Auto detailing is a process of cleaning and maintaining every aspect of a car. This includes the interior and exterior, as well as the wheels and paint. Using the right cleaning tools and products, a detailer can restore a car to its original glory, or even better. Detailed cars are not only shiny and beautiful, they also protect the paint from corrosion and other damage.
The auto detailing process involves washing, scrubbing, and vacuuming all surfaces of the vehicle. It uses specialized cleaners to remove caked-on dirt, as well as contaminants like road salt and tree sap. It can also eliminate oxidation and minor scratches. However, it cannot completely remove major defects that require a trip to the body shop.
To ensure that all surfaces are clean, a professional detailer will use a special clay bar to lift and remove contaminants from the surface. This helps to ensure that the vehicle’s paint is contaminant-free, which is necessary before waxing and polishing. Afterward, the technician will use a polishing wheel to buff out any remaining sand scratches and restore the paint to its original color and shine.
In addition to the aforementioned steps, a professional detailer will also use a water spot removal product to remove any hard water spots and bird droppings from the paint. They will then apply a coat of clear coat to protect the finish from UV rays and other environmental hazards. It is important to note that the clear coat will only last for about a year, so a client will need to reapply it every 12-18 months.
A thorough vacuuming is an essential part of the auto detailing process, and a professional detailer will use a high-powered vacuum with specialized attachments to reach into areas that everyday vacuums cannot. They may also use a deodorizer to eliminate strong odors, especially in the trunk and undercarriage areas of the vehicle.
Keeping the interior of the car clean is a priority for many detailers, and one way to do this is by scrubbing carpets and fabric seats with a stiff brush before vacuuming them. They may also use a steamer to loosen and remove stubborn stains from the upholstery. For lingering odors, they recommend placing baking soda or activated charcoal in a plastic container with a lid and leaving it overnight. Finally, they will use a scented shampoo and fabric guard to prevent future staining and fading.
Whether you’re looking for a professional auto detailer to take care of your car, or you’re interested in learning more about how to do it yourself, there are lots of helpful resources available on the internet. For example, HTAD has an extensive collection of how-to’s and product guides to help anyone learn how to detail their own car. In addition to this, they have a community of car enthusiasts and professionals who can answer your questions.