Car detailing is a wonderful way to achieve a show-quality shine to your vehicle, but in actuality it is typically a far more extensive process. Of course it depends entirely on what the owner is seeking to rectify, but often there are three major areas covered in a thorough service: washing, cleaning and restoration.

Washing

The most basic of starting points, a regular rinsing or waterless wash can encompass this step of auto detailing. The type of wash that includes water can be done either through a machine or via use of a power washer. A power washer can direct liquid easily to a specific space and has an inordinate amount of force behind its clean. A waterless wash is conducted through rubbing a microfiber towel in conjunction with special detergents that are designed to bring out the most of a vehicle’s exterior. These washes are more finite and specific in their goals. For example, waterless washes are a worthwhile solution if a car has certain areas on its body that require more attention than others.

“The way each aspect is applied is done to deliver the most potential out of your vehicle, in addition to further protecting it from potentially adverse situations whether it be weather or driving environment”

Cleaning

When auto detailers clean your car, this includes both the inside and outside. Within the interior, everything is vacuumed to eliminate debris and dander before each space is addressed individually. Dashboards and center consoles are wiped down with chemicals to reduce marks and scratches, and the windows are addressed with glass cleaner. The seats and carpet mats are shampooed thoroughly to eradicate stains and bring back that ‘new car’ smell. Moreover, steam cleaning is used for lifting frustrating, stubborn spots that soap can’t manipulate.

Restoration

There are any number of ways experts handle restoration, but the most frequent offered include detail clay, waxing, polishing and rim and wheel cleaning. Detail clay comes in a bar that is applied using an applicator pad in most instances. The usage of clay lifts contaminants embedded into the body of the car. Waxing a vehicle gives the finish an added layer of protection. In fact it is wise to have professionals place more than one layer to maximize its effects. Polishing is essential in establishing a car’s shine and coating it with chemicals that are resistant to the elements.

Rim and wheel cleaning is a subset of its own in car detailing, and a myriad of products and foams are used to highlight the chrome or metal and make each tire appear jet black.

Technique

Beyond just the tasks included, car detailing has several techniques behind it. This is why it is wise to have competent experts handle the bulk of the cleaning if your goal is to get your automobile in the most pristine condition it has been in since it has left the car dealership lot.

The methods used to successfully detail a car are not myths, and in fact are based on years of practice and trial and error. The way each aspect is applied is done to deliver the most potential out of your vehicle, in addition to further protecting it from potentially adverse situations whether it be weather or driving environment.

Conclusion

If detailing is performed regularly, the value of each treated vehicle has the ability to skyrocket as well as run smoothly and maintain a beautiful exterior.