Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find a list of our most frequently asked questions, along with clear answers to each one. Simply click on any of the tabs to view the questions and answers for that specific area of our business. If you need further information or help, please contact us.
General Quesions & Answers
Who are Karman?
We are a family independent business that are passionate about your vehicle. We offer many services to help keep your car on the road keeping your vehicle on the road.
What areas do KARMAN cover with your mobile valeting service?
We’re based in Hawkinge, Folkestone, Kent, covering the surrounding areas. You can come to us (strictly appointment only), or we can come to you!
What’s the difference between valeting and detailing
The main difference is the amount of time you want us to spend on your car. Valeting is designed for the majority of customers — it’s efficient, thorough and keeps your car looking its best without unnecessary cost. Our standard valet range covers everything most people need.
Detailing is for customers who want a much deeper level of attention. This could be a garage‑kept car, a weekend toy, or something you want brought up to a show‑standard finish. Detailing can take a full day or even two, depending on the level of work required.
In simple terms: the more time we spend on your car, the higher the level of finish — and the higher the cost.
Are all services mobile?
Our valeting and detailing service is available mobile or at our studio but all smart repair, alloy wheel repairs, customisation, wheel protectors are only available at our studio.
Do Karman have there own water on board van?
We have our own onboard water tank. We use pure filtered water which avoids water spotting in the sun.
Can I turn up without an appointment?
What’s included in a full valet?
We have various packages to suit your requirements and budget. Take a look at our packages for more information.
Do Karman offer scratch removal service?
Yes, we can remove minor scratches using machine polishing and a range of professional techniques that often save the entire panel from needing to be re‑sprayed. We also offer full SMART repair services, allowing us to repair and paint bumper scuffs, scratches, dents, plastic damage and more.
How long does a valet take?
The time required for your valet depends on the package you choose, but because we carry out valeting every day, we work far more efficiently than the average car owner. Speed doesn’t mean cutting corners — our quality is never compromised. With professional equipment worth tens of thousands of pounds, we can tackle jobs quickly and achieve results that would normally take much longer. A Silver Valet typically takes around 60–90 minutes.
How do I know I get an experienced person at Karman?
To ensure you get a first class service every time you will get the same person every time which is myself, Ian Pentland 😊
Why didn't someone answer my call immediately?
Being a hands-on business between the hours of 9 am – 6 pm, I am focused on customers’ cars and often around noisy equipment, so most of the time I will return calls/emails on the evening. Please feel free to text, WhatsApp or email me.
Do you need access to a power supply?
We have water on board but will need to use your power socket, as long as it’s within 25 metres from your power socket.
What do i need to do before you arrive?
Please ensure that everything is cleared from the car, including child seats, if you wish for that area to be cleaned. We can not remove child seats or put them back in the car for safety reasons.
Can I cancel my valet if it’s raining?
Unfortunately, we need to carry on and can’t accept cancellation due to poor weather; we will book the time and can’t afford to operate if someone cancels every time it rains.
What is the difference between a valet and a detail?
The main difference is simply time; we use the same equipment and the same products. However, someone may have a hobby car where they want 4 hours spent on the car, and they may want the wheels taken off to be cleaned. For 99% of people, a valet is what is required.
Do Karman clean motor homes?
Yes, Karman clean Caravans and Motorhomes.
Do Karman offer a collection and delivery service?
Yes, subject to availability, area and value of transaction, we can offer a collection and delivery service.
Do you charge any surcharges?
In general we do not charge surcharges and always try to be fair. If your car is full of pet hair, hasn’t been cleaned for years, it’s best to let us know when you book. As a general rule, pet hair removal will be subject to a £10 surcharge.
Do Karman purchase cars?
Yes Karman do purchase cars so if you are interested in selling your car please call or email with full details of your vehicle.
SMART Repairs Questions & Answers
Who are Karman?
We are a family independent business that are passionate about your vehicle. We offer many services to help keep your car on the road keeping your vehicle on the road.
Are all services mobile?
Our valeting and detailing service is available mobile or at our studio but all smart repair, alloy wheel repairs, customisation, wheel protectors are only available at our studio.
Is SMART repair cheaper than a bodyshop?
Yes. Because we repair only the affected area rather than the whole panel, SMART repairs are typically far more affordable than traditional bodyshop work — without compromising on quality.
Can I turn up without an appointment?
Do you repair alloy wheels?
Yes we do repair curb damaged alloy wheels
Can you repair Diamond cut alloys?
Yes, we repair many diamond‑cut and machine‑finished alloy wheels. We always aim to remove the damage around the edge of the wheel, then carefully blend the area with a specially mixed paint before applying fresh lacquer. This method is ideal for end‑of‑lease vehicles where cost‑effective repairs are essential. You may notice a very slight difference on close inspection, but this is the same technique used by many main dealers before selling used cars — and if you didn’t know it had been repaired, you’d rarely spot it.
Do Karman offer scratch removal service?
Yes, we can remove minor scratches using machine polishing and a range of professional techniques that often save the entire panel from needing to be re‑sprayed. We also offer full SMART repair services, allowing us to repair and paint bumper scuffs, scratches, dents, plastic damage and more.
Why didnt someone answer my call immediately?
Being a hands-on business between the hours of 9 am – 6 pm, I am focused on customers’ cars and often around noisy equipment, so most of the time I will return calls/emails on the evening. Please feel free to text, WhatsApp or email me.
How long does a SMART repair take
Many SMART repairs are completed the same day. Smaller jobs can take as little as 1–3 hours depending on the severity and location of the damage.
Can SMART repairs help with end‑of‑lease or PCP returns
Absolutely. SMART repairs are ideal for tidying up scuffs, scratches and dents that leasing companies often charge for. It’s a cost‑effective way to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Can you repair plastic bumpers and trims
Yes. We can repair cracked, scuffed or damaged plastic bumpers and trims, then repaint and blend them to restore a factory‑fresh finish. On black textured bumpers, we can repair and then use a special texture paint.
Do you offer a free, no obligation quote?
We certainly can and will explain how we intend to repair the vehicle.
Ceramic Coating Questions & Answers
What is the main difference using Karman for a Ceramic Coating instead of a main dealer?
Specialised Expertise: We specialise in car detailing, and rather than Ceramic Coating a dozen cars in one day, our focus is on one car, allowing us to prepare your car properly.
What takes the time Ceramic Coating a vehicle properly
The preparation is paramount before a car is ceramic-coated, and if this is not done, the Ceramic Coat will not last. I have seen cars last less than a month due to poor preparation.
Value for money
Better Value for Money: While dealership options might seem convenient, a detailer’s service can provide better value for money in the long term due to the quality of materials used and the application process.
Aftercare service
Instead of getting a pack that goes into your boot never to be seen again we will give you genuine advice and here to help if you ever get a problem in the future.
Do i need to use special products to clean my vehicle after a Ceramic Coating has been applied?
The key to not damaging your Ceramic Coating is to ensure you always use a pH-neutral shampoo on your vehicle. Be aware that most roadside car washes will use harsh chemicals, which can strip your Ceramic Coating over time.
Where can i purchase quality products to maintain my Ceramic Coating?
Karman offers a range of detailing products, but you can purchase PH Neutral Shampoo as well as other suitable products at most car centres or online.
Video link to see the effects
Please find the following video showing the effects of our ceramic coating
Customisation Questions & Answers
What do Karman offer in terms of customisation?
KARMAN offers a wide range of vehicle customisation options, and over the years we’ve carried out everything from bumper colour‑coding to full styling transformations. Popular upgrades include body‑colour bumper painting, blacked‑out grilles, mirror caps painted in red or black, badge removal or black badge conversions, roof bars painted black instead of chrome, alloy wheel colour changes, bonnet stripes, side stripes, and roof painting or wrapping in red or black. The list is endless — if you have a styling idea, we can usually make it happen.
Do you offer Alloy wheel protectors in a range of colours?
Yes we offer a wide range of colours that can either blend in or they can stand out.
How long will it take for 4 wheels to have kirb damage removed and the colour changed?
Normally we can get your wheels comleted in one day, if the weather is cold and you would like black i may suggest leaving the car with me over night.
Can you offer a black pack?
Yes, we’ve transformed many Range Rovers for customers who wanted the full Black Pack look when their vehicle didn’t originally come with it. We’ve painted wheels in gloss or satin black, refinished the grill and rear apron, and replaced all badges to black. The result is a sharp, modern, factory‑style finish that completely changes the vehicle’s presence.
Can you paint brake callipers?
Yes, we can paint your brake calipers in any colour you choose, with red being the most popular option. While the wheels are off for painting or refurbishment, adding a fresh red caliper can really enhance the look of the car and give it a sportier, more stylish finish.
Do you complete all customisation work your self?
We complete most of our work in‑house, but we also have trusted partners for specialist services such as window tinting and vehicle wrapping. Thanks to our long‑standing relationships, we receive preferential rates — allowing us to act as your single point of contact from start to finish.
Alloy Wheel Repair Questions & Answers
Can you repair diamond cut wheels?
Yes, we can repair kerb damage on alloy wheels. For diamond‑cut finishes, the traditional method is to put the wheel on a lathe, but that isn’t always necessary for light to moderate edge damage. We carefully remove the affected area and use an in‑house technique involving a specialist adhesion promoter, a custom‑mixed paint blend and a precise rectification process.
If you look closely after the repair, you may notice a slight difference, but this method has been used on hundreds of wheels we’ve returned to dealers and lease companies without any issues. It’s a highly effective, cost‑saving solution for everyday kerb damage.
How long will it take for 4 wheels to have kirb damage removed and the colour changed?
Normally we can get your wheels comleted in one day, if the weather is cold and you would like black i may suggest leaving the car with me over night.
Can i choose any colour?
Yes, you can choose any colour you like for your wheels. If the colour requires a special mixed paint, there will be a small surcharge to cover the additional materials and mixing process.
If i have one wheel damaged in metalic silver can i just have one wheel refurbished?
Yes, you can choose any colour you like for your wheels. If the colour requires a special mixed paint, there will be a small surcharge to cover the additional materials and mixing process.
Do you powder coat wheels?
No, we do not powder‑coat wheels. Instead, we remove the damage and any light corrosion, then apply a high‑quality basecoat followed by a durable lacquer for a smooth, factory‑style finish.
If you choose a non‑metallic colour such as black, we use a specialist high‑gloss formula where the colour and lacquer are combined into one. This creates an extra‑tough, highly durable finish that looks absolutely stunning.
Can you paint brake callipers?
Yes, we can paint your brake calipers in any colour you choose, with red being the most popular option. While the wheels are off for painting or refurbishment, adding a fresh red caliper can really enhance the look of the car and give it a sportier, more stylish finish.
Do you complete all customisation work your self?
We complete most of our work in‑house, but we also have trusted partners for specialist services such as window tinting and vehicle wrapping. Thanks to our long‑standing relationships, we receive preferential rates — allowing us to act as your single point of contact from start to finish.
Machine Polishing Q & A
Car Sales Questions & Answers
Who are Karman?
KARMAN operates as two separate businesses: Karman Valeting & Detailing (myself a sole trader) , which is our mobile service, and Karman Group Ltd trading as Karman Prestige, which handles vehicle sales and smart repairs. Depending on which service you use, you’ll receive the appropriate invoice from the correct business.
Can I turn up without an appointment?
Do Karman purchase cars?
Yes Karman do purchase cars so if you are interested in selling your car please call or email with full details of your vehicle.
Where do your cars come from?
We hand‑pick a small selection of quality vehicles each year. Many come directly from our existing customers or trusted contacts, meaning we know the history and condition before we buy. We avoid mainstream auctions to ensure higher standards.
Do dealers make a big brofit?
We hand‑pick a small selection of quality vehicles each year. Many come directly from our existing customers or trusted contacts, meaning we know the history and condition before we buy. We avoid mainstream auctions to ensure higher standards.
Do you offer part‑exchange?
Yes. We can take your current vehicle in part‑exchange, even if it doesn’t fit our retail profile. Thanks to our strong motor‑trade network, we can often beat other dealer offers.
Can you buy my car even if I’m not purchasing one from you?
Yes Karman can purchase your car and settle any outstanding finance, we offer a fair, safe and rewarding experience.
Can Karman purchase a car where finance is outstanding or my car is on a PCP plan?
Yes Karman can purchase your car and settle any outstanding finance, we offer a fair, safe and rewarding experience.
Do you charge admin fees?
No. We believe in transparent, honest pricing. The price you see is the price you pay — no hidden admin fees.
Can I pay to have cosmetic work done before collection?
Of course. We can machine polish, ceramic coat, refurbish alloys, or carry out subtle cosmetic upgrades like painted mirror caps or grille changes. You can personalise the car before you drive it away. We would require full payment before we can carry out paid upgrades?
Do Karman Offer a warranty on used cars?
KARMAN can offer a comprehensive warranty for a small additional cost. The price varies depending on the vehicle’s age, make, model and mileage, ensuring you only pay for the level of cover that suits your car.
Dealer Margins, please read if you think we are making a lot of money
Customers often think dealers make a big profit on a car, but in reality margins are usually very tight. For example, a Renault Clio bought at £3,000 might cost around £200 in advertising, £500 in preparation and £150 in general business costs, bringing the total to £3,850 before it’s even listed. If it sells for £4,500, that leaves £650 gross profit. From that, margin VAT on the difference (£300) and corporation tax (around £70) reduce the margin to roughly £380 — and that’s before factoring in a warranty or any market movement. It’s a much smaller profit than most people expect.
Can i just have one panel machine polished to remove a scratch?
If your paintwork is generally in good condition, we can correct individual panels rather than polishing the entire vehicle.
This is ideal for:
• Isolated scratches on doors, wings or bumpers
• Bird‑lime etching
• Localised scuffs or dull patches
It’s a cost‑effective way to tidy up problem areas without committing to a full‑car polish.
Understanding a single stage machine polish?
Ideal for vehicles with light defects such as:
• Swirl marks
• Light hedge scratches
• Minor dullness or hazing
This gives the paint a noticeable lift, improving gloss and clarity without the cost of a full correction.
Is machine polishing expensive?
Machine polishing offers excellent value for money, with single‑panel scratch improvement starting from around £60 per panel. This is ideal when only one or two areas need attention rather than committing to a full‑vehicle polish.
For full‑car machine polishing, both single‑stage and multi‑stage correction are available. Pricing depends on the overall condition of the paintwork, the level of correction required, and the finish you want to achieve. Vehicles with heavier defects, deeper scratches or significant dullness may require multi‑stage polishing for the best results.
Machine polishing is a cost‑effective way to dramatically improve gloss, clarity and overall appearance without the expense of repainting.
Multi-Stage Machine Polishing
A multi‑stage polish uses two or more stages, typically a cutting stage followed by one or more refining stages.
It’s designed for vehicles with moderate to heavy defects.
A multi‑stage polish will:
• Remove deeper scratches and heavier swirl marks
• Correct oxidation, dullness and sun damage
• Reduce holograms
• Produce a sharper, glossier, more reflective finish
This is the right choice when you want the highest possible finish or when the paintwork has more serious defects that a single‑stage polish cannot fully correct.
Why a professional machine polish?
Many people make the mistake of buying a cheap polisher and assuming it’s simple to machine polish a car. Unfortunately, this often leads to damage.
- Machine polishing is a skilled process, and without the right knowledge and equipment, it’s very easy to burn through paint, especially on plastic bumpers and edges, or to leave the vehicle covered in holograms and swirl marks.
We have invested thousands in the correct professional equipment, including:
- Multiple polishers for different paint types and contours.
- Around ten different compounds for varying levels of correction.
- Dozens of pads, each carefully selected based on your vehicle’s colour, age, manufacturer, paint hardness, and the result we’re trying to achieve
How long does machine polishing take?
Machine polishing can take anywhere from a few hours for a single‑stage enhancement on newer or well‑kept paintwork, to a full day or more when the paint requires deeper correction and rectification
Is it worth considering a Ceramic Coating after a machine polish?
It’s well worth considering a ceramic coating after a machine polish. The polishing process completes most of the preparation work, meaning your vehicle is already more than halfway ready for coating. We also regularly offer discounted ceramic coating packages when booked alongside a machine polish, making it great value for long‑term protection.
Do you use special lighting?
Our studio is equipped with 16 large, purpose‑built lights designed to reveal even the smallest paint defects. Alongside this, we use specialist portable inspection lights to check every angle of the paintwork, ensuring nothing is missed and the finish is as perfect as possible.