I was 24 and had started my first full-time reporting gig when I drove my brand new shiny red 4-door Yaris off the lot. It was no Mercedes or fancy SUV with heated leather seats, but it was within my budget and, more importantly, it was mine-all-mine.
In addition to regular trips to the car wash, I refused to let any passengers eat or drink inside. With only $1,000 down, the $500-monthly car payment was pretty steep. I wanted to ensure it was kept in the best possible condition to justify such a big expenditure.
Hah! If I only knew…
Fast forward five years later, my car was fully paid for, but to say it didn’t look or smell as great as it did that first day home from the dealership would be a vast understatement.
My prized cherry-red car became my ‘messy-mom mobile,’ which was often home to: cold, long-expired Tim Hortons’ coffee, more dropped Shopkins and princesses than I could count, soiled and clean socks gingerly tossed to the floor by my little ladies, yogurt tubes smeared to my side door, stale cheerios encrusted to the car seats, stickers from the dentist placed on my windows, puppy fur — even puppy puke that I couldn’t reach between the seats, despite my best efforts to clean it up.
Years of dirt, sediment and crushed Fishy Crackers had plagued my car.
Even with enforcing a ‘no snack and no toy rule’ for my backseat clan, I’d pull a garbage bag full of clothing and children’s toys — almost monthly.
Why didn’t I clean up my car before getting the kids out each day? Sure sounds sensible in theory. However, when you’re trying to hustle two cranky ladies out of their car seat without spilling your coffee or letting your energetic pup run wild down the road into open traffic, you begin to consider it a small victory just to get out in one piece without losing your mind.
So, you can imagine my reaction when a friend suggested I meet with Norman Douglas, the owner of Phase II Auto Detailing Inc. in Langley for a complimentary car makeover.
Of course, I was a little embarrassed about the state of my vehicle, but Douglas, who cleans everything from high-end luxury cars to messy minivans, didn’t flinch. He has seen it all!
“Oh this is nothing,” laughed Douglas, who is a fellow parent.
“Trust me, I’ve seen much worse. You won’t even recognize your car when you come back in a few hours.”
Coming to the Fraser Valley with years of knowledge and expertise, Douglas is the newest auto detailer on the block in Langley, but not to his trade. The self-made entrepreneur has been detailing vehicles since 1990 (He owned and operated Downtown Car Detailing in downtown Toronto successfully for over 15 years).
Phase II Auto Detailing is made of a team of professionals who use the best detailing products and equipment currently available on the market.
“We remain committed to doing what we do best: restoring the sparkle and beauty to your automobiles!” said Douglas of his family business, located at 01-20795 Langley Bypass (next to the Great Escape).
“Ultimately we aim to do our best and that is to please our customers by giving their vehicles the original showroom shine they deserve. We strive for perfection.”
Four hours later, I returned to what looked like a brand new car that was glistening in the sunlight.
Can you believe this car is 8 years old?
Even the surface scratches have vanished.
“Wow, this looks exactly like when I first purchased it — maybe even cleaner and more sparkly,” I said, as my jaw hit the floor.
Honestly, I was in total shock. Every little scratch on the outside was buffed away and the car shone like it was given a fresh coat of paint. The interior no longer contained a single trace of dust, dirt or dried cookie crumbs– they even cleaned the two car seats in the back, which I totally wasn’t expecting.
The interior looks brand new again.
During your car detailing, they even clean your engine.
And the smell — oh so fresh and so clean!!! I couldn’t believe it. After giving Douglas a huge hug (I just couldn’t help myself), I had to drive straight to my mom’s house to show off my ‘new’ ride.
She was just as speechless as I was.
Interested in the same car makeover (the Gold Package) that I had? Here’s the scoop on what exactly it entails:
- High speed buff and polish;
- Remove most surface scratches to restore original beauty of your car;
- Polish all chrome;
- Engine shampoo;
- Hand Wash;
- Clean door jams, wheel wells, rims and tires;
- Interior shampoo;
- Steam to remove most stains and foul odor;
- Deep clean vinyl, leather, carpet, mats, vents, dash, door panels, windows, roof;
- and clean trunk compartments-including spare tire.
ValleyMom.ca is thrilled to partner with Phase II Auto Detailing to give away the GOLD PACKAGE valued at $289+ to one lucky fan. Contest closes at midnight on Oct. 21. To enter, simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below. You must be 18+ to enter. Good luck xo
Disclaimer: While my car detailing was complimentary, all opinions are my own.
59 Comments
nadya
September 22, 2015 at 11:59 amplease pick me 🙂
Amanda Saunders
September 22, 2015 at 12:07 pmlove this contest!!
Jillian
September 22, 2015 at 12:07 pmOh my goodness!!! A clean car would be amazing!
Desiree
September 22, 2015 at 12:09 pmI’m not sure if my first one posted – My car could really use some TLC! I’m a mom and work a full time office job, as well. I wish I had time to vacuum but I can’t even find time to take the car through a car wash. I’m also very leery about what may be under the seats…hair, dust balls, gold fish crackers…I have always wanted to take out my front seats to clean the dirt and dust out of the tracks, but this is a process I just don’t know about. It always makes me cringe what crumbs and dirt could be in the places I just can never reach! I would love this opportunity!
Kathleen
September 22, 2015 at 12:09 pmOur car needs a complete makeover because it has never been detailed just cleaned (kind of) by us. It is a 2008 and has carted around 2 kids, now 2.5 and almost 6, has made many trips from Calgary to the Okanagan AND a year ago drove us from Calgary to White Rock for our big move out here. Whenever my eldest gets in it she says it smells!
Lisa Munday
September 22, 2015 at 12:09 pmOMG I need to win this so bad. If only you could see my car.
Lisa
September 22, 2015 at 12:10 pmHave never had this done on our Honda Pilot, so over due, our kids are past the age of making a mess??, maybe I hope!
Sarah
September 22, 2015 at 12:11 pmThis sounds like an incredible service at a very reasonable price. Great for new parents that need to clean before baby…and great for parents already experiencing the chaos of squeezed juice boxes, crushed crackers/cookies and other unidentifiable messes.
karenpaulsen@live.com
September 22, 2015 at 12:11 pmI cannot tell you how desperately I need this. I just went through a terrible breakup and I am single for the first time in 26 years. I’m only 45 and my cute vibe is disgusting. 19 year old daughter mess ex husband mess. I hate driving it because it just reminds me of him. My heart is broken and to have a fresh car would mean so much to me. I appreciate your consideration
Danielle
September 22, 2015 at 12:13 pmOmg… Mom of 5… My van could definetly use some love..
Meagan
September 22, 2015 at 12:14 pmWow the results are amazing! I would love to win a car detailing package for my dodge durango! Like you I am a Mom – 3 kids’ worth of snacks, dirt and puke on my truck carpet – doesnt matter how many times i shampoo or try to vacuum it out!
Sherri
September 22, 2015 at 12:15 pmAfter rushing around all summer from work to the gym to giving kids rides and leaving in a rush every Friday to go away for the weekend to our trailer….rushing back on Sunday to get ready for the upcoming week….my car is a bit of a fright 🙂 She could really use some detailing love 🙂
Tiffany
September 22, 2015 at 12:19 pmMy Winnie-the-Pooh-mobile SO needs a thorough detail cleaning! Since purchasing brand new in 2004, it’s never had a professional clean.
Jennifer P.
September 22, 2015 at 12:21 pmMy car needs a complete makeover because I have kids!! The toddler is especially messy – fishy crackers, cheerios, tiny bits of ripped paper, drink spills etc. And then there is my older daughter who is always trying to sneak some kind of craft project into the car, resulting in more bits of paper, crayon bits, sparkles, pipe cleaners etc! Our car needs help!!
Deanna S
September 22, 2015 at 12:34 pmWould love this to help clean the car that hauls around 2 rambunctious boys!
Natalie
September 22, 2015 at 12:39 pmMy mom’s Hyundai Tuscan so needs a makeover! lol. I’d totally give this to her – I once found something… growing. Sheesh. 😉
Jennifer O.
September 22, 2015 at 12:42 pmWhat can I say……kids are messy. Crumbs of all kinds everywhere!
Cynthia
September 22, 2015 at 1:01 pmBabe it looks like a brand new car!!! Soooon cool to
Selena B.
September 22, 2015 at 1:28 pmI too have two little girls that drop Cheerios and Fruit Loops through out the back seat. My hubby and I have been talking for some time now about getting out vehicle detailed!
Andrea
September 22, 2015 at 1:29 pmMy car is disgusting! I’m not sure what happened to it, but there’s even milk under the ebrake…I swear someone must drive the poor beast while we’re sleeping!
Would love to have a sparkly car again. Fab contest idea!
Elaine
September 22, 2015 at 1:59 pmWhat a great giveaway! I could really use this for my car!
Tara
September 22, 2015 at 2:21 pmBecause we have 2 kids….
Sarah
September 22, 2015 at 2:24 pmA toddler who is obsessed with dumping gold fish crackers in the car & 4 month old who spits up! In major need of a detail xo
Louise Chapman
September 22, 2015 at 2:29 pmFour kids!!
Jen V.
September 22, 2015 at 2:48 pmMy car is so dirty on the inside from two kids playing sports! Would love to get a good detail.
Brenda Parmiter Cooper
September 22, 2015 at 5:51 pmI so need a beautiful new car again, I love my dogs but they have got to be husband truck dogs, and we need a clean Hyundai again. Would be so excited to have a car cleaning and detailing. Pick me, Pick me.
stu
September 22, 2015 at 6:59 pmWe have puppy puke embedded into the upholstery of our car right NOW! Yuck! could definitely use this!
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 8:12 pmWhy do I need this car makeover? I have three boys. Enough said!
Nicole H
September 22, 2015 at 8:38 pmI camp a lot and enjoy the outdoors. Getting my car detailed to get rid of the mess would be awesome. And I wouldn’t be embarrassed to carpool.
Chelle
September 22, 2015 at 11:17 pmBlueBalls needs this makeover because she is now 5 years old and now is the full time “mom mobile”
I would love my sporty Mazda hatchback to get some of that zip back that you lose in the day to day errands of costco, playdates ect would just be amazing.
Ei Leen
September 23, 2015 at 12:11 amI’d gift this to my brother…his car is horrible! Stuff has been in the carpet forever. We’ve tried to get it out. It’s not possible.
Kyla
September 23, 2015 at 6:05 amit looks great!!!
Melissa
September 23, 2015 at 10:50 amWell, with 3 children, one in high school, 2 in elementary, and all in extra curricular activites I cant even keep up with the housework let alone the car!! This would be a treat for sure!
Andi Pandy
September 23, 2015 at 11:05 amWhile not very old,my grand caravan has transported it’s fair share of crumbs,sticky bits, sand, dirt, drywall,drippy ice treats, and God knows what else as my little family makes our road trip memories in there!
Maria T
September 23, 2015 at 11:13 amI have 4 kids, need van cleaned!
Laura W.
September 23, 2015 at 11:42 amWhy does my car need a complete makeover? One word – kids. The other day my cousin’s 9yr old son got in my car and said “Ew, why is the car so dirty”. With a two small boys, my car hasn’t looked good since 2008. I would LOVE to win this 🙂
DeannaH
September 23, 2015 at 3:25 pmMy car is in a real need for a cleaning make over! Having a toddler and pregnant with my second I’m having a hard time getting in to clean cause I feel so yucky with morning sickness!
Barb W
September 23, 2015 at 3:37 pmI have a 5 year old. Enough said?!
Marsalie
September 23, 2015 at 4:45 pmI have 4 messy children!
Laura H
September 23, 2015 at 6:03 pmI need a car makeover because dog hair, spilled food, dust and dirt that just won’t go away, and the scratches from coats and other things are making me bonkers! My shoulder gets way too sore trying to clean my car and having a clean, like-new car again would be a real treat!
Erin Houldsworth
September 23, 2015 at 7:51 pmMy daughter found a chocolate chip in her car seat today without me noticing… And she smeared melted chocolate everywhere! I need this… What perfect timing!!
Sunshine G
September 23, 2015 at 10:10 pmWe have a toddler and the car hasn’t been the same since!
Katy Geh
September 24, 2015 at 11:51 amOh I could really use this. I have a 7 year old and 5 yr old twins who are unfortunately all a bit slobby (mom fail). My van is disgusting and is an embarrassment that my husband frequently mocks. I would love to have the chance to start over again and impose a no food rule in the van.
Shirley
September 25, 2015 at 11:03 amI clean my car as often as possible but …6 grandchildren….
Andrea
September 26, 2015 at 10:00 amMy car is getting a little old.
Sarah Watts
September 26, 2015 at 10:44 amHoly Cow I need this sooooo bad!!!! My three kids have destroyed my car! I even bought a Bissel Green Machine, to try and clean the carpets…yah…no….
Michelle Stevens
September 27, 2015 at 12:54 pmI have two young boys, 4 and 2 and my husband works out of town 😀
denise
September 29, 2015 at 9:08 pmyes, our car needs a makeover. our daughter makes a mess….
salexis
October 1, 2015 at 1:20 pmMy car needs a makeover because I have two kids and a dog… enough said.
Leana
October 5, 2015 at 11:46 amI have a four year old eek!
Carolyn
October 5, 2015 at 2:58 pmI was JUST saying my mom-mobile needs a thorough clean. pick me! pick me!
Jena
October 7, 2015 at 9:18 amOMGosh! Our girl ‘Snowball’ needs a major cleansing. A CSI would have a field day with the fingerprints all over the place. There truly are no words to describe the mess-terpiece our 3 kiddos have created within our vehicle. We’d la-la-love to win a deep clean 🙂
Lisa B
October 7, 2015 at 11:48 amWould love our truck to get detailed next month as a birthday and anniversary present
Tara
October 7, 2015 at 1:51 pmBecause I have a 4 year old. Seriously, between smushed up bear paws, leaves, random dirt piles and juice – my car is a disaster.
Mandy
October 10, 2015 at 2:15 amMy car has been handed down to me by my sister and has tiny bumps and scratches everywhere now. Too small to bother getting fixed but makes the car look old. It could totally use a makeover!
Rebecca
October 21, 2015 at 3:15 pmHaving a child has forever changed the interior of my vehicle in a disastrous way, between smushed fishy crackers to Cheerios to rice cakes (could go on and on and on).It would be so nice to see the car as it was when we first bough it, wow would that be nice lol! Can envision it now
Leana
October 21, 2015 at 3:25 pmMy car is in desperate need of a make over! My 4 year old is like a tornado inside my car!!!
Nikola
October 21, 2015 at 3:38 pmSo need this! We replaced 2 fences (about 20 panels), and they all went to the dump in my Honda CRV. Well … that was about 6 months ago, and after a vacuum and wipe down, there is still evidence of all the dirt, grim and rotten wood slime in my car. Not to mention the spider webs I keep finding on my dash and elsewhere. I even had a spider crawl up my leg as my foot was on the gas. Totally freaked me out and my 4 year old. And how long are wood bugs supposed to live for?
Ashleigh
October 21, 2015 at 3:59 pmI love my car, it is roomy and reliable, but I haven’t shown it as much love as it’s deserved. I’ve moved the majority of 4 apartment moves with it, it’s taken me all over lower BC, only failing me once or twice. Oerhaps in revenge for not keeping it clean. I’ve vacuumed and wiped here and there, but I’ve never goven it the good clean it deserves. This would be great to give it a fresh start 🙂