What Is Vehicle Detailing?

 Auto detailing is the practice of performing an extremely thorough cleaning, polishing and waxing of an automobile, both inside and out, to produce a show-quality level of detail. It can be practiced for personal satisfaction, and it is also performed to prepare a car for a Concours d'Elegance (often shortened to just Concours), a car show that features the appearance of cars. Elements of exterior detailing include claying, polishing, and waxing. Interior detailing involves the cleaning of the interior of a vehicle using vacuums, liquid cleaners, and brushes. Engine detailing involves cleaning the engine bay area of dirt and grease by using degreasers and all-purpose cleaners.

While there are no specific guidelines for what actually makes up a 'detail,' it is typically considered more extensive than washing and drying a car, and will often involve many steps. Main goals are typically beautification, but can also touch other areas such as minor paint repair, protection and sealant, surface restoration, as well as thoroughly cleaning areas which are normally ignored such as the engine and under chassis. With regular maintenance, will stay looking like new for as long as possible.

A variety of shampoos, cleaners, degreasers, protectants, lubricants, polishes, clay bars, and waxes have developed over time to suit various needs of consumers and professionals.

Why should I Have My Vehicle Detailed?

Detailing is the second most important vehicle maintenance next to mechanical repairs & service. Detailing provides a protective barrier from long term environmental damage such as UV rays, Acid Rain, Bird Droppings etc. When a new vehicle is purchased it is usually cleaned & prepped with products that will give a nice shinny appearance but do not have any long term protection benefits. Dealers might not remove any environmental pollution from the paints surface that will accumulate during shipping the vehicle, leaving the painted surfaces gritty in texture. Older vehicles will also suffer from a number of issues such as oxidized & scratched paint, dirty carpets/floor mats & upholstery, dried leather & vinyl, dirty undercarriage & engine compartment. Many if not all of these problems can be corrected by regular detailing.

Why Should I Have My Vehicle Detailed If I’m Selling It?

When people make a vehicle purchase it is usually the second most expensive thing they will by. When buying a used vehicle people look for signs that it was well taken care of so their cost of maintenance will be lower. Also human nature is if there are choices, they will purchase the one that looks the best. Detailing a vehicle before a sale or trade-in will in some cases increase the vehicles value.

How often should My Vehicle Be Detailed?

Every vehicle & situation is different, but on an average you should wash & vacuum your vehicle once a week & detail it 2-4 times a year (depending on situation). On vehicles that are uncovered or on darker colored vehicles more frequent attention may be needed to maintain appearance.

What is Buffing/Polishing?

Buffing is a process of correcting paint imperfections such as oxidation, superficial scratches, fading & blemishes. This is a several step process that uses a variable speed rotary buffing machine & different consistency cutting / finishing pads & compounds to achieve a high gloss shiny finish (This process is typically not used on well maintained or new vehicles, when compounds are used they will remove very small amounts of paint or clear coat from the surface). Polishing is usually a hand or a machine application that uses polishes or waxes/sealants to protect the paint surface with out leaving swirl marks.  

What Is A Clay Bar & What Does It Do For Paint?

Clay is a mixture of clay base and various mild abrasives. Clay along with a clay lubricant is used to remove paint contamination. Road grime, tar, bugs, rust, tree sap and even paint overspray can be removed with a clay bar. Clay bars differ in color and density but what is most important, type and amount of abrasive particles they contain.
This material along with a slide solution is rubbed over the paint & some plastic & glass surfaces for the removal of industrial fallout, overspray, light oxidation & other contaminates that are embedded in the paint surface. This leaves the surface clean & promotes better bonding when a wax or paint sealant are applied. Claying does not replace polishing. This process should be done before any buffing or polishing is performed to prevent particles from breaking free & causing scratching during buffing/polishing.   

Why should I wax my vehicle?

Waxing is the ultimate form of protecting an vehicles finish. Wax comes in many forms such as cream, paste, and liquid. Many waxes contain carnuba which contains a high amount of fatty acids. This fatty acid creates a solid layer between the paint and the outside world which protects it, and gives it a shiny finish. Synthetic waxes are regarded as the most effective product available. Synthetic wax contains strong U.V. inhibitors. Synthetic waxes commonly mix low amounts of cleaners with high amounts of U.V. inhibitors to create the same protective layer that carnauba does.

Will Steam Cleaning Of My Carpets & Seats Remove All of The Stains?

Well unfortunately not all stains will come out. Depending on what was spilled (if it contains colors or dyes or oils) & how long the spill has sat on the material, it might have damaged or permanently stained the material. The best way to try & remove any stains & overall dirt would be to pre-treat the stain & use a steam extractor (similar to the method used on your home carpet).

These commonly asked questions were provided to help you understand why Image Detailing Services strives to be your choice for your vehicles appearance maintenance needs.