CARBONita Detail is a new La Jolla based, environmentally friendly auto detailing company. I had the opportunity to try out their services last week courtesy of Jimmy, the owner of CARBONita Detail. We are honestly very pleased. If you don’t live in the La Jolla area, look into finding a detailer with a similar water saving technology.
Unfortunately, because it took a long time for us to get sorted after our move back to La Jolla from Hong Kong, our garage was a mess until last weekend. Therefore, my new car had been parked in the driveway for 6 months and, of course, there’s the standard toddler mess. I still thought it might be premature to have a full detail, but it turns out I was wrong. During our walk around the car, Jimmy pointed out there were small dirt/pollution specks that looked like they were ground into the paint. Eventually, those might have rusted and that would have been a mess. I was relieved that when after the detail, they were totally gone.
Jimmy also applied the same sealant that dealerships offer to apply at a substantial extra charge. The exterior of my car now feels almost slippery. Yesterday a bird did it’s business, it dried, and that slid off easily with a dry paper towl. I know, too much information but you get the point. Anyway, the sealant helps with the longevity of the paint and I would seriously recommend it. Plus the car looks a heck of a lot shinier. He treated my leather too. I had noticed that before it felt a little bit dry and stiff.
I’m used to taking my car somewhere for a detail. I was worried about having the car detailed at my house, because we have some slate tile on our driveway and I didn’t want any run off of water and chemicals to get into my plants. CARBONita uses less than 1 pint of water. Yes, that’s right – 1 pint of water! Not a drop hit my driveway. It’s a special environmentally friendly technology. CARBONita also uses products by Meguiar’s that are biodegradable and VOC compliant. Meguiar’s company goal is to “to create products that deliver maximum performance, personal safety and environmental harmony.”
CARBONita Detailing also has special certifications that other auto detailers do not have. They must maintain the certifications through constant continuing education. This certification includes training on topics including proper vehicle inspection techniques, paint technology and restoration, interior and exterior detailing, proper use of equipment and tools, differences between high-speed buffing and orbital polishing, the basics in wet sanding, gel coats and fiberglass, instruction and proper use of detailing chemicals, and much more.
Jimmy is originally from Del Cerro but made his way back to La Jolla a few weeks ago. He’s been detailing cars for over 6 years and is a genuinely nice guy. You’ll find Jimmy behind the scenes nowadays, but Bryce has been out detailing the cars of many people I know and they just love him. The name CARBONita has a dual meaning too. CARBON-ita is “small carbon” for minimal environmental impact and CAR-bonita stands for “beautiful car”. Clever. The services they offer include:
- Hand Wash
- High Polish Wax
- Paint Sealant
- Upholstery Cleaning
- Minor Scratch Removal
- Headlight Restoration
- Chrome Treatment
If you live or work in the La Jolla area, CARBONita Detail can come to your home or office. If you don’t live or work in La Jolla, come anyway and CARBONita Detail can beautify your car while you shop or have lunch. It’s easy to spend a few hours in downtown La Jolla – one of my favorite things to do! If you need tips regarding what to do for a few hours, let me know.
From December 28, 2009 – January 11, 2009, you can receive a $250 CARBONita car detail through BuyWithMe San Diego for $50. That’s an insane deal. If you miss it (don’t!) La Jolla Mom readers will receive a 10% discount on CARBONita’s services. CARBONita Detail strives to be the premier eco friendly auto detailing service in La Jolla and needs your help to spread the word. Tell your friends about this highly specialized service. This isn’t your run of the mill auto detail and you get what you pay for.
You can contact CARBONita via email at CARBONitaDetail (at) gmail.com or follow them on Twitter @CARBONitaDetail.
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I LOVE the name–so clever! I’m all over this. Thanks for the hook-up.
Hi Mary! He did @rockonmommies car too and she was happy with it. Let me know if you need more details.
Twitter: Caringmom
December 7, 2009 at 11:48 am
Cool name! Dropping by from SITStas to wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday!
I may need to ask if he makes international visits. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind hopping on a plane and sorting my car? Go on..ask.. over from SITS xx
Hey LJ Mom- What an awesome guy, awesome idea and boy oh boy, is my car begging for a detail. The fruit snacks and apple peels are stuck in the cracks and the cheddar bunnies are ground into the carpet (never mind the dogs paw prints on the leather)…I can’t wait!
SDDD