Detailing a car is more than just washing it. It’s a process of cleaning and protecting the car’s interior and exterior, using specialized products and tools. Detailing can be done by the owner or a professional.
Most people think of detailing as only necessary for luxury cars, but even if you drive an economy car, detailing will protect your investment and keep your car looking new longer. Professional detailers use special techniques and products that are unavailable to the average person.
The most important part of detailing is keeping the finish clean and protected from the elements. UV rays, salt, acid rain, and other environmental hazards can damage your car’s paint job over time. A good coat of wax or sealant will help shield the paint from these dangers.
How Long Does a Car Detailing Take?
Detailing a car can be long and tedious, but the results are worth it.
In order to get the best possible results, most detailers take their time and go through a set process for each car they work on.
Car detailing last about 8 to 24 hours to completely clean and detail a car. This includes vacuuming the inside, washing the exterior, and applying a sealant to protect the paint job. Some people choose to do it themselves, while others may opt to take their car to a detailing shop.
Generally, the duration depends on the services you booked to detail your car.
Services that Affect the Duration of a Car Detailing Process
Here are the most popular services that many vehicle owners consider when having their cars detailed at Attention Detailing.
1. Exterior detailing– This includes a thorough cleaning of the car’s body, tires, and rims.
2. Interior detailing– This includes a deep clean of the car’s cabin, including all upholstery and carpeting.
3. Engine detailing– This involves a thorough cleaning of the engine bay and all inner workings.
4. Waxing or polishing– A layer of protection is applied to the exterior paint job to keep it looking glossy and new.
5. Tire shining– Tires are given a high shine to make them look like new again.
6. Window tinting– Windows are treated with a special film that helps protect them from fading and scratches over time.
7. Odor removal– If there is an unpleasant smell in the car, it will be eliminated with this service.
8. Leather conditioning– Leather surfaces are conditioned with a protective coating to help keep them soft and looking new longer.
9. Carpet shampooing– carpets are given a deep clean to remove any dirt or stains that may have built up over time 10 Vacuuming seats and crevices- All areas of the interior are vacuumed for dust, hair, and other debris that may have built up.
11. Headlight restoration– Headlights will be polished and given a protective coating to restore their clarity and visibility.
12. Paintless dent removal– Any minor dents or scratches on the exterior of the vehicle will be removed without damaging the paint job.
13. Rustproofing– The body of the car is treated with a special rustproofing solution to prevent corrosion and rust buildup.
14. Trim restoration– Any trim pieces on the exterior will be cleaned and restored to their original condition.
15. Paint correction– If there are any scratches or blemishes in the paint job, they can be buffed and polished to make them less noticeable.
16. Carpet protection– A protective coating can be applied to the carpets of the car to help keep them looking new and prevent staining.
17. Upholstery cleaning– The seats and other upholstered surfaces will be given a deep clean for any dirt or stains that may have built up over time.
18. Chrome polishing– The chrome pieces on the car will be polished and given a protective coating to help keep them looking new longer.
19. Glass protection– A special glass shield will be applied to the windows of the car to protect them from scratches and fading over time.
20. Air filter replacement– The air filter should be replaced regularly to ensure clean air is being circulated throughout the car’s cabin.
Other services may include tire rotation, engine tune-up, brake inspection, oil change, battery replacement, coolant flush, wheel alignment and balancing, transmission service, electrical system check, accessories installation and exhaust system repair or replacement.
When is the best time to have your car detailed?
Most people think that spring or summer is the best time to have their car detailed by a professional. However, autumn can be an excellent time to detail your car as well. The leaves are changing colour and the air is crisp, making it the perfect time to get your car cleaned inside and out.
Autumn is an ideal time to detail your car because the weather is usually mild and dry, meaning that your car will be able to dry faster after it has been washed. You don’t have to worry about the sun drying out any soap or wax residue on your car, so you can get a thorough cleaning without damaging the paint.
For professional car detailing that’s worth your time, book the detailing services suitable for your car care needs!
