By Bud Abraham – Executive Director of the International Detailing Association

There are a number of reasons motorists should have their car detailed on a regular basis. And, the reasons are not the same for all motorists. 

For example, the following are some of the reasons why you might want to have your vehicle professionally detailed: 

• Protection of your investment
• Protection of your leisure time
• Ego gratification – the pleasure of riding in a clean, shiny car, especially if it is a luxury car
• Increasing the value of the vehicle when reselling *(NADA reports that detailed used vehicles sell for up to $500 more)
• Your inability to properly perform such maintenance yourself

*NADA – National Auto Dealers Association 

Other reasons to use a professional detail business are: 

• Professional detailers discharge their waste water into the sanitary sewer or contain the waste water and dispose of it in a legal manner rather than waste water going into the storm sewer or onto the ground
• Professional detailers use “professional chemical products” formulated for the materials used in today’s vehicles, especially the paint and leathers
• Professional detailers have a business license and both personal and vehicle liability insurance to protect the motorist and their vehicle
• Professional detail business owners are properly trained in all aspects of auto detailing which includes a complete understanding of materials used in today’s motor vehicles
• Professional detailers employ properly trained personnel
• Professional detailing businesses employ local people

Professional detailers also have: 

• The knowledge and understanding of all the unique paint finishes, problems and solutions
• A knowledge and understanding of aniline, nubuck, suede and protected leather and how to properly clean and treat them
• A knowledge and understanding of how to clean carpets and fabric upholstery, especially removing stains
• A knowledge of the origin and removal of odors in vehicle interiors
• A knowledge of how to remove water spots and paint and glass

The following are some things you should look for when choosing a detail business: 

• Equipment – a professional detailer should have a high pressure washer; a powerful dry vacuum; heated soil extractor; vapor steamer; ozone generator; rotary buffers (for correction); dual-action buffers (for moderate correction) and orbital waxers (for wax/sealant application.)
• Supplies – buffing pads for correction and polishing; both wool and foam; miscellaneous cleaning brushes each for a specialized application; pet hair removing sponges; microfiber towels; plastic razor blades.
• Chemicals – a professional detailer will have specialized chemicals for every detailing job, not “one chemical does it all.”
  
  • 1. Engine degreasers for engine
    1. Wheel cleaner for wheels
    2. All purpose cleaners
    3. Tar & grease removers
    4. Various stain removers
    5. Soil extractor shampoo
    6. Carpet shampoo
    7. Glass cleaner
    8. Leather conditioner
    9. Vinyl/plastic protectants (dressing)
    10. Compounds (paint correction)
    11. Swirl removers (to remove buffer swirls)
    12. Polish (to smooth paint)
    13. Wax or sealant (protection)

It goes without saying that a professional detailer should have a complete knowledge of the particulars of each chemical and why it does what it does and how they are used in order to effectively detail your vehicle properly. You want to know what those working on your vehicle know what each one of these chemicals does in the detail process, and if a detail business does not have these chemicals they cannot effectively clean your vehicle and in some cases, may damage your vehicle. For example, using engine degreaser to shampoo carpets. 

Hopefully this information will allow you to determine the most competent detailer in your area.