People who want to book a cleaning service often confuse car detailing (in spanish: detailing de coches) with car washing. Although both involve cleaning a vehicle, the difference between the two is quite important.
With a car wash, the main goal is to remove dirt, dust, salt and grime that accumulates on the exterior of your vehicle. This includes the underbody of the vehicle, but rarely, if ever, the interior.
The goal of a thorough cleaning is to make the vehicle look as new as possible from the inside out. So, if you’re asking yourself, «what is car detailing really?», the answer is that a trained and talented professional applies a proven system to restore your vehicle to factory freshness. Detailers use special equipment and cleaning agents to make your vehicle look like new.
What is included in a car detailing
In every car detailing (detallado de coches) you do things a little differently. Each has its own approach and includes and excludes different services. That said, most car details are essentially the same. The goal of a car detail is to clean every nook and cranny of your vehicle, and that never changes.
Interior cleaning
Your detailer will spend much more time cleaning the interior of your car. Why? Because it’s the most neglected part of the cleaning process and it’s the more, much more important of the two. Even if you’re someone who takes pride in your car looking good on the outside, you’re better off cleaning the inside than the outside. More on why below.
A cleaning crew will use a combination of tools-steam cleaners, brushes, vacuums and more-to give your car that deep clean it needs. A cleaning so deep that you probably won’t be able to do it yourself.
What gets cleaned inside
The carpets, seats and trunk will get a thorough vacuuming. This is usually the first step in the process. Virtually every place that can be vacuumed will be. Including the glove box.
The floor mats, carpets and upholstery will receive a thorough brushing and scrubbing. This is where elbow grease comes in, and why you probably aren’t doing this yourself. It’s time consuming and exhausting. The goal is to remove all the stains, marks and imperfections that a normal wash can’t remove.
Next, all surfaces of the vehicle will receive a thorough cleaning. This includes the windows, door panels, dashboard, etc. Your detailer will use a special cleaning agent to give your car a shine like it has rarely (if ever) been seen.
Finally, a spray will be applied to your vehicle to make sure it smells its best. If you have dogs, this is the best part. Usually, you get to choose the scent. If you don’t want any scent, your detailer can do that too. So, remember to ask!
Exterior Cleanliness
The interior of your car should be your priority (again, more on why below) the exterior is definitely still important. It is the first impression of your vehicle.
A fresh coat of paint is the best way to bring it back to factory shine, a detail may be enough. Detailers will work on the glass, wheels, tires and rims to make sure they look their best.
They will remove as much dirt, grease and grime as possible thanks to special degreasers and detergents.
What is cleaned on the exterior
Exterior washing begins with a high-powered wash and dry, followed by a mild soap.
Any traces of overspray, such as water marks and soap residue, can be scrubbed off with a clay bar.
To help restore the shine, detailers perform a thorough buffing.
Finally, a sealer is applied to give your vehicle the glossy finish you are looking for. Some luxury detail packages may contain a surface wax, but this is not guaranteed at all dealerships.