Open main menu
Home
Random
Recent changes
Special pages
Community portal
Preferences
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Incubator escapee wiki
Search
User menu
Talk
Dark mode
Contributions
Create account
Log in
Editing
Auto detailing
(section)
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
==Components of detailing== Detailing is more than a cleaning process to make a vehicle look good; it is a systematic approach to help extend its life with methods and products that reduce damaging environmental elements such as dirt, sun, harsh winters, etc.<ref name="Taylor"/> Appropriate maintenance or restoration of vehicles to keep them looking outside and inside as if they came from an auto dealer's showroom increase their resale value.<ref>{{cite book |last=Joseph |first=James |title=Auto detailing: the professional way |url= https://archive.org/details/autodetailingpro00jose |url-access=registration |date=1992 |publisher=Chilton Books |isbn=9780801981968}}{{page needed|date=September 2024}}</ref> Auto detailing requires knowledge of proper techniques and use of tools and products.<ref name="Taylor">{{cite book |last=Taylor |first=Don |title=Automotive detailing: a complete car care guide for auto enthusiasts and detailing professionals |date=1998 |publisher=HP Books |isbn=9781557882882}}{{page needed|date=September 2024}}</ref> Detailing is generally divided into exterior and interior (or cabin). Some services and most products focus on these two areas. ===Exterior detailing=== Cleaning and either restoring or exceeding the original condition of the surface of the car's finish (usually a paint with a glossy finish), [[Chrome plating|chrome trim]], windows, wheels, tires, and other visible components on a vehicle's exterior. A wide array of detailing products and techniques are used based on the vehicle's surface type and condition or the detailers' or customers' preference. Products include, but are not limited to, [[detergent]]s, [[surfactants]], acid-free degreasers (to break down dirt and soil), detail clay (to remove invisible micro-embedded surface contaminates), waxes, and silicone-and non-silicone-based dressings for plastic trim and tires. Buffing compounds and polishes to resurface and improve the reflectivity of the paint finish, as well as a variety of applicators, brushes, and drying towels.<ref>{{cite news |last=Micahel |first=Roy |title=108 DIY Car Washing & Detailing Tips: Fail-Safe Methods for a Cleaner Car |url=https://autofella.com/108-diy-car-washing-detailing-tips/ |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=Autofella}}</ref> Additional external detail work may include removing deeper scratches or imperfections in the paintwork. A liquid polymer may also add a protective layer to modern clear-coat automobile paints, making them more resistant to scratches and environmental damage. Modern vehicles often use polycarbonate plastic instead of glass for headlights. Exposure to sunlight oxidizes the lenses, and detailing may include restoration to remove cloudiness and revive clarity for the headlights. External detailing may also involve degreasing and cleaning the engine bay, making used internal combustion vehicles look newer and better maintained. ===Interior detailing=== Detailing the interior involves thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and trim of the vehicle's passenger cabin and trunk or cargo areas. Over the last fifty years, car interiors have included diverse materials, such as synthetic fiber carpeting and upholstery, vinyl, leather, natural fibers, carbon fiber composites, wood, rubber, plastics, etc. The variety of components in vehicle interiors necessitates various cleaning techniques and products. [[Vacuum cleaner|Vacuum]]ing is standard, and [[upholstery]] [[stain]]s may be removed using [[steam cleaning]], liquid or foam chemicals, as well as brushes. Leather-upholstered seats require cleaning and conditioning to help maintain a supple surface and prevent cracking. Some [[porosity|nonporous]] surfaces may be polished during the detailing process.
Edit summary
(Briefly describe your changes)
By publishing changes, you agree to the
Terms of Use
, and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 License
and the
GFDL
. You agree that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient attribution under the Creative Commons license.
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)