You want your vehicle to look its best, which is why you have learned how to detail a car. But, what is car detailing and what is included in car detailing?
Our comprehensive guide covers what is included in a full car detail and how much you can expect to pay.
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What Is Car Detailing? A Quick Overview
What does detailing a car mean? Simply put, it is the top-to-bottom cleaning of your vehicle with special equipment and products. It involves not only cleaning but also some reconditioning of the vehicle.
Exterior Vs Interior Car Detailing
The regular car wash removes dirt from your vehicle, but it doesn’t deal with the detail work. When you clean the interior and exterior more thoroughly, you are performing a detail. What is car detailing with interior space?
Typically, you take a vacuum to clean up some grime, and you wipe down every interior surface. What is exterior car detailing? With these steps, you will buff, polish, and wipe down the surface for a better appearance.
What Does Interior Car Detailing Involve?
What is included in interior car detailing? As we look at car detailing, what is included, you see these actions are normally part of the process.
Vacuuming
With a powerful vacuum, you can clean the seats, rear cargo hold, shelf, and headliners. For the best results, the floor mats are removed and vacuumed separately. An air compressor can also be used.
Brushing And Steam Cleaning
To completely clean the mats and carpeted areas, a deep scrubbing must be done. This removes blemishes and stains after years of use. The carpets will also need to dry completely.
Glass Cleaning
With a special glass cleaner, visibility is increased while streaks are diminished. When done correctly, the driver’s view becomes better as obstructions are removed.
Leather Trimming
Leather requires a special cleaner for maximum protection. If there are stains, more effort might need to be used. A leather conditioner can also be used to keep it looking its best even after years of use.
Re-Vacuuming And Wiping
Often, detailing a car includes more than simply vacuuming the interior once. After cleaning is performed, dust and debris can infiltrate the cabin again, which is why it is wise to give it a final vacuuming when everything else is done. Pet hairs can also be difficult to remove so a second vacuum is often required.
Perfuming
After the cleaning of the interior is complete, you want to ensure it smells as good as possible. You can do this with some special car fragrances, such as a New Car Smell.
What Does Exterior Car Detailing Include?
What is the meaning of car detailing with the exterior of a car? Here are some things that will typically be done.
Washing and Drying
Unlike when you take the car through an automatic car wash, the cleaning will be done by hand. Specialized detergents are used to ensure the exterior is as clean as possible.
Claying
With a clay bar, all impurities can be removed from the car’s surface. Clay bars are able to remove contaminants that regular car wash detergent cannot, creating a glass-like surface.
Polishing
With special car polishers, the original shine of the car is restored. The beautiful appearance can be brought back to life, even after many years and plenty of abuse.
Sealing / Waxing
Learning how to wax a car or apply sealant ensures that the finished product remains looking its best. This is typically the final step to an exterior detailing job.
Benefits Of Car Detailing: Why Do It?
Is detailing a car worth it? We think when you look at these benefits, you will understand not only what is a full car detail, but also how it benefits your vehicle.
Extends the car’s lifespan and retains its value
When you protect the paint and interior materials of the car, the value is retained. This is important if you plan to sell your vehicle down the road.
Preserve paints condition and improves its physical appearance
With the right blend of products used, you can ensure that the paint remains in good condition. Not only will this provide a factory-like finish, but it helps your vehicle look its best.
Restore interior comfort
Whether you are removing dirt from the dashboard or getting rid of grime on the leather seats, you are ensured a more comfortable cabin, giving you somewhere to relax.
Removes stains
Getting rid of water stains and food debris on the interior materials isn’t always easy. However, with the right products, you have the interior looking new again.
Disinfects your car’s surfaces & keeps allergies at bay
To protect the occupants from getting sick, it’s necessary to keep the car disinfected. All hard surfaces and frequently touched surfaces should get disinfected, not only for a healthier environment but also to reduce allergens.
Protects upholstery from environmental damage
Over time, UV rays can take a toll on the vehicle’s upholstery. However, with the right products, your upholstery is protected from fading, cracking and wear. These products also work well on carpets, dashboards, and other interior materials.
What Is The Average Cost Of Car Detailing?
What is the average cost of detailing a car, and what is a good price for car detailing? Our chart of average car detailing costs for 2021 will help you get the best deal.
Vehicle Type | Interior Detailing Prices | Exterior Detailing Prices |
|---|---|---|
Motorcycle | N/A | $200-$600 |
Passenger Car | $50-$150 | $75-$150 |
SUV | $100-$200 | $100-$300 |
Truck | $100-$200 | $100-$400 |
Minivan | $100-$200 | $100-$300 |
Choose The Right Professional Car Detailing Service
As you learn what are car detailing services, you need to know who you can trust. Here are a few considerations to think about when choosing a professional.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is APC in car detailing?
This is the most common cleaner used by auto detailers. But, what is a car detailer spray? The all-purpose cleaner (APC) is a spray-on cleaner that can be used on multiple surfaces for a sparkling finish.
What is the best car detailing vacuum?
We recommend the Metrovac Vac N' Blo. Not only does it have exceptional reviews, but it also includes all of the attachments needed to clean the interior completely. It’s also versatile enough to clean out the home and garage.
Do car detailers fix scratches?
Removing scratches from a car gets done with buffing out the paint and polishing it. If the scratches are deep, you will need to visit an auto body shop for a new paint job.
How long does it take to get your car detailed?
The average time needed to detail a car is about 2.5 hours. However, some professional detailers require the vehicle for a full day to ensure the time needed for drying.
How often should you get your car professionally cleaned?
Unlike getting a regular car wash, you should consider having a professional detail every three to six months, depending upon how heavily you use your vehicle. You can do it yourself in between visits for maintenance.
Conclusion
What is a detail on a car? The professional detail will ensure the interior and exterior are completely cleaned and protected from wear. You can get in-depth auto detailing to make the vehicle look like new again.