Auto detailing is a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning of both the exterior and the interior of a car using specialised tools, products, and professional skills. The aim of car detailing is to restore the car’s original aesthetic appeal, and to protect delicate components and features from aesthetic wear. So, what is car detailing all about, what happens to your car once you drive it to a detailing professional?
If you read a lot about cars, then you have probably heard the motorists’ phrase, “you are what you drive.” If your car is poorly maintained, this is reflected on you! In car detailing, this phrase relates to how clean and polished your vehicle is. This is why seeking a professional auto detailing service will be a win for you. The service refurbishes not only your car but also your image. Here’s why your car needs professional auto detailing.
It restores paintwork condition: There are a number of harmful elements in our environment that can affect the initial condition of the car. The surface wax and seal that initially came with the vehicle wear off with time, leaving the body susceptible to scratching and other forms of damage. Professional auto detailing will reinstate the original state of the car.
It raises the resale value of the car: No one wants to buy a rusted and scratched vehicle at a relatively high selling price. Even if the vehicle has an exceptional engine performance, a buyer will try negotiating way below your set price. Image is everything. Investing in a detailing service will incredibly boost the resale value of the car, which will make it worth the selling price you have set. Your buyer will purchase your car confidently.
Interior detailing restores comfort: Just like the exterior of the car, the interior of the car is prone to damage, wear, and tear. Dust and other elements get stuck in the interior, making them very hard to clean. These aspects reduce the general comfort of the car, which is instantly restored by taking the car for professional interior car detailing. The parts will be thoroughly vacuumed and washed and the worn parts like the seat foam and covers will be replaced with new ones. You’re not going to believe that you are driving the same car the next time you get behind the wheel.
It helps maintain your car irrespective of weather conditions. This can be even more important if you keep your vehicle outside all the time. New cars have clear coatings applied to exterior paintwork and this will provide protection from the elements for a limited amount of time. Once your car has been exposed to sunlight and moisture, however, this protective coating breaks down.
Professional car detailers have the ability to restore vehicle interiors to “as new” condition. DIY cleaning cannot be compared to the finishes that can be attained when a vehicle receives expert car detailing services. All leather, carpet and cloth fabrics inside your vehicle will be thoroughly and expertly cleaned and any stains or blemishes removed.
Annual car detailing helps you maintain your vehicle in the best condition, so if you do need to put it on the market you can expect to. Selling your car or trading up to a higher spec vehicle is common for any driver, so it's important to keep your vehicle spick and span in order to achieve offers at the highest values for the make and model.
Cars that looking tatty and jaded achieve a new lease of life after car detailing. In many cases, paintwork can achieve a gleaming appearance that's even more stunning than the vehicle possessed when new.
Exterior detailing begins with an exhaustive wash of the car's body, the wheels, mirrors, windows and external lamps. Automotive clay bar is then used to remove tightly bound dirt and residual that regular detergents cannot remove. The paint is polished to restore the colour to its original shine. Finally, the paint is waxed to give it a protective sealant and maintain the glossy look. The entire process removes small visible dents, stains and scratches on the bodywork and wheels. Although it is not a standard practice in regular detailing, engine bay cleaning is essential in extending the lifespan of plastic and rubber engine components by keeping a spotless engine bay. It is typically included in car valeting packages.
A dirty interior can develop bad odours and a stuffy atmosphere, which could compromise the control operations and overall driving experience. Therefore, a lot of work goes into interior car detailing. The first step includes a thorough vacuuming of the seats, carpets, trim, and the trunk area. Carpets can then be steam-cleaned and scrubbed to remove dried in stains and blemishes. The interior of the glass is cleaned to a sparkling, clear finish. Any leather trimming is wet-washed and conditioned to that soft leathery texture. Hard to reach areas like air vents and button rims are cleaned using specialised brushes and solvents. Finally, the entire cabin is re-vacuumed and wiped to remove any last traces of dirt and splashes. A perfume or deodorant may be spayed so give the interior a fresh scent.