Getting your car detailed can make it look like new and help maintain the vehicle’s value over time. It also can save you money in the long run. While some owners choose to do their own detailing, professional detailers have the tools and knowledge to do a better job than most auto owners can at home. A detailer may use a variety of products and techniques to improve the appearance of your vehicle, including polishing compounds, buffing, waxes, and sealants. They may also apply UV-resistant protectants, which help slow the fading of your car’s paint and interior.
In the process of auto detailing, all surfaces of your car are cleaned, including the chassis and underside components. In addition, dirt trapped in nooks and crannies is vacuumed out, as are the interior components such as the steering wheel, seats, and consoles. Most detailers also clean and treat stains on the doors and vinyl surfaces, removing any residue left by a spilled soda or greasy fingerprints. The tires and wheels are washed and dressed in a protectant to enhance their luster and shield them from corrosive contaminants and environmental damage.
Some detailers include engine cleaning with basic detailing; others offer it as an add-on. Keeping the engine clean can prevent corrosion, and it makes leaks easier to spot. It also helps the moving parts inside the engine operate smoothly. Some detailers use touchup paint to cover small nicks and scratches, but larger areas will need to be wet-sanded and repainted. The wet-sanding process removes clearcoat layers, which means the repaired area will not have as much UV protection as surrounding areas.
A full-service detailing may also include the application of a ceramic coating. This provides long-term protection from the sun’s harsh rays and other environmental contaminants that diminish a car’s luster over time. Some detailers may also install a windshield treatment to repel water and enhance visibility.
Regardless of the type of detailing service, most professionals will start with a thorough wash to remove caked-on grit, dirt, and other debris. Then, they will move on to more rigorous scrubbing and cleaning with specialty brushes and cleaners. For example, they will use special cleaners to eliminate tree sap and bird droppings. They will also wipe down the inside of the windows to eliminate streaks. And they will use a vacuum with specialized attachments to clean tight spaces and cracks that ordinary vacuum cleaners cannot reach. A thorough detailing is also a great way to protect your investment by prolonging the life of your car’s paint, chrome trim, and other surfaces.