A lot of people think that auto detailing is just a fancy name for a basic car wash, but they’d be surprised to find out how much more work goes into it. Auto Detailing involves cleaning all the interior and exterior surfaces of a vehicle to protect them from deterioration and improve their appearance. A well-detailed vehicle will look better, last longer, and have a higher resale value than one that is dirty or has unsightly scratches and stains.
For example, not too long ago a brand-new SUV owner pulled into a detailing shop, distraught over the scratches on his shiny new paint job. His four-year-old daughter had used the side of his SUV as a canvas for her artistic interests, and unfortunately, the results weren’t pretty. The detailing technician was able to restore the paint surface to near-perfect condition by using a specialized polishing compound, and then buffing the blemishes out with a rotary machine.
The same sort of damage can occur over time with the use of high-pressure water hoses, harsh cleaners and abrasives, and even aggressive brushes and rags. This type of damage can be caused by both the environment and the driver, and is very difficult to fix without a lot of experience or the right equipment. That’s why experienced and trained detailing professionals are needed to ensure that all of the materials on a vehicle are cleaned, protected, and restored with care.
Besides preventing deterioration and increasing the resale value of a vehicle, detailing services provide a number of other benefits. The most obvious benefit is that it makes the vehicle safer to drive by improving visibility with its sparkling clean windshield and windows. In addition, it can help prevent rust and corrosion by protecting the body from dirt and debris that can scratch and damage the surface.
Additionally, a detailed vehicle will typically last longer than an un-detailed one because the materials are protected and conditioned by the waxes and sealants used in the detailing process. The protective coatings also make it easier to spot and repair existing damage, like scuff marks or scrapes.
Finally, a highly-detailed vehicle is more attractive to dealers, and can sometimes lead to a better trade in price. This is especially important if the vehicle is going to be sold at auction, where it will need to compete with many other vehicles.
The automotive detailing industry is rapidly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, and there are a wide variety of services that can be offered. For example, some shops are now offering noise isolation and film coating as additional services to their detailing customers. Additionally, some detailing businesses are becoming a hybrid of a car wash, body shop and car service station. In order to compete in this industry, small detailing business owners need to utilize technology to streamline their operations and provide a more efficient service. This can be accomplished by using an app that allows clients to check their work order status online and observe the process through webcams installed in their workshops.