Professional detailing: a car maintenance must

Maintaining your car involves a number of tasks. These include filling the gas tank, changing the oil and replacing the tires when they’re worn. However, what you may not realize is that professional detailing is a key part of your vehicle’s upkeep.

What’s included
More than just a car wash, detailing involves thoroughly cleaning your car both inside and out. The outside gets washed with a mild detergent and then dried, polished and sealed to keep it clean for as long as possible. Cleaning the inside includes vacuuming the seats, shampooing the upholstery and carpets and thoroughly washing the dash, doors and windows.

Benefits of regular detailing
There are two main benefits that come from detailing your car on a regular basis: it protects your paint and it removes contaminants from the cabin. Here’s why these two things are important.

• Protecting your paint
The paint on your car does more than just make it look good. In fact, it plays an important role in protecting it from corrosion. Stains left behind by tree sap, leaves and even bird droppings can eventually damage auto paint. If there are places on your car where the paint has flaked off, it will leave the body exposed to contaminants like road salt and mud which can cause metal components to rust.

• Getting rid of contaminants
Dust, germs and other allergens will accumulate inside your car cabin no matter how tidy you keep it. If not cleaned thoroughly once in a while, these particles can start to make you and your passengers feel sick.

DIY vs. pro detailing
Some people prefer to detail their cars at home, but most lack the proper equipment. Unfortunately, using the wrong sponge or soap can scratch the paint of your car. But even with the right tools on hand, detailing a car is an involved and time-consuming task that’s best left to the pros.

Recommended frequency
How often you should get your car detailed will depend on how often and where you use it. Generally speaking, however, getting your car detailed two or three times a year is a good idea. Your car will look great, your paint will be protected and you’ll be healthier to boot.