The Importance of Car Detailing

A car that appears to be well-maintained and cared for will have a higher perceived value when it comes time to sell. This is why detailing is such a wise investment in a vehicle.

During a full detail, all exterior surfaces get cleaned and protected, including rubber and chrome accents. The interior gets a head-to-toe revitalisation, too.

Exterior

In addition to cleaning, a full auto detailing job includes the protection of the vehicle’s exterior. This involves applying a car wax, sealant, or protective coating to protect the paint from environmental contaminants and UV rays. These products can be applied by hand or with a machine. Advanced car detailers or enthusiasts seeking a showroom shine sometimes perform an additional step to improve the clarity of the paint’s finish by eliminating swirl marks, etchings, and light scratches.

During an exterior detail, the first step is to thoroughly inspect the body of the vehicle. This helps to identify any areas that may need extra attention or special treatments, such as bird droppings, acid rain, tar, and road striping. Then, the vehicle is thoroughly washed and soaked with a degreaser before being rinsed and dried. Using a snow foam pre-wash and all-purpose cleaner during the wash and rinse process is important for removing as much dirt, grease, and grime as possible from the surface.

Next, the wheel rims, tires, and exhaust tips are cleaned using an all-purpose cleaner and a brush or squeegee, then rinsed with a garden hose or pressure washer. When cleaning the wheels, a separate cleaner is used to remove brake dust and grime from the wheels and lug nuts. Lastly, the tire and wheel wells are cleaned with a specialized tire cleaner to restore the deep black look.

Once the paint is clean, a clay bar can be used to remove embedded contaminants that cause swirl marks and other imperfections. When used with a lubricated clay bar and microfiber towel, this step can take a few minutes, and the result is smooth as glass. It’s also a great opportunity to touch up any light scratches and etchings, which can be done with a light rubbing compound or turtle wax.

Other details include chrome polishing to make the metal parts of the car shine, and headlight restoration, which makes the lights brighter and more visible, improving safety and a vehicle’s appearance. Depending on the level of detail desired, additional steps can be performed such as bug gut removal, decontaminating the interior, vaccuming the trunk and removing trash from the vehicle.

Interior

Aside from enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a car, regular detailing can improve its durability by protecting interior surfaces and components. This includes cleaning and protecting upholstery, carpets, and stains, as well as removing odors and restoring leather surfaces. It also includes cleaning and protecting the dashboard, center console, door panels, and other hard surfaces. In addition to these processes, some detailers offer additional services such as sanding and buffing the paint, removing bug splatter, tar removal, waxing, polishing wheels, and applying paint protection film.

The first step in interior detailing involves vacuuming all seats, carpets, and mats. This removes loose dirt and debris, making it easier to spot-clean areas that need attention. Carpets and mats are then shampooed or steam cleaned using appropriate methods and products for the material, removing tough stains and odors. Upholstery may be cleaned by hand or machine, depending on the type of fabric. In addition to the seats, dash, and door panels are thoroughly cleaned to eliminate grime and fingerprints. Some detailers even use specialized hot-water extraction equipment to clean fabric seats.

Removing clutter is another important part of the process. This creates a clean and organized cabin, elevating the overall impression of the vehicle to potential buyers or passengers. It also reduces distractions while driving, as loose items can roll around the cabin and get in the way of the driver’s focus.

Many detailers also spray a deodorizer in the cabin to leave the car smelling fresh and clean. This is particularly helpful for customers with young children or pets who want a cleaner, more pleasant interior. Other finishing touches include washing and conditioning the leather trim, cleaning windows and windshields, and cleaning and treating all non-porous surfaces with a protective sealant.

Aside from these processes, full detailing may also include a thorough pressure wash to remove dirt particles that are difficult to remove with a brush or hose. This can also be a good opportunity to do a clay bar, which is a special type of pad that can remove stubborn contaminates like rust or corrosion. Finally, plastics and rubber surfaces can be sealed to protect them from fading and cracking.

Tires

Often overlooked by car detailers, your tires and wheels are often the dirtiest part of your vehicle due to their constant contact with asphalt grime, road salt, brake dust and mud. Start with a thorough pre-rinse using a pressure washer to remove any contaminants that may have already settled onto the surface. After washing, scrub the surface of your tire and wheel using a stiff brush or detailing pad to loosen and remove stuck-on grime and old tire dressing. When finished, be sure to thoroughly rinse both the tires and wheels with clean water to remove any cleaning product or dirt overspray.

Once your tires are dry, a good quality tire dressing can help extend the life of the rubber and keep it looking pristine. Choose a tire dressing that is designed for your specific type of tire and apply using an applicator pad. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid getting any of the tire dressing on the tread area, as this can reduce traction.

The bead holds the tire in place on the rim and is made of copper, brass or bronze-plated high tensile steel wires wound into a rubber band. Inside the bead is a rubber compound called "bead filler," which helps support the sides of the tire and provide stability on the road. The rubber compounds used to make a tire are customized to meet the stress and performance requirements set by each car maker.

Different types of rubber are combined with various ingredients such as carbon black, tetraethyllethane, silica, antioxidants and pigments to create a compound with the desired characteristics of a particular type of tire. The compounds are mixed in a machine called a banbury mixer to achieve the desired consistency. The rubber is then molded into the desired shape and size of the tire to form the sidewalls, treads and other elements.

Once the car is complete, the tire and wheel dressing should be buffed with a cloth or microfiber towel to create a smooth, deep shine. Be sure to wipe down the dashboard and window glass as well to remove any vinyl protectant or tire dressing overspray.

Trim

The car’s plastic trim and rubber seals are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including UV rays, rain (and snow if you live in the north), road spray and dirt and dust if your vehicle is a 4x4. Over time, these can lead to faded trim, which degrades the overall appearance of the car.

Detailing a vehicle’s trim includes cleaning, restoring and protecting it from further damage. The best plastic trim restorers and protectants are made from safe, water-based formulas that don’t contain harsh abrasives, which can scratch or dull the surface. They also have little to no petroleum products, which help keep the product from drying and hardening.

When selecting a detailing company to work on your car, look for ones that have extensive experience with the vehicle type and style you drive. Some even specialize in the brand of car you have, or a particular model. In addition, they should have a good reputation for customer service.

Some detailing services include interior vacuuming, shampooing the seats, carpets and mats, steam cleaning the headliner and rear cargo area, as well as cleaning the exterior windows. They can also clean the wheels and tires with specialized products.

Paint correction is another service that many detailing companies offer. This is the process of correcting flaws on a vehicle’s clear coat, such as swirl marks and oxidation. It’s a more involved process, requiring wet-sanding, compounding and polishing.

If a detailer doesn’t offer these additional services, they may be missing out on opportunities to make more money and give customers a better-looking car. Consider asking a detailing business what additional services they can offer and what their pricing is.

When starting a new car detailing business, it’s important to stock up on the basic tools and supplies you’ll need. The bare minimum should include a rotary machine polisher, a foam applicator pad, and a soft microfiber cloth. Consider purchasing materials that are discounted, so you can get more for your money. Some detailing businesses also use a mobile business management app to track their packages and pricing, branded estimates and invoices, bookkeeping, payment processing and more.