21 Aug 2024
What is detailing
If you think your car only needs a proper wash occasionally, you are so wrong. Taking good care of your vehicle is a complicated and quite pricey art, but this way you can be sure it will serve you for many years.
Car detailing is a meticulous and comprehensive process designed to restore and enhance a vehicle’s appearance. Unlike a standard car wash, detailing delves into the finer aspects of cleaning and protecting an automobile's surfaces, ultimately aiming to achieve a near-showroom condition. It is more than just surface-level cleaning; it is about preserving and rejuvenating a vehicle's aesthetic and functional qualities.
Igor Shulzgenko, the co-founder of Detail Dubai, explains that detailing is a very old method of car care that originated when automobiles still had wooden panelling. This material would wear out quite quickly because factors like sunlight or rain severely affected its quality. Therefore, the first detailing specialists were carpenters who restored furniture. “Just as a person needs to regularly visit a doctor for check-ups to promptly address any health issues, a car should regularly undergo maintenance at a detailing service. Unlike a basic car wash, during a detailing session, specialists pay attention to every little aspect and detail, focusing not only on cleanliness but also on aesthetics”, comments Igor.
Detailing is typically divided into two main areas: exterior and interior detailing, each with its own set of specialised procedures.
- Hand Washing and Drying;
- Clay Bar Treatment;
- Polishing;
- Waxing/Sealing.
- Thorough Vacuuming;
- Steam Cleaning/Shampooing;
- Leather Conditioning;
- Plastic and Vinyl Care.
Why does your car need detailing
Car detailing is an investment in your vehicle’s longevity, value, and overall appeal. Whether you are maintaining your car for personal enjoyment or preparing it for resale, regular detailing is essential. It not only preserves the vehicle's beauty but also ensures it remains in peak condition for years to come.
“Even the most drab and worn-out-looking car can be brought to a very respectable condition through detailing. Today, this concept involves not only thorough washing and deep cleaning but also interior restoration, removal of body damage, repair of chips on the windows, wheel polishing, and much more”, adds Igor Shulzgenko, co-founder of Detail Dubai. According to him, nowadays, it is a vast industry involving large-scale production of various chemical products and technologies designed to keep cars in their best condition. While many automobile manufacturers today prefer to save on paint and coatings, detailing companies, on the contrary, develop products like liquid glass or ceramic coatings to enhance a car's durability.
Car detailing is not merely about aesthetics; it is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that offers several significant benefits:
- Maintains vehicle value;
- Protects the car's surfaces;
- Enhances safety;
- Improves comfort and driving experience;
- Showcases car’s aesthetics;
- Prolongs vehicle lifespan.
“The car care product industry can easily be compared to the beauty industry. Every year, companies introduce new products that help cars look younger, brighter, and more beautiful. And it would be stupid to lose this opportunity”,— highlights Igor Shulzgenko.
When you definitely must pay attention to detailing
If you are into retro automobiles — old- or young-timers — you should not ignore detailing procedures for sure. Vintage vehicles are more than just cars; they are pieces of history, symbols of craftsmanship, and often, valuable investments. Preserving their condition is essential not only for maintaining their value but also for ensuring that they continue to be enjoyed by future generations. Detailing plays a critical role in this preservation process, offering a range of benefits specifically tailored to the unique needs of vintage cars.
Igor Shulzgenko, co-founder of Detail Dubai, explains that retro vehicles are often constructed with materials that are no longer used in modern vehicles, such as certain types of leather, wood, and chrome. These materials require special care to maintain their integrity. Detailing involves the use of specific cleaning and conditioning products designed to protect and preserve these original materials, preventing them from drying out, cracking, or corroding over time.
Vintage cars are admired for their classic designs and timeless beauty. Detailing helps restore and enhance the aesthetic appeal of these vehicles by removing imperfections such as scratches, oxidation and faded paint. Through meticulous processes like polishing, buffing, and paint correction, detailing can bring back the car’s original lustre, making it look as stunning as it did when it first rolled off the assembly line. But please make sure that the specialists you are choosing have vast experience in taking care of retro cars because these automobiles require extra caution.
“For example, in retro cars, the interiors are often made of natural leather, which does not tolerate alkaline-based products. And specialists, of course, need to be aware of such nuances”,— adds Igor.
For collectors and enthusiasts, maintaining the historical accuracy of a vintage car is paramount. Detailing professionals who specialise in vintage cars understand the importance of using period-correct products and techniques to ensure that the car’s appearance remains true to its original state. This attention to detail helps preserve the car’s authenticity, which is crucial for both personal satisfaction and market value.
Vintage cars, by their very nature, have already stood the test of time. However, without proper care, they may not continue to do so. Detailing helps extend the life of a vintage car by addressing potential issues before they become significant problems.
“Regular cleaning, conditioning, and protective treatments prevent the buildup of dirt, rust, and other contaminants that can cause irreversible damage”,— says Igor Shulzgenko.
For many vintage car owners, the vehicle is not only a passion but also an investment. The condition of the car is a critical factor in determining its market value. A well-detailed vintage car is more likely to attract buyers and command a higher price. Detailing ensures that the car is presented in the best possible condition, highlighting its unique features and maintaining its value over time.
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