Thinking of getting your car detailed? There are a lot of reasons you may want to get it looking shiny and new again; maybe you just miss that new car smell or perhaps you’re looking to sell and want to sweeten the deal. Whatever the reason, we’ve got all the info you need to help figure out if car detailing is the way to go, including the many benefits, important considerations, and helpful how-tos.
Table of contents
- What is car detailing?
- What are the benefits of car detailing?
- What to ask before getting your car detailed
- How do you make your detailing last longer?
- Should you do-it-yourself or go the professional route?
What is car detailing?
Vehicle detailing is an incredibly thorough process of cleaning and restoring your car so it’s just like new again. It goes beyond a regular cleaning and usually involves both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Also, because it’s such a meticulous process, it’s a lengthier one versus your run-of-the-mill car wash. Here are some of the specifics you can get done in a detailing.
Exterior Detailing
The process starts off like a regular car wash with soap and water to clean off all the dirt and grime. From there, it goes beyond the same old wash into the buffing, touch-up and waxing stages – keep in mind that the amount of time a detailing will take depends on how much detailing is needed. For example, if your car has a lot of scratches, it could take longer to touch them up or buff them out. Some other exterior detailing you could also consider are:
- Headlight restoration (if they’re cloudy or yellowing)
- Cleaning and polishing wheels
- Engine bay cleaning
- Rust prevention and removal
- Dent and scratch removal
- Trim restoration (from fading)
Interior Detailing
On the inside, it’s all about getting up into every nook and cranny so the car looks as spotless as it did when it rolled off the lot. Again, it starts the same way a regular interior cleaning would — they vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces and clean out cup holders. Where detailing kicks it up a notch is in the equipment and products used. For example, to get out tough stains, they may use a steam cleaner or special products to make the car look its best. Some interior details you could look at getting done are:
- Glass cleaning and treatment
- Vent cleaning and air filter replacement
- Electronics and infotainment cleaning
- Leather conditioning
- Interior deodorizing
- Upholstery upgrades
It’s important to know that while car detailing does a great job at making a car look it’s best, it can’t reverse major structural damage or mechanical issues. Those are jobs for a proper mechanic.
What are the benefits of car detailing?
Giving your car the star treatment is a good idea for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with a regular detailing:
- It boosts your car’s value. This is especially important if you’re looking to sell. Typically, buyers will be willing to pay more if the car is in great condition both inside and out. A smooth-running engine and slick interior will add to the appeal for potential buyers and make it a lot easier to sell.
- It helps restore your car’s beauty. Car detailers can help roll the clock back by removing scratches, clearing dust and cleaning stains. They can also perform a professional grade wax to give the paint a good glow and make your car look shiny and new again (another major plus if you’re putting it up for resale).
- It helps prevent health issues. As mentioned before, when you go for a deep clean a lot of debris gets removed, including pet dander, pollen and dust. Not only does that improve the air quality in the car, but it can also make your car safer for allergy sufferers.
- It delays a new car purchase. If you’re looking to squeeze as much life as possible out of your vehicle, regular car detailing is one way to extend the life of your vehicle a little bit more. Not only will it help extend the life of your car, but it’ll also make driving it a pleasure all the way until the end.
- It helps prevent major mechanical mishaps. From corrosion to the rusting of car parts in the engine, tire rims, and wheels, there are a lot of things that can affect the performance of your car. However, regular detailing not only delays those things from happening, but it can also help identify any minor issues before they become major ones.
What to ask before getting your car detailed
Okay, you’ve made the decision to do it, now it’s time to hire a professional to do it right. Essentially what you’re looking for is someone to take care of your car as if it’s their own. The best way to do that is by giving reputable companies in your area a call and asking them the right questions.
- How do you clean the interior? Regular brushing isn’t going to cut it on tough stains, good detailers pull out the big guns, like steam cleaners.
- What products do you use? This one’s important as leather upholstery requires special cleaner, different from fabric cleaner, to remove stains without compromising the appearance of the leather.
- How do you clean the engine bay? If you’re looking for this type of detailing, you’ll definitely want a professional to perform the task as one little mistake can cost you. A good detailer will spray it, degrease it, rinse it, and dry it properly, finishing it off with a protective coating.
- What is included with exterior detailing? As we mentioned earlier, the exterior detailing goes beyond a wash so it’s important to find out what they do after the wash to take it to the next level. That may involve a clay bar treatment (to remove contaminants), buffing and waxing.
How do you make your detailing last longer?
Once you’ve made the call to get the job done, the next thing you want to do is preserve the deep clean. Here are a few tips to help delay the next detailing:
Keep it covered. If you can, keep your car in a covered area like a garage or covered car park. If that’s not an option, you could get a car cover to help shield it from dust and debris.
Keep it clean. This one should come as no surprise, but regular cleanings really do go a long way – and we’re not talking automatic car washes. It’s best to wash it by hand so you don’t expose it to harsh chemicals and equipment that could scratch the surface.
Keep it dry. This one’s important. Once you wash your car, you’ll want to dry it properly with a microfibre cloth versus letting it air dry. The evaporating water particles can release more dirt and minerals leaving water spots behind. It’s not a bad idea to do the same after a rain if your car lives outdoors.
Should you do-it-yourself or go the professional route?
When it comes to car detailing, going the professional route is always best if you want the job done thoroughly. Not only do they have the expertise to do it right, but they also have the proper equipment and specialized cleaning products needed. However, if you’re not looking for all the bells and whistles, there are a few things you can do at home to give your car a mini detailing.
- Upholstery cleaner. Invest in a good one, and make sure it’s made for the type of interior you have, whether that’s fabric or leather. Spills tend to happen more often than anything else, so you’ll get a lot of use out of this one.
- Lubricate hood hinges and doors. White lithium grease or a few drops of motor oil will do the trick here. Just apply a little to the hinges, move them a bit to work the grease in and wipe off any access with a rag to keep everything opening smoothly.
- Give it a polish or waxing. You can get great do-it-yourself waxes and polishes at your local hardware store to give your car a beautiful sheen. Just make sure you read the instructions and follow the application method.
When it comes down to it, car detailing makes sense for a lot of reasons. Do it regularly and you can extend the length of your vehicle’s appearance, continue to boost its value, and ensure its operating at its best. Win-win-win.