BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Patrice Andreu started Absolute Detail in March 1999 with one main goal in mind — give value to the customer.

That philosophy has paid off in great word of mouth and many repeat customers.

“I give good value. People recognize that,” he said. “I have customers drive a half an hour, passing other detailers on the way, to get here.”

Consider these points from Andreu to keep cars in pristine condition:

Q How long does proper detailing take?

A Most vehicles we get are in good starting condition and it takes about four hours. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are or how fast you work, it takes time to cover every aspect of the vehicles.

Q Who are your customers?

A It’s a mix of people. I have my regulars who believe it’s important to keep vehicles well-protected. I get a few who are ready to sell their cars and want them spruced up. Once in a while, we have people who come in for nasty smells such as gasoline spilled inside.

Q What are some of the missteps you see people take as they clean their cars?

A The most basic is that people wash their cars using only one bucket of water. You can’t wash your wheels and then [use the same water] to wash the paint. It will scratch. Also, I see people who are too aggressive in cleaning.

Q How often should a car be detailed?

A There are many variables. Some people have them done every three months, other have them done once a year. You might have two cars, the exact same age and model — one owner drives from the garage to the grocery store and back. Another commutes to D.C., smokes in the car and eats in the car. Those factors all make a difference.

Q What are some of the misconceptions you hear?

A People think they have clear-coat [finishes] so they don’t have to wax their cars often. The average thickness of a piece of paper is a 3,000th of an inch. If you combine primer, paint and clear coat, they are only a 5,000th of an inch. Waxing is very important. Contaminants can dull the finish. If you have that morning dew, during the day contaminants bake into the paint unless you have a good coat of wax.

More information

Absolute Detail

91 John St.

Westminster

410-259-5333

Patrice@absolutedetail.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

43 agree | 31 disagree
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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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