Professional car detailing is a service that makes vehicles look and feel like new. It removes stains, restores damaged paint, covers all surfaces with a protective layer of wax, and cleans the interior. Some detailing services also offer additional value-added options such as headlight restoration, engine bay cleaning, and odor elimination. The right detailing service will take the time to understand each vehicle’s specific needs and provide the necessary treatment for its appearance and function.
The average car is exposed to lots of contaminants and elements over the course of a normal drive. These include dirt, chemicals, dust, direct sunlight, and water spots. Over time, these damage the car’s paint job and reduce its luster. This damage is unavoidable, but if you hire the right auto detailer, they can help restore your car’s paint to its original condition and protect it from future wear and tear.
A car detailing company’s service can range from a basic hand wash and vacuuming to a full body workup including paint correction, buffing, and waxing. Generally, the more extensive the service, the more it will cost. However, the price of a detailing service may also be affected by the quality of its products and its facilities. For example, some detailing services use expensive machines and polishes that can do more damage than good if they aren’t used properly.
Most of the work conducted by a car detailing service starts with a thorough vacuuming. This step gets rid of the majority of the dirt and debris hiding in a car’s carpeting, seats, and other soft surfaces. It’s especially important for upholstered seats that can absorb liquid stains, pet hair, and lingering smells. Many detailing services shampoo or steam clean the seats and other upholstery, and apply fabric protection to prevent future staining.
After vacuuming, a detailer will prep the paint with clay bar, then thoroughly wash the vehicle to remove any loose dirt and grit. This is an important step because it helps prevent scratches and swirl marks during the rest of the process. If the paint is in fair to decent condition, a detailer will then use a polishing machine or chemical process to remove imperfections. For small nicks and scratches, the detailer will use touchup paint. Larger areas will be repainted with a clearcoat.
Once the paint is flawless, the detailer will cover it with a high-quality car wax or ceramic coating to preserve the work they’ve done and protect the vehicle from damage in the future. Some detailing companies also sell a variety of other protection products, such as vinyl wraps, clear bras, tire dressing, and paint protection films.
Finally, the detailer will clean and treat convertible tops, exterior chrome, plastic trim, and rubber bumper guards. They will also wash the wheels and tires, apply a tire dressing, and refinish or polish the rims and hubcaps. Many detailers will also give the windows a final wipe down and use a deodorizing spray to get them squeaky clean. professional car detailing