Frequently Asked Questions

The frequency depends on your car's condition and how you use it: New cars: Every 3-6 months (to protect the factory paint). Regular city driving: Every 2-3 months (basic wash monthly). Highway/dusty roads: Every 1-2 months (dirt and contaminants accumulate faster). Minimal Recommendation: At least once every 6 months. Most car owners find a monthly basic wash + quarterly premium detail optimal for maintaining their car's appearance and paint value.

Car Wash: Removes surface dirt using water and basic shampoo. Takes 15-20 minutes. Cost: ₹100-300. Detailing: A comprehensive restoration process that removes oxidation, swirl marks, and embeds protection. Takes 2-6 hours. Cost: ₹2,000-8,000+. Think of it this way: A car wash is like taking a shower. Detailing is like a professional spa treatment. Both are good, but they serve different purposes. Detailing restores what washing can't fix.

Yes, if you want long-term protection and easier maintenance. Ceramic coating costs ₹8,000-15,000 but provides: 1-3 years of protection (vs. wax which lasts 1-3 months), water beading (dirt and water repel), UV protection (prevents fading), chemical resistance (bird droppings, tree sap don't stick), easier maintenance (takes 20 minutes instead of 2 hours). Cost-Benefit: Without ceramic: ₹2,000-3,500/year. With ceramic: ₹3,300-5,000/year. Plus, your car stays shinier longer. Most owners find it worth the investment.

Ceramic Coating (₹8,000-15,000 for full car, lasts 1-3 years): Creates a hard, hydrophobic protective layer. Water beads and repels. Easier to wash. Protects against UV and minor contaminants. Does NOT protect against physical damage (scratches, rock chips). PPF — Paint Protection Film (₹15,000-35,000 for partial/full car, lasts 5-7 years): Physical protective film (like a clear case on your phone). Self-heals minor scratches in sunlight. Protects against rock chips and road debris. Invisible protection. Does NOT make washing easier. Best Combination: Many luxury car owners use BOTH: PPF on high-impact areas + ceramic coating over PPF + rest of vehicle.

Basic Wash: 30-45 minutes. Premium Detail: 2-3 hours. Platinum Package: 4-6 hours. Pro Tip: Book the Platinum Package in the morning and pick up same-day evening, or drop off one evening and pick up next morning. This gives us time to do the full job without rushing.

Yes! Swirl marks are microscopic scratches from improper washing. Our paint correction process using a dual-action polisher removes most swirl marks, restoring clarity and shine. How: Professional polishing compounds gently remove the thin layer of clear coat containing the scratches, revealing the perfect paint underneath. The result: a smooth, mirror-like finish. Important: This can only be done by professionals. DIY attempts often make swirl marks worse.

This depends on scratch depth: Light scratches (swirl marks, polish marks): Yes, completely. Polish them away. Medium scratches (you can feel them with your finger): Mostly. Polish reduces them significantly. Deep scratches (paint is cut through): No. These require touch-up paint or repainting at a body shop. During your consultation, we'll assess your car's condition and let you know exactly what's possible.

Most manufacturers recommend servicing every: 3-6 months OR 5,000-10,000 kilometers (whichever comes first). For new cars (warranty): Follow manufacturer schedule strictly to maintain warranty. For older cars (5+ years): Every 3 months is ideal to catch problems early. City driving: More frequent servicing (3 months) due to more stop-and-go. Highway driving: Can go longer (6 months) if conditions are less harsh.

Our 30-point inspection includes: Engine: Oil and filter change, coolant level, compression check. Brakes: Pad inspection, rotor wear, brake fluid level. Suspension: Shocks, springs, bushings, alignment check. Electrical: Battery health, alternator, lights, wipers. Fluids: Oil, coolant, brake fluid, steering fluid, AC refrigerant. Visual: Undercarriage, hoses, belts, tire condition. Safety: All safety systems verified. You get a detailed report showing what was done, what's wear, and what may need attention soon.

Yes, especially if your car is over 5 years old. TUV Certification means: Official government inspection. Legal requirement in many cases. Verifies safety systems (brakes, emissions, lighting). Required for vehicle insurance and registration. Third-party verification of quality. Our TUV certified service ensures your car meets government safety standards, not just Automall standards.

Yes, always. We only use: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) grade parts when needed. Professional-grade fluids matching manufacturer specs. Authorized parts for warranty vehicles. We never use cheap aftermarket parts that could compromise safety or longevity.

A complete car service at Automall costs ₹1,500–₹2,500 depending on your vehicle's engine size and service tier. Our transparent pricing structure includes: Basic Oil Change & Filter (₹250–₹500), Complete Service (₹1,500–₹2,500) covering a 30-point inspection and fluid replacement, and TUV Certified Service (₹2,000–₹4,000) which includes official certification and a detailed report.

Yes, we offer comprehensive bike servicing and tuning alongside our car services. Our Royapettah facility features a dedicated two-wheeler service bay staffed by expert mechanics. We handle everything from routine engine oil changes and tuning to tyre replacements, custom modifications, and premium accessories installation through our 'Bikers Den' section.

Get alignment: Every 20,000-30,000 kilometers (yearly for most drivers). After hitting a pothole or curb. If noticing steering pull to one side. If tires wearing unevenly. Before long road trips. Signs you need alignment: Steering wheel is off-center even on straight roads. Car pulls to one side. Tires wearing unevenly (inside or outside edge). Vibration in steering wheel. Proper alignment extends tire life significantly and improves fuel efficiency.

We stock all major brands: Premium: Vredestein, Bridgestone, Michelin. Mid-range: Apollo, CEAT, MRF. Value: Other quality brands. We can also order any brand you prefer. All tires come with warranty and professional fitting.

Tire lifespan depends on: Quality: Premium tires: 40,000-60,000 km | Budget tires: 20,000-40,000 km. Driving: Highway driving is easier on tires | City stop-and-go wears faster. Maintenance: Proper alignment and inflation extends life. Storage: Extreme heat/cold reduces lifespan. Replace when: Tread depth less than 2mm (unsafe). Visible damage or bulges. Age over 5-6 years (even if tread is good; rubber deteriorates). Most owners get 3-5 years before replacing.

Yes, absolutely. After every tire replacement, balancing is essential because: Prevents vibration at highway speeds. Extends tire life (balancing can add 5,000-10,000 km to tire lifespan). Improves comfort and handling. Prevents stress on suspension and bearings. Only costs ₹100-150 per wheel. We include balancing with every tire replacement at Automall.

Watch for these five signs: your car pulls to one side even on a straight, flat road; the steering wheel sits off-center when driving straight; you feel uneven vibration through the wheel; tyres show uneven wear — more worn on one edge than the other; or the steering feels loose or takes longer to return to center after a turn. Any one of these means it's worth checking your alignment, not waiting for the next scheduled service. Chennai's mix of potholes and speed breakers makes alignment drift faster than in smoother-road cities, so we recommend checking every 6 months even without symptoms. At Automall, we use 3D wheel alignment technology for precision within fractions of a degree — book a free alignment check on your next visit, and we'll tell you honestly if you need it or not.

They fix different problems. Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they point in the correct direction relative to the road and each other — it fixes pulling to one side and uneven wear patterns. Tyre rotation moves each tyre to a different position on the car (e.g., swapping front and rear) so all four wear down evenly over time, since front tyres typically wear faster from steering and braking forces. You need both, but for different reasons and on different schedules: rotation roughly every 5,000–10,000 km, alignment every 6 months or whenever you notice pulling, vibration, or uneven wear. Skipping rotation shortens tyre life even with perfect alignment; skipping alignment causes uneven wear even with regular rotation. We check both during a Complete Car Service, so you're covered either way.

No, driving on worn tyres is extremely dangerous. It significantly reduces wet-weather grip, increases braking distances, and heightens the risk of aquaplaning or blowouts. In India, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. You can check this easily at home using the coin test: insert a one-rupee coin into the tyre's tread grooves. If the outer gold border of the coin is visible, your tread is under 2 mm and it is time for a replacement. If you are unsure, drop by our Royapettah facility for a free tread-depth check. Our team will measure your tyres with a digital gauge and give you an honest recommendation.

Replace when: Battery age is over 3 years old. Engine starts slowly or clicks. Headlights are dimmer than usual. Battery test shows it's failing. Dashboard warning light appears. Proactive approach: Get a free battery test every 6 months. Most batteries last 3-5 years depending on climate and driving habits.

Typically 3-5 years depending on: Climate: Extreme heat (above 50°C) shortens life; cold also reduces efficiency. Driving: Short frequent trips = faster wear | Highway driving = longer life. Quality: Premium batteries: 4-5 years | Budget batteries: 2-3 years. Maintenance: Regular alternator checks extend battery life. Chennai's hot climate means batteries typically last 3-4 years instead of 5.

Yes. All batteries come with manufacturer warranty: Standard batteries: 18-24 month warranty. Premium batteries: 36 month warranty. Coverage: Full replacement if battery fails due to defect. Warranty covers manufacturing defects, not normal wear or user error (like leaving lights on).

Standard capacity (45-55 Ah): ₹2,500-4,000. Brands: Amaron, Exide, Luminous, Bosch. High capacity (60-70 Ah): ₹4,000-7,000. Premium brands: Exide Max, Amaron Hi-Life. Included with replacement: Professional installation (free). Old battery disposal (free). Charging system check (free). 18-36 month warranty.

Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Three ways: Online: Book instantly via our quick booking form on the home page (24/7). Phone: +91 97909 10555 / +91 91500 05534 (Monday-Saturday, 8 AM - 8 PM). Walk-in: Visit our flagship center in Royapettah.

Yes, absolutely! Call us with your car details (make, model, year, current condition) and we'll provide a free estimate. Most estimates are accurate within ±5%. For detailing, we also offer a free inspection in-person at no charge.

Cash, Debit/Credit card, UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), Insurance (direct billing available), Cheque.

Yes: Detailing: Satisfaction guarantee. If unsatisfied, we'll re-do it. Service: 30-day warranty on parts and labor. Batteries: 18-36 month manufacturer warranty. Tyres: Warranty per brand.

Yes! We service all makes and models: All sedans, all SUVs, all hatchbacks, two-wheelers. Specific maintenance varies by manufacturer, and we have documentation for all major brands.

Basic Wash: Can book same-day or walk-in. Premium Detail: 2-3 days in advance recommended. Platinum Package: 1 week in advance recommended. Urgent: Call us; we try to accommodate emergencies.

Yes — we offer pickup and drop service within a 10 km radius of our Royapettah facility (covering areas like Mylapore, T. Nagar, Adyar, and Mount Road), so you don't need to wait on-site. Book by phone or WhatsApp, and we'll confirm a pickup window that works for you; most services are completed and your car returned the same day. This is especially useful for full car services and Platinum Car Spa appointments, which take longer than a quick tyre or battery job.

Yes, we work with all major car insurance providers in India to support your repair claims. While we offer direct billing and assist with document submission to ensure a smooth claim process, cashless approval depends on your specific policy and insurer tie-ups at the time of repair. Please share your policy details with us via WhatsApp or call us before booking, and our team will guide you through the cashless process or assist in filing for reimbursement.

Chennai's monsoon typically arrives in October and runs through December, later than most of India — so late September is the right time to prepare, not July. Before the rains: check tyre tread depth (worn tyres lose grip fast on wet roads), test your wipers and top up washer fluid, get brakes inspected since wet-weather stopping distances are longer, and apply an anti-rust underbody coating, especially if you park near flood-prone stretches of Royapettah or the Marina side of the city. Door and boot seals are worth checking too — a damaged seal lets water into the cabin and accelerates interior rust, which is expensive to reverse later. Our Platinum Car Spa includes an under-chassis wash and rust-prevention check as standard, which is exactly the kind of pre-monsoon service that's cheap now and expensive to skip.