Have you ever wondered why some people choose to pay more money for auto detailing services when they could pay just a few dollars at a car wash? The truth is, washing and detailing are not the same thing. Both have their place—but to choose which one your car needs, you first must know the difference between them. To assist in this, here’s some basic information about both.

Facts About Auto Detailing & Car Washing

What Washing Involves

Car washing is focused on the vehicle’s exterior. Usually, it involves spraying the car down, scrubbing it with soap, rinsing it off, and drying it. There’s very little else; wax typically isn’t part of this process, and neither is any kind of interior cleaning. The whole process takes 15 minutes or less and can be performed by machines rather than humans. As such, it’s inexpensive, and vehicle owners get what they pay for. Washing is appropriate for casual maintenance of a vehicle’s appearance, and should be performed every few weeks or months, depending on how dirty the car gets.

What Detailing Involves

Car detailing is a much more involved process. In addition to washing the car’s exterior—which is usually done by hand to ensure thoroughness—the detailers will buff and apply wax to the car, wash the windows, scrub grease and dirt from the engine, clean the vents and exhaust, vacuum the inside, shampoo the carpet, apply leather conditioners and rubber sealants as needed, and perform a host of other duties. This commitment to quality means the entire job can take hours, and thus it costs more than a simple cleaning. It’s appropriate to have your car detailed several times a year, or if you’ve started to notice a buildup of gunk in its crevices.

If you’re seeking an auto detailing company in northern Kentucky that also provides collision repairs or post-accident automotive painting services, contact the experts at Airport Paint & Body. From their locations in Erlanger, Hebron, and Wilder, they offer a range of top-quality services focused on customers who’ve experienced a recent collision. Learn more about their services today by visiting them online or calling the Erlanger location at (859)491-5880, Hebron at (859)689-5700, or Wilder at (859)441-5000.