It's a common misconception that car washing and auto detailing are the same tasks. However, detailing provides a deeper and more extensive clean, ensuring the vehicle is spotless inside and out. Additionally, unlike a car wash, detailing is performed by hand and by experienced technicians. Use this guide to learn more about the process.

3 Steps of Vehicle Detailing

1. Wash & Dry Everything

The auto detailing team will clean the vehicle to remove dirt, dust, and old wax. Your car will be hand-washed, typically using the two-bucket method, separating the washing solution and rinsing water.

Detailers will work from the top of the vehicle down, operating in small sections. They’ll thoroughly wash the body, rims, door jambs, glass, and all other exterior elements. After the wash, they’ll dry everything by hand or use a blower to avoid leaving scratches and streaks.

2. Address the Exterior

Once the vehicle is clean and thoroughly dry, the detailers will use a clay bar to remove any impurities, traces of overspray, and remaining residue from the body and wheels.

The car is buffed and given any necessary paint corrections, then polished to a high shine. After polishing, the vehicle is waxed or sealed to protect and preserve the paint. Glass parts, including the headlights and taillights, are treated with a nonabrasive sealant to give them shine and added UV protection.

3. Clean the Interior

Interior detailing is typically performed while the wax and sealant cure on the outside. All interior components are cleaned to remove dust and buildup and polished to a high shine using an interior trim protectant.

The seats, headlines, cargo area, trunk, and shelf are vacuumed to remove dirt and debris. The floor mats are removed and washed separately. Interior glass is cleaned with a special formula, and leather or fabric upholstery is washed, conditioned, and dried. The vehicle is vacuumed once more to remove any remaining debris, then perfumed to leave the car smelling fresh.

If you want to have your car detailed, turn to Collision Masters in Fairbanks, AK. These trained technicians provide a wide range of auto detailing services to protect your vehicle and restore its original beauty. Get more information about their services online, or call (907) 451-8456 to ask about their Detail for Life program.