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Writer's pictureJack Cummings

Just How Often Should You Detail Your Car?

Updated: Jul 31, 2023

By: Cummings Mobile Detailing

 

Car being washed

Table Of Contents:



How Often Should You Get Your Car Cleaned

Regular car detailing is crucial to keep your car looking its best and protect its value. It's essential to detail both the interior and exterior of your car to truly get the full effect of a clean ride. But, how often should you detail your car's interior and exterior?


For the exterior, the frequency of detailing depends on your driving habits and the climate. If you frequently drive your car in harsh conditions or park it outside, it may require more frequent detailing. It's recommended to detail your car's exterior a minimum of twice a year, but it's best to consult with a professional detailer to determine the ideal schedule for your car. Let's walk through some scenarios:

  • Everyday commuter: If you drive your car every day for your daily commute to work or school, you should consider getting your car detailed every 4 months. This is because regular driving can cause dirt, dust, and grime to accumulate on the exterior and interior surfaces of your car, which can be hard to remove with just a regular wash.

  • Long-distance driver: If you often take long road trips or drive long distances, you should get your car detailed at least twice a year.

  • City driver: If you mostly drive in a city, where there is heavy traffic and pollution, you should consider getting your car detailed every 2 to 4 months. This is because driving in a city can expose your car to a lot of pollutants, such as dust, dirt, and grime, which can damage the exterior and interior surfaces of your car.

  • Luxury car owner: If you own a luxury car, you should consider getting your car detailed more frequently, at least every 3 months. This is because luxury cars require more maintenance and care to maintain their pristine appearance and performance.


When it comes to the interior, detailing frequency depends on how often you use your car and how you maintain it. Regular vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and leather conditioning can help maintain your car's interior, but it still needs deep cleaning from time to time to really cover all the bases.


Detailing your car's interior and exterior should be done on a regular basis to maintain its appearance and value, and depending on your driving habits and maintenance routine, the frequency of detailing may vary. A professional detailer can provide you with expert advice on how often to detail your car's interior and exterior based on your specific needs.


Some general questions you could ask yourself to determine if your car needs to be detailed are:

  • Is there a thick layer of dirt, dust, or pollen on the exterior? Are you able to write "Wash Me" with your finger?

  • Has the paint lost its shine? Does it look dull?

  • Are there bug guts and bird poop on the exterior?

  • Are the wheels and tires covered with brake dust and brown residue?

  • Is the engine bay a mess? Would a mechanic love or hate to service your car should it need repairs?

  • On the interior, are there crumbs on the seats and floors? Stains on the upholstery? Are the windows smudged and do the plastics have a layer of dirt?

Does your car need a detail infographic


How Often To Detail Car Interior

Detailing your car's interior helps to create a more comfortable and pleasant driving experience for you and your passengers. But how often should you detail your car interior?


Just like everything else car maintenance-oriented, the frequency of interior detailing also depends on several factors, such as your driving habits, the number of passengers, and the type of car you own. As a general rule and at the very least, it's recommended to detail your car's interior at least once every six months to keep it in top condition.


If you have young children or frequently transport pets, you may need to detail your car more often to remove stains, odors, and pet hair. Additionally, if you or your passengers have allergies, regular cleaning and detailing can help reduce dust and allergens in the cabin.


When detailing the interior, you should focus on cleaning the carpets, upholstery, and dashboard, and pay attention to areas that are prone to dirt and grime buildup, such as cupholders and door pockets. You can also use a protectant on trim and leather surfaces to help prevent cracking and fading.



How Often To Wax Your Car

A wax application plays an important role in car maintenance. It helps protect the vehicle's paint and keep it looking shiny and new. But how often should you wax your car?


The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of wax you use, the age and condition of the paint, the weather in your area, and how frequently the car is exposed to the elements.


As a general rule of thumb, we recommend waxing your car every three to six months, or more frequently if you notice the paint looking dull or faded. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, or if you frequently park your car outside and expose it to the elements, you may need to wax more often to ensure optimal protection.



Why Regular Car Washing Is Important

In addition to waxing, it's important to wash your car regularly to remove dirt and debris that can damage the paint and clog the pores causing the wax not to bond the paint properly.


Regular car washing is not just about keeping your car looking clean and shiny; it's also an essential part of maintenance to protect your vehicle from damage and corrosion. Here are some reasons why regular car washing is crucial:

  1. Removes dirt and debris: Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate on your car's exterior, which can damage the paint and make your car look dull. Regular car washing helps to remove this buildup and keep your car looking its best.

  2. Prevents rust and corrosion: Road salt, bird droppings, and other contaminants can cause rust and corrosion on your car's metal parts, such as the frame and undercarriage. Regular washing helps to remove these contaminants and prevent rust and corrosion.

  3. Maintains resale value: A well-maintained car will have a higher resale value than one that has been neglected. Regular washing and maintenance help to keep your car in top condition and maintain its value over time.

  4. Improves safety: Dirt and grime buildup on your car's headlights, mirrors, and windows can impair visibility, making it more challenging to see while driving. Regular washing helps to remove this buildup and improve visibility, which can enhance safety on the road.

In summary, regular car washing is an essential part of maintenance to protect your car from damage, corrosion, and maintain its value over time. It also helps to improve safety and enhance your driving experience.



Does Detailing A Car Make It Last Longer?

Yes, it does! By regularly detailing and caring for your car, you can help to prevent premature aging and maintain its value over time, and here's how:

  • When you detail your car, you remove dirt, dust, and contamination such as iron and rust that can cause damage to your paint and clear coat. By removing these contaminants, you help to prevent them from causing scratches or other types of damage.

  • Waxes and sealants act as a sacrificial layer that helps to protect your paint from UV rays, light scratches, and oxidation.

  • Cleaning your car's interior can help prevent wear and tear on seats, carpets, and other surfaces.

By regularly taking care of your car, you can help to prevent premature aging and maintain its value over time. In fact, a well-detailed and maintained car can often sell for a higher price than a comparable car that has not been well-maintained.



Finding A Good Detailer Near You

If you don't have the time, or you just don't want to detail your car by yourself, then hiring a professional detailer is a good option!


When looking for a detailer in your area, be sure to ask for recommendations from friends, family, and even members of the community who have used a detailer before. Facebook and Nextdoor are great platforms to find out about service providers!


Online presence is also important. Check online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Look for a detailer with a high rating and positive reviews from past customers. Research the detailer's website and social media profiles to learn more about their services, pricing, and experience. Look for photos of their past work to get an idea of the quality of their service.


Contact the detailer and ask for a quote. A good detailer should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of their services and pricing.


Ask about their experience and certifications. A detailer who has received training and certification from reputable organizations is more likely to provide high-quality service.

 

Looking to find out how to detail the exterior of your car? Check out our blog post DIY Car Detailing: How To Detail The Exterior Of Your Car By Yourself

 

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About Cummings Mobile Detailing

Here at Cummings Mobile Detailing, we strive to provide the best quality interior and exterior car, truck & van detailing, and more importantly, the best customer relationships.


With our large service area, accompanied by our mobile detailing setup, we are capable of servicing vehicles in locations including your home or workplace. We are based in Rolesville North Carolina, and we service vehicles in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Garner, and more. Our objective is to keep your vehicle looking great on a schedule that fits your needs. No job is too big or too small.


We seek to deliver high-quality service at a reasonable price. That's why our service packages are affordable and tailored to your vehicle to help you get the most out of each and every detail. The best part about having a mobile setup is that we make it easy to keep your vehicles looking great by offering on-site detailing so you can go about your day as usual


Before you go through the hassle of going to a car wash or detailing your vehicle yourself, give us a call today or click here for more information!

 

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