Tips & Advice
What is headlight restoration?
Headlight restoration is a process used to refinish headlight lenses (not the light). Over time, headlight lenses can become damaged by road debris like rocks, chemicals that kick up from the road, and Mother Nature’s elements. These can team up to wreak havoc on headlight lenses and the build-up, or damage, can reduce the effectiveness of the headlights to light the road in front of you. Obviously that isn’t good for night driving, especially for people with poor vision. Cracks can also allow moisture into the lens, creating a fog inside, which can also reduce headlight effectiveness. Foggy lenses can also be corrected by removing them and wiping them down. However, unless the crack or break is fixed, it is likely only a temporary solution, and you might need to replace the lens.
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is a technique used to reduce surface flaws, dings, chips, and imperfections in the top layer of a car’s exterior paint job. Using buffers or machine polishers, the surface is buffed to remove micro-scratches and abrasions in the paint to produce a refined, shiny, and polished look.
How often should a car be detailed?
There is no real rule of thumb for car detailing. Realistically, have your car detailed when you think it needs it, and when you can afford it. Not everyone needs or can afford that kind of upkeep. Detailing is purely for aesthetics--it’s not necessary for engine and drivetrain maintenance. But if you are selling a car, that’s a great time to invest in a detail to maximize the vehicle’s appearance.
What are the benefits of getting a car detailed?
The primary benefit of a car detail is getting a professional-level cleaning that restores your car to looking as close to new as possible--sometimes even better. Most detail services also wax and/or polish the exterior paint to eliminate imperfections, making it potentially even shinier than when you bought it. Detailing keeps your car’s interior and exterior in pristine condition, reduces fading and stains, preserves the fabrics and paint, and can even help reduce wear and tear.
How much does it cost to detail a car?
Car detail services vary and there are different packages available for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Expect to pay a minimum of $50-$75 for a basic detail service, but it can easily be more. If you want comprehensive paint detailing, like polishing or paint correction, the price will increase . Luckily, if you look around, you can almost always find deals and coupons for detail services.
Detailing is meant to maximize your car’s appearance and goes beyond a standard washing. Detailing will thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the car, clean and polish the tires, wheels and chrome, and polish and wax the paint. Detailing will also thoroughly clean (and possibly shampoo) the interior upholstery and carpeting for maximum effect. A good detail gets cars looking as close to new as possible.
What are the ways to prepare a car for automotive detailing?
To prepare a car for professional automotive detailing, get rid of any larger trash items that may be inside the vehicle's cabin. It's also a good idea to remove personal items--especially larger items like booster or car seats— from both the cabin and the trunk, since this allows the detailer to access all the vehicle's nooks and crannies more thoroughly.
How regularly should a car be detailed?
Detailing frequency depends on a number of factors. Cars in climates that have harsh winters will need to be detailed more frequently, since snow and road salt increase the need for this type of care. Cars with black or dark paint might also need more frequent detailing than lighter cars, since dirt tends to be more visible on darker shades. It's recommended that all vehicles be detailed at least three times a year.
How long does automobile detailing typically take?
The length of time it takes for automobile detailing will depend on the overall condition of the car and the breadth of services being performed. An automobile detailing session can take anywhere from 30 minutes for a clean car getting minimal detailing services to an entire day for a heavily soiled car getting a complete detailing treatment.
Paint sealants are similar to car waxes, and they are often used when a car is being detailed. Relative to waxes, paint sealants leave a less shiny finish, but they offer a greater degree of protection.
