We are regularly asked, “What is detailing?". It is a term many have heard before, but they may have never gotten a proper explanation of what it is and what should be expected when receiving a detailing. Often, people think that Car “Wash” and Car “Detail” are synonyms, when in fact they are very far from it.

Detailing involves a thorough cleaning and reconditioning of both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. It is a meticulous step-by-step process to restore your vehicle’s beauty and protect your investment. Detailing services can extend beyond automobiles, and could include trucks, buses, SUVs, RVs, boats, motorcycles, or even airplanes. Most detailing companies are able to handle some, or all, of these types of vehicles.

The single and most important aspect of auto detailing is your vehicle’s need for protection from the elements. A common misconception is that a vehicle’s “clear coat” protects the exterior finish, and thus regular maintenance is not required. In reality, a wax coat should be applied at least twice a year to the painted surfaces to protect the finish from contaminants and oxidation. Although some dealerships offer an extra protection package for the vehicle at the time of purchase, this should not be considered a permanent solution.

Since what is included in a “detailing” service can vary, an important consideration is to determine the specific services that YOU would like to have performed on your vehicle. There may be multiple levels of detailing packages available that vary in services performed and cost. Unfortunately, as there are no uniform guidelines for the detailing industry, you may encounter wide variations in service packaging and pricing. Contributing factors to these variations can include: different levels of training, quality of service, professionalism, and the products and equipment utilized.

A thorough and high quality detailing job should take several hours, depending on the prior condition of the vehicle being detailed. The results of a detailing job will also vary based on the level of service provided and the age / condition of the vehicle. Basically, you should expect that every “detail” of your vehicle will be assessed and cleaned, including all cracks and crevices. So whether you’ve just purchased a previously owned vehicle, are getting ready to sell your vehicle, or simply want to have your vehicle looking great again by restoring its original beauty, professional auto detailing can take your vehicle from ordinary to extraordinary.

Content provided by On The Spot Mobile Detailing.

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