What is car detailing? Our comprehensive guide.
If you’re interested in improving your vehicle aesthetics and don’t know where to start, we have a comprehensive guide on what car detailing is, whether it’s worth it and much more.
What is car detailing?
Simply put, more thorough car valeting with the use of professional grade tools.
How different is car detailing from valeting?
Car detailing and car valeting are both services focused on cleaning and enhancing the appearance of a vehicle, but there are some differences between the two.
Car detailing is a comprehensive and thorough process that involves cleaning, restoration, and protection of a vehicle's exterior and interior. Detailing typically includes a meticulous cleaning of the paintwork, removal of swirl marks and scratches, polishing, waxing, and sealing to achieve a glossy finish. Interior detailing involves deep cleaning of the upholstery, carpets, dashboard, and other surfaces, as well as conditioning and protecting them. Detailing also often includes engine bay cleaning, wheel and tire cleaning, and other specialized treatments.
Find out what is included in our detailing process.
On the other hand, car valeting is a more basic form of cleaning and maintenance. Valeting primarily focuses on cleaning and tidying the vehicle, both inside and out, to make it look presentable. It typically includes services such as washing the exterior, vacuuming the interior, cleaning windows, wiping surfaces, and generally sprucing up the vehicle's appearance. Car valeting is usually less comprehensive than detailing and may not include more specialized treatments like paint correction or deep interior cleaning.
In summary, car detailing goes beyond basic cleaning and aims to restore and enhance the vehicle's overall condition and appearance, inside and out. Car valeting, while still important for maintaining cleanliness, is a less intensive service that primarily focuses on making the vehicle look clean and tidy.
What is the process of car detailing?
Follow our simple step-by-step car detailing guide.
Car interior detailing
We usually begin our car detail process with the interior of the vehicle.
Car interior detailing typically involves a thorough cleaning and rejuvenation of various components inside the vehicle. The specific services included may vary depending on the detailing package or service provider, but here are some common elements of a car's interior detail:
Vacuuming: The interior is vacuumed to remove loose dirt, dust, debris, and particles from the carpets, floor mats, seats, and other surfaces.
Upholstery Cleaning: The seats, including fabric, leather, or vinyl surfaces, are cleaned to remove stains, dirt, and grime. Specialized cleaners and brushes may be used to treat different types of upholstery.
Carpet Cleaning: The carpets and floor mats are deep cleaned to eliminate dirt, stains, and odours. This may involve using a steam cleaner or specialized carpet-cleaning equipment.
Dashboard and Console Cleaning: The dashboard, centre console, door panels, and other interior surfaces are carefully cleaned and wiped down to remove dust, fingerprints, and grime. Special attention is given to delicate areas and controls.
Glass Cleaning: The windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces are cleaned to achieve a streak-free and clear appearance.
Leather Conditioning: If the vehicle has leather seats or surfaces, it may be treated with a leather conditioner to moisturize and protect the material, preventing it from drying out or cracking.
Odour Elimination: Various techniques may be used to remove unpleasant odours from the interior, such as using odour-neutralising sprays, ozone generators, or steam cleaning.
Interior Protection: Some detailers may apply a protective coating or sealant to surfaces like the dashboard, door panels, and console to provide UV protection and prevent fading and cracking.
Air Vent and Detailing Brushing: Detailers may use specialized brushes and tools to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as air vents, crevices, and small gaps between components.
Boot Cleaning: If requested or included, the trunk or cargo area may be vacuumed and cleaned to remove dirt and debris.
It's important to note that the extent of the interior detailing may vary depending on the service provider and the specific detailing package chosen. It's always recommended to inquire about the services included before booking a car interior detail.
Exterior Car Detailing
Exterior car detailing is the next in our step by step process.
Detailing the exterior of a car typically involves several steps to thoroughly clean, restore, and protect the various surfaces. While the exact process may vary depending on the detailing package or service provider, here is a general outline of the steps involved in detailing a car's exterior:
Pre-Wash: The vehicle is pre-washed to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This is usually done using a pressure washer or hose.
Washing: A car wash solution or shampoo is used to thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces, including the body panels, windows, wheels, and tires. Specialized cleaning tools, such as microfiber mitts or brushes, may be used to ensure a gentle yet effective clean. We recommend the two-bucket wash method.
Wheel and Tire Cleaning: The wheels and tires are cleaned using specialized cleaners to remove brake dust, grime, and road contaminants. A brush may be used to scrub the wheels, and tire dressing may be applied to enhance their appearance.
Paint Decontamination: The paintwork is decontaminated to remove embedded contaminants such as tar, tree sap, or industrial fallout. This is typically done using a clay bar or a clay mitt, which gently glides over the paint surface to lift the contaminants.
Paint Correction: If necessary, a paint correction process may be performed to eliminate imperfections such as swirl marks, light scratches, or oxidation. This involves using abrasive compounds and polishers to carefully restore and refine the paintwork. Please ensure safety when using a machine polisher. Is machine polishing my car safe?
Polishing: A machine polisher or hand applicator may be used to apply a polishing compound to the paint surface. This step helps to further refine the finish, enhance the gloss, and remove any remaining imperfections.
Waxing/Sealing/Ceramic Coating: A protective wax or sealant is applied to the paintwork to provide a layer of protection against UV rays, environmental contaminants, and moisture. This step helps to maintain the shine and durability of the paint.
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Glass Cleaning: The windows and mirrors are thoroughly cleaned using a glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free and clear appearance.
Trim and Plastic Restoration: Exterior trims, mouldings, and plastic components may be treated with specialized products to restore their colour, shine, and protection against fading.
Final Touches: The exterior surfaces are inspected for any remaining smudges, fingerprints, or imperfections. These are addressed, and a final wipe-down is performed to ensure a clean and polished appearance.
It's important to note that professional detailers may have their own variations or additional steps in the process, depending on the condition of the vehicle and the specific detailing package chosen.
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