Exterior detailing involves cleaning and bringing a shine to the car's paint, chrome trim, windows, wheels, and even tyres. To do this Penno smash repairs use different products, including detergents, detail clay, waxes, and polishes, as well as a variety of applicators and special cloths.

It is important to note the three main components of exterior car detailing which are cleaning, polishing, and protecting. Cleaning refers to removing all foreign surface particles from exterior surfaces through the use of washing and quick detailing. A clay bar helps to clean contamination/dirt from within the clearcoat that cannot be removed through weekly washing. Clearcoat contamination can come from industrial fallout, air particles, dirt particles, tar, and animal droppings. Correcting refers to using mechanical polishes by hand & with a machine, specific polishing pads that remove a fine layer of clearcoat from a vehicle to remove fine scratches and swirls from a paint surface, produced from improper washing or drying technique. Protecting involves the application of a protective material (in liquid or paste form) that prevents foreign matter from adhering to the surface of the vehicle, including water, bugs splatter, tar, and dirt. Waxes and sealants provide this barrier against the elements.Interior detailing involves cleaning the passenger compartment of the car. Vacuuming is standard,and steam cleaning, liquid cleaners, and brushes may be used to remove stains on upholstery.

Some nonporous surfaces may also be polished.

Penno's offer engine detailing, in which steam, high pressure water, degreasers and all-purpose cleaners are used to clean under the hood of the car.

Detailing does not include body work, painting, mechanical or upholstery repair.