Identifying Auto Service

Auto detailing is a task that tends to split people in terms of whether they want to tackle it themselves or not. For some folks, it's a great way to spend a sunny Saturday. For others, it's an endless pain they'd happily pay someone else to do.

Regardless of where you land on that spectrum, there are times where the job probably needs to be done by a pro. Let's take a look at what differentiates professional work from what you may be able to do on your own.

Tools

Other than high-end vacuum and pressure-washing systems, there aren't many tools a professional has that you can't easily lay your hands on. The big difference is that a pro usually has a lot of nit-picky tools, such as small brushes that are designed to get into the little creases you see in a car's dashboard or its armrests. They also are more likely to have less abrasive tools that can be used on things like leather and suede without causing damage.

Skills

Some of those simple tools are deceptively simple. For example, a clay bar seems like a ridiculously simple tool. You just lightly rub it across a surface, and then all the bad stuff magically goes away. But it does require the right touch. If you apply a clay bar too aggressively to paint, there's a good chance you'll strip away the clear coat or damage the paint job.

It can be shocking how much a professional auto detailing technician can accomplish with simple tools. If you have an older car that has a cloudy paint job, for example, there's a good chance that a knowledgeable person with the right tools and products will be able to clear up the mess. Depending on the condition of the underlying paint and clear coat, they may even be able to remove scratches and get the finish close to the factory finish.

Special Knowledge

Anyone who has kids is going to have to deal with vomit in a car. Do you know which product is the right one to use to get vomit out of cloth seats without leaving a stain or any smells? It's at times like that that even a confident DIYer is going to want to hand the problem over to an auto detailing professional. The technician will research what type of material your specific vehicle has and determine which product will do the job.

For more information about auto detailing, speak with a professional.