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Auto detailing is an activity that keeps the vehicle in its best possible condition, primarily cosmetic, as opposed to mechanical. Detailing is achieved by removing visible and invisible contaminants from the vehicle's interior and polishing the exterior to its original blemish-free finish. The fundamental detail options include an exterior wash and wax, interior vacuuming, window cleaning, and surface polishing.
Professional detailing services and the sale of products to both professionals and enthusiasts represent a significant commercial presence in places where automobiles are a major mode of transport.
The professional and home detailing industry in the United States experienced declining revenues from 2018 through 2022 due to the pandemic. [1] Industry demand depends on the steady use of cars and motorists taking road trips. [1] The industry experienced a 1.3% increase in 2023 to $14.6 billion, with profits reaching 16.1%. [1]
In the United States, the market value during 2021 for car care products and services was estimated to be $3.12 billion. [2] Consumers are expected to spend on vehicle maintenance and appearance at a compound annual growth rate of 3.5% from 2022 through 2030. [2]
Detailing is more than a cleaning process to make a vehicle look good; it is a systematic approach to help extend its life with methods and products that reduce damaging environmental elements such as dirt, sun, harsh winters, etc. [3] Appropriate maintenance or restoration of vehicles to keep them looking outside and inside as if they came from an auto dealer's showroom increase their resale value. [4] Auto detailing requires knowledge of proper techniques and use of tools and products. [3]
Detailing is generally divided into exterior and interior (or cabin). Some services and most products focus on these two areas.
Cleaning and either restoring or exceeding the original condition of the surface of the car's finish (usually a paint with a glossy finish), chrome trim, windows, wheels, tires, and other visible components on a vehicle's exterior. A wide array of detailing products and techniques are used based on the vehicle's surface type and condition or the detailers' or customers' preference. Products include, but are not limited to, detergents, surfactants, acid-free degreasers (to break down dirt and soil), detail clay (to remove invisible micro-embedded surface contaminates), waxes, and silicone-and non-silicone-based dressings for plastic trim and tires. Buffing compounds and polishes to resurface and improve the reflectivity of the paint finish, as well as a variety of applicators, brushes, and drying towels. [5] Additional external detail work may include removing deeper scratches or imperfections in the paintwork. A liquid polymer may also add a protective layer to modern clear-coat automobile paints, making them more resistant to scratches and environmental damage. Modern vehicles often use polycarbonate plastic instead of glass for headlights. Exposure to sunlight oxidizes the lenses, and detailing may include restoration to remove cloudiness and revive clarity for the headlights. External detailing may also involve degreasing and cleaning the engine bay, making used internal combustion vehicles look newer and better maintained.
Detailing the interior involves thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and trim of the vehicle's passenger cabin and trunk or cargo areas. Over the last fifty years, car interiors have included diverse materials, such as synthetic fiber carpeting and upholstery, vinyl, leather, natural fibers, carbon fiber composites, wood, rubber, plastics, etc. The variety of components in vehicle interiors necessitates various cleaning techniques and products. Vacuuming is standard, and upholstery stains may be removed using steam cleaning, liquid or foam chemicals, as well as brushes. Leather-upholstered seats require cleaning and conditioning to help maintain a supple surface and prevent cracking. Some nonporous surfaces may be polished during the detailing process.
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback, and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Microfibre is synthetic fibre finer than one denier or decitex/thread, having a diameter of less than ten micrometers.
Upholstery is the work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers. The word also refers to the materials used to upholster something.
The Autobianchi Y10 is a supermini and economy car manufactured from 1985 to 1995 and marketed under the Lancia brand in most export markets. The car was manufactured at Fiat's Autobianchi plant in Desio, Milan until 1992 and after that in Arese, near Alfa Romeo's plants. In addition to a relatively high level of trim for its market segment, the Y10 featured a new rear rigid axle suspension design, subsequently shared with the facelifted Fiat Panda. In spite of its short overall length, the Y10 had a drag coefficient of just 0.31.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a full-sized luxury saloon car made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Launched in 2003, it was the first Rolls-Royce developed and introduced after BMW purchased the right to use the Rolls-Royce name and logo in 1998. It was the seventh Rolls-Royce design to use the Phantom nameplate.
A car wash, or auto wash, is a facility used to clean the exterior, and in some cases the interior, of cars. Car washes can be self-service, full-service, or fully automated. Car washes may also be events where people pay to have their cars washed by volunteers, often using less specialized equipment, as a fundraiser.
Chamois leather is a type of porous leather, traditionally the skin of the chamois, a type of European mountain goat, but today made almost exclusively from the flesh split of a sheepskin.
Automotive design is the process of developing the appearance of motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, coaches, and vans.
The Continental Mark VI is a full-size luxury car that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1980 to 1983. The fifth generation of the Mark series, the Continental Mark VI introduced several changes to the model line. Again marketed and serviced by the Lincoln-Mercury division, the Mark VI served as the flagship of the entire Ford Motor Company model line, slotted above the Lincoln Town Car.
The Mercedes-Benz C216 is the last generation for the grand tourer with name Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, produced from 2006 to 2014. It replaced the C215 platform, and was replaced in 2014 by the C217 S-Class Coupe.
The Renault Mégane Renault Sport is a series of high-performance hatchback models based on the Renault Mégane, produced since 2004 by the high-performance subsidiary company Renault Sport for its parent company Alpine, a subsidiary of Renault. The Mégane RS won awards such as "Best hot hatch" from What car? (2010–2014), "Highest placed non-supercar" in Evo's annual Car of the Year test 2011 and "Best hot hatch" from Top Gear.
The Audi A1 is a supermini car launched by Audi at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the initial three-door A1 model started in Germany in August 2010, with the United Kingdom following in November 2010. A five-door version, called Sportback, was launched in November 2011, with sales starting in export markets during spring 2012. The second generation was released in 2019. The three-door production model was discontinued.
A cleaner, cleanser or cleaning operative is a type of industrial or domestic worker who is tasked with cleaning a space. A janitor, also known as a custodian, porter or caretaker, is a person who cleans and might also carry out maintenance and security duties. A similar position, but usually with more managerial duties and not including cleaning, is occupied by building superintendents in the United States and Canada and by site managers in schools in the United Kingdom.
Conservation and restoration of road vehicles is the process of restoring a vehicle back to its original working condition. Vehicles, whether partially scrapped or completely totaled, are typically restored to maintain their roadworthiness or to preserve those with antique status for use as showpieces.
Autoglym is a British manufacturer of a range of car care and valeting products, which are sold in over 45 countries.
Rain-X is a synthetic hydrophobic surface-applied product that causes water to bead up and run off surfaces, most commonly used on glass automobile surfaces. The brand has since been extended to a range of automotive and surface care products, including wiper blades.
The fifth-generation Subaru Legacy was originally unveiled as a concept car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the model, and the production version was introduced at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Production of the fifth generation started on 29 May 2009.
The conservation and restoration of wooden furniture is an activity dedicated to the preservation and protection of wooden furniture objects of historical and personal value. When applied to cultural heritage this activity is generally undertaken by a conservator-restorer. Furniture conservation and restoration can be divided into two general areas: structure and finish. Structure generally relates to wood and can be divided into solid, joined, and veneered wood. The finish of furniture can be painted or transparent.
The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Subaru. In some markets, it is sold as the Subaru Evoltis. It is the largest automobile Subaru manufactures. The seven or eight-seat passenger SUV, with the design based on the VIZIV-7 concept, made its debut at the LA Auto Show on November 28, 2017 and became available in the third quarter of 2018. It has an American-built predecessor, the Tribeca. The Ascent is not available in Japan.
Fabric treatments are processes that make fabric softer, or water resistant, or enhance dye penetration after they are woven. Fabric treatments get applied when the textile itself cannot add other properties. Treatments include, scrim, foam lamination, fabric protector or stain repellent, anti microbial and flame retardant.