Car detailing: no, it’s not the same as car washing. In fact, it’s more than a little different. Car detailing goes the extra mile by having professional detailers hand-wash, polish, and vacuum the car—making both the inside and outside of the vehicle look like new again.
But what exactly does it entail? And what can it do to improve not only a car’s physical condition, but also its lifespan and resale value? Here’s a rundown of what interior and exterior auto detailing involves, and why doing both is important.
Interior Auto Detailing
For car owners, getting an auto detailer to work on the interior of their vehicle is worthwhile for a number of reasons. Not only will the interior of their car be cleaned professionally, but it’ll be done through vacuuming, steam-cleaning, using liquid cleaners, glass cleaning, and brushing, among other techniques. Additionally, the detailer will be cleaning parts made of leather, vinyl, natural fibres, and plastics—including seats, windows, door panels, and dashboards.
The detailing process for a car’s interior cabin typically requires more time and effort to complete than detailing its exterior. However, it will not only make the inside cleaner and smell nicer, but also reduce operational hazards—such as windows being dirty and hazy, which could impede the driver’s view. It’ll also help prevent allergens from being spread—making for a safer and healthier drive for the car owner.
Exterior Auto Detailing
Exterior detailing isn’t simply a brief wash of the outside of a vehicle. Rather, it’s a more complex, intensive detailing of its exterior components. A vehicle will no doubt see its share of road salt, rocks, gravel, and/or dust from construction areas. Exterior detailing can help greatly improve its outward appearance by using products like degreasers, waxes, and detergents.
Exterior detailing can include washing and drying a car’s body, wheels, tires, and windows; using clay bars to remove dust and grit; applying a sealant to protect the paint; and getting rid of—or at least reducing—surface scratches by polishing the exterior. The sealant can protect the vehicle from exposure to sunlight, as well as water, dirt, and tar, among other things.
Other processes can include removing tar and bug splatter, detailing the engine, polishing headlights, washing windshields and wiper blades, and cleaning the car’s wheels and tires. However, the inner wheels may not be cleaned, as it is a time-consuming process, and some auto detailing professionals may consider it to be overtime. Therefore, they may only clean the lip and face of the wheels.
Why Both Exterior and Interior Auto Detailing Are Important
While professional automotive detailing can seem a bit costly to clients, it’s well worth it. Firstly, it will maximize the vehicle’s lifespan, especially since the wheels and chassis are vulnerable to salt and dirt when in use. Secondly, it will improve and prolong the vehicle’s resale value when it comes time for the owner to sell, even despite the years and mileage the vehicle already has. As a result, interior and exterior detailing are both important parts of keeping cars looking good and staying valuable.
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