EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CAR DETAILING

Many people think car washing and car detailing are one and the same. But this is not the case. Detailed car washing goes beyond the normal car wash to make a vehicle look spotlessly clean both inside and outside. Unlike car washing, car detailing does not involve using an automated system to do the cleaning. Instead, it involves handwashing by very experienced detailers.

Car detailing is divided into two components: Interior Detailing and Exterior Detailing.

Exterior Car Detailing – It involves vacuuming, restoring, and surpassing the original condition of the exterior constituents of a vehicle, such as tires, windows and wheels, among other visible components. Products include but are not limited to: polishes, wax, detergents and degreasers.

Interior Car Detailing – Interior detailing involves cleaning the inner parts of a vehicle. Some of the components found in the interior cabin include leather, plastics, vinyl, carbon fibre plastics and natural fibres. To clean the interior cabinet, different techniques such as steam-cleaning and vacuuming are used.

Interior Car Detailing

Depending on the car detailer you visit, there are different ways to do interior car detailing. However, the standard processes include:

• Vacuuming – The first step to cleaning the interior of a car includes vacuuming seats, headliners, rear cargo area, trunk & shelf. Interior Car Detailing mats & the vacuum should be cleaned separately.
• Brushing & Steam Cleaning – A thorough scrubbing is done on the mats in order to remove any stains and blemishes that may have accumulated over the past years. To be more effective, a steam-cleaner should be used.
• Glass Cleaning – A glass cleaner is used to clean the glass. It ensures that the glass remains sparkling and ensures the driver's view is not obstructed.
• Leather Trimming – A leather cleaner, saddle soap and leather soap are used to clean all the leather parts.
• Re-Vacuuming and Wiping – Re-Vacuuming is important just after vacuuming. Any dirt left in the interior cabin is removed.
• Perfuming – Finally, to leave the car with a good scent, a deodorant is used in the car.

Exterior Car Detailing

Exterior car detailing is not just a quick wash of the exterior components of a car. A good car detailer will make the car gleam, minimize surface scratches, and should always apply a shielding paint sealant.

The common exterior process includes:

• Washing and Drying – Unlike a car wash, detailing is done by hand. The first step involves spraying the car with specialized spray that is high-powered, followed by thorough hand washing on the rims of the car, door jambs, glass and all exterior parts that need cleaning.
• Claying – A clay bar is used to remove any impurities, traces of overspray and other residue that cannot be removed with normal detergents.
• Polishing – After a car has been used for a while, it is normal that it loses its polish or shine. Therefore, in this process, the original polish is restored.
• Sealing – To give the car a glossy shine, a sealant is applied, and in some cases, wax can be used.

Other exterior services that can be done include trim repainting, engine detailing, headlight polishing, engine pressure cleaning, bumper repair, glass chip repair and paint touch up.

Finally, car wash and detail should involve analysing all the types of paint, previous and current damages such as flaking, peeling, cracking and repainting, exterior conditions and analysis of rust, damage from acids and other effects of oxidation. Regular auto detailing adds value to your car and also makes it look attractive despite the number of years it has been used.