Car Detailing: What You Need To Know
Let’s face it, most of us get some pretty rough use from our cars. Getting the plain old car wash from the nearest gas station doesn’t cut it. Neither does a personal hand wash from your trusty old car wash brush. Your car needs more intensive care if you want it to last long and stay pretty. People come across car detailing in search of something more, but many aren’t aware of what it actually is. People mistake it for simple car cleaning; others consider it unnecessary or a luxury. Here’s all you need to know.
WHAT IS CAR DETAILING?
No, it isn’t just a car wash. Car detailing is much more as it involves many different professional procedures that a car wash doesn’t. Simply put, car detailing is the cleaning and reconditioning of your car. It freshens every aspect of your vehicle, top to bottom, front to back, and inside out. Think of it as a well-earned spa for your car.
It is a comprehensive procedure that takes much longer than a simple scrub with a car wash brush. You might ask how often you need such a procedure. Because of the detailed nature of this service, three to four times a year is good enough.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN CAR DETAILING?
Knowing what you’re getting in the whole car detailing process will help you make a more informed decision. To simplify the explanation, we have simplified the process into three parts. Take a look:
- Exterior cleaning: This includes deep cleaning with specialized soaps, foams, and car washing brushes. Even the wheels, brakes, calipers, and shocks are thoroughly scrubbed. Of course, there is also the cleaning of the car’s windows and surfaces, including rubber ones, with unique automated clay bars. They finish with professional quality wax and polish that removes any scratches reviving the “new car” shine.
- Interior cleaning: First, they vacuum the carpet, removing any built-in dirt and debris. The next step involves using specific and special cleaners and soaps to wash the carpets and upholstery, whether vinyl or plastic. If you have leather interiors, they’ll use unique conditioning materials and a polisher to revive them. Not to mention, your car will have the lasting “new car” scent we all love.
- Engine care: Amazingly, this process also takes into account what your car looks like from beneath and inside. First, they spray the engine bay, clearing any built-up debris and dirt. Second, comes the application of a degreaser to remove all of the grime on the engine components and vents. Last comes targeted rinsing with water and proper drying, leaving everything looking spotless and new.
Related: Truck Detailing
CAR DETAILING: IS IT WORTH IT?
You might be asking yourself, why don’t I just get a car wash brush and soap and do everything myself? Don’t do it; it’s a bad idea. Even if you do a good job scrubbing, you still won’t be able to clean the different surfaces with regular products. You’ll need to know what products to purchase, which can get expensive, not to mention how tiring it gets. Many people end up getting water into the engine components damaging their car, which costs a fortune to repair. Leave it to the experts with the skills, equipment, and machinery you just can’t access. It’s a specialized job. Depending on where you live, it’ll cost anywhere from $50 to $150, which is not bad considering you only need it a few times per year. So it’s worth it. Your car deserves it.