What Does Car Detailing Include? You might still be wondering what car detailing is and what it includes. Every car detailer has their own approach. But when people ask what does car detailing include, most of the steps involved are pretty much the same. The standard treatment is to clean every square inch of the car, both exterior and interior. Auto detailing requires a multi-step process. The interior and exterior clean up of a vehicle have their own steps. With that said, the way one company does it may vary when compared to another, so it’s likely to find a slightly different approach adopted by others if you were to shop around. However, the majority of detailers use similar tools to arrive at that sparkling finish. Exterior The first thing people notice about the car is what’s on the outside. That’s why detailers devote much of their time and attention to a vehicle’s body, ensuring it looks its best. They work to make it look as good as it did when it was brand new. Restoring its gloss by means of a paint job is a common focus since the car surface loses its shine with the passing of time. In addition to repainting the car, a detailer will also work on the windows, wheels, tires and rims to make sure they look their best. Dirt, grease, blemishes – they all disappear during the exterior stage – with the help of degreasers and detergents – to ensure a car looks its cleanest. Common Exterior Process Wash & Dry – Exterior detailing starts with a high-powered wash, followed by a thorough handwashing with a mild soap, followed by drying. Clay – The next step is clay work, where the detailer uses a clay bar to remove any traces of overspray (watermarks, soap scum), and other particles the wash couldn’t remove on its own. Polish – It’s normal for a car to lose some of its shine, so restoring its original paint coating helps. This is the polishing stage. Seal – Finally, the exterior process ends with the application of sealant, to give the car a glossy shine. In some cases, detailers go farther, by applying wax to surface. Interior header_76 Why is detailing your car interior important? Detailers spend much time cleaning the inside of a car, sometimes even more so than the outside. It’s easy for dirt and dust (and all sorts of disgusting messes) to collect inside a vehicle over time, especially if you don’t have time to clean the interior with a brush or vacuum. But a car detailing shop has those tools at their disposal. With their combination of steam cleaners, vacuums and brushes, a detailing professional can give your car a deep clean that you may not be able to do on your own. Common Interior Process Vacuuming – The first step of interior car detailing starts with the use of a vacuum. All areas of the car receive a cleaning, including the glove compartment and trunk. Brushing/Scrubbing/Shampooing – This is where the grind work comes in. The mats and carpet upholstery receive a thorough brushing and scrubbing. The goal is to remove the stains and blemishes that a regular wash can’t lift. Wiping/Re-vacuuming – The next focus is on particular surfaces, such as the windows and dashboard and door panels. The detailer will wipe these surfaces down with a cleaning agent, which will bring a new shine to your car’s interior. Deodorizing – Finally, the detailer will spray the inside of your car to ensure it has a pleasing odour, as a finishing touch. These sprays often come in scents, which you get to choose.