Maintaining your vehicle isn’t just about regular oil changes, tire checks, and fluid flushes. It’s also about exterior work that keeps the car or truck in excellent condition for years. One of the most important types of exterior vehicle work is auto detailing, as it keeps your vehicle’s exterior and cabin looking pristine. Here are answers to four of the most common questions about detailing.

Questions Commonly Asked About Auto Detailing

How does it differ from car washing?

Car washing cleans the body of the vehicle only, either by hand or with special machines. The process takes between 10 to 20 minutes; unlike auto detailing, provides a surface clean rather than a deep exterior clean. Car washing also doesn’t include cleaning the vehicle cabin, nor does it involve any special cleaning chemicals. Only water and soap are used in car washing.

What do interior and exterior detailing involve?

Interior detailing deep-cleans the cabin components, including vacuuming all upholstered or leather seats, and cleaning plastic and vinyl parts such as the console and dashboard. If the seats are upholstered, they get shampooed. If they’re leather, they’re scrubbed and conditioned. The floor is also vacuumed and the interior side of windows cleaned. Engine bay cleaning is another common part of interior auto detailing.

Exterior auto detailing starts with foaming soap application to fully remove caked-on mud and other hardened debris deposits. Special brushes and cleansers such as degreasers and detergents clean the tires, lug nuts, and brake calipers. The windows also get cleaned before an automotive clay bar is used on the paint to deep-clean the clear coat. Any scratches or other paint imperfections are buffed away, then wax gets applied to protect the vehicle and make it shine. The chassis receives a deep cleaning as well.

Why is detailing so important?

In addition to improving your vehicle’s appearance and maintaining the paint, auto detailing helps the engine run cooler because it is free of dust and debris. It improves the vehicle’s resale value because everything has been maintained, which saves money on extensive cleanings and repairs. Detailing also contributes to cabin air quality because it removes dust and other allergens that cause asthma and allergy flare-ups.

What should I know about pricing?

The cost of auto detailing depends on whether your package includes add-ons such as engine bay cleaning. The quality of the cleaning products also plays a role, as better chemicals mean high prices. However, it’s always best to work with a car detailing service that uses quality products and equipment, since they do more to maintain your investment. 

Schedule auto detailing with Future Image Automotive Detailing and Paintless Dent Repair in Carnegie, PA, to extend the life of your vehicle. The shop has served the region since 1997 and uses nanotechnology paint sealant that’s 100 times thicker than standard options. Discounts are available to active military, veterans, and seniors. Call (412) 780-4115 today to make an appointment or learn more about services online.