What You Should Know About Car Detailing

Car detailing is a meticulous process focused on preserving each aspect of the vehicle. As a car owner, knowing what goes into a comprehensive detailing session can make a difference. Here’s a look into some lesser-known aspects of car detailing that go beyond surface treatments.

1. Interior Detailing: Attention to Materials and Fabric Care

Each part of a car’s interior—from leather seats to fabric upholstery—requires specific treatments. Leather care involves carefully selected, pH-balanced cleaners and conditioners that help the material stay supple. Neglecting leather can lead to cracking and discoloration, especially in sun-exposed areas. For fabric seats, the process includes steam cleaning or fabric-specific shampooing to lift deeply embedded dirt and allergens.

2. Paint Correction: Addressing Minor Scratches, Swirl Marks, and Oxidation

Detailing often includes a step known as paint correction. Swirl marks and light scratches can appear over time from improper washing techniques or even regular wear. Paint correction goes beyond polishing, as it includes removing imperfections in the paint through precise techniques, often involving multiple stages and fine compounds.

3. Clay Bar Treatment for a Smooth Surface

Most car owners aren’t familiar with clay bar treatment, a technique that lifts contaminants from the car’s paint that regular washing can’t reach. A clay bar can remove surface grime, tree sap, or embedded particles, leaving a smooth finish ready for waxing or sealing. Unlike polishing, clay bars lift rather than grind down contaminants, making it a subtle but effective process for paint maintenance.

4. Ceramic Coating vs. Wax: Different Levels of Protection

Waxing has been a staple of detailing for years, but ceramic coatings offer a different type of paint protection. While wax provides a barrier against water and UV rays, it only lasts a few months. Ceramic coating, on the other hand, forms a semi-permanent bond with the paint, lasting years rather than months. Ceramic coatings are known for their durability, providing a hydrophobic layer that can make cleaning easier and reduce wear over time.

5. Wheel and Tire Detailing: More than Shine

Detailing doesn’t stop at the paintwork; wheels and tires get their own focused care. Brake dust, road grime, and other debris accumulate on wheels, requiring dedicated cleaning products that can dissolve these contaminants without harming the wheel’s finish. Tires receive treatment as well, with conditioners that keep rubber from drying out and cracking. Tire detailing doesn’t just add to the appearance; it directly impacts the condition of the tires.

6. Glass Treatment for Clarity and Safety

Standard glass cleaners may give windows a streak-free shine, but detailing often includes treatments that repel rain and reduce glare. Many detailers use hydrophobic coatings on windshields to improve visibility during rain, which can be especially useful for nighttime driving or in harsh weather conditions. The coatings minimize water buildup, helping maintain clear vision even in adverse conditions.

7. Engine Bay Cleaning: Not Just for Looks

Cleaning the engine bay goes beyond aesthetics. Detailers use special degreasers and brushes to gently remove dirt and buildup without damaging any components. While the process varies depending on the engine layout and materials used, keeping an engine bay clean can prevent grime buildup that affects hoses and belts.

8. Odor Neutralization: Going Beyond Air Fresheners

Interior detailing can include ozone treatments that eliminate stubborn odors trapped in upholstery. Unlike air fresheners, ozone neutralizes the particles causing odors. This step is especially popular for cars previously exposed to smoke or heavy odors. Ozone treatment is often done with a specific machine that circulates ozone through the closed car interior, effectively neutralizing the odor-causing particles.

9. Trim Restoration to Keep Exterior Details Sharp

Over time, plastic and rubber trims on the exterior can fade and lose their deep, rich color. Detailing can include trim restoration using conditioners specifically made for these materials. These products work to restore the look of the trim and create a layer of protection against future fading. Trim restoration can add to the car’s overall appeal, especially for older vehicles where plastic components have started to show signs of wear.

10. Detailing Products Matter: Choosing Quality Over Quantity

The products used in detailing can make a significant difference in results. Professional detailers often invest in high-quality products designed for specific materials, such as pH-neutral cleaners for leather or acid-free solutions for wheels. Using subpar products or mixing incompatible cleaners can lead to damage over time. When selecting products for detailing, it’s wise to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring the car's surfaces receive the right type of care.

Call Obsessed Detail and Restoration in South Jordan for Expert Car Detailing Services



Car detailing in South Jordan involves meticulous care and specialized techniques that maintain the condition of each part of the vehicle. While the results can often speak for themselves, understanding what detailing entails provides a clearer picture of the effort and expertise behind each service. For car owners who value attention to detail, knowing the specifics of each process—from paint correction to trim restoration—can offer insight into the level of care that detailing brings to a vehicle. Contact us and book an appointment today!