthetic protective product applied to paint. We don't offer it as a service.
- Piano black trim
- Glossy black interior or exterior trim. It scratches very easily, even with gentle cleaning.
- Rinseless wash
- Washing with a high-lubrication solution and towels, without a hose rinse. Useful in garages and where water should not run off.
- Spot buffing
- Machine polishing of small areas you approve, to reduce light marks. Included in the Complete Detail.
- Swirl marks
- Fine circular scratches in the clear coat, often from rubbing grit into paint or from brush washes. Most visible on dark paint in sunlight.
- Tire dressing
- A product that gives clean tires an even, dark finish. Part of the Exterior Detail.
- Trim restore
- Cleaning and refreshing faded exterior plastic trim. Part of Elite Restoration.
- Walkaround
- Our check of the car and work area before we start, with photos of existing condition.
- Waterless wash
- Cleaning light dirt with a spray product and microfiber towels and no water. Best for lightly dusty cars.
- Water spots
- Mineral marks left when water dries on paint or glass. Fresh spots usually wipe away; etched spots may not.
Not sure what a package includes? See choosing a detailing package or the services page.