What is Car Detailing?

“What is car detailing?” is among the most frequently asked questions the team at the INFINITI of Downtown LA service center gets. Simply put, detailing is a comprehensive cleaning and restoration of the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Visits to the Glendale or Downey car wash are ideal for tackling surface-level dirt and debris, but detailing is a more focused and intensive process that results in a deeper level of cleanliness. Learn how to detail a car below, and remember that our service team is here to take care of all your detailing needs.

How to Detail a Car

Before we discuss the steps involved in exterior and interior car detailing, you’ll want to gather your supplies to ensure the most thorough and successful results. Here is a list of what you’ll need:

• A variety of small brushes
• Canned air
• Carpet stain remover
• Car-safe cleaner
• Cleaning mitts
• Microfiber cloths
• Surface protector for vinyl and leather surfaces
• Upholstery cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner
• Window cleaner

Now, just what is car detailing? Here is how to detail a car broken down by steps:

Exterior Car Detailing

• Wash the Exterior: Give your car a full exterior wash using water, a car-safe cleanser, and cleaning mitts/microfiber cloths. Household detergents like dish or laundry soap may damage the wax on your car’s surface, so don’t use them, and be sure to use fresh microfiber cloths throughout the wash to prevent soiled cloths from scratching your vehicle. After the wash, dry your vehicle with soft, absorbent towels.
• Clean the Wheels: Clean your wheels using the same cleanser used on the exterior. Scrub them well, and use a small brush, like an old paintbrush or toothbrush, to remove dirt from tight crevices.
• Apply Wax: After the wash, apply a quality wax to the surface of your vehicle to help protect the paint and give your car a bright and refreshed look.

Interior Car Detailing

• Carpeting: Vacuum all carpets thoroughly and use a carpet stain remover to lift out any lingering spills or stains.
• Doors: With mild soap and water, wipe down the hard-surface areas of your doors, including the sides, and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
• Windows: Spray window cleaner on the windows and wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth — be sure to avoid streaking the glass.
• Upholstery: Vacuum the seats and utilize a stain remover and soft-bristled brush to eliminate any stains on the upholstery.
• Dashboard, Center Console, and Steering Wheel: Remove dirt and dust with a microfiber cloth, getting into tight spaces with one of your smaller brushes. Finish by applying a surface protectant.

Trust INFINITI of Downtown LA for Exterior and Interior Car Detailing

What is car detailing? Now that you’ve read how to detail a car, it’s important to remember that you can always trust this job to the professionals at INFINITI of Downtown LA. We are here to help keep your car in peak condition on the roads of Van Nuys and beyond for years to come. To learn more about car detailing prices or to schedule an appointment, contact us today; you can also reserve a time online. Don’t miss our latest service specials for ways to save on car detailing prices without sacrificing the quality results you need. We look forward to making your car look showroom-new!