Everything You Need to Know about Detailing Your Car

Everything You Need to Know about Detailing Your Car

If you own a vehicle, you know that it is vital to have a car detail as it keeps the car clean and looking like new.

In addition to protecting your paint from scratches, stains, and fading, a detail also helps to improve the overall appearance of your vehicle, which is important for both the initial purchase and resale value. It’s also important to know that detailing is not one-size-fits-all, as the process is dependent on the type of car you drive and the level of maintenance you want.

Whether you want to learn about the basics of detailing, or you already know you want to hire a professional detailer, the following is everything you need to know about detailing your car.

What Does Detailing Mean

Detailing is a process in which your car is cleaned, sanitized and polished. This keeps your car looking great, with a shiny outside and a smooth, spotless interior. When done correctly, detailing not only makes the vehicle look nicer, it also prolongs the life of various surfaces and parts. People who have their car detailed experience cleaner and safer cars, which perform better and last longer.

What Does a Full Detail Include

Full detail services include a thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior of your car. They offer complete packages. You can have your car detailed by a professional, which includes everything from an exterior wash, interior vacuum and clean, polishing, paint correction and more. When you are detailing a car yourself, it’s important to know that you have many options for the level of detail you want.

There are two sections when it comes to full detailing: interior and exterior.

Interior Car Detailing

The interior is cleaned, including inside the glove box, trunk, compartments and underneath storage. In addition, the interior is vacuumed, shampooed, and sanitized using an antimicrobial agent where needed to fight odor causing microorganisms.

The seats, upholstery, carpets, headliner and other hard surfaces are treated with a leather conditioning and shampoo. Vents and ducts are cleaned, conditioned and deodorized, if needed. The headliner, if needed, and other soft surfaces are protected using protector products.

Exterior Car Detailing

The exterior of your vehicle will be washed, including the wheels, tires, wheel wells, and undercarriage. The exterior is then dried and if needed, polished with a sealant or protective coat. In addition, the exterior glass is treated with a protective film. The vehicle’s finish will be left with polish and shine. Overall, the exterior car detailing includes hand washing, claying, waxing, polishing, and applying a coat of wax to the entire vehicle.

Why Is Full Detailing Important

A full detailing, whether done by a pro or at home, is a great way to maintain your vehicle. It keeps it looking clean and new and it protects your car for years to come.

If you’ve never had your vehicle detailed, it’s important that you know that a regular washing by hand with a wash mitt or automatic car wash will not do the same job. Instead, these processes just swirl dirt around your car and end up damaging the paint. When you detail your car yourself, in addition to washing, you will need to wax the vehicle to protect your paint and maintain the shine.

How Often Should You Detail Your Car

How often you should detail your car depends on numerous factors, primarily how often you drive your vehicle. When you drive, you naturally create dirt and grime on the surface of your car. You should detail your car at least once a month to ensure the best protection from dirt, debris and grime. However, if you drive a lot and take your car through harsh elements, you should consider detailing your car twice a month or even more frequently.

When you drive less often, you have more opportunities to wash your car, and it will take longer for the dirt to set in, making a detail less necessary. If you don’t drive much at all, once a month is often enough to avoid grime and dirt.

Conclusion

If you want to protect your vehicle, keep it clean, and keep it looking like new, you need to detail it. This is especially true if you are considering selling your car, or you plan on keeping it for a long time. Regular detailing keeps your car looking great and feeling new.

Midway Nissan is a Nissan service center in Phoenix that offers everything from oil changes and full car detailing. Let us make your car look good and brand new. Contact us today to get started!

2025 Nissan Kicks: Confidently Redesigned
plus

2025 Nissan Kicks: Confidently Redesigned

March Madness Release Boasting bold shapes and undeniable style, the all-new 2025 Kicks by Nissan was in Brooklyn with an interactive experience. It’s the kind of ride that would fit right in a sneakerhead’s collection or parked in their driveway. The big reveal took place during the 2024 NCAA® Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center, which Nissan is an official partner of. "Unboxing the...

Read more link-icon
Transfer Case Service
plus

Transfer Case Service

What is the purpose of transfer case fluid? Transfer case fluid is designed to cool and lubricate all the transfer case components. What problems occur in transfer case fluid? Transfer case fluid deals with a high amount of heat that negatively affects its lubrication and coolant properties. Continued driving past the recommended service interval can lead to premature wearing and expensive...

Read more link-icon
Brake Pad Replacement
plus

Brake Pad Replacement

What is the purpose of brake pads? Brake pads are designed to squeeze together against the brake rotor to slow down or stop your vehicle. What problems occur with brake pads? Brake pads are wear-items and continued driving past the recommended replacement interval can lead to compromised braking and expensive repairs. How is this corrected? Your Nissan Certified Technician will replace the old,...

Read more link-icon