What Does Car Detailing Include? - Complete Guide

November 4, 2025

Table of Contents

    Car detailing is a comprehensive car care process that goes far beyond a regular car wash. This guide from Cherry Auto Detailing explains everything about what does car detailing include - from interior to exterior care - and how each step contributes to enhancing the car's appearance. Understanding the car detailing process will help drivers make informed decisions when choosing the right service.

    Key Takeaway

    • Professional car detailing services go beyond a regular car wash, enhancing the overall condition and appearance of your vehicle.
    • Services include inspections, deep cleans, paint correction, and protective coatings aimed at restoring and protecting the vehicle's surface.
    • Additional services like ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) are offered to help protect paintwork against UV rays, scratches, and oxidation.
    • Regular detailing helps improve paint protection, interior comfort, and the life of your vehicle, as well as its resale value.
    • Certified technicians use OEM-approved products and adhere to EPA standards, ensuring environmentally friendly and high-quality car care results.
    • Scheduling car detailing every 3-4 months helps prevent wear and tear, rust, and unpleasant odors, preserving the beauty and performance of your vehicle.

    What Does A Car Detailer Do?

    To fully understand what car detailing involves, here’s a breakdown of the technician’s process to restore your car to a like-new condition.


    Vehicle Inspection & Pre-Wash Preparation

    Car detailing services begin with a detailed inspection of the car's paint and material condition. The surface is treated with a pre-wash APC cleaner to remove surface contaminants. Separately, the interior is vacuumed to ensure comprehensive and safe cleaning.


    Deep Exterior Wash & Decontamination

    Technicians perform car washing using the two-bucket method and foam soaking. This process removes embedded dirt and surface contaminants using professional-grade shampoo.


    Paint Correction & Polishing

    Paint correction focuses on restoring the clarity and depth of the car's paint. The team uses professional polishing machines and techniques to remove swirl marks and minor scratches.


    Interior Deep Cleaning & Sanitization

    Interior detailing ensures a clean cabin by vacuuming the interior, cleaning upholstery and carpets, and removing dust and allergens to maintain a fresh, pleasant interior.


    Protective Coatings & Sealants Application

    Protective coatings provide durable paint protection against daily exposure. You can choose professional add-on services such as PPF and ceramic coating to enhance the car's protection against UV rays, heat, and environmental debris.


    Finishing Touches & Quality Inspection

    We perform a final inspection and finishing step to confirm an even shine and cleanliness before handing the car over to the customer.

    Additional Car Detailing Service Options

    Cherry Auto Detailing offers additional car care service packages to meet customers' protection and aesthetic needs.

    

    Ceramic Coating Service

    Ceramic coating provides industry-leading paint protection and durability for up to five years. The nano-ceramic coating forms a protective layer against UV damage, chemicals, and oxidation.


    Paint Protection Film (PPF) Service

    Paint protection film acts as an invisible shield protecting the paint from chips and scratches. The PPF protects and seals high-impact areas, including the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors.


    Headlight Restoration Service

    Headlight restoration improves visibility and appearance for safer driving. This process includes sanding, polishing, and finishing with a UV protective coating.


    Engine Bay Cleaning Service

    Engine bay cleaning involves a controlled degreasing process to clean the engine, resulting in a clean, efficient, and well-maintained engine bay.

    What Are The Benefits Of Car Detailing?

    Maintaining a regular professional car care schedule offers many benefits for your vehicle, such as enhancing its appearance, extending its lifespan, and increasing its resale value.

    • Paint Protection: Regular car care with protective coatings and waxes shields the paint from UV damage, rust, and chemicals, maintaining its shine and preventing fading.
    • Interior Comfort: Cleaning and maintaining the car's interior removes allergens and unpleasant odors, ensuring a healthier driving environment, increasing concentration and comfort on every trip.
    • Vehicle Lifespan: Regular restoration and maintenance reduce wear and tear, making the car more durable and reducing repair costs.
    • Resale Value: A well-maintained car retains its appearance better, increasing its resale value and buyer confidence.

    When Should You Get Your Car Detailed?

    Most professionals recommend a full detailing of your vehicle every three to four months, depending on usage frequency and climate conditions. Having your vehicle completely detailed before winter and summer helps protect the vehicle's surfaces from temperature extremes. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and protection are necessary to reduce damage and maintain a long-lasting shine.

    Book Your Car Detailing Service Today

    Keep your car in top condition with professional car detailing nearby. Book an appointment with Cherry Auto Detailing today. Our expert, certified professionals use manufacturer-approved OEM detailing products that are safe and maintain high-quality service standards.

    FAQs

    • How long does paint correction take?

      Paint correction services can take anywhere from 4 to 20 hours, depending on the condition of the vehicle's surface and the size of the vehicle.

    • Do new cars need ceramic coating or PPF to protect against UV rays?

      Yes. Surface protection methods like ceramic coating and PPF help preserve the original paint and enhance protection against environmental elements.

    • Is professional car detailing worth it compared to doing it yourself?

      Yes. Professionally trained detailers use advanced tools, technology, and quality products that deliver better and longer-lasting results than DIY.

    • Are your cleaning products EPA-compliant?

      Yes. We only use EPA-approved solutions to ensure environmentally friendly car care.

    • What RPM is best for polishing?

      The RPM varies depending on the type of paint, but most machines operate between 1,500–2,000 RPM for effective correction.

    • How much does car detailing cost?

      Prices vary depending on the car detailing packages and optional services such as odor removal or headlight restoration.

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