Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Your Service
How do I book?
Call or text us on 027 788 7788. We take all of our bookings by phone rather than online, so we can talk through what your vehicle actually needs before anything is locked in. Available seven days.
Do you pick up and drop off?
Yes — complimentary, anywhere in Tauranga, on every service. Your vehicle is fully insured from the moment we collect it to the moment it is returned.
Are you insured?
Omni Garage Limited holds comprehensive liability insurance, covering your vehicle from collection through to return.
When and how do I pay?
Payment is due in full on completion, at the time your vehicle is dropped back to you.
What if my vehicle already has damage?
Tell us before we start. We are not responsible for pre-existing damage, and it is the owner’s responsibility to make us aware of anything already there — including any repainted panels, which can behave differently under a machine polish.
Choosing the Right Service
What’s the difference between a detail, a cut and polish, and a ceramic coating?
A detail is a thorough clean, inside and out. It will not remove swirl marks or scratches, and it leaves no protection behind. A cut and polish is machine work that removes defects from the paint itself. A ceramic coating is protection applied over the top — it seals the paint in whatever condition it is in. Most people who want a lasting result combine the last two.
What’s the difference between the standard and Deluxe detail?
Both cover the whole vehicle inside and out. The Interior & Exterior Detail is a light refresh. The Deluxe goes further at every step — a deeper wheel clean taking in the barrels, calipers and arches, a polymer drying aid for slickness and gloss, leather deep cleaned, and an interior worked with specialised tools rather than wiped over.
Can I add an upholstery and carpet deep clean?
Yes, with either detail package. We shampoo and extract all of the interior carpets, floor mats included, and the upholstery. $249 for a standard 5-seater, $299 for vehicles with six or more seats, including 7-seater SUVs and vans.
Do you work on motorhomes and campervans?
Yes — they come through the workshop regularly, and gelcoat responds differently to automotive paint. See our motorhome and campervan services, which are priced by the length of your vehicle.
About Ceramic Coatings
How does a ceramic coating work?
A ceramic coating is a liquid nano-ceramic polymer (commonly SiO₂ or SiC-based) that chemically bonds with your vehicle’s clear coat, forming a semi-permanent protective layer. Unlike traditional waxes or sealants that sit on the paint, a ceramic coating becomes part of the surface and can only be removed by abrasion (machine polishing), not by washing or chemicals. This bond adds protection, gloss, and makes for easier maintenance over many years.
Benefits of ceramic coatings:
- Up to 10H+ hardness – adds a tough protective layer that dramatically reduces swirl marks, light scratches and micro-marring.
- Hydrophobic properties – water contact angles of up to 115° create extreme water-beading and sheeting, keeping your car cleaner for longer.
- High gloss and depth – enhances paintwork with a rich, wet-look shine that lasts.
- UV and chemical resistance – shields against fading, oxidation, bird droppings, bug splatter and harsh chemicals.
- Easier maintenance – washing and drying become quicker, with less effort and fewer water spots.
- Long-lasting protection – with durability ranging from 3 to 8 years, coatings retain gloss and clarity in real-world conditions.
See all of our ceramic coating and paint correction packages.
What’s the difference between a 3, 5 or 8 year coating?
The key differences are expected durability, chemical resistance and long-term performance. All coatings still require proper preparation and maintenance to reach their projected longevity.
A longer-term coating typically contains a higher percentage of active ceramic solids. This means:
- They form a denser cured layer on the clear coat
- They provide even stronger resistance to UV oxidation
- They lose hydrophobic performance more slowly over time, particularly on vehicles that are not garaged and are exposed to the elements more often
The 3, 5 and 8 year options are chosen on the Cut, Polish & Ceramic Coating and Paint Correction & Ceramic Coating pages. Motorhome coatings are offered in 5 and 8 year options.
Do ceramic coatings prevent all scratches?
Ceramic coatings offer robust resistance to light swirls and marring, but they are not scratch-proof. Major impacts — like stone chips, deep scratches or collisions — can still damage the paint. Think of a coating as a hardened shield, not invincible armour.
Can I apply a coating over damaged paint?
Ceramic coatings lock in your paint’s current condition — flaws, blemishes and all. That is why we always recommend a cut and polish or a full paint correction first, so you are sealing in a flawless finish rather than sealing in the flaws.
Aftercare and Washing
What do I need to do in the first seven days?
Don’t wash the vehicle for seven days while the coating hardens. Rain is fine — we just want to keep chemicals off the paint while it cures.
Do I still need to wash my car?
Yes. A coating doesn’t eliminate the need for washing — it makes it easier. Dirt and contaminants don’t bond as firmly, so washes are quicker and less of a chore.
How should I wash it from here?
Every two weeks, always in the shade and on cool panels — never in direct sun or on a hot vehicle, and never let water or soap dry on the surface. Four steps:
- Wash the wheels first, using separate tools, so the rest of the vehicle isn’t left sitting in water.
- Pre-rinse the whole vehicle to flush off the grit before anything touches the paint.
- Contact wash, two-bucket method. A soft wash mitt and pH-neutral soap — one bucket of clean water to rinse the mitt, and a second of soapy water to reload before each panel.
- Rinse thoroughly, then dry immediately with a plush microfibre towel. Never let it air dry.
If you would rather not do it yourself, we offer a subscription based wash service.
What causes water spots and scratches after a coating?
A coating will not prevent water spots or scratches. Most come from how the vehicle is washed afterwards. The common causes are:
- Automatic car washes
- Dirty or old wash equipment
- Hard brushes
- Excessive pressure
- Water with a high mineral content
- Poor wash technique
Worth watching your washer fluid too — hard tap water from the windscreen washers runs down and dries on the paint, and is a common cause of water spots. De-mineralised water in the bottle solves it.
Do you sell the products you use?
Yes — we stock the shampoos, wash pads, drying towels and detail sprays we use ourselves, available in our shop. We also have 500+ how-to videos on our YouTube channel.
Still not sure which service you need?
Tell us the vehicle and roughly what condition it is in, and we will advise. Get in touch, or call or text 027 788 7788.