What is auto detailing?
Auto detailing is the deep cleaning, restoration, and protection of a vehicle, both inside and outside, to make it look as close to new or better-than-new condition as possible. It goes far beyond a regular car wash.
Paint decontamination
In car detailing, a 3-stage decontamination clean means removing three different types of contamination from the paintwork.
- Snow foam - Traffic film remover (TFR) is applied to the vehicle to remove all loose surface contamination, this is contactless to prevent any damage to the paint.
- Fall out & Tar remover - is applied to remove embedded metal particles such as brake dust, industrial fallout, tarmac spotting & tree sap (this is essential prior to touching the car to prevent maring or swirl marks).
- Hand wash - Shampoo and wash mitts are now used to remove the final embedded contaminants.
Clay Bar/Clay Mitt
A clay bar or clay mitt is used with lubricant to prevent them from dragging.
It physically pulls out contaminants like: tree sap, overspray, industrial fallout & stubborn dirt that the wash could not remove due to prolonged periods of heavy contamination.
Claying should NEVER be used as part of a routine wash as it causes swirl marks and maring. It is only to be used prior to a professional machine polish which will remove the imperfections left after claying.
Machine Polishing
Machine polishing is a car detailing process where a powered polishing machine is used with special pads and compounds to remove imperfections from a vehicle’s paintwork and restore gloss.
Machine polishing can reduce or remove:
- Swirl marks (fine circular scratches from washing)
- Light scratches
- Oxidation / faded paint
- Water spots
- Holograms from poor polishing
- Dull or hazy paint
It improves clarity, depth, and shine.
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a liquid protective coating that is applied to a vehicle’s paintwork to create a hard, durable, hydrophobic layer on top of the paint.
Once applied, it chemically bonds with the paint, forming a semi-permanent protective layer that helps keep the car glossier, cleaner, and easier to maintain.
1. Helps protect the paint from:
- UV rays (prevents fading)
- bird droppings
- tree sap
- road grime
- light chemical stains
2. Hydrophobic Effect (Water Beading)
Water beads up and rolls off the surface, carrying dirt with it.
3. Deep Gloss and Shine
Enhances the paint’s depth and clarity, making it look very glossy.
4. Easier Cleaning
Dirt and contaminants stick less to the paint.
5. Long-lasting Protection
Depending on the product, it can last 1–5+ years.
Engine Bay cleaning
Engine bay cleaning is the safe cleaning and dressing of the engine compartment to remove dirt, grease, dust, and oil buildup while protecting sensitive components.
During an engine bay detail, a detailer typically cleans:
- Engine cover
- Plastic trims
- Hoses and rubber components
- Battery housing
- Metal parts
- Inner bonnet area
- Surrounding frame areas
The aim is to remove dust, oil residue, road grime, and leaves that accumulate over time.
