WELLINGTON COUNTY – When it comes to maintaining a vehicle, many drivers focus on engine care, tire pressure, and fuel efficiency, but one area that often gets overlooked is detailing.
Beyond making a vehicle appear pristine and new, regular detailing can have a significant effect on your vehicle’s overall health and longevity.
What is auto detailing?
Auto detailing is a thorough cleaning and reconditioning process that goes far beyond a basic car wash.
It involves cleaning both the interior and exterior of a vehicle using specialized tools, cleaning products and techniques in an attempt to restore a vehicle to a “like new” state.
Laura McNorton, owner of Dirty Detailz in Elora, told the Advertiser vehicle owners should consider getting a deep detail at least once a year, followed by upkeep cleanings a few times a year “especially if you travel for work.”
Preserving interior
The interior of a vehicle is just as important as the exterior when it comes to preserving its longevity. Regular detailing includes the deep cleaning of the upholstery (seats), carpets and leather surfaces, which can help prevent wear and tear from use or damaging rays from the sun.
Cleaning the interior vents and dashboard also works to prevent a build-up of dirt and grime, which could lead to malfunctioning components or unpleasant odours.
McNorton says to avoid odours it is important to ensure you aren’t leaving any food or drinks inside the car.
“Don’t leave food or sugary drinks in the car overnight or on hot days,” said McNorton.
Auto detailers typically apply conditioners to leather or vinyl after cleaning; these conditioners work to keep these surfaces moisturized and free of cracks.
Protecting exterior from elements
Detailing is not limited to the interior; in fact the exterior is one of the most important steps in a detail.
A detailed wash works to remove dirt, grime and contaminants that can wear down the paint over time. Auto detailers typically use microfibre and other non-abrasive cleaning tools to avoid scratching the paint.
After its bath, a wax or sealant is applied to protect the vehicle’s paint from UV rays, abrasive dusts and grime, as well as the elements. This also helps prevent the paint from cracking or peeling.
For those brave enough to tackle the challenge of detailing from home, McNorton says there are two main things to avoid.
“The two most common mistakes I see are washing and applying wax to their vehicle in the sun,” said McNorton.
“This will cause streaks. As well as cleaning windows with incorrect materials.”
Most detailers will also clean the undercarriage and wheel wells, which can collect salt, dirt and moisture, especially in the winter.
These contaminants can lead to rust and corrosion around the wheels and underneath the vehicle.
Regular detailing helps to fight against corrosion in these areas and keeps the vehicle looking new longer.
Resale value
While it is true that a vehicle’s resale value drops exponentially as soon as it leaves the lot, a well-maintained vehicle can retain more of its value over time.
Regular detailing helps maintain a vehicle’s aesthetic appeal, which can boost its resale value.
Car detailing is far more than just a superficial cleaning – it’s an investment in the longevity and overall health of a vehicle.
From preserving the exterior paint to protecting the interior and maintaining mechanical components, regular detailing can also help prevent long-term damage.
