Exterior detailing typically involves washing, claying, polishing, and waxing the car’s paint to remove contaminants, scratches, and swirl marks, and restore its shine. This can also include cleaning the wheels, tires, and other exterior surfaces, such as windows and trim.
Interior detailing, on the other hand, focuses on cleaning and restoring the car’s cabin, including the seats, carpets, dashboard, and other surfaces. This can involve vacuuming, shampooing, and conditioning the seats and carpets, as well as cleaning and protecting the dashboard, door panels, and other interior surfaces.
Here are the steps involved in car detailing:
Washing: The first step in car detailing is washing the car thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, and debris. This typically involves using a high-pressure hose, a bucket of water, and car shampoo to clean the exterior surfaces.
Claying: After washing, the car is clayed to remove any contaminants that may be stuck to the paint, such as tree sap, bird droppings, and tar. This involves using a special clay bar and a lubricant to gently remove the contaminants without damaging the paint.
Polishing: Once the car is clayed, it is polished to remove any scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections in the paint. This is done using a machine polisher and a series of abrasive compounds that gradually remove a thin layer of paint to reveal a smooth, shiny surface.
Waxing: After polishing, the car is waxed to protect the paint and give it a deep, glossy shine. This involves applying a coat of wax or sealant to the paint, which helps to repel water, dirt, and other contaminants.
Interior cleaning: While the exterior is being detailed, the interior is also cleaned thoroughly. This can involve vacuuming, shampooing, and conditioning the seats and carpets, as well as cleaning and protecting the dashboard, door panels, and other interior surfaces.
Finishing touches: Once the car has been detailed, it is inspected for any remaining imperfections and given any finishing touches, such as cleaning the windows and mirrors, dressing the tires, and polishing any chrome or metal accents.
Car detailing can take several hours or even an entire day to complete, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. It can be done by a professional detailing service or by an experienced DIY enthusiast with the right tools and products.
Overall, car detailing is a great way to keep your car looking and feeling like new. It not only improves the appearance and value of your vehicle but can also protect it from the harsh elements and wear and tear of daily use.