Reference
Car wash & detailing glossary
Every term we use in our pricing, FAQs or pro briefings — defined in plain English.
- At-Home Wash
- Mobile car wash carried out at your London address on your driveway, parking bay or office car park.
- IPA wipe
- Isopropyl alcohol wipe-down used to remove polishing oils so paint correction or ceramic coating bonds properly.
- Paint correction
- Mechanical polishing that removes swirls, holograms and light scratches from clearcoat — measured in stages (1-step, 2-step).
- Ceramic coating
- Semi-permanent SiO2 layer that adds gloss, hydrophobicity and chemical resistance — lasts 1 to 5+ years depending on grade.
- PPF
- Paint Protection Film — a clear urethane layer applied to high-impact panels (bumper, bonnet, mirrors) to absorb stone chips.
- Trade-effluent consent
- Permit from the local water authority allowing a wash bay to discharge contaminated water to foul sewer — without it, the bay isn't legal.