What Is Car Detailing?

Car detailing is a detailed cleaning of your car that is much more profound than the normal washing of the car; it entails cleaning, restoration, and polishing of the vehicle both on the exterior and interior part to give it a new look. You can take your car to a car wash to clean the outer surface of your car, but to clean the inside and outside of your car and make it look spotless that is car detailing.

Car detailing can be divided into different sections based on the type of service to be offered.

Exterior Detailing

Washing and Drying

The process starts by thorough washing that may involve hand washing of the car body to clean it from dust, dirt and different contaminants. In contrast to a drive through car wash, this is done with a lot of care so as to avoid scratching the paint work.

Claying

The final step is the use of clay bar which is used to get rid of surface contaminants which washing cannot remove. This step is very useful in as far as smoothening the surface of the paint is concerned.

Polishing

Polishing is the process that uses a compound to remove small scratch, swirl marks, and oxidation that are usually on the surface of the car. This process helps make the paint look as it is new and ready for application of wax.

Waxing / Sealing

Waxing or sealing is a process that is done at the end of exterior detailing to give a shield on the paint work. This layer gives the car gloss and act as a shield against the elements such as the sun, water, and other pollutants.

Wheels and Tires: The wheels are cleaned, polished and then protected with wheel and tyre dressing. This is not only enhancing the aesthetic value, but also prevents them from cracking, or signs of aging.

Trim and Glass

All the exterior fittings and finishing, including lights, glasses and mirrors are thoroughly cleaned and polished, as to have no stains on them.

Interior Detailing

Vacuuming

The interior detailing, generally, involves the following steps; first, the cleaning of all surfaces with the use of a vacuum cleaner, this applies to seats, carpets as well as the trunk. This breaks off any loosen dirt and debris.

Steam Cleaning and Shampooing: Upholstery and carpets and mats are cleaned by use of steam cleaning or shampoo to clean stains, dirt and bad odor. This step also has the effect of cleaning the inside of the car as well as the seats.

Leather Treatment: Leather surfaces are also cleaned and nourished so as to retain their smoothness and not easily develop cracks. This is important in the preservation of the leather seats and trim of a car.

Dashboard and Console

All the surfaces of the dashboard, console and interior of the car are cleaned with suitable detergents and brushes. Extra efforts are made on the buttons, vents and other areas that tend to harbour dust and dirt.

Glass Cleaning

The interior glass has to be wiped to eliminate marks or stains which could hinder visibility.

Odor Elimination

The last but not the least is the use of deodorizers or ozone treatments that are used to ensure that there are no odd smells within the car.

Benefits of Car Detailing

Enhanced Appearance: Car detailing enhances the look of your car so that it can look as being new or even new again. The detail cleaning and polishing can work wonders and bring back the sheen of the paint work and make the interior as good as new.

Protection

This regular detailing works to give a protective cover to car’s outer surface hence ensuring that the paint is not exposed to the atmospheric conditions that may lead to the corrosion of the surface, fading and other damage that may occur on the car’s body. Interior treatments for instance leather conditioning helps in preventing the wear and tear of the material.

Increased Resale Value

It is because a car that is taken good care of and which has its exterior features well polished will fetch a high price in the market during resale. Thus, detailing is a process that allows preserving the car as clean as possible and explain the reason of its good condition to the potential buyer.

Extended Lifespan

If you detail your car on the regular, there are many ways that you can actually help to prolong the life of your car. Stripping off contaminants from the paint, shielding the surface and preserving the interior helps in the longevity of the car.

Attention to Detail

Car detailing is very specific, it involves cleaning of vents, treatment of rubber trims, and polishing chrome parts. This focus to detail leads to a car that not only looks clean but has the touch and feel of a well maintained car.

Comparing the results of professional car detailing with that of a do-it-yourself car detailing.

While there are those who like doing the work themselves, there are those who will seek the services of professional detailers. It is possible to do detailing on your own and it is quite enjoyable but it can be time consuming and it also requires that one has the right tools and products. While on the other hand professional detailers have the right tools and experience and therefore they can do better job in shorter time.

The services are divided into standard and full detail services which include detailing of the interior and exterior of the car. The following are some of the services that can be of great help to any car owner who wishes to keep the value of his or her car intact or even enhance it before putting it up for sale.

Car detailing is not simply about cleaning the car to the best of its ability; it is a craft and a skill that aims at restoring the look of the car and keeping it that way. No matter if one decides to do it on their own or to take the car to a professional, detailing is vital to maintain car value and appearance. Investing in detailing not only enhances the looks of your car but also safeguard your investment to make your car looks new even after several years of purchase.