When should you
detail your car?
As an auto detailer, the most frequently asked question we get is When should a customer get their car detailed? When is the ideal time of the year to conduct a car detailing routine? In this blog, we are going to quash these frequently asked questions and update your IQ regarding car detailing.
But before we begin, for those who are not aware of what car detailing is, we are going to try and explain it in brief. Detailing is a labor-intensive process that elevates the performance and appearance of the car.
Detailing is more than just a car wash. It is a process that keeps your vehicle in the best possible condition. It is important to note that, detailing is purely cosmetic and not mechanical.
How often should you get your car detailed?
Any passionate car owner knows that it is good to get their car detailed regularly. To understand the significance of this, we need to first understand what auto detailing entails.
Exterior car detailing: External detailing is the external grooming of the car. It reverses all the visual damages that are present on the car. It involves various techniques that can make the car appear new. Exterior detailing leaves your car looking as good as the day it left the showroom. It includes:
- Car wash and drying: The first step is washing the car extensively and using special products in doing so. It is made sure that the paint coat retains and is not wiped out after this labor-intensive process.
- Paint claying: This process helps in removing the residue and unwanted particles left on the car after the car wash. It cleans the surface and makes it smooth and even.
- Polishing: This process removes all the scratches present on the car.
- Sealing: A protective layer is added to the car’s paint. This makes the exterior appear glossy and new.
Interior car detailing: Internal car detailing is the intensive cleaning of the interiors of the car. Interior detailing includes vacuuming and cleaning all interior surfaces of the car, often using an air compressor to loosen dust and debris caught in corners and tight spots. It involves the following steps:
- Vacuum cleaning: The interiors of the car are vacuumed rigorously.
- Scrubbing: It is done to remove the stains present on the mats and seat covers.
- Steaming: steam cleaning helps remove tough stains.
- Glass cleaning: The windshield and windows are cleaned in this process.
- Leather cleaning: The leather present inside the car is cleaned by this process.
- Perfuming: This eliminates any foul smell present in the car. This makes the car smell fresh and new.
From the above mentioned processes, it is now clear that detailing is a conclusive process that has the power to make your car appear as new as it was, the day it left the showroom.
Why is detailing vital?
Car owners often spend hordes of money on car servicing to ace all the internal functions of the car’s system. But, you must know that mere servicing will not keep your car in a good shape.
Detailing will keep your vehicle looking its best while regular servicing will keep it running its best. Detailing safeguards your exterior paintwork and interior finishes, remove sains and undesirable odors you might not be able to remove at home. It helps retain your car’s resale value. If you get your vehicle detailed before selling it, you may get a better deal.
When and How often should you get your car detailed?
The frequency with which you should detail your car varies by the extent of wear and tear you put on your car and how often you wash and wax it.
The rule of the thumb is to have it done 2-3 times a year or once every 4 to 6 months. The process detailing is a thorough process and it generally takes 4-5 hours and is usually considered expensive.
If you are someone who keeps their car clean and tidy and washes and waxes it regularly, getting it detailed twice a year should suffice.
There are numerous reasons behind getting your car detailed regularly; most commonly applied waxes have a typical lifespan of 3-4 months and once the wax is depleted, the external elements wreak havoc on the paint.
Secondly, in every season, pollen, insects, and other contaminants lodge on your car’s surface and can result in damage. For car owners who take their cars through automated car washes, there is a risk of inflicting damage on the external paint. The brushes and towels used in the car wash can lead to minor scratches, also known as swirls to the paint.
Which season is ideal for getting your car detailed?
Summer
The ideality of the summer season is due to the fact that the sunlight is powerful during this season. Unless you are using a high-quality paste, waxing during the dry weather allows the wax to dry out before it protects the car.
For the interior detailing, is it advised that you use UV protective products to drape the interior to inhibit cracking and fading. For the exteriors, detail all the windows by applying paint sealant or was to enable a safer and faster drive during the rainy season.
Fall
The temperatures during fall are mild and moderate. Car owners can capitalize on the conditions to boost and add extra protection to their vehicles. By the time winter hits, you will have proper protection for your car.
Now that you have understood the knick-knacks of car detailing, we recommend you get your car detailed from our expert team at Ultrakool. Car detailing is much more easier and seamless when you get it done by a professional car detailer.
