A brand-new car always has its perks. When you buy a new car, it is surely very shiny and clean. It looks polished and refined, but what if a few months have passed? You’re still using the same car, but it looks like years have passed already. It is undoubtedly hard to maintain your car’s beauty, especially if you don’t know how to clean your car and don’t have the proper cleaning and polishing equipment. It is advised that you regularly conduct car maintenance to ensure that your car always functions well and looks new. One way to keep your car well-maintained is by opting for regular car detailing. It is a type of auto-mobile service that includes a thorough cleaning, polishing, and waxing of the vehicle’s interior and exterior.
Difference Between Car Washing and Car Detailing
A simple car wash only involves cleaning and removing the dust and dirt outside the car. The usual routine for a car wash is to clean the car with soap and water and then dry it.
On the other hand, vehicle detailing work involves more processes. Even the inside of the car is thoroughly cleaned, not just the outside. Specialised products and tools are also used. If your car has scratches or dents, car detailing can also cover for it by restoring the car’s paintwork and eliminating those scratches. It makes your car look new again.
Steps in Car Detailing
The process of car detailing involves two steps: exterior detailing and interior detailing.
- Exterior Detailing
As the name suggests, exterior detailing mainly focuses on cleaning the outside of the car. The initial step in detailing is to remove the dust and dirt settled on the car’s outside surface. Special brushes are used to eliminate dirt from the wheels, callipers, brake, lug nuts, and other areas. The process starts by cleaning the dirtiest area first, like the wheels, before proceeding to the next steps. The outside paint is also polished to remove scratches, marks, and oxidation. Then, it is coated with wax to give it a protective and shiny layer.
- Interior Detailing
The inside of the car is given a vacuum and upholstery treatment. Like exterior detailing, the interior is also washed with soap or shampoo to eradicate the dirt inside. Detailing services are also equipped and prepared with tools and products that function according to the type of material you have inside your car. For example, they know how to condition and scrub leather. They also know to deal with other materials that are present inside the car, like vinyl and plastics.
- Cleaning the Engine Bay
This process is optional, but it is always good to consider checking the machinery under the hood. The engine bay is cleaned by spraying and wiping it with a degreaser, then rinsing it. It is then dried, and the delicate components, like plastic, silicone, and rubber, are dressed to prevent them from cracking.
Benefits of Detailing Your Car
The recommended frequency to detail your car is every four to six months, but it also depends on how well you take care of it. Nonetheless, it is still advisable that you always keep your car well-maintained.
When you do it regularly, your car is protected from harmful UV rays, excess water, and tears & scratches are prevented, exterior paint condition is preserved, and foul odours are avoided. Health issues are avoided since you get to inhale dirt-free air while driving or riding the car. It also gives you a feeling of being relaxed and refreshed while you are travelling.
